Chapter 18. Mother of Dragons.
"He was no dragon. For fire cannot kill a dragon."
--Daenerys Targaryen.
The Red Keep.
Few Hours earlier.
Varys struggled with what he was seeing.
The green fire that burned like an inferno down in the town below and his heartbeat quickened as he swallowed tightly.
There was no other answer but the one he suspected.
Aelora was behind it.
He knew not how she got into his secret stash, but he knew she had something to do with it.
The bells of the castle rang in alarm and he knew the ones in town did the same as well.
What could he do?
What could he say?
He was connected to the girl after all. No matter how much he may try to deny it. She was his niece. The daughter of his dead sister.
He would be blamed.
All his years of planning was destroyed.
Blackfyre, they would scream.
Blackfyre.
He could not stay here anymore.
And so with that in mind, he embraced his inner calm over panic, entering his chambers where a little bird stood waiting.
He grabbed a parchment and wrote down on it, chucking the paper at the young child.
"Tell them to ready the ship at once."
He ordered and the child vanished behind a secret door.
Varys looked around once he was alone, a sigh escaping his lips and after, a bitter laugh.
How he had come to enjoy the relative security and safety that came with his title, Master of Whisperers. But now, it was no more. A fugitive, he would have to become.
He went through his things, carrying only his most important belongings, going through some disguises and choosing that of an old and frail woman to go with.
He looked around his chambers once more, nostalgia filling him up.
He might not see this anymore. And if he ever found his way back, perhaps it would be in chains and preparation to be beheaded. The secrets he knew after all…
He went through his secret passageway and vanished from the castle for the very last time.
Dreamscape.
It was dark but comforting.
Lyarra looked around in confusion. She could see nothing but darkness and it was very disconcerting.
Where was she?
'You are dreaming, my dear.'
The silvery blonde spun immediately, turning to see a figure before her.
And yet, she shouldn't have been able to see her. It was dark. Black.
The woman seemed to be made of shadows, and yet the dark was around her… shone in a way bright light would.
'Who are you?'
She studied the woman warily.
She wore a long, black hooded robe.
Covering her face, was a dark red lacquer wooden mask. Her eyes were visible behind the mask, dark and misty.
'I am Quaithe of the Shadow.'
Of the shadow?
Lyarra mumbled to herself.
'From Asshai.'
Her eyes snapped up in surprise.
'Asshai…'
She knew about Asshai. And yet… why was she dreaming of this woman?
'You dream of me not. Rather, I am visiting your dream. You have woken dragons, Lyarra of house Dayne and Stark. Descendant of Jaenara.''
'Jaenara?'
''Jaenara Belaerys. The unburnt. You have brought dragons back into the world.'
Lyarra floundered for a second. She remembered walking out with the dragons from the wildfire. She remembered… Aegon…
But had she been the one to wake dragons?
'It was Aelora—'
'The mummer dragon may have provided the eggs, but your Valyrian blood brought them to life. Your blood was special. A mix of Rhoynar, First men, Andals and Old Valyria. The blood of the Winter kings of the North through the Starks, the Torentine kings throne the Daynes, the Targaryen kings and the Belaerys bloodline run through your veins. You are quite the special one. Much like the promised prince.'
Lyarra blinked in confusion.
'Wait, what are you saying? What does it mean for me?'
'Dragons have come. The glass candles burn once more. With it comes those who shall lust for them and those that will hate you for it. They shall send many for you. Those with no face. Jealous. Enemies from outside Westeros. For dragons are fire made flesh, and fire is power.'
Lyarra opened her mouth and closed it with a snap, confusion in her eyes.
'Glass candles? Enemies? I… what is all this? What do you want of me, Quaithe of Asshai?'
But the woman said nothing else.
'It is time for you to wake. We shall talk again someday. For now, have care who you trust. And in the words of your Lord Father's house, Winter Is Coming.'
'Wait—'
She stretched her hand out.
Lyarra sat up on the bed with a pained groan, hand outstretched.
Quaithe… she whispered, trying not to forget the name.
She winced slightly, raising a hand to block of the sun rays filtering through the large windows in the room as the curtains had been shifted to the side.
