Dragonstone
114 AC
Aerion Targaryen
Two days had passed since the prince claimed his birthright, and they still remained on Dragonstone awaiting news that their forces had mustered near Runestone.
The library was where Aerion was often found, reading through the treasure trove of Valyrian history and accounts that was still available to them. He looked for anything that may help in understanding his dream further.
He came across many accounts from his ancestors dating back to before the conquest, but none shared anything in relation with his dream, and the only one known was Daenys the Dreamer.
"You are looking in the wrong place."
Aerion clocked his head towards the door to see Daemon leaning against it, he wore a black slim-fitted jacket with golden clasps, and looked to be preparing to leave Dragonstone.
"This is a library, is it not? Our histories or what is left of it should be contained here." Aerion said, holding up a small book.
"What we managed to bring with us, yes. But Dragonstone was an outpost long before we settled here, and with that come many secrets not known to us all." Daemon stated "You will not find anything of significance here, at least what you are looking for."
He picked up a scroll from the closest set of shelves to the door, and dropped it on the floor, with a nonchalant look on his face.
"And with your infinite knowledge, you know where such secrets exist, don't you?" Aerion asked, and pointed the book at him before placing it back on its shelf "I need to know."
"I will show you, but only if you make the journey to Driftmark with me." Daemon straightened his back and turned his heel to leave "You need only follow me."
"Why are you headed to Driftmark, what is there that demands both our attention?" he said, following after him "I am set to leave for Runestone at any moment, if you recall? A cousin steals my land, I claim a dragon to get said lands back."
Daemon didn't answer, only carried on walking with Aerion not far behind him. He reckoned it was to discuss the potential invasion of the Stepstones, but it would be odd for why his father would need him there for that, but he wanted access to these secrets his father knew about, and agreed.
They journeyed for what felt like an hour, Daemon led him from the castle and down the beaten path towards the fishing village, and they began to travel along the beach until they reached the eastern shore, when his father then lowered himself behind a rock.
"What are we waiting for.?" Aerion said, squatting down.
Daemon looked back, placing a finger on his lips and then looking past the rock at a large arch leading into the mountain, big enough that a dragon may make its home there.
"He's gone hunting." Daemon muttered under his breath.
They travelled up the mountain and into the small clearing, there were bones scattered throughout the natural structure, from all types of animal that made Dragonstone their home, to the peasant from the fishing village and beyond, whatever lived here did not like visitors.
"What is this place?" Aerion asked, kneeling down and picking up one of the charred bones "You've brought to a dragon's den. Who would be stupid enough to hide any secrets here?"
Daemon looked back at him as he searched the rocks, with a raised brow "If you have to ask that question, then clearly you are not as smart as you have people believe." he then led it into a chuckle.
He grabbed hold of a lever and pulled it, opening up a secret passageway in between two rocks near to them, causing Aerion to stumble back in disbelief.
"Don't get shocked yet." Daemon said.
They both squeezed through the two rocks and followed the finely carved steps down deeper into the dragonmont. The architecture was similar to Dragonstone itself, though it appeared many years older, perhaps even by thousands of years. Small wall braziers were lit up all the way down the staircase.
A shiver travelled up his spine and his head jolted upwards as he heard the sound of crawling coming from above, his instincts making him grip tightly onto the hilt of his blade.
"What was that?" he whispered to his father, who remained a few steps ahead of him.
"Don't pay attention to it, they won't touch you." Daemon replied, continuing down the steps and seemingly unphased by screeching and creaking that Aerion could hear.
They stepped through to a large circular chamber. The room was dominated by a great ancient and ornate door etched with the sigil of a dragon, its wings outstretched as if guarding a long forgotten secret.
"How do we get in?" Aerion asked, tilting his head to Daemon, who leaned against the wall.
"You must figure it out yourself." Daemon said "Surely you did not think I would give every answer?"
Aerion rolled his eyes, focusing on the riddle he faced. He looked above the door to the inscription, mumbling it to himself "Only the blood of the dragon can awaken the legacy within."
A stone pedestal drew his attention to the side of the door. It bore three shallow indentations, each shaped like a different object: a dragon's claw, a dragon's eye, and a dragon's heart. Beneath the pedestal, there was another inscription, a riddle carved into the stone.
"From fire we are born, In the air we soar, Blood of my blood, only you hold the key to my core."
Aerion repeated the words, studying it and then looking at the objects scattered nearby, in the corner was a dragon-shaped amulet with a small, ruby-red gem, and a silver chalice along with a dagger with the hilt made from dragonbone, similar to what he had seen carried by King Viserys.
