Chapter 27:

Author's Notes: Cough…so this isn't exactly a post a week but um…at least it's an update right? Right?

Another early dawn brought sunlight on a conversation which began before sun rise. Spencer understood Ashley's worry but she also knew what needed to be done. She had finally accepted that she was bound to Ashley, as a loyal subject, a friend and now, a lover. If it meant braving the now hostile King's Road towards her remaining family then so be it.

"Why? We could find another way Spencer." Ashley continued to doubt.

"You know there is no other way." Spencer rolled onto her side, facing Ashley now. "I will see my family again and find a way to lighten you burden."

"Not at the expense of your life," Ashley replied. She knew she had no other choice but her heart would not let her give in so easily.

"Ashley,"

"I know," Ashley said quietly. The queen had to decide this matter, not a young girl's passion. "But you will not go alone."

Spencer nodded, knowing that Ashley giving in to this was not a small feat, willing to agree to anything now that the matter was resolved. She reached over to run her fingers through the dark curls before her. "I shall return Ashley. We will march into the Sun City, victorious, together."

"What if you are captured, or harmed? What if I lose you?"

"You will not lose me. And if I am captured, I will find my way back to you. Do you believe me?"

Ashley rose and straightened her shoulders. Spencer rose with her, needing her to believe in what she was saying. "I do. I do not like this Spencer but I am still a queen and this will not be the last time my head and heart will war with each other. I have one request."

"Name it."

"You will not leave for a few days yet. If we shall be parting for a while yet, I want to spend the time I have remaining with you to the best of my ability."

Spencer leaned forward and placed a kiss on Ashley's cheek. "I have no issue with that command."

"It is a command. One that will not be disobeyed." Ashley said as she looked into Spencer's eyes. A moment passed as they faced each other. "I guess it is time."

Spencer frowned in confusion. "Time for what?"

Ashley dressed as she spoke. "I have been thinking over this for a long time. Get dressed."

Spencer rose as well, wondering what Ashley was thinking of.

"Wait. You and I will need a different set of clothing."

"A different set of clothing? Ashley what is happening?"

Ashley placed a finger on Spencer's lips. "I will show you. Just…have some patience with me." She then walked towards her door, conversed with someone outside it before returning to the room. Nothing more was said before a knock was heard at the door. Ashley walked towards the door, thanked the person behind it before presenting her bundle to Spencer. "Wear this."

Spencer took the offered clothing and stretched it out for inspection. The worn leather breeches caught her interest. "Are we riding today?"

Ashley smiled. "Yes we are. Do not forget your coat. I think it might get colder as we ride."

After they both dressed, Ashley led the way towards the gates. An Unsullied approached them as they reached the gates. "Khaleesi, shall I provide a guard?"

"No. We shall be fine. If you are asked, answer that I insisted no guard to follow us and I shall be back soon. Open the gates."

As they walked down a familiar path, Spencer's curiosity grew. When Ashley handed her a pair of gloves, she stopped walking. "I do not need these."

"You will," was the answer as Ashley walked deeper into the forest.

Spencer turned as she heard something approaching before relaxing as Phantom appeared from the trees. "Where have you been?" The direwolf stared at its master as if questioning her. "Hunting, off course," Spencer answered herself as she scratched behind Phantom's ears. "Come on before Ashley leaves us behind." They both ran forward to catch up with the Valyrian in front of them. As they came closer to their destination, Spencer voiced her growing concern. "Ashley, we have no horses here."

"I know."

"So what shall we ride then?"

"Two of them," Ashley answered as she stepped into a clearing. In front of them lay her dragons, awaiting her command. Phantom approached the beasts cautiously, instantly sensing their danger. She then turned back to Spencer, her anxiety eased as Ashley approached the strange creatures before her.

Spencer stilled, shock coursing through her. She wants me to ride a dragon, she thought in horror, what if I fall? "I thought they were not big enough yet?"

Ashley saw the fear cross Spencer's eyes as she stumbled through her question. She walked towards the Westeroi, intent on calming her. "We have been travelling for a long time now Spencer. I made enquiries and read all I could find before we left Slaver's Bay as to my family history and raising of dragons. They need to be ridden or they will not be able to fight for me as I ride them."

"And you want me to ride at your side?"

"I had hoped…I have considered everything and have traced my family's history with dragons. I have no remaining family to ride with me so who better to be at my side then you, someone I believe will remain at my side always."

Spencer could still feel her fear inside her but it lessened with Ashley's words. "They are yours Ashley. Will they accept me?"

