The King

Syrax landed gently, Rhaenyras breath oddly shallow as she slid off the dragon's back. Aerion and his dragon coming to a landing beside her. The ground shook as the dragon's fins fluttered and a low warble released from its throat. 

Rhaenyra eyed Aerion, the Prince slid off of the dragon, harshly landing as the sound of his boots hitting the courtyard ground sharply pierced the air. Syrax shifted behind her, cautiously approaching the darker dragon.

Syrax lowered her head as she studied the darker dragon. The dark dragon flicked his tail once, his fins rustling as though unsettled by her proximity. Yet, he didn't move, simply watching her with an almost curious expression, his nostrils flaring as he sniffed the air. Syrax, confident as ever, pushed closer, a low trill vibrating from her throat as if daring him to challenge her.

Her attention was torn from the interaction as Aerion approached, an almost wild grin on his face, dimples on his face she hadn't even realised existed. His hair was windswept, messy strands hanging over his face. 

She couldn't help but relive the excitement of the skies, and his first flight as her own smile widened. 

"Did you enjoy it?" Rhaenyra asked, a small smirk taking its place on her face, her shoulders relaxing from their usual tension. She looked to the two dragons in the background. Her dragon being the more confident, sniffing at the dark dragon, almost sizing it up. 

"It was amazing" he said breathlessly "being in control—it was—Gods" he murmured as he ran both of his hands back through his hair. A laugh escaping him as the thrill was still clouding his mind. 

Rhaenyra laughed, watching the awe on his face. She could still feel the adrenaline, the excitement—the pure joy from the flight still buzzing through her veins. She'd ridden on Syrax before obviously, a countless number of times, but something about this time felt different. 

She took a step closer, "I'm happy you liked it," she smiled, tilting her head to the side, studying his face, watching the way strands of hair fell over his face. One strand in particular fell over his eye. She suppressed the odd feeling in her chest.

A laugh escaped his lips again, his eyes shutting for a moment as a grin stretched across his features. But as the seconds passed, that exhilaration began to fade. Her breath steadied, and the buzzing energy slowly gave way to something else—something heavier. 

"Everything," he breathed, "Gods everything, the power of steering—the freedom." His eyes snapped open, the violet colour almost glowing with excitement, "I want to go again, right now"

Rhaenyra laughed softly, though now the sound was more subdued. "I don't think Syrax would appreciate it," she teased, glancing over at the two dragons. "She's enjoying the company of your dragon."

"Gaelithox" he corrected, Rhaenyra smirked in response. The Valyrian God of fire, she too had named her dragon after a Valyrian God.

Syrax, the Goddess of Wine, Celebration and Chaos.

Rhaenyra's smirk lingered as she looked back at him, but her mind was starting to catch up to the gravity of their actions. "It's a good name," she said, her voice quieter now. "Fitting for him."

Her eyes lingered on the dark dragon, but in the back of her mind, something nagged at her. The rush of excitement dulled, and her smile faltered for a moment before she caught herself. We've done it, she thought. He's claimed a dragon.

It had seemed like the perfect idea, bringing him to Dragonstone. But now, with the thrill fading, reality began to creep in, slow and heavy like a distant storm.

She glanced back at Aerion, his grin still wild and carefree. "Aerion…" she started, her voice careful, "we didn't exactly…tell my father."

Aerion blinked, his excitement pausing for the briefest moment before he shrugged. "We can tell him now. It's done, right?"

Her stomach tightened, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. "You claiming Gaelithox without his permission…the realm…might see it differently than we do."

Aerion's brow furrowed, his grin fading as her words slowly sunk in. "You think he'll be angry?" He asked as a pit of dread built in his stomach. He could already feel the adrenaline fading, as his mind raced. 

"I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. The weight of their reckless decision now pressed on her chest. "It's not something you can just…undo."

"So" Aerion said as he dropped his head, clearly thinking before he spoke. "…We tell him" 

—-

The small council room was quiet as the members seemed to contemplate something. King Viserys was sat at the end of the table, his expression tired, he'd had enough of this damned conversation.

"Your Grace I would suggest Laenor Velayron" Lord Strong insisted, his tone firm as the man stared over at Otto Hightower.  

"Lord Bright—" Otto started.

"Prince" Viserys corrected half heartedly. He'd had enough of this ceaseless bickering. The Hand of the King continued, seemingly unbothered about the interruption. 

"Prince Aerion" Otto corrected himself "Would be the best match for Princess Rhaenyra Your Grace" his Hand firmly said. 

Tyland Lannister watched on, his brows furrowing with confusion at Ottos insistence. The boy wasn't a great match, not as good as Laenor or many other powerful lords. 

He would only bring instability to Rhaenyras position as heir. He was a Prince of a small house, but his reputation far preceded him. 

Whispers of magics, flaying and his astoundingly quick rise only facilitated a lack of trust from his fellow lords and nobles. His very presence only invited conflict, even now dozens of ambitious bastards have come to The King himself asking to be legitimised. 

