A fortnight later...
"Arianne is not coming with us?" Rhaenys asked when the dragon riders gathered next to their dragons at dawn, the cool morning mist clinging to their skin and the faint scent of dew-dampened earth rising around them.
She was in her breeches right now, and her Draegon was saddled up with a sack containing her belongings firmly tied next to her seat.
"No," Azaerys answered and then helped Viserys tie up a sack on Rhaelyx's back, the leather straps creaking softly under tension.
"Oh," the little princess smiled and then stepped forward to hug Ashara and Lyanna, feeling the warmth of their embraces against the chill air.
When she stepped away from their embrace, she glanced at her mother and her little brothers.
Aegon and Rhaemon were in their breeches just like her, but unlike her, who realised that they were not heading out for fun, they were grinning from ear to ear, excited for the adventure, their eyes sparkling with youthful anticipation.
Rhaegal and Lyrax exuded the same feelings as their riders, being playful as ever, but since Azaerys was standing with them, none of them dared to create any scene, their tails twitching restlessly but held in check.
It was funny how well-behaved the dragons were in his presence.
"We will be back before they come into this world."
She heard the words and turned to look at her uncle, who was hugging Allyria and made a promise to her, his voice steady and reassuring amid the quiet dawn.
The younger Dayne, who was heavily pregnant, had tears brimming in her eyes, and it looked like she did not believe his words, her hands trembling slightly as she clung to him.
Her mother had told Rhaenys that it was common for pregnant ladies to lose control of their emotions over the slightest of things, and having observed her friend in the past several moons, she found pregnancy both fascinating and disturbing, the subtle swell and movements evoking a mix of wonder and unease.
Allyria quickly walked over to Azaerys and hugged him when he came over, and she started crying in his arms, her sobs muffled against his chest.
"Please return him to me safe and sound, Brother." She pleaded, and the king sighed before he gently caressed her head, his touch soothing and firm.
"Everyone will return safe and sound, Allyria," he promised her, and they finally saw her relax, her shoulders easing with a deep breath.
She obediently nodded her head and then returned to her husband's side and hugged him again, holding on tightly as if to memorise his warmth.
Aegon and Rhaemon finally tensed up when they saw tears in Lyanna and Elia's eyes, and both the boys stepped forward to bid farewell to their mothers, their excitement dimming under the weight of the moment.
"Do not become a disappointment to Azaerys, Rhae," Lyanna told her son, who tensed up at the solemnity but resolutely nodded his head. "Be obedient."
"Yes, Mother."
Rhaenys, being sensible as ever, promised them that she would keep an eye on both of her brothers, her voice steady and mature beyond her years.
Hearing how responsible her daughter was, Elia could not hold back her tears and hugged her again for the umpteenth time, the fabric of their clothes rustling softly.
She did not want either Rhaenys or Aegon to go, but it was not up to her to make a decision for them.
"You must take care of yourself as well," the Martell told her daughter.
"Hehe... Az will take care of me." The princess grinned and rushed to her dragon as soon as she separated from her mother's arms, her boots crunching lightly on the gravel.
She climbed on Draegon's back and buckled up in the saddle, which Azaerys checked to make sure it was firmly tied, his hands methodical and reassuring.
Following her lead, her brothers did the same, and after Viserys made sure that they were secure in their seats, he gave them the go to take to the skies, the air stirring with the flap of wings.
Rhaelyx soon followed her siblings and Lyrax, and after circling the manse a few times, she led them away, the distant roars fading into the horizon.
When Azaerys finally walked towards his dragons, having assured the ladies, especially Allyria not to worry too much, the mischievous Nefaerion immediately stepped in his way, making it clear that she wanted him to ride on her, her crimson eyes gleaming with insistence.
She challengingly roared at Aerylyx, who, as always, ignored her, treating her as if she was insignificant in his eyes, his massive form unmoving.
Her antics made the Young King laugh, and after gently stroking her snout, feeling the rough scales warm under his palm, he climbed on her back and took her to the skies.
Aerylyx followed after them, and thankfully, he did not try to compete with Nefaerion on speed, soaring gracefully above.
