Daeranyx POV
I have just left the chambers where Aemma has given birth, to allow Aemma and Viserys some much-needed time with their son. I glanced at the Maester and his acolytes, who were offering me sweet smiles. However, I knew their smiles were feigned, as they have not ceased their attempts to infiltrate my chambers in the Red Keep. This is despite the fact that many of their spies have contracted diseases and conditions previously unknown in this world. I had suspected that it was the faith sending these people to assassinate me in my sleep, but after sparing one of them, I used legilimency on him. This revealed the identity of the person who sent him, and following the trail, I discovered that the Maesters were behind it all.
I began making my way toward my chambers, for it is time to journey to my own island. The moment to reunite with Anarion has arrived. I had greatly underestimated how much I would miss our daily flights through the skies. I thought time would fly, and I'd be so engrossed in training that I wouldn't notice the separation, and soon we'd be together again. Watching the Targaryens and Velaryons ride their mounts each day only intensified my longing. Though I've ridden Vhagar with Laena a few times, it pales in comparison to steering my own dragon, Anarion, wherever I wish.
Additionally, there is another reason I need to visit Skagos: to create a gateway between it and my dimension. I'm considering establishing gateways to all the places that are important to me, all linked to my dimension. While I can apparate wherever I desire, others cannot, and I'm creating these gateways for the future. I'm also contemplating building my castle on Skagos. I have grand plans for Skagos, which is why I requested this island in exchange for all that I have provided to the Targaryens. I am aware that I have offered more than what I sought, but in my view, it will all be worthwhile once the volcano on Skagos becomes active, as that will mark the beginning of the island's real transformation by my hand.
Reflecting on Skagos, I recalled when the Targaryens discovered Laena's bond with Vhagar had grown so strong that she seldom needed a whip. Subsequently, they inundated me with invitations to discuss this. After I declined their offers, Viserys unexpectedly sent Aemma instead of an irate Daemon demanding to know why I had ignored his brother's summons. Truthfully, I was anticipating Daemon's fury, eager to test a spell on him to gauge his breaking point, driven by boredom from incessant training. However, that's irrelevant. When Aemma arrived, despite her condition, I decided to make the Targaryens wait, leveraging their curiosity to negotiate for what I desired. Our conversation remains vivid in my memory.
***Flashback***
I am making my way to the royal quarters, having completed my swordsmanship training and after taking a bath and changing my attire. The King's guard opens the chamber doors, and I step inside. Waiting for me are only Viserys and Aemma. After exchanging greetings, I take my seat opposite them. Viserys regards me with an impassive expression, while Aemma's radiant smile signals her pleasure that I have heeded her request and joined them for a conversation.
"Lord Drakonar, it has been a few days since I last saw you. I hope you have not experienced any discomfort in my keep. That would be impossible, as the Velaryons are now attentively seeing to all your needs, as they have done in the past for the Targaryens," said Viserys with a pointed tone. The previous smile on Aemma's face had vanished, and she placed her hand on Viserys' as he looked toward her. The glare directed at him was his first warning. It seems the rumours about King Viserys gaining a backbone and actively taking the reins of his kingdom, rather than depending on his councillors, are somewhat true.
But what could I say to him when he speaks the truth? House Velaryon was loyal to House Targaryen until my arrival. Corlys is a good man, yet his ambition is undeniable. It has propelled House Velaryon to its current status. Thus, I disregarded his sharp remarks about House Velaryon and showed through my posture that I had no desire to listen to his diatribe. Viserys huffed, and then Aemma took over the conversation; we discussed Valyrian architecture. Surprisingly, Aemma shares Viserys' passion for Valyrian architecture, a topic we often explore in our discussions. To be frank, I too prefer construction over engaging in politics or needless bloodshed.
After some time, as I was contemplating that we should proceed to the main subject, Viserys said, "I am aware that you understand why we have summoned you here, Lord Drakonar. It has been confirmed by my spies that you have strengthened Lady Laena's bond with Vhagar to the extent that she seldom needs a whip now. However, you have informed us that the Targaryen's must slay the Cannibal to perform the ritual, which you will then provide to us. I am certain you have your reasons. Initially, I thought the cost was the barrier to you providing the ritual but recalling what you told Lord Corlys during the alliance between your houses, I dismissed that notion. Yet, after much deliberation, I cannot pinpoint any fault or slight that House Targaryen may have caused House Drakonar. This is why I have called for this meeting, to clear any misunderstandings and to formally request the ritual, offering in exchange whatever House Drakonar may ask of House Targaryen."
"There is no misunderstanding between our houses, King Viserys. I have urged you to slay the Cannibal because doing so will provide us with the essential ingredients needed to perform the ritual for all current members of House Targaryen. In Laena's case, the ingredients were provided by me, as she is my betrothed. That is why only Laena has performed the ritual, not Rhaenys and Laenor. However, if you wish to undergo a ritual now that strengthens the bond between dragon and rider, I can arrange that, but be aware it will be less potent without the magical ingredients from the dragon's corpse," I explained. Aemma looked towards Viserys, who would decide which ritual House Targaryen would receive. I noticed Viserys' expression change when I mentioned that I had provided all the ingredients for Laena's ritual.
I apologize for not updating my story for more than two weeks. I was severely ill and unable to write for some time. I'm feeling better now, and will resume regular updates starting today. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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