He placed the objects into the corresponding indentation. The amulet fit perfectly into the dragon's claw, the chalice settled into the dragon's heart, and the dagger aligned with the dragon's eye. As soon as he did, the ground beneath them began to tremble slightly.
Aerion looked back at Daemon as he carried this constant smirk on his lips, sharing a grin of his own before stepping to the door and placing his hand upon the dragon's eye indentation. He winced as a hidden needle pricked his finger, drawing a drop of blood.
Shortly after, he could hear the mechanism at play, working beneath him and the noise making it's way towards the door, and granting him access to what laid behind the door, it was then that Daemon finally joined him.
"Let us go forth, shall we?" Daemon chuckled, going on ahead of him.
Aerion looked back as they travelled down a long corridor, watching as the door closed behind them, they soon came into another circular chamber filled with bookshelves with cases of scrolls and books, a long lost archive of Valyrian history, known to only a few.
"You weren't lying.." he shook his head, there was a part of him deep down that doubted such a place exist and believed Daemon was only tricking him into getting something from him "How did you find this?"
Aerion glanced at the bookcases, running his hand against the across the ancient wood. He grabbed one of the books and blew off the dust that had accumulated over what must have been decades, if not centuries, everything was written in the High Valyrian tongue.
"It was many years ago now, before I had even claimed Caraxes, when Aemon still lived." Daemon said, grabbing a chest that sat in the corner and placing it on the desk with a skeleton in the chair "I came in search of the cannibal, the one they say is untamable."
"When you were only a boy?" Aerion questioned.
Aerion walked over to the desk, and looked over the skeleton, grabbing the piece of parchment that hung in his hand, to which he carefully removed it and unfolded it to see what it was. While it was written in the Valyrian tongue, the words were unknown to him.
"Yes, We visited often with your grandfather. Aemon and Baelon were inseparable when I was a boy, it hurt my father greatly when he was killed." he spotted a frown not often seen when he spoke of Baelon, though it soon disappeared.
Aerion shoved the skeleton from the desk, and sat in the seat, then planted his feet up while Daemon rummaged through the desk until he reached the bottom drawer, and grabbed out a single key that lay there.
"What is it?" he asked.
Daemon ignored him for a moment, using the key to unlock the chest with dragon markings on it, before moving out of the way.
"Come see." Daemon replied.
Aerion lifted himself up and walked to the other side of the desk, and peered inside the chest. There were a few blankets that laid above, and while removing them, he reached in and grabbed the hilt of what appeared to be a sword at first glance.
When he pulled it from beneath the fur blankets, he was shocked to find that the hilt was made from pure gold with rubies encrusted into it, three to be exact on either side of the hilt. The blade itself was familiar, and shared similarities to Lamentation and his father's Dark Sister.
"Is this… Valyrian steel?" Aerion's eyes widened.
He ran his hand across the sharp edge, and it cut him cleanly. He did not understand why it was locked away, and who its original owner had been. The question above them all was why his father did not take it from this place sooner had he known of it.
"It is." Daemon said "Every dragonrider should have a small piece of our ancestry, so consider this my gift to you. It's no Dark Sister or Blackfyre, but it can be, if given time."
Aerion flourished it around, impressed by its lightness and how it felt in his hand.
"Answer me honestly, if you knew this was here why did you not take it for yourself." Aerion asked, taking his current sword from its sheath on his belt and replacing it.
"It was not for me, I have always had my eyes set on being worthy enough to hold Dark Sister, and a few years later, I was given that privilege." Daemon chuckled "Come, if you want to be back before sunset then we best be on our way to Driftmark."
Aerion glanced over the desk, his eyes falling upon the journal they laid there, with a high possibility of once belonging to the skeleton that now laid on the floor, he picked it up and held it one hand, while his other held his older sword.
They journeyed back to Dragonstone the same way they came without any issue. Vermithor was ready to depart with a column of six dragon keepers remaining with him at all times.
"We leave shortly." Daemon shouted to him as he travelled towards the hall.
Rodrik was also in the outer bailey, keeping himself busy speaking with the master-at-arms, Ser Alfred Broom, and the prince made his way over to him.
"There you are, I was starting to worry." Ser Rodrik said, not expecting him to be thrown Aerion's old sword, then noticing the new blade at his side "What's this then?"
