Chapter 30: Refusing the Request

"Ride a dragon! I want you to take me for a ride on a dragon," Rhaegar eagerly declared.

Rhaenyra couldn't stifle her laughter and affectionately ruffled her brother's hair. "I had a feeling you had something in mind when you sought me out. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come here so eagerly."

"Then, dear sister, may you grant your brother's request?" Rhaegar implored, his eyes filled with anticipation as he gazed at her.

However, Rhaenyra's smile turned apologetic as she gently declined, "I must disappoint you. I already have plans to fly to Dragonstone Island and back with Uncle Daemon, and it will be quite late by the time we return."

Undeterred, Rhaegar persisted, "I can accompany you to Dragonstone Island. I haven't been back to our homeland yet, and I don't mind if it takes longer than expected."

Driven by his desire to ride a dragon, Rhaegar grasped his sister's hand and shook it earnestly.

Caught between her brother's pleading eyes and Daemon's presence, Rhaenyra hesitated. She glanced at Daemon, silently seeking his opinion.

Observing the exchange, Rhaegar also turned his attention to Daemon, curious to see his reaction.

To their surprise, Daemon remained nonchalant, his tone casual as he remarked, "He can join us if he wishes, but your father may not be pleased if he learns I took his heir and eldest son on a journey."

The underlying message was clear: while he was willing to accommodate Rhaegar, the responsibility ultimately fell on him, and it was a risk he wasn't eager to take.

It was a tactful yet firm way of declining the request.

Rhaenyra couldn't help but sigh as she squeezed Rhaegar's hand tightly, apologizing, "I'm sorry, Rhaegar."

"Today's journey is too far, but how about I take you for a dragon ride over King's Landing next time?" she offered, attempting to soften the disappointment.

Rejected, Rhaegar's disappointment was palpable, though he maintained his princely demeanor, concealing his emotions. Withdrawing his hand from Rhaenyra's grasp, he took a step back and forced a reluctant smile, "Very well, I shall await your promise then."

Though his words were accepting, the sadness in his eyes remained evident.

Rhaenyra couldn't overlook her brother's disappointment, but considering her agreement with her uncle, she had little choice but to leave the matter for another time.

"I'll make it up to you later, Rhaegar," she resolved silently.

"Princess, you may ride Syrax now."

As the dragon keeper unshackled Syrax, addressing Rhaenyra in High Valyrian, she responded in kind, "I understand."

Taking Rhaegar's hand once more, Rhaenyra led him away from the dragons, handing him over to Erryk with instructions, "Keep an eye on my brother, and ensure he doesn't venture into the dragon's pit."

Erryk nodded in acknowledgment, "Of course, Princess."

After giving Rhaegar's hair a gentle pat and offering a few words of reassurance, Rhaenyra proceeded toward Syrax.

Throughout the exchange, Daemon remained silent, observing from the sidelines.

"Uncle, shall we depart?" Rhaenyra called to Daemon as she climbed onto Syrax's back, securing the safety chains around her waist.

"I thought you were taking him," Daemon remarked casually as he mounted Caraxes.

"Rhaegar is still young, and a long journey on a dragon's back, exposed to the elements, may be too much for him," Rhaenyra explained with a smile.

"But you were riding dragons at his age. Early exposure to dragons can be beneficial," Daemon countered, his tone neutral.

In the Targaryen family, riding dragons was practically a rite of passage.

"There will be opportunities in the future," Rhaenyra dismissed the discussion of gender roles, eager to change the subject. "Let's make it a race to Dragonstone Island. Who do you think will arrive first?"

Daemon shrugged, his indifference evident as he remained silent, content to let the matter rest.

In the background, Rhaegar stood amidst the crowd, his gaze following the graceful ascent of the two dragons into the clouds until they vanished from sight. Erryk, ever vigilant, observed Rhaegar closely, noting the absence of any noticeable emotional fluctuations beneath his composed exterior, a realization that weighed heavily on his heart.

But Erryk wasn't the only one paying close attention to Rhaegar.

Among the onlookers stood Maynard, his eyes fixed on the tightly clenched fists behind Rhaegar's back.

"A golden opportunity," he murmured to himself.

Although Maynard maintained a stoic expression, inwardly, excitement stirred within him, his hands and feet trembling slightly.

Tired of being the object of scorn, Maynard, despite his vast knowledge, remained subject to prejudice among his peers. Assigned to the Dragon's Pit, he had hoped for recognition for his diligent efforts, perhaps even acknowledgment from the royal family. As he watched the Targaryens effortlessly ride dragons, he yearned for a nobleman to elevate him to the skies. Yet, his aspirations seemed destined to remain mere dreams.

But now, a chance presented itself.

Wasn't this the perfect moment? The young prince, left behind by his sister, appeared in need of reassurance and companionship. Of course, assuming the current activity piqued his interest and that his psychological needs aligned with Maynard's assumptions.

With a myriad of thoughts racing through his mind, Maynard summoned his courage and spoke up:

"Prince, would you like to witness another dragon? There's one called Dreamfyre in the Dragon's Pit, larger and older than the two you've just seen."

Rhaegar turned abruptly, his gaze piercing Maynard's pale face, noting the tremor in his voice and the nervous swallow. Yet, this minor detail failed to deter him.

Born a bastard, Maynard faced immense pressure in engaging with an unattainable prince. But his offer intrigued Rhaegar.

"Lead the way."

Rhaegar's tone brooked no argument, his determination evident. Despite Erryk's attempts to dissuade him, Rhaegar's intense gaze silenced any objections.

"Let's proceed; we have a long journey ahead of us today," Rhaegar declared, brushing past the dragon keepers who conversed in a tongue foreign to him. Maynard took the lead, descending the stairs into the depths of the Dragon's Pit.

The Dragon's Pit buzzed with activity, dragon nests scattered about, mostly hidden underground to prevent roof collapses caused by the dragons' movements.

Under Rhaegar's command, Maynard felt a surge of satisfaction as he guided him through the tunnels, utilizing every bit of vocabulary he possessed to describe the majesty of Dreamfyre.

Dreamfyre is a formidable female dragon and has birthed numerous eggs, one of which belongs to Rhaegar.

"Dragons reproduce through the hatching of eggs, yet it's curious that they lack a discernible gender. Human attempts to assign gender to dragons are misguided," Maynard explained, eager to showcase his knowledge.

"So, dragons reproduce asexually?" Rhaegar inquired, his interest waning.

Chuckling nervously, Maynard replied, "It's unclear, Your Highness. But dragons like Vermithor and Silverwing, mounts of the Old King and Good Queen Alysanne have been known to mate, unlike their solitary counterparts."

Interrupting, Rhaegar urged, "Enough about dragons, Maester. When do we reach Dreamfyre's lair?"

Apologizing profusely, Maynard humbly admitted, "We've reached the entrance to Dreamfyre's lair, Your Highness. Shall we proceed?"

As Maynard's words sank in, Rhaegar realized they had journeyed far through the winding tunnels. Before them yawned a vast opening, darkness swallowing the path ahead, beckoning them onward.

(Word count: 1196)