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The moment Rhaenyra stepped in to her father's chambers she knew this was going to be a long day. Alicent was wringing her hands as she stood beside the king, a frown etched into her face.
"You asked to see me, your grace?" Rhaenyra greeted her father, bowing her head first to him, then to Alicent. He smiled at her, lips tight.
"I did, I wanted to speak to you about Aemond," Viserys sighed. Rhaenyra arched a brow. "After the incident yesterday with your boys-"
"Incident?" Rhaenyra tilted her head, lashes fluttering.
Alicent cleared her throat, hand rising to fiddle with her necklace, "They played a prank on Aemond, gave him a pig with wings, since he doesn't have a dragon."
"A pig?" Rhaenyra scowled, fingers twisting at her rings as Alicent explained the situation fully. She took a deep breath.
"Aegon was involved as well," Viserys informed her, waving a hand dismissively.
With a scoff, Rhaenyra shook her head, "Regardless of Aegon's involvement, that's unacceptable. I'll speak to the boys at once." She smiled at Alicent, "I assure you, they'll be punished appropriately. They owe Aemond a proper apology as well.
"That would be appreciated," Alicent swallowed thickly, nodding her head.
"It is not the reason I asked to speak with you, however," Viserys told her, lips pursing. Rhaenyra nodded. She straightened as he leveled his gaze on her, "Aemond has attempted to claim several dragons now, on his own. The latest after the incident with the pig."
Rhaenyra's brow furrowed. She hadn't heard anything about that either.
"I believe the boy would benefit from some time spent with an experienced dragonrider, such as yourself," Viserys gestured towards her, lips twisting up into a broad smile.
"You'd like me to speak with him?" Rhaenyra's gaze shifted from her father to Alicent. The queen's smile was tight and her throat bobbed as the king nodded.
Viserys chuckled, hands waving about in front of him, "Yes, take him flying, introduce him to Syrax, explain how claiming a dragon ought to work."
"I'll remind you I've never claimed a dragon," Rhaenyra drawled, eyes narrowing, "You may be more helpful on that front, your grace."
"Nonsense," Viserys scrunched up his nose. His smile was sad as he admitted, "It's been a very long time since I did anything with real dragons, my girl. You are the senior dragonrider here, and I'd like you to impress upon Aemond the importance of safety in the Dragon Pit."
That was an order. A command from her king. Rhaenyra nodded and bowed her head.
"I will be honored to do so, your grace," Rhaenyra agreed readily. She tapped her fingers together as she glanced at Alicent once more.
The queen was practically stricken, eyes wide and lips parted in silent horror. Alicent had long been terrified of dragons. Even Syrax, who'd been rather taken with her, Alicent had avoided when they were young.
She'd banned Sunfyre from her chambers when Aegon had first claimed the hatchling and he'd brought the golden dragon in to the keep. The servants had all joked that the queen refused to enter the prince's room unless the dragon was properly restrained, which he never was.
"Might I make a suggestion, father?" Rhaenyra cleared her throat, pulling his gaze back to her after it had wandered back to his model.
"He's too old to share a bed with an egg, Rhaenyra," Viserys huffed, barely looking at her as he reached for one of his books. Alicent snatched it from the table quickly and handed it to him. He frowned, "Thank you, my dear."
Rhaenyra chuckled, "Not an egg. I have none to offer that are not already in the Dragon Pit anyway." Her hands rose up, clasped together in front of her chest as she offered, "I could fly him to Dragonstone though."
"Dragonstone?" Viserys looked up at her then, eyes focused. Alicent's brow furrowed.
"What better way to teach him how to claim a dragon appropriately than by having him try? With me there to supervise and assist, of course," Rhaenyra assured him, looking pointedly at Alicent, who had gone pale. "Syrax can handle any dragon who might get too aggressive."
Viserys hummed, leaning back in his chair. Alicent startled, head snapping to look at him, "You can't be serious." Her voice cracked, "He's only ten. Dragonstone is too far. And-"
"He'll be with Rhaenyra," Viserys scoffed at her. His hand rose to his chin, rubbing absently, "And if the boy is lucky, he can fly back on his own dragon."
