Dragon's flame

[118AC]

[ Aelyx POV]

"My Lord, we've tracked down the runaway traitors of Houses Mooton and Staunton in Volantis. They are preparing to sell their Valyrian steel swords to fund their treachery," one of my spies reported with urgency.

"Send word to Grand-Aunt Seara. Tell her to ensure those traitors meet their end—and that their swords find their way to Dragonstone," I commanded firmly.

"Why do you think she'll send us something as rare as Valyrian steel?" Daenerys asked, raising an eyebrow in doubt.

"Tell her this: if she does, Dragonstone will be open for her as well " I declared, my voice leaving no room for debate.

Daenerys chuckled softly at my confidence before I turned to her with a teasing glint in my eyes. "It's time we return to Dragonstone, dear wife."

---

[119 AC – Towards Year's End]

Aelyx and Daenerys stood on the newly constructed outer walls of Dragonstone, gazing toward the approaching ship. Its black sails bore the sigil of House Targaryen, and on board was Seara Targaryen, their Grand-Aunt.

For months, they had pleaded with King Viserys to allow her a visit to Dragonstone, and now, finally, their request had been granted.

The ship docked, and Seara disembarked, accompanied by her daughter, Rhelya, who held a small child in her arms. Seara paused just outside the gates, a wave of nostalgia washing over her as she gazed upon the familiar yet changed stronghold of her youth.

---

[Seara's POV]

Dragonstone stood before me, a testament to time and transformation. It had changed considerably since I last set foot here. New walls fortified its shores to deter hostile fleets, and its majestic silhouette seemed even more imposing than I remembered.

Aelyx and Daenerys had been entrusted with its care, and I was convinced now more than ever that tying my lineage to theirs was the best decision I had made.

As I made my way to the stone hall where they awaited, I couldn't help but smile. Entering, I handed them the Valyrian steel swords of Houses Mooton and Staunton.

"I've kept my promise," I said with pride before adding playfully, "Now, when will you give me my future son-in-law?"

Their faces flushed crimson, and I couldn't help but laugh heartily. At my age, all I desired was peace. My adventures had been thrilling, but now, my heart longed for quieter days.

"Grand-Aunt… that child?" Aelyx asked cautiously, his gaze shifting toward the little one Rhelya held.

"She is your future daughter-in-law," I declared with a grin.

Their expressions shifted instantly, and they rushed toward the child, inspecting her closely as if appraising a treasure. Rhelya chuckled at their reaction, clearly amused.

---

[120 AC – The Year of the Red Spring Begins]

Daenerys Targaryen had just fainted, and Aelyx sat by her side, his hand tightly clasping hers as the maester examined her. Seara Targaryen stood nearby, her expression one of quiet anticipation.

"Congratulations, Your Grace. You are going to be a father," the maester announced.

A broad smile spread across Aelyx's face as he embraced Daenerys. Seara's eyes glimmered with joy—it was time.

---

[The Chamber of the Painted Table]

Aelyx entered the chamber, holding a raven's message. His expression was solemn.

"It's a raven from Driftmark… Laena has passed away," he said quietly.

Daenerys's face fell as she grasped the weight of the news. Together, they mourned for their aunt, Rhaenys, who had lost her daughter.

---

[Driftmark – Aelyx's POV]

Laena's coffin was being prepared for its final voyage. Aunt Rhaenys stood by, her face concealed behind a black veil. She cradled newborn Rhaena in her arms, while Baela clung to her side for comfort.

Lord Corlys stood silent, his head bowed under the unbearable weight of grief only a parent could know. Aunt Rhaenys, however, carried something more—an anger and resentment that simmered beneath her sorrow. Perhaps it was because Daemon had taken Laena away to Pentos, far from her home and kin.

The royal family was gathered, their grief shared but silent. Father stood flanked by Alicent and Aera, while Rhaenyra stood apart with her sons, Jacaerys and Lucerys.

Daemon, distant from the rest, lingered in the shadows, while Otto Hightower, newly reinstated as Hand of the King, watched with a smug expression.

Vaemond began to speak, but his words, instead of honoring the dead, became sharp and pointed.

"We gather today at the seat of the sea to commit Lady Laena of House Velaryon to the eternal waters, the dominion of the Merlin King," he began. "Lady Laena leaves behind two true-born daughters on the shore. Though their mother will not return from her voyage, they will carry her bloodline—blood as pure as salt, as true as Velaryon blood must always remain."

His glare shifted to Rhaenyra, his words dripping with venom. "Our blood runs thick. Our blood runs true. And ours must never thin."

Daemon's laugh shattered the tension, sharp and mocking, drawing attention away from Rhaenyra. It was a calculated move, a shield for her against Vaemond's insults.

I wanted to tell Father and Aunt Rhaenys about Daenerys and the child growing in her womb, but this was neither the time nor the place.

