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The Crimson Dragon - Chapter 24: Family Reunion
🕑 Added 2025-02-09 14:00:07 +0000 UTCFour Days Later
If Alicent Hightower had to describe what it was like being married into the Targaryen family in one word, she would call it insanity.
Because insanity was the only thing that she could call standing in the courtyard of Dragonstone, waiting for her wayward daughters to return to her after they snuck off to another continent to save the lives of their aunt and unborn cousin because of them had a prophetic dream that said aunt and unborn cousin would die due to childbirth.
How did I even get here? Alicent thought disparagingly, thinking over the choices that were made for her and the ones she made herself to get to this point as her impatience grew.
From the moment she learned about Helaena and Lilyanna's disappearance, Alicent was nothing more than a ball of anxiety and worry. Unable to sleep or eat, just thinking about all the things that could happen to her girls.
And in the darkest corners of her mind, Alicent wanted to ring Viserys' neck not only for allowing their daughters to do this and without her knowledge, but for not even having the care or the courage to tell her himself, deliberately making Rhaenyra do so.
He had confirmed this when she had confronted him immediately after she learned the truth, telling her that he figured she would take the news better it came from Rhaenyra rather than him.
Why am I even surprised that Viserys once again does whatever he can to avoid confrontation? Even when it comes to the welfare of our children, he thinks it right to make decisions about them without my input.
"Is mother well? She looks like she is going to explode." Daeron whispered to his brother, but his eyes stayed on their mother's agitated form.
Aegon snorted at the question, "She is going to explode, she's just waiting for our sisters to arrive before she does so."
"Mother is not going to yell and berate Helaena and Lilyanna when they arrive." Aemond said afterwards, "She's going to wait until she has them alone before she does."
Aegon choked a bit on his laughter, both at Aemond of people making such a joke about Alicent and the thought of Alicent maintaining a fake and demur appearance long enough to drag Helaena and Lilyanna into the nearest abandoned room to yell at them privately.
The three boys immediately wiped the smiles off their faces and stood straighter when Alicent turned her head to look at them, having heard Aegon's laughter. She stared at them pointedly for a few moments before turning back around, causing her sons to relax.
Rhaenyra left Laenor's side when she saw Alicent beginning to peel the skin of her fingers as she became more restless, ignoring Criston's pointed stare as she moved past him and towards the Queen. "Alicent, perhaps you can wait inside with my father until they are spotted? I can speak to the servants about having tea made, to relax you."
The vitriolic look that Alicent gave Rhaenyra as she slowly turned her head to face her, almost made the princess regret speaking.
"I am perfectly fine where here, Rhaenyra." Alicent said curtly, "Nor do I feel the need to be with my husband at the moment."
"If you insist." Rhaenyra murmured, walking back to her sons and husband with a small pout on her lips.
A few more minutes passed before the sound of a guttural and animalistic roar could be heard in the distance, one that made almost everyone who heard it tense up. From the east, the shapes of four dragons could be seen flying above and just ahead of a small Pentoshi ship.
Only when the dragons and the ship drew closer to the island, did the King leave the inside of the castle, joining the rest of the family along with his councilors.
Viserys had a large grin on his face as he walked, "I am so glad that our family will now be complete for the first time in over a decade. Don't you agree, Corlys?"
"I feel the same, Your Grace." Corlys said simply.
While the Lord of Driftmark was happy to see his daughter, granddaughters and to meet his newest grandson, with confirmation that they were going to be staying in Westeros permanently, he was very much confused and concerned about how this came to be.
When he arrived on Dragonstone two days ago along with the rest of the small council, with the exception of Lyonel Strong, he had not expected Laenor to pull him aside and tell him about why his wife and Alicent's daughters were not on the island with the rest of the royal family.
Corlys found the tale so ludicrous that he had laughed, but his amusement quickly died when he saw the serious expression on his son's face.
Dreams, Targaryen dragon dreams. I think I have officially seen and heard it all. Corlys thought.
Those in the courtyard were still forced to wait a bit longer for those on dragonback to land and dismount and for the ship to reach land. But eventually the gates opened, allowing a carriage to ride through.
To Alicent's great disappointment, the first person to exit the carriage was not one of her daughters, but the Rogue Prince. Daemon held his hand out, helping Laena down the wheelhouse steps as she held Aethan in her other arm.
Rhaenys followed her daughter, and once again Alicent was disappointed when the wrong set of twins next came out into view, watching as Baela and Rhaena moved to their parents' sides.
Helaena and Lilyanna were the last to exit, walking behind the others, and neither could miss the look on their mother's face when they did.
She's going to kill us. Both girls thought to themselves, having long since accepted their fate.
"Daemon." Viserys breathed out, taking in his brother's face for the first time in over a decade.
"Viserys." Daemon said coolly.
"You have not aged a day, brother."
Daemon looked up and down his brother's body before smirking, "I wish I could say the same of you, brother. But it appears that the Gods have been especially cruel to you since I left."
A few gasps and whispers were heard through the yard at Daemon's comment, but Viserys only laughed in response, quickly hugging his brother, to which Daemon returned.
After he let go of Daemon, Viserys turned to Laena, smiling as he took her hand and kissed the back of it. "It is good to see you again, Laena, whole and healthy. You have only grown more beautiful since we were last graced with your presence."
Laena smiled, "You honor me with your kind words, Your Grace. And I thank you for allowing us to return to Westeros and to stay here on Dragonstone."
"There is nothing to thank, what kind of man would I be if I did not allow my own blood to occupy their ancestral home? I will always make my land free to you, my dear."
Funny how this is my land when it comes to doing all the important, time consuming, and boring duties that are required of its upkeep and continued prosperity. But it somehow becomes yours when you decide to take an unprompted vacation and welcome back your banished brother. Rhaenyra thought with a roll of her eyes.
When Viserys moved his attention away from Laena and onto her daughters, Laena suddenly found herself ingulfed in a warm and tight embrace. She laughed when she realized who was hugging her, "Did you miss me so much, brother?"
"Don't tease me. Excuse me for not liking my sister being a continent away from me for so long." Laenor against the top of Laena's head.
Eventually and reluctantly Laenor releases Laena from his, only for her to be swept away into another hug, this time she found herself in her father's arms.
"You are never leaving Westeros again." Was the first thing Corlys said to his daughter.
