90 AC. King's Landing
The spacious Throne Room of the Red Keep, stripped of the usual din of courtiers, felt singularly majestic. The high vaults absorbed all stray sounds, while sunbeams breaking through the narrow stained-glass windows gilded the massive base of the Iron Throne. At this hour, none were present save members of the royal dynasty and the Hand of the King, Septon Barth. Unneeded servants, lords, and petitioners had been dismissed from the hall well in advance by strict command, ensuring the Targaryen family council would take place in utter secrecy, far from prying eyes and ears.
King Jaehaerys I Targaryen sat upon the throne forged from the swords of vanquished enemies, broad palms gripping its armrests. His greying beard and the lines etched around his eyes underscored the heavy burden of power he bore, yet his gaze remained sharp and impossibly attentive. Beside him, on a high step at the throne's right hand, stood Queen Alysanne. Her demeanor bore none of her crowned spouse's sternness, only a profound maternal anxiety that melted into relief at the sight of those who entered.
When the heavy oak doors shut, sealing the Throne Room off from the outside world, Viserra and Lord Corlys Velaryon came to a halt at the foot of the dais, bowing their heads in respectful homage.
"My brothers told me you summoned me, father."
"Welcome, my daughter," King Jaehaerys said, his deep, measured voice echoing off the hall's stone walls. "And you, Lord Corlys. We awaited your arrival with no small measure of anticipation, given the tidings you sent to the capital."
Queen Alysanne took a step forward, gently smoothing her heavy velvet gown, and bestowed upon Viserra a tender, soul-soothing smile. Tears of true joy for her daughter's fate glinted in her eyes.
"Viserra, my child," Queen Alysanne spoke in a voice quiet yet clearly audible in the stillness of the hall, pressing her hands to her breast. "My heart knew no peace when we learned of what you had done. I prayed to the Seven, and I am overjoyed beyond measure to see you unharmed. That you managed to tame Dreamfyre and emerged unscathed from such peril is true mercy from the heavens."
Before Viserra could utter a word of reply, Princess Rhaenys stepped swiftly from her place at the side of the throne. Forgetting the strictest court etiquette - which demanded restraint even in the absence of lords - she closed the distance between them and embraced Viserra fiercely by the shoulders with genuine passion. Viserra caught the familiar scent of sea wind and costly perfume emanating from Rhaenys, and pressed her niece close in return.
"I am so proud of you," Rhaenys whispered right into her ear, keeping the words between the two of them as the King and Queen watched their outburst. "Congratulations, Viserra. You are a true dragonrider now, and your dream has finally come true."
Viserra felt a wave of genuine gratitude wash over her heart. In this vast castle steeped in intrigue, alliances, and hidden motives, Rhaenys's support was an unshakeable pillar for her. Viserra knew with certainty: even if the entire royal House Targaryen turned against her, even if the whole world turned its back and condemned her deeds, Rhaenys would remain at her side and never betray her. And Viserra was equally prepared to go to any length for her niece.
Stepping back, Rhaenys approached her father with a warm smile. King Jaehaerys, however, was in no rush to turn his gaze elsewhere. His heavy, searching eyes remained fixed upon Viserra. In the sovereign's eyes read not so much genuine concern as a demand for a full explanation.
"We have heard no small number of tidings brought by raven, Viserra," the King said, knitting his grey brows and leaning forward slightly. "But I wish to hear the truth from your own lips. How is it that Dreamfyre, who for years suffered no one near her and lived in willful isolation, suddenly submitted to you on the shores of Driftmark? Tell us what transpired that day."
Viserra exchanged a fleeting, barely perceptible glance with Corlys, drawing silent support from her husband, and stepped toward the foot of the Iron Throne. She lent her voice a touch of lingering emotion, carefully choosing every word and adhering to their rehearsed tale - a story she herself had begun to believe.
"It all happened with incredible speed, father," Viserra began, holding her posture upright while letting her anxiety show through her composure. "That day, Corlys and I were on a remote, secluded stretch of the island's coast. He usually teaches me how to tread water and swim at that hour, while the guards of House Velaryon remained nearby on the shore. Nothing portended danger when suddenly, out of the sky, Dreamfyre descended directly onto the sand."