The white dragon simply climbed higher and higher into the sky, and when they disappeared, the people back at the manse fell into silence that lasted for several minutes, the absence echoing in the quiet air.
Eventually, Ashara and Lyanna helped Allyria return to her chambers, and on their way, they found Arianne sitting in the loggia, staring at the clouds, the gentle breeze rustling her hair.
"You should have come and bid them farewell."
"I don't like bidding people farewell..." She shook her head and then smiled as she stood up and wished good morning to her good sister, Allyria, her voice light and warm.
"Why didn't you go with them?" Lyanna curiously asked.
"I want to stay with Ally," she informed the Stark, who smiled and nodded her head in understanding.
Arianne and Allyria were very close friends, and since the latter was going to give birth in a couple of moons, it was understandable that the Martell wanted to stay by her side.
"Or is it because you don't want to be around Laeha and Laena?" Teased Allyria, having heard from Viserys that Arianne disliked the two Kharzik princesses.
"Whatever..." the Martell queen rolled her eyes.
A while later, when Ashara returned to her room, a smile crossed her lips as she found Daenerys and Elaena still peacefully sleeping on the bed, their chests rising and falling in gentle rhythm.
She changed into her nightdress again and joined them, tried her best to keep the sad thoughts away, and finally fell asleep, draping her arm over Dany, feeling the soft warmth of her small form.
On the other side, in the clouds, the Targaryens and their dragons watched the sun rising from the east, a sight that mesmerised them, the golden rays painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
Azaerys saw that Aegon and Rhaemon were struggling to breathe, having never flown at this altitude before, and since they were weaker in magic, it was much harder for them to cope with their physical weaknesses, their breaths coming in shallow gasps.
Rhaenys was faring much better, but she was worriedly glancing at her little brothers from time to time, her brow furrowed in concern.
An hour later, when they left the land far behind them, Azaerys signalled them to descend, and the pale faces of the two princes finally found some colour, relief washing over them like a cool wave.
The Young King closed his eyes, sharing the Dragonsight with Aerylyx, who was way above them in the clouds, keeping eyes on everyone and the surroundings, the vast expanse unfolding in his mind's eye.
He heard Nefaerion complain to him, urging him to share the sight with her, but a few words of love calmed her down and then she cheerfully roared before deciding to race Rhaelyx, her wings cutting through the air with vigour.
By noon, all their enthusiasm died, and Rhaemon and Aegon were both very tired and bored, the endless blue sky weighing on their spirits.
It was a good thing that they were wearing their hoods, which protected them from the sun, and both fell asleep in their saddles when their boredom reached its peak, their heads nodding gently.
When Rhaenys saw that the two had fallen asleep, she was mad at them, but Azaerys stopped her from waking them up, his gesture calm and understanding.
Yes, it was a grave mistake to fall asleep on the back of your dragon during the flight, but considering that they were just children, having never flown such distances before, he did not plan on punishing them excessively over it.
Thankfully, dragons possessed a natural ability to navigate and fly to places that they had already been to, so, on their backs, there was no chance of getting lost, their instincts guiding them unerringly.
There was still ample time in the sunset when they reached the shores of south-eastern Ulthos, and Rhaenys, tired after a long flight, smiled when she saw the six vessels, which were anchored a little away from the beach, the waves lapping gently against their hulls.
Having sensed their arrival, a silver dragon flew up from the woods, and Lyrax excitedly rushed in her sibling's direction, the air vibrating with their calls.
Rhaemon was jolted awake by the calls of the dragons, and it was the same for Aegon, their eyes snapping open in surprise.
When the two princes saw the Town of Lions in the distance, their excitement returned, but then they tensed up when they saw that tens of thousands of people were gathered to meet them and to see their dragons, the murmur of the crowd a distant hum.
Their restlessness caused their dragons to feel restless as well, but thankfully, a roar from Nefaerion helped them snap out of it, the deep sound resonating through the air.
The six dragons landed a little away from the town, but Azaerys did not get off Nefaerion's back, remaining seated with poised authority.
Aerylyx was still in the sky, and the shadow it cast over the town left a deep impression on the Kharziks, the massive silhouette stirring awe and whispers.
