DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.
And I'm so sorry, I didn't realize that the couple had Jon A. Hopefully everyone already knew it was meant to be Jon Snow, lol. Sorry I didn't see it until someone showed me.
Chapter rating: T
Chapter Twenty-Two: A Dance with Dragons
(Dragonstone)
Rhaenyra giggled as she watched Shireen tell a story she read from Ser Duncan the Tall. It amazed the young woman to know how much knowledge the girl carried. But it also made her think how proud her parents must be of the girl, despite how Shireen rarely talks about her parents. Rhaenyra must have figured the child's greyscale scarring is the reason. She understood, having once met a man who did not want her to see him, fearing he would scare her. But she was not, having seen war-scared men who have lost eyes, limbs, and gained horrendous scars that would curdle another's stomach. Rhaenyra understood those as a way of winning the battle. As such, Shireen should be told that she did in fact win the battle that could have consumed the child as an infant, but she did not let it. Giving her group a look they all nodded and guided the other guards away, some were hesitant before the dragons landed after feasting and flying, they were exhausted. The Baratheon men did not seem to like the beasts who just laid where they wished, but allowed their princess to play amongst them. It amazed Rhaenyra to see how at ease the girl was to the fire-breathers, but she also suspected they miss the presence of small children, Rhaella had been agitated in leaving the boys. The dragon had surprised her mother by allowing the girl to approach her and even pet her.
Shireen laid against Alysanne's neck, not minding the heat on her skin, humming as she listened to the breathing of the youngest dragon. Rhaenyra smiled softly while petting Rhaenys wing, the giant appendage could cover in shade if Rhaenys wished to block her. Rhaenyra has heard the rumors of saying that her dragons were reaching the size where they could be brought into war. But the young woman worried, her ancestors bred their dragons for war, hers were not. They were barely past their year mark and Rhaenyra wanted to keep them perfectly safe.
"Your Grace?" Shireen called softly, seeing the distant look across the woman's face.
"Aye, Shireen? I am sorry, my mind has decided to wander this evening," Rhaenyra smiled sweetly to the girl who beamed. Shireen knew the queen was stressed about something, the young child did not understand why others say she is hard to read, Shireen could. Though Melisandre says this is also because they are blood, cousins through Stannis' grandmother. The Red Priestess had eased the worried mother, Selyse's, fear for her daughter always being with the dragons. The last few days, Shireen has been the shadow to the Targaryen Queen. But it was because of her true love in Targaryen history that was her own as well. Rhaenyra had undergone severe thoughts while spending time with Shireen, she told them to her maids. Valaena and Lynara both expressed their concerns between the Baratheon brothers, though Rhaenyra said she had a way to fix that.
"It's dangerous, Rhaenyra. With no direct teacher, it will be almost impossible to learn to ride Rhaella in such a short amount of time!" Valaena was terrified of her queen attempting something dangerous that could result in severe injury or her death.
"Where best to try it?" Rhaenyra smiled as she walked down the slopes to see Shireen sitting amongst the dragons, reading to them. It amused her father and the dragon mother who had spied on them the night before.
"It is a miracle, Your Grace," Rhaenyra spoke once. "My dragons dislike many, as I travel in a large company, they trust very little," the young queen announced to the father's surprise. "Though I am happy," she confirmed before leaving. Now Rhaenyra was also happy as Shireen might be able to help her. "I did bring my whip, yes?" Rhaenyra asked her ladies to which they nodded.
"Yes, Your Grace. I will retrieve it," Roslyn spoke, quickly leaving with a guard following her.
"What you want to try is madness, Rhaenyra," Valaena spoke to her queen who looked at her sharply. Ser Barristan was hesitant himself but did not say anything at the moment.
"You knew I would try to mount them. It belongs in my family bloodline. I would be happy if my dragons could have eggs or if I could find more to help them breed. I would be delighted if my children could be dragon riders as well, but I doubt they would be able to if mine and Dany's dragons cannot not meet and breed more eggs," Rhaenyra spoke quickly as Valaena sighed.