This was not her room.
This place was bigger… larger and more open.
With peach colored walls with gold engravings. The bed was a King size, with an open canopy behind her which had creamy gold curtains packed.
On one side was a large and ornate light brown wardrobe with gold engravings and at a corner sat a desk of similar make and design with the wardrobe as well as a dainty chair.
A door opposite led to another room she suspected to be the solar room and one on the right must be the privy.
She was still confused though…
Where exactly was she?
Loud shrieks snapped her out of her reverie and she let out a startled gasp, holding the back of her head and wincing as she felt pain.
'I was hit with the hilt of a sword.'
She suddenly remembered, eyes going towards the baby dragons lounging in her room, though now they realized she was awake, their shrieks gave off happiness as they practically stumbled towards the bed, rolling over their rather long wings before bumping against the bed and Lyarra let out a giggle, leaning forward to look down at them.
They were certainly very beautiful.
And with the morning sun reflecting against their scales, they looked very otherworldly.
The first one was silvery white, glittering like diamonds and swirls of sapphire on its wingspan and head. And the second one… my, if it did not remind her of the famed Balerion.
This one was black as onyx with swirls of ruby red.
They shrieked again and Lyarra snorted, leaning down to grab them.
"Oh alright. Come up here you… odd beings."
She whispered to herself as they practically climbed up her arms, their sharp claws digging slightly into her skin though they didn't pierce.
As she placed them on her bed, Ghost who was finally awake, trotted over from the large fireplace and climbed up the bed, headbutting her softly.
"Hey Ghost… I'm really glad to see you boy…"
She patted him softly and he sniffed at her before settling.
The dragons though, literally climbed up on her, letting out pleased shrieks and she laughed out in confusion as she trailed her fingers up and down their body.
The onyx colored one seemed more active and almost wilder, while the diamond scaled one seemed calmer and yet, a little… larger?
Dragons.
She was actually petting baby dragons.
How was this even possible??
Last night alone had been… a mess.
Aelora Mopatis had kidnapped her with the intent to kill—gods! Sarah! Her dear maid!
Her eyes pricked with tears and she immediately shut her eyes closed, shoulders shaking with unshed tears as she breathed in and out forcefully.
As she tried calming herself, the soft and sweet melody of harp music filter through the closed door of the solar room, and a look of curiosity appeared across her face as she dried her tears.
"I wonder who that is…"
She slowly moved off the bed, placing the dragons back down on the floor and they headbutted her legs with a shriek and stumbled off.
Looking down, she realized she was dressed in something unfamiliar as well. A sleeping gown of silky make. Pastel purple in color and a long sleeved jacket pair that seemed to pool to her toes and yet not disturbing to move in.
She tightened the robe around herself before taking a few steps forward, holding her head slightly and feeling bandages around it.
Thankfully her hair hadn't burnt off… which did surprise her. She had thought walking through fire would burn any hair on her body as well as her nails… and yet, they still existed.
And now a number of people knew she was unburnt.
A worried feeling passed through her as Ghost trotted next to her and the dragons practically fell over themselves to get to her.
What would her Lord Father and siblings think?
She went South and turned out absolutely crazy. Making enemies with foreigners, walking through fire and then birthing dragons…
And there was the talking to women in her dream.
Quaithe of Asshai.
Who was she really?
She finally reached the door and slowly opened it, walking through as the melody of the harp music increased in volume and she found herself in a large and open solar room.
Comfortable sofas and another large fireplace. A balcony to the left looking out into King's Landing and the Blackwater.
And on a sofa, sat the Prince.
He looked to be deep in thought even as he strummed his fingers across the harp strings.
His hair tied behind him unlike the previous night and his eyes closed as he hummed to himself.
Lyarra found her feet stuck where she stood, unable to move as she watched him.
He looked so peaceful though there was an undertone of worry what with how his eyebrows twiddled and moved.
And then the black dragon shrieked at its nest mate who batted it across the head with it's wings.
Lyarra wondered if perhaps they had a name yet.
But the sneaking around was over as Aegon stopped playing, eyes snapping open as he turned towards her, and the look of relief in his eyes as he got to his feet warmed her heart.
