Two Burning Flames

Part 5

"You ready to eat my dust?" Aellys teased as she sat in the saddle on top of Starfyre.

"We both know I'd win." Aemond replied with a serious tone.

"Well, that's only because your dragon is so massive." Aellys shot back, smirking.

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

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

"You started it, sister." Aemond retorted. With that, they both launched into the sky from the vast open field. The setting sun painted the ocean in brilliant orange hues around them. Aellys always felt a sense of freedom when riding Starfyre; there was nowhere else she'd rather be.

As the daylight began to fade, the two siblings soared through the air, showcasing Starfyre's new fire trick—flying gracefully through her own flames while twisting them elegantly. But as the sun dipped below the horizon, Aellys reluctantly landed, knowing it was time for them to head back.

As Aellys and Aemond dismounted their dragons she took a moment to admire Starfyre, she shimmered in the moons light like a large silver star.

"I'm going to miss our rides together." Aellys said as she strolled alongside Aemond on their way back to the castle.

"Me too. But aren't you supposed to be leaving soon? Mother will be furious if she sees you haven't gone." Aemond replied, glancing at her.

"It's too dark to leave now. I'll head out at first light." Aellys wrapped her arm around Aemond's neck, pulling him closer. "You know you're my favorite sibling, right?"

"Yeah, right. Aegon's your favorite." Aemond shot back with a smirk.

"Why do you say that? Just because we're twins? I'll have you know I'm not too keen on the new Aegon lately—he's been drinking way too much."

Aemond raised an eyebrow, a hint of concern crossing his features. "I've noticed. He's been reckless. It's as if he's trying to drown out something... or someone."

Aellys sighed, her grip tightening around Aemond's shoulders. "You think he's struggling? I thought maybe it was just a phase. But now I'm not so sure. He used to be so full of life and laughter."

"Life in this castle can change people," Aemond said softly. "The weight of our names, the expectations—it can be suffocating."

Aellys looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. "And yet here we are, pulling each other along. You always know how to make me feel better, Aemond." She chuckled lightly, but there was a seriousness 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." Aemond said.

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

"What's this?" Aemond replied, surprise flickering across his face at the unexpected gift.

"Just open it!"

Aemond followed her instructions, carefully opening the little black pouch to reveal a stunning blue sapphire. He looked up at Aellys, confusion etched on his features. "What's this for?"

"It's the closest thing I could find that matches your eye... Look, If people are going to stare at you the way they do for no reason, they might as well have something to look at. Plus, I think it'll make you look really cool."

A warm smile spread across his face. No one else seemed to notice how much the stares bothered him, but Aellys did. "T-Thank you, sister," he stammered, feeling a swell of emotion at her thoughtful gesture.