A year had passed since Naerys's return to King's Landing, and the once-familiar city felt like home again. Her days were filled with dragon flights, late-night adventures, and the quiet thrill of court intrigue. She had embraced her role in the court with vigor, drawing strength from the bond she had forged with Gaelithox and the friendships she had rekindled.
Flying with Gaelithox across the skies of Westeros was her greatest joy. She often soared alongside Aegon on Sunfyre or Helaena on Dreamfyre, their dragons dancing through the clouds. Yet, her most cherished moments were those spent with Aemond and Vhagar. The understanding and camaraderie they shared had deepened over the past year, their bond forged in the fires of shared history and mutual respect.
The court was abuzz with anticipation for Rhaenyra's upcoming visit. Her return with Daemon and their children promised to stir the simmering tensions between the Greens and the Blacks. Naerys had heard tales of her sister's growing family, but seeing them again after so many years was a different matter entirely.
King Viserys's health had worsened considerably, leaving the realm on edge as the question of succession loomed large. The fragile peace that Viserys had maintained seemed ready to fracture, and Naerys felt the weight of her family's future resting heavily upon her shoulders.
As she prepared for Rhaenyra's arrival, Naerys found herself lost in thought. She remembered the incident that had left Aemond scarred—the day Lucerys had taken his eye and Rhaenyra's children had mocked him with the Pink Dread. Naerys had comforted Aemond then, offering what solace she could. She understood the anger that still simmered within him, a fire that could ignite at any moment.
In the year since her return, Naerys had become a fixture in the city's social scene. She had a retinue of ladies-in-waiting, and together they frequented the lively taverns and bustling streets of King's Landing.
Her love of music and poetry endeared her to many, and the songs she crafted about the Targaryen dynasty were sung across the realm. Her popularity only added to the whispers about her future, and speculation about her marriage prospects was rampant.
Naerys hoped that Aemond would be her future husband. Their connection had grown strong, and the thought of solidifying their bond through marriage was a dream she held close to her heart. She didn't want to marry a man who wasn't a dragon. She couldn't imagine living out the rest of her life at Lannisport or Winterfell. She would sooner return back to Essos and leave this mess behind. Her brothers and Helaena held higher places in court now, she hoped she wouldn't be so easily married off. She knew aligning herself with Aemond would strengthen the Green's side, which was becoming increasingly appealing in light of the political landscape.
The day of Rhaenyra's arrival dawned clear and bright, the sun casting a golden hue over the Red Keep. Naerys stood on the balcony of her chambers, watching as the city prepared to welcome her sister and her entourage. Her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
As she descended to the courtyard to greet her family, Naerys couldn't help but wonder how the reunion would unfold. Would old wounds heal, or would they be reopened, fueling the fires of division? She knew that much depended on her actions and those of her brothers. The future of the Targaryen dynasty was at a crossroads, and Naerys was determined to navigate it with wisdom and courage.
With a deep breath, she joined the throng of nobles awaiting Rhaenyra's arrival, her heart filled with hope and resolve. Whatever lay ahead, Naerys knew she would face it with the strength of her dragon and the loyalty of her family.
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A Dragon's Song
FanfictionIn the turbulent years leading up to the Dance of the Dragons, Naerys Targaryen, the youngest daughter of King Viserys and Queen Aemma, returns to the Red Keep after years of exploring the world. She brings with her Gaelithox, a wild and formidable...