Viserra paused briefly, feeling absolute silence settle over the Throne Room.
"The dragon was beside herself with rage," the princess continued, shaking her head. "She roared deafeningly, thrashed about the shore, and showed fierce hostility. The frightened guards instantly drew their swords, trying to shield us with their bodies, but the sight of bared steel only enraged Dreamfyre all the more. She was ready to incinerate or tear us all apart in a single heartbeat."
Lord Corlys merely gave a restrained nod at that moment, validating his wife's words with his authoritative gaze.
"I realized that a few seconds more, and the guards' foolish loyalty would provoke a fight ending in slaughter - and perhaps the deaths of Corlys and myself as well," Viserra said earnestly. "Summoning my resolve, I stepped forward to meet the enraged dragon. I spoke to her in High Valyrian. I had seen Rhaenys and my brothers do it countless times."
Queen Alysanne pressed a palm to her breast in anxiety, her eyes fixed on her daughter as Viserra recounted how it had all unfolded.
"Dreamfyre went still," Viserra said quietly, yet clearly. "She gazed at me long and intently, and then the fire in her eyes gave way to recognition. Dreamfyre lowered her neck and tilted her wing, as though inviting me to mount her back. The very moment I touched her scales and felt within my own chest all that she felt, I knew we were bound. Rhaenys had often described what it was like to bond with a dragon and what she felt. That day, I understood what she meant."
King Jaehaerys listened closely to his daughter, thoughtfully stroking his beard as he weighed every word. Then his gaze shifted slightly to the side - toward his elder sons.
"Aemon, Baelon," the King addressed them, leaning forward slightly and resting his elbows on the armrests of the Iron Throne. "You were the first to ride for High Tide to investigate what occurred and shed light on this unexpected bond. Report to me and the council: what did you discover on the scene?"
Prince Aemon, heir to the throne, took a step forward. His bearing exuded discipline and steadfast confidence, his voice ringing clear and measured, as befitted a future ruler and dragonrider.
"Father, we thoroughly examined the situation at High Tide and questioned everyone who witnessed those events," Prince Aemon began his report, looking back and forth between the King and his younger sister. "It unfolded precisely as Viserra described. Baelon and I personally interrogated the guards stationed on the beach that day. Their testimonies align entirely with her words. There was no malice or conspiracy at play - merely a chain of coincidences that could have led to disaster, were it not for Viserra's composure."
Baelon Targaryen, standing beside his brother, took up the tale, nodding his head in complete agreement with every word.
"What astonished us most of all, father," Prince Baelon joined in, stroking the hilt of his blade at his belt, "was just how tractable Dreamfyre proved to be. Her bond with Viserra is brand new, formed only days ago, yet the dragon obeys her in nearly everything without the slightest resistance. What is more, at Viserra's behest, Dreamfyre allowed Corlys to mount her back and fly with them to the capital. Aemon and I originally assumed Lord Velaryon would have to ride one of our dragons - upon Vhagar or Caraxes - for dragons do not tolerate strangers. Yet Dreamfyre displayed no displeasure whatsoever when Corlys took his seat behind Viserra."
Hearing these words, Queen Alysanne shook her head and sighed softly, turning to her husband with conviction in her voice.
"This only confirms how strong and deep a bond has formed between Viserra and Dreamfyre," Queen Alysanne said, facing the King and looking him straight in the eye. "Our sister had to coax and soothe the dragon patiently for a long time, pleading with Dreamfyre just to let another so much as approach her saddle, to say nothing of sharing a flight. What occurred on the beach of High Tide is clear proof that Viserra bears no fault for what happened. The dragon chose her, sensing her blood and spirit, and our sons' investigation merely confirms this indisputable truth."
The Queen paused, letting her words settle in the minds of those present, before continuing her thought in an attempt to dispel her husband's remaining doubts once and for all.
"Had Viserra not shown resolve and initiative in that perilous moment, Dreamfyre might have wrought irreparable harm upon Lord Corlys, upon Viserra herself, and upon every guard present. In the worst case, she would have slaughtered all who stood in her path. It would have been a catastrophic tragedy for the realm, and the smallfolk and lords alike would have laid the blame squarely on our family, accusing the Targaryens of failing to keep watch over our own dragons. Viserra averted bloodshed."
