Chapter 265: The Strength of the Targaryen House

Viserys' desire to showcase the prosperity and power of House Targaryen began to take shape.

Gently turning the gemstone ring on his finger, he asked Rhaegar, "Storm's End is not far from King's Landing. Will you be able to manage your younger siblings on such a journey?"

Rhaegar, ever cautious, responded, "I will be riding my dragon. Are you certain about this?"

He advised his father to think carefully, considering the harsh weather conditions around Storm's End with its constant cloud cover and heavy rains. Alicent would not be pleased with sending several of her children away.

"That's not a problem. Aegon, Helaena, and Daeron all have dragons as well," Otto interjected confidently. His faith in his grandchildren was evident.

A Targaryen with a dragon was a formidable presence.

Rhaegar's eyes glinted as he looked at his father, who seemed torn yet determined. He did not rush to refuse. Borros Baratheon was known for his arrogance and conceit. A visit to Storm's End with his siblings would remind the nobles of the Stormlands of the Targaryens' might.

After a brief discussion, the advisors agreed to Otto's proposal. Viserys, filled with confidence, declared, "Let Rhaegar lead the expedition to Storm's End with his younger brothers. Let the people of the Seven Kingdoms see the strength of House Targaryen."

His old dragon had died, but his children were all dragonriders. It was time to show the world this heritage.

Rhaegar nodded in agreement, mentally planning the details of the journey.

...

Early the next morning, the usually cold and quiet Dragonpit was bustling with activity.

Several dragons emerged from their pits, guided by their keepers to find their respective riders.

Aegon reluctantly mounted the magnificent Sunfyre, his expression mirroring the dragon's unwillingness.

Aemond, without a dragon of his own, was assigned to ride with Aegon. He nervously climbed onto Sunfyre's back, fastening himself into the saddle.

"Roar..."

Sunfyre let out a low growl, his golden scales shimmering in the sunlight as he shifted restlessly.

Nearby, Syrax responded with a warning growl, flapping its wings in a display of dominance.

Sunfyre spread his wings in response, his pale pink membranes catching the light.

"Syrax, calm down," Rhaenyra commanded, standing in front of her dragon in a black dragonrider's outfit, soothingly rubbing Syrax's jaw.

Not far away, Tessarion lay on the ground, wagging his tail and watching the commotion.

"Climb onto the dragon's back and fasten the chains; everything will be fine," Rhaegar instructed, helping young Daeron onto Tessarion's back.

"Don't worry, brother," Daeron said, climbing into the saddle with a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was his first time flying a dragon.

"Roar..." Tessarion growled softly, getting to his feet and looking back at his new rider.

Daeron took a deep breath. "Tessarion, carry me into the sky."

With a powerful flap of his wings, Tessarion created a fierce wind, blowing dust in all directions. Rhaegar stepped back, signaling the Dragonkeepers to clear the area.

"Tessarion, fly!" Daeron shouted, gripping the saddle tightly.

Tessarion roared, stomping his feet before launching into the air, quickly exiting the Dragonpit and soaring into the sunlight.

"Not bad for a seven-year-old," Rhaegar muttered, his blood boiling with excitement.

Climbing onto Cannibal's back, he looked around at his siblings and shouted, "Let's go, everyone!"

Cannibal roared and took off first, his massive wings propelling him into the sky.

Helaena's Dreamfyre followed, a light blue dragon matching the pace with a roar.

Sunfyre and Syrax spread their wings and joined the ascent, determined not to be left behind.

Five dragons carrying six Targaryens flew over King's Landing, heading towards Blackwater Bay, a magnificent display of Targaryen power and unity.

...

Afternoon

Several dragon shadows crossed the Narrow Sea, reaching the region of Storm's End.

Rhaegar led the way on Cannibal, plunging into the heavy clouds of gloom and mist, feeling the cool, moist air.

Aegon urged Sunfyre to speed up, ignoring Aemond's terrified screams as they disappeared into the clouds.

Syrax and Dreamfyre flew steadily, with the smaller Tessarion trailing far behind. It was Daeron's first time riding a dragon, and his sisters stayed close to watch over him.

...

At Storm's End Castle

Storm's End Castle, a legendary fortress built on the edge of the sea, had withstood thousands of years of wind and rain. Upon hearing of Lord Boremund's death, nobles from across the Stormlands had gathered to pay their respects.

A carriage crossed the narrow bridge of Storm's End Castle, entering amidst the wind and rain. The sky was cloudy and the air humid, adding to the somber atmosphere of the funeral.

