𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 25

Aegon soared through the skies on Tharion, his dragon's wings cutting through the air with powerful strokes. Below, the forbidding silhouette of Dragonstone loomed closer, shrouded in mist and foreboding.

As he approached, the sound of another dragon's roar echoed through the cliffs. Caraxes, Daemon's dragon, was perched on a hill, its red eyes glaring down at the intruders with a mix of challenge and disdain.

Aegon guided Tharion to a landing spot behind Otto and his contingent of guards, who were already waiting with tense anticipation. The dragon's landing sent a gust of wind and dust swirling around them, and Aegon dismounted with a determined set to his jaw.

He made his way towards Daemon. The atmosphere crackled with tension as the two brothers faced each other, their eyes locking in a silent battle of wills.

"Daemon," Aegon began, his voice steady but laced with anger. "You have stolen from the family. The dragon egg you took does not belong to you."

Daemon's lips curled into a mocking smile. "And what makes you think you have the authority to tell me what belongs to whom, little brother?" he sneered. "You should know your place. After all, I am to have a son who will one day be king."

Aegon's eyes narrowed, his temper flaring. "And how can your son be king," he retorted, "when his father is only a prince?"

The jab hit its mark. Daemon's expression darkened, and his hand went to the hilt of his sword. "You should have never come here, Aegon," he hissed, drawing his blade and pointing it menacingly at his brother. "This gives me the perfect excuse to kill you once and for all."

Before either brother could move, the sky darkened with the approach of another dragon. Syrax, Rhaenyra's mount, descended gracefully, landing beside Tharion. Riding behind Rhaenyra was Vaerla, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and determination.

"What are you doing here, Princesses?" Otto demanded, his tone a mixture of frustration and concern as Rhaenyra and Vaerla approached.

"Preventing bloodshed," Rhaenyra replied calmly, her gaze shifting between her uncle and her brother.

Otto turned to Ser Criston. "Ser Criston, please escort the Princesses to safety."

As Criston moved to obey, Syrax let out a deafening roar, causing everyone to freeze in their tracks.

"Take care not to startle Syrax, my lords," Rhaenyra warned, her voice steady. "She's rather protective of me." She and Vaerla stepped forward, standing beside Aegon.

Aegon glared at his daughter, his voice a low growl. "I told you to stay behind."

Rhaenyra met his gaze defiantly. "You should know by now, uncle, that I don't take well to listening to others," she shot back.

Rhaenyra turned her attention to Daemon, her voice shifting to High Valyrian. "My father named Aegon Prince of Dragonstone. This is his castle you're living in, uncle," she stated firmly.

Daemon's eyes flashed with anger. "This should have been my castle, not his. It always should have been mine," he spat, glaring at Aegon with simmering hatred.

Aegon smirked, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Perhaps it would have been if you acted your age instead of running off and acting like a child."

"You have angered your king," Rhaenyra interjected, her voice calm but firm.

Daemon's demeanor shifted to one of forced cheerfulness. "I don't see why. This is a day of celebration. I am to be wed," he declared, casting a glance back at Mysaria, who stood a few paces behind him.

Rhaenyra's eyes narrowed. "You already have a wife, uncle," she reminded him, her tone icy.

"Not one of my choosing," Daemon replied bitterly. "And this required you to steal my brother's egg?" Rhaenyra asked, her voice tinged with incredulity.