Heir of the Dragon

One Happy Family

When Jessica came into the council chambers she was happily surprised to see her Uncle Corlys at the painted table with Rhaenyra.

"Uncle Corlys!" Jessica beamed and ran over to embrace him.

Corlys hugged her tightly, kissing the top of her head, before settling her down next to him.

Rhaenyra was the last to sit. "The new riders are a boon to us, but now the deed is done, I cannot erase my doubts. We know little of who they are, and what is the strength of their character. Addam of Hull, at least, is known to you."

Corlys took a breath. "I’ve had little to do with him…to my regret. But the beasts have been claimed. You now have a great advantage. You must strike, quickly, while the prince regent mulls his next action."

Rhaenyra shook her head. "I had hoped my advantage may be in deterrence. Vhagar has ever been our foremost threat, and she is now overmatched."

Corlys looked between the two girls. "Vhagar is not his only dragon."

Jessica bit her lip. "Daeron is untested. He has never left Oldtow, and his dragon is younger than Vermax."

Corlys patted her head. "But a dragon nonetheless, Sweet Girl. And you both forget another."

Rhaenyra narrowed her eyes. "Helaena?"

Jessica shook her head no. "She rides less and less these days. And has no taste for battle."

Crolys sighed, folding his hands and staring at the girls intently. "And her dragon…Dreamfyre, hatched when the Conqueror was king. She is formidable."

Jessica was quick to defend her sister. "Still, Helaena is no warrior."

Rhaenyra stood her hands pressed against the table. "Aemond thought himself invincible. He has now discovered he is not. He’ll be angry, desperate. He will not stop at burning Sharp Point, and he will not be denied."

Corlys licked his lips, knowing it was a sore subject. "Sending Jesscareya back to -"

"No." Rhaenyra answered all to quickly. "Jessica just came home. I'm not sending her back to that prison, just so Aemond can suffocate her."

"She is his wife Rhaenyra." Corlys reasoned. "We both know that Aemond is in search of her. This now makes him not only desperate, but dangerous. He won't stop at Sharp Point."

Rhaenyra gave a low growl. "My sister remains here in my court, at my side. That is an order."

Corlys gave Jessica an apologetic look before he rose. He gave a nod to Rhaenyra. "Your Grace."

Night had fallen when everyone was called to the table to dine on supper. Jessica and Rhaenyra each took an end of the table and the rest settled in around them.

The tension of the afternoon seemed to ebb, as Corlys looked more relaxed, and for a moment all seeme to be well.

Ulf had been scarffing down quails left and right, and just as much wine to wash them down. He held up his drink. "More wine here! Taming a dragon is thirsty work. Oh, and some more of these little birds."

Rhaenyra smiled and stood, holding her cup. "A toast. To our new riders. The three of you are not of noble birth, but you have done a thing never dreamed of before now. I have entrusted you with a power only few have known. And I charge you to take it up with fealty and respect. Serve me well, and I will make you knights of the realm."

Ulf chuckled, delighted. "Huh? What do you think of that, boys? We’ll be knights… just like that."

Addam looked from Jessica to Rhaenyra. "We will not fail you, My Queen."