Chapter 37: Sunspear Sunset

Night had fallen over Sunspear by the time Tessarion's wings beat through the still air. Aegon had little trouble finding it, though, the lights of thousands of hearths and candles illuminating all the moon failed to. "Land, girl," he commanded aloud, lost in the wind. But Tessarion heard him, and let out a hoot of recognition.

Less terrified than before, Nymella still had her arms crushing his ribcage - not that Aegon minded, eager for the sensual highborn to touch him. He could feel her breasts pushed against his back, a truly wonderful feeling. "She understands you, doesn't she?"

Aegon smiled. "Aye, she's a beautiful creature with a heart of spun gold." He could sense Tessarion preening at the praise. While a dragon like Syrax would become insufferable at her rider's affections, prancing about as if they were the gods themselves, Tessarion was a modest she-dragon. "And not all of them are like that. Stormfyre… fuck, he's a terror."

"Your sister Alyssa's dragon, right?" Aegon nodded. "I heard Maerys was the worst."

A frown. "Don't get me started on him." The dragon probably would've been pleasant enough had his uncle Viserys not been a grouch. "But be thankful your first ride was on Tess."

"She nearly made me pass out from terror."

"If you had been riding Nymerion or Valyrax, you'd have likely died from fright." Guiding Tess into a landing, the banter made him chuckle. Never before had he been so light. I think I'm in love with you, Nymella. Certainly felt that way, especially given his marriage proposal earlier.

Was it too soon? Likely yes. Did he regret it? No, Aegon meant every word.

But what were her feelings? That was what truly made him apprehensive.

As Tessarion beat her wings in a roar of annoyance at the dust cloud kicked up around her, Aegon's thoughts drifted to the great keep of his muna's ancestors looming in front of him. The lights within were a panoply of brightness, fully inhabited. "The entire court is back from the Water Gardens," he said to Nymella.

"No one would be so bold to attack the princely seat," she replied cautiously. "But still a foolish risk to make."

Aegon didn't have the same reticence to declare a major threat. He climbed down Tessarion's back and this time Nymella didn't protest when he helped her down, hands on her waist. "Whomever attacked Ghost Hill was organized and competent. I worry that was just a trial run for something bigger."

"I pray you are only paranoid, Aegon Targaryen."

"I pray that as well," he replied just as a group of guards approached them. "Ser Aero," he nodded.

Areo Hotah bowed. "Your Grace, Lady Nymella." He was in full armor, spear in hand, but otherwise didn't seem on alert. "Your uncle is glad at your swift arrival."

Aegon's brow rose. "I was unaware he knew of me."

"Prince Doran made a wager with Lord Uller that you would arrive the night of his summons." To that Aegon snorted. Sounded more like what Oberyn would do, not Doran. "He asked me to escort you to him."

"Lady Nymella will accompany me," he insisted.

"Of course."

As expected, Doran was in his solar overlooking the cliffs and the sea - conspicuously turned away from sight of Sunspear town. He appeared considerably gaunter than the last time Aegon had laid eyes on him, which was surprising, but his eyes were fixed in an almost manic glee as he rose unsteadily from his seat. "Nephew, welcome." A hug followed, one that Aegon reciprocated. "I was worried that you wouldn't come back."

"It was a temporary journey, uncle," he replied.

"Of course, but one might get distracted with… hospitality." The last was said with an eye cast on Nymella - as if he suspected something. Well, the situation made it slightly obvious. "Lady Toland, welcome back as well. I trust you provided an enjoyable time for my royal nephew."

The innuendo was blatant, and it was clear Nymella felt uncomfortable with the implications. "Aye, I made sure he was well-provided for on his visit to Ghost Hill."

"Indeed."

"Uncle," insisted Aegon, coming to Nymella's defense - the Dornish were much laxer in such proprieties, but for the Lady of a Keep, to be seen as a Prince's lover rather than one in charge of her own destiny only hurt the strength she wished to convey. "Nymella's keep has been under attack several times."

"From pirates, I am well aware. Nothing her bannermen cannot handle."

"Not what I found. My Lady?" He offered her the floor.

She seemed hesitant. "Your Graces, the attack was not a mere raid but a coordinated one."

"Odd, I had no idea from the reports sent."

Aegon thought his uncle was hiding something. Perhaps he dismissed it and is covering up his mistake? Even Targaryens were not immune to that. "It wasn't an ordinary pirate raid, so I think this return to Sunspear was a mistake - whomever tried to sack Ghost Hill might try for here next."