"I need to show them the places where they can hunt. Go get some rest," he told Viserys, who gratefully nodded to him and then led Rhaenys, Aegon, and Rhaemon to meet Arthur, Oberyn, and Nymeria, who were waiting at the gate with Chief Zarro, their figures outlined against the setting sun.
The Young King flew away with all the dragons, heading east, and for the next three hours, he showed them the hunting grounds, gave them their instructions, and left Rhaelyx in charge, the landscapes unfolding below in a tapestry of greens and rivers.
When they had all hunted wild buffaloes and eaten to their fill, he returned to the town on Nefaerion's back, the scent of fresh blood lingering faintly in the air.
The sky had darkened by then, with the last bits of redness on the horizon, painting the world in twilight hues.
"Don't be too mischievous, girl. Be good."
The she-dragon blew a gust of her hot breath on him at his words, minding them a little, but he knew she would not disobey his commands, the warmth carrying a hint of smoke.
After lovingly stroking her snout for several minutes, feeling the textured ridges, he asked her to join Aerylyx in the sky, and she happily flew away to the white dragon's side.
Seeing the two of them start playing with each other, their bond becoming stronger, he smiled, the distant silhouettes graceful against the stars.
"Why do you have two dragons?" A voice he was familiar with asked, and he turned around to meet the twins, who were curiously looking at his dragons.
"I am special," he grinned at them, and then without speaking any more words, walked past them, into the town.
Laeha and Laena followed him, watched every Kharzik greet him as they passed by, and his broad back looked even broader in their eyes, commanding respect in the flickering torchlight.
There was just something about him that did not feel right, but they could not wrap their heads around what it was.
"Will you be joining us for dinner?" He asked them when they arrived at the guest house.
"Yes," Laena nodded to him and then raised her brow when he grabbed her hand and planted a kiss on her knuckles, his lips warm and lingering just enough to send a subtle thrill.
"I will see you later then, my ladies." He said to her and then took Laeha's hand and planted a kiss on her knuckles as well.
The twins looked at each other and rolled their eyes, but when they turned towards the chief's manse, they found their mother looking their way and smiling.
Both tried to control the blush and cursed the dragonlord in their hearts for deliberately giving their mother an excuse to tease them.
Azaerys, wearing a smirk on his face, entered the guest hall, and immediately frowned when he saw Aegon and Rhaemon arguing with each other, their voices rising in heated whispers.
Rhaenys had her brows furrowed as she watched her little brothers misbehaving again, and she tensed up when she caught sight of him, her posture straightening.
"Az!" She called out to him, warning her little siblings, and then rushed over to hug him, her arms wrapping tightly.
"Did you eat something?"
"Some dried fruits. We have been touring the town."
"I see. Why are they arguing?" He asked her, and as much as she wanted to protect her little brothers, she could never lie to him. Not even for them.
"When we visited the temple, the priestess told Rhaemon that he had the blood of wargs. The Kharziks felt close to him after she revealed it to the public, and Aegon was upset. Later, Rhaemon boasted about how many gifts he had received, and they fell into an argument..."
"Did I not tell you to not accept the gifts without Viserys' approval?" He frowned.
"He approved. There was nothing expensive," she informed him.
"Where is he?"
"He went to meet the chief and discuss some plans."
Azaerys nodded to her and then glanced at his brothers, who were now behaving themselves, their faces flushed with guilt.
"Aegon, Rhaemon." He called out their names, and both jumped up their feet and nervously brisked over to him. "Leave us." He ordered everyone else in the hall, and when the door was closed with a soft thud, he lowered his eyes at the two of them.
"Sorry, Brother," Aegon immediately apologised.
"For what?" He calmly asked.
Azaerys waited for an answer, but only silence was his reply, thick and heavy in the room.
When he audibly sighed, both the boys flinched, the sound cutting through the tension.
"Come with me, Aegon," he patted the boy's head and walked out of the hall.
Aegon threw a glare at Rhaemon before he followed after the Young King, believing that only he was going to get punished, his steps hesitant.
