Chapter 31: Chapter 30
There was no response from Rhaena as she looked at her daughter, who was trying to avoid her gaze. Rhaena wanted to reach her hand toward Aerea, despite everything that had happened. Sometimes, people only realize their mistakes when it's too late. But for Rhaena and Aerea, it wasn't too late, thanks to Androw. They had a chance to clear their past mistakes, to be a good mother and daughter who could try to understand each other.
Rhaena gripped her arms around Androw more tightly as Baal started to dive towards Dragonstone, making Androw turn his head slightly towards Rhaena's face as he held her. She seemed to have changed, perhaps reborn from her past—the one who had died alongside her brother-husband. Androw smiled a little before hiding his smile.
By the time Baal landed near the courtyard, which was barely enough to accommodate him, men of the garrison started to gather, but none dared to approach. They were all scared of Baal, even more so now. They had seen the sky, the dance of dragons, and the dragon that had been slain. Baal seemed to enjoy the fear in their eyes.
Rhaena tried to get down by herself this time, but her body didn't seem to obey her, causing her to lose balance. Androw quickly grabbed her, steadying her. For a moment, their eyes met before Rhaena avoided looking into his eyes.
"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Androw got down from his dragon, supporting Rhaena as she dismounted. Even after getting down, Rhaena couldn't contain the pain she was experiencing and felt the need for support. Androw held her closer as he walked to her friends' side. The first to approach was Lianna Velaryon, her cousin, with worried eyes.
Lianna helped hold Rhaena from the other side, allowing Androw to let go of his hold. For a second, disappointment flashed through Rhaena's eyes as Androw walked away. She turned her head to look at him, watching as he approached Baal to help Aerea get down. Baal seemed to make strange movements, intentionally scaring Aerea even more.
Androw raised his arm to Aerea, encouraging her to jump. At first, she hesitated, but then she jumped into his arms. After putting her down, Androw said to Aerea, "No one will scold you, no one will hurt you. Stay close to your mother, no matter what."
He rubbed her head affectionately before signaling Baal to leave. Baal hissed before flapping its wings to take back to the sky. Androw watched Baal for a moment before walking back into the castle alongside Aerea, who stuck close to him, scared to face the others' gazes for what she had done.
At that moment, Rhaena called out, "Aerea!" stopping both Androw and Aerea in their tracks. Androw turned and lightly pushed Aerea toward Rhaena, who was approaching her. Aerea started to cry, saying, "I will never leave again," as Rhaena hugged her, kneeling down to hold her tightly.
Androw smiled at the sight before walking inside the castle. The garrison men didn't dare to stand in his way, parting to make a clear path for him. As he walked, he commanded Baal in his mind to bring Dreamfyre's remains to the courtyard for Rhaena, without feeding on them.
It didn't take long before Baal brought Dreamfyre's remains to the courtyard. Rhaena, who was trying to calm down her daughter despite not being in the right mind herself, looked up at the sound of Baal's roar as he approached the courtyard again, Dreamfyre's body in his claws.
This time, Rhaena's face streamed with tears upon seeing her dragon's body brought back to her. Just as Aerea was important to Rhaena, Dreamfyre had been important to her as well. Baal threw down Dreamfyre's body before flying back with a roar, discontent with delivering the dead.
Rhaena approached the remains of Dreamfyre and went down on her knees. Her friends, including Lianna Velaryon, approached her and offered their support, surrounding her in a protective circle.
Rhaena gently touched Dreamfyre's scales, her fingers trembling. "You were more than a companion," she whispered, her voice breaking. "You were my strength, my wings.".
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Dear readers,
I apologize for the delay in releasing chapters. I haven't been in the right state of mind lately due to a recent natural disaster in my state. Although it is not near my home, the impact has been severe. Many hundreds of people are still missing, and the search was stopped after three days. I'm uncertain whether a family friend's home was affected, and I have not yet received any news about their survival. It's heartbreaking to even watch the news. I'm sorry for the delay, and I appreciate your understanding and patience. I will do my best to release the upcoming chapters in the coming days. Thank you for your support and cooperation.
link: patreon.com/AmouxCreationX
]
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