As we walked outside and into a clearing, a loud roar was heard. It immediately brought a smile to my face as Balerion landed. I ran ahead of the others, clutching the gown I was wearing. When I reached Balerion I hugged as much of him as I could. It felt almost wrong to be away from him for long periods of time. They truly were tied to this world together and it gave me some comfort.
"Can they come near you Balerion? They're very important to me," I asked. It felt weird talking to a dragon but when I felt acceptance go through our bond, my unfounded worries washed away.
I looked to the children who were all looking at my dragon with awe and fear. "You can come towards him. He won't harm you with me here."
Aemond beckoned Aegon and Viserys forward. Surprisingly, they were the least afraid. I walked a few steps towards them and held out my hands. I smiled encouraging at them and that seemed to be enough. It was in instance where children were braver than men.
"Are you sure he won't eat us aunt Lyna?" Aegon asked shyly.
I laughed lightly while we approached slowly. "No he won't Aegon. He won't harm you because he knows that you're my family. He knows how important you are."
The young bots seemed to be taken with the large dragon and were stroking the side of his jaw. Balerion huffed and the boys giggled when their hair blew.
"Can you take us on a ride with him?" Viserys asked excitedly.
"Now that you'll have to ask your mother for. I'm not sure she'll be happy if I took you riding on him without her knowing." I looked towards the others and was confused on why they weren't approaching. "Don't you want to come near him?"
Lucerys was the one to walk forward, but stopped halfway. "Most dragons don't like a lot of people near them. Will we be annoying him?"
"Not at all. He's quite eager to meet you," I said fondly.
"You can feel his emotions?" Asked Baela.
"And he can feel mine. That's why I am sure he's safe," I said distractedly. The two young boys were trying to climb up his wings and all I could feel from Balerion was amusement. Was Balerion as lonely as I was before I came here? Was he taken from a time where he was alone?
I turned and saw Aemond approaching with the others. It seems they have trusted my word and felt safe enough to approach.
"Doesn't it look odd to see a dragon this size playing with children?" I asked Aemond. To be fair it was a bizarre sight. They were pretty much using him as a playground and Balerion was nudging them back.
"This is a bit horrifying," Aemond said. I looked to him and he did look a little horrified. His eye was wide as he took in the children playing.
I could feel the slight change in the dragons emotions and knew it was time. I walked towards the children and motioned them to come away. "He's about to fly off to get food so I suggest you move away."
They didn't seem scared anymore and walked several paces back with Aemond. I put my forehead against Balerion's before pulling away. We all watched as he flew away and I was in awe of him. I never really knew how big he was but looking at him fly was daunting. His wingspan looked to be over 200 feet but I was never good at math. He covered the sun so much, it looked like there was an eclipse.
I knew where we were going next and I'm kind of afraid. I remember seeing Vermithor in the show and he didn't seem to like visitors too much. I can't really tell whether or not I'm brave or stupid. Probably both.
"Are you ready Viserys?" I asked the boy. The excitement was practically buzzing from him and was a little contagious.
"Yes yes yes! I can't wait to finally ride a dragon." He paused when I cleared my throat. "I mean visit."
And do you know why you can't?"
Viserys pouted. "Because I need to be trained and I'm too young."
I nodded, satisfied by his answer. I turned to Aemond who was looking at me with concern. "How about you take the rest of the children to see their dragons? I will meet you shortly at the castle."
"I don't think its a good idea for you to go alone Lyna. Vermithor may not be as wild as the Cannibal, but he isn't exactly friendly," Aemond said. As much as his worries made me feel good, I can tell he was scaring the others.
I tried to smile as genuinely as I could. Even thought I was a little terrified, the others didn't need to know that. It would be needless worrying. "I'll be fine Aemond I promise."
He still looked concerned and it made me count myself lucky to know this Aemond. I let go of Viserys' hand, who looked impatient, to grab Aemond's. "I promise I'll be fine. Once this is done we can start celebrating our wedding."
Aemond gripped my hand tighter and brought it up to his mouth, laying gentle kiss on my hand and my heart started to race. I felt the blush travel up my face and was startled at the act. "Be careful Lyna. I just found you."
The words were simple, but carried meaning. I nodded and kissed his cheek. He turned away and motioned the others to go to one of the caves that housed their dragons. They all followed, but kept glancing towards Viserys and I. Rhaena had looked gloomy, but had determination set into her face. I have a feeling she's up to something but I needed to be focused on Viserys in that moment.
"Do you know the commands?'' I curiously asked.
"Kepa teaches us the language and he says I'm better than he was at my age!" Viserys says with his chest puffed out. It made laugh because he looked adorable.
Viserys was delighted to talk to me. He talks about his brothers and father fondly, but I noticed how 'mother' was mentioned frequently. It was cute to hear how close Viserys and Aegon was to Rhaenyra. It seems that all of her children have such a strong bond with her. I hope that I have that same bond with my children. It was weird to think of children, but I can't say I'm not looking forward to it.