"They have already accepted you. Did you not notice that only you and I could feed them when they were younger? They anticipate your arrival almost as much as they anticipate mine. They allow you to touch them without a command from me. I think they find you worthy enough," she teased. "Come, I will show you."

Spencer followed Ashley towards the dragons, fearing the worst but willing to try. She knew the honour being bestowed upon her to ride on Ashley's side on a dragon. Only those of House Targaryen rode dragons in the past, and if not a kin, then the ruling monarch would choose another to ride alongside them.

"I think Viserion might be a better choice than Rhaegal," Ashley said, watching the cream dragon fly down to meet them. Her mind filled with a vision of Spencer, her hair turned white in the sun's glare, riding on Viserion. A vision of brilliant white in the sky. She stretched out a hand to stroke Rhaegal. "We will find you a rider, little one. As for now, you shall have to watch and learn from your brothers." The green and bronzed dragon growled lowly, a stream of smoke rising from his mouth. "Patience, Rhaegal."

Spencer had approached her appointed dragon. Viserion greeted her as always, sniffing the air for any food she may have brought them. When he found none he turned his head in annoyance. Spencer smiled at the action. The dragons truly did act as children some times. "Next time, Viserion, and you may have the first choice. Just do not tell your brothers."

"Since he is already familiar with you," Ashley began as she approached Drogon who nudged her in greeting, "we will have to teach him to respond to all of your commands. He must know that you are his master and yet still be capable of following his own instincts."

"Have you already ridden Drogon?"

"No. it shall both our first time. I only hope he does not throw me off," Ashley answered, a smile gracing her face as she turned to her mount. "He likes his mischief a little too much."

"So what now?"

"Watch." Ashley began to stroke Drogon, careful not to burn her hand with his breath. She continued to stroke him, watching the scales respond to her touch as she brought her hand down his neck until she reached his torso. As she did this, she spoke quietly to him in High Valyrian, calming him and preparing him for his task. You need to only know three words for now. Down, fly, and turn. As we practice more I will teach you more words."

"How do they know to respond?" Spencer asked, amazed.

"I am not certain. I have read that they only respond to High Valyrian. It seems as if they have always known to respond to House Targaryen and our language, which as you know is High Valyrian. Any other knowledge we shall find out for ourselves. You already know Dracarys and Nevren. Down is Adsidon, to fly is Subvare and to turn is Convetere. Each command has to be said as if you are speaking to them or they will ignore it. Keep him calm by speaking to him. He may not understand the language of Westeros but your tone will let him know you mean no harm."

Spencer took a deep breath and whispered to Viserion. "I know you do not understand but we know each other now for you to know I mean no harm. I am just as uneasy as you are about all this but…we both love her and I hope you care for me too. So let us try this together and see where it takes us." The dragon stared at her, as if to read her intentions before loosening his muscles. Once he had calmed, she turned for her next instruction.

"Good. I knew he would respond well to you." Ashley said. She then stood by Drogon's side. "Adsidon Drogon."

The large, black dragon slowly laid himself flat onto the snow-covered ground. He hissed at the feel of the cold snow on his body but made no attempt to lift himself up. Ashley continued to soothe him in the ancient tongue before slowly climbing onto his back. Drogon lifted his head in mild surprise, still adjusting to the new weight on his back. Another hiss of annoyance escaped him before he let his mind wander again. "You now Spencer."

Spencer breathed in deeply. "Viserion…Adsidon." Viserion faced his brother and his mistress before settling himself down as Drogon had. Spencer slowly lifted herself onto his back, praying he did not toss her off in annoyance. She released a breath once she had settled onto his back and he had not rejected her. She watched Viserion lift his head to look at her and sensed that he found her anxiety amusing. She smiled back at the dragon, hoping he would spare her any embarrassment.

"Now," Ashley began once she saw that Spencer was fine, "Subvare!"

"Subvare!" Spencer echoed.

"Subvare Rhaegal!" Ashley called out to the remaining dragon. At his mistress' command, the green and bronzed creature took off into the sky after them.

The two dragons heaved upwards and began to stretch out their wings. Ashley called out to Spencer to tighten her thighs and to grip Viserion's mane. The two creatures let out a rumble of smoke and fire before taking a step and setting off into the sky. Spencer's face paled at the sudden ascent but upon hearing Ashley's exhilarated laugh, joined in on the excitement. The cool air hit her, stealing her breath but nothing could stop the rush or joy she could feel right now.

"Subvare!" They both shouted into the blue sky, dark and light, side by side. Once they were high into the sky, Phantom turned around and returned to the forest.

Ugh…I really don't like this chapter, kinda feel like I didn't write it right…ah well.