A/N: Here we go! Looking forward to your reviews! The more feedback this gets, the faster I'm able to update! Your words truly are the wind in my wings!

These site glitches are doing my head in. But here we are, as promised, two updates in one week. Do let me know if you'd like another early one~!

Still here we go, an update before the final episode of Season Two. Can't believe there were only eight episodes instead of ten like the last season. Wonder what's up with that? Ah well, griping over it won't change anything I suppose, hopefully the next season will have more.

I really, truly want each chapter of this story to feel like an actual House of the Dragon episode on all fronts. Hopefully I succeeded.

As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes. They're tributes to legends far greater than little 'ol me.

I'm just a humble author trying to make his way in this wild world, one word at a time.

Time and feedback determine the update speed of this story. Simple as that.

In other words...its up to YOU, the reader. Do let me know~! Brace yourself. This IS Game of Thrones, after all...

There's some more High Valyrian in this chapter as well, worry not, its translated.

Here it comes. Someone's about to snap.

We've all been waiting for this.

"Dreams didn't make us kings. Dragons did. But more than that, it took strength.

Not just of the body, but the mind. An iron will set on victory at all costs.

I wonder if she has such...

~?

King of the Narrow Sea

Father was up to something again.

Alicent could see it in the gleam of his eye, the curl of his lip as he scratched out another of his many letters before the flickering hearth. She watched him warily, as he no doubt watched her in turn, going about his work. Yet for all that, he did not look to her, speak to her, nor acknowledge her in any way shape or form. Setting the Hightower seal to the ink, he blew on it to cool it, once, twice, thrice now, and handed it off to a maester. She didn't recognize this one; it wasn't Mellos. Someone new, perhaps...?

This continue for the better part of a minute until, at last, she lost her patience. "You wished to see me, Father?"

"Yes." here at last, the Hand of the King deigned to look up from his work. "You must see the King tonight."

Her breath caught in her throat and she recoiled, stung by the very insinuation of such a thing.

No fool she, she could read between the lines. You must, he had said. Not will you. It was not a request, but a command. He expected her to obey, diffident and diligent as always. Once upon a time, she had. She'd trusted him implicitly, believing he knew what was best for her. And perhaps he did, once upon a time, before ambition clouded his mind.

He tried to kill my mother.

Rhaenyra's warning haunted her even now. She'd already given her dear friend an answer, for better or worse, and she would reap the fallout once she and Naruto returned, but it was those six words that tormented her more than anything else. She hadn't been able to sleep soundly since. Dark had been her dreams as of late, filled with blood and fire.

Of a great black beast, feasting upon other dragons.

She was not Targaryen, nor was she a Dreamer, but these seemed an ill-portent of things to come.

Likewise, with the seed of doubt so planted in her mind, she could no longer bring herself to trust in Father's judgement.

Queen Aemma was a good and noble woman, loved and adored by both smallfolk and nobles alike. She did not deserve to die, be it by poison or otherwise. Were it not for Naruto she most assuredly would have perished in childbirth. There was no rhyme or reason to want her death, unless...

.

..

...oh, father. Is it not enough to be Hand of the King? Must you reach so far?'

Choking down an instinctive surge of anger, she forced herslef to look her sire in the eye and speak calmly. "Meet with His Grace? To what end?"

"You might wear one of your mother's dresses." he returned to his letters, paying her little inquiry little heed. "They suit you."

Father did not answer and now Alicent did not dare to pry further and ask what him what he intended; because she knew.

She knew, she knew, she knew.

Something shriveled and died in her heart. She wanted to cry.

She sketched a shallow bow, only for him to look up suddenly. For a moment she thought he had second thoughts as to this mad course of action -by the seven, please!- but no, his gaze fixated upon her fingernails, where she'd been picking at them, biting them. Ruining them, deliberately. He stood before she could think to shrink back and held out a hand towards her.

"Let me see your hands."