She shifted slightly, forcing a smile across her face.
"Aegon…"
As if hearing her voice was enough for him, he strode towards her and took her in a hug, arms wrapping around her.
"Lyarra…"
He breathed out, and the silvery blonde couldn't stop herself from wrapping her hands around his torso.
They stayed that way for a moment before he reluctantly let her go, looking down at her as he tentatively gathered her face in his palms.
"Glad to see you're awake."
She shrugged at that.
"It still feels like a dream."
Her eyes trailed after the dragons as they tumbled into Ghost who they followed around, a rather put out look on the direwolf's face at being nothing but a glorified babysitter all morning.
Aegon glanced at the dragons for a second before focusing back on her.
"At least you're okay. You almost did break my heart, Dayne. I thought you died."
He quirked an eyebrow at her and she rolled her eyes making him chuckle lowly, leaning down and pressing a soft kiss on her forehead.
It startled her a little as she fluttered her eyes shut. When she opened them back up, looking at him, she gave him a soft smile of appreciation.
They both say nothing, the only sound in the room coming from the dragons, and as if in a daze, both leaned towards each other and as she got to her tippy toes, only a hair's breadth away, the main door opened and they quickly disentangled from each other as Elia and Rhaenys walked in.
Elia's eyes brightened as she laid eyes on Lyarra, a sigh of relief feeling her up.
"You are finally awake!"
She crossed the room and pulled Lyarra into a warm hug and the younger girl found herself reciprocating.
Rhaenys though gave her brother a knowing look though he was focused elsewhere.
"Ser Gendry."
She turned to call out.
"Call for my father, Lady Lyarra is awake."
As soon as she said that, Lyarra's eyes bulged out in shock.
"The King?"
Rhaenys smiled at her, pointing at the two creatures now in the lit fireplace, surrounded by burning fires.
Elia must have seen the worried look in her eyes as she slowly led her a seat.
"My dear… this alone is a miracle many thought impossible for a long time. The political ramifications alone this could have on the realm. Let alone the number of things being investigated upon. It is as problematic as it is a boon."
Lyarra's face took on a grim look even as Aegon moved to stand by the fireplace, slightly in thought.
Elia slowly took Lyarra's hands in hers, squeezing it fondly and Lyarra sighed.
Nothing was ever easy.
She watched as the onyx dragon crawled out of the fireplace and practically ran/hobbled on its feet, stumbling into a startled Rhaenys' clad feet.
It shrieked at its offending opponent and as Rhaenys leaned down to pet it after a momentary hesitation, it headbutted her leg and stumbled off in another run, headbutting into Aegon who stared down at it and chuckled as it slowly found it's feet again.
He crouched, tapping it's head in slight awe.
"They move like drunk old men."
He noted and Lyarra snorted at his words. The dragon, probably thinking Aegon's fingers were food, immediately snapped at it but Aegon was obviously faster, removing his hand with a smirk.
"Not so fast now are we?"
The dragon shrieked right back at Aegon as if offended, stumbling into the fireplace again where it's nest mate relaxed in as Aegon stood back up.
The onyx dragon then decided to engage in a fight with the diamond scaled one who shrieked in annoyance and together, they tumbled out in a heap of claws and wings while the humans in the room watched in curiosity.
"I remember reading much about dragons as a child."
Rhaenys whispered in awe so as not to disturb the fiery creatures.
"They are very active right from infancy."
The dragons rolled in a tumble into a leery eyed Ghost who snapped his sharp teeth at them and they stop, turning to him and shrieking almost mournfully.
Lyarra grinned.
"Looks like they know who's alpha."
The dragons, immediately hearing her voice, toddled over to her, mouths widening open and looking rather pitiful much to her confusion. But Elia seemed to understand as she spoke up.
"They must be hungry. They haven't eaten at all and wouldn't allow anyone around them as they claimed your room for themselves. They only now seem at ease, seeing you awake."
She turned curious eyes at Lyarra who just watched the little miracles at her feet.
"Perhaps we should send for some raw meat."
Elia glanced at Aegon who nodded, walking towards the door and opening it as he motioned to someone who stood outside to get the order as they waited for the arrival of the King.
