Slowly, Androw stretched his arms, taking a long breath, and looked down at Aerea, who was still trying to bury her face in her legs, weeping. He shook his head and called, "Aerea!" She raised her head, looking at Androw with a sorry expression, tears streaming down her face. Androw felt empathy as he extended his arms towards her, saying, "Get up."
Aerea grasped Androw's arm and glanced towards the seashore. With a weak voice, she asked, "Is she dead?"
Androw, acted looking puzzled, asked, "Who?"
Aerea didn't dare meet his eyes and whispered, "Mother."
Androw commented, "So you know," before adding, "Only Gods knows." He walked forward, glancing in the direction where Baal was feasting on Balerion's body.
Sensing Androw's call, Baal raised his head from the cavity he had created in Balerion's flesh. With two powerful flaps of his wings, Baal soared into the sky and flew to where Androw stood.
Androw watched his dragon fly above with a smile, Aerea's eyes following Baal nervously. Baal landed near Androw, creating a strong gust of wind. Androw covered his face to avoid the dust, while Aerea took cover behind him. As Baal lowered his head, Androw hugged it, despite the hot air blowing periodically from the dragon's nostrils.
Taking a step back, Androw said, "Strongest, now you are the strongest." His voice softened as he added, "And I'm the weak."
Sensing Androw's sadness, Baal nudged closer, sniffing him. Androw laid his hand on Baal, glanced toward Dragonstone Castle, and said, "I need to get stronger; those walls won't make me strong." He took a deep breath, which was ruined by the smell from Baal's mouth, tainted by the flesh of the older dragon.
At that moment, they heard a noise from Dreamfyre, signaling its end. Baal responded with a roar. Androw sighed, realizing there was more to do before they could leave. Sensing Androw's need, Baal laid down for him to climb. With a chuckle, Androw said, "Thanks, buddy!" and climbed onto Baal's back. He noticed Aerea standing still, gripping her arms tightly.
"Aerea, come, let's go," he said seriously.
"I don't want to," Aerea responded, her voice trembling.
Androw shouted, "Aerea!" scaring her. Then, with a deep voice, he said, "I said come, let's go." Though hesitant, she got closer to Baal and tried to climb. Baal, now accustomed to her presence, didn't mind. Her hands shook as she tried to climb, but Androw reached down, pulling her up to the saddle. Startled at first, Aerea calmed down, though still nervous.
Once they were both secure, Baal took to the sky, heading towards the shore to meet the dying Dreamfyre and Rhaena.
In a matter of seconds, they reached the shore. Androw glanced from Baal to the ground below, soon spotting Dreamfyre's body. Slowly, Baal descended near the body, showing interest in feeding on Dreamfyre's remains. However, the moment Androw conveyed the thought, "Don't," Baal complied, acting like a good dragon.
Androw climbed down first, then extended a hand to Aerea, who was terrified at the sight of her mother leaning against her dead dragon with closed eyes. Despite their strained relationship, witnessing someone dying because of her actions was a heavy burden for a child. Androw hesitated for a moment before approaching Rhaena. He laid his fingers near her nostrils to check for breath. To his relief, she was still breathing.
Her survival was now crucial in determining Androw's fate—whether to flee or remain in Westeros. If she died, Jahaerays would have no reason to hold back in attacking him. The cunning king wouldn't hesitate to take a second chance at eliminating Androw. Even if Androw managed to take down both the King and Queen, his victory wouldn't guarantee safety. He wasn't invincible without his dragon, nor could he rely on Baal's protection at all times.
Taking a deep breath, Androw carefully lifted Rhaena in his arms and walked closer to Baal, who seemed annoyed by the additional burden. However, Baal remained still, allowing Androw to climb on. Androw paused for a moment, placing Rhaena's legs on either side of his hips and holding her close with straight face. Suddenly, Rhaena's arms wrapped around him, startling him as she murmured, "I'm sorry."
Androw remained silent, focusing on climbing Baal despite being entangled with the unyielding Queen of the West. Aerea followed closely behind, nervously glancing at her mother, who looked at her with sad eyes. Despite everything, Aerea still felt scared of her mother.
As they settled, Baal flapped his wings and took to the sky. The silence was heavy, none of them speaking. After a few moments, Androw murmured, "Be a good mother this time." After a brief pause, he added, "My queen.".
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Fellow readers,
I recently conducted a poll on whether Androw should stay in Westeros or leave for Essos, thanks to the features available on Patreon. Many of you want him to remain in Westeros, so I have decided to keep him there while he builds his own house. The question now is, what will be the name of his castle? I am considering naming his house "Dovahkiin," as Androw Dovahkiin sounds good to me.
Please suggest a name for the city. Additionally, I am planning to give him a motto, so any suggestions for that would be appreciated as well. For more chapter access, visit my Patreon.
Thank you!
link: patreon.com/AmouxCreationX
]