Daemon and I reach the dragons and I explain to the ones not going with us, all but Drogon and Caraxes, that they need to stay here to look after the hatchlings that can't protect themselves yet. "We will be back tomorrow." Daemon and I mount up and start for Braavos. While we are flying notice we have a passenger stowed away in the bag of food and drink. Aegarax. I giggle and send Drogon my exasperation at the antics of the golden hatchling. Drogon rumbles his agreement and I look over to Daemon and Caraxes who have no clue, then send my amusement and love to Aegarax.
Time Skip
We land on the steps of the house of black and white. The temple sits upon a rocky knoll of dark grey stone. It has no windows and a black roof. Its wooden doors are high and carved. The left door is weirwood, the right ebony. In the center of the doors is a carved moon face ebony on weirwood, weirwood on ebony. Its steep steps of grey stone lead down to the dock. We make our way down the dragons and I scoop up Aegarax before heading to the entrance. I ask Drogon to give a night roar to get the attention of the acolytes so they may open the doors for us. When that doesn't appear to be enough to open the doors I speak the words vhalar morghulis at the entrance. Moments later the doors open and an acolyte is there. "We request the guidance of a priest." The acolyte bids us to wait. When they are gone Daemon speaks quietly to me, "why are we waiting here?"
"This is a religious temple. The acolytes are not to be our escorts to the priest, it will be the kindly man or the waifs."
A very average looking male, for now at least, comes for them and leads them to the sanctum, "How do you know that, princess?"
"Balerion protects me. Tessarion shows me. Tyraxes teaches me. Balerion and I were quite fond of each other when last we met," I tell the assassin as if I did not spend only minutes
with most of The Fourteen Flames.
"Then you are not a worshipper of the Many Faced God, but The Fourteen Flames."
"I have been called the Daughter of Death, Balerions statue is with the other 29 in the hall. I plan on giving many names over to them, does it truly matter?" An acolyte walks up to us with a cup and offers it to Daemon first, I put my hand out to stop him from taking it, then grab it myself and take a sip. The sweet water from their pool. It is poisoned with Sweetsleep. "We are here to speak to a priest, that is all, there is no need to poison us." The kindly man looks astounded that I would knowingly take in poison. "It will do nothing to me, as I said, I am protected." We finally reach the priest and they send the kindly man away.
"For what reason do we have dragon lords gracing our temple?"
"We have come to seek an alliance. After we settle affairs in Westeros we are coming back to Essos, to end slavery. If I remember correctly Braavos was built by formers slaves and I wish to ensure that no one in the future knows what is means to be sold for someone else's profit in Essos. For no one in the future to have to go through the pain that our ancestors enforced. I have come to right wrongs."
"While that is good cause why would you assume that we would be able to help you?"
"Because I know the religion is real, but I know better the guild I am currently standing in. I know that those who complete their training will be able to move around in circles that I cannot, for my face is much too recognizable. You need not answer this day. We will be going back to Kings Landing to settle our affairs, when you have an answer for us, you may send someone to us with a challenge phrase so we know the validity of the courier. I would hope to come to agreement though that no matter your answer, we need not come to blows if we disagree over your choice. Should you decline the alliance I will not seek to harm yours so long as you do seek to harm mine."
"I will agree to that. And when we have an answer I will send someone to inform you of it. What is the challenge phrase?"
"Your courier should ask 'what do you say to the god of death?', and I will answer 'not today' so that they have confirmation I am the correct person to relay the information to. Finding either Daemon or I will work, as we are married we will fight together."
The priest huffs a laugh. "Bold choice of words, princess."
"I have survived poisonings and a blade to the heart, priest, sometimes boldness is necessary. Sometimes is it a hindrance, but I think it is a decent phrase for those who worship the Many Faced God, easy to remember at the very least. We will leave your temple now, we do wish to cause any problems or disrespect your faith anymore than we have. Thank you for hearing us out. One last thing you should know is that my dragons are numbered in the double digits. I have the ability to wage this war. I should like to have your alliance, but we will end slavery regardless of it." He doesn't need to know that I didn't actually survive the blade, just was brought back. It may help my cause if he truly believes that Balerion walks with me.