"I just don't like this. Especially-"
"If something goes wrong. Yes, you expressed your worry, My Lady. Quite loudly. Now please, help me figure this out," Rhaenyra requested while her older cousin nodded.
"Of course," Valaena swore while Lynara beamed. Happy to see Rhaenyra trying, while the guards look hesitant. Tyene looked to Ser Barristan, his concern as he analysed the dragon's current size compared to the queen.
"Your Grace," Shireen smiled as she stood, closing her book as her guard, who had no issue with the dragons, peacefully stood as he watched his charge.
"You don't need to keep calling me that. We are cousins," Rhaenyra urged, bending down a bit to be level with the girl who gave her a bright smile and embraced her. "Now, I have the biggest favor of you, Shireen," Rhaenyra said as the girl perked up to be of help.
XXII
(Riverlands)
Robb sighed as he read through all his letters, it was times like this that he missed the dragons' songs and calls. Grey Wind missed them too, he'd whine a bit when sniffing their old sleeping spots before returning back to the castle. Many of the men even missed them. But he missed his wife more, the comforts of a warm body as he sleeps after discussing politics. Many of the lords tried to offer a woman, but Robb denied them, not wanting a whore or mistress. He refused to do that. But he did enjoy the companionship of Oberyn's family, the friendliness and close relations the girls carry make Robb find easy friends among the girls and their guards. Oberyn was still doing his best to help teach Robb how to be a King, what is good and what needs to be done with caution. He even used moments of Westeros history in the last fifty years that were lords handling rebellions to invasions that require aid of another kingdom or lord. Baela served Robb personally and delivered everything for him while other servants handled dressing Robb or private matters.
"They inspire the men, Your Grace. Gave them strength, hope," Roose told him one morning while offering him certain letters. Robb, under Ser Barristan's final advice before he went South, was to name the Bolton man his Hand, the knight wrote out all the positions the South Kingdom held, Robb might not do them all or at one lord's urging, merge some positions together, simple one.
"Aye. That they do," Robb agreed. The dragons had grown at a fast pace once they were allowed to hunt away from their mother. Roose paused in seeing a letter and quickly stopped his king from writing others by telling him.
"It's from the queen," he urged. Robb took the letter and opened it. He looked surprised to which the Hand asked if he may know the contents.
"Rhae wishes to ward Princess Shireen and if she can offer the girl's hand in marriage to my youngest brother, Rickon," Robb said while Roose frowned.
"Why not Prince Bran? He is the next youngest-"
"My brother walks with a cane, if I wish to insult Stannis Baratheon, then that is the way to go. My youngest brother Rickon is young but Shireen could easily aid in molding the boy to her liking or aid in soothing his anger. Summon my lords, if I am to agree I would like to ensure she has a safe trip to Winterfell," Robb ordered as Oliver Frey nodded and left to go summon the council and other lords who would give the girl a simple way to Winterfell.
"It would be interesting as Stannis would possibly prefer a firstborn son," Roose commented.
"With few options as I noticed most males are already married off, it would cement Stannis with a husband for his daughter when she is named heir to his kingdom. Rickon would be her consort, and he is a prince, no noble lord trying to implement his aggressive child on the poor girl. I hear she is actually a true doe instead of stag," he commented as Roose agreed.
"Yes, though she does hold the inner fire that her great-grandmother, Rhaelle Targaryen gave her father and uncles," Roose spoke up as Robb smirked.
"Then she will do well in my family, she and Rickon might actually be match for match," Robb commented while writing a letter to his wife quickly. Some men started to file in as Baela and Theon quickly joined, both being extra ears for Rhaenyra.
"Your Grace, forgive me. But Daenerys sent a letter and must not have realized her sister left to the Baratheons. Should I respond or send your response?" Baela asked.
"No, she is your cousin too. You should send the response," Robb said while Baela nodded and planned to send the letter after. Once Robb was done, he gave the message to Roose who bowed and left to send it off as Robb stood when his men bowed and sat like their King.