King Jaehaerys fell into a deep silence. His heavy, searching gaze rested upon Viserra's face for a long time, as though seeking to read her hidden thoughts and ensure she was ready to bear the mantle of a dragonrider. Silence fell over the hall, broken only by the crackle of torches along the walls. At last, the monarch let out a heavy sigh, conceding defeat before the irrefutable arguments of his wife and sons.
"Since matters have unfolded thus, and we cannot alter what has come to pass," King Jaehaerys spoke, his voice ringing with the undeniable authority of a sovereign, "we must steer these events into their proper course. Beginning tomorrow, Viserra shall be instructed in everything a true dragonrider must know and master. Aemon and Baelon shall train her whenever affairs of state and duty afford them spare time. And your chief mentor, Viserra, shall be Rhaenys."
Princess Rhaenys made no effort to hide her elation. A broad, genuine smile broke across her face, and her eyes sparkled with eagerness.
"With the greatest of pleasure, Grandfather!" Princess Rhaenys exclaimed, executing a graceful curtsy toward the King, before turning to Viserra. "At last we can take to the skies together upon our own dragons! I shall teach you all the intricacies of riding, sharp turns, and how to feel every beat of their wings against the wind."
"Do not be overly reckless in the skies, and exercise caution," Queen Alysanne warned them with gentle affection, shaking her head at the enthusiasm of the family's younger women. "The sky forgives no mistakes, even when you mount dragons as grand as these."
Viserra bowed her head before her parents, expressing gratitude for a decision that lifted a heavy burden of dread from her shoulders.
"Thank you, father," Viserra said, straightening her back, and then glanced at her niece. "And I am exceedingly glad, Rhaenys, that from now on I shall command my own dragon in flight, rather than merely sitting behind you on Meleys as I did in years past."
Even so, Viserra barely kept her private thoughts to herself. She smiled inwardly, thinking that her own husband, Corlys, who possessed vast experience with dragons, could have trained her just as well, yet remaining silent on the matter was the only prudent choice. After all, the prospect of spending countless hours in Rhaenys's company filled her with genuine warmth.
King Jaehaerys, meanwhile, proceeded to lay out the practical details regarding the keeping of such a large dragon.
"For the coming months, Dreamfyre shall be housed in the Dragonpit," the monarch stated flatly, adjusting the heavy chain upon his chest. "The Dragonkeepers will manage her housing and instruct you, Viserra, in proper care, feeding, and the commands required for control."
Those words caused Viserra to tense instantly. Her understanding of her dragon's nature compelled her to firmly object to her father, despite the risk of provoking his wrathful temper.
"No, father, that shall not be," Viserra spoke firmly, stepping forward and meeting the King's stern glare. "Dreamfyre will never again enter beneath the dome of the Dragonpit, nor suffer herself to be bound in chains. Even the bond between us will not suffice to force her into confinement. I saw with my own eyes and clearly felt her ferocious rage when the Dragonkeepers merely attempted to lead her inside. She perceives that place as a prison."
King Jaehaerys scowled in annoyance, deep furrows appearing on his brow.
"If a dragon is not kept locked inside the Dragonpit, then where in the Seven Kingdoms is it to be?!" the King demanded, rising indignation in his voice as his eyes swept over those present.
Prince Aemon hurried to intervene to defuse the growing tension between his father and sister.
"Father, because Dreamfyre behaved with extreme aggression when they attempted to lead her into the subterranean vaults, she had to be left in the outer yard of the Dragonpit," Prince Aemon explained, smoothing the rough edges in a measured tone.
"Left in the yard?!" The King swept his arm through the air, his voice booming beneath the high vaults. "Do the two of you - seasoned dragonriders - not grasp how perilous that is? Leaving a massive, ferocious dragon unchained right within the city limits! It is an unacceptable folly!"
At that moment, Lord Corlys Velaryon entered the conversation. His calm, deep voice had a soothing effect on those gathered.