The kindly man is back at our sides and I ask to go to Balerions statue to pray before we leave. We are shown the way and Balerions huge statue is in front of me and I send my silent thanks to him for removing the stain of death from me and ask him to send my thanks to others so they don't feel as though I favor him, though I do. We are then led to the doors and walk over to the dragons. Surprised to find a third much larger dragon there.
"Vhagar." Daemon says, I look to the gigantic dragon and look for the feeling inside myself. Looking for the confidence to approach such a dragon. When I find it I take a few steps forward to Drogon leaning against him and keeping eye contact with Vhagar.
"You could come back to Westeros you know? There are plenty of adult dragons to fly with and many more hatchlings to protect. There are people trying to kill our blood. They want to end dragons both winged and grounded." A moment later I feel the full weight of the bond with Vhagar and it is a hotter fire inside me than the others individually. I reach up and Vhagar sniffs me then sends the feeling of a request in the bond before flying off. "Well, that was an odd interaction."
Daemon stands behind me hugging my body to him, "yes it was. But you have bonded the largest and oldest war dragon this day, that is great for us. You should consider getting a saddle for Drogon though, little dragon."
Drogon growls at him and I shake my head "no, thank you, big dragon. It wouldn't feel right, and I like feeling Drogons power under me when we fly. It reminds me that I am alive. Drogon does not seem fond of the idea either."
We prepare to mount when a figure starts approaching us dressed in red. A figure I recognize from my first life, "Melisandre."
"Queen Daenerys. I was a slave once, bought and sold, scourged and branded. It is an honor to meet the breaker of chains." The words are the same as last time.
"Why have you come?"
"Last time, I gave you advice, it lead to your death because I didn't stay to see what happened after the Night King died. This time I would like to serve the Bride of Fire in the capacity you need me to. I hope to atone for what happened."
"I do not blame you for Jon Snows decisions. Or the three eyed raven taking over my body while I was deep inside my dragon bond. You gave me the information you had, I used it, we won, and then I lost. What I did with the information you gave was up to me. You owed me nothing then and you owe me nothing now." After the war, I didn't even think to ask for Melisandre, too impatient and grieving Viserion, Jorah, and my men.
"Thank you, Your Grace. But Vhalar Dohaeres." All men must serve.
"And how would the Lord of Light like me to serve this time?" Its important to hear her words, whether I will go out of my way to make them happen or not is another matter entirely.
"You are already doing it. His mission is for me, to help you however I can."
"Very well, but as you might remember Westeros is very small minded and hateful towards foreigners, while we are in the capital it would be helpful if you could blend in so that we may not take on more issues than we already have."
"Yes your grace. I will meet you in Kings Landing, a few days after you get there." By sea, Braavos to Kings Landing is approximately 9-10 days. We will make if to the capital in four days. But that is without Melisandre's abilities.
"If you could look into your fires to find proof against Otto and the maesters it would be helpful or at least where we may find proof."
"Of course."
I turn my head to kiss Daemon lightly then put Aegarax back to where he was stowing away on the flight here so I don't have to carry him for hours during flight. We mount Drogon and Caraxes then start for Westeros.
Time skip Dragonstone
Daemon and I land at Dragonstone midmorning the day after we left and stay at the nest to talk through what happened in Braavos. "Melisandre wanted me to meet Jon Snow, I had already sent my letter to him to summon him to bend the knee at that point. She was helpful during the Long Night. She is a priestess of the Lord of Light and a shadow binder of Asshai." I explain to Daemon that we were in the guild of the Faceless Men and that my hope for the alliance is that they use their abilities to get close to the masters so we can keep account of where they go to hide, where they do their business outside of the pyramid, it would make getting rid of them so much easier. "The only question I have is, last time the masters crucified 163 children as a warning to me, I killed 163 masters in return for justice and because I was disgusted and angry. Then I was dealing with the rebellion, the shadow war, because I left some alive, and I lost people because of it. Do I just kill them all, which would probably make me a monster, or do I say fuck it because no master is innocent? Becoming the monster would hurt, but it is a hurt I could learn to live with if my people are safe. A monster that protects those that can't protect themselves. But it doesn't make me any less of a monster."
Daemons lifts my face to look at his, "Little dragon, you do not have to be the one to kill them, I will be your sword if you wish it."