XXII
(King's Landing)
Sansa hummed as she sewed a Tyrell rose, the last few weeks she has been sewing different house animals to keep herself busy. In her words were "when she has a child they will be surrounded by the houses that would protect them" to Cersei when she asked why the girl was doing that. It made the queen pleased that Sansa thought she'd be flowering soon. The thought still made her shudder and her maids swore they would not let it happen. Lady continued to grow as some considered cutting her meat down, worried she'd grow too big soon. But the houndmaster refused, knowing if they cut the direwolf's food down, it'd cause her to turn on the guards and those who care for her, aside from her mistress who has never been shown aggression by her sweet girl. Lady seemed to have a fondness for Tyrion, oddly enough, though Sansa assumed it was because he and Shae were sleeping together. Sansa knew when her wolf had gone to Shae for a treat before sniffing the young woman and bolted to Tyrion when he was allowed inside her chambers to offer a letter he had intercepted from Pycelle. It had startled the dwarf who froze and offered his hand to the female wolf, she licked his small hand a moment before resuming her waiting for a treat. Shae, a bit startled herself, was more cautious around the beast who seemed to know all from her gaze.
"Shae, she will not bite you. You know this," Sansa smiled, a gentle laugh as her maid, eyes playfully narrowed as she lightly tickled the girl's side, bringing laughter from the redhead.
"It is her eyes. That startled me, they seem to hold answers to everything," Shae said to a curious Sansa.
"My father once said Direwolves were smarter than the common wolves we have here," Sansa said before laying down her stitch. "I am bored sitting here. A trip to the Godswood?" Sansa asked while her ladies all nodded. Gathering their shawls or hoods for the morning air.
XXII
"Send Myrcella to Dorne?!" Pycelle nearly choked as he drank some wine. "But they are allied with Robb Stark!" he cried out.
"Easy, old man," Bronn warned, offering more to drink as he took it quickly.
"My friend is right, I don't want anyone to hear of this," Tyrion spoke. "But yes, I was sending my niece south, what is better than supporting a rebel?" Tyrion claimed as Pycelle watched him with a look.
"The Dornish have been against the Lannisters since the beginning," he tried.
"But she is a Baratheon Princess," Tyrion reminded him as the Grand Maester nodded slowly. "So I assume that would alleviate any issues," he shrugged as Pycelle narrowed his eyes. "But remember the Queen mustn't know," he reminded as he knew how this might turn out. Both watched as he left with smirks, Bronn quickly poured drinks for him and Tyrion.
"So, really. Why Dorne?" Bronn asked as they sat and drank.
"Because it's the safest place for her, even if they remain allies with Robb Stark. Both the northern leaders and Doren Martell are not child beaters nor dishonest people, she'll be protected. Even if they find out she's there" Tyrion revealed, knowing the Dornish might not break their alliance and even if Doran wrote that they would, he doubts Oberyn would leave the army, nor would his men.
"How can you be so sure?" the cutthroat asked.
"You know that necklace my niece wears?" Tyrion asked softly, a small smile on his lips.
"The tulip? Aye, I've seen. A bit plain for a princess with Lannister blood," he shrugged, having noticed it.
"Because Queen Rhaenyra gave it to her," he smiled sadly, surprising the man.
"From the Targaryen Queen?" he asked, both have already acknowledged that she was the queen of the North. "Why?" he asked.
"Because she thought it'd cheer her up in being north for the first time. Sweet gesture," Tyrion commented.
"You like the girl," Bronn said shocked.
"She was a sweet girl, I saw her like a niece and also felt sorrow for her. But she flourished in the north, everyone thought she would wither and grow bitter," he thought aloud.
"But she didn't," Bronn countered. "I've heard the rumors down in the streets, even from the Lannister men who've met her. Sweet kid, like you said. Very beautiful," he added with a smirk.