When she refused, he grabbed her left wrist in a crushing grip.

"You're the most comely girl at court." his voice dropped into a low, exasperate grow. "Your beauty outshines every other; why do you do you diminish yourself?" He yanked her closer. "Hmm?"

"Stop!" she tried to tear her hand from his grasp, to no avail. "You're hurting me!"

He didn't seem to hear her, his fingers bit down on her wrist, grinding the nerves together. "You have relied on me these many years and now, as always, it is the good of the family that we both desire. Everything I have ever done, that I will ever do, is for the good of this family. Do you understand? Whatever our differences, our disagreements, our hearts remain as one."

As one?

Did he truly believe that?

And yet he would try to send her to such a fate?...

.

..

...

Why did her free hand hurt so much?

Why had Father released her arm so suddenly?

Why was he stepping backward in such an unbecoming fashion?

Why did he look so afraid of her, as though he didn't recognize her?

And why, why, why was there a throbbing red handprint upon his cheek?

Oh.

Ohh.

Ohhh very dear.

Alicent balked at her upturned palm, belatedly realizing what she'd done. She'd struck him. Slapped him, right across the face. She had never done such a thing. Small wonder he looked so shocked. He recoiled, surprised, swaying on his feet, one hand still against his cheek.

But not for long.

She sensed the anger long before she saw it flash across father's face; turning that regal bearded visage an ugly shade of puce. He took a step forward -doubtless to strike her in return!- and in a rare moment of absolute panic, Alicent lunged past him to his desk. From there, she seized upon the first thing she could find; her fingers found the letter-opener knife from his desk and brandished the sharp implement his way.

"Stay back!"

Father froze, one hand raised, suddenly aware of his own peril. "Calm yourself, daughter...

"Calm?" She all but rasped the words at him. "How can I be calm? You say our hearts are as one but they aren't; our hearts were never one. I see that now. Rather, I have been a piece that you moved about the board, hither and yon, as you see fit, the better to elevate your station!" he tried to speak but she shouted over him, snarling him into silence. "And now you would whore me off the King himself, the better to see your bloodline on the throne?!

Father bridled, made indignant by her anger. "Foolish girl. Who was it that brought you to Court? Who was that ensured you met the Princess? Became her childhood companion? Who has looked after you, cared for you, seen to your every whim? Now I would make you Queen. Your sons would sith the Iron Throne. Would you desire it otherwise?"

"How should I know?!" A tiny hysteric noise fled from lips, piquing from gasp, into a laugh, followed by a snarl. "I always wanted whatever you impressed upon me to want. I never bothered to think for myself until...

Father frowned. "Until...?

Until Rhaenyra offered her a choice.

Alicent bit her lip until she tasted blood. The pain centered her. Shh. Mustn't speak. Don't tell him. He mustn't suspect. If he did, he'd ruin everything.

"Now the debt comes due," she said instead, trying to distract him. "A debt you were happy enough to pay."

"A debt?!" He lurched forward and she darted back, careful to keep the desk between them. "I have only ever made these sacrifices for the stability of the realm-

"For the realm?" she shifted to the side, eyeing the door. "Or our house?"

"No king, nor Hand, has ever lived that hasn't had to forfeit the livelihood and happiness of a few to protect the many. Though I understand your squeamishness-

Her temper snapped and she kicked out at the desk, upending it to send parchment flying in every direction. "Reluctance to murder is not a weakness!"

She released her mistake a moment later and gasped, but it was too late to take it back.

At their feet the inkpot lay upended, oozing onto the floor. In the light of the hearth it looked like blood. As though it were but a harbinger of the chaos to come. The thought sent a shudder through her.

"What murder?" Father bridled. "I have taken no lives."

Alicent refused to answer.

"Ah." In a flash, Otto Hightower understood, or at least, he believed he did; she could see it in his eyes. "The princess. You have allowed her to pour her poison into your ear. To believe this foolishness, to think that I would countenance harm to the royal family, is preposterous."