"No, Drogon was my sword when I didn't know how to wield one. It was my way to take responsibility for the deaths I ordered. I would not have you take the weight of responsibility from my shoulders. I just need you. Sometimes it will be your counsel, sometimes it will be you taking the lead on a war if I need to split forces. I trust that you will keep innocent civilian deaths to the minimum, while leading our forces. Sometimes I will need you to remind me that I am not alone, that I don't have to do everything myself. And sometimes I will need you to make me forget."
"Of course little dragon. I think that the best way is to get rid of all the adult masters. This would ensure they don't rise against us. The only issue then would be when the children grow up if they will rebel, but with what army? Take the masters profits as the coffers so you may change the economy and they will not have to ability to hire one."
"Thank you, Zhavorsa Khalakka. We should go find Aemma." I lean over to kiss Daemon then start to walk away from Drogon and Caraxes, with Aegarax on my shoulder. I tilt my head to touch Aegarax, and send love to them, Aegarax puts their head atop of mine and sends love and comfort back to me.
We go find Aemma in a solar, relaxing away from prying eyes. We knock on the door and she bids us to enter. "Cousin, may we go to the nest? I would like to try something and think someone wants to see you." Aemma quickly agrees and we head off. When the four of us make it to the nest all the dragons come up to me with their chirping greeting. I go to Drogon first as he is my mount, and give him physical and mental affection which he responds to with a purr, then move to Rhaegal and Viserion to repeat the process. Next I go to the hatchlings Gaelithox; named after the Valyrian god of fire, stars, moon, sun, and the dawn, crawls up my body first. After Shrykos gets the attention they feel entitled to they move to Drogon and starts playing with him like he couldn't accidentally eat them without noticing.
Next is Tyraxes; named after the goddess of reason, intelligence, wisdom, warfare, and battle strategy, who plants themself on my shoulder. After the greeting and affection is given and reciprocated, Rhaella moves on from me to Aemma, unsurprisingly. Tessarion follows the line of greetings and then moves to Rhaegal to play hide and seek with. Fyrestorm is the last hatchling to greet me and they don't disappoint as soon as they are within reach their forked tongue comes out and licks across my face, then they try to fly away unsuccessfully, they get back up and Viserion is there looking over them. I hear Daemon laugh at me and send him a half hearted glare, I see Caraxes is with him and decide to prove a point sending Caraxes mischief.
Vermithor and Silverwing greet me in the bond then turn to each other for affection, I send my own affection to them so they know I haven't forgotten them. Caraxes decides to play along and gently pushes Daemon away with his head then moves to me and rubs his heads against my dragon-less side. "Well with all these dramatics I didn't actually get to tell you why I wanted to come here. I think Rhaella would be open to bonding with you should you be open to it as well, cousin."
"Are you sure Daenerys? I don't want to take your child from you."
"Kessa, Zaldrizes buzdari iskos doar. It is the dragons choice and a riders openness to the bond that matter. Unless you are interested in claiming an adult dragon, then you shouldn't
bond with her, but I think Rhaella would be mighty jealous."
"Then, yes, I would like to bond with Rhaella. I am not ready for an adult dragon. And I wouldn't feel right if it was any other but Rhaella." Daemon and I try to explain the bonding process to Aemma for the next few minutes. Aemma looks into Rhaellas amethyst eyes and starts speaking too quietly for me to hear, but I look for Rhaellas bond and feel their openness and excitement, their fondness for Aemma and then I feel the bond flare and know that it has happened.
"Wow, I figured I would feel the bond but I thought it would be all mental. Really, it is like a physical warmth in my chest." We sit around letting Aemma and Rhaella figure out their bond when Aemma starts speaking to me.
"Daenerys, why do you still call me cousin knowing our true relation?" Not where I thought this was going to go.
"Daemon and I came up with a story to explain how I am related to you all, we should discuss it now so you are not surprised by it when we go to Kings Landing and you can tweak it if you feel it's not enough."
"Go on."
"We were thinking of claiming Saera as my mother and Rhaegoro Maegyr as my father. This gives me the appearance that I have the backing of Volantis and a long established pure Valyrian line of nobles on my fathers side. The Maegyrs are a strong bloodline in Volantis, full of triarchs, generals and admirals. It would hopefully be a deterrent for Otto. This would make us first cousins on my mothers side. As for why you all did not know of me before, we would state that Jaehaerys' treatment of Saera left much to be desired, and after she died my father took me in but did not agree with the treatment of Saera and didn't want the same treatment for me so he wouldn't let me come west until Jaehaerys was no longer king."
