"All hail Queen Rhaenyra."Rhaenyra grinned upon hearing her name. It had been over ten years since she had been in Sunspare, and to see the smiles and hear the cheer from the smallfolk made her heart leap. It had been too long since she had been celebrated or loved in the matter she was here. There was no ill intent, no false smiles, or joy upon seeing her. They just saw her—a kind-hearted queen.She laughed as children raced towards her, holding flower crowns and pieces of jewelry. All the lords and ladies in attendance bowed their heads in respect to her welcoming her home. Nimbus stood off to the side, smiling brightly at her, before returning to the buffet table. She recognized many members of the Great Council dressed in the colors of their kingdoms and houses. She herself was dressed in a black and red dress, with her hair intricately braided into many different styles. Red and gold scales were embroidered on the back and front of her dress, and her Targaryen sigil was very pronounced in her cape.Elena was dressed in a teal-blue gown with red accents to match Raenor. He himself was dressed in a robe of red, gold, and black colors from the Crimson Kingdom. His family includes his mother, Tayla, and his brothers, Volaris and Darron. The younger sister, Kiara, could not attend most of the event and would only arrive after the ceremony.Upon seeing her, Elena smiled brightly, picking up her skirts and running over to her. "You came!" The two girls wrapped themselves in a quick but tight embrace. "How have you been? I've heard you've had another child."Rhaenyra gave a wry smile. "Things are much better now." Elena gripped her hand, intertwining their fingers, as they began to walk. "I have decided to return to Dragonstone; it seems to be doing well for the children.""And you?"Rhaenyra nodded. "Yes, I no longer have to deal with being undermined or with Alicent's constant humiliation." Elena gripped her tightly, her skin turning white."She has no right to treat you as such." Elena sneered. "You are a far better queen than she will ever be. She's just a jealous bitch."Rhaenyra Laughed in agreement. "So, how have things been for you?" She looked around, catching eyes with Ranix, and she truly smiled. "You informed me of your wedding nine years ago, so I am curious: what took you so long to marry?"Elena sighed, "The Jade Vipers are back." Rhaenyra's body froze; her once relaxed demeanor was now tense and apprehensive. Elena squeezed her arm. "Don't worry, they have not attacked any of the major kingdoms. So far, they have been keeping their word to not interfere with our lives."Rhaenyra's brow rose. "Then why cancel your own wedding?"Elena laughed, her skin heating up, causing blush to flourish up her neck into her cheeks. "Me and Raenor We're not on the friendliest of terms, but we had to marry to ensure that our kingdoms survived." Elena flashed a smile. "The Jade Vipers are no longer serving Rayla; in fact, she has not been seen in many years, but as of late, they have started attacking trade routes and setting fires." Elena took a breath, "They had me cornered, and Raenor had to save me; ever since then, we have been on high alert as we don't know what their true intentions are.""So he treats you well, then." Rhaenyra asked, "I cannot imagine your engagement has been easy."Elena shook her head, tapping her finger against her cheek. "He treats me very well. Although we do argue on some points and do not always see eye to eye, he's very good to me." Rhaenyra smiled happily that her friend was being taken care of and was happy, even if it was an arranged marriage. "I never thought I would actually look forward to marrying him.""But it is good. You two have come to love each other despite the circumstances of your union.""And what of your husband?" Elena asked, "Does he love you and care for you the way you deserve?"Rhaenyra shook her head. Laenor was a great companion, but he wasn't the husband she wanted or needed. Soon war would break over the horizon, and even though she loved him, she knew that he would be no help in the upcoming battle for the throne."He cares for me." She answered. "but not in the way a husband cares for his wife."Elena hummed, "Is he good to your children at least?"Rhaenyra nods. "He tries his best."Elena smiled, grabbing both her hands in hers. "I cannot wait to meet them."Rhaenyra smiled. She could see her children playing and growing alongside Elena's. It was something she always wished for her children—for them to be close to those of their age—while she held no anger towards her siblings; they were hardly company to her family.As the ceremony was about to start, she took notice of everyone who was truly in attendance. The one person who stood out among all the others was missing. Talon.She turned her head slightly tilting it to the side before slowly clearing her throat. "Ser Longwood, where is Talon?"The knight smiled sheepishly. "I do not know, Your Grace."Rhaenyra twisted the rings nervously on her fingers. Surely Talon would arrive at one of his greatest allies and friends' wedding."But I did see him leaving towards the mountains."Rhaenyra nodded. "Thank you, Ser Longwood."These mountains were known for holding one of the most spectacular sites. Starlight Falls. It was a