Ohhhhh but he was good. He was very good. He'd avoided saying anything incriminating.

And yet for all that, she no longer believed in her Father, nor did she recognize him.

Where had he gone?

Where was he? Where was the man Mother loved? Where was the man who bounced her upon his knee and read her and her brother bedtime stories? Where, where, where?! When had he been replaced by this cruel, cold schemer? She no longer knew and that hurt her more than anything else ever could.

But what she did know was thus:

She lifted her chin and glared at him. "I don't believe you."

Something fond flashed through his eyes. "...you sound so much like your mother sometimes."

Alicent scoffed at that. "She would've been ashamed of you."

The words seemed to take something from him; for a moment seemed decades older. His shoulders bowed as a ragged sigh escaped him. Once, such a sight would've stirred pity in her. Now? She tasted ash in her mouth, bitter and burning.

Stepping over the wreckage of his writing desk, she warily walked backwards and made for the door, careful to keep the knife between them.

Only once she felt the handle beneath her free hand did she dare to come about and face him directly.

Much to her surprise, Father -no, Otto!- made no move to pursue. "Where are you going?"

She sobbed. "Out!"

So speaking, she wrenched the door open with all her might, darted into the hall, and slammed the wooden frame in his face with a resounding crash.

The last she saw of Otto Hightower, that night, man she once called father, was him stood amongst the wreckage of his room.

Head bowed and shoulders hunched, he stared down at the bleeding inkpot. "As you wish, daughter."

(.0.0.0.)

The dragons danced.

That was the only word Coryls Velaryon could think to give the battle as he watched Vhagar and the Cannibal ravage one another anew. Perhaps that was the wrong word for it. These two titans had continued to tussle for the better part of a day now, well into the evening, so much so that they'd been forced to withdraw most of their forces from the fray lest they be trod underfoot. Their boisterous battle had already devastated what little remained of Triarchy forces on this island with brutal dispatch, more than once he'd seen fearsome warriors trod underfoot, while others vanished into flame.

It fell to them to pick off the stragglers.

Now that the Crabfeeder was dead the remainder of his army had splintered, yet even with the death of their master-knew neither surrender nor mercy. Just as well, for they would be shown none.

Alas, that still left the matter of the dragons. They could hardly conquer and settle the Stepstones with those two going at it now, could they?

Even now Vhagar was engaging the creature known as the Cannibal in combat-how or why he had hardly no clue-but should either turned their sights on his men, they were doomed. Dragons were fickle creatures; even should one win the day, it might well make this place its lair. And then what would they do?

As though in agreement, a deafening roar filled the air, Vhagar's anger growing to the point she no longer could hold herself back.

In the end, a mad plan had been hatched the princess and soon-to-be-prince to settle the matter once and for all.

Blast it all, where was that boy hiding-

A pillar of light illuminated the night and smashed into the Cannibal before it could retaliate anew against the Dragon Queen. As the smoke and fire died down, her massive body bashed into the ebony dragon where she slammed down into the earth, tackling Cannibal in the process. The two terrible titans tumbled across the island-causing it to shake where many a man cried out and fell over as if lost in their cups, tearing the land itself apart. Debris and smoke filled the air before a massive figure burst from the smoke, wings flapping with claps of thunder as she pulled herself higher into the air.

Vhagar was beyond furious-enraged by the Cannibal's utter disregard of her and the sudden intrusion. A snarl was set upon the she-dragon's visage as she gazed down on her enemy, lowing with wrath.

The Cannibal snarled in kind as he roared a pillar of noxious green flame that collided with a pillar of golden red from Vhagar, igniting the darkness with green-gold-white-red flame that mixed and mingled on darkest black. Heedless of the inferno, the older dragon leaped up into the flames, slamming his body into hers to strike her from the sky, slamming the massive eldwyrm slammed into the ground. The very impact rattled the Stepstones, the very world, it seemed.

