Chapter 17: Dragon In The Hightower
The next day.
The evening meal the following day was relaxed, the golden glow of candlelight flickering off the dishes and casting long shadows that softened the serious expressions usually worn by the royal family. Aegon, leaning forward slightly, cleared his throat to make his request known. "Father, might we, Rhaenyra, Alicent, and I, take a short stay on Dragonstone? Just for a few days, while we await the replies from Houses Stark and Tully."
Rhaenyra, seated beside him, nodded eagerly. "Alicent has only been to Dragonstone back during our wedding, Father. She's asked to visit once more." She grinned playfully at Alicent, who returned a small, slightly timid smile, her hands resting in her lap.
Viserys raised an eyebrow and turned his gaze to Alicent. "And Alicent… is comfortable with the idea of dragon riding?" He asked gently, looking at her with fatherly concern.
Alicent's smile held steady, though beneath the table, her fingers found one another, fidgeting and picking each other as she tried to keep her calm. "The Princess has asked me often over the years," she replied with a nod. "But I've always hesitated, as any would. But I must admit, in that time, the Prince and Princess's enthusiasm towards their bonded companions has… illuminated it in a new light for me." Her response was poised, though a flicker of anxiety in her eyes threatened to betray her.
At the other end of the table, Aemma glanced knowingly at her husband, the subtle smile on her face hinting that she sensed more than was spoken. She seemed reassured, though, and Viserys leaned back, considering. He glanced toward Aemma, whose raised eyebrows told him she trusted their judgment, if a bit suspiciously.
"And… would you be bringing the children?" Aemma asked, her voice gentle yet probing. "It could be overwhelming for them, at such a young age."
"If you and Father are willing to watch over them, then we would prefer for them to remain, where their safety is assured," Aegon replied. "Though, I will note that Grandmother Alyssa did take you and uncle Daemon both for rides when you were each barely over a week old," he added with a playful grin.
Viserys chuckled, an image of his mother's beautiful and well known determination recalling back to him. "Yes, and many disagreed with it, as she informed us when we were boys. Alright," he conceded, nodding. "A few days, the babes will of course be cared for"
"Thank you, Father," Aegon replied, inclining his head respectfully.
Viserys's expression softened, but his tone held a note of warning. "Aegon, if I hear of any escapades that stray too far from a simple retreat, we will have words. I won't abide another unsanctioned adventure of the sort that led to the Stepstones."
Aegon's smirk hinted at the memories that had sprung to mind. "Understood, Father," he replied. "Unlike when we were four, Dragonstone holds fewer opportunities to brew mischief."
Aemma's warm laugh cut through the tension. "A few days, then, and no more. The babes may be too young to miss you yet, but I don't intend for them to start calling us Mother and Father," she teased, her smile reaching her eyes as she looked between Aegon, Rhaenyra, and Alicent.
The room filled with laughter, a rare warmth infusing the evening, as the family gathered their goodbyes. Though Viserys's warning remained in Aegon's mind, his thoughts now turned toward the shore of Dragonstone, where he, Rhaenyra, and Alicent would find a moment's reprieve from courtly duty. And, though he sensed his father's underlying concerns, Aegon intended this journey to be a journey to remember for the rest of their lives, one to embrace their closest friend, all as partners.
The next morning.
The morning air was crisp, filtering through the open window and carrying with it a freshness that paired well with the sight of their dragons nestled comfortably by the twins' crib, the small creatures already having cooked and eaten their own breakfast provided on a small platter with some water.
The only one among the infants and hatchlings to remain awake, Sapphira, who sat attentively next to the soundly sleeping Visenya, purred with curiosity at the three figures that loomed over her. Chirping for attention that they quickly realized was aimed at Aegon, he slowly lowered his hand as the little blue hatchling nuzzled up against it, enjoying the neck scratches he provided, before she broke the tranquility by nipping him hard on the finger, causing him to jolt his hand back from the cradle, a decent set of teeth marks causing blood to collect and drip from his finger.
Aegon, still smiling despite the slight sting from Sapphira's sudden nip, flexed his hand as Alicent carefully dabbed the wound with her handkerchief.
"You do have a way with them it seems my Prince," she teased, her smile softening as she glanced back at the infants she came to see as a niece and nephew, bundled together with Sapphira and Starfyre beside them.
Aegon chuckled, holding Alicent's hand a moment before turning his gaze back to Rhaenyra. "Practice I suppose. Now I know what it feels like."
