A Song Of Hope And Fear II

The two Aegons left their guardians behind, heading toward the entrance of the Dragonpit. The taller Aegon put an arm around his cousin's shoulders, feeling genuine joy at meeting family he had never known. He hadn't been raised to resent his father's nephews and nieces. To him, family meant allies, and he wanted Otto Hightower to understand that he wouldn't be easily swayed by the man's influence. Aegon's abilities, a gift from the Seven, allowed him to see people as colors. His father was a kaleidoscope—unpredictable and complex. His grandmother radiated a warm red, showing her fierce yet caring nature. Otto, on the other hand, appeared sickly green and black, reflecting his cunning and deceit. And his young cousin beside him? Pink and gold: the aura of lustful arrogance—a quality he found acceptable, even amusing, in a dragon rider.

Singing to the Dragons

The moment Aegon III saw Sunfyre, he was struck by the dragon's magnificence. 

"He's glorious, isn't he?" Aegon II said proudly, approaching his dragon. But Aegon III's only thought was why the dragon was in chains, and he didn't hide his disdain, which Aegon II quickly noticed. "Is something wrong?" he asked, unsure.

"Why do you let them chain your other half?" Aegon III asked in a firm tone. 

"What do you mean?" his cousin replied, confused. 

"Can't you tell? Dragons are creatures of freedom and fire, and if you limit them, they'll never reach their full strength. They aren't horses to be broken or beasts to be tamed. They are dragons, bound only by the bond they share with us—not by chains made by lesser men."

From behind, Otto Hightower scoffed and interjected, "My prince, we can't allow dragons to fly and roost wherever they wish. We chain them for the safety of the common folk and the kingdom. You're young, my prince, but—"

Aegon III cut him off, his voice simmering with anger. "And what right do you have to speak on the matters of dragons?" He held Otto's gaze, and to his shock, Sunfyre—the dragon bound to Aegon II—took a step closer to him, ignoring his own rider's call. Otto was disturbed; he quickly connected the implications and understood how dangerous Aegon III could be.

"You bottom-feeders have been given too much freedom," Aegon said coldly, his words laced with disdain. "You start to think you're equals to your betters. I've seen enough. Cousin," he turned to Aegon II, "take me to the King. Being in the presence of lesser men sickens me." 

His instincts flaring, he whistled to Sunfyre, uttering a command in High Valyrian: Go hunt. The dragon hesitated, then took to the skies, ignoring his bond with Aegon II. 

---

Meeting the King

In the throne room, King Viserys Targaryen sat on the Iron Throne as the royal family and courtiers waited in anticipation. Queen Alicent Hightower, her children, and their sworn shield, Ser Criston Cole, were all dressed in shades of green, a silent declaration of loyalty to House Hightower. The nobles felt the tension rising in the hall. Whispers about the rumored "deformed prince" circled among them, but the royal family's anticipation was palpable. The Queen's face was tense, knowing the arrival of Daemon's son could further disrupt the court's politics, where alliances and rivalries were already deeply entrenched.

A herald's voice broke the silence, announcing the arrival of Prince Daemon, Princess Rhaenys, and Prince Aegon III. Otto and Aegon II joined the King's side through a different entrance, completing the court's assembly. As the throne room doors opened, Daemon entered first, Rhaenys close behind him. A few steps back, Aegon III appeared, and murmurs filled the room. He was tall for his eleven years, strikingly handsome yet monstrous in his presence, his purple eyes intense and almost otherworldly. Princess Helaena murmured to herself, her words drifting through the silence: "The Dragonlord rises, and his subjects bow to his majesty."

All eyes were fixed on him; he looked like a creature born of both man and dragon. When the three reached the base of the Iron Throne, Daemon and Rhaenys knelt before the King, but Aegon III simply surveyed the hall, meeting each noble's gaze directly. Some turned away; others met his eyes with curiosity, all taken aback by his commanding presence. He spotted the Septon among the court, who flinched when their gazes met. A smirk crept across Aegon's face. 

When he looked to his cousins, his grin widened, revealing sharp teeth. Aegon II smiled back, familiar with his cousin's intense energy, while Helaena's cheeks flushed, her gaze lingering on Aegon with a shy curiosity.

As he walked forward, passing his father and grandmother still kneeling, Aegon took a step onto the lowest step of the throne dais. The King's Guard tensed, hands on their swords, with Ser Criston Cole blocking his path. 

Daemon, noticing Criston's action, reached for his sword, but Alicent intervened, her voice laced with veiled contempt. "Prince Daemon, have you not taught your son the proper etiquette? He is supposed to kneel before the King." 

Aegon's gaze shifted to the Queen, and a look of disdain flashed across his face. Ser Criston Cole, noticing the look, placed himself more firmly between Aegon III and the Queen. Aegon's voice cut through the hall, low and chilling. 

"Move, peasant." 

Cole faltered, his eyes widening. "I said, *move.*" 

With a flick of his wing, Aegon III swept Cole across the room. The knight landed with a sickening thud against a pillar, and the clang of his armor echoed through the stunned hall. His gaze returned to Alicent, whose face paled as she struggled to comprehend what had just happened.

"Why would I kneel before family?" Aegon III said, his tone calm but sharp. "You are no Targaryen. What gives you the gall to speak to me as if you are?" 

"Marrying a dragon doesn't make you one," he continued. "Birthing dragons doesn't make you a dragon. A rat will birth a rat, and even if it weds a dragon, it remains a rat." 

"Enough!" Viserys commanded, the authority in his voice clear. "Mind your words, boy. I am your King, and I'll not have you insult my wife."

Aegon III stepped back and joined his father and grandmother, giving the King a slight bow. Ser Criston Cole was taken from the hall, his armor echoing faintly as they carted him off. Daemon, observing his son's actions, realized something: Aegon III's attention had been fixed on one person. When he looked to Helaena, he saw it—she was blushing, her eyes locked on Aegon. 

Daemon thought to himself, a wry smile forming: So, he wants her.