Doran chuckled. "Diligent, I like it. I can assure you that Sunspear is safe, nephew, but if it would help I can authorize a hundred spears to Ghost Hill if the pirates return. Would that satisfy Lady Nymella?"

Nymella curtseyed. "You do honor me, your Grace."

"Wonderful… I hope you will join us as we break our fast. It is late and I am sure you wish for rest." As obvious a means to get them out of his hair as any, but Aegon did feel tired.

He made to escort Nymella to her chambers, and she did not deny him. "A hundred spears of House Martell is more than I could've hoped for… besides a dragon, of course." Nymella chuckled before cupping his hand in hers. "Thank you… Aegon."

Smiling, Aegon loved his name on her tongue. It was spontaneous - he certainly didn't plan it - but in an instant it was his tongue on hers, Nymella pressed against the wall in a passionate kiss. She didn't stiffen. The opposite actually. Aegon's heart soared as Nymella's hands wrapped around him and she lost herself into the kiss. He brought their bodies flush, her grinding against his hip and moaning.

It felt glorious.

But something changed. Suddenly Aegon was pushed off of her, clearing the cloud of lust and joy he was feeling. He took in Nymella's appearance. She was flushed, panting heavily. Her lips were swollen and she looked absolutely beautiful and hungry for him - except a hint of fear in her eyes. "My Lady…"

"No," she murmured, looking away. "I cannot… I cannot humiliate myself here." Without looking she briskly walked away to her chambers, shutting the door behind her and leaving Aegon alone.

And so that left him where he was now, roaming the halls well past the hour of the wolf. A dark cloud shrouded him, mind deep in thought. She hates me… thinks I took advantage of her… or perhaps she's too mindful of appearances to be ready… He asked for her hand abruptly, and kissed her even more abruptly. Aegon had no idea what to make of things, but above all else was frustrated and in need of release - cock hard as rock thinking of how Nymella felt against him. Her soft body and supple curves, her passion… He clenched his fists, needing to either fight someone or fuck them.

He was open to either, but not getting his release, that wasn't an option.

Each passing second found him growing darker, but just when he thought he had hit his breaking point… "Oh, your Grace." It was Maron Sand, turning a corner by chance. "I am surprised to see you back this early."

Aegon simply stared at him, one thought on his mind. Sylva was the other option, but Maron would do well for this situation. He was certain Maron wouldn't mind.

"How was your trip to see Lady Nymella?" But Aegon only responded with a dissatisfied grunt, clearly upset. Maron clicked his tongue. "I take it things didn't go well?"

"Shut up," was the response, silencing Maron. "Enough talking."

With a yelp from the lad, Aegon shoved Maron through the first door he found, a storage space with several barrels of… he didn't care. Shutting the door behind them, he wasn't going to take any chances and have someone walk in on them. Not until he had worked out his frustration.

"My Prince," Maron continued, his lover clearly surprised by his sudden assertiveness. "What's going on?"

"I said shut it," Aegon growled, not wanting to hear anything else from Maron's mouth unless it was a gasp or groan of pleasure. This would be rough and fast, but Maron liked it that way. Aegon refused to waste any more time and turned Maron around, shoving him against the door.

Aye, Maron definitely wasn't complaining from the way his body responded.

Matters passed by in a bit of a blur, the normal routine tossed aside as Aegon wasn't gentle. Hearing the gasps and grunts of enjoyment from Maron, he pressed ahead further and further with a draconic intensity until the Prince found what he was searching for. He couldn't help but groan in pleasure as he felt his cock squeezed in a vice grip. Maron threatened to cry in lust, Aegon covering his mouth to keep him somewhat quiet.

No, he would not share this with another. Not until he got his fill.

Aegon knew that he wasn't going to last long. All of his pent-up frustration was getting him close to release, his anger-addled brain driving him in powerful strokes. How he wished to fuck Nymella. "Kessa…" he growled, imagining the beautiful Lady of Ghost Hill. "You're fucking mine. Mine forever."

"Yes, my Prince, yes…" Maron's voice killed that fantasy, but seeing him gasping and squeezing his own cock to keep up… truly Aegon enjoyed that on its own merits. He slammed harder into his lover, knowing that Maron would rapidly get close along with him. "My Prince, by gods," Maron grunted. "We're going to have to do this again."