We came across a dragon keeper who was speaking Valyrian, and I have never felt so left out. It's trying to understand Spanish all over again! Thankfully Viserys understood most of what he said and the dragon keeper was just warning us. He seemed to sense I couldn't understand him and gave me a dismissive glance. How rude. The more I ignored him, the angrier he got and had stormed away.
"Are you ready Viserys?" He nodded but nothing can hide the anxiety and excitement in his eyes. "I will be right beside you, but you have to be the one to use the commands. Don't be fearful towards him."
He grabbed my hand tightly as we made our way inside. I am not dressed for this and the beautiful, but uncomfortable dress was just a burden. We slowed down when we heard the growls. My hand gripped the torched harder and fear raced through me. "Walk slowly Viserys. He doesn't know who is here."
I could tell that the bond between Viserys and Vermithor will be strong by the way he isn't fearful. He looks as if he's anxious to see an old friend. I'm glad he feels no fear because it gets harder to breath with every step. I feel vulnerable and it would be so easy for Vermithor to kill me.
I couldn't think like that. I took a deep breath and walked forward with Viserys. With every step, it felt harder to breath and I couldn't shake the fear. Will Balerion feel how terrified I am? I came to an abrupt stop when I felt hot hair go past me. While it made Viserys squeal in delight, it made me gasp in fear.
Viserys seemed to be taking it well and gave the command of serve to the large dragon. Vermithor lifted his head up further and growled. I can hear my heart thudding in my ears but I focused on Viserys. If this gos badly, I will jump in front of him. Viserys said the command even louder and that seemed to compel the dragon forward. I took a hasty step back, but even I could see Vermithor was responding to the commands of the young boy. Viserys walked calmly towards Vermithor and I unconsciously stepped forward. Vermithor didn't take kindly to that and had growled so loud, I had to cover my ears. My fingers pressed tightly against them and I closed my eyes. Viserys might be safe from him, but I wasn't. I had a moment of waiting for the fire to lick my skin, before I heard it. In fact, I felt it. Pure relief went through my body when I heard the the thundering roar from Balerion. He had to be at the entrance for the cave to shake lightly. I looked to Vermithor and saw that he was still growling, but he seemed calmer. Not in a cuddly way, but in a 'I sense that if I kill you I die kind of way'.
I laughed a little hysterically and saw Viserys running his hand along Vermithor's face. It looked like he was muttering to the dragon, but I couldn't hear what he was saying from my place on the ground. I was getting a bit lightheaded from my rapid breathing and worked to calm myself down.
"Are you okay aunt Lyna?' Viserys asked concerned. He started to approach me before i waved him off with a smile.
"I'm just fine Viserys. Spend time with Vermithor before we have to leave. Establish the bond between you two."
He seemed to forget his concern and went back to Vermithor. I sat comfortably on the floor, watching Viserys interact with the dragon. I'm glad that Rhaenyra didn't come with. She might have been ridden with anxiety watching her son approach a large dragon at only 7 years old. I prayed to the Gods that my children won't give me heart attacks by claiming older dragons. I probably shouldn't think things like that, lest I jinx myself.
I have no idea how much time has passed, but it couldn't be longer than 2 hours. I stood up and winced at the soreness of my body. "Let's go V-nephew. We have to go back but I promise you can visit tomorrow. "
He pouted but removed himself from Vermithor. I didn't dare approach the dragon even though he seemed very calm. I waited until Viserys had said his goodbyes before taking his hand and walking towards the entrance to the cave.
"How was it?"
He started babbling about how excited he was to have a dragon and how he felt complete. It made wonder if that's how all Targaryens felt before they had a dragon. Is that why Rhaena is so desperate for one? Or does it stem from her inability to connect wit her father? I don't know enough to say otherwise but its a thought.
"When I will be able to ride him?" He asked.
I thought about his answer and decided to be honest. "It will depend on your mother Viserys. I think you're quite young still to ride an older dragon." Before he say anything, we approached the entrance and I was surprised to see Daemon, Rhaenyra, and Aemond near Balerion. I quickened my steps to match Viserys' as he ran towards his parents. I went towards Aemond, who was the closest to Balerion.
He seemed to be scared and had embraced me tightly. it was surprising but I hugged him back. "Are you alright?"
"I should be asking you that! We came as soon as we heard Balerion. We had thought something gone wrong," Aemond snapped. I was a bit taken aback but didn't take offense when I saw the concern in his eye. His grip around me tightened and I closed my eyes against his chest.
"There was a moment where I worried for my life," I quietly confessed. "I was afraid I would have to jump in front of Viserys to protect him."
I felt him kiss the top of my head. "I'm glad you're safe Lyna."
A cough had made us jump apart and I scowled at Daemon who made the noise. Before I could say anything Rhaenyra was quicker. "Are you alright? We came as soon as we heard Balerion."
