Return to The Capital

King's Landing 

Rhaenys POV

As I removed my glove and walked towards the wheelhouse prepared for me. I glanced back to see the Dragonkeepers leading Meleys and Seasmoke into the pit for feeding and rest. This was particularly important for Seasmoke, who was unaccustomed to the weight and distance. Laenor, having only recently able to ride him. Talking about Laenor he is given a horse for him to travel to the Keep.

As I settled into the wheelhouse, the scene that unfolded during our approach resurfaced in my mind. The sight of Viserys astride another dragon was something I thought I would never witness again after his solitary ride on Balerion in the past. Viserys held Balerion in as high regard as he now does Aemma, which speaks volumes. And their course was set for Dragonstone. What could they possibly need from there? The questions incessantly swirling in my mind.

Upon reaching the Red Keep, I inquired with some servants about Laena's whereabouts since she had to land outside the city; Vhagar has become too large for the pit. Landing Vhagar within the city would cause damage to the surroundings, necessitating her landing outside. They informed me that she has not yet arrived.

"Send me a message once she arrives and settles in her chambers. Ensure there is no delay in relaying the news of her arrival to me," I instructed them explicitly as I walked towards the chambers that had been mine since birth in this keep.

I had settled into my chambers when a servant arrived and informed me that Laena had arrived. She was escorted to her chambers to bathe and freshen up. I nodded and expressed my gratitude for the service. As I gazed out the window at the setting sun, I lost track of time until strong arms enveloped me in an embrace from behind.

As I leaned into the embrace, the familiar scent enveloped me. "Were you returning schedule to return to Drift mark at this time, or on your way to Driftmark?" I inquired, As I had attempted to spot his ships during our journey to here. However, my gaze was drawn to Laenor and Laena, capturing most of my attention, and thus, I failed to locate them.

"I was away, but King Viserys arrived on Caraxes with Daemon and landed on my ship, instructing me to return for an important matter he needs to discuss with us," Corlys replied. As I turned towards him, we exchanged a brief kiss and then proceeded towards the bed.

"Why do you think he has summoned us here?" I posed the question that had been troubling me since the raven from King's Landing arrived at Driftmark. Corlys began to ponder before answering my inquiry.

"To be honest, I don't know either, as I have invited him onto my ship. He mentioned that the matter he wished to discuss couldn't be shared at my desk. It must be significant, for King Viserys wouldn't come personally just to say that," Corlys said thoughtfully. I couldn't help but sigh, having assumed he would know since he was present.

"I need to share something with you," I began, my voice tinged with worry. "The letter specifically instructed me to bring Laena here. This directive from Viserys is troubling, and I can't help but wonder why he would make such a specific request," I explained, revealing the source of my unease.

"I did tell you, didn't I? When I departed from the Capital, there were no rumors or concerns to speak of, so stop fretting over nothing. And should King Viserys return on Caraxes, we wouldn't have long to wait for him," Corlys responded. However, I couldn't help but notice the anger in his tone when he spoke of leaving the Capital. It wasn't directed at Viserys, so I must determine who has upset my seahorse during his time here, as he won't disclose it to me.

Afterward, we discussed the events that occurred during the day we were apart. However, one question lingered in my mind: why had Viserys gone to Dragonstone? He wouldn't travel there without a reason. There are few things on Dragonstone that Viserys couldn't find here, except perhaps dragons and our family records.

Viserys would not require dragons, as no one in our family has bonded with two dragons. It's puzzling why he would want to give dragon eggs to Lord Drakonar, considering a sorcerer of his stature could easily acquire them from Valyria using magic and dragons. Moreover, if he truly is who he claims to be, he would have no need for dragon eggs, given that his family's collection would surpass ours.

She was consumed by a nagging sense of unease. As she pondered over what she might be overlooking, the reason for Viserys' visit to their stronghold in Westeros before Aegon's conquest, a distant roar shattered the calm, a low and rumbling sound that the sea winds carried.

Her heart missed a beat. It wasn't Syrax, nor Dreamfyre. This was something deeper, more elemental. She narrowed her eyes towards the horizon, and there—etched against the canvas of the sky—two vast shadows emerged. Dragons. The first was undeniably Caraxes, with his elongated, snake-like form and crimson wings cutting through the clouds on his approach to the Red Keep. Yet, it was the dragon accompanying him that caused Rhaenys' breath to catch.

Bronze and immense, dwarfing even Caraxes, Vermithor—the Bronze Fury.

The mere sight of him compels the smallfolk of King's Landing to emerge and see who now rides the conciliator's dragon. Vermithor had not been ridden since the days of King Jaehaerys, and his reputation as one of the mightiest dragons in Westeros was legendary. Rhaenys' heart pounded in her chest as the two dragons drew closer, the ground beneath the Red Keep vibrating as their great wings beat the air.

As she and Corlys made their way toward the courtyard for a clearer view of Vermithor's arrival at the Capital, they noticed many guards and courtiers already heading to the same destination. Fortunately, the crowd parted, allowing them to pass. Upon arriving at the courtyard, we position ourselves in the front row of a crowd that is gazing at Vermithor soaring through the sky.