At that, Rhaenyra narrowed her eyes, "I don't know that I'd let an inexperienced rider fly over the Blackwater so soon, but I can certainly show him the ropes."
A long day it would be then, but a day with Syrax was never unwanted and Rhaenyra didn't get many chances to bond with her siblings. She smiled to herself as she left her father's chambers. It would be a good day, she could feel the truth of if in her bones, feel the warmth spreading from her chest.
There was but one thing that must be dealt with first.
"It seems we have something important to address with our sons, dear husband," Rhaenyra entered her chambers with a neutral expression.
Laenor arched an eyebrow as she approached the breakfast table. "Do we?" He turned to look at the two boys in question. Both Jace and Luke froze, food in their mouths and eyes wide.
"Yes," Rhaenyra crossed her arms, "Which one of you would like to tell your father about the pig while I go get changed?"
Luke launched in to a full retelling of the 'joke' as his brother sunk further in to his seat. Aegon was significantly more involved in Luke's story than in Alicent's version. It was obvious from her oldest's expressions that, while Luke might not have realized all the implications of their prank, Jace had. And Laenor did as well.
"You two have been bullying your uncle over not having a dragon?" Laenor's tone was sharp and his brows furrowed. Rhaenyra left them to what would surely be a thorough lecture on why that was insensitive and cruel.
When she returned to the main room in her riding leathers and pants, her boys looked suitably chastised and Laenor had Luke in his lap. Her youngest had tears in his eyes as Laenor rocked him slowly.
"I'm taking Aemond flying," Rhaenyra informed them. Laenor grinned. Jace pouted. "We'll be going to Dragonstone so I won't be back till this evening."
"Don't let him go for Vermithor first," Laenor tucked his chin over Luke's head with a smile. Rhaenyra laughed. She kissed each of them on the forehead and grabbed an apple from the table before departing.
Her little brother was waiting.
In the Dragon Pit, Aemond stood alone in the center of the open yard. His hands clasped behind his back and his chin up, the only evidence of any nerves was the way his lips pursed when he saw her.
"Hello, little brother," Rhaenyra smiled as she surveyed him.
He was wearing riding leathers. Not his own, given they looked a bit big on him. She tugged lightly on the shoulders, checking they were secure. They didn't budge.
"Good, looks like you're ready then," Rhaenyra squeezed his shoulder and waved a hand towards the entrance to the lairs, "Ready to meet the most beautiful dragon in the world?"
Aemond's nose wrinkled, "We're not visiting Sunfyre are we?" She gaped at him, hand flying to her chest.
"No! Syrax!"
"Oh," Aemond shrugged.
With a huff, Rhaenyra waved a hand, "I assure you Sunfyre wishes he were as gorgeous as my Syrax."
A twitch of Aemond's lips was the only reaction. Her brother was remarkably good at holding a neutral expression, even as he drawled, "I'll be sure to tell Aegon that."
"Who do you think is the most beautiful dragon then?" Rhaenyra asked him as they waited for the dragonkeepers to coax Syrax out of her lair.
His brow furrowed, forehead wrinkling. With another shrug, he said, "Dreamfyre, I suppose, but I've not seen that many dragons up close."
"When did you see Dreamfyre up close?" Rhaenyra tilted her head, eyes narrowing as his face flushed.
"Yesterday," Aemond cleared his throat, "Helaena's eyes are almost the same shade of purple as Dreamfyre's scales when the fire reflects off the blue."
Rhaenyra blinked at him, mouth hanging open as Aemond rocked backwards on his feet. He stared ahead, gaze fixed and avoiding hers.
"I told Helaena she should try to claim her, since they match already," Aemond hummed, throat bobbing. His lip twitched again, "Dreamfyre is bigger than Sunfyre."