"Your Grace, permit me a word," the Lord of Driftmark spoke respectfully, taking a step toward the throne. "After Viserra tamed Dreamfyre, the dragon rested peacefully in the courtyard of my castle for several days. Throughout that time, she wrought not the slightest harm upon either man or stone, displaying remarkable calm so long as no one sought to use force against her."
Viserra immediately supported her husband's reasoning, pressing the main points home.
"Corlys speaks true, father," Viserra picked up, meeting the King's eyes with unwavering confidence. "I can fully control Dreamfyre's conduct under ordinary circumstances, and she will harm no one so long as she feels secure. But if they attempt to chain her by force, I cannot guarantee I can restrain her from fighting back. And I pray you remember: if a beast of her size rebels and breaks her chains right in the heart of the capital, it will mean disaster for the entire city. Is such a risk truly worth taking?"
King Jaehaerys lapsed into a long, heavy contemplation. His eyes shifted from Viserra to Corlys, then to the Queen and his sons, weighing every argument. At last, a heavy sigh escaped his chest.
"So be it," the King agreed reluctantly, pointing a finger toward his daughter. "Yet mark my words, Viserra: you, and you alone, bear full personal responsibility to ensure your dragon brings no harm to a single soul in King's Landing."
Lord Corlys, seizing the opportune moment, stepped forward to present another crucial petition, one mapped out in fine detail beforehand.
"Your Grace, since Dreamfyre is to remain in the capital, I request your leave to assign ten of my men to her," Corlys said, maintaining an impeccably formal and respectful tone. "They all carry Valyrian blood, are fiercely loyal to House Velaryon, and will tend to the dragon while learning the intricacies of her care from your Dragonkeepers. After all, when we return to High Tide, we shall require trained retainers capable of properly caring for Dreamfyre on Driftmark."
A flicker of displeasure crossed King Jaehaerys's face once more. The notion of entrusting the care of a royal dragon to Velaryon men clearly displeased him, yet the request was utterly logical and sound. The King had no formal grounds to refuse without giving needless offense.
What the King and the council members did not know - and could not even imagine - was the true motive behind this step. Corlys Velaryon had selected these ten loyal men a full month before his wedding to Viserra. Every one of them had already signed a magical contract, swearing them to eternal silence regarding the secrets of House Velaryon and forbidding them from causing any harm whatsoever to dragons. Corlys himself had already begun their secret instruction using rare manuscripts and tomes salvaged from the ruins of Valyria. In reward for their loyalty, these men had been granted spacious, respectable lodgings for their families and a handsome stipend, while their wives and children were assured honorable employment at his ancestral seat of High Tide. The entire charade of official training in the capital was staged by Corlys solely to ensure that in the future, no one in Westeros would wonder how House Velaryon had suddenly acquired its own well-trained, fiercely loyal order of dragonkeepers.
"Very well, Lord Corlys, I grant my consent," King Jaehaerys answered curtly, rising from the Iron Throne to signal the end of the audience. "We shall conclude here. But since you have returned to the capital earlier than appointed, I expect you tomorrow morning at the session of the Small Council. The realm's affairs suffer no delay."
"I understand completely, Your Grace," Lord Corlys bowed his head, keeping any boldness impeccably in check. "Affairs of state take precedence above all, and tomorrow morn I shall resume my duties on the council."
***
The following morning dawned bright and crisp. Upon the spacious terrace of Viserra's former chambers, which she now shared with Corlys, blew a light sea breeze carrying the scents of salt from the harbor and blooming castle gardens. Early in the morning, Corlys had departed for the Small Council session as promised to the King, leaving his wife to her own devices.
The previous day, following the audience in the Throne Room, had been spent by Viserra in a warm yet thoroughly exhausting circle of women. She had spent long hours in the company of her mother, Queen Alysanne, her niece Rhaenys, and her little sister Gael. Her mother and Rhaenys questioned her relentlessly about the details of married life, the customs of House Velaryon, and how she had been received at High Tide. Little Gael, perched on her lap, begged incessantly for story after story about the great dragon, Dreamfyre. Viserra willingly entertained them with vivid tales of life on Driftmark, the warm welcome from the Velaryon family, and the splendor of the seascape, yet she guarded every word with care. She kept every one of Corlys's secrets close to her chest, fully aware that as a loyal wife she had no right to betray her husband's confidences - secrets that would one day become the legacy and shield of her own children.