"Gorgeous, if you like young girls," Tyrion said offhandedly. Shae was his sight, he told her having met the Targaryen girl and commented she held the Valyrian beauty that most did. She commented about the violet eyes they supposedly had, he confirmed it, along with her silver hair that wasn't mistaken for blond or gold, closer to white. "Looks like a true Targaryen," he smiled softly.
"And if rumors are to be true. Your niece through Jaime is a Velaryon, that bastard girl, Baela, right?" Bronn asked, having heard the stories from northern camps that somehow traveled south.
"I don't remember anything about Valaena when we were younger. I knew she was a lady-in-waiting for Rhaella, she went with her to Dragonstone when the former queen went into confinement at their former castle during the war," he informed as Bronn continued to wait. "Never even seen the girl or knew she existed until recently," he informed the man who shrugged.
"I could find out," he offered as Tyrion nodded with a small hum.
"Lord Tyrion?" Podrick came in with a small frown.
"Pod?" the small lord asked worriedly. Despite their short time together, he's grown fond of the young man he's taken under his wing, he knew this young man also kept his ears out for him when he needed it. "Is something wrong?" he questioned as Podrick let a guard in. Tyrion recognized him instantly, Ser Jacelyn met him at the gate, and raised his iron hand in brusque salute.
"My lord. Your cousin Cleos Frey is here, coming from Riverrun under a peace banner with a letter from Robb Stark." He spoke carefully
"Peace terms?" Tyrion questioned, wanting to be sure.
"So he says." Ser Jacelyn said with a nod.
"Sweet cousin. Show him to me." Tyrion ushered the man to be let in. "Cousin," he greeted in shock.
"Tyrion, you are a most welcome sight." The Frey spoke in happiness.
"That's not something I hear often, cousin. Ser Jacelyn, you may leave us." Bywater bowed and departed. Their other cousin ushered others out, aside from Bronn and Pod.
"It's bad, the river lords have been burning their crops to starve us all out. The North doesn't worry as they gain food from the Dornish. Your father's foragers set fire to every village they find," he revealed as Tyrion sighed looking over the parchment he took.
"I was asked to bring the offer to the Queen Regent," Ser Cleos said as the door shut.
"I shall." Tyrion glanced over the map that Robb Stark had sent with his letter. "All in good time, cousin. Sit. Rest. You look gaunt and haggard." He looked worse than that, in truth.
"Yes." Ser Cleos lowered himself onto a bench. "It is bad in the riverlands, Tyrion. Around the Gods Eye and along the kingsroad especially. The river lords are burning their own crops to try and starve us, and your father's foragers are torching every village they take and putting the smallfolk to the sword." That was the way of war. The smallfolk were slaughtered, while the highborn were held for ransom. Remind me to thank the gods that I was born a Lannister. Ser Cleos ran a hand through his thin brown hair. "Even with a peace banner, we were attacked twice. Wolves in mail, hungry to savage anyone weaker than themselves. The gods alone know what side they started on, but they're on their own side now. Lost three men, and twice as many wounded."
"The way of war," he muttered outloud this time before scoffing and paused. 'Stark only asks for half the kingdom and our hostages, including his sisters- wait, he assumes we still have both.' He frowned when he read the end. "Cousin be truthful," Tyrion spoke suddenly as his cousin who accepted water from Podrick when offered wine.
"Yes, Tyrion?" he asked, eager to help.
"Are the rumors true?" he asked, to the other's confusion. "The dragons?" he specified as his cousin paled.
"Yes," he whispered. "But they were smaller when I was captured. When I saw them again they were much bigger," he shuddered. "They were terrifying," he whispered in fear.
"How big would you say they were?" Tyrion asked softly.
"Large. They reminded me of those elephants we once saw for a cousin's nameday but they must be bigger now. I overheard the men talking about how the dragons were growing faster and faster," he warned as the dwarf scoffed as Bronn exhaled sharply.
"Great, how fast do dragons grow?" he asked sarcastically but also worried.