A while later, the two arrived at the top of the walls, and Azaerys stopped at a crenel and looked towards the dark forest, the night breeze carrying distant animal calls.
The silence from him weighed heavily on the little prince's heart, but he dared not say anything, his heart pounding.
"Have I wronged you, Aegon?" Azaerys softly asked, and when he glanced at his brother, he found his body quivering.
"No, Brother."
"Is that the truth?"
"Yes," the boy resolutely nodded his head, already feeling heavy in his heart.
"Then why do you insist on becoming my weakness rather than my strength?"
"I..."
He wanted to deny it but instead turned quiet, shame washing over him.
"I am disappointed, Aegon."
The words cut right into the prince's heart, and he failed to hold back his tears, hot and stinging.
"You once used to be honest with me..."
"I still am!" He defended himself, and Azaerys narrowed his eyes at him.
"Then tell me, Brother. Why do you hold resentment in your heart for Rhaemon?"
"I don't..." He subconsciously wanted to refute, but then lowered his head in shame and did not finish his words.
"He's younger than you. Almost two years..."
"And he's better than me." The boy wiped his tears and raised his head to meet Azaerys' eyes. "Why is he better than me?"
"How is he better than you?" He asked back with a smile.
"He's younger but he runs faster. He's younger but he's just as good with the sword as I am. He has more magic. He can ride a dragon just as well as I can. He's a warg too. I am not a warg..."
Azaerys patiently listened as his little brother vented out all his resentment, and when he finished and lowered his head, he reached forward and patted his head, the gesture comforting.
"Never ever think of yourself as any less than your brother, Aegon. Both of you are princes, equal in status, and your intrinsic qualities make you different from each other. They make you unique. No two people are ever the same."
"He's more talented..."
"No," Azaerys shook his head, and Aegon surprisedly looked at him. "He's more talented than you in swordfighting, and yes, he is a warg and was born with more magic. He can run faster than you, yes, but tell me, is he as smart as you are in your studies? You know more spells than he does. You know history better than he does. You know how to greet people better than he does. You are better at reading people and their intentions. And whilst you are quick to temper at times, you always have a scheme up in your head." He smiled as he watched his little brother blush and lower his head. "Isn't that why you pinch his nerves whenever you are irritated by him? You always know how he's going to react."
"I..."
"You also have an interest in music, art, cultures, and a curious mind about how everything works. Does Rhaemon have the patience to sit in the forge for hours and watch Ser Horace create a blade? Does he have enough patience to sit under the tree for hours and observe and study the behaviour of the dragons? Does he even show any interest in studies?"
"No..." Aegon shook his head and started feeling better in his heart, a warmth spreading through him.
"You are older and so I will always expect you to exercise patience and be more forgiving than your little brother. I will always expect you to exercise tolerance when it comes to those younger than you. Understood?"
"Yes," he nodded his head.
Azaerys remained silent for a while, looking into his brother's eyes, the stars reflecting in them.
"Do you hate him, Aegon? Do you want him to die?"
"No!" He panicked and immediately shook his head, his face now pale in fear.
"Then don't destroy him," he lightly said, but the words suffocated the little prince. "Be kind to him. Be a benevolent brother to him. Be someone he has to look up to. Be a brother whom he holds respect for."
"I will." He promised as he furrowed his brows and lowered his head.
"Are you interested in learning archery from the Kharziks?"
Aegon's eyes brightened at his words and he nodded his head.
"Yes. They are amazing! I saw them hit the mark from the back of the hippogriffs!"
"Yes, they are very gifted." He smiled and then chatted with his brother for a good hour, the conversation flowing easily under the night sky.
When the two returned to the guest hall for dinner, Rhaemon, who was very nervous, walked over to them and apologised.
He was very sad that Aegon had to bear the punishment when he was the one who had initiated their spat earlier.
Seeing how distraught his little brother was, Aegon felt guilty and shared a hug with him and reconciled, their embrace warm and genuine.
Rhaenys brightly smiled when she saw her two little brothers no longer misbehaving with each other. And in her heart, she admired Azaerys even more for pulling off something that she, Elia, Lyanna, and even Ashara had failed to accomplish.