"Yes, that is a good story. What about the dragons, how did you obtain them in this fictional story?"
"Volantis was made as a military stronghold for Old Valyria, they keep much of the old traditions and practices and artifacts. I was snooping through the manse one day and found the eggs that the Maegyrs were bound to protect by a Valyrian family of dragon lords."
"Which family?" This has turned in to a mock interrogation, smart. "House Belaerys of Valyria."
"Why did you want to come to Westeros?"
"I wanted to meet my mothers side of the family, now that she has been gone a few years I have missed her and wanted a family connection. If only to know them a short time before going back to east. The second reason is my disagreement with slavery."
"Impressive detail the two of you have come up with. Even with just that Viserys would be happy enough to welcome you. Otto will be the problem. You will need an explanation for your acceptance of slavery thus far."
"Easy. As I was growing up, Saera did not own slaves and I am of the same mind, but when I went to live with my father I was only a child and could not change anything, as all good daughters follow their fathers word as law. Now that I am an adult with adult dragons I can go where I wish and I wanted to see somewhere without slavery so that should I have the chance to make changes in the future I will have an idea of where to start. Anything else you can think of that they will ask?"
"Not right now. If I think of anything else I will let you know. We should go get our things so we can leave for Kings Landing soon." With that we all stand and grab hatchlings. I have Aegarax, Gaelithox, and Tyraxes; Aemma has Rhaella and Fyrestorm; Daemon picks up Tessarion and Shrykos then we all head to the castle.
Time skip
We board the ship to Kings Landing, the hatchlings onboard with us due to them not being able to make the long flight, Daemon and I sharing a room. The Valyrian books I have already read were left in the Dragonstone library. My trunks are packed with clothing and jewelry, the last three dragon eggs and the valuables of Valyria that I couldn't leave behind, except the crown, which is stored in a hiding spot in Daemons room so that none may find it.
Daemon and I are sitting in bed with hatchlings all around the room except Rhaella, who is with Aemma, when I start speaking. "I am excited to get this started. I wish to go back to Essos. It is my home and the people there need me far more, but I know that it was the right decision to come here first. Alicent would have married Viserys in 106 AC. There was not enough time to fight slavery before then. Ending slavery will take years and House Targaryen only has two to change its course."
"We will change things, and we will go to Essos so we can help free the people so your friends never know the bonds of chains. And we will have children to carry on our legacy so that there are Targaryens leading the east and the west when the Long Night comes."
We go to sleep that night after rolling around in the sheets for a couple hours, and I dream. I see Silverwing refusing to go north of the wall, three times when Queen Alysanne commanded it. Maybe it was the magic of the wall or the cold, but something inside me tells me is was the army of the dead. That silverwing could sense them and didn't want to confront them in their homeland.
Next day
Aemma, Daemon and I sit down to eat our morning meal together when we start discussing the issues we have with Viserys' ruling style.
"The king is an impressionable leader, he alienates his powerful allies because his Hand makes him believe they are unstable, he has a difficult time enforcing order or holding others accountable. He is inconsistent in conviction, and has tenuous double standards. Daemon and Corlys would have been his strongest allies on the small council but he essentially lets the Hand make all the decisions without truly giving consideration to any other suggestions. With Aemma he only sees her as a wife, not someone to talk through decisions with or get opinions from. We need to figure out a way to force him to look to other sources rather than the Hand."
"If I kill the Hand, he will have no choice," of course that comes from Daemon.
Aemma laughs lightly, "then we will have to make sure you don't get executed for it."
"The great thing about being dragonriders is that we can leave at anytime. Not that I am saying we should just start out by killing him without proof. But if we have to kill him without proving his crimes, then we can get away quickly. I think I would enjoy playing with him. There is no doubt they will see my children and he will want to get on my good side, whether to use me or to convince me to leave Westeros. Princeling, make sure anytime the maesters get near your food or drink you don't consume it, if you are injured come to me and I will fix it, I don't want them to get rid of you since they can no longer force you to marry or can't control you."
"Of course, little dragon."