When Laena's coffin was finally released into the sea, Daenerys and I approached Aunt Rhaenys. Her grief was raw, her tears barely held back. She trembled with the weight of her loss.

"It's all right, Aunt," Daenerys said softly, her voice a balm for the pain.

Rhaenys composed herself quickly, offering a faint, grateful smile. Nearby, little Baela clung tightly to her sister, her young face etched with sorrow.

I turned and caught sight of Daemon, standing apart from the rest. Though his expression was calm, I could sense his anguish. He had loved Laena deeply, even if his heart belonged to another.

---

Later, we made our way toward Father, who had summoned us. In the king's chambers, his frailty was impossible to ignore.

"You're of age now. You must think of producing an heir," Father said, his voice weak but firm.

Daenerys spoke before I could. "I am already with child, Father. We received the news two days ago."

Father rose from his chair, a rare smile lighting up his pale face. He embraced us tightly.

"I'm going to be a paternal grandsire!" he exclaimed with uncharacteristic joy.

"Shush, Father. You'll wake the entire castle," I said, amused by his enthusiasm.

Realizing his exuberance, he sat back down, though his joy lingered.

"Daenerys, you arrived here on Vaxylis. As your father, I forbid you from flying on a dragon until your child is born," he commanded.

We nodded, accepting his decree.

---

[Daenerys's POV]

Back in our chambers, Aelyx paced restlessly, his Valyrian steel sword resting on the table.

"We need to do something to prevent the infamous incident of Aemond losing his eye," he said abruptly.

"How will it happen? You've already claimed Vhagar," I replied, my tone laced with curiosity.

"We cannot take risks. I'll keep an eye on things," he said, strapping the sword—a masterpiece forged from Strongscale and Duskhand—to his side before leaving the room.

--------------

Aelyx stood at the gate, the air heavy with the weight of the moment. This was the place where the infamous blinding incident would unfold, though none could yet foresee its tragic end. He felt Aemond's approach long before he saw him, the sharp scent of dragonfire and Sheepstealer's musk lingering on his presence.

"You claimed Sheepstealer?" Aelyx asked, his voice low but steady, a flicker of curiosity in his piercing gaze.

Aemond nodded, his posture radiating newfound confidence. He was no longer the meek, frightened boy who used to shrink beneath the shadow of his kin.

Before Aelyx could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps broke the silence. Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Baela appeared, their faces tight with anger.

"Why did you claim my mother's dragon? You have no right!" Baela spat, her tone a mix of fury and indignation.

Her brothers flanked her, their expressions mirroring her rage.

"A dragon is not a slave," Aelyx interjected, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. His commanding presence silenced them momentarily as he added sharply, "All of you—back to your chambers. Now."

Though reluctant, the trio obeyed, their footsteps dragging with suppressed fury. Aemond fell in step beside Jacaerys, his chin held high, but Aelyx sensed something amiss in his emotions—a dark undercurrent simmering beneath his calm exterior.

The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken words, until Aemond leaned closer to Jacaerys. His voice was low, taunting.

"You're pretty strong"

The words ignited Jacaerys's anger like a spark to dry tinder. Without hesitation, he tackled Aemond to the ground.

Aelyx reacted instantly, grabbing both boys by their collars and pulling them apart with a sharp yank. "Enough!" he barked, his tone commanding, but his words were drowned by the sound of a furious charge.

Lucerys, seeing his brother in perceived danger, lunged at Aemond with wild determination.

Aelyx, acting on instinct, released Jacaerys and Aemond to intercept Lucerys. Wrapping his arms around the boy's waist, he halted him mid-charge. Despite the force of his grip, Aelyx handled him carefully, pushing him back with just enough strength to keep him unharmed.

"Stand down!" Aelyx growled, but the chaos spiraled further out of control.

No sooner had Lucerys been restrained than Aemond and Jacaerys were at it again, fists flying in a blur of rage. Aelyx turned toward them, his focus split, when he suddenly sensed the danger—Lucerys's resolve hardened as he drew a dagger.

Time seemed to slow as Lucerys plunged forward. Aelyx thrust his hand out to stop the blade, but it pierced his palm with a sickening force.

Lucerys froze, his face a mask of horror at what he had done. Blood dripped from Aelyx's hand, but he barely reacted. His focus snapped back to Aemond, who had seized the moment to kick Jacaerys repeatedly in the stomach.

"Stop!" Aelyx roared, but the command fell on deaf ears.

Lucerys, overcome with panic and fury, pulled the dagger free from Aelyx's hand. Before Aelyx could regain control, Baela stepped between him and Lucerys, shouting something indistinct in the chaos.

It happened in an instant—Aemond reeled back, clutching his face, blood streaming through his fingers. His screams of agony pierced the night, and the world seemed to freeze.

Aelyx stood amidst the carnage, his bloodied hand trembling as the gravity of the moment sank in. The incident that would define their lives had begun.