"Hmmgh," Aegon grunted, now almost teetering on the edge but not feeling like talking more. All coherent thoughts were no longer in his mind, as he could focus on nothing but the feeling of his impending release… "Fuck…" He knew not which sensation caused it but soon his cock spasmed. Seed shooting out in spurts as he fell over. Joined by the muffled cries of his lover.

Once they had managed to catch their breath, Maron turned to face Aegon. "What had gotten into you, my Prince?" he asked. Again, Aegon refused to answer.

Images of Nymella still haunting his very soul.

"Well, it's clear that you've never done this before," Jon - still 'Eddard Snow' to others - giggled as the latest in a series of three pebbles clunked into the still water of Lys Harbor.

His companion pouted. "Well, I've never been out here before if I wasn't on a ship, or leaving a ship."

Jon smiled sadly. "Your muna keeps you on a tight leash, Daella?"

"Oh, the tightest." Daella reached out to wind her hand into his. "But at least I have you - someone mine own that none can take away."

He bit his lip. It made him feel guilty, knowing that whatever he had with this gorgeous, kind Lysene girl was only temporary and not by his choice… but he'd enjoy what moments he had with her. "Wanna try again?"

Daella shook her head. "How about we just sit on the pier and watch the ships." She bit her lip. "Just wanna be close to you." How could he deny that?

She was taller than him, but nevertheless leaned her head on his shoulder, arms around his waist. Occasionally she kissed his shoulder, sighing happily. Jon loved it, finally knowing what it was like for his kepa. The love he shared for Jon's muns was pretty much legend at this point - the play in Braavos came to mind. What legends would they speak of him? His mind whirred.

"Ned?"

Lost was he, Jon didn't realize for a while that she had called to him until she was nudging his shoulder. "Huh?"

Daella giggled. "Finally, he speaks." She kissed his cheek. "You tensed up. What're you thinking about?"

A shrug. "Ever think about the world? About your place in it?"

Quieting down, Daella hugged him close. "I'm not the only one then." Jon couldn't help it, kissing her forehead. "My muna does the same, as do my brothers, but they think only about how to get ahead for our family." Daella had told him about her siblings. Her cunt of an older brother and kindly but still ambitious other older brother. Her sweet younger siblings still innocent of it all, and their mother - a stern, ambitious woman who nonetheless put all expectations onto Daella's shoulders. It was one reason she told him that she loved spending time with Jon. He liked her, and she could just relax and be herself around him.

It was refreshing.

"So, what do you think about, if not that?"

"How to better the world. How to leave a proper legacy behind." She grimaced. "We aren't wealthy, and have to rely on the charity of others. Sometimes that leads us to be… beggars."

Jon never knew that nor ever would, but he still sympathized. "I'm sorry."

Her grip on him tightened. "I know." She looked at him, their eyes meeting. "Everywhere I look, there is wealth, but none of it reaches the mass of those that work so hard to make it possible. Mayhaps that is wrong."

"The wealthy wouldn't think so," Jon shrugged. "But I see your point."

"What would you do to better their lot, love?"

That made Jon shrug, brows furrowing. Something he had thought about for a bit, listening to the stories of his house and its struggles. "Too many highborns. Too many armies. There is no unity without a strong ruler who can keep them in line, but they'd never forget their ambitions."

"And you would cull their power?"

Jon nodded, only to remember what he was supposed to be. "If I was of importance, I would leave the Kings as those with all the power. Absolute power. Peace would reign within the nations if that was the case."

Daella smiled. "Peace - a wonderful thought, isn't it?" Jon said nothing, only tilting her chin towards him and kissing her.

"We're all set to heave off, my Prince!"

Blinking, Jon turned his head to see Ser Gerion waving from the below deck. "Set sail, then, good Ser. Shan't waste a beautiful day as this!" The sun shone high over the city of Astapor, only made bearable by the ocean winds. Such had left Baelon watching the sea much as he had the day he remembered fondly, lost in thought. "About time I returned home!"

"Damned straight, your Grace!" Gerion laughed. Jon liked him. He had a much lighter attitude than his sterner older brother - not that Lord Tywin didn't have the Crown Prince's respect and admiration in his own way. "The Princess and Lady Stark are belowdecks."

"Thank you! I will head to them in a bit." Loving spending time with his aunt and cousin he did, but in the moment he simply wanted a moment to himself.