Aerion unsheathed the Valyrian blade and rested it in both hands for them to view it, and they both widened their eyes as the prince did when he first realised the steel that forged it.
"Well look at that beautiful work of art, my prince, you'll make our smith cry if you show him this" Ser Alfred Broom was the first to run his hand across the steel "With such a weapon at your side, you'll be feared on the battlefield."
Aerion smirked, sheathing the sword once more, and then looking at Rodrik, who kept the impressed look on his face.
"Could you excuse us, Ser Alfred?" Aerion asked.
"Ofcourse, my prince." he bowed his head and left them, and Aerion turned his focus back to the Ser Rodrik.
"When do we leave for Runestone?" Rodrik asked "It is bad enough I am having to get on the back of that beast with you, but this place still puts me on edge."
"I'm travelling to Driftmark with my father, have some rest and then we will leave tonight for Runestone." Aerion replied.
Rodrik nodded "Just beware of him, your father may seem genuine and act like he cares for you now, but he'll only want something from you in the end. He likes to play games, do not let him trick you."
"I know." Aerion replied "I'm just waiting for the moment."
It only took them an hour before they soon touched down on Driftmark's sandy beaches. He could see High Tide in the distance. It was built from the same pale stone that looked all too familiar to the Eyrie, its slender towers were crowned with beaten silver which shone against the sun.
The causeway, a long natural bridge between Driftmark and the small island that High Tide was built upon, was covered with the waters from the Gullet.
Aerion gently stroked Vermithor's fine bronze scales before he made his way down the roped ladder and onto the sand. He removed his gloves and then squeezed them between his belt.
"Come, Lord Corlys is already expecting me." Daemon said, then glancing over at him "You could have looked more presentable."
He ignored his father, and merely followed on as they travelled to High Tide. Once they reached the gate, a great large banner flew overhead, a silver seahorse on a sea green field, the coat of arms of House Velaryon.
Their origins reached back to Old Valyria, much like that of House Targaryen, though they've never been seen as equals, for they were no dragonlords until Lord Corlys married Princess Rhaenys.
The gate was opened wide by two of their household guards, wearing the same armour as the guards that joined them on the Sea Snake from King's Landing, with their shining bright steel armour and the sea-green cloaks draped over the shoulders.
Daemon and Aerion walked into the courtyard which gave a clear overlook of the Gullet, and the Velaryon ships that were docked at the nearest village of Hull.
"Try your best not to cause trouble." Daemon said.
Aerion raised his brow, forcing a straight face as he laid on the verge of laughter hearing such a sentence come from him of all people.
"You heard me correctly, there will be no trouble, I know it may seem like a strange request coming from me," Daemon said, noticing it.
"You are right, father, it is an absurd thing from you. You know, considering it is often you that causes trouble to our family." Aerion smirked.
He brushed his foot in the dirt of the courtyard, watching as Daemon left his presence and made his way into the castle, though his head tilted to his left as a voice came booming from that direction.
"Cousin!" Laenor shouted.
Aerion was confused, having believed that Laenor would be in King's Landing along with Rhaenyra, and followed behind him was the one-eyed Joffrey Lonmouth.
Before he could utter a word, Laenor brought him into a long embrace and he awkwardly patted the man on the back.
"There you go." he said, gently pushing Laenor off from him, which made him feel less than comfortable, then looking over to his companion "It's a great sight to see you able and healthy, Ser Joffrey."
"No amount of thanks will ever be enough for you stepping into aid me, my prince." Joffrey said, bowing his head "I fear I may not have lived were you not there."
"There is no need for thanks." Aerion smirked.
"Nevertheless, I am forever in your debt, and shall you ever need a blade by your side, I will be there for you." He said.
"I will certainly keep that in mind, Joffrey." he replied, before he returned his gaze back to his cousin "Where is Rhaenyra, has she not come with you? I did not see Syrax, nor did I see Seasmoke when I landed."
"Joffrey and I travelled briefly after your departure from King's Landing by way of sea." Laenor explained "But enough of that, I saw you on the back of that dragon. You managed to tame the Old King's mount, Vermithor?"
"That I did, is a feat I shall not forget until my dying breath." Aerion said.
"We must drink to your achievements, we have the finest wine.." Laenor chuckled, before grabbing hold on his shoulder and leading him towards the castle "My mother and sister shall be returning from their flight soon, no doubt they will notice we have visitors."
"You didn't answer me, Laenor." Aerion paused, setting a straight face towards his cousin "Where is Rhaenyra? You are meant to remain together."