Lifting her head up with a roar, Vhagar looked up, only for the Cannibal to stomp down on her neck, pinning her in place. He reared back to bite-

And then Naruto lunged back into the fray once more.

Corlys had already seen the Princess's paramour fight thrice before; frankly he was no long surprised by the boy's boldness.

But to leap up and punch a dragon?

Then whistle at it?

That took guts.

"Hey!" Naruto oped in place, waving a hand its way. "That's right, I'm talking to you, Cannibal! Look, I appreciate the assist back there and all, but you've had your fun! Now calm down or-

The beast belched flame, forcing him to leap back out of instinct if nothing else before it turned aside, trying to focus on the recovering Vhagar.

Naruto-deciding that this would not stand-pulled his sword.

Valyrian steel. He'd recognize the metal anywhere.

He hadn't had that yesterday.

Another prize from the Crabfeeder's corpse?

"Where in the hells did you get that?" Corlys asked with a stunned look.

It looked...remarkable. Not a normal sword nor a greatsword, but a cross between the two, large near the hilt before flowing up into a deadly edge, it seemed perfectly at home within his grasp. Indeed, the very steel itself seemed to drink in the pale moonlight, rendering the flowing steel an almost silvery-blue hue; as though it were drinking in the very light of the night itself. He'd undertaken many a voyage, but never once seen a weapon quite like that in all his days. Not once.

"To the victor goes the spoils." Naruto sang back, branding the blade upon his shoulder. "Now then, how am I gonna do this?" he questioned aloud, idly thumbing a whiskered cheek. "I really don't wanna kill him, and he hasn't killed any of ours yet...

Lord Velaryon knew that tone. It was the same his son Laenor used when he was up to no good and likewise, nothing good ever came from it. "Boy, whatever you're considering, I suggest you reconsider."

"Nope." Naruto smacked his lips aloud, producing an audible pop. Doing this the hard way."

Stabbing his priceless blade into the sands, he cracked his neck followed by his knuckles besides before retrieving the sword once more.

Blade in hand, Naruto rushed forward to quell the two titans.

Once more airborne, Vhagar snarled and roared as she and Cannibal heaved flame and destruction at one another before they settled for hovering-if one could call it such- across from one another.

Naruto charged ahead without fear.

However, as both dragons were fully distracted by one another, the Cannibal failed to notice him as came racing towards him at high speed. A single leap carried him into the air, where, sword in hand, he drew it back, chambered a slash, and swung. The blade found purchase in the bastard's lower jaw just as it roared, caused fire building up in the back of his throat to blast up and soar into the clouded sky above. Thunder crashed as lightning exploded above, illuminating the two massive creatures.

Cannibal roared, swiping his massive tail through the air and ripping the ground up as it struck at the mortal, only to miss as he weaved away from the strike. Just in time at that, as a massive pillar of flame slammed into the ebony Eldwyrm causing it to roar in pain before it roared his own flame in response, pushing Vhagar's own pillar of destruction off his body.

However, Vhagar was a warrior who had seen uncounted battles, she held no equal since the time of the Conquest...with good reason. Thus did she snarl and unleash yet more of her flame upon the crazed male, creating a much larger conflagration of energy that blazed through the darkness, turning the beach around her into a wasteland of flame and death.

While it must be said that the Cannibal held his own to be sure, but against the Queen of Dragons, his might was lacking. The pillar of green and black flame collapsed as the females flames slammed into him and sent him shrieking back in pain as the earth scorched underneath his body. The land beneath was rendered asunder by the massive body of the dragon as it slid through across the glassy wastes.

Vhagar watched as Cannibal slowly rose to glare at her, almost preening as the lost black dragon seethed.

Cannibal roared in fury, the hunger beyond comprehension, insatiable, unwavering,

Whatever passed between in that moment could never be known to Corlys, but whatever it was drove Cannibal into a frenzy.

His hunger must be sated.

