𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 33

A WEEK LATER

The morning sun cast a warm glow over Dragonstone, its rays filtering through the tall windows of the dining hall where Aegon, Vaerla, and Rhaenyra sat for breakfast. The sea beyond the windows was calm, the distant waves lapping gently against the rocky shores, a stark contrast to the simmering tensions and ambitions within the castle walls.

Aegon sat at the head of the table, his silver hair catching the light as he sliced into a piece of bread. Vaerla, seated beside him, had barely touched her food. Her mind was clearly elsewhere, her eyes darting between her father and the door, as if expecting something—or someone—to interrupt their meal.

Rhaenyra, across from them, sipped her drink thoughtfully, her gaze occasionally drifting to the windows, where the smoke from the island's active volcano curled into the sky. The week spent on Dragonstone had been a welcome reprieve from the stifling atmosphere of King's Landing, but it was clear that the time for relaxation was coming to an end.

Vaerla finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with the impatience of youth. "Father, when will I be able to try and tame my dragon?"

Aegon looked at her, his expression one of mild surprise, as if he hadn't expected the question so early in the day. He put down his knife and leaned back in his chair, considering his response.

"Soon, Vaerla," he said after a moment. "But first, there are matters I need to attend to. Once my work here is done, we will find the right time."

Vaerla frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the answer. "But I've waited long enough. I'm ready now."

Aegon reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know you are, but there is more to taming a dragon than just desire. You must be patient. When the time is right, you will succeed."

Though his words were meant to comfort, Vaerla's frown deepened. She stabbed at her plate with her fork, pushing the food around without eating. Aegon's heart ached to see her so frustrated, but he knew better than to rush such a dangerous and significant task.

Rhaenyra watched the exchange silently, her eyes thoughtful. She had tamed her own dragon, Syrax, at a young age, and she understood Vaerla's eagerness. But she also understood the importance of timing. There were risks involved, and a single mistake could be fatal. Aegon was right to be cautious.

As the silence stretched on, a guard entered the room, his armor clinking softly as he approached the table. He bowed low before speaking.

"My prince, the guests have arrived. They await your presence in the Great Hall."

Aegon nodded, rising from his seat with a sense of purpose. The time had come to meet the noble houses who had traveled to Dragonstone, each hoping to forge an alliance through marriage. It was a necessary step in solidifying his position and securing the future of House Targaryen.

He looked at Vaerla, offering her a small smile. "I must go and attend to our guests. Stay here with Rhaenyra and finish your breakfast."

Vaerla gave a reluctant nod, clearly disappointed that her question had been sidestepped, but she said nothing further. Aegon turned to Rhaenyra, his expression softening.

"Look after her for me, Rhaenyra."

Rhaenyra inclined her head, her gaze steady. "Of course, Aegon."

Aegon gave her a final nod before leaving the dining hall, the guard following closely behind. The sound of his boots echoed through the stone corridors as he made his way to the Great Hall, his mind already shifting to the task at hand.

Back in the dining hall, the silence settled once more, broken only by the occasional clatter of dishes. Vaerla sat in sullen silence, her earlier excitement drained away. She picked at her food, clearly uninterested in the meal before her.