THE HOUSE OF DRAGON: THE FIRST AGE OF TARGARYEN

FINAL CHAPTER

In the grand halls of Valyria, the sound of guards' footsteps echoed ominously as they approached the chambers of Princess Raehan. The heavy doors creaked open, and a maid rushed forward to intervene.

"The princess is asleep," the maid whispered, trying to shield Raehan from whatever disturbance was brewing. But her words went unheeded as Queen Rhaevenya, Raehan's aunt, strode into the room with an air of cold authority.

"Get out," Rhaevenya commanded sharply.

The maid hesitated for a brief moment, glancing at the sleeping child, but quickly obeyed, scurrying out of the room. Raehan stirred at the sound, her eyes fluttering open. Confused, she sat up, her small frame still wrapped in the warmth of her bed.

"Your Grace?" Raehan asked groggily, her voice filled with confusion as she blinked at the sight of her aunt and the guards standing before her.

Without a word, Rhaevenya gestured to the guards. They moved swiftly, grabbing Raehan's arms and pulling her from the bed. Raehan gasped in fear, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Where is my mother?" she cried out, struggling against the guards' grip.

Rhaevenya's expression remained cold and distant as she spoke. "Your mother has flown beyond our reach. We cannot find her," she said, her voice devoid of warmth. "But we need something... something to send her."

Raehan's eyes widened in fear, her small body trembling as her mind tried to make sense of her aunt's cryptic words. "What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice quivering.

Without answering, Rhaevenya unsheathed a gleaming dagger from her side. The blade caught the dim light of the room, its sharp edge gleaming menacingly. Raehan's breath quickened, panic surging through her as her aunt reached for her hand.

"No, please!" Raehan pleaded, but her cries were ignored. Rhaevenya gripped Raehan's hand and, with a swift motion, sliced into her finger.

A piercing scream tore from Raehan's throat as blood poured from the wound, staining the floor crimson. She collapsed onto her knees, clutching her hand, her body trembling with shock and pain.

Rhaevenya watched impassively as the blood dripped from Raehan's hand. With what she needed obtained, the queen turned and left the room without a word, her cloak trailing behind her.

Raehan's cries echoed through the empty chamber, her small body wracked with sobs. Moments later, the maid rushed back in, her face pale with horror at the sight of Raehan bleeding and trembling.

                                                  THE HOUSE OF DRAGON

                                            THE FIRST AGE OF TARGARYEN

The sun had barely risen over Dorne, casting its first light across the kingdom's warm sands, when Princess Aēlena found herself drawn to the lush gardens within the palace walls. The desert blooms were rare but vibrant, with colors and scents that calmed her restless spirit. She was not alone for long. King Marsselo joined her, his steps light but his presence unwavering, a gentle smile greeting her.

They walked together, their conversation as relaxed as the morning air. But Marsselo's gaze turned serious as they passed beneath the shadow of a date palm.

"You have dragons, Aēlena-why not just use them to burn those who threaten you?"

Aēlena sighed, shaking her head. "It's not that simple, Marsselo. I don't even have my own dragon. And besides, a dragon's wrath brings only ruin."