"Oh, that's true," Rhaenyra chimed, grinning as she leaned over the crib, her gaze warm on her daughter, who slept peacefully against the dragon's scaled side. "Visenya here already gives her own share of opinions. She's learned well," she added with a knowing smile, exchanging a look with Alicent.
Sapphira, seemingly energized from her encounter with Aegon, chirped and craned her head toward him, her sapphire-like eyes gleaming with mischief. She flicked her forked tongue and let out a soft huff, settling back as though already guarding her future rider.
"Do you think they know?" Alicent asked, voice gentle, her hand still resting atop Aegon's where she held the cloth against his finger.
"They know, no matter how young," he replied, his gaze flicking between the small dragons and his children. "The bond is strong, even more then normal I think. Look at Starfyre. He's attached to Baelon as if they've already taken vows." A proud smile played across his lips as he watched the dragon curl tightly around Baelon's small form, protective and unwavering.
Rhaenyra chuckled, gently stroking the little dragon's back as he purred deeply, producing a sound almost soothing. "And Sapphira," she noted with a raised eyebrow, "She is showing Visenya the art of unpredictable affection."
"She's teaching her to have claws," Aegon observed, still grinning. "Not that she'll need much guidance. I feel Visenya's will is… undiluted. Perhaps we chose a namesake too hastily."
"Just like her parents," Alicent added, her eyes bright with affection as she looked between Aegon and Rhaenyra. "A formidable spirit already. But I worry they'll grow up quicker than we'll be ready for."
The room fell to a quiet contentment, each of them lost in thought, watching their children and their dragons, united and peaceful. In the tranquility of the moment, Aegon wrapped an arm around Alicent, his fingers brushing through her hair, while Rhaenyra stayed close, her eyes never straying far from her family.
Eventually, Aegon's gaze grew more thoughtful. "When they're ready," he said softly, "I want them to understand this life we've built. Not only for the duty but for the love and bond we share here. They're born into a legacy, and while that comes with privilege, it also has weight. I just hope for their sake it won't be greater then what we had to bear...I would sooner fly them all far from here..."
Rhaenyra nodded, meeting his gaze with steady confidence. "We'll show them, just as we had to and will still learn. You once told me that when a person learns to feel, they must also bear the risk of feeling hate. They will never know such hate."
Alicent's hand slipped into Rhaenyra's, squeezing gently as she whispered, "They'll grow with both strength and kindness, knowing they are cherished and will want for nothing."
Just then, Baelon stirred, his tiny fist unfurling as he clutched the edge of Starfyre's wing, his soft breathing easing back into peaceful slumber. Visenya, perhaps sensing the slight movement, wiggled closer into Sapphira's embrace, her delicate fingers brushing the dragon's scales. The three parents watched as their children settled deeper into sleep, cocooned in warmth and safety, and they exchanged knowing glances, hearts full with the simple, powerful joy of a moment they would carry forever.
No matter how many times they held such conversations, no matter how sappy they got, it still felt foreign to Aegon. Was he supposed to exist in harder times then they do already? Was he even supposed to have this?...He could never answer such things, only what was Infront of him, and that was them.
Their quiet reverie was broken only by a brief flicker of concern in his eyes as he looked down at his bandaged finger, half-laughing to himself as he whispered, "That little one's bite is bound to grow fiercer. And gods help us all when Visenya's spirit catches up"
An hour later.
Making their way out of the front gate that wasn't a stealth operation for a change, the three of them approached the slumbering Syrax, the she-dragon having noticeably grown in the past months. She stirred at sensing Rhaenyra and Aegon's presence, displaying visible curiosity at Alicent's presence with them.
"Hello beautiful" Rhaenyra smiled as she approached, the Princess's companion lowering her head to greet her rider.
Swiftly mounting her with practiced ease, Rhaenyra smirked, beckoning Alicent forth, Lady Hightower appearing conflicted as a mixture of butterflies and anxiety churned in her stomach.
"So long as Rhaenyra is close, Syrax will not act out. This I promise" Aegon whispered into her ear.
"Very well" She replied with a deep breathe, slowly making her way towards the golden-scaled beauty.
Acknolwding her approach, she turned to Alicent, who stopped in her tracks as Syrax sniffed her scent from a few meters away, Rhaenyra noting a twinge of caution in their mental bonds feedback.
"Lykirī, Syrax, ñuha jorrāeliarzy"-"Calm, Syrax, my beloved" Rhaenyra lovingly calmed her companion, reaching forward to caress her glistening scales.