"Well," Rhaenyra laughed, eyes fluttering as she searched for words, "Once you see Syrax, I'm certain you'll change your tune." With a snort, "She's bigger than Sunfyre as well."
His lip twitched again, down rather than up. Rhaenyra turned her head as Syrax appeared from the tunnels, head thrown back in a screech.
"There's my girl," Rhaenyra grinned. Beside her, Aemond stiffened. Syrax rushed forward, leaving the dragonkeepers in the dust as she stalked towards Rhaenyra.
Aemond took a step back as the beast reared up. A quick command from Rhaenyra and the dragon's head lowered slowly. Rhaenyra ran a hand over pale yellow scales.
"Hello, my love," Rhaenyra pressed her head to Syrax's for a moment before stepping to the side. She waved Aemond closer, "This is my little brother." Syrax let out a breath, warm air rising over both of them as Aemond stepped up beside Rhaenyra.
He was shaking. Rhaenyra took his hand in hers and placed it to Syrax's scales. A smile cracked his face. His eyes brightened, their blue as deep as the sea's. When she released his hand, Aemond continued to pet Syrax. His breath caught in his throat as he chuckled.
"She's amazing," Aemond whispered. Rhaenyra smirked, patting Syrax twice.
"The most magnificent dragon there ever has been," Rhaenyra said, chin rising.
Syrax gave a shake, chest rumbling. Aemond startled, hand retracting as he stepped back. Rhaenyra grabbed his arm and dragged him to her side as Syrax reared up.
"Sudden moves aren't a good idea, not this close," Rhaenyra told him, gaze hard on Syrax as the beast calmed. He took several breaths, eyes wide as he nodded slowly.
"She started it," Aemond grumbled and Rhaenyra laughed. She arched a brow. Aemond ducked his head, his cheeks red. Syrax huffed.
Rhaenyra shook her head and led Aemond away from Syrax's head to the side of her body. His fingers twitched over his borrowed riding leathers when he saw the saddle. There was gold thread stitching around the Targaryen dragon. A nod to Aegon's mount, Rhaenyra was sure.
"Have you ever ridden on a dragon before?" Rhaenyra asked him, squeezing both his shoulders as she held him still in front of her.
"No," Aemond muttered, he rolled his shoulders back, "Sunfyre's not big enough to carry two yet and he's annoying about flying with me."
"Sunfyre?" Rhaenyra furrowed her brows, "Dragons can only have one-"
Aemond snorted, "No, Aegon." He rolled his eyes, arms crossing, "I know dragons only accept one rider at a time."
Eyes fluttering, Rhaenyra nodded. She cleared her throat and patted his arm, "Well, I'll show you the ropes, and then we'll do a circle around the city before we head out. Sound good?"
"Head out?" Aemond furrowed his brows. His head tilted back and looked at her over his shoulder, "Where are we going?"
"Father didn't tell you?" Rhaenyra arched a brow and Aemond shook his head. His lips pulled down in to a proper frown as he fidgeted in her hold. She grinned, eyes crinkling at the edges, "I won't ruin the surprise then."
She focused on the instructions - how to mount, hand holds, checking the saddle was secure. It wasn't so different from riding a horse and Aemond was very clearly well-read when it came to dragons. He didn't ask questions, but he did finish half her sentences.
"You are truly your mother's son," Rhaenyra chuckled, as she settled in her saddle. Aemond stood beside Syrax, eyes wide and hands clasped tightly together. He startled at her words.
Brows knit together and eyes narrowed, "I'm not afraid of dragons." He wrinkled his nose and climbed up. He settled in front of her, as she'd instructed him.
Aemond was tall for his age and could have held on to her waist from behind, but Rhaenyra didn't trust that. Not for his first ride. She preferred him secure between her arms and legs.
"I meant the way you answered my questions," Rhaenyra told him, smiling as he looked up at her, nose still wrinkled. "Alicent never let me finish asking either, when she was nervous."
He stared at her, blinking slowly.