Over the three days of travel we discussed every possibility we could think of for problems that could come up and how we should all respond to them. We play with the hatchlings and talk about our plans for after our mission in Westeros is complete. Daemon and I spar on the deck of the ship in the mornings, the guards consternation to a woman wielding a sword is obvious but they dare not say anything to us about it. And the surprise on their faces when they see my skill makes me feel smug.
We make it to Kings Landing and mount the horses to ride to the Red Keep, Aegarax, Shrykos and Fyrestorm are with me, Tessarion and Gaelithox are with Daemon, and Rhaella and Tyraxes are with Aemma. All the adult dragons are flying overhead of us, definitely making a statement. The guards around us look nervously at one another, as is they are on their way to the executioners block. When I raise this observation in Valyrian to Daemon and Aemma they look at them and then at each other. "Little Dragon, they are worried because they witnessed my marriage, Aemma go flying, and you existing without approval from the King. They think the king will have issues with them for what happened, as if they could stop a determined dragon."
"Have you noticed that Tessarion prefers you, big dragon? I wonder if it because you both are chaotic forces of nature. Like calls to like."
"Yes little dragon I've noticed that Tessarion usually comes to me after greeting you, if they don't go to Rhaegal."
"Thief, Vorsa Anni Zhor," I tease playfully, winking at him with a smile on my face.
"Vorsa Anni Zhor?" Daemon butchers the Dothraki language. I giggle at his pronunciation which is too soft from the years of Valyrian and Common Tongue to form the guttural sounds right away.
"Kessa se daor." I spend the rest of the ride giving words in Valyrian and their translations into Dothraki, then correcting Daemons pronunciations.
When we make it to the steps of the Red Keep we dismount and everyone bows to Aemma, the guards open the doors for us, and lead us to the Throne Room. Well, not even going to allow us to ensure our stuff is put away, bathe and dress for this meeting. As we enter I look around the room to see who is here. Corlys, Otto, Rhaenyra, Lyonel Strong, the grandmaester Runciter, Lyman Bessbury, Ser Ryam Redwyne. Great, the entire small council is here.
I move off to the side to watch the interactions. Rhaenyra runs to her mother and uncle to hug them then stays by her mothers side as she walks to her husband. "You left without warning, Daemon." Viserys says with an irritated tone of voice. Otto has a pleased expression on his face, watching Viserys dress down Daemon. Corlys doesn't seem to care that Viserys is angry, probably more irritated that he didn't have Daemon here to keep things interesting or side with him during arguments.
"Yes, brother. Caraxes went to Dragonstone without me, the next day when I went for a flight with him that is where he took me."
"Why would he take you to Dragonstone without you directing him there?"
"There were three unknown dragons and a woman there that he wished for me to meet."
"Three?" Viserys says incredulously, momentarily forgetting his anger in the face of unknown dragons and me, even if he hasn't acknowledged my existence thus far.
"Yes, brother. Three adult dragons. One looks remarkably like Balerion. Smaller of course for Balerion was 200 years older, but adult nonetheless."
"And the woman?" I manage to keep the smirk off my face, watching as all the men disregard my being there. I look to Aemma and she smiles at me.
"Bonded to all three of the dragons."
"Daemon, that is not possible." Hmm, very similar conversation he is being forced to have. I
wonder how he feels being on the other side of this conversation.
"I did not believe so either until I witnessed it and her bonding to Caraxes." The men around the room look disturbed by this revelation. I guess none of them want to consider a woman having control of so many dragons, especially the Blood Wyrm.
"Well, who is this woman? And where is she? If she commands three dragons and has bonded to yours, she is a danger to Westeros." I watch the guards we came with look at each other unsure if they should move towards me, because the King has declared me a danger to
Westeros or if that would be a mistake because Daemon is unforgiving and cruel and I am his wife.
"She commands more than three now. These hatchlings are hers. Seven of them. And the three adults she brought."
"Incredibly dangerous, then. You didn't answer, where is she and who is she?" Is it wrong that there is a part of that really enjoys being called dangerous? It feels like a compliment.
"She is right here, brother. The Valyrian beauty standing off the side." All the keys in the room swing to me, taking in my silver hair and purple eyes, my distinctive Valyrian facial features, my short stature but hourglass figure. There are a few of them that look at me with lust in their eyes, Otto looks crossed between desire and disdain. I wonder if the disdain is for my obvious Valyrian bloodline or because he doesn't want to desire me.