Once again, Laena laughed, but this time her eyes began to tear up as she leaned into Corlys' body.
Behind the Velaryons, Lilyanna turned to her sister, "You think we've prolonged this long enough?"
Helaena nodded her head, "We should go before mother runs over here herself."
Lilyanna smirked at the thought of Alicent Hightower putting aside her famous propriety and regal image just to scold them.
The twins moved from their hiding place, walking towards their impatient mother, and when they reached her, Alicent immediately pulled them into her arms, squeezing the two girls tightly.
"Don't ever do this again." Alicent told the pair, continuing to hold them.
"We're sorry, we didn't mean to worry you." Helaena said.
This only made Alicent's arms around her and Lilyanna tighten. "And yet you decided to abscond into the night on a whim despite this?"
I guess that answer the question about how she feels about Helaena's ability. Lilyanna thought, feeling as if the air being slowly pushed out of her lungs. "It wasn't a whim; Aunt Laena and Aethan would have died without us."
Alicent leaned back with a sigh, moving her arms from around their shoulders, leaving only her hands in contact with them. "Girls-"
"They would have." Helaena argued, "We're sorry for worrying you, but not for going."
Alicent let out a small huff as she looked away from Helaena and Lilyanna with a grimace.
Lilyanna looked at her cautiously, "Mother-"
"I suppose you two will have more time to explain your actions when your punishments begin."
"Punishments?" Lilyanna asked wearily.
Alicent looked at her younger daughter pointedly, "Did you think I would not punishment you two after flying off to another continent without my approval?"
"But we had father's-" Lilyanna immediately covered Helaena's mouth with her hand, knowing that she would only serve to anger their mother further.
One of Alicent's eyes twitched, knowing what Helaena was going to say before Lilyanna stopped her. The Queen forced herself to calm before speaking, "Perhaps some time away from your dragon would do you some good, Helaena."
Helaena looked at her mother pleadingly, but this did nothing to dissuade the woman, causing Helaena to frown in despair. "For how long?"
"For one week." Alicent declared, "And Lilyanna, you will be joining me in the sept."
Lilyanna did not bother the disgust felt from appearing on her face, "For one week?"
"Try the rest of the moon."
"What why?! Why am I getting a longer punishment?" Lilyanna exclaimed.
"Because I know that running off to Pentos was your idea." Alicent said.
Lilyanna gasped, "Now you're just making assumptions, mother. How can you be so sure that Helaena did not come up with the plan drag me along with her?"
Alicent did not speak, only staring at Lilyanna knowingly which caused Helaena to laugh, much to Lilyanna's annoyance.
This is bullshit. This is what I get for being a good person and saving lives? Lilyanna thought.
"Finally, they're getting suitable punishments for once." Aegon said as he, Aemond, and Daeron joined them.
"Piss off, you lanky asshole." Lilyanna said to Aegon, not even bothering to look in his direction.
"And you wonder why I want you to go to the sept more." Alicent sighed, leading all her children except Lilyanna, to laugh.
Daeron immediately stood next to Helaena, "So, dragon dreams?"
"Rhaenyra has told you all then?" Helaena asked.
Daeron nodded his head, "She did, although it does hurt that we had to learn about this from Rhaenyra and not you."
Helaena looked away, "Would any of you have believed me before now?"
Aemond was the one who answered her for them, "No, I would've thought you were making it all up. Even when Rhaenyra first told us, I found it hard to believe until I saw how serious she was about the whole thing."
Aegon then chimed in, a wide grin on his face, "Although, you can make it up to us by telling us about our futures."
Helaena shook her head, trying but failing to keep a small smile from appearing, "That's not how my dreams work, I have no control over what I see and when. It just happens."
"That's unfortunate, I had so many plans thought up." Aegon said.
Lilyanna rolled her eyes, "Then it's definitely a good thing Helaena's ability doesn't work like that. I shudder to think of what you two would do if that were the case."
Aegon knocked his shoulder against Lilyanna's in retaliation, but the girl was unfazed, not moving an inch, much to Aegon's annoyance.
The children missed the look of dread on Alicent's face as Helaena and Lilyanna began to recount their time in Pentos, along with her beginning to pick at the tips of her fingers.
~X~
Hours Later
Viserys could not keep the smile off his face since the moment he learned that Daemon was returning to Westeros with his wife and children.
Now as he sat at the head of the table, with his children, wife, cousins, grandchildren, nieces, and brother occupying the rest of the seats, Viserys' happiness grew.
Now I just need to think of a way to keep Daemon here, to not have him run off again. Viserys thought to himself.
Despite Daemon saying in his letter to Rhaenyra that he would be staying Westeros permanently, Viserys still had his doubts, knowing just how fickle his brother could be.
Perhaps I could give him a position in King's Landing? Not on the council, that was flaming disaster the last time, but if it's not prestigious enough, then it won't be enough to tempt Daemon. And as Viserys was inwardly scheming, everyone one else was having their own conversations.
"But Aethan is well, all things considered?" Laenor asked his sister as he and the other adults of the table discussed Aethan's physical condition.
"Yes, he is." Laena stated, "He has shown to act like a normal newborn, and has not had any bout of illness."
"And a child born with scales has not happened before?" Corlys asked.
Laena pursed her lips, "Not a living one, at least that is what Lilyanna has told us."
"I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we will do everything in our power to make sure that doesn't come to pass, Laena." Rhaenyra said, reaching across the table and holding Laena's hand. "And as long as you and your children are here, you will not have to worry about their health and safety."
Laena smiled, her eyes watering slightly as she gripped Rhaenyra's hand, "Thank you, cousin."
Before anything else could be said amongst the adults, Lucerys excitably entered the conversation, bringing the rest of the children with him. "Aunt Laena, can we meet Vhagar tomorrow? Father said we have to ask."
Laenor stared at his son blankly, "Of course, you must ask, you cannot just walk up to another person's dragon."
Laena chuckled as she turned to the young boy, "I would be more than happy to introduce you to Vhagar, Luke."
"Thank you, Aunt Laena." Lucerys grinned before turning to Lilyanna who was sitting next to him, a stealing a piece of bread from her plate and eating it. "Now we can go see if your powers work on Vhagar too, Lily."