"We need to find all we can on dragons," he claimed, taking the note. "What about our foe?" Tyrion questioned as Cleos paused.
"The boy sits idle at Riverrun," Ser Cleos said. "I think he fears facing your father in the field alone. His strength grows less each day. The river lords have departed, each to defend his own lands." Tyrion rolled up Stark's map.
"These terms will never do." Tyrion spoke as he shook the parchment.
"Will you at least consent to trade the Stark girls for Tion and Willem?" Ser Cleos asked plaintively.
Tion Frey was his younger brother, Tyrion recalled. "No," he said gently, "but we'll propose our own exchange of captives. Let me consult with Cersei and the council. We shall send you back to Riverrun with our terms."
Clearly, the prospect did not cheer him. "My lord, I do not believe Robb Stark or Rhaenyra Targaryen will yield easily. It is Lady Catelyn who wants this peace, not the boy or girl."
"Lady Catelyn wants her daughters." Tyrion pushed himself down from the bench, letter and map in hand. "Ser Jacelyn will see that you have food and fire. You look in dire need of sleep, cousin. I will send for you when we know more." He found Ser Jacelyn on the ramparts, watching several hundred new recruits drilling in the field below. With so many seeking refuge in King's Landing, there was no lack of men willing to join the City Watch for a full belly and a bed of straw in the barracks, but Tyrion had no illusions about how well these ragged defenders of theirs would fight if it came to battle.
"You did well to bring him to me," Tyrion said. "I shall leave Ser Cleos in your hands. He is to have every hospitality."
"Yes, Lord," Ser Jacelyn bowed as he reentered. As Tyrion walked he could hear the cries of 'Dragon Queen,' 'Mad King Joffrey' and 'Usurper Bastard.' 'This will not do,' he thought fearfully and hurrying with Bronn behind him.
"That Stark King isn't afraid, My Lord," Bronn stated. "He's waiting for those dragons to grow bigger. Your cousin says he must be afraid. But I think he is personally waiting for them to be of use for the war," Bronn knew from the words that the Northern King wasn't afraid of fighting to defend his right. "He went to war when they were smaller, everyone says. But now they're growing, and many say he's afraid to fight your father? I don't think so. He's waiting," Bronn said as Tyrion froze. If Robb was waiting for his wife's dragons to grow, then they wouldn't have much longer to wait. From the words of his cousin and the rumors, the dragons were growing quicker.
XXII
(East)
Daenerys trotted as she listened to her dragons cry from their small cage. She did not like them being in those cages all day and barely out long enough for them to spread their wings.
"Ser Jorah, would you retrieve one of my dragons?" Daenerys asked as her knight nodded, wheeling his horse and cantered down the line as the slave woman, who Daenerys trusted with her dragons, stopped the horse so Daenerys' guard could carefully retrieve the young dragon. Wincing as the black savaged his finger before a bark from Drogo who had seen the interaction instantly when he turned to answer one of his bloodriders, made the baby release and eye his namesake cautiously. The guard just laughed and praised the dragon for his attitude, Jorah knew the dragon would be like his namesake and have a hostile attitude. Jorah rode up, cradling the hatchling close and gave the black dragon to his khaleesi who smiled and cooed to him in High Valyrian, the dragon liked to hear both languages it seems, all three dragons knew both languages well. Ser Jorah and Drogo both agree it would be better to teach the dragons one language so they might not get confused. But Daenerys claimed certain commands were in Valyrian for a reason, as such Dracarys which she explained was 'Dragonfire' in her native language. Drogo found her native tongue intriguing and like his brother-in-law, a little arousing when the woman speaks it fluently. Many of her ladies joked that once the Khaleesi was well, they might have another babe on the way. Though Drogo seemed content with his twins at the moment, if he wanted another child they'd no doubt have another.
"Khaleesi!" Rhakaro called as he stopped her. "The Khal wants you to go another direction with us and the back half of the khalassar," her guard spoke suddenly as Daenerys frowned.