unique place, surrounded by so much magic and power that you could feel it vibrating through the air. The hot spring was often where Syrax liked to nest; her Golden Lady had grown remarkably in Sunspear; she was now the size close to Meleys. She had a feeling the magic surrounding Sunspear often allowed their dragons to grow even bigger than anywhere else in Westeros.Due to Syrax's massive growth over the years, she forced Maxwell to enchant her saddle with a charm that made her appear smaller. But here, she could let Syrax shine. Her dragon was free to do whatever she wanted—hunt, sleep, and just fly—something she couldn't really do back in King's Landing, but she was determined to change that at Dragonstone.The frigid air caressed her face as she climbed up the stairs. Elena had chosen to get married where her northern home met the warmth of the south. While dragons preferred warmth over the frigid cold of the north, Starlight Falls met the balance between the frigid temperatures and the overwhelming warmth. Dragons, both riderless and claimed, roamed the valley, making their homes in the caverns of the mountains themselves; some nested beyond the waterfalls.The only thing that was hard to find in the north was a sufficient food source. She had learned that in her first few years of being in the North. Dragons needed constant food and free space to grow quickly. Many dragons here were large, if not larger than those at the Red Keep or Dragonstone, despite being very young.The wind changed, halting her step. Rhaenyra hung her head, listening. The faint sound of clicking reached her ear. Jerking her head back, she collided with something hard before it hissed in pain.Turning swiftly, she came face-to-face with Talon, who was clutching his nose in pain. Instead of feeling pity, she felt pride. Her lips curled up in a smirk, and she couldn't help the giggle that escaped her throat."Do you find this funny, Princess?" Talon hissed, but his lips gave way to a smile of his own."I do."The two stared at each other for a moment before embracing. Rhaenyra finally felt a piece of herself click into place as she pulled away."I miss you."Talon chuckled, "Me too, although don't go telling me others that."He seemed to scan her body, taking note of every change in her body. She had grown into quite the woman of her age. Her breasts had grown larger—fuller; her thighs had widened; and overall, her body had become more curvier. Motherhood had indeed been a gift."Motherhood seems to have suited you well." Talon admitted.Rhaenyra sighed. "It has, but we're not here to discuss my life."Talon cocked his head. "Oh?""Elena is about to get married, and you were up here doing what?"Talon shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't really know. I felt a calling to come here."A calling? Rhaenyra stared at him. She expects Talon to laugh in her face and tell her it was a joke. But he only raised an eyebrow, getting agitated by the minute."What?" He snapped."I thought you didn't believe in that stuff." Rhaenyra clarified, fiddling with her rings."Well, I guess anything's possible with you still being able to overpower me without training for so long."Rhaenyra glared at him, "I can still kick your ass."Talon laughed before shifting his gaze upward."Do you hear that?"Rhaenyra looked at him, confused. "No."Narrowing his eyes, Talon looked around before settling his gaze on a path carved into the side of one of the mountains. "This way."Rhaenyra was about to protest when Talon grabbed her arm and pulled her along. The stone was carved into a snake-like shape. As they made their way down the path, it became narrower to the point where they had to hug the side of the wall to avoid falling to their deaths.Rhaenyra wasn't afraid of heights. She was a dragon rider and a Targaryen. She flew so high on Syrax that everything seemed small whenever she was in the air. She hadn't flown much during her ten years at King's Landing; most of the time she was nursing her children, and other times she was busy trying to scrounge up any piece of respect she could find.Coming to a clearing on one of the highest peaks of the mountain, the smell of decay and death was high in the air. Syrax was currently feasting on the bones of what could have been described as either a sheep or a goat. A black she-dragon with piercing purple eyes and scales rested beside her, nudging another carcass.She resembled Meleys.Syrax purred softly, stepping forward as the two came closer. Rhaenyra smiled, rubbing her snout."Rytsas, ñuha jorrāelagon."