"Place your hands on the pommel there," Rhaenyra nodded forward as she took hold of the reigns, "The principle is the same, whether horse or dragon, but-"
"Dragons are bigger," Aemond finished for her, throat bobbing as his hands squeezed around the hand hold.
"Yes," Rhaenyra nodded, chin skimming the top of his head, "And a strong connection between rider and mount makes all the difference."
His knuckles went white, his grip so tight, "Aegon says Sunfyre reads his mind." Rhaenyra laughed, head shaking.
"It certainly seems like it, sometimes," Rhaenyra whispered. She raised her head, and her voice, as she commanded Syrax to fly.
The air whipped around them. Aemond didn't scream, but she felt him stiffen in her arms. He exhaled slowly as they leveled out. Syrax flapped her wings slowly as they soared, gliding with the wind as they circled first the Red Keep and then the city.
Aemond didn't speak. His lips were parted though, a broad grin spreading over his face. Rhaenyra watched the joy radiate from him as his body slowly relaxed.
"There is nothing like flying," Rhaenyra spoke softly beside his ear.
He nodded slowly. Eyes flickered over the horizon, over Syrax's wings. He leaned forward, ducking his head to watch King's Landing below them. Aemond swallowed, eyes wide.
"Ready?" Rhaenyra asked him, eyebrow quirking up. He stiffened again and sat back. He nodded sharply.
They turned, wind whipping at their faces. Aemond gasped as they took off over the Blackwater. Syrax screeched, diving low so they nearly skimmed over the water.
Rhaenyra laughed, head shaking as they zipped between a few ships. Aemond tensed. His hands twisted over the pommel of her saddle. Rhaenyra wrapped her arm around his waist, holding him tighter.
"She's spent too much time with Seasmoke as late," Rhaenyra explained with a giggle. Aemond nodded mutely, chin ducking to his chest. His next breath was strangled, stuttering. She gave Syrax the command to rise.
The dragon rose in the air and a gasping laugh escaped Aemond. He was breathing heavily, chest heaving.
"There's no reason to fear, little brother," Rhaenyra hooked her chin over Aemond's head as she tightened her hold on the reigns. "Syrax and I know what we're doing."
She felt his nod. His body stayed stiff against hers. Frowning, Rhaenyra kept Syrax well in hand, level in the sky and not too high. Aemond's knuckles remained white around the pommel. His fingers twitched over his nails.
"Almost there," Rhaenyra told him as they began to dive lower once more. Aemond's breath hitched and he leaned forward. She smiled. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw his, wide and full of wonder.
"Dragonstone," Aemond whispered, gaze tracing the tall towers. The stone wings and maws of a dozen dragons rising up from the Dragonmont.
Pride bloomed in her chest. Her brother had never seen her seat. The king had not graced the isle with a visit since Rhaenyra had birthed Jacaerys. She'd spent her first pregnancy here. Aemond had been just a babe himself when the family had come to visit. Aegon had claimed Sunfyre on their second day. They'd left on the third.
"I do hope you remember what I said about sudden moves," Rhaenyra drawled as they sunk down into the dragon yard, grinning down at him, "You're going to meet quite a few dragons today."
Aemond's head snapped around, hair flying. He yelped as Syrax landed. Fingers dug into the leather saddle and he took a deep breath.
"If you want to claim a dragon," Rhaenyra sighed, leaning forward to pet at Syrax's neck, "You ought to learn to do it safely."
They slid from the saddle. Rhaenyra cooed at Syrax, petting her maw as she thanked her for behaving with Aemond. A leisurely ride over the Blackwater was not their usual. Syrax was young still, and too use to the antics of Seasmoke and Caraxes. She liked to race, to spin, to hide in the clouds.
"Claiming a dragon is no simple thing, little brother," Rhaenyra hummed, hand grazing over Syrax, "It is a life-long bond. One that can shape you, and them." Her lips pursed as she turned to face him, "When a dragon loses their rider, they grieve. When a rider loses their dragon..."
Aemond stood a few feet away, eyes still wide. He blinked, holding her gaze, "Like the king?"