Visibly acknowledging and accepting her riders words, let down a wing to give Alicent a path to join the Princess. Aegon stepped forward, ensuring he would be there if she was to slip back. Locking hand's with Rhaenyra, she was swiftly pulled up onto the saddle, instinctively locking her arms around her soon to be sister wife.
"Better then I did when first mounting Vermithor, I must admit" Aegon smiled as he ran up onto Syrax's wing with haste, grappling and pulling himself onto her saddle before locking his arms around Alicent, securing her, for if she was to fall, he wouldn't be far behind.
"Sōvēs, nuha gevie!"-"Fly, my beautiful" Rhaenyra softly commanded with a smile as Syrax responded in kind, unfurling her wings before lifting off into the sky.
The warmth of her golden scales reflecting the morning sun, Alicent held tightly to Rhaenyra, her hands turning white from interlocking her hands so hard, gust of wind pressing her closer between the twins. Aegon's hand remained securely around her waist, his steady grip a reassurance, even as they soared higher over the Blackwater.
Rhaenyra glanced back at her friend, a mischievous glint in her eye as she asked, "Still think this was a good idea, my Lady?"
Alicent, managing a shaky smile, replied with a faint laugh, "Remind me next time to ask for a tour of Dragonstone from the sea..."
"Syrax is gentler than most, just more...swift" Rhaenyra assured her, leaning forward to stroke her dragon's neck, "she'll see us there safely."
"If it's any comfort, Vermithor isn't nearly this snappy, more like sitting on the back of a big kite, though I did fall off when first trying to ride him" Aegon laughed, lifting some of the tension from Alicent's dilemma.
The Red Keep disappeared over the horizon behind them, the vastness of the sky opening before them, the chill of the wind fading in the warmth of the sunlight. Alicent slowly adjusted, loosening her death grip and looking out over the expanse of blue water below. She gasped, seeing the world so small beneath her, the ripples of the sea glinting like jewels as Syrax carried them steadily toward Dragonstone.
"You're doing well," Aegon murmured, leaning closer to her ear, the warmth of his voice and breathe on her neck calming her even more. "Just breathe."
They flew in companionable silence for a few minutes, only the steady rhythm of Syrax's occasional wingbeats breaking the stillness. Alicent, no longer gripping so tightly, began to relax. She let herself take in the view, the world unfolding in all directions, stretching endlessly as they approached Dragonstone's rocky silhouette in the distance.
Before she knew it, it was almost over.
"Nearly there," Rhaenyra said with a glance over her shoulder, her voice laced with pride. "Dragonstone always looks grandest from the skies."
The volcanic island loomed nearer, jagged peaks casting shadows on the dark stones below. As they descended, Syrax's shadow flitted across the cliffs, the sea crashing dramatically against the rocks, filling the air with a salty mist. Syrax circled once before gracefully landing on the open plateau by the ancient fortress, her wings outstretched to steady her passengers.
Alicent let out a relieved breath as they dismounted, feeling solid ground beneath her feet again. Aegon, smiling as he helped her down, brushed a few stray strands of hair back into place for her. She offered a bashful smile in return, still a little unsteady but grateful for the experience.
"Well done," Rhaenyra said with a grin, patting Alicent's shoulder. "You survived a dragon ride and looked every bit the part."
Alicent laughed, still catching her breath. "I may need some time before I'm eager enough to repeat it, but thank you."
Together, they turned to face Dragonstone, each of them feeling the ancient energy of the place as they took in its towering spires and volcanic stone walls. Both within the stronghold and across it's beaches, a promise was to be made, one that would change their kingdom forever.
Suggesting that Rhaenyra take Alicent to get comfortable and acquainted with the castle in their own time, Aegon instead made his way across the beach, to a small polished stone entrance to dark and moody chambers that connected further down to the caverns in which the dragons dwelt.
"Dārilaros"-"Prince" One of the Dragonkeepers standing guard greeted with a bow, Aegon further exchanging words in the ancient tongue.
"Greetings. I seek audience with the elder" He stated, with the keeper nodding before escorting him through the chambers, where he was lead to the main alter that he'd visited twice before. Seven eggs lined it's walls, two he had chosen recently, both having hatched into Starfyre and Sapphira.
"My prince, it is an honor. How may I serve?" The man known as Mīsītsor (Protector), his original name long forgotten, greeted with a bow.