Meanwhile… earlier that morning.
At the Tyrell Manse, the Tyrells sat in shocked silence as they listened to the news of the rumors running around the Red Keep.
"Impossible…"
Margaery breathed out in slight disbelief, hands grasping tightly at her gown, making her hands turn white.
Garlan nodded where he sat next to her though his shoulders stiff in anticipation.
As for Olenna, for the first time in quite a while she looked like she had swallowed a large lemon.
"T'is true milady! Many saw her walk through wildfire with no scratch and in her arms lay baby dragons one as bright as day and the other as dark as night.
"And did they perhaps look defective?"
Garlan blinked in disbelief at what his grandmother had just said.
"Defective dragons…"
He was ignored.
The maid shook her head.
"I know not, Lady Olenna. The Prince whisked her off to the Castle when she fell unconscious."
Garlan swallowed tightly as he stared at the maid.
The previous night still warred in his mind. How worried he had become for his dearest sister and grandmother and so he stood guard with them. Still though, a part of his mind betrayed his concern for a certain Lady who he had come to appreciate her beauty and calm disposition though her use of weapons still left him at a pause.
"And the Lady Dayne… how is she?"
"We have heard nothing for now. Reports say she was fine, albeit a bandaged head from an attack by the Lady Mopatis. But she might still lay unconscious. She has been moved to Maegor's Holdfast."
Olenna scoffed, relaxing into her seat as soon as she heard that.
If that wasn't an announcement enough, she didn't know what was.
"And the rumors of the Master of Whisperers. Is it true?"
The queen of thorns questioned and the maid nodded.
"Yes milady. He has been missing all morning according to some Castle guards and Gold Cloaks currently searching King's Landing for him."
Olenna huffed.
"There is no use for that. The man always has contingency plans. He's long gone, the eunuch. His so called ward almost caused King's Landing to fall to wildfire, she attacked the Lady of a great house and lady in waiting to the Queen. Good riddance in my opinion."
She waved and the maid curtseyed and left.
A rather downtrodden Margaery turned towards her grandmother with a soft sigh.
"It seems Lady Lyarra won at the end."
Olenna grunted slightly.
"I admit I am at a loss for words. No one would have expected such a thing. Birthing dragons? Where did the eggs come from?... Perhaps it is indeed time to admit defeat and at least be calm in the fact that if the dragons are not defective, with the union of Willas to the princess, we are connected to the royal family. A family who will one way or the other, join themselves with the girl who brought dragons back."
Margaery frowned slightly.
"You think they won't demand the dragons of her?"
"Not if they want war. Dragons are not just silly creatures running around, dear girl. They are worth fighting wars for. And I am quite sure letters are being sent to all four corners of the world announcing their rebirth as well as the girl who made it possible. On her own, the Dayne girl is as worth the dragons themselves. After all, what if it wasn't just a fluke and she is capable of doing so again? I'm sure somewhere out there, other eggs lay forgotten in vaults or buried. No matter if they are petrified or not. They are still worth something. Of course, I will need to confirm all this with the right sources before we completely bow from the race."
Margaery sighed once more as her mind called up the image of Lady Lyarra to her mind. The girl she had looked at as a sort of adversary for the crown.
Not that it really mattered anymore of course. A smile of amusement grew across her lips.
Well played, Lady Lyarra… well played indeed.
Lyarra looked around the solar room in curiosity as she petted the dragons by her feet.
"Where am I?"
"An apartment in Maegor's Holdfast."
The silvery blonde froze in shock, slowly turning towards the Queen who looked slightly amused.
"While there is nothing wrong with the Ladies' Keep, you have dragons with you now, sweet child. A lot of eyes will be on you. And the dragons have taken a liking, or rather yet, an obsession with you. They won't allow any near them for too long without snapping and shrieking. Thankfully they have no fire yet or they'd have burnt quite the number of people, the King included."
Lyarra gulped at that, sitting back up in thought.
Her life really was going to change now wasn't it?
It was clear now to everyone just how different she was.
She remembered what her father told her days to her travel. How the South was filled with a number of politics loving men and women and how it would be expected of her to stand on her own when the need be.