"Why can I not ride alongside my husband?" Daenerys questioned while her portion of the khalassar stopped, the warriors and fighters all continued on, leaving their Khaleesi and Khal's two heirs in the slave portion of the khalassar.
"Another Khalassar on the horizon. Khal Drogo would like his children to survive and wants you to ride in another direction. It's a bit longer but goes around the fighting," he reassured. Daenerys was still unhappy as her group was led through tight pathways and tunnels. Following the guards who were leading them were to go.
"Ser Jorah?" Daenerys questioned, worried as the knight soothed her.
"Just listen to what the Khal wishes. He wants to ensure that his heir is protected," Jorah explained as Daenerys sighed, not liking it as she urged her guard to return Drogon to his cage. The hatchling hissed and spat.
"How much longer until our next destination?" Daenerys requested wanting to know.
"The next city Khal Drogo would have gone to would have been Qarth. They sometimes give slaves or other gifts to make us pass by," a guard spoke, very little Common tongue he used.
"Why can't we use the roads?" she asked, not wanting to go through the mountains that bordered the Red Waste.
"No, Khaleesi. This is the only safest way for you and the younglings," Rakharo said. Daenerys had a small fear as she urged her Silver to continue on, leading the people as the guards kept the slaves from going further. She led them through with Rakharo aiding her along with Ser Jorah who had looked at a map before their march to know they were heading in the right direction. Daenerys wished she could send a letter to her sister.
XXII
(Dragonstone)
"So they sat on the base of the neck," Shireen said as she motioned to her own neck as Rhaenyra looked up to Rhaella's neck base.
"Mazurnegon, Rhaella," Ser Barristan ordered as the female eyed him, head going side-to-side. "Rȳbagon," he continued. Very few could command the dragons that were not their mother, Robb, or the maids, but the knight had seemed to earn their respect. Rhaella crooned to him as she lowered her head.
"Would you like the whip, Your Grace?" Roslyn asked, offering the leather and silver piece.
"They should be used to the crack of the whip if it's to encourage them to fly," Shireen claimed. Reminded of her father's horse trainers using whips to have them pull together.
"She also uses it for discipline if they go out of line," Valaena told the child who gave an 'ahh' before reading more.
"It's better to try and sit on her back, Your Grace. If I may offer an idea," the Dragonstone guard offered. "So that she could be used to your weight on her back suddenly. It's how my family trains horses. They are not the same, I understand but it is the only thing I could suggest," he shrugged softly as Ser Barristan agreed.
"It is a sound thought, Your Grace," the Queensguard spoke as he pet Rhaella's nose before having Valaena order her further so he could ensure the queen wouldn't fall off.
"Inkot," Valaena demanded, somewhat walking forwards so Rhaella would back up. Valaena was trying to get to where Rhaenyra could step up on Rhaella's back leg to climb up on her shoulders, using her spikes to hold on. "Inkot," Valaena ordered once more, voice stern as the female obeyed, shifting to sit differently and lower to the ground. Rhaenyra breathed softly before running a hand down Rhaella's neck to soothe her. The female trilled and lowered her head completely allowing Rhaenyra to hop onto the dragon's shoulders. Rhaella suddenly perked up and shfted her body, getting used to the pressure of her mother at her neck. Alysanne and Rhaenys came to their mother, curious as to why she was on Rhaella. Rhaenyra kept petting Rhaella, soothing her.
"Lyka, lyka, Rhaella. Easy girl," Rhaenyra said as she used her knees to urge the dragon to walk a bit with her on her shoulders. "Lykirī, Rhaella." Rhaenyra knew Valyrian soothed the dragons more than the Common Tongue. The small human group gave the female some room to move. The dragon seemed to have qualms of her mother on her back as she moved around a bit easier.
"She seems at ease with you. That's good," Raynor said as he watched Rhaenyra walk Rhaella around the plains. Rhaella though looked eager for something. Shireen saw and with a small smirk asked the queen.
"What's the word for fly?" she asked, Valaena looked at her sharply before realizing what she was doing and yelped.
