The black dragon vanished into the clouds, its vast wings cutting through the mist like torn banners. When the last echo of its roar faded, Aegon turned in the saddle and gestured for Helaena to follow.
Dreamfyre's pale-blue wings unfurled with a sweep of wind, glinting like sapphires against the gray sky. Sunfyre led the way, his golden scales catching the sun as he soared eastward toward Dragonstone.
By the time the volcanic isle rose into view, the sea below shimmered crimson and gold in the dying light. Two dragons descended through coils of smoke and sulfur, their roars answered by the deep, rumbling growl of others within the mountain.
Dreamfyre glided smoothly into the Dragonpit carved beneath Dragonmont's slope, curling up amid the ancient stones. Sunfyre remained outside the great archway, his massive head resting upon folded claws.
Aegon slid from the saddle, his boots striking the blackened ground. "Helaena," he began, "why did you come here?"
Before he could say more, the little girl leapt from Dreamfyre's flank and ran straight into his arms. Her voice was soft as a whisper."I saw it… the black shadow above the clouds."
Aegon stilled, brow lifting slightly.
So she saw it... even from afar.
He hadn't expected Helaena's strange gift of foresight to reveal his peril, much less that she would mount Dreamfyre and come to his aid. Helaena had never loved flight, let alone battle. Yet she had faced the Cannibal for him.
Aegon's chest tightened. He cupped her small, pale face and kissed her brow. "Thank you, Helaena," he murmured.
Her lips curved in a quiet smile, eyes bright as crescent moons. Beside them, Aemond watched with pursed lips, envy darkening his expression. If he had a great dragon of his own, he thought fiercely, he would have ripped that black monster apart himself.
"Prince Aegon, Prince Aemond, Princess Helaena- welcome to Dragonstone."
A Dragonkeeper approached, bowing low. "Shall I have carriages prepared?"
"You may," Aegon said, glancing toward the steaming mouth of the Dragonmont. "Tell me, is Silverwing within the pit?"
"She is, my prince. The old lady rarely leaves her lair, save to hunt. Are you here for-"
"For Prince Aemond," Aegon finished.
The man hesitated. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but since the tragedy of Princess Aerea, no one may attempt to bond with a dragon without the King's word."
Aegon's tone remained calm. "I have spoken with my father," he lied smoothly. "We'll not be long. Have a few men accompany us."
"As you command, my prince." The keeper inclined his head. "I'll send five of our best. May the gods watch over you."
Leaving Helaena behind, Aegon and Aemond descended into the Dragonpit with their escort. The air grew heavy and hot, thick with the scent of smoke and scale.
Far within the cavern, a deep rumble stirred the earth itself.
"Silverwing," one of the Dragonkeepers called softly.
A gleaming shape emerged from the shadows, pale silver, vast and graceful despite her size. Her eyes glowed a calm, luminous gold. Of all dragons in Targaryen memory, Silverwing was the gentlest, a creature of peace rather than flame.
"She's a true lady," murmured a keeper in awe. "The very opposite of Vermithor."
Aegon stepped forward slowly, extending his right hand. His voice slipped into the liquid tones of High Valyrian. "Rytsas, Silverwing. Sȳz riña…"
The dragon's pupils narrowed. She could sense another dragon's scent upon him, Sunfyre's, yet she only lowered her head with docile grace.
Aegon laid his palm against her snout. Her skin was warm as sunlit stone. "Good girl," he whispered, smiling. Then he turned and gave Aemond a small nod.
Aemond swallowed hard. He stepped forward, mimicking his brother's gesture, hand trembling slightly as he reached out.
But before his fingers could touch her, Silverwing gave a low, warning growl. Her wings shifted, and she retreated into the darkness of her lair.
The sound alone was enough to make Aemond stumble back and fall.
"Careful, my prince!" one of the keepers cried, rushing to lift him.
Aegon frowned deeply. That shouldn't have happened.
If not for Sunfyre's scent clinging to him, Aegon was certain he could have claimed Silverwing himself. So why had she rejected Aemond?
The boy stood trembling, eyes downcast, tears glinting in the torchlight. "I'm sorry, Brother," he whispered. "I failed you."
Aegon sighed softly, his heart easing. "Nonsense."
He crouched to meet Aemond's gaze, resting a hand on his shoulder. "You are my brother, no less capable than I. You'll have a dragon yet. Even without one, you'll grow strong. Swordplay, riding, command, those are things no dragon can give you."
A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "Now wipe those tears. You're not little Helaena, are you?"
Aemond managed a shaky laugh.
Together, they left the cavern and returned to the light outside.
When Helaena saw them, Aemond's face was still downcast. "I'm sorry, sister," he murmured. "I failed."
Helaena tilted her head, studying him with that faraway look she often wore. Then she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.
"Don't be sad," she whispered. "It's already been decided. You need only… turn a blind eye. Brother will help you."
Aemond blinked, not understanding, but he nodded all the same.
Aegon, however, froze. Turn a blind eye.
He knew what it meant, and when it would happen.
Not this time, he vowed silently. I'll not let it come to that.
"Enough brooding," Aegon said lightly. "You two go to the Stone Drum Tower. You can play in my garden there... I've matters to attend to."
He turned to the Dragonkeeper. "See the Prince and Princess safely to the tower."
"Of course, my prince."
As Helaena and Aemond departed, Aegon felt the wind shift. A thought, a silent call, and Sunfyre stirred from where he rested. The golden dragon rose with a ripple of scales and lumbered forward.
Aegon swung into the saddle, the heat of the beast radiating through his boots.
With one mighty beat of wings, Sunfyre took to the air, soaring toward the small fishing village that nestled against Dragonstone's black shore.
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A/N - If you're enjoying the story and want more, there are already 16 advance chapters waiting for you on my Patreon, and the first two are frickin' free! ⚓
Things are just starting to get interesting, so if you're curious about what's coming next, hop over and take a peek
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