Chapter 36: The Curse of the Chains

"Father, I'm fine..." Rhaegar's voice was soft, his expression serene despite the discomfort in his back.

Viserys hovered uncertainly at the edge of the bed, his heart heavy with worry. "Rhaegar, my boy, did I disturb your rest?"

"No, Father, it was not a deep sleep," Rhaegar reassured him with a gentle smile, reaching out to grasp his father's hand for support. "I am blessed by the White Hart, destined to live a long life."

Viserys returned the grip, relief washing over him. "You're right, my son. You have the favor of the Seven, and no injury can defeat you."

Summoning a faint smile, Viserys broached the delicate topic. "Some say your injuries occurred while attempting to tame the dragon. Is there truth to that?"

Rhaegar's expression turned somber. "Yes, Father. I was on the verge of taming Dreamfyre."

"Seven levels of hell! How dare you secretly tame a dragon alone behind your father's back, especially Dreamfyre," Viserys exclaimed, his voice a mixture of shock and anger, his knees feeling weak beneath him.

Rhaegar, sensing his father's distress, tried to explain, "But Father, I was so close to gaining Dreamfyre's trust."

"I didn't witness any of that! All I saw was my beloved son lying on a sickbed, covered in blisters the size of beans!" Viserys lectured, his voice trembling with a mix of frustration and concern, careful not to raise it too loud to avoid startling his injured son.

Rhaegar's cheeks flushed with embarrassment and frustration. "I'm not lying, Father. I could feel Dreamfyre's recognition, its anger at being bound. It knows me!"

"But Dreamfyre nearly killed you with its flames!" Viserys retorted, his voice laced with fear and disbelief.

Rhaegar rushed to clarify, "Someone replaced Dreamfyre's chains during the recognition ceremony. The moment it felt trapped, it lashed out in anger."

"Chains?" Viserys echoed, his expression now a mixture of shock and concern. "The chains forced Dreamfyre into submission?"

Rhaegar nodded solemnly. "Yes, Father. It was an act of sabotage."

Viserys sank into deep contemplation, his mind consumed by questions of who could have tampered with Dreamfyre's chains and why. Lyonel's voice broke through his thoughts from behind, "Your Majesty, Ser Erryk is waiting outside. Shall I summon him in?"

Shaking himself from his reverie, Viserys responded irritably, "Yes, bring him in. I need to know what measures he took to safeguard my son."

As Erryk entered the room, he walked with a hint of self-consciousness, making his way to the bed where Rhaegar lay, and knelt before the king.

With a piercing gaze, Viserys addressed him in a cold tone, "Provide a thorough account of today's events, particularly how Rhaegar came to be injured. Leave no detail unspoken."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Erryk responded, meeting the king's gaze with unwavering resolve as he recounted the day's events in front of all present in the room.

In full view of those present, Erryk recounted the day's events in meticulous detail.

From the journey from the Red Keep to the smithy...

To their entrance into the Dragon's Pit and their encounters with Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon...

And finally, Rhaegar's solitary attempt to tame a dragon and his narrow escape from its maw...

In just a matter of minutes, Erryk painted a vivid picture of the entire ordeal.

As Viserys listened, his expression darkened with each passing moment, his anger directed squarely at Erryk for not keeping closer watch over Rhaegar.

Seizing the opportunity to intervene, Lyonel suggested, "Your Majesty, the maester named Maynard seems suspicious. Perhaps we should begin our investigation with him."

"Where is that wretch?" Viserys demanded, his tone harsh and impatient.

Erryk responded quietly, "Maynard is currently being held in the dungeon under my watch."

"Ser Harrold, handle this matter personally," Viserys commanded, his ire still palpable as he directed the experienced knight to deal with the prisoner.

With the suspect secured, Viserys' anger began to wane slightly, his attention once again turning to Rhaegar.

The young prince hesitated before speaking, "Father, Maynard may not have had the courage to plot against me. Should we spare his life?"

Viserys emitted a cold grunt in response, his frustration evident. "Are you still concerned for others at a time like this? I sometimes wonder if you're compassionate or simply naive."

Despite his harsh words, Viserys acquiesced to his son's request, instructing Harrold to ensure Maynard remained alive.

Rhaegar turned his head towards Erryk, his voice soft as he spoke, "Ser Erryk fulfilled his duty faithfully; it was my arrogance that led to..."

"Well, I can imagine what you're going to say," Viserys interjected, impatiently pressing his hand. "I won't be punishing him, is that all?"

"Thank you, Father," Rhaegar replied, feeling a warmth spread within him as he settled back onto the bed.

For a while, father and son sat in silence, the weight of the day's events hanging heavily in the air.

Sensing the need for privacy, Lyonel gestured to Erryk and Mellos, silently indicating that they should leave the room.

Half a minute later, Viserys turned his gaze towards the evening sun outside the window, his voice hesitant as he spoke, "You... truly came close to taming Dreamfyre?"

Rhaegar nodded solemnly. "Yes, if not for that accursed chain, I believe I would have succeeded."

Once again, silence enveloped them, Viserys's eyes flickering with a mixture of pride and concern.

Dreamfyre was no ordinary dragon; it was a formidable creature, even among its kind. The thought of his son attempting to tame such a powerful beast filled Viserys with both admiration and trepidation.

Gently stroking Rhaegar's tousled hair, Viserys spoke with determination, "You did well, my son. Your father will ensure that justice is served."

Rhaegar hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Father, I recently had a dream about the Dragon's Pit, and I feel compelled to share it with you."

"Speak, my son. Your gift of prophecy is a rare and precious thing, and I will listen attentively to whatever you have to say," Viserys replied, his interest piqued at the mention of prophetic dreams.

Rhaegar employed the same rhetoric he had used when conversing with Rhaenyra, emphasizing the detrimental consequences of chaining dragons. "Dragons cannot be shackled with chains, or they will suffer a curse!"

Viserys contemplated, "Are you suggesting that the recent incident with Dreamfyre losing control is this so-called curse?"

"No, not exactly," Rhaegar replied confidently. "The majority of incidents involving dragons losing control are man-made, not true curses. This may simply serve as a warning. If chains are used to restrict dragons again, it will invite even graver consequences."

He was convinced that the accounts in ancient texts were not mere fantasies. Had Dreamfyre not been bound, he would have remained unharmed.

Viserys's expression shifted, and he made a firm decision. "The dreams will not be disregarded. I will conduct a thorough investigation of the Dragon's Pit, rooting out any hidden threats."

"But the family's dragons require a lair in King's Landing," Viserys continued, "so the Dragon's Pit will remain. However, the chains can be removed as needed."

Rhaegar agreed with his father's approach. "As long as the dragons are free from chains, the curse will have no opportunity to manifest."

As darkness enveloped the room, Viserys bid his eldest son farewell. "Rest well. I will see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Father," Rhaegar obediently replied, watching his father depart.

Alone in the room, Rhaegar lay on the bed, his body ravaged by pain. Despite his stoic demeanor in front of his father, the extent of his burns was severe. "The power of Dragon Flame is truly formidable. It's a miracle I survived," he murmured through gritted teeth.

Thanks to the effects of [Blood and Fire], his body had endured the burns. Otherwise, he might have been incinerated entirely.

"Thank you once again, Balerion," Rhaegar whispered, his thoughts drifting to the skull of the great dragon placed in the sanctuary. A flicker of gratitude and relief crossed his eyes as he reflected on his miraculous survival.

(Word count: 1335)