However, owing to their mother's constant presence yesterday, Viserra and Rhaenys had been unable to speak with true candor, as had been their habit before the wedding. Thus, Rhaenys resolved to remedy the oversight at the very first opportunity. No sooner had Lord Corlys left the chambers for the Small Council chamber than the terrace doors opened, and Princess Rhaenys appeared on the threshold, a brilliant, sly smile on her lips.
Sans ceremony, she sank into a chair opposite Viserra, adjusted the collar of her heavy leather doublet, and, taking a sip of watered juice offered by a handmaiden, steered the conversation straight into rather scandalizing territory.
"Now that our dear Queen and Gael's little ears are nowhere near, you simply must tell me everything without secrets," Rhaenys began with feigned sternness, leaning forward and eyeing Viserra with sharp curiosity. "How are things truly progressing between you and Corlys? And don't think you can dodge the question - I want to know about your intimate life as well!"
Viserra nearly choked on her drink at her companion's brazen directness, but quickly regained her composure, though the flush rising to her cheeks gave her away entirely.
"Rhaenys! Your curiosity bounds past all restraint," Viserra said with mock indignation, though playful sparks danced in her eyes.
"Oh, stop pretending to be shocked!" Rhaenys grinned, propping her chin on a graceful palm and squinting at her. "I only want to know what the Sea Snake is like in bed!"
Wishing to put an end to these probing questions and rid herself of her niece's teasing, Viserra decided to answer with utmost confidence and candor.
"He is very good indeed, Rhaenys," Viserra said with a faint touch of defiance, lifting her chin proudly. "My intimate life suits me entirely. And if matters continue in this vein, I shall be a mother soon enough and give House Velaryon an heir."
Rhaenys laughed aloud, throwing her hands up at such unreserved confession.
"Oho! It seems you and Corlys are laboring to fashion a little seahorse with extraordinary zeal!" Princess Rhaenys teased, giving her a sly wink.
"Such talk is entirely unbecoming of the heir to Prince Aemon Targaryen," Viserra countered, shaking her head as she smiled at her friend. "Just think what the lords and ladies of the court would say if they happened to overhear you! They would judge the future Queen to be indecently wanton!"
"And what else am I to do, pray tell, if not joke about the bedchamber of my near-sister?" Rhaenys replied with a sigh, a faint note of frustration slipping into her tone for a moment. "We are so close that I have long regarded you as a true sister. As for me, I must wait five long years until Viserys grows up and reaches eighteen! My father insisted firmly upon that condition."
Rhaenys leaned back against the soft cushion of her chair and fixed her gaze upon the blue sky above the terrace.
"Sometimes I think," Rhaenys continued softly, her voice taking on a graver tone, "that my father agreed to this marriage between Viserys and me not merely to unite his claim with Uncle Baelon's line. He did it so that I would begin bearing children as late as possible. It seems he still cannot forget how his younger sister Daella died at a mere eighteen years of age during a difficult labor."
Viserra looked at Rhaenys with deep empathy, understanding the heavy shadow of the past that still hung over their house. She reached out and gently squeezed her niece's hand.
"All will be well, Rhaenys," Viserra said earnestly, lacing her fingers with hers. "You are strong and hale, and you will bear healthy, beautiful children without trouble when the time comes. But I pray you, do nothing foolish before the wedding."
"I am no fool, Viserra," Rhaenys scoffed, though gratitude for the support glinted in her eyes. "I know full well what is expected of me. Everyone sees a future ruler in me, and I am bound to remain a maiden when I marry Viserys. I have no intention of risking my reputation and my standing as the heir to the King's eldest son over a moment's passion and folly. I would sooner die than bring shame upon my father."
"That is the only sensible view to hold," Viserra nodded approvingly. "Expectations of you are exceedingly high, for you are set to become the first queen regnant upon the Iron Throne in all the history of Westeros."
