Dragon's flame

[120 AC]

Following the infamous blinding of Aemond, Aelyx and Daenerys returned to Dragonstone, while King Viserys departed for King's Landing with his family, leaving Rhaenyra behind. In the wake of Laenor Velaryon's sudden and suspicious death, Rhaenyra wed Daemon Targaryen in a quiet ceremony at Dragonhold, which was nearing completion at 70-80%.

Determined to secure her position, Rhaenyra began consolidating her power within the "Heir's Territory." The reality of bending the Greens to accept her claim proved far more daunting than she had initially believed.

Around this time, news of Daenerys Targaryen's pregnancy began spreading, likely propagated by the maesters of Dragonstone. The Greens seized upon this, fueling whispers that "the first trueborn grandchild" of King Viserys was about to be born—a pointed attempt to delegitimize Rhaenyra's children by labeling them as bastards.

Meanwhile, Aemond was sent to Dragonstone under Aelyx's tutelage to train in the arts of dragon-riding. He was to return to King's Landing upon reaching his twelfth nameday. Elsewhere, Seara Targaryen departed for Volantis, leaving her daughter and granddaughter behind on Dragonstone.

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[Dragonstone]

The whistle of crossbow bolts filled the air as Sheepstealer twisted and banked, narrowly evading the projectiles. Aelyx and Daenerys stood atop the walls of Dragonstone, observing the training with sharp eyes.Aemond clung to Sheepstealer's saddle, his knuckles white with effort.

Aelyx's voice carried across the field. "Good! Make him understand the closeness of death, Aemond. A dragon grows not just through food but through adversity!"

Daenerys, her silver hair billowing in the wind, frowned. "This feels reckless, Aelyx. The boy is still young."

"Reckless? War does not wait for age, my love," Aelyx replied, his tone firm yet calm. "If Sheepstealer is to grow, he must face threats—even if simulated."

With a final shout, Aelyx called out, "Enough for today! Bring him down, Aemond!"

The young prince guided Sheepstealer to land, his face flushed with exertion. Aelyx turned to Daenerys, offering her a small smile. "Let's see what news awaits us inside."

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[Dragonstone – Audience Chamber]

Rhyun approached Aelyx and Daenerys, carrying several letters sealed with wax. He bowed deeply. "Your Graces, messages have arrived from both King's Landing and Dragonhold."

Aelyx gestured impatiently. "What do they say?"

"Princess Rhaenyra requests a dragon egg, as she is with child," Rhyun informed them.

"Of course," Aelyx murmured, his expression tightening. "King Aegon III is soon to be born."

"And from King's Landing?" Daenerys prompted, her hand resting protectively over her growing belly.

Rhyun hesitated before responding. "The king requests your presence in the capital to assist with administration, Your Grace."

Aelyx's brows furrowed. "Father knows Daenerys is with child. I won't leave her side."

Daenerys, ever composed, placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Go," she urged. "From King's Landing, you can build a neutral and powerful faction to protect us. The distance is not insurmountable."

Aelyx hesitated, calculating the logistics. "It's only a three- or four-hour flight to Dragonstone on Vhagar. I can commute daily if need be. It will be exhausting, but I cannot abandon you."

Daenerys smiled softly. "Then it is settled."

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[121 AC – Dragonstone]

Aelyx and Daenerys stood atop the Windwyrm Tower, cradling their three-month-old son, Aerion Targaryen. The infant's laughter rang through the air as they watched a ship bearing the sigil of House Targaryen approach Dragonstone.

"father has come to see his grandson," Aelyx remarked, glancing at the large vessel. "And no doubt to take Aemond back with him. Alicent has likely been pestering him endlessly."

Daenerys nodded, her hand smoothing Aerion's silver-white hair. "Father also looks much healthier than the last time we saw him," she observed.

Aelyx allowed himself a small smile. "The healers of Rhoynar know their craft. I insisted he take their medicine. If he survives for another five or six years, we might yet avert the Dance."

Aelyx had sent The Healers of rahoenar to king's Landing to check on the condition of viserys

As Viserys disembarked, Aemond entered their chambers. The young prince looked conflicted as the king approached him.

"Your mother has requested your return to King's Landing," Viserys said, his tone brooking no argument.

Aemond clenched his fists, his desire to refuse evident, but he merely nodded. Without a word, he turned and left the chambers, his face an unreadable mask.

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[Dragonstone – Aelyx and Daenerys's Chambers]

Aerion gurgled happily in his mother's arms, his deep purple eyes shining with mirth. Daenerys looked up at Aelyx, her expression serene but resolute.

"Aerion's birth went smoothly," she said softly, her gaze fixed on their son. "He's the light of my life, Aelyx. I never had a child in my previous, he is my little dragon "

Aelyx knelt beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "He's only the beginning, Daenerys. Our family will grow stronger. We will have the strength to claim every dragon on this island."

Daenerys nodded, determination lighting her features. "Rhaenyra will be making foolish choices. Giving dragons to dragonseeds will only fuel the belief that bastards can tame them. It will lead to disaster for our House."

Aelyx placed a hand over hers. "We will ensure the Targaryen bloodline—and the legacy of dragons—endures. Aerion will have his own dragon, and so will our future children."

Daenerys smiled, a fierce glint in her eyes. "Then we must prepare for what's to come, my love. The Dance is drawing near, and we must be ready."

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