The Prince and His Flower

S E V E N

Aemma squinted to see the two figures that moved towards them from the depths of the Dragonpit. As they made their way closer, Aemma could make out Vermax and Terrax, being led in chains by the dragon trainers. Terrax was already double the size of Vermax, much to Jace's annoyance. The dragons growled as their eyes adjusted to the light. Aemma smiled at Terrax as he croaked happily in her direction. 

"Hold." The dragon trainers instructed the dragons. Learning High Valyrian had come very easy for Aemma; she worked the hardest in the subject compared to her brothers, and even Aegon. Only Aemond had shared her eagerness to learn. Aemma turned and saw Aemond eye Terrax with wonder. He still had no dragon, which was something the boys loved to poke fun about. It made Aemma angry, she knew not everyone could be as lucky as they were. She had reminded Aemond multiple times that there were unclaimed dragons, and if a dragon rider were to die, their dragon could be claimed.

She reached out and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. He half-smiled in response, dropping her hand as their trainer gave the order to allow their dragons to approach. Jace and Aemma stepped forward excitedly as the trainers removed the chains that restricted their dragons. Aegon yawned, clearly disinterested in the proceedings, and Aemond kept his eyes downcast.

Jace appeared nervous as Vermax shook himself free of the chains and began to approach. Terrax had waited patiently for his chains to be removed and happily approached his ride. 

"Call them to heel." The trainer said, acting as a translator for her brothers and uncle. 

"Serve." Jace and Aemma said in unison. Vermax tilted his head to the side and stretched himself upwards, towering over Jace, who jumped as Vermax continued his approach. Aemma looked to Terrax who remained where he stood, awaiting his next command. 

"Halt!" Jace called out to Vermax, who seemed to obey the word of his rider. 

"Well done." The trainer patted Jace and Aemma on their shoulders as another trainer brought out two goats.

Vermax's attention instantly went to the goat, his instincts taking hold of him. Terrax also smelled the food, as his nostrils flared. They watched the trainer intently as he tied to goats to an anchor on the floor, keeping them in place. Vermax began to crawl menacingly towards the goat, Terrax not far behind him. 

"Vermax!" Jace called. The dragon ignored his summons. 

"Halt!" Aemma commanded. Vermax and Terrax halted their approach and screeched, awaiting their meal. 

"You must have control over your dragon. As Aegon has with Sunfyre, and Aemma with Terrax. Once they are fully bound to you they will take instruction from anyone else." The trainer translated for Jace, who nodded in acknowledgment. 

"Can I say it?" He turned to the trainer, who nodded. "Dracarys!" As the dragons were given the command, they both unleashed columns of fire, roasting the goats as they screamed. Terrax began to tear into the flesh, growling as Vermax approached.

After the dragons had finished their meal, they were once again led away by the trainers. As Aemma prepared to leave, Aegon stopped her and placed one arm around her shoulder, and clapped Aemond on the back. 

"We have a surprise for you." Aegon said. Aemond looked at him quizzically. 

"What is it?" He asked. 

"Something very special!" Luke said as he ran off to fetch the surprise. Aemma looked at Jace in confusion, who had a smile on his face. 

"You're the only one of us without a dragon." Aegon stated as he led Aemond to the entrance to the caves of the Dragonpit, Aemma following close behind.