"It is a profound pain," Rhaenyra nodded. He gulped. His face paled as she stepped away from Syrax.
"What now?" Aemond croaked, a hand rising to rub at his opposite arm. He was shaking again. Shoulders tense and chin high.
Rhaenyra crouched, placing a hand on either shoulder, "Now you may try to claim a dragon, the right way." His eyes fluttered. Tears welled up, but he blinked them away quickly.
"Really?" He croaked, voice cracking. He cleared his throat, "You... you're going to help me claim a dragon?"
"If your dragon is on this island," Rhaenyra squeezed his shoulders, "Then you'll meet them today." His eyes shimmered as he blinked rapidly. A single tear escaped and she wiped it away. "Don't be scared, Aemond, Syrax and I will be with you the whole time."
Swallowing thickly, Aemond nodded.
The three of them ventured into the caves from there. Syrax stalked in front of them, nostrils flaring and chest puffed out. Rhaenyra kept a hand on Aemond's back.
"You'll want to keep your distance at first. Approach them slowly, hands raised," Rhaenyra instructed him.
Laena had told her, in great detail, about how she claimed Vhagar years ago. There was no dragonrider greater than her goodsister. Her method would do for Aemond, of that Rhaenyra was certain.
"Address them by their name as you command them, in High Valyrian," Rhaenyra continued and Aemond nodded along, lips pressed firmly shut. She breathed out as they came to a large opening, "If they rear back, you hold still. Command again. If they do not heel after 3 tries, you retreat. Slowly though."
"No sudden moves," Aemond repeated her words from earlier. His throat bobbed and he turned his head. He was shaking and Rhaenyra ran a hand over his back.
"Vermithor and Silverwing like to nest together," Rhaenyra nodded towards the opening.
Aemond bit at his lip, "They're mated dragons. Coiling together, like their riders - King Jaehaerys and Queen Alyssanne."
"Yes," Rhaenyra chuckled, breathing out, "They're two of the oldest, and biggest, dragons. So we must take care."
"Bigger than Sunfyre." Aemond proclaimed, shoulders rolling back. Rubbing at the side of her face, Rhaenyra tried to hold in the smile splitting her cheeks as she followed him into the lair.
It didn't surprise her that he made straight for Vermithor. He was slow, and quiet. Vermithor growled when Aemond stopped in front of him.
Throat bobbing, Rhaenyra glanced sideways. Syrax was tense beside her.
Hands up, Aemond called Vermithor to serve. The great beast did not move. He did not rise up, did not growl again. Aemond tried a second time. Vermithor's mouth opened, lips spreading to reveal sharp teeth.
Rhaenyra's hand splayed over her chest. Syrax mirrored Vermithor, baring her teeth. Her chest rumbled as Aemond tried a third time.
Fire rose up in Vermithor's throat. Aemond stumbled back. Rhaenyra shot forward, a command on her lips. She dragged Aemond away as Syrax stepped between them and Vermithor.
His flames died down and the cave was plunged in to darkness once more. Rhaenyra took deep breaths, chest heaving as she held Aemond against her. He was trembling in her hold.
"You... you protected me?" Aemond looked up at her. Rhaenyra scoffed, kissing the top of his head and hugging him close.
"Of course, that's why I'm here," Rhaenyra gasped out, brow furrowing. He blinked. Eyes fluttering. She tilted her head, eyes narrowing. "Did... did you not think I would?"
Aemond ducked his head. He pulled away from her. His steps were sure as he walked towards Silverwing next. Rhaenyra watched him with a furrowed brow.
He repeated the process once more. Three times he called Silverwing to serve. Three times she ignored him, gaze unblinking.
"Step slowly," Rhaenyra reminded him as Aemond began his retreat. He wrapped his arms around himself as they stepped out of the lair. Tears spilled from his eyes and he wiped them away viciously.
"This is stupid," Aemond huffed, sniffling as Rhaenyra joined him. She rubbed a hand over his arm. He flinched away, eyes squeezing. "I'm not an idiot." His glare was focused on her when his eyes opened again, "I know what you're doing."