"I know all this, believe me," Rhaenys said. Then she leaned closer to Viserra and, with a sly smile, whispered barely above a breath, half in jest and half with a flicker of hidden earnestness, "Yet if it comes to it... I can always rely on you, can I not? Especially now that you possess vast experience in intimate matters. And taking pleasure with a woman is far less perilous than yielding to the persistent courtships of the many knights at court."
Startled, Viserra nearly choked on her juice again, casting a frightened glance back at the closed doors of the chamber.
"Rhaenys! Do not dare speak of such foolishness!" Viserra whispered sternly, a frown creasing her face. "Someone might overhear, and then disaster will follow!"
"Hmm, strange - you did not speak so in the past," Rhaenys reminded her with a teasing smirk, tilting her head. "When we were younger and practiced kissing one another, it did not frighten you in the least."
"We were foolish girls!" Viserra countered, feeling her ears burn red. "And it was far better than taking some man who would go blab to the whole castle and ruin our reputations! Besides, we only kissed!"
"We kissed then, but now we could try something more," Rhaenys suggested with a laugh.
"That is entirely improper," Viserra firmly cut her off, shaking her head. "I am now Corlys's lawful wife, whereas back then I was not even betrothed to him and merely wanted to learn how to kiss so as not to disappoint him."
"Oh, I remember full well how earnestly you devoted yourself to the endeavor!" Rhaenys laughed, relishing her companion's embarrassment.
"Enough, Rhaenys," Viserra said with deep conviction, looking her straight in the eyes. "We can engage in such things no longer. I truly love Corlys."
Princess Rhaenys instantly shifted her tone, seeing that she had struck a sensitive chord in Viserra's heart. Setting her glass down on the table, she offered a soft smile.
"I am not telling you not to love your husband, Viserra," Rhaenys replied gently, raising her hands in peace. "I understand completely, and I will speak of it no more, I promise."
"I would be truly grateful to you for that," Viserra breathed in relief, adding with a solemn look, "And I beg you, do nothing foolish with other maidens either. Believe me, any other girl will not hold her tongue as I would."
"Agreed," Rhaenys nodded without a shadow of hesitation. "Nor would I ever attempt such a thing with any other girl. I simply trust no one in this world as deeply as I trust you."
Rhaenys rose from her chair, adjusted her doublet, and stretched, signaling that their intimate conversation was at an end.
"Well, since you have denied me bedchamber pleasures - just as I anticipated from the start," Rhaenys said merrily, "we ought not to waste our time in vain! Up with you, it is time we head to the Dragonpit. You simply must officially introduce me to your dragon!"
Viserra gladly assented, and the two young women headed for the chamber door.
No sooner had they stepped across the threshold than Ser Adam met them at the door alongside three House Velaryon guardsmen clad in sea-green armor. They had arrived in the capital late at night aboard Corlys's flagship, the Sea Snake. Corlys had dispatched them from Spicetown on the very day Viserra's brothers arrived, right after their shared supper. Ser Adam also informed them that Viserra's personal handmaidens, assigned to her on Driftmark after the wedding, together with her newly updated, lavish wardrobe, were expected to arrive at the Red Keep shortly.
Ser Adam bowed respectfully to the princesses, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"My princess, Princess Rhaenys," Ser Adam said as he straightened. "Where are you bound? Lord Corlys commanded us not to leave your side by a single step."
"We are bound for the Dragonpit, Ser Adam," Viserra replied. "Escort us."
Rhaenys, in turn, nodded to her sworn shield, Ser Harrold Westerling of the Kingsguard, who was already awaiting her in the corridor. The sizable retinue descended to the inner yard of the Red Keep, where a harnessed wheelhouse already awaited them. The princesses stepped inside, while Ser Adam, Ser Harrold, and the Velaryon guardsmen mounted warhorses and encircled the carriage. They were joined by five Targaryen guards, and the imposing escort set off through the bustling streets of the city toward Rhaenys's Hill, atop which the Dragonpit loomed.
Upon arrival, Rhaenys immediately issued a sharp command to the assembled Dragonkeepers to lead Meleys forth from the subterranean vaults and prepare her for flight.