In the midst of the chaos of tracking Missandei to Astapor, he hadn't had the ability to think back to what he had left behind. Jon snorted, chuckling to himself as the ship began to lurch. They truly hadn't left much behind. He had a feeling they'd be seeing Bellegere in the near future, while Daenerys had plans to invite the Braavosi mummers to King's Landing. Drogo and Assavi… not bad allies to have, while by Dany's doing House Aekylosh were likely guests of his kepa at this very moment. Oh, Rhaenys will love them. Missandei went without saying.

But then there was Daella. He felt bad that she hadn't come to his mind much through the whirlwind of activity, but the moment he had a chance to rest she haunted his memories. His first love, Jon knew that now. That was a common discussion of all the poets, the lover that got away. The one that introduced a person to the art of romance. Not all people were lucky in that first love, but Jon felt he was. She had been a genuine soul.

"Oh, Daella. I hope wherever you are, you're happy."

"Talking to someone, your Grace?"

Alas, his moment alone was not to be. "Lady Missandei." The freedwoman had a smile about her, a gentle one - she wore it well, finally dropping the subservient expression she wore while still enslaved. "No, just a moment of solitude to think."

"Ah, I see." She nodded. "I won't disturb you, then."

"No, it's fine." He touched her shoulder, bidding her to stay. "Who am I to deny a beautiful girl companionship?" He offered a grin, trying to imitate his kepa.

Missandei blushed. "And I cannot deny you that, my Prince." They both leaned against the railing, watching the ship head towards Slaver's Bay. Her smile widened as a pod of dolphins crested the surface nearby. "Ah, I love dolphins."

Jon chuckled. "Sailors call them good luck."

"So do we of Naath. Similar, we are in that regard." She bit her lip. "Your Grace? I've told Daenerys and Sansa this, but not you. By the gods, thank you… thank you for rescuing me."

Holding up a hand, Jon shook his head. "It was my pleasure to free you from that hell, and you may call me Jon, or Baelon."

"Is that not improper?"

He shrugged. "I am not imperious - if you are allowed to call my aunt and cousin by their names, then you may call me by mine… albeit when we are alone."

"Of course." She looked off at the distance, at Astapor beginning to disappear under the horizon. "I may be free, but so many are still in bondage."

"Daenerys wants to free them all. Sansa approves, but I don't know if she has any other ideas for the improvement of the Realm."

"And you? Is it not your hope?"

"Mayhaps one day," Jon admitted. He certainly hated slavery, it was cruel and simply inefficient. "But if I try to go to war with all of Essos while Westeros remains weak, then it would be a disaster."

"You have dragons."

"Dragons can only hold what they can see. If control of the Realm collapses then all is lost."

There was a silence until Missandei cleared her throat. "Well, I am sure you and your future Queens can make the impossible happen."

He blinked. "Future Queens?"

This time Missandei laughed merrily. "If you don't know…" She touched his shoulder. "Open your eyes, Baelon. You will find all you need right in front of you."

"That damned thing."

Compared to her when she first arrived in Winterfell moons ago, bundled up thickly and looking very much like a fluffier version of Nysar, now Rhaenys was dressed much like Ygritte. Her furs were thinner, but helped keep the cold out much better than the thick coats. She looked like a wildling, which was an irony not lost on her. "Aye, the Wall took my breath away first time I saw it."

"Nah, not that, Princess." Ygritte rolled her eyes. "May be somethin' to gawk at to ye deep southerners, but to us that thing is either an insult or death itself." She crossed her arms as they continued to trudge through the snow, occasionally breaking off a branch from one of the trees to toss to Nysar if bored. Seeing the wolf scamper about was amusing and passed the time. "All the food and warmth we never knew is down south of that fucking thing."

Rhaenys shrugged. "You'd be surprised."

"Huh?"

"Scarcity isn't scarce down there." She appreciated the unintentional pun.

Ygritte snorted. "Yer' well-fed." Before Rhae could reply, Ygritte shook her head. "Yer' a Princess, of course you are. Ugh, I'm an idiot."

"You made a Princess fall for you," Rhae bantered back, nudging her lover. "Means you were smart enough to do something right." That put a grin back on Ygritte's face and they shared a quick kiss. "Should be a day's walk to the gate, maybe two."