"First of all, how many times do I have to tell you to stop eating my food?" Lilyanna asked, "And secondly, I've told you over a dozen time, I don't have powers."
"But your food taste better than mine." Lucerys said, once again sticking his greedy little hands onto her plate and shocking her food into his mouth.
Lilyanna looked at her nephew with disgust, "It's like you were raised in a barn."
Rhaenyra sighed, "Luke."
"But Lily's food does taste better!" Lucerys whined.
"That doesn't mean you just reach over, grab it with your hands and eat it." Rhaenyra scolded.
Helaena spoke when she saw Lucerys pout, "Lilyanna has already met Vhagar, Luke. And she is very taken with Lilyanna."
"I thought we agreed not to talk about it?" Lilyanna asked, a small blush appearing on her cheeks.
"Talk about what?" Daeron asked.
Helaena went on to explain how Vhagar had practically crushed Lilyanna under her head when the princess had gone up to her. The dragon had refused to release Lilyanna until Laena eventually went out and ordered Vhagar to move. This caused almost everyone to laugh, making Lilyanna blush even more as she glared at her twin.
"So, you're avoiding Vhagar now, Lily?" Aegon smirked, "Why? It seems Vhagar just wants to be friends?"
"I don't particularly like her brand of friendship. I find it painful." Lilyanna said, staring at her brother blankly and causing him to laugh again.
"Was Caraxes the same?" Laenor asked Daemon.
Daemon pursed his lips at Laenor's knowing tone. He looked at Lilyanna as he responded, "Somewhat. It was a strange thing to witness."
Laenor laughed, "I can imagine. My mother had a similar reaction to seeing the Dragon Whisperer in action."
"Rhaenyra," Lilyanna called out to her sister, "I'm serious, get an annulment from this jester already."
Laenor let out an offended squawk, both at Lilyanna's words and because of his wife and sister laughing at said words.
As she looked away from her good brother, Lilyanna noticed that her uncle was still staring at her. Daemon's face was expressionless, not allowing Lilyanna to know what he was thinking, but knowing it could not be good.
Alicent too, noticed Daemon staring at her daughter and glared at the man from her place next to Viserys. Daemon felt the burning gaze of the Queen on his face, giving Alicent a smirk when he looked at her, furthering angering the woman.
Did something happen in Pentos between Lilyanna and Daemon? I need to speak with her after this. Alicent thought.
As she was speaking to her brother, Laena noticed Aemond staring at her. The boy looked nervous as if he was trying to find the courage to ask her something, so she smiled at him. "Was there something you needed, nephew?"
Aemond's eyes widened, having not expected Laena to speak to him. He cleared his throat as he regained his composure, "How, how did you claim Vhagar, Aunt Laena?"
At the question, Aegon scoffed and was about to speak when he glanced to the side and saw the way Rhaenyra was glaring at him. Aegon remembered what his sister told him about mocking Aemond again, and he closed his mouth, looking away from his sister's heated gaze as he pushed the food around on his plate.
Laenor laughed when he heard Aemond's question, looking at his older sister cheekily. "She stole away to the island Vhagar was nesting on."
Laena rolled her eyes, "That's not what happened."
"Oh really, because I distinctly remembered waking up one morning to the castle in disarray because you weren't anywhere to be found." Laenor argued with a grin.
Baela looked at her mother with shock and approval, "You snuck out of High Tide to claim Vhagar? Wait, Uncle Laenor said that you stole away to the island Vhagar was on, was she not on Driftmark?"
"How could you get to another island by yourself without anyone noticing?" Rhaena asked, equally as shocked.
"She did the foolishly thing of stealing a rowboat and paddling to the island." Rhaenys answered, staring at her daughter pointedly, making it clear to Laena that her mother was still angered about the whole affair.
Laena huffed, "Foolish or not, I did what I had to, so I could claim my dragon, since you refused to take me, mother."
"Because you were a child and Vhagar is no normal dragon, I was not saying that you lacked the ability, but that you should wait a few more years. You could have died during your little excursion, whether the rough waters pulled you under or Vhagar deciding that she did not want you as a rider." Rhaenys argued, "Honestly, Laena, how would you feel if Rhaena did the same?"
Laena scowled, while she would be proud if her daughter went to claim a dragon of her own, she could not deny that she would be worried if Rhaena went without telling her or anyone else, putting herself before a dragon alone.
But Laena did not say this, "Then it would be a trait of the blood. How is what I did any different than what you did when you claimed Meleys?"
Before Rhaenys could respond, Corlys cut into the conversation. "That is enough, you two have already had this argument many times over the years. I don't think you are any closer to changing the other's mind on this."
The two women glanced away from each other as the rest of the hall fell into a tense silence.
But Aemond had a thoughtful expression on his face as he began to think about what Laena and Rhaenys said. And he resolved himself once he came to a major decision.
~X~
A Few Hours Later
"Lilyanna, you must wake." Lilyanna heard a soft voice say as she slowly came back to consciousness.
"Go away." Lilyanna whined as she turned away from the ghosts of her ancestors and faced the wall, trying to fall back asleep.
Another voice let out a scoff, "Is your sleep more important than your brother's safety?"
What? Lilyanna thought as she reluctantly sat up, "What are you talking about, Visenya?"
Aegon was the one who answered her, "Your brother, Aemond, he is trying to sneak out of the castle. I think we can all guess where he is trying to go."
God damn it, Aemond. Lilyanna climbed out of bed, "Do you know where he is?"
"He just left his room, since he is nearby to you, we were able to see him."
Lilyanna walked towards her door and when she opened it, she saw Aemond a few feet away from her, trying to be as quiet as possible. "Where are you going, Aemond?"
Aemond jumped at the sound of Lilyanna's voice, quickly turning around to see her leaning against her doorway.
Aemond tried to speak, "I-"
"You're going to claim a dragon, aren't you?"
Aemond did not try to deny it, "How did you know?"
Lilyanna huffed, "Why else would you ask Laena how she claimed Vhagar? Before the conversation derailed, you wanted advice on how to approach a bigger dragon, didn't you?"
"I did." Aemond said before stealing his gaze, "Are you going to try and stop me? I don't care if it's dangerous, I need to do this. I need a dragon, Lilyanna."
Lilyanna stared at her brother blankly for a few moments before letting out a tired sigh. "Wait right here, don't move."