(Hello, my love.)Syarx's hot, smokey breath as she ran her hands under her chin. Talon stared at her, his face a mask.She watched as the black she-dragon nudged his hand. Talon let out a shuddering breath before running his hand down the dragon's scales.Rhaenyra climbed up Syrax's offered wing. Securing herself into the saddle, she looked over, smiling. "Go on." She notched her chin.An expression of horror climbed on Talon's face before he quickly masked it. He surveyed the dragon before him, who had returned to nudging the carcasses, before locking eyes with him once more. "What if she doesn't want me to?""And I have enjoyed your company, My Prince."Talon glared at her. Staring at the dragon before him, he let out a sigh before slowly approaching its side.The dragon seemed calm in his presence as it gently lowered its shoulder, offering its wing in silent invitation.Rhaenyra looked away, trying to hide her smile, as he struggled to climb onto the dragon's back. Syrax had a saddle. This dragon did not. Claiming dragons in Sunspear was extremely rare, even with people having dragonblood. Most of the only ones that did were those of the Kingdom of the Trident, the Northern Kingdom, and the Crimson Kingdom."What do I hold on to?" Talon shouted."Whatever you can." She said, watching as he quickly grabbed the two front spikes. The reaction was almost immediate: the dragon leaped into the air, roaring and calling out as it flew higher into the sky.She smiled, urging Syrax upward. Soon, the two dragons were engaged in a dance. Talon was gripping on to the spikes for dear life, and she smiled triumphantly, as it was not every day that she got to see the great warrior so frightened.They flew directly over the altar, and Elena and the others looked directly at them in horror and amazement. The frigid breeze became a thing of the past as it was replaced by warmth. Syrax seemed to thrive in the open air; she hadn't even lifted the reins once.They dipped low in the breeze. Everything was covered in ice and snow the farther they went. Diving into the canyon, she had to squeeze her eyes shut as the wind became too much. As the two flew into the canyon, Rhaenyra realized why she loved it here: it was wild and free, something she had experienced for such a long time.Talon had turned left, landing on a nearby cliff. Syrax, standing beside them, smiled at his winded face and widened eyes."You've completely ruined horses for me." He told her.She laughed, "A dragon will do that."Talon looked back in amazement, observing the two she-dragons. "She knew exactly where I wanted to go.""You two are bonded now." Rhaenyra explained. "This bond will be deeper than anything you have ever felt or experienced.""I will need her in the upcoming war.""War?" Rhaenyra asked, confused.Talon sighed. "War is coming, Rhaenyra.""Talon...""Even if you don't want to admit it." Talon added, "Alicent has declared war upon you, and she will stop at nothing to take everything from you.""You don't know that." Rhaenyra snapped, not fully understanding why she was jumping to Alicent's defense."I do!" Talon hissed, "I know you loved her, but she is not your friend anymore; she is your enemy. And if you don't start preparing for war, then you will lose what's coming."Rhaenyra scoffed. "This is hardly the time or place to discuss my future.""I disagree. Alicent has chosen her side, and you know this to be true." Talon gripped her shoulders, shaking her slightly. "I will not watch anymore, as she makes your life miserable. As she destroys who you are,"She has not!" Rhaenyra shouted, squirming out of his hold."The woman I knew was a queen who bowed to no one, but all I hear is how you've been mocked and insulted. That you've turned to ice, all the fire within you gone."Rhaenyra sighed in defeat. "You've been watching me.""I've been looking out for you." Talon defended, "I swore an oath to follow you. To uphold your commands, fight by your side, and make your wants and desires come true."Rhaenyra avoided his gaze. "I'm not that person anymore," she murmured.Talon huffed. "If that were true, you wouldn't be here."He gripped her hand, gently bringing it to his lips. He kissed it softly before kneeling on the ground before her, nodding for her to join him. As they kneeled, he pressed her hand into the snow."What are you doing?" she squawked in alarm."You don't feel cold, do you?" Talon demanded, pressing her hand more forcefully. Her hand was now a deep red color, and despite the freezing temperature, she couldn't feel anything. "You have the blood of the dragon; fire does not burn you; therefore, ice cannot harm you." Talon added, pulling her hand away."I..." She trailed off, slowly curling her hands into fists. Her skin still felt warm to the touch, and Talon was right; she couldn't feel the ice even as her skin turned deep red, almost purple in color."You are still worthy to be a queen." He told her, "And you will be the queen of the Seven Kingdoms, but you must prepare for the inevitable. Most men in the realm don't want a woman to rule; they would rather pass it on to your brother than to you.""My brothers would not harm me." She snarled. They didn't even want to rule. Aegon was, most of the time, a drunken prince who liked to spend his time frequenting brothels. Aemond, on the other hand, was busy with his training and Valyrian history. Helaena was quiet and timid, and she wouldn't hurt a thing."It doesn't matter their intentions." Talon snapped, his frustration evident. "Alicent and Otto will do anything they can to make sure that the blood of House Hightower sits on the Iron Throne." He pinched the bridge of his nose, grabbing her roughly and forcing her onto her feet. "I know you love them, but you must see that Otto will do anything to have the Iron Throne, including turning them against you." He added.She knew this. Otto was a snake, willing to do anything to get what he wanted, including worming his way into her family. She always thought that it was peculiar