"I am to evoke a right that the Conqueror, whose name and legacy I bear, and those before him held, but has since been lost to the generations in the depths of altered culture. I am to take Lady Alicent of house Hightower as my second wife, by no means for base desires such as lust alone, but out of love and a duty that compels me to free her from the burden of ignorantly dogmatic beliefs that chain her and many others, beliefs that could likely give birth to war.
If I ask too much of your order, if you think me out of line, speak now, and that will be the matter settled. I have spoken" Aegon said as he laid his proposition forward, causing several of the keepers around the room to whisper in discussion, none of their stoic expressions betraying their thoughts as Mīsītsor remained silent for the moment.
"You mean to war with the Seven?" The elder, whose beard was long and grey with age questioned.
"If such a day called, then I would toll the bells of war myself" Aegon replied with his diplomatic and calm demeanor as he rested his hands on Blackfyre's pommel.
"Then it shall be so. The ceremony will take place at dusk on the morrow. Will the Prince and Princess speak in the stead of she who hails from the Hightower? Unknowing of our tongue?" He inquired.
"We will" Aegon confirmed.
"Then I have spoken" Mīsītsor stated with a bow, one Aegon returned before taking his leave.
The Prince made his way back up through the cavernous depths beneath Dragonstone, the air around him felt charged with purpose, as though every shadow in the stone halls held the weight of all those who had come before. Dragonstone's architecture loomed above him, etched with swirling Valyrian motifs, casting shadows that danced in the flickering torchlight and reminding him of the heritage he was carrying forward.
He emerged from the dark passageways onto the beach, finding the morning light on the waves calming, steadying him for the ceremony soon to take place. The weight of the future wasn't lost on him, having only grown on all three of them since that night in the Kingswood.
In the distance, he saw Rhaenyra and Alicent walking along the shore, the wind catching their cloaks as they strolled and spoke in the gentle lull between them. They both appeared otherworldly, however he was biased in such a time towards Alicent, her loose, curly hair catching the light as she listened intently to Rhaenyra, who pointed toward the castle's towers and battlements, explaining its history and mysteries. When she glanced his way, he could sense the flicker of both excitement and apprehension in her eyes. They all knew what lay ahead, she knew the weight of this union, the upheaval it would bring, and yet, there she was, committed.
Aegon approached them, his steps crunching over the pebbled shore, and caught the end of Rhaenyra's description of an old legend about a hidden cave somewhere on Dragonstone. She stopped mid-sentence as she noticed his approach, her gaze holding his as if she were searching for something in his expression. Whatever she found seemed to settle her, for she gave him a small, knowing nod and looked to Alicent.
"The preparations have been made. The Dragonkeepers have agreed to bless our union tomorrow at dusk."
Alicent's eyes widened, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips as Rhaenyra's was warm and happy at the news. She took his offered arm, and they began walking toward the castle together. "I am… relieved," she admitted. "I did not expect them to approve so readily."
"Nor did I," Aegon admitted, his voice a low rumble, laced with gratitude. "Yet I believe something of old calls them to this, as though it is something they have waited generations to witness once more. I think it means as much to them as it does to us." He glanced at her, his hand brushing over hers.
They spent the rest of the day wandering Dragonstone, Aegon and Rhaenyra leading her through its winding halls, while the Keepers took to preparing for the ceremony. Alicent marveled at the weight of the walls, the grandeur in their heavy stones, and the dragon carvings that seemed to watch over every step they took. Despite having been here before, It was unlike any place she'd known, its spirit raw and untamed. If this was simply an outpost for the Valyrians, then what was the freehold like...
That evening, the three of them sat in the royal chambers by the roaring fire, the faint rumble of the sea below adding to the night's atmosphere. They shared quiet conversations, exchanging memories and light-hearted stories, but a reverent silence always crept back between them, reminding them of the coming vows.
As night deepened, they retired, each preparing for the next day's rites in their own way. Aegon stood at the window in his chamber, gazing out over the moonlit sea, reflecting on a matter of things, in the past and future. With the girls by his side, he felt something, a wind that would not only carry him forward, but to the beginning, so he may end this cycle for the betterment of everyone, once and for all.
"I know it might seem strange, but could we pray?" Alicent requested out of the blue, Aegon and Rhaenyra exchanging a brief smile.
Despite their actions that would follow the next day, Alicent was raised a devotee of the Seven, whose prayers she always seemed to find comfort in, especially after her mothers passing. No matter where someone found themselves, whether in the Grand Sept or out in the seas, they could always find prayer as Aegon fetched seven stick candles, a piece of old charcoal and a piece of parchment. He and Rhaenyra, despite their own beliefs, had often joined her in the sept, gladfully supporting her in her struggles, whatever they may have been.