"She did not wish to come, saying her place was in King's Landing where she will continue to serve on the small council and learn how to rule the kingdoms she'll be the ruler of someday." Laenor said "I could stand the bickering and the whispers, I had to get away for a short while."
"You are going back." Aerion said, and Laenor then went to object, but was shot down immediately "You are her husband, she is with snakes and rats and you abandoned her there because you could not handle it? There is no discussion, you will go back or I will shove my blade in your throat."
Aerion patted Laenor on the shoulder, before walking ahead and entering the castle of High Tide.
The halls of High Tide were unlike what Aerion had seen before, filled with the treasures from all across the known world that the sea snake, Corlys Velaryon, had gathered on his legendary nine voyages.
These were the same voyage that made it so they were the richest house in the seven kingdoms, and what cemented the Sea Snake, Corlys Velaryon's legacy.
The walls were decorated with fine art pieces, and Aerion's eyes filled with wonder as they made their way through the halls, and finally reached a chamber that resembled more of a common room. Bookcases replaced the standard walls and there were couches to sit next to a fireplace, and tables filled with food and wines, and the brazier that hung from the ceiling gave the room a comforting warmth.
"I am impressed by High Tide, Laenor. It is just as people say, truly breathtaking." he chuckled, as he planted himself on the wide seat that was in front of the lit fireplace "Though there does not appear to be any defensive capabilities."
Laenor filled up the mugs with summer wine and brought them over to the seats, and placed them on the small table in front of them before sitting beside Joffrey.
"It is our fleet that deters our enemies, no one would dare risk attacking High Tide." Laenor refuted.
Aerion scoffed, they were foolish to think that because they had a large fleet it would mean they can leave High Tide unsecure, anyone could sneak their way into the castle.
"Don't forget the brave warriors such as ourselves here to protect it against any incursion." Joffrey added, smirking at his own comment.
"That's a foolish way of thinking." Aerion said
"If you think there should be something done about it, speak with my father." Laenor replied.
"Old men do not like it when their decisions are questioned, and considering your father's standing in the realm and beyond, I would assume he is riddled with pride to the point no one can make him listen to reason, so the response will be the same regardless of what I say to him." Aerion stated.
Aerion grasped the mug on the table, took a sip from his drink and immediately licked his lips. Laenor's statement had been accurate; this was the finest wine he had ever tasted.
"How is Rhaenyra?" he asked.
"She has been well, though King's Landing is affecting her. She and the queen have been at each other's throats ever since you left." Laenor answered.
"Then convince her to move to Dragonstone immediately. She would be less wary of the hidden snakes in King's Landing." Aerion replied.
"I spoke to her about it, but the only reply I ever got was, 'That bitch would pour her honey in my father's ear,'" Laenor responded, attempting to imitate Rhaenyra and doing a poor job of it. "She remains adamant that staying in King's Landing is for the best."
"You sound as if you two have not been getting along," Aerion added.
"She can be hard to deal with sometimes, but she misses you... and wonders each day when you will be returning to King's Landing. What can I tell her?" Laenor responded.
"I can't return until my lands are secure." the prince sighed, his gaze drifting towards the fireplace "With Vermithor, I can reclaim Runestone from my treasonous uncle, then I shall have to deal with any fallout that may come, it'll be many moons before I can return."
"I will let her know, though she will be disappointed." Laenor said.
"Do you know if she is...?" He gestured subtly towards his stomach, hesitant to finish the question.
Laenor shook his head, understanding the unspoken question "It's too soon to know." he replied gently "But she remains hopeful."
Aerion nodded, and then leaned in after a moment and lowered his voice "Is there anyone who is suspicious of us? Are there whispers in court?"
"You know there will be." Laenor said, his expression grew serious "The Hightowers have their allies spewing lies in the shadows. They'll do anything to undermine Rhaenyra's position."
Aerion was about to reply when the doors burst open. Laena and Princess Rhaenys strode in, still in their riding leathers, looking somewhat confused to see him standing by the fireplace.
"Aerion..." Rhaenys said, her tone rather cold. "We did not expect to see you here. Did you come with Daemon? I believe I saw Caraxes outside when we landed, though our attention was quickly captured by my grandfather's old mount beside him."
"Princess Rhaenys," Aerion greeted, bowing his head before tilting it to Laena. "Lady Laena." He walked up to them both and gently took Laena's hand, lifting it to his lips and placing a warm kiss on her knuckle.