that he served not one but two kings. It had always unsettled her how he had easily warmed his way into every aspect of her life, earning her father's trust with ease and single-handedly destroying her family.As soon as her father became king, her mother began to have pregnancy after pregnancy, and her uncle was constantly banished and kicked off the council for being too unruly or unfit for the position. He had even tried to get her thrown off the council, but her father had objected, saying that she was his daughter and his prized position.That was one of the only times her father had ever stood up to Otto and denied his advice. But the leech just continued to grow. Forcing a wedge between her and her own father that she was not even sure could be mended. She thought that with Otto being away from the keep, his hold would finally lessen, but it only seemed to get worse. Once again, her father had turned a blind eye. Alicent's treatment of her was on full display, but he still thought they were friends, even though it was obvious to everyone else that they were not.Looking at Talon, she saw one of the only people who would ever truly stand up for her and want to protect her against anything that wished her harm. She sighed, taking his hand and offering a gentle smile."I love that you want to protect me, but you should have at least cleared it with me first before spying on me and my family.""I would have, but we were under the impression that anything we did would be considered overbearing." Talon defended. "You didn't like the last time I proposed that I send my spy network into Westeros.""Of course I'm against it!" She clenched and unclenched her fists. "But you wouldn't just be spying on my siblings; you would be spying on every member of my family, including my sons."Talon clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing. "Is it truly about your sons, or is it about something else?"Rhaenyra scoffed Throwing her arms up in mock surrender. "I'm not doing this. Especially with you."She turned swiftly, keeping her hands clenched at her sides. Her blood roared in her ears as she neared Syrax. Her dragon undoubtedly felt discomfort and anger."You won't be able to avoid your uncle forever." Talon called, "He will come back to Westeros eventually, and then your father will have him stay amongst the court.""Why do you care?" She hissed. "Why does anyone care?""Because..." He grips her arm tightly, not letting go. "You love him. Despite everything, you love the man who abandoned you and left you alone. Now I don't understand why you love him, but I know this. If you deny yourself what you truly desire, you will remain miserable for the rest of your life."Rhaenyra shakes her head. "You don't even know him.""No." He agreed, "But I know you. You have a fire within you that burns so bright and hot that you are the true dragon of Valyria.""Not anymore.""That's where you're wrong, Rhaenyra. The past years have changed you, but that doesn't mean you are completely gone; it just means you've changed and evolved." Talon sucks in a breath. "Daemon is your choice; he will always be your choice. You are always meant to be together.""He's not here anymore." Rhaenyra said, strangely calm. She felt nothing at that moment. His words sink into her skin, calming her heating blood and causing her to freeze as if she were just dunked in a pool of water."He will return, and when that day comes, you must be willing to fight." Hooking his index finger under her chin and meeting his eyes, she knew he believed in these words. "Daemon is your greatest hope for your future; he will protect you like no other and make you happy beyond anything this world has ever seen."Rhaenyra nodded. She did not believe his words, at least not fully. A part of her knew that Daemon would always love her and protect her, but they were both different now that he was across the sea with his own family while she remained here with hers.Walking back to the dragons, they quickly mounted and took off back towards Starlight Falls. Upon landing, they were greeted by many who cheered and looked at them with wonder and awe. Elena smiled at the two, quickly congratulating Talon.Rhaenyra looked between them before nodding to Raenor, "Congratulations! You have your hands full with that one."He chuckled, "I'm honored to be hers and to finally meet you. Everyone speaks of you so highly here." Elena blushed at his words, avoiding eye contact."You said you wouldn't mention that."Rhaenyra laughed. "As much fun as this has been, my family is waiting for me back home.""Are you sure you can't stay?" Elena asked."This place will always be part of me as well as all of you, but I need to focus on my future, and I must prepare for what it holds. Even if that means taking a step back, I have faith in all of you to make sure this place remains sacred and cherished." She smiled, wiping away a single tear. "And I trust that when I am in need of you, you rise up to the occasion as I have done for you."As they said goodbye, Rhaenyra looked back to see Talon smiling at her, offering her a silent nod of encouragement.She knew things would be hard the next few years, though she had no idea exactly what her future would be. She was sure of one thing. She must prepare for war.