Swiftly scribbling on the parchment, the girls looked to each other, giggling over the Prince's enthusiastic ingenuity. He presented a circle encompassing a seven-pointed star. Placing the seven candles on each of it's points and lighting them with a pinch and a flickering of flame from his fingers, they were ready as the three of them closed their eyes.
Rhaenyra once asked what they should say while in the sept. "Whatever you wish, or don't, it's for you and the gods to know" She replied.
They sat there for a few long minutes, Aegon eventually sneaking his eyes open, only to discover Rhaenyra having already done the same. He forced himself to not laugh or joke, for this was important for Alicent, who deep down, remained conflicted and torn beyond her love for the both of them. She remained silent, but if the tear she shed was any indication, she begged them for forgiveness, forgiveness she wouldn't whether or not they would grant until it was too late.
The next morning.
A thick mist lingered over Dragonstone, the air almost tangible with the weight of the promise to come. By dusk, the Dragonkeepers had prepared the central chamber of the keep, decorating it with flowing banners in black and red, and filling the room with the scent of incense that clung to the air, potent and heady. The flickering torchlight illuminated the faces of the Dragonkeepers as they took their places around the chamber's edges, their eyes like silent flames as they prepared to witness history.
Alicent, dressed in the deep greens of her house and lined with black to mark her as a soon-to-be part of House Targaryen, stood beside Rhaenyra and Aegon in front of the altar, her nerves replaced by a steady calm. Aegon, dressed in the Conquerors armor and crown with Blackfyre sheathed at his side, struck ever the image of a dragonlord, his gaze unwavering as he took Alicent and Rhaenyra's hands into his own. Rhaenyra knew her look from the moment a maid presented it, a flowing white and crimson gown used long ago in such ceremonies.
The elder Dragonkeeper, Mīsītsor, approached with a slow, stately stride, raising his arms before the trio.
"Prince Aegon, Princess Rhaenyra, Lady Alicent," he began, his voice resonant, seeming to echo within the chamber. "Today, you forge a bond rooted not in the halls of mortals, but within the fire and blood of your ancestors. You are called here, as the conquerors were before you, to declare yourselves bound in purpose and heart."
In the silence that followed, they all clasped hands tightly, their gazes meeting and holding as the twins invoked the old tongue, Alicent remaining quite but with an expression of joy.
"Kessa mazverdagon mēre jemēsi ēza, lo sȳndrūlī, lo zālīrkēptan mērīr. Mēre gevie, mēre se purnēsi ēlī vertētan, sȳndor sir jaelza zālīrys."
"I shall bind myself to one flame, one blood, one heart that burns with us all. One strength, one purpose we forge together, in fire and ice, blood and spirit."
The elder nodded approvingly and continued, guiding them through ancient words that had once blessed unions in the time of Old Valyria. Then, drawing a ceremonial dagger of Dragonglass from his side, he presented it to Aegon, speaking once more in the ancient tongue.
"Lo mazverdagon sȳndor sir jaelza zālīrys."
"To bind your fire and spirit."
Aegon nodded, and with a careful cut on the palm of each of their hands, they clasped together once more, the trickle of blood that fell into a bowl below mingling as a symbol of their unity. Around them, the gathered Dragonkeepers began a chant, a rhythmic murmur that seemed to rise and fall like the waves crashing against the rocks outside. Before long, the twins were signaled to speak their final vows.
"Māzīlis lo kostilus iā arlios valyrīre. Emry kostilus iā ñuha laes zaldrīzo ēngos rhaenagon. Lo kostilus iā gevivys nyke toliot. Saena riña, gevivys idanyre, vēzos ēza."
"May we live as the ancient Valyrians did. For my blood is your dragon's blood. For I am bound to you in strength. Sacred partner, sacred fire, the stars bear witness."
Presented with a cup of wine that had their collective blood added to it, the three drank, each holding back unpleasant expressions for the sake of the ceremony.
When it was done, the elder pronounced, "By the blood and flame, you are bound. Stand as one, to never be broken, not in life, nor in death"
The solemn ritual complete, Aegon, Alicent and Rhaenyra stepped back, their hands still entwined, each carrying the weight and warmth of the other's presence. In that moment, they knew they had bridged the ancient past with their future, binding themselves in fire, blood, and an unbreakable vow.
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