Tylands eyes narrowed slightly in thought, unless the man was trying to weaken Rhaenyra's position as Heir. Tyland's thoughts wandered to Prince Aegon, the Hand of the Kings grandson.

Would he really—

The air suddenly thickened with an otherworldly sound, a deep, rolling roar that resonated through the castle like a wave. The sound raised goosebumps on Tylands arm as he suddenly straightened. 

The King had stood, his chair scraping backwards as he did so. Quickly the man strode to the nearby balcony doors, pushing them open and striding outside. 

The Kings eyes widened, his knuckles whitening as his fingers closed tightly around the golden balcony railing. A short but familiar roar following the otherworldly sound. 

Tyland followed warily, his eyes locking onto the sky. His breath caught in his throat as he stared at the large black dragon. Shimmering fins ran down its dark form, its long tail swished carelessly behind it as it glided effortlessly over top Blackwater Bay. 

Syrax, Princess Rhaenyras she-dragon, followed behind, her golden form a sharp contrast to the dark larger dragon. 

"Aerion" the King muttered, his eyes wide and grip only further tightening around the railings. Tylands eyes widened at the words as he leaned forward, glancing onto the dragon's back. 

Otto looked mixed, his eyes narrowed and his posture oddly tense. Lord Strong looked almost appalled as he eyed the Prince. 

Aerion Brightflame had just claimed a dragon. 

—-

They were in the Kings chambers, the usually calm man seemed restless as he eyed the two Royals. They had landed in the dragonpit earlier, two Kingsguard were waiting for them.

They'd escorted them up to the Kings chambers with due haste. Clearly the man wasn't particularly excited, 

"Explain yourselves" The King said firmly, his tone not leaving any space to argue. Aerions lips parted as he ducked his head, thinking of what to say. 

"I brought him Father" Rhaenyra spoke up "To Dragonstone, when the dragon-"

"You brought him to Dragonstone?" Viserys questioned sharply, interrupting his daughter as his eyes ran over both of their forms. "Why?"

Aerion swallowed, feeling the heavy gaze of the King on him, the older man's eyes pausing on the intricate circlet placed on Aerions head. 

"It's his nameday—" Rhaenyra tried to explain, Viserys cutting her off again, 

"I know that" he said with narrowed eyes "But you told me you were visiting him, in Crows Point" Aerions gaze flicked to Rhaenyra at that, concern building in his chest. 

"So why were you on Dragonstone?" The King asked firmly, Rhaenyra shifting uncomfortably. 

"I just wanted to give him a tour, it's my castle" she shot back defensively. "Then Gaelithox flew down, it landed right in front of him" she tried to explain. Viserys sighed and sat back down into a large red seat. 

A best of silence passed, a fire faintly crackling in the background.

"Do you not know what this means?" Viserys asked them both, suddenly sounding tired as he leaned back in the seat, his fingers tightening around the arm rests. 

Aerion looked back at the ground and swallowed "It means three houses now have dragons" he said slowly, tentatively. Viserys nodded in response.

"It also means, whoever you marry Aerion, will likely expect your children to also have dragons as well" he said, his mind lingering on the Velaryons. "Likewise with you Rhaenyra" 

Rhaenyra shared a loaded glance with Aerion, her heart racing as the weight of her fathers words settled over her shoulders like a cloak. 

Marriage

Viserys sighed as his eyes wandered to his young brother. Another few moments of tense silence passed as Aerion shifted uncomfortably at the heavy gaze. 

"The Velaryons are the most powerful house in the realm" Viserys suddenly said, Aerion blinking at the sudden switch in topic. 

"They have Vhagar, Meleys and Seasmoke, all dragons that have fought in war" Viserys said, Rhaenyras eyes locking onto the King uncomfortably at his words. "We have only Caraxes" he muttered as his head dropped back against the seat. 

"You have Gaelithox as well" Aerion said slowly, the King only shaking his head at Aerions words.

"The point is that House Targaryen is in a very…pivotal place in its history right now" Viserys said, his mind going back to Daemon. "A dangerous place in our history" 

"We cannot show weakness, or a lack of control" he murmured, recalling Daemon's words. "We will act as if this was intentional" he declared, more to himself than the duo stood in front of him.

"Aerion you will stay for the week, we will call a feast to celebrate, the Velaryons will be invited" he said, his brows furrowing as his gaze landed on Rhaenyra. 

"We will act strong, as a family should, so no arguments" he commanded, Rhaenyra nodding with a clenched jaw. 

"We will also seriously discuss your future marriage" Viserys said firmly, leaving no room for argument as Rhaenyra reared back as if struck. 

"You are dismissed" Viserys ordered with a wave of his hand, cutting Rhaenyras potential reply at the knees. Aerion left the room quickly, Rhaenyra on his heels.