'Would dragons be the reason for that?'
She pondered to herself when the King was announced.
Lyarra sat up straight as the doors opened and in came the King and behind him, Arthur.
His purple eyes brightened with relief once his eyes laid on hers and Lyarra couldn't stop the smile that blossomed across her face.
The dragons shrieked where they laid in her lap and the King's attention focused on them.
"Your grace."
Lyarra greeted, moving to stand when Rhaegar waved his hand at her.
"You have no need for that, Lady Dayne."
"Lyarra."
She blurted out with a grim face and Aegon and Arthur stifled grins at that while the king nodded.
As he settled down next to his daughter, everyone's eyes slowly moved towards the dragons once more as they cried out, trying to gain the attention of Lyarra who stifled a sigh.
They were much too needy. Ghost had never been, preferring to run around and explore.
Perhaps the saying that Dragons were rulers on their own was true. They sure did act like they deserved love and admiration and it had been only a while since she awoke.
"It is like they imprinted on you."
Arthur absentmindedly murmured with awe in his eyes and Aegon grinned where he still stood by the fireplace, eyes going from Lyarra to the dragons.
"Well, the people of King's Landing have taken to calling you the Mother of Dragons. How apt."
Lyarra glances up at him in slightly surprise and he playfully winked at her, something most in the room noticed.
"I never thought I'd see dragons reborn in my time, except perhaps in my dreams."
Rhaegar whispered in thought before a smile grew across his face almost wistful.
"They are indeed marvelous creatures as described in tomes."
His eyes then moved towards Lyarra.
"Did you perhaps know of your affinity with fire?"
Lyarra nodded grimly.
"I have always had no issue with hot water and there was one time I dipped my hand in fire… wholly accidentally of course."
She said the last part more for Arthur who stared at her exasperatedly at what she'd said earlier.
Standing up, she placed the dragons back on the ground, moving towards the fireplace and crouching, hand raised towards the fire.
Aegon's fingers twitched as if wanting to stop her from doing something as ridiculous as that.
But when she dipped her hand in the fire and it seemed to… embrace her and even brighten up further, the others leaned forward slightly.
"Incredible… an unburnt."
The King breathed out with his eyes bright, but Arthur's face took on that of contemplation.
"Looking back at our family line, I am not too surprised by this."
Lyarra's head snapped over to him.
"What?"
"Well… it isn't exactly well known seeing as it happened even before the Doom of Valyria, but the Valyrian who married into our line was Jaenara Belaerys."
Aegon hummed at that.
"Of course. She was said to be an unburnt. She was also a dragonrider before her dragon died in a scuffle and she left home."
Arthur nodded.
"We Daynes know a little more on that. As it is known she journeyed to Sorthoyos and came back after 3 years. There was a disagreement with her family and it caused the death of her beloved dragon. She turned her back on her family and left Valyria, settling in Dorne and meeting my ancestor. It is where our purple eyes and lighter colored hair come from. Usually we had black hair like some of our own still have, and our eyes a dark silver. You should expect a letter from Alastair sometime soon seeing as I sent a letter already. And I have sent one to your father too. Be prepared for a number of letters, niece."
Lyarra stifled a groan at that.
"It would also be in your interest to keep staying here."
Rhaegar added.
"The dragons and you yourself, are in danger. Not everyone would be happy with this."
Quaithe's warning resonated in her head.
"And then there is the issue of Illyrio Mopatis, the Lady Mopatis' father. With Varys nowhere to be found, I can only suspect he is on his way to Pentos."
Lyarra bit her lip slightly.
"And Lady Mopatis?"
Rhaenys was the one who spoke up, a sneer across her face.
"Perhaps it was stupidity on her part to mess with wildfire. I suspect she had no idea just how volatile the green liquid is. She got caught in the explosion and has been severely burned."
Lyarra's throat dried at that. Was it justice for what the girl had tried to do? Justice for her dear maid, Sarah?
"Is she… dead?"
Arthur shook his head.
"Surprisingly enough, no. But she is severely burnt. We are not sure how long she has left, but she is still breathing."
