The next morning, the mist clung to the cliffs of Dragonstone like a shroud.
"Hiss!"
Sunfyre spread his golden wings and launched from the dry ground, stirring up a violent gust of dust and gravel. Dreamfyre followed behind with a thunderous roar, her pale blue scales shimmering in the dim light as she kicked up a storm of sand.
The two dragons climbed into the gray dawn, their wings cutting through the fog like knives. Behind them, a small ship bearing the three-headed dragon of House Targaryen cut across the narrow sea. Onboard stood Hugh Hammer and his pregnant wife, clutching the railing with nervous hands as Dragonstone faded into the mist.
For once, everything went smoothly. No storms, no rough seas... only the sound of waves and distant dragon cries echoing above.
By the time the sun burned away the morning clouds, the party reached King's Landing.
Dreamfyre circled once over the capital before descending into the Dragonpit, her vast wings casting shadows over Flea Bottom. Sunfyre, proud and unwilling to be caged, coiled atop the hill overlooking the Red Keep, his golden scales glinting in the sunlight like molten fire.
Aegon dismounted, brushing sand from his hair as he made his way through the Keep's crimson halls. He barely had time to take a breath before a familiar voice rang out.
"Aegon Targaryen!"
Queen Alicent stormed in, skirts swishing, face tight with fury and relief all at once.
"Mother," Aegon said, attempting a charming grin. "Good morning."
"Good morning?" she echoed, voice sharp. "You've really outdone yourself this time, haven't you? Taking your little brother dragon-taming? What were you thinking? Are you trying to turn him into roast pork before he's even grown his first whisker?"
Aegon winced as she grabbed his ear, tugging it just enough to make him yelp.
"Mother, relax. I wouldn't do anything I wasn't sure of," he said, trying to wriggle free. "Aemond and Helaena are perfectly fine!"
Alicent stared at him with the expression of a woman caught between anger and exhaustion. "Perfectly fine? Then explain the wound on Dreamfyre's belly."
Aegon froze.
Viserys had received a raven the previous night from Dragonstone, carrying not only the news of Aemond's first flight but also a troubling report: Dreamfyre had returned wounded. The marks on her scales were not from stone or spear, but from dragon claws!
"The wound?" Aegon blinked, feigning confusion. "Ah, that. She scraped herself on a rock while landing. You can ask Helaena."
He turned to his sister and gave her a desperate little wink.
Helaena, sweet and nervous, bit her lip. Her mother's eyes turned toward her, and under the weight of that gaze, the girl faltered but nodded. "Y-yes. It was a rock. Dreamfyre hit… a rock."
Alicent sighed, pressing a hand to her temple.
Before she could respond, a thunderous voice echoed down the corridor.
"Where is that boy?"
Viserys I Targaryen, King of the Seven Kingdoms, entered like a storm. His face was flushed red, and his hair, once silver-white, seemed almost aflame in the morning light.
Aegon's instincts screamed run, but he managed only to dart behind Helaena, clutching her shoulder like a shield.
"Father! It's so good to see you!" Aegon said cheerfully. "You're looking strong today."
Viserys glared. "Strong? You mean angry! What happened to Dreamfyre's belly?"
"I told you," Aegon muttered, "it was a stone."
"A stone?" Viserys barked. "You expect me to believe that Dreamfyre was scratched twice on her belly by stones shaped exactly like dragon claws?"
"Yes. You can ask Mother-or Helaena or-or Dreamfyre herself, if you'd like," Aegon said quickly, grinning wide.
Viserys's face darkened until it nearly matched his crimson robe.
"Guards," he said through gritted teeth. "Hang the boy up for me!"
"Father, wait!" Aegon ducked as two gold cloaks approached. "You're being emotional again! I told you, there's nothing to worry about!"
Viserys's shout could be heard echoing through the Keep all the way to the courtyard.
*
Three days later, the sun was blazing high over the city. In one of the upper chambers of the Red Keep, Prince Aegon lay face-down on his bed, groaning.
"Seven hells… I can't sit, I can't stand…"
Alicent sat beside him, shaking her head. "You brought it on yourself, Aegon. Why lie? Did you really think your father wouldn't notice claw marks the size of a horse?"
Aegon buried his face in his pillow. "I thought maybe if I denied it long enough, he'd get tired and stop asking."
His mother sighed. "Your father already knows those wounds came from the Cannibal. He's not as foolish as you believe."
"Then why hit me so hard if he already knew?" Aegon muttered.
"Because you lied," she said flatly.
Aegon pouted. "If I told the truth, he would've hit me anyway."
Alicent rolled her eyes. "Next time, try honesty. It might hurt less."
He groaned, turning onto his side. "Mother, do you want me dead? You nearly ripped my ear off earlier. Are you and Father in league with Aemond to make him the heir sooner?"
That earned him a sharp pinch on the arm.
"Your sister's wedding is soon. Rest and recover," Alicent said sternly.
"Yes, yes, fine," Aegon grumbled. "Oh, and when you leave, send Hugh to me."
She kissed his forehead and left.
Moments later, Hugh Hammer entered, looking both nervous and proud. He bowed deeply. "Your Highness."
Aegon propped himself up on his elbows. "You look better than the last time I saw you. How's the training?"
These past few days, Ser Arryk had been drilling Hugh mercilessly in swordsmanship, spearwork, and riding.
Hugh scratched the back of his head. "I think I'm learning… somewhat."
"Somewhat?" Aegon smirked. "You'll need to do better than 'somewhat' if you're to become a knight in my service."
Hugh straightened immediately. "I'll do my best, Your Highness. I swear it!"
Aegon studied him. The man was rough but earnest, his hands thick with calluses, his arms still marked from the forge. He lacked grace, but there was a raw strength in him, a fire Aegon found amusing, and useful.
"I like that answer," Aegon said. "Confidence suits you. But remember, it takes more than muscle to be a true knight. You'll need to learn letters, history, and etiquette as well."
"Yes, Prince. I won't embarrass you," Hugh said firmly.
Aegon smiled faintly. "Good. I'll hold you to that. One day, I might need a loyal sword at my side."
Hugh bowed low. "You already have one, Your Highness."
Aegon leaned back, satisfied. "hmmmm."
-------
A/N: Enjoying the story so far? Want more? There are already 17 advance chapters waiting on my Patreon, and the first two are completely free! ⚓
Things are just starting to get interesting, so if you're curious about what's coming next, hop over and take a peek
-- patreon.com/Captain_Lag
OH! And gimme those Power stones alright?