I smiled reassuringly at her. "I'm alright. It was a little terrifying and I should have taken Daemon. At least he managed to calm Vermithor somewhat with a lullaby before."
I momentarily forgot who I was talking to and wished I could take my words back. They still don't know much about where I came from or how I know things. They seemed to laugh it off and I relaxed.
"Let's go Lyna, I'd like help you get ready for the ceremony," Rhaneyra said. I beamed at her as she took my arm and practically dragged me back to the castle. She was explaining the ceremony to me and I nodded and smiled. I had already known how most of it would happen but I didn't want to seem rude and interrupt her. Rhaneyra looked genuinely happy wen she explained that I would be using the ceremonial outfits of her ancestors. It was strange seeing her this happy, but it was relieving. Rhaneyra looked absolutely radiant as her pregnancy progressed.
When we arrived to my room, she had a maid go and get the outfit. She turned to me with a hopeful look and I knew what she was going to say.
"Will you tell me more about where you came from? You said that women can rule. Is that really true?"
I hesitated to answer, but I desperately wanted to share with her what used to be my own. "Women fought for power there for many years. Women can be in charge of families and their livelihoods."
She was listening intently, even when the maid came with the robe. It was the same as the one she wore in the show. While she helping me put in on she continued asking questions. "You said you were considered a bastard where you were from. Did you face many hardships from it?"
"No I didn't. Having children without being married was common there. I wasn't treated any differently than other people. And things such as hair and eye colors didn't matter. Your three older sons wouldn't have faced rumors because anything can happen. Your mother was an Arryn and Rhaenys had dark hair. If you and Laenor did have children, there was a possibility of them having dark hair."
Rhaenyra seems captivated by what I was saying. She also seemed a little sad. "Do you regret the Gods sending you here?"
"Not all," I instantly replied. When I sat down and while she was doing my hair, I continued talking. "It was very lonely there. I had gotten very depressed about my life and had turned to fictional people to feel something. I'm glad the Gods sent me here even though there will be hardships. I'm ready to start my life with people who care."
"What about marriage? Did you ever see yourself marrying?"
I snorted. "I never wanted to marry, but I did want children."
"Then why did you offer to marry Aemond?" Rhaneyra asked. I was happy to note that she was genuinely curious and not offended.
"At first, it was because I respect the customs here. I know that it would be the best move."
Rhaenyra laughed. "And now?"
"And now, I can see a future. It helps that Aemond and I get a long very well," I said smiling.
She was finishing the braids in my hair when she walked to to the chair in front of me. "I would say you get along more than very well. I have never seen him so heavy with emotion before. When we heard Balerion, he didn't hesitate to run to you. When we had arrived after him, he was almost in tears with worry."
I was surprised at her words and knew in my heart this was where I was meant to be. "It's a little frightening to feel this close to someone i just met, but it feels right."
Her hands rubbed over her belly and I was a little jealous of her but it quickly went away. I've always wanted to children and I can't help be excited.
"Are you afraid of child birth?" Rhaenyra asked out of nowhere. I glanced at her in surprise. "I'm a little afraid of it happening here, but I'm not scared enough to not have children. What scares me the most is someone taking a choice away from me."
I tried to be kinder about it but the truth was I didn't want to be cut open like her mother was. If Aemond even thought to have her cut, she would kill him herself.
Rhaenyra smiled sadly, understanding what I was trying to say. When she was done, she stood up. "Ready to get married?"
"Surprisingly I am," I laughed. "It's a bit insane how I'm going to be a sister to a Queen."
At her confused glance I expanded. "Family is family. Where I was before, I had plenty of people I wasn't blood related to that I considered family. Everyone here is apart of that now."
Rhaenyra smiled sweetly to me and guided me to where everyone was standing. It seems Daemon was conducting the ceremony, but I didn't pay too much attention to him. I turned to Aemond and was delighted by what I saw. He had chosen to take off his eye patch when doing the ceremony. It may seem like a thoughtless act but it was anything but. It told me that he believed what I said. He trusts that I'm here to stay no matter what. I didn't pay much attention to what was said but I felt it. When the dragon glass cut into my skin, I barely felt it as my eyes were so focused on Aemond. My hands were shaking as I did the same to him and placed the symbol upon his forehead. When the cuts on our hands had been made and they were clasped together, the power behind it made me gasp.
Was this how it was supposed it feel? Was I supposed to feel power coursing through my veins? The overwhelming joy almost brought me to my knees and it set all my nerves on fire. Tears welled in not only my eyes but Aemond. Both of us were experiencing the same emotions and when we kissed for the first time, I was reminded by how right this feels. Everything was supposed to this way. When his hands came up to me face, his touch set every nerve I had into chaos. I didn't have control of my body in that moment. All it wanted to do was be closer to Aemond. My husband. By the time we let go of each other, we were both panting.
A tear came out the corner of his eye. "My wife."
I wiped his tear with my thumb and softly kissed him. "My husband."