"We have sent a letter to the Prince of Pentos in explanation for what his Magister Mopatis's daughter has done. We also sent to the various Magisters of renown amongst them. Lady Mopatis was a Magister's daughter after all, and we need to curb a situation where they might scream for war against us."
Rhaegar added and Lyarra sighed.
This was all a mess!
A maid arrives not long after, with a large plate of raw meat with a small scent of blood still on them.
Everyone watched curiously as she raised a small chunk towards the diamond scaled dragon who sniffed at it and batted Lyarra's hand almost immediately.
The second dragon toddles over curiously, tilting it's head at an almost unnatural angle as if looking at the thing that offended it's nest mate but also didn't move to eat.
"Perhaps they do not want meat?"
Elia turned to her husband curiously who didn't look to sure as well.
After all, the books on dragons did not exactly have information on the feeding habits of dragons.
Lyarra stared at the plate critically, eyes going over to Ghost as she remembered his time as a pup. He hadn't been able to eat raw meat either, but it didn't mean he was all that averse to it.
And so, with an idea in mind, she moved towards the fireplace once more, crouching low and burning it slightly over the fire and then everyone watched with bated breath as she brought it closer to the slightly bigger dragon.
It sniffed and then opened it's mouth, snapping the chunk into its mouth, and Lyarra smiled in relief.
"Fire. They like the smell and scent of it all."
She looked up before repeating and feeding both dragons.
Settling by the fireplace, the silvery blonde looked up as Aegon crouched in front of her, taking the plate from her hands so she could focus on charring the meats slightly for the dragons. She threw him a thankful smile, something that Rhaegar noted with bright eyes.
"Lord Jon Connington and Ser Barristan, your grace."
A guard announced, and the two men walked in.
As they bowed at the royal family, both men's eyes glittered towards the dragons, Jon Connington's eyes going wide in shock as he took in the sight of dragons for the first time in his life.
He watches for a second as the Dayne girl fed them and pondered why they gravitated towards her more than the Targaryen family. After all, their ancestors rode dragons. She might have Valyrian and Targaryen ancestors but the royal family had purer blood.
"We searched the Lady Mopatis' room, your grace."
Ser Barristan spoke up, grim eyes on the King.
"We saw some alarming things."
His hand moved to the side where his Kingsguard cloak covered something and he brought out a silk material which he straightened out for all in the room to see.
The sigil of a black three-headed dragon, breathing black fire on red background.
The Blackfyre sigil.
The intake of breath could be heard in the room as Rhaegar immediately got to his feet in slight alarm.
"Blackfyre…"
Aegon hissed silently.
"Increase the search warrants for Varys. Continue to interrogate Mopatis' remaining servants and guards. I will have my answers. Jon, come with me."
With that, the King swept out of the room with a burdened look in his eyes as the Hand followed behind him.
Arthur threw a small smile at his niece one last time and followed after, taking the Blackfyre sigil from Ser Barristan's hands.
As for Elia, she smiled softly as she watched her son and Ashara's daughter, fondness settling in her heart.
"Mother…"
Rhaenys softly called to her, hand outstretched towards the woman who then stood up, taking her daughters hand in hers and clearing her throat.
Lyarra and Aegon turned.
"We shall leave you to rest more, my dear. Pycelle advised for you to have a long rest. Your head injury was quite concerning."
She smiled warmly at the girl who nodded at her.
And then the mother stared at her son who stared back at her, making her stifle a smile as she walked out with her daughter, Ser Barristan behind them.
And then, there were two left behind.
It was quiet for a few seconds, Lyarra feeding the dragons.
From what she could see of the two, the diamond scaled dragon was a little bigger and much more calmer than the onyx scaled one.
It made her ponder what it could mean.
"Not much is known on dragons… do they have genders?"
She looked up right into Aegon's eyes.
"A lot of people wonder about that, seeing as not many have gone near dragons and lived."
Aegon smiled.
"Indeed. And yes, they do have genders, but it gets obvious about a year into their births. But, it is known that female dragons more vicious, but appear calmer and are known to be uncaring of many around them while the males are more... wilder."
His eyes peered down at the diamond scaled beast gobbling up it's food as regally as it could while the onyx dragon practically tore into its own food like the beast it was.