"Congratulations, Aerion, on taming Vermithor." Rhaenys said, with a small smile playing on her lips "It's no small feat to bond with such a mighty dragon."
"Cousin, you must tell us how you came to claim our great-grandfather's old mount," Laena spoke up, her smile captivating Aerion.
She appeared so kind and full of life, yet incredibly fierce as well. How could she not be, having claimed the largest dragon in the world at such a young age?
"It is not that impressive of a tale, unfortunately," Aerion replied, placing his hand over Laena's. "I travelled into the Dragonmont, and there he was, just as the gods intended."
Laena's skin was soft, and she was just as gentle, though he could feel the daggers from Rhaenys in the corner of his eye.
"Is there something you wish to say, Princess Rhaenys?" Aerion asked, his tone measured.
"Laena, sweetie, why don't you go tell the cooks to prepare for two additional guests tonight, hm? We shall show them a true Velaryon feast," Rhaenys suggested.
Laena accepted with a nod, giving Aerion one final smile before leaving the room and closing the door behind her.
Rhaenys stepped over to the table, poured herself a goblet of wine, and then turned back to face them. She took a slow sip, with her eyes never leaving Aerion.
"You best not have any ideas in your head about approaching my daughter as anything more than a friend," she said, her voice carrying a warning. "I know very well how one dragonrider could be drawn to another."
Aerion met her gaze steadily. "I assure you, Princess Rhaenys, I had no such thought," he replied calmly. "My intentions towards Laena are purely friendly. I respect her and your family far too much to consider anything else."
Despite his words, Aerion couldn't help but think of Laena's captivating smile and the warmth of her touch. The idea of being more than just a friend to her had certainly crossed his mind, though it was soon drawn back to Rhaenyra, and the notion quickly left his mind.
Rhaenys was soon to have her doubts, however Aerion left the room, bidding them farewell in search for Daemon.
Aerion reached the room they called 'The Hall of Nine,' named for Corlys's nine legendary voyages and where his most prized treasures were housed.
Daemon and Corlys were seated in front of the crackling fire, engaged in a low conversation. As Aerion drew closer, he could make out snippets of their discussion and held back, listening intently before revealing his presence.
"I told your son the same thing," Corlys said, his tone grave. "Racallio Ryndoon is no fool. He's forged an alliance with Dorne, and now they are preparing to attack."
"We've only just squashed their pathetic attempt at holding those islands," Daemon added. "They wouldn't be so bold as to attempt an attack so soon. They'll want to wait."
"For how long, Daemon? A year? Perhaps two? It will take at least that long to repair my fleet. We are not ready for an attack," Corlys shook his head, frustration evident in his voice.
"My son is now a mighty dragonrider and soon to be at the head of a large force. He will help you, just as I assured you he would in King's Landing. He accepted your offer, did he not?" Daemon replied
Aerion scoffed, making his presence known. "Listening in on private conversations, are we?" the Sea Snake asked, turning to face him.
"Come! This involves you. Take a seat, Little Daemon," Corlys chuckled as Aerion moved closer to the pair. He received only a glare from Daemon as he slowly sat down beside him. "Your father was just singing your praises a moment ago. 'My son is a dragonrider,' blah, blah, blah..." Corlys laughed.
"You must be jesting. My father only speaks of his own feats, and no one else," Aerion replied with a chuckle, joining in with Corlys. Daemon sat quietly, clearly unamused. "Don't pout, Father, it does not look good on you."
"Pay him no mind, Aerion. Corlys has always been one to jest," Daemon finally replied. "We were just discussing the Triarchy. It will not be long until they rise up again."
"I am starting to think the Stepstones should not be our target," Aerion said, noticing Daemon's fingers fidgeting in a manner similar to his own and smirking slightly.
Corlys raised an eyebrow. "If not the Stepstones, then what? What do you propose, Aerion?"
Aerion leaned forward, his expression serious. "Tyrosh. They are the true power in the narrow sea. If we strike at Tyrosh, we can cripple their ability to rise up again."
"We are not attacking them directly, Aerion," Corlys said firmly. "I disagreed with your father when he proposed a similar plan. It would not be wise."
"Attacking Tyrosh will send a message to Myr and Lys to back off from the Stepstones, or fear being next." Aerion replied.
"If we launch an attack on one of the Free Cities, nothing will stop the Triarchy from reaching outwards to other Free Cities like Braavos or Pentos, claiming that we are planning a full invasion of Essos," Corlys replied. "Westeros would be dragged into a large-scale war."