Aemond watched as his sister walked back inside her bedroom. After a few moments, Aemond considered ignoring Lilyanna's order and going to the Dragonmount regardless.
Before Aemond could decide what to do, Lilyanna walked back out of the room, this time fully dressed and carrying her dagger on her hip. "Let's go."
Aemond blinked, "Go?"
"To the Dragonmount so you can claim your dragon already."
"You… you're not going to tell our parents or tell me to go back to bed?"
"Aemond, you're the most stubborn person I know. And it's clear that you've made your mind up, even if I did do those things, you would keep trying until we either leave Dragonstone or you're able to sneak away. At least if I go with you now, I can make sure you don't die in the process, and besides, I made you a promise that I would help you get your dragon."
She remembered? Aemond thought, thinking back to a few years ago when Lilyanna made her promise to him in the yard of the Red Keep. He had assumed that Lilyanna told him that as a way to placate him, not truly meaning what she said.
"Thank you, Lily." Aemond whispered, looking away from his sister's as he blushed.
How cute. Lilyanna ruffled her brother's hair before taking the lead as they slowly made their way outside. Despite being in the open, neither found it extremely hard to avoid the patrolling guards and knights.
Once the pair were outside, they ran towards the closest opening to the underground tunnels of the dormant volcano.
As they stared into the blackness of the tunnel, Lilyanna turned to Aemond. "You still want that dragon?"
The look on Aemond's face was more than enough of an answer for Lilyanna, and she reached up, grabbing one of the little torches lining the entrance, using it to light their way.
Aemond moved closer to Lilyanna as the two descended, looking out for any sight of movement from the shadows.
Lilyanna almost flinched when saw something move from the corner of her eye, only to look in that direction with an annoyed expression when she realized that it was only the Conquerors reappearing next to her.
Fucking dead bastards. Lilyanna thought.
After a few minutes of walking, Lilyanna suddenly stopped, causing Aemond to almost run into her back.
"Why did you stop?" Aemond asked
Lilyanna pointed a few to a small opening nearby. "We found our first dragon."
Just as she said this, a hatchling with blue scales and white wings, crawled out of the hole. It let out a tiny screech as it saw them, showing the siblings with sharp teeth.
Aemond looked at the dragon with blank expression, "It's a hatchling."
Lilyanna snorted, "A hatchling is still a dragon, Aems."
Aemond's expression hardened as he looked at his sister, "I don't want a baby dragon, Lilyanna. How long would I have to wait for it to grow to a rideable size? No, I need a truly impressive mount, or I will still have to endure the mockery of the court."
And our family. Aemond thought privately.
"Aemond, there are only five unclaimed dragons on the island that are big enough to ride." Lilyanna stated.
"I know, and the one I am looking for is among them."
"Vermithor?" Lilyanna asked knowingly.
"Vermithor." Aemond parroted, "He will be my dragon."
Lilyanna sighed, "You can't know that until-"
"I find him and attempt to claim him." Aemond finished.
Lilyanna bent down and scratched the head of the hatchling before them, causing the small animal to coo. "If that's what you want, just don't assume that Vermithor is yours, the dragon picks you just as much as you pick them."
"I know." Aemond said as the two left the hatchling behind and continued to walk down the tunnel.
They eventually reached a crossroad, seeing two tunnels before them.
"Should we try both?" Aemond asked as he looked at the two paths.
"Let's go into this one." Lilyanna said, pointing to the tunnel on the right.
"Are you sure?"
Lilyanna shrugged, "When in Rome, you know?"
"No, I don't." Aemond said, looking at her confused, "What is Rome?"
"Don't worry about it, let's just try this tunnel first." Lilyanna waved off, "If it's wrong then we can circle back around."
Aemond said nothing else as he followed Lilyanna into the new tunnel. A few more minutes passed, and they soon reached a cave, causing Aemond to get his hopes up, fighting the urge to run past his sister. Slowly they approached the cave, but Aemond was disappointed as the wrong dragon was inside of it.
The cave was occupied by Syrax, the yellow dragon resting against the wall across from the cave entrance.
The moment they arrived at the entrance, Syrax lifted her head and let out a happy roar when she saw Lilyanna, causing said girl to laugh.
"Evening, Syrax. Have you've been good since I last saw you?" Lilyanna asked the creature.
"Let's go, Lily, we still need to find Vermithor." Aemond said, pulling on Lilyanna sleeve.
But before they could get too far, Syrax rose to her feet, quickly making her way over to them.
"Calm, Syrax, calm. We're not going anywhere." Lilyanna said as she put her hands up in front of her, moving to stand in front of Aemond at the dragon's quick movement.
Lilyanna handed the torch to Aemond and walked into the cave, meeting Syrax, and he she-dragon bent her head down, pressing her snout against Lilyanna's hand.
"What is wrong, Syrax?" Lilyanna asked as she petting the dragon.
Syrax stared at Lilyanna for a few moments before lifting her head and walking away. Lilyanna followed her sister's dragon, ignoring Aemond's calls behind her. Lilyanna followed the dragon back to her nest and when she reached it, Lilyanna saw that there was an egg sitting in the center.
Lilyanna looked back at Syrax, "Is this why you stopped us? You want me to, have it?"
Syrax shook its head before using its snout to push Lilyanna back, letting out a harsh growl.
"So, it's not for me, but you want me to take it?" Lilyanna asked at Syrax's actions.
Syrax began to purr, rubbing her snout against Lilyanna's back, which answered Lilyanna's question.
"Who would I give the-" Lilyanna's eyes widened, "Oh, really? And it will hatch? Truly?"
Syrax's purring grew louder, pushing the young girl into the nest.
Lilyanna chuckled, "Well, if you're so sure, old girl."
Lilyanna walked towards the center and picked up the dragon egg, the egg was a soft pink color and was warm when Lilyanna touched it.
Lilyanna looked back at Syrax with a grin, "I hope this does not get me in trouble with your rider, Syrax. If it does, then I will tell Rhaenyra that it was your idea, so you can face the consequences."
Syrax blew some air into Lilyanna's face, making her displeasure known, but this only made Lilyanna giggle. "Thank you, Syrax. I know she will enjoy this gift you have given." Lilyanna said before walking back out of the cave.
Aemond stared at her in shock, "Syrax gave you an egg?"
"Yes and no." Lilyanna said as she took the torch back.