Viserra and Rhaenys meanwhile made their way to the spacious yard where Dreamfyre rested. The great blue-and-silver dragon, noting her rider's arrival, lifted her massive scaly head eagerly. Her eyes flared with recognition, and thin wisps of hot steam curled from her nostrils.
The maidens approached. Viserra tenderly embraced her dragon's massive snout, placing her hands upon the warm scales and stroking her affectionately. The dragon uttered a low, rumbling sound akin to a purr.
"Come closer, Rhaenys, fear not," Viserra said, turning to her friend.
Rhaenys took a few cautious steps forward. Dreamfyre extended her neck, scenting the visitor thoroughly, yet displaying not the slightest hostility or irritation. Viserra gently took Rhaenys's hand and carefully placed her palm upon her dragon's snout. Dreamfyre closed her eyes and let out a rumble of genuine delight, relishing the touch.
"At last I have found my true wings thanks to Dreamfyre," Viserra said lovingly, gazing at her dragon. "And I am exceedingly glad that my dragon accepted you, Rhaenys, just as Meleys accepted me in time past."
"Dreamfyre is magnificent," Rhaenys breathed in awe, keeping her hand on the scales. "I am overjoyed for you, Viserra. You have realized your long-cherished dream, for I know better than anyone how deeply you always wished to be a dragonrider."
At that moment, the Dragonkeepers carefully led Meleys out. The Red Queen stepped proudly across the stone, but upon beholding a far larger and more older dragon before her, she instantly grew wary. Her crest bristled, and a warning growl escaped her maw. Dreamfyre leaned forward in turn, answering with a deep rumble. Both dragons began to utter strange sounds, growling and studying one another.
Viserra now knew and understood far more than she had before. She could clearly feel that the dragons were communicating with one another, and in all likelihood, discussing them - their riders. A few moments later, Dreamfyre uttered a noise remarkably akin to an amused snort and relaxed her wings. Hearing this, Meleys calmed down, strode straight toward them, and affectionately pressed her head against the palm of Rhaenys, who had stepped up to her.
Viserra turned to the head Dragonkeeper standing at a distance with a massive staff.
"Have you fed Dreamfyre and Meleys today?" Viserra asked.
"Yes, my princess," the Dragonkeeper answered, bowing his head. "Both she-dragons consumed several carcasses of fresh sheep this morning and are fully sated."
"Good. Leave us," Viserra commanded.
When the Dragonkeepers withdrew, Viserra turned to Rhaenys with a resolute look.
"It is time we take to the sky and begin my training," Viserra said.
Rhaenys broke into a wide grin.
"Though you refused to instruct me in interesting matters in bed," she said with a mischievous laugh, "I, Rhaenys Targaryen, shall take immense pleasure in teaching my favorite aunt how to properly ride a dragon!"
Viserra shook her head with a sigh, barely holding back her laughter.
"Cease such jokes, Rhaenys!" Viserra implored.
Rhaenys, laughing, moved swiftly toward Meleys and began agilely climbing into the saddle.
"If you don't want me telling Corlys some of your little secrets, Viserra, you had best climb into Dreamfyre's saddle without delay!" Rhaenys called out merrily from atop her dragon.
"Rhaenys!" Viserra exclaimed sternly, a note of warning in her voice.
"Peace, peace, I am only teasing!" Rhaenys laughed, securing the straps about her thighs. "I have no intention of shattering your pious image before your husband."
Viserra shook her head, looking at her cousin with a fond smile.
Viserra shook her head, looking at her niece with a fond smile.
"You are fortunate I love you so dearly," Viserra said, gripping the leather handholds of Dreamfyre's saddle. "Otherwise I would feed you to my dragon this very instant!"
"I love you dearly as well, auntie!" Rhaenys called back with a laugh. "And now it is time we took flight! Mind you do not fall from your saddle - I should hate having to explain to your husband why I failed to keep his young wife safe on her very first day of training!"
"Nothing will ever change you," Viserra uttered with affectionate exasperation, settling into the comfortable saddle and gathering the reins firmly.
A moment later, both majestic dragons unfurled their wings, split the air with a loud, triumphant roar, and launched themselves powerfully from the ground, bearing their riders high into the blue sky above King's Landing.
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A/N
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