Rhaenyra arched a brow, frowning, "By your tone, I don't think you mean helping you."
"Why would you help me?" Aemond snapped, inhaling sharply, "I'm nothing but a challenge. An obstacle." He shook his head, huddling in on himself, "You don't really want me to claim a dragon. I'm less of a threat without one."
Mouth falling open, Rhaenyra struggled to find the words. Her brother took a shaky breath, fingers dug in to his sleeves. His hands twisted in the fabric, pulling it between his fingers.
A soft comfort. A distraction, grounding him in the touch. Alicent had done that often when they were young, hands bunching in a handkerchief or her skirts.
"You are not an obstacle, or a threat, or a challenge," Rhaenyra breathed out. She crouched in front of him once more. He looked down at her, body trembling. She covered his hands with hers, "You're my little brother, my blood. A Targaryen, and it is the birth right of every Targaryen to claim a dragon."
Aemond sucked in a breath, stuttering as it was. His voice was quiet, "That's what Mother says too." Rhaenyra smiled, nodding.
"Your mother is a very smart woman," Rhaenyra raised one hand to tuck a stray hair behind his hear, "Alicent and I..." she pursed her lips, "It is complicated. But, I assure you, my only desire is to see our family grow stronger." She cupped his cheek, "All of us, together."
Still he shook. His gaze focused on her face, searching. Rhaenyra did not look away. She swallowed, breathing slowly.
"I don't know how to prove that to you, Aemond," Rhaenyra whispered.
The fingers slid from the twisted fabric. His arms hung at his side as he stood before her. She squeezed his shoulders.
"I offered to provide you an egg, if Syrax brings another clutch, when I proposed a betrothal between Jace and Helaena," Rhaenyra sighed, head tilting to the side, "That offer will stand, should the betrothal be rejected."
Eyes narrowed, Aemond raised his chin, "You... you offered me an egg?" Rhaenyra nodded.
"It was just yesterday," Rhaenyra told him, fingers tracing the side of his face, "I don't believe the king has made a decision yet, but I shall amend my offer when we return, should you... should you be unable to claim any of the other dragons here today."
Aemond sniffled. The tears were falling in earnest now, and certainly against his will. He gasped out, asking again, "You offered me an egg?" Rhaenyra nodded. He gulped down air. The shaking grew worse and he ducked his head, "Mother didn't tell me."
"As I said," Rhaenyra pursed her lips, "It was just yesterday." She tapped at his chin, pulling his head out to look at her. With a sad smile, she whispered, "And your mother and I... we... struggle, sometimes, to understand one another."
"You..." Aemond squeezed his eyes shut, taking a deep breath.
Rhaenyra wrapped her arms around him. Aemond whined, hands fisting at his side. She felt the tremors as he fought against the sobs.
"Are you going to kill Aegon?" Aemond whimpered. Rhaenyra reared back, gasping. He sobbed properly then, nearly collapsing. She held him up, grip firm as he cried, "He doesn't even care about the crown, or the throne."
Mouth gaping, Rhaenyra could only stare up at him as Aemond rambled on. Professing his brother a fool. With no ambition and even less sense. There was a good deal about him being useless and obnoxious too.
It was perhaps the oddest defense Rhaenyra had ever heard someone make for a sibling. She cupped his face as he finally took a breath.
"I am not going to kill Aegon," Rhaenyra said slowly, enunciating each word.
She maintained eye contact as Aemond continued to cry, those bright blue eyes shimmering as they bored into her soul. Searching. Still searching. As if he could not quite believe her.
With a deep breath, Rhaenyra rose up to kiss his forehead. "I swear it," she whispered, kneeling in front of him properly, "I swear on my life, I will not harm you, nor Aegon."
"You swear?" Aemond breathed out. She nodded. His eyes flicked towards Syrax, swallowing, "On Syrax? On your dragon?"
Rhaenyra chuckled. She glanced towards Syrax. Her dragon tilted her head, rearing back and letting out a stuttering roar.