"And you did not introduce us first, Daemon?" Viserys' tone goes back to irritation. Interesting how he can swing between them effortlessly for Daemon.
"You questioned my leaving before I had the opportunity."
"Your name, Lady?" Such warmth in that tone I think sarcastically.
"Daenerys of House Targaryen, Your Grace. If you don't mind, I am more comfortable with my mother tongue."
"Of House Targaryen? There is no record of a Daenerys in my House since my aunt died."
"But not all of our house lives in Westeros, you had an aunt, that moved to Essos when your grandfather tried to force her to join the Silent Sisters. Saera was my mother. Jaehaerys was my great grandfather and you are my cousin, Your Grace." Since the entire small council is here I might as well lay the ground work now, beginning to give my cover story.
"Saera is your mother?" Viserys questions me. Either disbelieving or just cautious.
"Was, your grace. She died a few years past." I don't know how successful I am in giving the appearance of sadness for someone I haven't met that definitely isn't my mother, but he doesn't seem bothered so I guess I did decently at portraying some emotion.
"My condolences." "Thank you, Your Grace."
"How is it possible you are bonded to eleven dragons?" Back to the dragons then. I wonder if he is truly capable of one thread of thought.
"A gift from The Fourteen Flames, Aegarax has blessed me with the bonds to dragons."
Well, bold of me to bring up the gods of Valyria in Westeros. He doesn't look pleased about it, but doesn't look angered either. Viserys The Peaceful, for sure.
"What are your companions names?"
"My largest three are Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion. The ones I am holding first then, the gold hatchling is Aegarax, the black Shrykos, the silver Fyrestorm; Daemon is holding Tessarion the blue and Gaelithox the red; Aemma is holding the sunset dragon Tyraxes and her bonded dragon Rhaella." When I say Aemma is bonded to a dragon he looks disquieted.
"Viserion?" He questions.
"Yes, Your Grace. A name fit for a King, obviously, as it is a modification of Viserys." I must play the game of Westeros this time around. It would not help me to give credit to men who will not exist for 150-160 more years.
Viserys laughs at this, Corlys looks interested in the dragons but displeased at my statement. "How did you get the other names?"
"Rhaegal for Rhaenys, Drogon for Daemon, I was very young and obviously had difficulty changing the Princes name to fit a dragon. After the stories I heard of The Rogue Prince I almost changed Drogon to Demon, but his personality is already a close enough representation of Daemon, he doesn't need the name to go with it. But I wanted more family and the dragons became mine so I named the after my three eldest cousins." Corlys' face softens hearing I named a dragon for his wife. And everyone that speaks Valyrian laughs at my explanation for Drogon.
I move toward the King, taking Shrykos down from my shoulder and putting Fyrestorm there. The kingsguard move to stop me from approaching, fine then.
"To the King, Shrykos. Be nice." And I give them some extra momentum to make the short distance. They land on the Kings lap and he looks awed by the hatchling. Shrykos is staring at him with their pretty green eyes. I move to Daemon and stand at his side when Otto has had enough of not receiving attention from Viserys.
"Your Grace, her mother was a whore, she is a bastard, you can't let her stay here. And we have no confirmation that she is who she says she is." What a cunt.
"The dragons know, do you?" I say nonconfrontationally.
Corlys is next to speak, "you should not turn away blood without cause. Especially one with
such power. Her dragons at the very least prove her Targaryen heritage, Your Grace."
Shrykos is enamoring the King to the point where I have to do little to convince him. Charming hatchling. I look at Daemon to find him staring at me. He leans down to whisper in my ear, "clever little dragon. Play to their vanity. Charming and sweet. But I will get you back for what you said of me."
The king speaks up again "what are Rhaegal and Viserion like?"
"Rhaegal has emerald scales with gold accents. They are fierce and protective of their family, indulgent with the hatchlings and terribly intelligent. I have heard Rhaenys is much the same. Viserion is cream and gold colored. The least aggressive of that clutch, not that they can't be aggressive if provoked just doesn't feel the need to constantly show their teeth. Viserion is the most curious as well. It seems they all took after their namesakes." Corlys looks pleased at the description I give for his wife.