Aemond's nose scrunched, "What does that mean?"
"She gave me the egg, but it is not for me."
Aemond still did not understand what his sister was saying but decided to leave any further questions for after they found Vermithor's cave.
Rhaenys smiled when Lilyanna and Aemond began walking again. "The dragon whisperer has struck again, hmm?"
Lilyanna glared at the woman, and Rhaenys only smiled more, knowing that whatever Lilyanna wanted to say, she could not due to Aemond's presence.
As they continued, the siblings found more tunnels and caves, but each one was either empty, housing dragons other than Vermithor, or were dead ends.
Just when Aemond was about to tell his sister that they should turn around and take a different path, they turned a corner and found the biggest cave entrance yet.
Aemond grinned as they walked closer, "This has to be it."
"Most likely." Lilyanna agreed, "Vermithor is supposed to be a couple leagues smaller than Vhagar. So, it makes sense he would need an exceptionally large and wide cave to nest in."
Aemond's smile grew at his sister's confirmation, feeling genuinely excited for the first time that night. And as they reached the entrance, they were proven right when they saw the world's second largest dragon inside.
Vermithor was a giant bronze dragon with great tan wings and a head and crest that were covered in sharp and long horns and barbs. The dragon's maw was unable to cover and hide its countless number of sharp, jagged teeth, and just along its snout, was a long and deeply embedded scar.
But the Bronze Fury was not alone as curled around him was his mate; Silverwing.
Just as every bit of Vermithor was bronze, every part of Silverwing was a bright and shiny silver that seemed to glow even with the torch in Lilyanna's hand being the only type of light in the cave. The she-dragon was smaller than Vermithor, but was no less intimidating with its sharper scales and large eyes.
Vermithor let out a warning growl as he saw the two humans, his eyes refusing to leave them as he leaned over Silverwing protectively.
Honesty if I hadn't seen Vhagar before this, I would be shitting myself right now. Lilyanna thought as she leaned closer to Aemond, whispering into his ear. "Do you remember what to do?"
Aemond nodded his head, his gaze never leaving Vermithor. "Approach slowly, make sure my voice is clear and loud, maintain eye contact, and I must show the dragon not a hint of fear."
"Good." Lilyanna said before looking at him seriously, "And you must remember what I said before; a dragon chooses you just as much as you choose them."
Aemond nodded his head and before Lilyanna could say anything else entered the cave, giving all his attention to Vermithor.
"Your brother will be fine, Lilyanna." Aegon told her as they watched Aemond slowly making his way towards the pair of dragons.
"I know, I know, I just worry." Lilyanna whispered, "Vermithor is said to be tolerant of people, but he is still a dragon."
Aegon hummed, "Claiming a dragon does not come without risks, your brother seems to know that. At most, if Vermithor does not accept him, he will be a bit disappointed."
"So, these are Jaeherys and Alysanne's dragons?" Rhaenys said looking the dragons in awe.
"They have certainly grown." Visenya commented, remembering the pair from their and their riders' time on Dragonstone.
Lilyanna, Aegon, and Rhaenys looked at the woman strangely when they heard the almost fond tone in her voice, each knowing that the last time Visenya would have seen Vermithor and Silverwing was when she was holding Jaehaerys, Alysanne, and their mother, Alyssa Velaryon, as hostages on Dragonstone during Maegor's reign.
And while they each found it strange, none of them decided to comment on it, not sure if they wanted to know what Visenya's response would be.
Just as Aemond was a few feet away, Vermithor's growling turned into a fearsome roar as he pushed himself to his feet, snarling at Aemond.
Aemond stopped his approach and lifted his hand to the creature, refusing to go back or look away. "Dohaerās"
Vermithor snarled again as it left Silverwing's side and moved closer to the young prince.
Aemond remained strong, "Dohaerās, Vermithor! Lykiri!"
Vermithor quieted for a moment, staring at Aemond as he moved closer to him, Aemond stayed still as Vermithor inhaled, smelling Aemond.
"Dohaerās, Vermithor."
Vermithor silence ended as he let out a quieter growl, lifting its head up and turning away, a clear rejection of Aemond as its rider.
"Oh, Aemond." Lilyanna said as she saw Aemond's shoulders drop.
Aemond clenched his fists, willing the tears that wanted to emerge from his eyes as he glared at Vermithor's retreating figure. "NO! Dohaerās, Vermithor! Dohaerās! Why?! Why will you not choose me?!"
Vermithor did not respond to Aemond's shouts as he retook his position behind his mate, staring at the boy lazily.
Aemond's body began to shake, he did not know how long he had been standing there before he felt one his sister's arms wrap around him from behind.
"It's alright, Aemond." Lilyanna said softly.
Aemond let his head drop, "It doesn't feel alright, nothing feels right."
"I know, but even if Vermithor rejected you, there are still other dragons on the island. You still have more chances."
Aemond furiously rubbed his eyes, feeling embarrassed both at Vermithor's rejection and because said rejection was making him cry in front of Lilyanna.
A small growl began to reverberate through the cave and when Lilyanna looked up, she met the gaze of Silverwing. "Uh, Aemond?"
"What?" Aemond muttered, his head still facing the ground.
Lilyanna continued to stare at the she-dragon, "I think that chance has come sooner than we thought."
"What are you-" Aemond paused, lifting his head, and realizing what his sister was talking about.
Slowly, Lilyanna let go of her brother and took a few steps back, but Silverwing did not react as she shifted her gaze to Aemond.
Aemond took a step forward as Silverwing uncurled itself from around Vermithor, stalking forward with a good amount of grace for a creature so large.
Aemond stood straighter as the dragon now stood over him, lifting his hand up again, "Dohaerās, Silverwing."
Silverwing let out a grumble as she pressed her head against Aemond's hand, rubbing against it gently. Aemond let out a gasp as a hot feeling unlike anything he has ever experienced overtook his body, and as it faded away, nothing but happiness twinged with sorrow.
Sorrow? But I am not sad, am I... I am feeling Silverwing's emotions. She is happy I have found her, but she misses someone, is it the Good Queen? Aemond thought as he started to cry again, but for a different reason this time.
For so long, Aemond had lived his life jealous of his family members for the bonds they shared with their dragons, craving nothing more than to have the same, and now he has finally gotten it. He finally has a dragon of his own, and now he understands how truly special this is.