"Yes," Rhaenyra promised, looking back at Aemond as she nodded again, "I swear on Syrax, I will not harm you or your brother."
All the tension dropped from his body and Rhaenyra was quick to catch him as Aemond crumpled forward. He sobbed into her shoulder, blubbering about executions and the succession and all sorts of nonsense Rhaenyra had heard only in whispers.
It all rang with truth, with the certainty of a child who'd heard more than whispers. They were the same rumors she'd heard when Aegon was born. The assumptions and concerns of lords who'd thought to put her baby brother in her seat before he could even talk. In her brother's words, Rhaenyra heard the sharp edge that others softened in her earshot. The bite that Rhaenyra had heard only from Alicent, that day before she sailed to Driftmark.
The queen's expression that morning came to her mind. Alicent's pale face and wide eyes as the king had agreed to let Rhaenyra take her son to Dragonstone. The very mirror of her brother's own fear.
"Your mother is afraid too, isn't she?" Rhaenyra asked, rubbing a hand over Aemond's back as he nodded. He clung to her, shaking as he clawed at the leather around her body.
The earth rumbled as Syrax approached, coiling around them. Aemond gasped out. His head rose up, eyes wide. Syrax nudged him softly. His laughter broke through his next sob as she cooed at him. Rhaenyra's hold loosened.
"She said you'll have to remove any challenge, to secure your claim, because the lords will want Aegon as king," Aemond told her, stepping back as he took several stuttering breaths. He pushed his hair from his face.
Rhaenyra wiped the tears from his cheeks. Rising up from the ground, she ran a hand through his hair, "Well, the lords would be quite stupid if they did that. They swore oaths of loyalty to me." She smirked, "And who would want a king who's dumb enough to think Sunfyre could ever dream of being as beautiful as Syrax?"
At that, her dragon gave a haughty screech. Her head thrown back as they stood at her side. Aemond chuckled, ducking his head.
"Are there..." Aemond's fingers twisted together in front of his stomach, "Are there more dragons for me to maybe claim?"
A screech drew their gazes before Rhaenyra could answer. Syrax tensed, claws digging in to the dirt as she prepared to pounce.
Silverwing stood at the entrance to her lair. Nostrils flaring, she squawk, head turning to the side. Her long neck twisted and Aemond took several steps towards the dragon as she pulled backwards.
Rhaenyra followed him. Syrax too, a rumble in her chest as Silverwing brought them deeper than they had before. Past Vermithor.
Aemond stopped short. His eyes widened and Rhaenyra gasped.
An egg sat before them. A bright and startling blue. Silverwing hummed, tail whipping about, coiling around the egg.
"Is... is she offering it to me?" Aemond asked, hands already reaching forward. Silverwing did not stop him as he approached.
"I've never heard of a dragon giving someone an egg," Rhaenyra admitted, throat bobbing. She smiled as Aemond retreated, the egg wrapped in his arms. "But... it matches your eyes." He flushed.
Rhaenyra wrapped an arm around his shoulder and led him from the lair, from the tunnels. Aemond pressed his cheek to the top of the egg.
An awed gasped echoed in the dragon yard as Aemond's head rose up. "It's moving!"
The day grew only longer, riding back to King's Landing with an excited ten year old and a squirming hatchling. She had never seen her brother's smile quite so broad though.
Syrax roared as they descended into the Dragon Pit. There was only more work to do, Rhaenyra knew, as Alicent stood waiting in the yard. Hands clasped together and a carriage waiting at her side. A familiar sight that had her chest twinging.
"Mother!" Aemond cried as he climbed from Syrax, cradling his baby dragon, "I have a dragon!" Alicent smiled at him, even as she tensed when he came closer.
"Don't worry, my queen," Rhaenyra called out to her, patting Syrax as she chuckled. Her beast gave a huff, head turning towards Alicent as Rhaenyra spoke, "I'm sure the hatchling will like you just as much as Syrax does."