Vhagar growled in return, her massive wings clapping like thunder with each flap as she looked down at her adversary,

With a roar, the two leapt at one another.

Naruto launched himself off a nearby cliff between the two.

Cannibal snarled as he spied Naruto leap at him. This human had dared ride him, he would be the first to die. He would enjoy feasting on his flesh.

With a growl, the black dragon inhaled deeply once more and bellowed a pillar of flame at the blond.

It never reached him.

Various leaps and jumps allowed Naruto to bound out of the way of the attack, under it, then around and over it, his speed increasing with each jump he made. Several more leaps moved him to the left and right, but always forward. And within moments, he was upon his enemy, sword drawn back to cut. Coryls realized his error before the boy could.

Mistakes were made.

That's the thing about dragon blood. It burns. Hot.

At such close range and unimpeded by scale or bone, he got a facefull of it.

Sputtering in surprise and pain, he tumbled to the ground and clawed at his face with his freed hand, desperately trying to clean his face from the scalding fluids. Massive jaws closed around him, only to bite into a boulder with awful crunch.

Corlys blinked from afar, not quite sure what he'd witnessed. It was almost as if he'd swapped places with-

Cannibal's warbling yowl of in pain eradicated that thought as Naruto seemingly reappeared right above him, braving his blade in both hands and slashed down. Valyrian steel slashed into the dragon's back with incredible force, ripping free scales, knocking him off balance and slamming him across the island with a cry of pain as his body gouged out the earth.

Rolling back up to where he could look around, Cannibal was unprepared when Vhagar unleashed bristling flames upon him, causing the beast to stumble; Naruto came around as the fire faded, slashing his as-of-yet-unnamed sword into the side of Cannibal's face, only to grunt as a massive tail shot out and batted him away through the smoke and destruction.

Once again, Vhagar struck, her claws smashing Cannibal back as she pulled away while the older drake turned to snarl at her with rage. Naruto leapt around and batted the massive jaws aside and paid for it when a wing swiped him down. Before he could do anything, Vhagar inhaled, but Cannibal was prepared.

Roaring flame at the female, he snapped his jaws down and bit down upon her foot and stepped back, planting a foot down roughly before he hurled the massive female away where she crashed and rolled across the landscape, tearing it apart with her sheer bulk until she struck the cliff Naruto had leaped from.

Cannibal roared to the heaven's as he looked down on the two enemies he had defeated-Naruto was only mildly dazed from the hit but not truly hurt-while Vhagar was winded from striking a large rock formation with the entirety of her body, while he himself bore an ugly gash.

He raised his wings and Vhagar matched him below, ready to fight anew, to the death-

"Rhaenyra!" Naruto shouted! "Any day now!"

A new voice, a familiar voice, shouted in response. "Vhagar! Umbas! (Wait!)"

Corlys whipped around so hard he felt his neck creak. Rhaenyra...? No, surely not. She wasn't that foolish.

Sure enough, he spied the princess on the battlefield, having flown in on Syrax.

What in blazes was that girl doing?!

(.0.0.0.)

Her heart was beating so fast.

Rhaenyra could feel it pounding in her chest, hear it roaring in her ears, threatening to drown out the world at large. This was all part of the plan, she knew, and yet despite that, she felt as though she might faint at any moment, such was her fear. But she couldn't let it go on. That damnable rogue dragon was one thing, but her family could ill afford to lose a beast like Vhagar, riderless though she was. She was the very legacy of the Targaryens dating back to the Conquest itself, and to lose her was a wound she wasn't willing to bear.

Taking a deep breath, removed the glove from her right hand, set her jaw and willed herself to focus on the task at hand; namely the massive wyrm before her.

Because you see, Vhagar was looking at her. Those wild orange amber eyes peered at her.

Oh my. She really was quite large. Too late to back down now...

Dimly, she was aware of Naruto peeling off from her, the better to focus on the Cannibal. Could he save her if she was set aflame? Would their be enough time? Or would she die-no, no, no! Bad thoughts! Don't think about that. Think only of success! Focus!