"Better be careful. I'm Free Folk and yer' dressed like one. Archer could pick you off."

A frown. "True, very true." Rhaenys sighed. "If it weren't so cold then I'd lower my hood."

"I'd just do it - maybe they'll see your skin and eyes." She tossed another stick for Nysar. "And we 'ave a direwolf."

"She's still small enough to be mistaken as a wolf. Don't you have wargs that play with wolves?"

Ygritte pursed her lips. "Hawks, foxes… eh, maybe a wolf. Can't rule it out." Nysar had grabbed the branch from where it fell in the snowdrift, returning with white powder all over her head and muzzle. It was adorable and both girls couldn't help but laugh at it. "Gonna have to hope there are patrols," Ygritte mused, ruffling the wolf's fur. Unlike Torrhen, Nysar took to her wonderfully.

It put a lot of things in perspective. "Aye, they should." A patrol catching them was their best chance. "Just stay close to me and you'll be fine."

"Stayin' close to you is my favorite pastime." It was Ygritte that nudged her, and Rhaenys didn't find it unwelcome.

Rhaenys figured that she'd be elated when she finally reached safety in her kepa's domains. Finally free from the clutches of the King - or Queen rather - Beyond the Wall. In truth though, she was more than a little subdued. Was it that she headed towards Castle Black with her new lover by her side, as much a typical wildling as any mummer in King's Landing could comprehend… albeit much prettier?

Or rather was it the words Leaf gave her before finally parting ways with the child of the forest. Words of caution in an ominous tone. Warning of a dark future full of terrors. A Long Night, just as the tales her muna would tell her while young.

Truly just myths and legends.

Was Rhaenys speaking the truth, or trying to make herself believe what would comfort her.

Aye, these were the thoughts that kept her from feeling elated - eager for a distraction which Ygritte and Nysar could provide. She broke off a branch and tossed it, getting in on the action. "Rhaenys?"

"Yes, love?"

Ygritte blushed a tiny bit at the pet name. "Your grandmother, she's in Castle Black - the one with the other dragon?" A nod. "She won't… feed me to that dragon for defiling you."

Rhaenys snickered. "I was pretty well defiled before I met you." That only made Ygritte frown in jealousy, which was a good look on her. "Rest assured, she'll be fine… but let me speak with her first before making any sort of conversation, though she'll probably seek you out before you do her." Was Rhaenys rambling?

Alright, maybe she was nervous of her family meeting Ygritte. It was an, awkward situation.

"Anyone else I should worry about?"

Rhaenys thought for a moment. "My uncle Ned, but he's harmless in domestic situations. My uncle Benjen might be wary of you, and then there's Jaime."

"Is he your past lover?"

"Jaime, no!" Rhaenys laughed. "He's my grandmother's - though we're not supposed to openly discuss it."

"You southerners and your stupid rules," Ygritte shook her head, only for her expression to darken. "And your other lover? Is he there as well?"

Hoping that Ygritte would simply drop it, Rhaenys realized she wasn't that lucky. "Torrhen Karstark - aye, he'll most likely be there. Looking for me the hardest out of all of them I believe." Falling in love with Ygritte had put much into perspective for her. Torrhen had truly fallen for her just as intensely, though what she felt for him didn't come close to reciprocating. Jaime was right, but it's too late now. "Gonna have to let him down gently."

"I could toss him off the Wall."

"Ygritte, no."

"I mean it. I'll have you all to myself and everyone will think he just fuckin' fell off." She grinned. "Don't even need to ask me."

"I'm not asking you," Rhaenys huffed as Nysar brought the stick back to her, tail wagging. "He's the heir to one of my uncle's strongest bannermen, and relations are… strained already."

Her brow rose. "Why?"

"Something about his eldest son dying in the last war, plus my… treatment of a proposal he made for my brother Baelon to marry his daughter."

"From what I've heard of him, and of yer' brother, it wasn't his place to propose it to begin with."

Damn, Ygritte was smarter in court politics than a lot of highborns Rhaenys knew. "I still didn't react properly to the situation."

"I woulda punched him."

"Glad to know my reaction wasn't the worst."

Ygritte beamed cheekily. "Told' ya I made ye' look good."

Suddenly, Nysar stopped where she stood. Before she was scampering, now her ears were up and she tensed, scanning the brush around her. Rhaenys halted in place too, crouching instinctively. "Girl?" Ygritte already had an arrow nocked.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, wildlings!" Rhaenys' eyes widened. Qhorin Halfhand. "Drop your weapons and you won't die."

