ASOIAF: The Dragon Seed

The Dragon's Egg Part 1

 The Dragon's Egg

It had been a few months since Daemon had taken Annatar under his wing as his squire. In that time, Annatar had learned much from the unpredictable prince—lessons in swordsmanship, power, and the intricacies of court politics. Daemon had proven himself to be both a ruthless and capable mentor, though Annatar had begun to notice the dangerous path Daemon walked, the reckless ambition that fueled him. Daemon's tendency to act first and think later had often led to surprises, some of which left Annatar questioning the prince's methods.

That night, Daemon had summoned Annatar to his chambers earlier in the evening, speaking cryptically about a task he needed to carry out. He had seemed unusually distant, though, his mind elsewhere. Daemon's eyes had a dangerous gleam, and his voice was laced with a quiet determination.

"Tonight is an important night," Daemon had told him, casting a long glance toward the flickering candlelight in the room. "But I need you to stay here, Annatar."

Annatar had nodded, though a part of him wanted to ask why. Daemon had never shied away from taking him along for his more... daring escapades. But this time was different.

Daemon had left without another word, disappearing into the shadows of Dragonstone's halls. Annatar had felt a strange tug at his chest, a mix of curiosity and caution, but he remained where Daemon had left him. There was no reason to question the prince's commands. Not yet, at least.

Hours passed.

Annatar lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling of his room, trying to shake the uneasy feeling that clung to him. He couldn't help but think of what Daemon had said: "Tonight is an important night." The prince was unpredictable, and the longer Annatar stayed away from the center of things, the more he felt like an outsider. The thought of being left behind left a sour taste in his mouth.

It wasn't until the next morning that he found out what had happened.

The whispers started almost immediately. By the time Annatar had finished his morning meal, the entire keep was abuzz with news. The dragon egg, which had been kept in the Red Keep for the late Prince Baelon's memory, had gone missing.

Annatar had heard the stories—how the egg had been meant for the deceased prince, a gift from King Viserys, meant to memorialize the son who had died before he could ever sit upon the throne. It was a symbol of hope for the Targaryen line, a precious artifact that had been kept in the royal chambers.

But now it was gone.

Daemon's name was on every tongue.

Annatar had been walking down one of the stone corridors when he overheard a group of guards speaking in hushed tones, eyes darting nervously. One of them was practically shaking as he spoke.

"I swear, it was Daemon. He stole it. The dragon egg... it's gone. From the Red Keep."

The other guards exchanged uncertain looks, but none spoke up. Annatar felt his blood run cold. He had known Daemon was capable of bold actions, but this... this was beyond anything he had imagined.

Annatar moved quickly, his footsteps echoing on the cold stone as he made his way to Daeron's quarters. His mind raced—he had not been involved in this, and yet he could not shake the feeling that he was somehow connected to it all. Daemon's schemes always had a way of dragging everyone into their wake.

When he arrived, Daeron was already waiting for him, his face grim as he took in Annatar's expression.

"I heard," Annatar said, his voice low. "Daemon stole the egg."

Daeron nodded, the tension in his shoulders palpable. "It's true. And it's already causing a stir in King's Landing."

Annatar exhaled slowly, trying to piece it all together. "Why would he do it? What does he hope to gain?"

Daeron's brow furrowed. "Daemon does not act without reason. He seeks power, influence. Maybe he's trying to send a message. Maybe he wants to make a statement to the king." He paused, glancing at Annatar. "And he might have thought he could use you to keep the peace. You're close to him, aren't you?"

Annatar's eyes widened slightly at the suggestion. He knew Daemon had taken a liking to him, but could it be that Daemon intended for him to play a role in this... theft?

"I'm close to him," Annatar confirmed, though the words felt strange on his tongue. He didn't like where this was heading.

Daemon had always been unpredictable. But now, with his actions growing bolder, Annatar could feel the storm clouds gathering. The game was changing, and Daemon was at the center of it all.

Daeron glanced at Annatar, his gaze softening just a little. "You need to be careful, Annatar. Daemon... he's not a man who respects weakness. And he will drag anyone into his schemes if it suits him."

Annatar took a deep breath. He had spent months learning under Daemon, and yet the thought of being swept up in his plans terrified him. But there was something else at play here—something that felt like more than just a simple power grab.

"Daemon... has his own way of doing things," Annatar said, almost to himself. "But this feels different. He's not just stealing an egg. He's making a move. A dangerous one."

Daeron nodded in agreement. "And now you're tied to it, whether you like it or not."

Annatar swallowed, his throat dry. The weight of the situation was beginning to settle on him like a thick fog. There was no going back now. Whatever Daemon's intentions were, Annatar would have to navigate them carefully—because he could see it now: Daemon would not hesitate to use him, just as he had used others in his quest for power.

Later that night, Annatar found himself standing in the shadows outside the chambers, watching as Daemon returned from his secretive errand. The prince's steps were calm, as if nothing had changed. But Annatar could see the glint of victory in his eyes.

Daemon turned to him, smirking. "You're wondering what all the fuss is about, aren't you?"

Annatar could barely keep the bitterness out of his voice. "What was it all for? Why the egg? What do you want, Daemon?"

Daemon's smirk deepened. "It's not about what I want, Annatar. It's about showing that I take what is mine." His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the smile disappeared. "And you will help me keep it."

Annatar felt a shiver run down his spine as Daemon's words settled in. There was no turning back. Daemon had made his move, and Annatar was caught in the middle of it all.