Rumble

Rain poured down, accompanied by continuous lightning and thunder, drenching every guest who stepped out of their carriages.

"Roar!"

Suddenly, a dragon's roar, thunderous and echoing, filled the sky, sending gusts of wind toward Storm's End.

"Look, it's a dragon!"

"Several dragons!"

Cannibal, black as charcoal, broke through the rainy clouds, its green pupils flashing coldly. Rhaegar narrowed his eyes and opened his arms, letting the cold rain beat down on him.

Amidst the guests' panic, Cannibal circled Storm's End Castle twice before landing in an open space outside the city walls.

Boom

The ground compacted into a deep pit, splashing muddy water as Cannibal landed, roaring with its head held high. Under the gloomy rain, it looked like a terrifying god of destruction.

"Roar!"

Another roar, as loud as a flood bell, echoed with a menacing tone. Rhaegar and Cannibal turned to see a massive dragon with dark green scales on the other side of the city wall.

Vhagar, with its thick neck and spiny back towering over the wall, stared coldly at the younger Cannibal. The two true dragons locked eyes in a deadly stare, their murderous intent palpable.

Cannibal's green eyes flashed with cruelty, baring its dragon teeth. Despite growing larger, it refrained from attacking. Vhagar, though enormous and imposing, showed signs of age with cloudy pupils and a stiff, heavy body.

"Cannibal, it is not our enemy," Rhaegar said coldly, sensing the dragon's agitation and curbing its bloodlust. Cannibal had grown significantly, its spine towering over the 100-foot wall and wings covering a vast area, but Rhaegar knew Vhagar was not to be fought.

The old dragon had once belonged to his grandfather, Baelon. Laena was wise and intelligent, unlikely to ride Vhagar into battle. Letting the first-generation dragon live out its final days in peace was a more honorable choice.

Sunfyre broke through the rolling clouds, carrying Aegon and Aemond around Storm's End Castle. Its roar echoed arrogantly across the sky.

At a glance, Aemond spotted Vhagar confronting Cannibal and quickly looked away.

"It's Vhagar, the biggest dragon in the world!" Aemond nudged Aegon excitedly.

He had only seen Vhagar a handful of times, and this close encounter was awe-inspiring.

"Quiet, I'm landing," Aegon muttered impatiently, guiding Sunfyre to the courtyard of Storm's End Castle.

With Vhagar and Cannibal dominating one side of the wall, the other dragons kept their distance.

Storm's End had limited space, and the courtyard was the only area left to house the dragons.

Rhaegar dismounted, stepping on the wet black scales of Cannibal. He walked to the top of the dragon's head and soothed it gently, "Stay here, wait for me."

Cannibal let out a low growl, flicking its tail and planting its wings in the muddy ground. Dragons, being highly territorial, felt the urge to fight when facing an equal.

"Good, I'll be back soon," Rhaegar reassured, rubbing Cannibal's rough horns before sliding down its neck through the rain.

By the time he reached the courtyard, Dreamfyre and the other dragons had also landed with their riders.

"Prince, Princess..." The guards of Storm's End Castle hurried to greet them, holding up canopies.

The arrival of several dragons was a significant event, and they dared not show any disrespect.

Rhaegar's long hair was drenched, and water droplets covered his pale face, but he smiled nonetheless.

He walked up to the soaked Rhaenyra, gently twisting the wet hair on the side of her face, and teased, "The rain can't dull the beauty of a lady."

Rhaenyra wrung out her long hair, patted down the water on her dragon suit, and glared at him playfully.

Rhaegar accepted the glare with a grin, pulling out two cloaks and draping them over his sisters.

"Thank you, brother," Helaena said, clutching the cloak tightly. Her small face was pale from the cold, and she managed a faint smile.

"Prince, please come inside. The Lady has prepared a room for you," a modestly dressed butler urged as he opened the castle door.

Rhaegar looked at his younger siblings and led the way. "Let's go inside, no more wind and rain."

"Good," Daeron agreed, patting Tessarion and ordering the guards to hold a canopy over him.

Dragons hated water and were especially restless in the rain. Tessarion, still a young dragon, was more agitated than the others.

Rhaegar rubbed his youngest brother's head and asked, "How was your first time riding a dragon?"

"It was amazing!" Daeron replied, jumping up and down with joy.

Aemond watched the scene, clenching his fists. Just before entering the castle, he glanced back at the massive Vhagar, his eyes full of longing and expectation.

(Word count: 1,542)