The King looks up and dismisses everyone except family, Corlys stays as he is their cousin. "I wish to meet your other dragons, Princess."
"Daenerys, please, your grace. I am not yet comfortable with the titles of Westeros being applied to me. And we can go to them whenever you wish."
"I would like to go now, Daenerys." That is quick. I look to my bonds for their approximate distance then request them to come to me.
"Of course, your grace. They are not at the dragon pit though, but I can have them land at the tourney grounds. There should be plenty of space there." We all move to leave and as we are walking out of the Throne Room I speak again. "Your Grace, I can take Shrykos back now, if it pleases you. My Lord, if you wish to send for Rhaenys, I can promise safety from my dragons as long as no one attempts to harm me." Aemma walks with her arm in Viserys', I do the same with Daemon, Corlys is on the other side of Daemon, finding him better company than the King, and Rhaenyra is walking next to her mother.
"Why do you not have them at the dragon pit? And Shrykos may stay with me or go to you if they wish, but I have no issue allowing them passage upon my shoulder."
"They prefer the freedom to roam as they have not been confined for years. Also, they grow much faster than those that are confined, your grace."
"Who is your father, Daenerys?" I am grateful for the hours Daemon, Aemma and I spent discussing my story in this moment, it appears he is using our escapade to interrogate me.
"Rhaegoro of House Maegyr in Volantis." "Do you know him, personally?"
"Yes, your grace. After my mother died, he let me live with him and his family. Thankfully, his wife didn't resent having me there. We live behind the Black Walls, where only those of traceable Valyrian heritage may reside, in a manse on a hill. It has beautiful architecture and brilliant fountains."
"You sound as though you miss it."
"Do we not all miss the things we are familiar with? I imagine when your kingly duties become frustrating you miss Dragonstones peacefulness. When the Prince needs to find peace within himself he finds it with Caraxes. When I left Volantis is was to meet my mothers family, and to see the world; especially one without slavery. Just because I have
left for now doesn't mean I will not go back. I am too much like my dragons in that way, I live for the freedom to roam, but will return to my nest when I wish it." Viserys contemplates my words for a moment, unsure of something.
"Why would you wish to travel so much?"
"Tis a big and beautiful world. Most of us live and die in the same corner we were born in and never get to see any of it. I don't want to be most of us." Thank you, Oberyn, for such eloquent words.
"Wise words Daenerys. But the world is dangerous for a young woman alone."
"I am never alone, you grace." Our conversation dies out after the finality in my statement
and we arrive to the tourney grounds soon after.
"I have already called to them. They will be here momentarily."
Minutes after arrival my children land surrounding us, everyone except Daemon and Aemma move behind me to ensure their own safety from the dragons. I go to my children and give them attention and sending love through the bond and stroking their snouts making them purr in response to me. Daemon feeling no fear steps up next to me giving the dragons his attention as well. I start whispering to them in High Valyrian explaining who everyone is and why we are here and the kings obvious disbelief that I am bonded to all of them.
"Balerion," the king says in awe of Drogon. As if he is confusing the two. Rhaenys enters the tourney grounds after that. The hatchlings fly off the shoulders of whomever they are carried on towards the adult dragons, and the adult dragons start gently playing with the hatchlings when Caraxes lands next to them. The family watches as all the dragons dance together except Tessarion who is playing their usual game of chaos and Aegarax who stayed with me. Daemon introduces Rhaenys and I to each other explaining our relation, thankfully, because I am already tired of talking today.
Rhaenyra starts running towards the dragons, dumb move. Viserys yells at her to stop and come back, because no matter how much I promise the dragons won't hurt them if they don't try to hurt me it is still stupid to run full speed at the without warning while they are not paying attention to you. Rhaenyra pouts at her parents wanting to play with the dragons but makes her way back to their sides regardless. When Viserys asks to get closer to Viserion I call to them in the bond so as not to disturb the others. Viserion makes their way to me and Viserys walks up as well. They greet each other while I am speaking to Daemon, I decide to look at our bond to see what Viserion is feeling and notice that though they are curious of all the human that smell like me they are not interested in bonding to Viserys. What seems like hours later we all head back inside, Viserys giving us leave to retire for the night. Daemon and I go to his room, or I guess our room now with all the hatchlings, even Rhaella tonight.