There was now a strong emotional connection between himself and Silverwing, he could understand her, and she could do the same, they knew the other's deepest desires and thoughts.
And Aemond never realized it before, but before this moment he was an empty shell of person, and it was only now that he was truly complete, he had now found the other half of his soul.
Aemond moved his hand, replacing it with his forehead. "I am sorry I took so long, Silverwing."
Silverwing closed its eyes and purred louder, rubbing its head against Aemond's and moving even closer to him. After a few moments, Silverwing lifted its head and moved to the side, showing the side of its neck to Aemond.
Aemond's eyes widened, "You want me to ride you?"
Lilyanna's eyes widened when Aemond said this, "Aemond, you can't be serious? Silverwing doesn't have a saddle, how do you think you're going to be able to do that?"
When Silverwing purred, Aemond looked back at Lilyanna with a grin, "She won't let me fall, Lily. And it will be just a lap around the island."
"Aemond-" Lilyanna tried to speak but Aemond ignored her and began to climb onto Silverwing, "Seriously, Aemond?!"
Vermithor let out a large breath followed by a few purrs from behind Silverwing as he watched Aemond climb, giving Lilyanna the distinct feeling that the dragon was laughing at her exasperation as he turned to stare at her.
When Aemond reached the top of Silverwing's neck he leaned over the side to look back at Lilyanna. "Join me, sister."
Lilyanna scoffed, "Are you mad? I don't even want you on her back, what makes you think that I would want to get on with you?"
Aemond's smile grew more devious, "That's fine, I suppose. I can only imagine how you would explain to our mother that you stayed here on the ground while I possibly fell into the sea and drowned because you were not there to keep me from falling off Silverwing's back due to your fear. Especially as you were the one who decided to take me here to the Dragonmount instead of telling me to go back to bed or even telling her that I tried to sneak out."
Again, Lilyanna got the feeling that Vermithor was laughing at her as she heard his grumbling and purring, only this time Silverwing's could also be heard.
"I think I hate you, Aemond." Lilyanna said, looking up at her brother tensely.
But Aemond only grinned as he watched his sister reluctantly make her way towards Silverwing, the she-dragon cooed and purred when Lilyanna reached her, rubbing its head ecstatically against Lilyanna's chest.
Aemond could feel the joy that Silverwing had when Lilyanna scratched her snout, and it made him wonder if this was what the other dragonriders in his family felt whenever Lilyanna interacted with their dragons.
Lilyanna eventually moved towards Silverwing's neck and began to climb, the affair taking longer for her as could only use one hand due to holding the egg Syrax gave her in the other.
When Lilyanna reached the top, she had sure to sit directly behind her brother and pressed her legs tightly against Silverwing. "I'm here now. Happy?"
"Extremely." Aemond grinned before facing forward, "Dohaerās, Silverwing, Sōvēs!"
Silverwing growled as she moved forward, causing Aemond and Lilyanna to lurch forward, and hold on tighter to the dragon's horns as it left the cave and Vermithor behind, crawling through the darkness of the tunnels.
"This is a bad idea. Why the fuck did I let you talk me into this?" Lilyanna hissed.
Aemond ignored his sister, focusing on Silverwing as the dragon moved closer to the tunnel's exit. He felt his heartbeat faster than before as they exited the cave, feeling the night air hit his skin.
"Sōvēs, Silverwing!" Aemond exclaimed, watching with amazement as Silverwing spread out her wings.
Lilyanna felt her stomach drop when Silverwing ran forward and pushed itself off its feet, the dragon's wings beginning to flap as they rose into the sky. Silverwing flew straight upwards, causing Aemond and Lilyanna to grip onto her body for dear life to keep from falling off as the harsh winds began to batter their bodies.
Aemond started to laugh when Silverwing evened out after a certain point, cheering as they flew towards and began to circle the castle.
When Lilyanna saw Aemond turn to look at her with a smirk, she looked back at him wearily, "What are planning?"
Aemond's smirk grew, "Dracarys, Silverwing!"
At Aemond's command, Silverwing let out a torrent of bright blue flames from her mouth along with a powerful roar, the color bathing the castle beneath them in a blue light, much to Lilyanna's horror.
Well, we're definitely not going to be able to sneak back inside unnoticed. Lilyanna thought, already imagining what their mother's reaction would be once they returned. She's never going to let me out of her sight ever again.
Aemond never felt more powerful than atop Silverwing's back, enjoying every moment of his first flight as a dragonrider.
"Hey, Lily." Aemond shouted over the wind, "Do you think I can make Silverwing do a spin?"
"Don't even think about it, you little twat!" Lilyanna shouted back, not wanting to take the heightened risk of them falling if Aemond attempted to make Silverwing perform such a maneuver.
Lilyanna's words made Aemond laugh, but he listened to her and did not make Silverwing spin in the air.
The pair spent a few more minutes flying before Aemond ordered Silverwing to return to the Dragonmount entrance and land.
The pair climbed down Silverwing's neck and Lilyanna stepped back, giving Aemond a moment to say goodbye to his dragon. Silverwing bumped Lilyanna with its snout, purring at her before stalking back into the Dragonmount.
"Today is the best day of my life." Aemond said aloud, watching Silverwing disappear from sight.
"I'm glad you finally got what you wanted." Lilyanna told him.
Aemond shocked Lilyanna when he quickly ran to and hugged her, wrapping his arms around her tightly as he pressed his forehead against her shoulder.
"Thank you, Lily." Aemond murmured.
Lilyanna chuckled as she returned the embrace, "You've been thanking me a lot tonight."
Aemond let go of Lilyanna and looked at the ground blushing. "I just wanted to; I am really-"
Lilyanna placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling at him reassuringly. "It's fine, Aemond, I was just joking. I'm happy for you."
Aemond grinned brightly, before a thought came to his mind and his smile fell. "We have to go back into the tunnels."
Lilyanna raised an eyebrow, "Why?"
"Because you haven't bonded with a dragon. We must go back." Aemond said strongly.
Lilyanna sighed, "Aemond-"
"No, Lilyanna, I said we were going to get dragons together and that's what we're going to do."
"Aemond." Lilyanna repeated, "While I appreciate the sentiment, it's fine. Besides it's far too late now and we have to go back before guards are sent to retrieve us. I doubt anyone is still sleeping after your little light show with Silverwing earlier."