"Do as he says," Rhaenys insisted. Nysar was growling, but a silent command had her stilled.

Ygritte tossed her bow to the ground. "Was already goin' to. Now's your end of the bargain, love."

Before Rhaenys could reply a half-dozen black brothers emerged from ambush positions that… for the life of her Rhaenys hadn't noticed. Neither did Ygritte or Nysar till it was too late. "What are ye' wildlings doing here?" Another black brother asked, sword pointed at them. "None of ye' go out on two-man patrols…"

"Oi', two bitches on parade," whistled one.

"Enough," came an authoritative voice. One Rhaenys recognized. "What are you two doing here?"

She reached up slowly and pulled back her hood, reveling in Ser Jaime's gasp. "Would it be so kind for a bowl of hot stew? I'm starving."

Ser Jaime Lannister's mouth opened and closed before he fell to his knee. "Princess." That left the Black Brothers lost for words. Rhaenys motioned for Jaime to rise, only for the knight to embrace her tightly. "Gods, I never expected…"

"Lots of things happened that I never expected, but I'm here now." She felt safe again.

"Um… Princess, about this…" Ygritte still had a spear pointed at her.

"Put down your weapons, she's with me," Rhae insisted, then seeing a quizzical look from the knight. "Mayhaps we should go back to Castle Black now. I have much to tell my grandmother." Jaime nodded.

It started with a blink… but that could mean anything, from surprise to curiosity to amusement. Then a twitching of her lips warned him as to what would happen. It allowed Aegon to get his scowl ready only an instant before his cousin burst out laughing. Clutching her sides through her barely there dress - only one rung above a whore's nightgown. "Oh gods… you actually proposed to Lady Nymella?"

His eyes narrowed. "Talk louder, Ari. I don't think they heard you in the Hightower."

Still snickering, Ari wiped her eyes. "Sorry… sorry… Just that this is so unexpected."

"You're telling me," Aegon mumbled.

"Seriously, one moment you're seducing all my ladies in waiting and the next you've proposed marriage to the one ruling Lady in Dorne who doesn't want to be married - or have a lover if I remember correctly. What gives, Egg?"

They were strolling through the garden of Sunspear - far less vibrant than the Water Gardens but quaint and beautiful in their own way. It was hot in late afternoon, even with the sea breeze, so it was just the two of them. Aegon just had to speak about it to someone. "It wasn't like I planned the damned thing!" he said, exasperated. "We were talking and… it just slipped out."

Arianne giggled. "You Targaryens. Stories of Aegon the Usurper and Aegon the Unworthy are too prominent - most of you are hopeless romantics." She squeezed Aegon's shoulder. "I was pretty sure that you went to Ghost Hill for a quiet getaway of hot sex in a place safe for her, but I didn't think it would progress this far."

"We… we haven't slept together yet."

Her jaw dropped. "Fuck, you really have it bad." Gesturing to him, they both sat upon a bench. "You proposed to a woman who isn't even your lover?"

Aegon nodded, grimacing. "I look like an idiot, no? Asha wanted me not to do this, to be confident and just enjoy myself, and I went and did this."

Brows furrowed, Ari pursed her lips. "I wouldn't say it was ideal to fall for a woman so easily, but to tell the truth you are lucky."

He turned to look at his cousin. "Explain." His head fell into his hands. "Explain how I'm fucking lucky."

"Don't take that tone with me, cousin. I don't have to be here." Aegon looked at her frown and gave an apologetic look. She softened. "You're lucky that Nymella is… pretty much one of the best catches you can make."

His brow rose. "Oh?"

"You… are a study in contrasts, Aegon. You are a Prince and an eminent one at that, but considering the situation between you and Baelon…"

"There is no situation. He is the heir and I am his loyal brother."

"I'm speaking of the way others could see it. There are always those that seek instability in order to rise when they wouldn't in peace. A marriage of yours to someone as high ranking as a Hightower, Arryn, or myself would seem as if you were contending to usurp Baelon or that you could be convinced of that."

Aegon's head spun from the argument. "And Nymella isn't that?"

Arianne nodded. "She's of the lesser nobility so it signifies that you are comfortable with your station, noble enough to be an acceptable bride, and all her other features make her perfect for Princess rank. Intelligent, beautiful, cultured, and fertile." A grin. "You won't have a concern with siring children off of her."

