𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 23

Aegon and Laena found themselves strolling through the lush gardens of the Red Keep, where the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant roar of dragons.

Laena, her eyes wide with curiosity and excitement, looked up at Aegon. "What was it like flying one of the largest dragons in the world?" she asked, her voice tinged with awe. "You ride Tharion, right?"

Aegon nodded, a fond smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yes, I do, and I enjoy riding him very much, cousin. Tharion is a magnificent dragon."

Laena nodded thoughtfully. "I heard that Vhagar still lives somewhere. Too large for the Dragonpit now."

"Some say Vhagar is too large for our world," Aegon responded, his gaze drifting to the horizon as if searching for the ancient dragon.

"Your dragon, Tharion, is said to be the twin of Vhagar. Do you know where she nests?" Laena's eyes were bright with curiosity as she asked.

Aegon turned to her, a bit puzzled. "I'm sorry? You want to know where Vhagar is now?"

"Yes," Laena repeated, her voice earnest. "Do you know where she is?"

"The Dragonkeepers believe she has made her home somewhere along the coast of the Narrow Sea," Aegon explained, his voice thoughtful. "The workers at Spicetown report hearing her song at times. They say it's a sad thing."

"Even dragons get lonely," Aegon said softly, glancing at Laena. Her gaze dropped to the ground, her excitement momentarily dimmed by the somber thought.

As they continued walking, a comfortable silence settled between them. Suddenly, Laena stopped and turned to face Aegon, her expression serious. "Your Grace, it would be a great honor to join our houses, as they did in Old Valyria. I would give you many children of pure Valyrian blood, strengthening the royal line and the realm."

Aegon looked at her, taken aback by her words. "Is that what your father told you to say?"

Laena's gaze dropped again, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. "Yes," she admitted softly.

"And what did your mother say?" Aegon asked gently, hoping to understand her perspective.

"She said I wouldn't have to bed you until I turned fourteen," Laena replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aegon sighed, feeling a mix of pity and frustration. He knelt down in front of her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Listen, Laena," he began, his voice kind and reassuring. "You do not always have to do what your father tells you. You are my cousin and my family, and I would never put you in that situation, especially at such a young age."

Laena looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and confusion. She nodded, a small smile breaking through her uncertainty.

Aegon stood up, his smile widening as he looked around the garden. "Why don't I show you my dragon? We can talk more while we're there."

Laena's face lit up with a smile, her previous worries momentarily forgotten. She nodded eagerly, and Aegon, pleased to see her excitement return, took her hand and led her towards the Dragonpit.