"My son needs to be battle-hardened, Corlys, and to prove himself to the realm that he is a lord they wish to follow," Daemon spoke firmly. "While your words are 'the old, the true, the brave,' our house words are 'Fire and Blood.' It is the only way we know how to repay our enemies."
"I will need to think further on this," Corlys said, then changed the subject, looking at Daemon. "That Braavosi, my men say he has been in Hull whoring. To think I agreed to marry my daughter to that filth."
"Will he definitely be here at the feast tonight?" Daemon asked.
"He will be here," Corlys replied before disappearing into the hall that led to the family's private chambers.
Aerion looked back at Daemon and saw a grin on his lips. "You truly are pathetic, Father, but I have known that for the longest time.." he spouted, rising from his chair "That is your plan? To marry Lady Laena."
"It is as good a plan as any other," Daemon said, his grin widening "Be ready for tonight's feast."
Aerion scoffed and left the room without another word.
He was assigned a bedchamber on the eastern side of the castle to prepare for the upcoming feast. Though he had no clothes of his own to change into, he was provided with a set of Laenor's attire.
Surprisingly, the fit was perfect. The garments were more elegant than what Aerion was accustomed to, featuring intricate silver embroidery along the cuffs and collar. The deep blue doublet was perhaps too vibrant for his taste, but he did not expect anything less from the heir to Driftmark.
The breeches, also finely tailored, were a matching shade of blue, and the ensemble was completed with a silver belt that gleamed in the candlelight.
Vermithor had shifted closer from the beach, now resting within view of Aerion's balcony, the prince approached the railing, placing a hand on it as he watched the majestic dragon in peaceful repose.
A broad smile graced his lips as he took in the sight, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him. In the presence of the dragon, he felt a connection to something greater than himself
"We'll be gone soon," Aerion thought to himself, though it was as if Vermithor could hear him, opening its eyes and blinking.
"Can you hear my thoughts?" he said in their tongue, squinting his eyes. But he was soon interrupted by a knock at the door, drawing him away from the balcony and back into his chambers.
"Come in," he called out, his thoughts still lingering on the connection he felt with the dragon.
Aerion sat at the edge of the bed, running a hand through his hair, and forced a fake smile as Laenor entered the room.
"I see you fit well into the clothes," Laenor smirked. "They look good on you."
"They'll be adequate for tonight, I suppose, though you really should learn to wear a colour that is not blue," Aerion replied, despite his own clear colour choices.
Laenor closed the door behind him and positioned himself closer to Aerion. "I was hoping we could speak before dinner tonight? There are some things I wished to discuss that are best kept between us."
"What did you want to discuss? Must be something severe not to include Joffrey."
"I fear I just need someone to talk to, who may understand my position somewhat," Laenor said, taking a seat next to Aerion on the edge of the bed. "I have been failing the people that I love. It was my duty to protect Joffrey, and I couldn't, and now he spends his days wishing he had what he lost - his eye, and he wants justice for what happened to him, yet I cannot give it."
Aerion rolled his eyes. The last thing he wanted was someone coming to him with issues that were of no relevance to him. "How exactly would I understand your position, Laenor? Joffrey is a grown man; it was his duty to protect you, not the other way around."
"Well... I only meant..." Laenor struggled to find the words.
"He is your sworn shield for God's sake... he knew the risk. The only one both you and I have to protect is Rhaenyra," Aerion replied, his tone firm.
The prince removed himself from the bed, running a thumb across his lips before clenching his fists in annoyance.
"I know a part of you may hate me for taking what should be your place at Rhaenyra's side, but I just want to understand why go along with this lie?" Laenor asked.
"It's what I must do to be near the woman I love, more than anything," Aerion replied, tilting his head back to meet Laenor's gaze. "You know, when I first laid my eyes upon her, I knew she would be mine."
"Right, but you will have to hide your feelings. Can you handle that?"
"I would do anything for her," Aerion replied with conviction. "That is why I risk banishment or execution. If she asked me to massacre a village or burn down a keep, I would do it in a heartbeat."
"That…sounds like a different type of love that I am not familiar with, I can't imagine doing any of that, even for Joffrey." Laenor , rather shaken by what he had said.
Aerion couldn't help but feel sickened, was this not what everyone would do for the love of their life? He considered this the minimum.
"Well, you best muster up the strength to be able to do those things, Laenor." Aerion said.
Next up: A feast takes place and Aerion soon returns to Runestone to face his uncle and take back his home.