Lyarra stifled a snort, looking up at Aegon whose eyes glittered with laughter, and she burst into uncontrollable peels of laughter. Ghost raised his head where he sunbathed by the balcony and looked away while Aegon studied the younger girl's features.
Her eyes all the way to her lips. His eyes studying the wrapped bandage around her head.
"Does it hurt?"
She stopped laughing, moving to touch the back of her head rather harshly and she winced a little at the soreness.
"Perhaps a little. But I don't think it hurts as much as Obara or Arthur's sparring sessions."
Aegon chuckled as he drooped the empty plate, watching the dragons stumble sluggishly into the fire and settle for a nap.
Lyarra then stood up, walking over to a silver water basin by the side and rinsing her hand, drying it with a cloth.
"What has happened since last night?"
She turned towards the Prince who straightened back up, staring at her quietly.
"Well, the wildfire was finally put out with the help of the Alchemist Guild. King's Landing is in a very gossipy mood at the moment, what with the rebirth of dragons. I should say the Keep too. I believe the news of your involvement should have begun spreading to the other Kingdoms now. It is only a matter of time before your title picks up too."
His eyes glittered in amusement as he slowly made his way towards Lyarra who groaned slightly.
"Old gods and new… do you mean that Mother of Dragons you spoke of?"
Aegon chuckled as he stopped in front of her, hands rising to grasp softly at her shoulders and Lyarra bit her lip a little.
She still hadn't forgotten what had occurred between them the previous day and it still felt like a dream to her.
She knew he was determined to make her amenable to such a relationship and Lyarra found she wasn't as concerned as she had been yesterday. In fact, she found solace in the Prince of Westeros who had been a constant confidant ever since her arrival to the South.
His attitude towards her had certainly not changed because of the dragons, and it was very well received.
"Well, mother of dragons is one. But you forget you were seen walking through fire. Unburnt is another title you shall have."
Lyarra rolled her eyes exasperatedly, but Aegon was not done.
"And then there is the issue of your siblings too."
Her eyes widened at that and she let out a loud groan, eliciting a loud bark of laughter from him.
Aegon stared down at her, heart lightened at the sight of Lyarra as he moved his hands to hers, raising them and placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. His eyes focused on hers only as he murmured.
"My mother of dragons."
Lyarra's stomach fluttered as her heart stuttered in her chest. Slowly but surely, both leaning towards each other and Lyarra's eyes filtering close as they were a air's breath from each other.
That is, until a knock startled them out of their bubbled world, and Aegon let out a low groan as he called out.
"Come in."
Ser Gendry entered, a friendly smile on his face at the sight of Lyarra and she returned it back to him.
"What do you want, Gendry?"
Aegon sighed and Gendry raised an eyebrow. He took in their close proximity to each other as well as their entwined hands and a smirk grew across his face.
"Well, well, well… I must have intruded on something."
"Obviously."
Aegon muttered to himself and Lyarra chuckled, removing her hands from his and inwardly mourning the loss of his hands in hers.
"Your father requires your presence, my prince. He calls for you."
Aegon sighed but nodded. He was the prince of the realm after all, and he had a duty to the realm.
"Very well."
He looked back down at Lyarra, raising his hand and softly brushing her hair.
"You should rest some more. Maester's orders and all."
Lyarra snorts but nods almost mockingly.
"Of course, whatever you say, Prince Aegon."
Aegon gave her a look.
"Prince Aegon?"
He shook his head, smiling.
"You shall be the death of me, Dayne."
And with both exchanging one last smile, he was out the door with his Kingsguard friend.
Lyarra watched the door for a few more seconds before Ghost padded over, pawing at her and she smiled, leaning down and patting his head.
"I'm glad you're at least here with me, Ghost. Everything is changing now, isn't it?"
She moved towards the inner chambers, leaving the door a little opened in case the dragons woke before she did.
Time soon passed as she had her bath with the help of a temporary new maid which made her rather emotional at the thought of Sarah.
She had some food to eat and then rested up for a while. By the time she woke once more, the skies were darkening into an early evening and her head hurt less than earlier as well.
The slight sound of conversations filtered through the slightly opened door and she curiously walked into her solar room, only to stop in surprise at the people in there.