"Corlys,"She exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment. "How can this be? Vermithor would not abandon his lair alongside Silverwing without a new rider, assuming someone even could manage to tame him. Dragons do not forsake their lairs without a rider's command."."

Corlys shared her state of awe as he gazed at Vermithor with eyes wide open. "I believe we both understand the implications, though it has never been done before. Let's not jump to conclusions and instead, see what unfolds as they are approaching us."

The dragons circled the Red Keep once before descending, and She could feel the power in the air—the raw, untamed force that Vermithor and Caraxes commanded. Caraxes landed first, his blood-red scales catching the light as Daemon dismounted, as confident as ever, his expression unreadable. But it was Vermithor, his enormous bulk landing with a thunderous impact, that truly drew the eyes of the assembled guards and courtiers.

The great beast's bronze scales gleamed as his massive wings folded back, and there, atop him, was Viserys.

She felt a shock run through her. Viserys, her cousin, the king, had not claimed another dragon since Balerion's death. His connection to the Black Dread had been too strong, too cherished. And yet, here he was, atop one of the oldest and most feared dragons alive. The sight of him, his silver hair whipping in the wind as he sat tall in the saddle, was striking. There was a fire in his eyes, a presence about him that had not been there in years.

As Viserys dismounted from Vermithor, the great beast released a low, guttural growl that reverberated through the courtyard. The Bronze Fury shifted restlessly, but there was no mistaking the bond between dragon and rider. 

Daemon strode over to his brother with a smirk, but it was Viserys who spoke first, his voice carrying over the hushed silence. "Rhaenys," he called out, his face lit by a smile upon seeing her.

She also walked toward them, her heart racing. "Viserys… you—Vermithor?" 

Viserys nodded, glancing up at the massive dragon beside him. "I have claimed him."

The realization struck her fully. Vermithor—bronze-scaled, powerful, and ancient—was now Viserys' mount. And as she looked between the two dragons, Caraxes and Vermithor, standing side by side, the sheer power they represented was undeniable. But the most supriseing thing is that Viserys who had once tamed Balerion also succeed in taming another Dragon. Granted Balerion is dead but in attempting it Viserys could've lose his life. 

She took a breath, steadying herself. "Why now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "You never sought another after Balerion…"

Viserys' gaze hardened, though his smile remained. "It is for that I've called your family here. I would like to talk about into the Keep." he said quietly, his eyes flicking to Daemon. "You are also to come there. But send someone to fetch Lord Drakonar there. As we would need his presence there."

The weight of his words hung in the air. She understood. This was not simply matter as Corlys has thought. She was right there is something big happened and that concern all of us. She would like to know that as soon as she can.

Daeranyx POV

As I entered the chamber to which the servant had summoned me, I found the Targaryens and Velaryons already awaiting my arrival. I greeted most of them with a nod and congratulated Viserys on his success on taming another Dragon before taking my seat at the table. I noticed the absence of both Aemma and Rhaenyra. It appears Rhaenyra is accompanying Aemma, offering reassurance; otherwise, Aemma would undoubtedly be here, questioning Viserys about his recent actions, especially when she is about to give birth to his son.

"Now that Lord Drakonar is here, I must ask what compelled you to tame Vermithor. I know you well, cousin, and you were adamant about not riding any dragon after Balerion's death. I suspect you have information about the Dragonlord of Volantis that we do not, which has influenced your decision. So, Viserys, spill the beans, as it worries me greatly, especially since my children are also at risk," Rhaenys said, her voice filled with urgency and concern as I settled into my seat.

Viserys gave me a questioning look, and I instantly understood why. I checked for any magical surveillance and, finding none, I nodded at him to indicate it was safe to speak. Moments later, Viserys shared what he had witnessed in my Pensieve and the counsel I had offered.

"By the Seven," Rhaenys gasped, hearing of the immense dragons they were to confront. Her eyes involuntarily flicked to Laena, grasping the reason her presence was specifically requested in the letter. Corlys took her hand and gently squeezed it, offering reassurance.

"Seven wouldn't assist us in these times; only our dragons will," Daemon said to Rhaenys. "That's why I've proposed to Viserys that you and I gain experience fighting with dragons. Caraxes and Meleys should also learn to combat their own kind, as after Vermithor and Lord Drakonar's dragon Anarion, they are the only ones who will fight in the forefront." He didn't mention Vhagar, knowing Laena was still too young for Rhaenys and Viserys to send into war against dragons. "And the dragon we're going to hunt is the Cannibal. Our house would profit from his demise, as the number of hatchlings he's killed is countless. The less said about the eggs he's stolen, the better."

Rhaenys heard Daemon and a contemplative look crossed her face, suggesting she was considering his words. Laena appeared offended when Daemon didn't include Vhagar among the dragons preparing for battle. Laenor and Corlys regarded Rhaenys with concern, knowing that fighting the Cannibal, even with Caraxes' aid, would still be a perilous endeavor.

"Even with our combined dragons, there's still a chance that Cannibal could emerge victorious or escape. The only thing we know about him is that he was larger than Vermithor when last seen, which was when our fathers were hunting him, and he successfully evaded them. So, how do you propose we kill him if we can't even coax him into battle?" Rhenys asked Daemon, her eyes filled with curiosity to see if he had considered that.

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