Steeling herself, Rhaenyra held out her palm to the ancient dragon."Vhagar, lykiri! (Vhagar, be calm!)

Visenya's mount rumbled sullenly, almost incredulously. Her slavering jaws parted.

Rhaenyra reaffirmed her voice. "Lykiri!"(Be calm!)

Vhagar bared her fangs. She could see the orange glow of fire building down her throat.

Rhaenyra snarled at the sight of it, voice piquing into an authoritative shout. "Dohaerās!" (SERVE!)

Vhagar reared back, perhaps startled or impressed by her tone. One could never be entirely sure with a dragon. The fire faded in her throat. Those bloody jaws closed as the battle madness faded from her eyes. Her long neck craned forward and quite suddenly, the princess found herself face to face with the old wyrm's mighty visage.

Don't move. Do not flinch here. Do NOT show the slightest sign of fear.

Moment of truth. If this was to be her death, let it be a quick one.

She would accept no other.

Keeping her arm extended before her, fingers splayed, Rhaenyra stepped forward and laid her palm upon Vhagar's her snout. As such proximity she could quite literally hear the dragon breathing, feel her every breath as she inhaled and exhaled with enough force to rattle her teeth. A moment passed, and when she didn't immediately lose her hand, she dared to hope.

At length, Vhagar loosed a low rumble as her reward. When the dragon finally closed her eyes, so too did she, humming softly.

She felt something settle into place in back of her mind beside her bond with Syrax; an ancient, unknowable presence.

In hindsight, the princess would describe it better. A feeling of weary serenity bordering on a deep sleep.

For now, she released a breathless gasp, opened her eyes, and grinned.

Success! She'd soothed her, somehow.

Vhagar's scaled snout butted against her chest and in a moment of truly reckless abandonment that would leave her balking in her later years, she dared to press her head against the wyrm's snout and embrace her. The old dragon snorted grumpily and blasted her hair back, but made no move to try and harm her, much less devour her.

This wasn't how to claim a dragon. This was something different. Acceptance. Peace. Understanding.

Syrax trilled hopefully in the background. Vhagar utterly ignored her. Also a good sign.

Laughing and a little hysteric besides, she dared to look Naruto's way. "Now what?"

He didn't dare take his eyes off Cannibal, unwilling to break the deadlock. "Whaddya mean now what?! I'm a bit busy here.

"You're the dragon whisperer," she hissed back under her breath, also wary of startling the wounded wyrm looming above them. "You tell me!"

He shrugged. "You deal with her. I gotta calm this guy down."

Rhaenyra would've elbowed him if she could; alas, she knew better than to make any sudden moves in this instance. She knew she couldn't claim Vhagar, no matter how much she might wish to, but perhaps they could get her to follow them and guide her back to...

.

..

...back to where, exactly? She'd grown far too large for the dragonpit. She would never be at home there. It simply wasn't possible. But neither could they afford to leave her here. Perhaps she would be willing to dwell outside it? But then she might fly off again. Blast it all, they needed a rider for her, but who?!

"Will you follow us, then, when our work here is done?" she spoke slowly, haltingly. "Back to King's Landing?"

And then Vhagar lowered her neck. Hopefully, that was a yes...?

It felt like a yes.

Naruto, meanwhile, took his chance and edged toward the Cannibal. "Whaddya say? Truce?"

Cannibal grumbled and with a great effort spoke, a voice for his ears and his alone. "I will not serve."

He blew out a breathy sigh. "Ain't askin' ya to...if you'd just listen-

"NO!" it screamed at him, drawing a flinch from all present. "I will not eat that poisoned slop in the pit! I HUNGER!"

He was beginning to realize only ancient dragons such as they could communicate as such. Or perhaps it was the tentative beginnings of a bond they were forming. He couldn't be sure.

