King's Landing
105 AC
"Yes, Anarion and I were the ones who killed the wild dragon," I stated, my tone devoid of emotion. Some raised their eyebrows in my direction, while others waited for me to finish, eager to judge the reasons behind my actions.
"Initially, I had no desire to kill him because I didn't want to draw attention to myself. At that time, I was trying to come to terms with the reality I found myself in. However, when Anarion was feeding on sheep at the place where we had fought, a wild one attacked unexpectedly. I urged Anarion to leave and avoid conflict with it. But it pursued us and began to provoke Anarion. After it wounded Anarion with its dragon fire, I no longer restrained Anarion, and that led to its demise," I recounted, anger lacing my voice—not at the Sheep stealer, but at myself for the cowardice I displayed then.
"So, your dragon has experience in combat with another dragon, even if it was just once. That could be advantageous if the Volantis family were to assault us with their dragons. The Targaryens have Vhagar and many other dragons experienced in battle, but none have faced another dragon. Balerion had, but he has been dead for some time," said Daemon, glancing at Corlys to remind him that Vhagar is a Targaryen dragon. Corlys, however, offered no response to Daemon and simply ignored him.
"Although that was the first fight Anarion and I had after our bond, Anarion had a rider before me—my uncle. He was a high general in the Valyrian army and took Anarion into many battles. Anarion has faced many dragons before and has triumphed in all those encounters. So, while I gained experience, it was not new for Anarion to kill another dragon," I said, looking at Daemon. I would not allow anyone to underestimate Anarion's prowess.
"Then it is better for us, isn't it?" Daemon said with a begrudging voice, his gaze fixed on Viserys. Viserys looked troubled upon hearing that Anarion had many counts of dragon-killing. However, he was relieved to learn that they have a dragon experienced in numerous battles against its kind in their side.
"I would love to hear about their dragon fight at Valyria," said Rhaenyra, her eyes alight with the prospect of hearing tales of dragon battles in Valyria. I smiled at her enthusiasm, which seemed to lift the wariness that had gripped the atmosphere following the tales of Anarion's prowess.
"Then let's also give our dragons experience in battling their own kind. Brother, allow Rhaenys and me to confront the Cannibal. Lord Drakonar and his dragon will stand by should the situation deteriorate," Daemon proposed, a gleeful expression on his face. It's uncertain whether his happiness stems from the solution he devised or the prospect of engaging another dragon with Caraxes.
"Have you lost your mind? And why are you dragging Rhaenys into this insanity? I will not allow her to partake in this deadly charade you're intent on pursuing," Corlys declared, anger etched on his face, looking as though he was ready to throttle Daemon to snap him out of his delirious ravings.
"Mind your tongue, Corlys. I am not my brother, who would forgive your audacity towards me. There is no Rhaenys here to save you from my wrath as she did at the Great Council," Daemon said with a dangerous look in his eyes. Upon hearing this, Corlys stood up, anger radiating from him. It seems Daemon has struck a nerve.
Daemon did not back down; he stood up, drawing Darksister from its sheath. I settled in to watch the unfolding events. However, as they began to fight, a commanding voice intervened. "Enough, both of you. Lord Corlys, control yourself. And Daemon, sheath your weapon before I take it and place it in our armory, to find another worthy of wielding it," declared Viserys, his voice booming and tinged with anger. Upon hearing Viserys, Corlys regained his composure and returned to his seat, a silent fury in his eyes, vowing not to forget this affront.
Daemon, upon seeing Corlys in his seat, sent a smirk laced with arrogance his way. He then proceeded to his own seat at a leisurely pace. Once seated, he turned to Viserys with a gleam of mirth in his eyes and said, "This sword was bestowed upon me by our grandsire, Viserys. Surely you wouldn't wish to overturn his decision, would you? After all, he has made many excellent decisions that have greatly benefited the realm to this day." At the conclusion of his speech, he cast a meaningful glance towards Corlys, ensuring his message was understood.
"Get out, Daemon," said Viserys with a sigh. Daemon looked at him quizzically. "Leave before I send you to Runestone before your nephew's birth and toward the duties you owe your lady wife," Viserys stated, locking eyes with Daemon. Daemon was about to retaliate, but the look in Viserys' eyes was enough for him to back down, as I believe he did not want to be sent to Runestone permanently. He stood up to leave, but not before sending a smirk full of mockery towards Corlys.