"Hold on, Your Grace," Valaena shouted just as Rhaenyra answered, slightly confused. The noble child had Valyrian teachings from what she was told.
"Sōvēs." Rhaella trilled and started off, understanding the command as Rhaenyra held on startled. Roslyn called out to the others with the whip in her hand as Rhaella flapped her wings. An odd jog on her hind legs, she leapt off as Rhaenyra held on tightly, the dragon caught the air current as she flew up. Shrieking and calling out as Rhaenyra continued to cling to her dragon's back. Despite her eagerness to ride them, she was also terrified of falling off the dragon's back. But Rhaella flew high enough before diving down as her mother saw the small group become larger as Rhaella flew over them. The current made their clothes flap and hair to fly around. Stannis who had happened to see the dragon take off with a white-haired figure attached to her back. He and a handful of councel members came running out as Melissandre watched with wide eyes at seeing the Targaryen flying.
Rhaenyra slowly smiled as she lifted her head at seeing everything, her dragon shrieking as the other two joined. Eagerly crying out as they spied their mother on Rhaella. It was hard getting over her sudden fear of being so high and one wrong shift that could end in her death. But now she saw the beauty her ancestors saw when they flew on their dragons.
Ser Barristan looked from the ground as Shireen looked up and kept eye on the red-black dragon flying. She'd fly close to the ground and didn't fly higher again, but kept a good height from the ground. Rhaella shrieked once more before circling the cliffside and returned to the small hill the others were settled on. Everyone cheered as Shireen leapt into Rhaenyra's arms.
"That was amazing!" The girl yelled as the red dragon eyed her mother who was watching her as well.
"Jagon," the queen sent off her mount as the female trilled before flying off with her sisters who joined.
"You just overcame your biggest fear and hurtle, Your Grace," Lynara praised her queen as Rhaenyra smiled after Shireen let her go.
"You rode a dragon! After so many years," Shireen could not get over seeing the Targaryen fly.
"146 years," Melisandre spoke as she approached. Rhaenyra held her head high to the Red Priestess who curtsied to the royals that she came to. "With a bit more practice, it will be like riding a horse I assume," she smiled as many laughed when the queen did.
"That. Will take some time and getting used to it, I feared I was going to fall off!" Rhaenyra laughed as others continued while Stannis huffed a small laugh which made Valaena eye him curiously before humming softly.
"Your ancestors rode with saddles and reins, just like horses. It would take time for it to be made," Stannis hinted.
"And the dragons keep on growing. The saddle would have to accommodate that," Rhaenyra reminded as he nodded.
"My men found dozens of papers in High Valyrian that no one had, aside from basic knowledge of the language that my maester and now my daughter were learning," Stannis told her.
"And it is for a worker's eyes, that I may read it though we need the right person to make it," Melisandre spoke, a soft tone to her voice.
"My worker in the North, he made a saddle to allow my dragons to cling to my horse's saddle when they were younger before they started to keep in the air better. He might be able to start something, he also made a saddle to accommodate Bran's injury." Rhaenyra planned to send a letter to her maester for her saddlemaker to see if he might be able to do something like it.
"I have had word from my brother, he wishes to hold a summit together," Stannis said as Shireen looked at her father and the young queen.
"Very well. When do we leave?" Rhaenyra asked as Stannis looked at the dragons.
"In two days times. And it would be beneficial to see if you could remain on your dragon from when we dock before riding up to the summit meet. It would be near the Stormlands," he thought as Rhaenyra hummed softly.
"I could spend the next few days practicing flying, she seemed to like it," Rhaenyra commented softly with a smile as he nodded before leaving as Rhaenyra chuckled softly before resuming her watch of the dragons. Planning on trying again later.
XXII
End of the chapter!
How was it? How was her first flight? It was hard to judge it, I would be terrified if I was suddenly taken in the air. I think Shireen would be that little evil one to encourage someone in the air though, lol. Please read and review!
~Rusty14~