The Queen seemed to be back, as well as the princess and Aegon. Prince Oberyn, his paramour and his daughters as well as they chattered amongst each other while their eyes occasionally glanced into the fireplace where the dragons were still in their slumber.
Perhaps they had eaten a little too much. But that was good.
Elia spotted her first, taking in the startled look in the younger girl's face.
"I hope you don't mind, Lyarra. It is not everyday dragons get to be hatched."
Everyone turned immediately, and Sarella practically floated over to her, eyes shining with curiosity and interest as she glanced at Lyarra and even poked at her skin.
"Fascinating. Your skin doesn't feel any different from the rest of us. What exactly do you think differentiates Unburnts from the rest of us?"
She questioned mostly to herself and Lyarra blinked in confusion as Oberyn grinned in amusement where he sat next to his paramour.
Obara rolled her eyes where she stood by the balcony with Nymeria.
"Oh just leave her be, Sarella. You can ask questions some other time."
The older girl threw a nod at Lyarra who gave her one back and Nymeria practically sauntered over with a gleeful smile.
"Oh, Lyarra!"
She hip bumped her younger sister out of the way.
"Unburnt. There is indeed some fire in you after all."
Lyarra coughed awkwardly into her fist and Aegon stifled a grin.
"Thank you… Nymeria."
The older girl winked salaciously, leaving Lyarra with slightly red cheeks before Sarella pushed her sister out of the way, eliciting an huff as she eagerly stood in front of Lyarra once more.
"So what are you naming them?"
That brought Lyarra to a stop as she blinked at the Summer Islander girl in confusion.
"Naming…"
Oberyn let out a rueful sigh as he stood up and walked over.
"Sarella my sweet, leave education for now, okay?"
He threw Lyarra a wink and she smiled a little embarrassed.
"This matters though, father. Naming dragons is an important rite as it was said that there was magic in names and—"
"Come."
Her father threw a hand over her shoulder and walked her towards the balcony, telling her a story the girl obviously wasn't interested in.
Elia smiled, patting the seat next to her while Rhaenys sat on the woman's other side.
As the silvery blonde sat down, the queen spoke up.
"How are you feeling?"
Lyarra sighed rather heavily.
"Better. Than before, I mean."
Elia nodded understandingly, patting her hand.
"It'll all go back to normal soon enough."
Lyarra didn't think she believed that of course.
While she hadn't stepped out yet, she knew things were different now.
The change in apartment was one of the first, she knew. With dragons reborn, a number of people would have their eyes on her. Even now, she'd had an audience with not just the Prince of Dorne, but the King of Westeros as well, and in just a day!
She also knew there was a high possibility of being paraded around now that she was an Unburnt, and the dragons seemed to have taken a liking to her.
And naming dragons?? She had no idea what to think of that.
Everything was changing.
Perhaps her Lord Father had been in the right of things. Politicking in the South could get very stressful and uncomfortable.
Perhaps there was meaning to her dream after all and she had to be careful now.
She felt eyes on her and stared across the room where Aegon sat. He smiled at her, and for the first time in a while, she felt a feeling settle in her.
She didn't quite know what it was, but it was positive. And so she embraced the feeling, and smiled back at him.
And that's it!
A little short but i wanted to update for you all who have been calm enough and looking forward to another chapter.
So... Quaithe of Asshai showed up. She really is annoying with her riddles isn't she?
And yes, Lyarra has quite the bloodline. North kings, Torentine kings, Targaryen kings and the dragonrider blood. So yes, she got the unburnt DNA from house Belaerys. House Belaerys is a canon Valyrian dragonriding house and Jaenara is an actual female dragonrider.
Anyways! A little dragon action here and there with Ghost in it. Safe to say they know who the alpha is, lol.
And little scenes here and there, from Aegon and Lyarra, to the king and his hand, the Tyrells possibly realizing the ramifications of things.
P.s. we haven't heard the last of Varys.
NEXT CHAPTER, the reactions of many, from the Seven Kingdoms all the way to Essos. The birth of dragons seem to have brought a lot of realizations to a number of people.
Thanks for reading!!!