Two Burning Flames

Part 5

"You ready to eat my dust?" Aellys teased, settling into Starfyre's saddle.

"We both know I'd win," Aemond replied, voice serious, though a spark of mischief glimmered in his one good eye.

"Well, that's only because your dragon is enormous," she shot back, smirking.

"Even if Vhagar were the size of Starfyre, she'd still come out on top," he countered confidently.

"Alright, alright! Are we going to ride, or just keep trading insults?" Aellys challenged.

"You started it, sister," Aemond shot back.

With that, they launched into the sky, the vast field below shrinking as the setting sun painted the ocean in molten oranges and golds. Aellys felt the familiar surge of freedom when riding Starfyre; the wind in her hair, the tilt of the dragon beneath her—there was nowhere she'd rather be.

They soared higher, twisting through the air as Starfyre showcased her new trick: weaving elegantly through her own flames. Aemond mirrored her movements on Vhagar, both siblings laughing as they played their dangerous game. But as darkness crept across the land, Aellys reluctantly guided Starfyre down, knowing they'd have to return.

On the ground, she took a moment to admire Starfyre as moonlight glinted off her scales, shimmering like a silver star.

"I'm going to miss our rides," Aellys murmured, walking alongside Aemond as they made their way back to the castle.

"Me too," he admitted softly. "But aren't you supposed to leave soon? Mother will be furious if she sees you haven't gone."

"It's too dark to travel now," she said, looping her arm around his neck. "I'll go at first light. You know you're my favorite sibling, right?"

"Yeah, right. Aegon's your favorite," Aemond shot back, smirking.

"Why's that? Just because we're twins? Lately, I'm not too fond of the new Aegon—he's been drinking far too much."

Aemond's brow furrowed with concern. "I've noticed. He's been reckless... like he's trying to drown out something... or someone."

Aellys sighed, tightening her grip. "I thought it was just a phase. But now... I don't know. He used to be so full of life."

"Life in this castle changes people," Aemond said softly. "The weight of our names, the expectations... it can suffocate."

Aellys glanced up at him, moonlight reflecting in her eyes. "And yet here we are, pulling each other through. You always know how to make me feel better, Aemond." She chuckled lightly, though a shadow lingered in her gaze. "Just promise me you'll keep an eye on Aegon. I don't want to see him fall too far."

"I promise, Aellys," he said firmly.

"Here, I got you something," she said, pulling a small pouch from her pocket.

Aemond's eye widened. "What's this?"

"Open it," she urged.

Inside lay a stunning blue sapphire, its hue matching his good eye. He stared at it, astonished. "For... me?"

"It's the closest I could find to match your eye," she said softly. "If people are going to stare at you for no reason, they might as well have something to admire. And... I think it'll make you look really cool."

A warm, rare smile spread across Aemond's face. "T-Thank you, sister," he stammered, touched by her thoughtfulness.

She walked him to his chamber, wrapping him in a hug and pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his head. "Don't forget to write as often as you can!"