Wait-poisoned slop? Did he mean food? Were the dragons compromised? "What do you mean by that?"

"You know nothing!"

"I do know some things." he smiled ruefully, and raised a hand into the air, fingers gleaming gold. "Here. If you're so hungry...try some of this."

He pushed out his chakra and forced it upward, into the body of wavering wyrm. It was a mad gamble. A desperate plan.

It flinched once and glared at him, claws biting deep into the cliff-side. "What manner of sustenance is this?"

He beamed, pleased by its response. "Its my chakra, my lifeforce. Whatcha think?"

And then:

"Disgusting...More."

He complied. "Diddya like it? There's plenty more where that came from."

The Cannibal gulped, growled, low and deep in his throat, but did not bend "...we will meet again.

Snarling his threat- or was it a promise?- the wounded dragon took flight and fled from them with frightful haste

Naruto reluctantly let it vanish into the mists. He was willing to accept a stalemate here. Theirs would be a battle for another day

(.0.0.0.)

Someone knocked on their door.

Aemma heard it first and considered getting up to answer, then thought better of it. She was quite comfortable where she lay, after all.

After a night of luxurious lovemaking, she felt more alive than ever before. Dare she say energetic?

Had the poison truly taken so much form her, or was she simply rejuvenated from Naruto's healing? She might have to see to daily sessions with him once he returned.

Ever restless, Viserys had departed some minutes before to seek out Vermithor and go for another hunt. Of course, those were just words. She understood of course, she was rather keen to fly on Silverwing again herself, all the better to enact the plan he and Daemon had shared with her.

Honestly, hose boys...!

Ah but the knocking came on again, a steady tap-tap-tap that refused to be denied.

Sitting up, she donned a pale gown and looked toward the door. "Come!"

she liked speaking like that, exercising her authority as queen. It made her feel powerful.

Ser Arryk had the night watch tonight; t'was he who opened the door, and there, standing just beyond it...

"Alicent?"

For it was Rhaenyra's dear companion indeed, and such a sight she was, wringing her hands restlessly, tears in her eyes.

Wait...tears?

Rising with a languid sigh, and careful not to disturb the little ones in their cradle, Aemma padded forward.

"What's wrong?" she looked to Ser Arryk and belatedly realized his twin it Erryk was present, shepherding the girl, "What's happened?"

The latter of the two bowed their head, still keeping his hand on the girl's shoulder. "Begging your pardon, my lady, but the princess tasked us with watching over young Alicent until her return. As she was distraught when we found her, we thought it best we bring her here."

Ah. Just like Rhaenyra to watch over her.

"Your Grace," The redhead hiccuped. "I'm sorry...

Her brow furrowed in quiet confusion. "Sorry for what?"

Rhaenyra's friend warbled and broke. "My father, he wanted...he told me to...

Aemma felt confusion as she explained, but only for a moment. Understanding dawned, and it was a most bitter one indeed.

The Arryn in her wanted to be pragmatic. She could understand how it came to this, sympathize, even. Her Targaryen side was another matter. She might not show it often, but she too was of Fire and Blood and she was fiercely protective of her family. As such, she couldn't quite keep the pleased little smile from flitting across her face.

At long last, the Hightowers overreached themselves.

Their Tower would soon crumble.

The Dragons would have their Fire and Blood.

"You poor girl." she pulled her into a gentle embrace. "You did well to tell me." Come here."

Alicent hiccuped softly and buried her face against her bosom, unable to resist such comfort. "I'm very sorry to disturb your rest...

Even now she apologized! Such a good, darling girl. Truly she was wasted on Otto and his ilk.

Aemma kissed her forehead as only a mother could. "Nonsense! I won't hear of it. Tell me everything."

Tutting softly, she drew the Hightower girl deeper into her arms, ushered her inside, and closed the door behind herself.

A/N: And so it continues~!

Another knife in Otto's back, oh no...oh yes, says we!

