𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆, daemon targaryen

033.

ELEANOR TARGARYEN watched as Rhaenyra, her sweet and innocent niece, stood in front of the Dragonpit, excitement lighting up her violet eyes. Today was a special day—her nameday was fast approaching, and Eleanor had decided to spend it with her, pretending to be the doting aunt. But deep down, Eleanor's heart was set on a different prize: the Iron Throne. The Dragonpit loomed ahead, its entrance a grand archway that hinted at the untamed power within. While Rhaenyra bubbled with excitement, Eleanor felt a surge of something darker beneath her calm exterior—a desire to mold her niece into a formidable player in the game of thrones.

"Are you ready to see Syrax, Rhaenyra?" Eleanor asked, her voice warm and encouraging, as if she were simply indulging in the whims of a child rather than manipulating the very foundation of her niece's future.

"Yes! I can't wait to practice my commands!" Rhaenyra exclaimed, her small hands clenching into fists of glee. Eleanor noted the sparkle in her eyes, an innocence that she intended to use to her advantage.

As they entered the Dragonpit, the young dragon curled within her nest looked up, her golden scales glinting in the dim light. Rhaenyra rushed forward, her face alight with joy as she called out to Syrax, her voice a melody of affection. "Syrax! Look at me!"

Eleanor followed, her demeanor softening as she watched Rhaenyra interact with the dragon. The bond was palpable, but beneath Eleanor's affectionate facade lurked the knowledge that she needed Rhaenyra to see her as an ally, a mentor—someone to be relied upon in a world that could turn dark at any moment.

"Rhaenyra," Eleanor said, feigning seriousness as she approached the dragon. "You must remember that commanding a dragon is about trust. If you truly want Syrax to listen to you, you must show her you are strong, that you deserve her respect."

Rhaenyra nodded earnestly, her brow furrowing as she absorbed her cousin's words. "What do you mean? How can I be strong?"

"Strength comes from confidence, little one," Eleanor explained, kneeling beside her. "When you give a command, it must come from a place of certainty. Syrax can sense your emotions. If you're nervous, she won't listen."

"But what if I mess up?" Rhaenyra asked, her voice trembling slightly, vulnerability seeping through her youthful bravado.

Eleanor placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, her expression sweet yet calculating. "Then you simply try again. And I will be here to help you every step of the way. You don't need to fear mistakes; they're part of learning. And I will always be proud of you, no matter what."

"Really?" Rhaenyra's eyes widened, the seed of doubt momentarily quelled by Eleanor's reassuring words.

"Of course," Eleanor said, her voice dripping with sincerity, though her thoughts were laced with ambition. Rhaenyra is a pawn in a larger game; the sooner she realizes her strength, the more I can guide her.

With newfound determination, Rhaenyra stood tall, her tiny shoulders squared as she faced Syrax. "Come, Syrax!" she called out, her tone firm yet still imbued with youthful exuberance.

The young dragon hesitated, tilting her head as if processing the command. Rhaenyra bit her lip, and Eleanor could see the flicker of anxiety return to her cousin's eyes. It was time to reinforce the notion that she was in control.

"Remember, Rhaenyra, you are a Targaryen," Eleanor urged, her voice steady and encouraging. "You are born to ride dragons and command them. Syrax needs to know that you are her master, not the other way around."

Rhaenyra took a deep breath, channeling Eleanor's advice as she repeated the command with renewed vigor. "Come, Syrax!"

This time, the dragon shifted forward, responding to Rhaenyra's call. The princess's face lit up with excitement, and Eleanor's heart swelled with a mix of pride and ambition. This is how I'll make her stronger, how I'll ensure she sees me as an ally.

"Excellent! You see? She responded to you!" Eleanor clapped her hands together, her voice infused with genuine enthusiasm. "Now let's try another command. What about 'halt'? You'll need that when she's bigger."

Rhaenyra nodded, her confidence growing as they continued their practice. As the young princess commanded Syrax, Eleanor watched closely, a plan formulating in her mind. I'll make her believe that I care for her and her well-being.

After several attempts, Rhaenyra successfully commanded Syrax to halt, and the dragon obeyed, pausing mid-motion to look at her rider expectantly. Rhaenyra's laughter rang through the Dragonpit, pure and filled with joy, but Eleanor's smile was more calculated. And then I will win.

"Very good, Rhaenyra! You're becoming a wonderful dragon rider," Eleanor praised, her tone nurturing yet strategically chosen to build Rhaenyra's reliance on her. "But remember, power comes with responsibility. We must always be prepared for what lies ahead."

"What do you mean?" Rhaenyra asked, her brow furrowing again as she regarded her aunt with curiosity.

Eleanor leaned in closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a great secret. "The world is not as kind as it seems, Rhaenyra. There will be those who will try to take what is yours, to undermine you. You must be strong, not just for yourself, but for your dragon and for our family. And I will always be here to guide you, but you must be ready to fight for what you love."

Rhaenyra nodded, her innocence mixing with a newfound sense of determination. "I will be strong, Eleanor. I promise."

"Good," Eleanor said, her heart fluttering with the thrill of her manipulation. "We'll train together, and I will teach you everything I know. You will become a dragon rider worthy of your name."

As they continued their practice, Eleanor felt a sense of satisfaction wash over her. Rhaenyra was unwittingly stepping into the role Eleanor envisioned for her—a role that would ultimately serve Eleanor's own ambitions. The bond between them grew, but beneath the surface, Eleanor's intentions were anything but innocent.

Together, they left the Dragonpit, Rhaenyra chattering excitedly about her future as a dragon rider, unaware of the subtle threads Eleanor was weaving, strings of influence that would tether Rhaenyra to her in ways the young princess could not yet comprehend. Eleanor smiled as they walked side by side, knowing that her plan was slowly taking shape, and with each passing day, she would bring Rhaenyra closer to her side, solidifying the bond between them for her own benefit.