Aemond narrowed his eyes at Lilyanna, reluctantly relenting. "Fine, we'll just have to come back another time."
Lilyanna groaned, "I don't need a dragon."
Aemond ignored his sister as he walked past her, "We will come back."
Was I truly such a terrible person in my first life to be cursed with so many annoyingly stubborn siblings? Lilyanna thought tiredly as she followed Aemond back to Dragonstone.
And Lilyanna was proven right when they two finally reached the castle walls after some time, only to be immediately surrounded by guards who were looking for them. The men led Lilyanna and Aemond to the castle's throne room, and when they arrived, their family was waiting for them inside.
Alicent quickly moved from her husband's side, stalking towards her children with purpose. "What were you two thinking?!"
Before either of them could respond, Viserys spoke. "Leave them be, Alicent. This is a joyous occasion, another of our children has become a dragonrider."
Alicent glared at Viserys, "They could have died! They told no one where they were going and went into the Dragonmount alone."
Viserys ignored this as he looked at Aemond and Lilyanna, "Well? Which one of you has claimed Silverwing?"
Aemond stepped forward, "It was me, father."
To Aemond's surprise, Viserys smiled and clasped his hand on top of his son's shoulder.
"You should be proud, my son. You have become a dragonrider, and to Silverwing no less, the second rider of the Good Queen, Alysanne's mount. And you have ridden her already, a great showing of your natural talent, no? How was the flight?"
"I- thank you, father. And the flight was genuinely like no other." Aemond said happily, surprised but ecstatic to have his father's praise aimed at him.
Well, at least he actually proud and not being a cunt. Lilyanna thought.
"Wait, is this why you asked Aunt Laena about claiming Vhagar?" Daeron asked from behind their parents.
But this seemed to make Alicent even angrier at the idea that Aemond had been planning this all along.
"Aemond." Rhaenyra called out, "How did you ride Silverwing? Her and Vermithor had their saddles removed by the dragonkeepers long ago."
Aemond remained silent, looking at his eldest sister with a blank expression.
Rhaenyra's face fell, "Aemond tell me you didn't."
"I can't." Aemond said, now looking somewhat guilty.
"Can't what?" Baela asked.
"They rode Silverwing without a saddle." Helaena answered the younger girl.
"No way!" Aegon exclaimed as he looked between his three younger siblings.
Really, Hels? Lilyanna thought as Alicent's face turned red with anger.
"They?" Alicent asked as she turned back to Lilyanna, "You rode a dragon without a bloody saddle? Both of you? Lilyanna you allowed your brother to do this and decided to join him?"
"I did." Lilyanna said plainly, not seeing the point of lying.
Laena leaned closer to her brother and whispered to him. "You think mother will be less mad if I say that my experience with Vhagar was less dangerous than what Aemond and Lilyanna did with Silverwing?"
Laenor snorted, "I think you should just accept the fact that mother will go to her grave still angry about your claiming of Vhagar."
"And you saw nothing wrong with that?!" Alicent scowled, "What would you have done if either of you lost your hold and fell into the sea? Or even onto the ground while that beast was in the sky?"
"Alicent, calm down. You are overreacting, I doubt they were in any real danger with Silverwing, she loves people." Viserys told her.
Viserys, why would you say that?! Motherfucker, you've had two wives, you should know by now what not to say in these situations! Lilyanna thought as she looked at the King in despair.
And Lilyanna was surprised that her mother had yet to explode as her face became even more red and that vein in her forehead started to bulge as she glared at Viserys.
Viserys seemed surprised to see such an expression on his wife's face, even more so because it was directed at him, only adding to Lilyanna's opinion that her father was an idiot.
Rhaenyra, thinking the same as Lilyanna cleared her throat, as she tried to move the conversation away from the topic she brought to light. "Lilyanna, why do you have a dragon egg?"
Lilyanna glanced at the egg before looking at her sister. "Syrax gave it to me."
Lilyanna heard the sound of Daemon snorting when she said this, but she ignored this as she looked sat Rhaenyra.
Rhaenyra furrowed her brow, "You took an egg from Syrax?"
"No, she gave it to me." Lilyanna said before she explained her encounter with Syrax.
"Lilyanna," Aegon said, "Why are you so fucking weird?"
Rhaenyra inwardly agreed with Aegon as she continue to stare at Lilyanna.
"But don't dragons usually give away their eggs?" Jacaerys asked, "It's why we have cradle eggs."
"Yes, but dragons don't allow anyone but their riders to take them." Rhaenys explained, "If anyone else tried, they would be roasted alive by the dragon who laid them. It's why the dragonkeepers usually wait until a dragon buries their eggs and leaves their nests before attempting to retrieve them."
Laenor grinned as he looked at Lilyanna, "Hardly a day's work for the-"
"No! No, don't even say it!" Lilyanna exclaimed, "I will do something regrettable to you, Laenor, I swear to the Gods!"
In all honesty, this just made Laenor want to say it even more just to see what this regrettable action would be but held his tongue.
"So, Lily has a dragon egg again?" Lucerys asked.
Lilyanna shook her head, "This isn't for me."
Before another question could be asked, Lilyanna crossed the room and held the egg out to Rhaena. "Here."
Rhaena's eyes grew wide as she looked at Lilyanna and then the dragon egg. "F-for me?"
Lilyanna nodded her head, "To replace your egg that has recently fossilized. I believe Syrax wanted you to have this egg."
"How do you know?" Rhaena asked.
"Shut up, Laenor." Lilyanna said before the man could say something about her being the dragon whisperer. "I don't know, it's just a feeling I have. So, take it, if Rhaenyra is fine with it."
"Syrax gave you the egg, Lilyanna. If she did so than I see no reason to take it, even if I would have liked to be asked first." Rhaenyra said as she gave Lilyanna a deadpanned expression.
Lilyanna could only shrug, it was not as if she had the time to leave the Dragonmount, wake up her sister, and ask her if she could give Rhaena Syrax's dragon egg, before going back to the Dragonmount to help Aemond find Silverwing.
Rhaenyra's gaze softened as she looked at Rhaena, "I am more than fine with you having the egg, Rhaena."
Rhaena grinned, "Thank you!"
