𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐀 ── house of the dragon

i | the darling of the realm

ACT II — CHAPTER I
Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀʟɪɴɢ Oꜰ Tʜᴇ Rᴇᴀʟᴍ

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Rhaenyra Targaryen never understood why her mother hated her going flying until she had to watch her own daughter do so.

It was nerve-wracking, watching her daughter's life be completely in the hands of an unpredictable creature, one of the most dangerous ones on top of that. But, she knew that it was the only thing her daughter ever wanted, so Rhaenyra never stopped her.

Myra Velaryon was born to fly above the sea. She was born to feel the wind in her hair, to soar through the clouds, to laugh as she saw her siblings waving to her from down below.

In the six years since they moved to Dragonstone, Myra had grown into a warmhearted young woman. At only ten and four years of age, Myra was known throughout the realm for her kindness and virtue. Her warm nature was so well known that the smallfolk had named her the Darling of the Realm.

At the end of her daily flight, Myra and the Cannibal flew towards the entrance to the dragonpit. It hadn't taken them long to secure their bond, however, teaching the dragon to understand Valyrian took close to three years. It took time and a lot of patience, but Myra was able to do it. Now, the pair were as thick as thieves, willing to do anything for the other.

The Cannibal did not warm up to others as he had to Myra. No one else could tame him, not even the most experienced Dragonkeepers. This was evident as Myra and the Cannibal flew down to the ledge in the Dragonmont and the Dragonkeepers faces were fearful compared to their usual stoic ones.

The dragon landed and Myra unhooked herself from her saddle, carefully climbing down and onto the ledge. She turned back to the Dragonkeepers.

"Dohaeragon nyke gūrogon zȳhon sella hen," Myra commanded. Help me take his saddle off.

The first time they put the saddle on the Cannibal was an awful affair. He protested to the greatest extent, and Myra's calming words did nothing to calm him. He was much better about it now, but Myra only ever had him wear it when she was riding. Despite their bond, the Cannibal was still a wild dragon, and Myra would do anything in her power to ensure he did not feel chained down.

The Dragonkeepers slowly approached. The Cannibal began to growl and bear his teeth.

"Lykirī, Maekar," Myra soothed, running a hand along his scales. The Cannibal obliged, but only slightly. His teeth were no longer bearing, but there was an ever-present growl as the Dragonkeepers removed the saddle.

Once it was removed, Myra thanked the Dragonkeepers and turned her attention back to her dragon. The Cannibal nudged her with his snout, as he always did to show his affection.

"Kostā jikagon, Maekar," Myra told him, smiling. You may go.

Immediately upon receiving her approval, the Cannibal took flight. Myra watched him go, as she always did.

"Welcome back, Princess. I hope your ride was pleasant."

Myra turned to the entrance of the castle. Ser Carden Redfort, the newest member of the Kingsguard and Myra's sworn protector, stood with his hands behind his back.

"It was quite, Ser Carden," Myra said, walking over to him and taking off her gloves, "You seem relieved."

"I am relieved every time you return from your flights unharmed," Carden said, trailing after her.

Even though Carden only had ten and two years on her, Myra saw him as a fatherly figure, and he had become a great comfort in her life in the past year that she had known him.