Corlys gripped the handle of the chair he was seated on so tightly that his knuckles turned completely white, looking as if they might bleed soon. After shooting a glare at Daemon, he closed his eyes for a moment and reopened them, the previous fury gone. Just as he was about to leave the room, Viserys's voice could be heard once more, now devoid of its former anger.
"I would like to offer an apology on behalf of Daemon Lord Corlys. You are aware that he is a rogue at heart. His anger overcame him, so please disregard his harsh words towards you and your family. You understand that he doesn't mean half of the venomous things he says," stated Viserys, his tone apologetic and his smile contrasting the insults he had hurled at Daemon.
Corlys remained silent, offering only a nod towards Viserys. After bowing to Viserys and Aemma, he acknowledged me with a nod and departed. As the heavy doors closed, a chorus of sighs filled the room. Turning towards the couple who had sighed, I noticed Viserys appeared to have aged five years in mere moments, while Aemma wore a look of concern on her face.
"That is not good, Viserys. In times when our enemies have the upper hand, we cannot afford internal conflicts. You must control Daemon's tendencies to turn everyone into an enemy, or we will find ourselves without allies," said Aemma, concern evident in her tone towards Viserys. Rhaenyra looked concerned upon hearing her mother and grasped the gravity of the situation.
"I'm trying, Aemma. Why do you think I'm offering him a position at my court? It's to satisfy his insatiable desire for power because I fear what he might do otherwise. Daemon is not easy to control. You can only steer him in a different direction and hope for the best. I cannot exile him either, as our enemies out there would love to tear us apart one by one," said Viserys as he massaged his temples, pondering how to curb Daemon's tendencies.
"Why not let him do what he wants King Viserys? I can understand your fears as there is not many Dragon riders in your family now. But Prince Daemon is right Anarion and I would be able to handle the situation if it got out of hand. And with the Cannibal's death your family will benefit that I promised. As there is many rituals that I could perform with Dragon parts that would increase your family bond with your Dragons." I said to Viserys. And I would benefit too with all of this as I would take my own part on Cannibal remains.
"Though I'm not fond of all this talk about killing, Lord Drakonar is correct, Viserys; it could be advantageous for us in many ways. The Cannibal has consumed many hatchlings to date, and less discussion about egg theft is preferable. Therefore, eliminating the Cannibal would be beneficial and harmless. Moreover, if you're concerned about Lord Corlys' wrath, let them also gain from Lord Drakonar's rituals, especially if Meleys and Rhaenys join the battle. Now, we needn't worry about spreading Dragonblood since everyone in the realm is aware of Laenor's inclinations," said Aemma, a hint of amusement in her gaze. Viserys sat up straight and turned towards Rhaenyra when Aemma mentioned Laenor's preferences.
"I have no doubts about your abilities, Lord Drakonar. However, Cannibal is a cunning one; there have been numerous attempts by my uncle and my father to slay him, even with many Dragon-riders in House Targaryen. And Caraxes is not large enough to contend alone with Cannibal. If Rhaenys were amenable, I wouldn't oppose this venture, as it would divert Daemon's attention to festivities celebrating his triumph. But it's likely that Lord Corlys would object to sending Rhaenys. Not that my cousin would need her lord husband's permission. Yet, considering Daemon's words today, she might choose not to involve herself," said Viserys, looking towards me for a solution to his dilemma.
"I would talk to Lord Corlys if you want. And even if they don't agree I am sure Caraxes might alone bring Cannibal down. Though he would be greatly injured after fight but there is Vezofina that would heal him back from anything. But she would need two moons to grow fully as she still one month old right now. So if you want let me know as you have two moons to decide." I answered to him. Viserys look happy that I would talk to Lord Corlys. But when I mentioned Vezofina age they look surprised. After thinking for a some time he opened his mouth to speak.
"That would be excellent, Lord Drakonar. Let's make a decision after Vezofina matures, and it would be beneficial if Lord Corlys had time to temper his fury," said Viserys. Following that, we all stood up, prepared to depart the dining chamber for our respective chambers.
The anticipation for the time following this extended period of two months is undeniable, as there are many events that will be taking place within that timeframe.
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