Just wanted to say, I appreciate you all! More feedback means faster updates! It's especially important, in these, trying times, with the main site notifications down. Every word counts and i appreciate you all! All these reviews really keep me inspired! Looking forward to hearing from you~! I should be able to update Sunday or EARLIER, time and health permitting.

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So in the Immortal Words of Atlas…

...Review...Would You Kindly?

And enjoy the Previews!

As ever:

SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!

PLOT DETAILS AHOY!

YE BE WARNED!

Read at your own risk!

As ever, these are from the far flung future...or are they~?!

Previews are mostly the same, wouldn't want to spoil things now.

(Previews!)

They returned to King's Landing in glorious triumph.

"Do you take the princess Rhaenyra to marry...?"

"The idea that we Targaryens control the dragons...is an illusion; in truth, they are a power our ancestors never should have trifled with.

Yet without them, our reign would undoubtedly buckle beneath its own weight. We need them. As they need us.

Promise me you won't let the dragons die out, Rhaenyra. Promise me.

"Do you know how to please someone in bed?"

The girl sputtered.

"Its a common question, dear."

Hugh didn't fear dragons.

Make no mistake, he knew they was big and tough and mean as can be, but they wasn't invincible. At the end of the day they were just meat. Dangerous, fire-breathing meat that could snap you up in a single bite, but all the same

He was a blacksmith, not a butcher. His trade lay in the realm of metal and weapons even as

His wifer was prengant, and the missus wasn't doign

Good reason for that. looked up as a massive shadow swooped low over the beachhead of King's Landing.

Shading his face with one hand, he squinted up at them. "

Dragons wasn't gods he knew, they were just meat, but they were mighty indeed.

One of them saw him and swooped low.

Imagine his surprise when it landed before him!

"Curious." he remarked after a moment's pause. "I see now why he took notice of you."

He knelt hurriedly. "Your grace."

...interesting. He acknowledges you." The rider considered him for a long moment. "Who was your mother?"

Hugh blanched. "That...is a long story..

What have we here...?"

Blast. And today had started so well.

Ulf dropped his drink and raised his hands in the air. "Nothing at all...?"

Whomever was behind him jabbed a sword into his back. "Move, bastard. We have places to be."

It sounded like the bloody prince.

Ul fraised his hand higher. "Alright, alright, I'm walking...

A sword is more than a weapon. Stick 'em with the pointy end they say. Ha! When you make a sword, the first priority is to make it purposeful and well-balanced. But a sword is also an object of power and has to express this power in its design...

...and this sword...

..is my gift...

...to you.

"Lord commander."

Ser Harold Westerling was a surprisingly noble man, defending his comrades despite the stain on their honor. "Cole is a good lad, he just needs to get his head screwed on straight."

Naruto clicked his tongue. "Think he needs more than that...

The white worm wishes a a word with you, my lord."

Naruto's brow shot into his hair.

"Who?"

"Daemon's lover.

"Ahhhh...

"If you fail to plan you plan to fail. This world is cold and cruel, and there are a few in it, who are steadfast. You, I think, are steadfast.

PUSH!"

The cry of a newborn filled the air.

Visenya whooped, leaned back in the saddle, and flung up her arms. "Dracarys~!"

Bayle answered in a rush of crackling fire. The girl grinned.

Riding on dragonback was the best!

"Faster, papa! Faster!"

His daughter bounced on his back, grinning from ear to ear as she tugged at his hair.

Naruto smiled despite himself. "Feisty as your mother, I swear. Where's your brother hiding-

Someone leaped onto his back.

"Aha! There you are!"

"Stay your hand! If you do this, you will make enemies! There will be nowhere left for you to run!

"Run?" he craned his head back over his shoulder to look at them. "Who's running?"

Blue eyes bled into red, snapping into furious scarlet slits. "Where?"

Golden radiance flashed around him. "And why?!"

The world burst into light.

EDIT: Hope you enjoyed! Have a great day!

Warm regards,

~Nz.