Blushing at the idea, Aegon couldn't deny anything that Arianne said. It made him feel less embarrassed by his blunders, but still… "I don't think she wishes me, Ari."

"Trust me, she does."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better. She's resisted every advance I made."

A sigh. "I know her enough, Aegon. She's the last of her bloodline left aside from her two children, and the landed knight that married her expected to essentially rule Ghost Hill and House Toland." She reached over and placed a hand on Egg's palm. "Mayhaps you need to demonstrate that you are elevating her to royalty, not merely seeking a broodmare."

"If I wanted that I'd marry Sylva."

"She'd leap at that chance, I am sure." Arianne grinned. "Sylva's my friend, but trust me when I say I'd rather call Nymella part of my family." A mischievous glint arrived in her eye. "Now that we are talking about betrothals…"

Aegon shook his head. "I am not asking my parents to betroth you with Baelon."

"He should be so lucky."

"I'd rather not see Syrax eat you… or mayhaps Sansa would feed you to her direwolf. You're far too pretty to be pooped out a dragon."

Arianne rolled her eyes. "You're lucky you are a charmer, Egg."

Before Egg could reply, scuffling feet announced the arrival of someone new. To the relief of both, it was only young Trystane, and the curly-haired lad seemed quite miffed at Aegon. "Cousin!"

He held up his hands. "Whoah, calm down, Trys. What did I do?"

"It was all intentional, brother. He confessed to me." Arianne chuckled as Egg glared at her.

Trystane crossed his arms. "I heard you offered to let Nymella Toland's daughters ride on Tessarion."

"Oh, the plot thickens."

"Ari, shut it." He turned to Trystane. "I didn't offer a dragonride to them, cousin…"

"But you let Lady Toland ride on her… not fair! I'm blood! You should've offered it to me!"

Trystane was still young enough to be able to pass off petulance as adorable. Gods knew Quentyn wasn't that young anymore, not that he knew it. Aegon stood. "Alright. I'm a good cousin. Let's go."

His cousin gaped at him. "Really?!"

"Aye. Let's get on your riding clothes." Trystane beamed and hugged Egg. "You want to come too, Ari?"

"Yeah, sister. Come with us!"

Arianne shook her head. "I'll ask that of Prince Baelon when he arrives in Dorne." If you have a death wish, cousin, fine. Egg wasn't gonna clean up Syrax's droppings.

While Egg could fly on Tessarion largely whenever he wanted, to take Trystane meant… complications. His uncle wouldn't want him going up unsafely, so that required extra harnesses and safety lines, as well as the dragonkeepers that followed him to Dorne to place on Tessarion's saddle. Tessarion hated the saddle and thus required plenty of jaw scratches and a steer carcass to settle her down. So by the time they flew through the skies it was dusk. The sun setting across the western horizon.

Trystane gazed in awe. "I can see to Essos!"

"That's one of the Stepstones, cousin," chuckled Aegon over the wind. He had to admit, this was the best thing to unwind. The exhilaration of a dragonride alongside being with his innocent cousin. Calmed him down from his thoughts.

"There are ships in the harbor! Fly past them!" Trystane was eager and had little attention span - though Aegon couldn't blame him. His first dragonride had left him at the mercy of so many wonders. Giving Tessarion the mental command, they dove, Trystane whooping as they did so.

The harbor of Sunspear was busier than usual. Normally trade was split between here and Planky Town, but several large cogs and galleons were milled about. Sturdy ships, Egg noted, less cross-narrow sea trading vessels and more suited to the harsher oceans further north…

As Tessarion winked by, he noticed the sailors removing tarps covering the main deck only when too late. Girl! Bank! The dragon roared just as three ballistae atop the ship released their payloads.

Tessarion had grown large enough that her armor could withstand all darts and projectiles, but that was not what the mysterious ship launched. Aegon noticed large boulders - were they trying to knock her out of the sky? It turned out the answer was yes when two of the boulders splashed in the harbor while the other broke apart as it came into contact with Tessarion's face. It lasted only an instant, but he saw the mist engulf her snout.

She pitched down almost immediately. "Girl, fly!"

'Kepa… I tired…'

"Cousin!" Trystane screamed.

The dragon managed to reach the beach just as the other ships let loose a volley of incendiaries from their trebuchets.