Lilyanna handed the egg to the younger girl, ignoring the gaze Rhaena's father had on the back of her head.
Hopefully, it hatches. I don't think I would be able to handle seeing the look on Rhaena's face if it doesn't.
~X~
"Do you think it will hatch?" Rhaena asked her sister as they returned to their shared bedroom.
"Of course it will!" Baela exclaimed, "You already had an egg that didn't so this one has to hatch."
Rhaena giggled, "I don't think it works like that."
Baela sat on the floor next to her sister, watching as Rhaena's new dragon egg sat in lit fireplace. "Well, our cousin seems to think so. The dragon whisperer herself said that Syrax gave her the egg."
Again, Rhaena giggled, "Don't let Lilyanna hear you calling her that. You saw the way she screamed at Uncle Laenor when he tried."
The girls' laughter soon died down when their bedroom door opened, and their father stepped inside.
"Father." The two greeted the man in unison.
"Girls." Daemon smiled before quickly letting it fall as he turned to his eldest, "Baela, could leave us for a moment? I must speak with your sister."
Baela glanced at her sister, seeing the similarly confused expression on Rhaena's face before looking back at Daemon, nodding her head as she stood up and left the room.
Daemon crossed the room and sat down in the chair behind Rhaena, after a few moments he spoke. "You are happy? With your new egg?"
Rhaena smiled brightly, "Yes, father, I am more than happy. I know this one will be different."
Daemon pursed his lips, "Rhaena, I know you are excited, but I do not want you to get your hopes up. Whatever the princess's intentions, dragon eggs rarely hatch, it is more likely that this one too will fail to hatch."
Rhaena frowned, "Why are you telling me this, father?"
"Rhaena, I told you, I don't-"
"If I was Baela would not think I will fail, you would be confident my egg will hatch."
Daemon opened and closed his mouth, "What?"
Rhaena looked away from her father, staring at her new egg as she clenched her fists. "I'm going to hatch this egg, then you will finally be proud of me."
"I am proud of you, Rhaena. I have always been, a dragon or none has no effect on that."
"Yes, it does!" Rhaena exclaimed, "Why else would you treat Baela better than me? Why you love her more than me? She has Moondancer, while I... I am the dragonless Targaryen. Am an embarrassment."
Rhaena jumped when she felt her father's hand grab her shoulders and pull her close to him, seeing the pressing and angered look his eyes when she was forced to look at him.
"You are not an embarrassment, don't ever say something so foolish again." Daemon hissed, "I do not love your sister more than you and I certainly do not believe she is better than you because she has a dragon."
"But you are always spending time with Baela." Rhaena murmured as she looked at the floor, "You practice High Valyrian with her, you teach her how to control Moondancer, you teach her how to use a sword. You never do those things with me."
Do you even like me? Rhaena thought.
Daemon used his hand to lift Rhaena's chin, "I never meant to make you feel unloved or to leave you out. It's just..."
"Just what?" Rhaena asked.
Daemon looked away from his daughter, struggling to say what he wanted to say aloud. But he soon started to think of Laena, of what she would likely say if she was in his place. "Baela is just like me."
Rhaena frowned, clenching her fists as her father said what she knew to be true, his words feeling like an admission of her not being good enough.
Daemon frowned, seeing Rhaena's reaction, "I mean, that I am not a soft, a good person. It's far easier to focus on the things I know when it comes to you and your sister; High Valyrian, dragons, and combat. I do not wish to hurt you or Baela by ruining either of with my actions."
"You won't ruin me."
Daemon laughed, "I ruin lots of things, it is my nature to."
"You don't." Rhaena argued, "Mother just says you are bad at talking about your feelings."
"She is not wrong." Daemon smirked.
Rhaena looked at her father curiously, "So, you are afraid that because I am not like you and Baela that you will ruin and hurt me?"
Daemon sighed, "Do not misunderstand my words, Rhaena. You are not like your sister and I and that is not a terrible thing. I love who you are, there is nothing wrong with you."
I want you to stay exactly as you are, Rhaena. The less you have to do with me the better. Daemon thought, wanting to preserve his daughter's kind and gentle nature for as long as possible.
Rhaena's eyes began to water and she shocked Daemon by throwing herself into his arms. Daemon hesitated for a moment before hugging her back.
"I don't want you to keep protecting me, kepa." Rhaena murmured, pressing her face against Daemon's chest.
"I can see that." Daemon drawled, his voice a low rumbling timber in his chest.
"My egg will hatch, I know it will." Rhaena whisper.
Daemon remained silent; his only response was to hug his daughter even more tightly, knowing that what he wanted to say would not be taken kindly by Rhaena.
It was not that he did not want Rhaena to have a dragon, he wanted nothing more than for his daughter to have the same bond that he, Laena, and Baela had with their own dragons. But he was also rational; dragon eggs often never hatched when taken from a dragon and placed into a cradle.
In his mind, if Rhaena was to become a dragonrider, she would need to do what he and Laena did; go out and claim one for herself.
And this egg has been given to Rhaena by Alicent Hightower's daughter. Just what is that girl trying to do? Saying that the egg was for Rhaena after she took her brother to claim the fifth largest dragon alive? Unless she was simply trying to curry favor and to appear benevolent to the others. Daemon thought suspiciously, having no trust for his brother's new family.
Comments
Kas the Weeb
Nah, it's fine, I really was handing out dragons this chapter😂 Alicent is definitely stressed on what is supposed to be a vacation. Her children are going to make her go gray before she's even 40. And I'm glad you like the parts with Aemond and Lily, there will be more sibling/family bonding in the next few chapters. We're going to be on Dragonstone for a while, so a lot of shit is going to happen 😁
KaeKat
*inserts Oprah Winfrey meme* "You get a dragon. You get a dragon. Everybody gets a dragon!!" 🤣 Sorry couldn't help myself. I'm surprised Alicent hasn't popped a blood vessel from the anger and stress she's experiencing. 😅 Do love the sibling (Aemond focus) bonding in this chapter. Can't wait see what other events will happen in this vacation!
Kas the Weeb
He does not, Daemon does like any of them because they're related to Otto. It's going to take some time for that to change
Alliebutt
The Demon really doesn't trust our girl at all does he? Despite her literally bailing out on her family, and revealing her and her sisters secret in order to save his son and wife.
