The Next Day

  Aemond walked with his shoulders pulled back proudly as he entered the Dragonpit, intending to make his way to Silverwing's cave.

  "Aemond, I'm surprised to see you here." Aemond turned his head and saw his eldest sister approaching him. Rhaenyra was wearing her riding leathers, looking at Aemond with an amused smile on her face.

  "Really?" Aemond asked.

  Rhaenyra chuckled, "Of course, I did not think your mother would let you out so soon after your showing last night. Or does she not know that you are here again?"

  Aemond looked away from Rhaenyra's knowing expression, "She doesn't understand."

  Rhaenyra sighed, "Your mother only worries about you; she was not wrong when she said you and Lilyanna could have gotten serious hurt."

  "I know, but I had to go. I had to claim Silverwing." Aemond argued.

  Rhaenyra's expression softened, "I know, Aemond. We have all felt the call of a dragon, the desire to fly, but not having a dragon is in no way shameful."

  Aemond understood what his sister was trying to say, but that was not the reality he experienced for most of his life. Aemond knew the whispers, he felt the stares, heard the laughter all aimed at him for his lack of dragon. And he knew this othering from the citizens and nobles of Westeros and from his own brother and nephews.

  "I don't have to think about that anymore." Aemond said, his thoughts moving towards Silverwing.

  "No, you won't." Rhaenyra agreed, "Now, how about we go to the dragonkeepers and have them give you some more form fitting leathers, and afterwards I can show you some maneuvers you can do with Silverwing?"

  Aemond looked at his sister wide-eyed, a hopeful smile forming on his lips, "Really? But what about mother? She doesn't know that I am here."

  "Alicent not knowing you were here did not stop you from coming here in the first place." Rhaenyra said sardonically before a mischievous smile appeared on her face, "So, what do you say? We could go ask your mother if you would prefer?"

  Aemond smiled widely, giving Rhaenyra her answer as she led her younger brother towards the dragonkeepers' quarters to get Aemond his own set of riding leathers.

  Aegon stood at the mouth of one of the many entrances of the Dragonmount, his arms crossed and a scowl on his face as he watched the scene happening a short distance away.

  He, his siblings, their nephews, and cousins had instantly noticed when Syrax and Silverwing took off into the skies, watching the she-dragons performing dives, spins, turns, and rolls.

  Alicent seemed tired and slightly annoyed when she saw this, but whether this was directed at Aemond or Rhaenyra, Aegon did not know. Viserys was all smiles, speaking of how many it made him to see Aemond and Rhaenyra flying their dragons together. And it did not take long for the children to rush outside to get a better view of the show, each in awe, except Aegon.

  The other children of the Targaryen family, except for Helaena and Lilyanna, were surrounding Aemond, watching enthralled as he stroked Silverwing's snout, each taking turns petting the dragon once he and Rhaenyra finished their flight and landed.

  Aemond was soaking up the attention, his chest puffed out and a large smile on his face as he spoke to the others about his newly acquired dragon.

  Why? Why did it have to be Silverwing? Couldn't he have just taken a hatchling? Why am I even surprised that Aemond decided he was above such? Aegon thought bitterly.

  Even though it had been less than a day, Aegon was already hearing the gossip around the castle, hearing people speaking highly of Aemond's accomplishment. No longer were people saying that Aemond would have been the perfect son and prince if only he had a dragon, but now he had that dragon, and now there was nothing about Aemond that could be seen as flawed in their eyes.

  "If you glare any harder, Aemond might burst into flames." Aegon jumped, turning around, and rolled his eyes when he saw Rhaenyra walking out of the cave behind him.

  Unlike Aemond, when Rhaenyra landed, she had led Syrax back into the Dragonmount, taking her dragon to its cave.

  I wish that twat would burst into flames. "Shouldn't you be over there, spending more time with Aemond and his dragon? The brat will certainly be dying for more of your attention."

  Rhaenyra frowned, "Aegon, I thought we had talked about you not belittling or insulting Aemond anymore?"

  "Why does it matter?!" Aegon growled, "He has a dragon now, one of the largest around, nothing I say should hurt him."

  Rhaenyra looked at Aegon critically, "I don't understand; you mock Aemond for not having a dragon, and now that he has one, you are angry. Why?"

  Aegon looked away from his sister, glaring at the rocky ground. He felt like a scolded child as he stood before his sister, his emotions swirling around inside of him like a raging storm.

  "Are you jealous of Aemond?" Rhaenyra asked after a few moments.

  "I'm not jealous!" Aegon exclaimed, "What would I have to be jealous of?"

  "You tell me, because that is the only thing that could explain this behavior of yours."

  Aegon bit his lower lip hard enough to draw blood, only stopping when Rhaenyra put her hand on his shoulder, making him look up at her.

  "Aegon." Rhaenyra said softly, "You can speak honestly with me. Your confidence is safe with me."

  Aegon sighed as he looked back at the ground, focusing on the comforting weight of Rhaenyra's hand on his shoulder. "Aemond… I don't like how people talk about Aemond."

  Rhaenyra remained silent, wanting to give her brother time to gather his thoughts and to speak his feelings clearly.

  "Aemond is always perfect; the maesters say that he is bright and scholarly, Ser Criston and others say that Aemond is quite skilled with the sword despite being so young, everyone speaks how pliable, bold, and devout Aemond is." Aegon clenched his fists, "I am never seen in the same light, and it's vexing to have such a younger brother."

  "You do not treat Daeron like this, or even Helaena and Lilyanna. There have been plenty of good things said about them." Rhaenyra said calmly.

  Aegon shook his head, "That's not the same; Daeron is gentle, courteous, and popular, but is too young, too kind, and too comfortable with his place as a third son, to most he is no better than a well-liked hedge knight. And Helaena and Lilyanna are girls. Not that there is anything wrong with being a woman! I only mean that to everyone else, it matters."

  Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow, looking at Aegon both amused and annoyed, "I understand what you meant, valonqar. Helaena and Lilyanna are both highly praised, but in our society, they will be written off because they are women. Any comparisons made between you three will be negligible."

  Rhaenyra knew this prejudiced all too well, having experienced it all her life, especially after she was made heir to the throne. It was maddening, having a cock did not make one better, and Lilyanna more than proved that even having a cock was not enough for a sizable number of lords and men, not unless they stood to gain something from you.

  Aegon sighed, "Aemond and I are closer in age, we're both men, and we are the King's eldest living sons, so no matter what I do, I will always have someone close by to be compared to. It's as if Aemond is a benchmark that is always dangled over my head and that I can never reach, he is the perfect son with none of the problems and failings that I have. And I hate hearing that the Gods cursed my mother by having me be the elder son instead of Aemond, that if Aemond was older…"

  "That if Aemond was older, what?" Rhaenyra asked.

  Aegon's eyes widened slightly, realizing that he had began to speak too candidly to Rhaenyra, almost saying something that he should not have.

  Rhaenyra leaned closer, holding Aegon's shoulder more firmly, "Aegon, tell me. Why would people have wanted Aemond to be older than you?"

  Aegon hesitated, clenching his fists even tighter and unable to meet Rhaenyra's eye.

  "Aegon."

  Aegon sighed, "They-they say that if Aemond was the elder, then father would have made him the heir instead of letting you remain. Then the cause would have stronger legs to stand on than with me as the head."

  Rhaenyra knew that many wished for Aegon to their father heir and to have him replace her, and she knew that Alicent had been the one heading the Green cause for Aegon, but she did not know that her siblings were aware of this.

  Aegon was quick to defend as Rhaenyra stayed silent, his eyes wide as he tripped over his words. "But I don't want that! Neither-neither does Aemond! We-we all don't want to take the throne, I promise! I swear it, it's… it's only because people keep saying that I should be King, but I don't want to be. I've seen father and I don't want to ever be that or look like that, I-"

  "Aegon." Rhaenyra exclaimed, putting her other hand on Aegon's other shoulder, pulling him closer to her body and speaking to him gently. "Calm down, Aegon, calm down. I am not angry, not at you, and I know that you and our siblings do not wish to hurt me."

  Aegon relaxed in Rhaenyra's hold, "You do?"

  "I have always known; I know that you would never do such a thing. I love you, Aegon, and I would not let the words of greedy and self-interested nobles change my feelings."

  Aegon began to tear up, "Nyra..."

  Rhaenyra smiled as Aegon threw himself into her arms, hugging her tightly. It had been some time since her brother had hugged her, viewing himself as too old for such affection.

  "You do not have to worry about this anymore, I will handle it all." Rhaenyra whispered, "And you should focus on being kinder to Aemond."

  Aegon groaned, but did not pull away from Rhaenyra, "But he's an insufferable cunt."

  "Our brother is not a cunt." Rhaenyra pinched one of Aegon's forearms, causing him to squeal. "I can't believe I had to say that. No one is perfect and while it may not seem like it, Aemond has his own insecurities and problems, you should not feel the need to compare yourself to him or anyone else."

  "But-"

  Rhaenyra did not let Aegon finish, "And you should not listen to anyone who does; they are fools not worth the amount of recognition you offer them. And if you do hear someone, say such drivel, point me in their direction, and I will talk to them."

  Aegon laughed, "Will this talk involve Syrax?"

  "It certainly will not." Rhaenyra said in an exaggerated manner, barely containing her smile, "I am no brute or warmonger, I will speak to them with the grace and civility that my station demands."

  Aegon smiled, "Naturally."

  "But I am serious about treating Aemond better, in this world we live in, it is our family that we can trust and rely on before all others."

  Before Aegon could respond, Silverwing began to move in their direction and the two siblings stepped to the side, allowing the dragon to enter the Dragonmount unimpeded.

  "Are you well, Aegon? Your eyes are red." Daeron asked as he and the others joined them.

  Aegon took a step away from Rhaenyra, clearing his throat and acting casually, "Of course I am fine, it's merely the dust in the air getting into my eyes."

  Daeron was not sure if he believed Aegon, especially with how delighted Rhaenyra looked at Aegon's side, but did not question his brother further.

  Rhaenyra smiled to herself as she and the children began walking back to the castle, hearing Aegon awkwardly congratulating Aemond for claiming Silverwing, much to Aemond's surprise and tentative joy, glad that he was trying to take her words to heart. But her smile died when she started to think about what Aegon had told her about people wanting him to succeed Viserys.

  For almost two years, Rhaenyra and Alicent had found themselves at peace with each other, no longer fighting with each other as they once did. But there were still those at court and across the realm who supported Aegon, despite Aegon not hiding how little he cared for such support.

  Her younger half siblings still wore green clothing most of the time, she was still not entirely respected in her role as Princess of Dragonstone, and Alicent had not once said that she had accepted Rhaenyra as heir and that she no longer wanted to push the claims of her sons over Rhaenyra's.

  I must speak to Alicent about this. I will be Queen one day, and I cannot have thoughts of treason being whispered into my siblings' ears. Rhaenyra thought.

  How is it fair that I have to be here while everyone else is outside? Lilyanna thought as she kneeled next to her mother at the altar.

  Alicent had kept to her promise of giving her daughters what she believed to be appropriate punishments for sneaking off to Pentos. Helaena had not been allowed to join the others when they went out to watch Rhaenyra and Aemond's flight but had soon been distracted by a spider she found in a nearby corner, watching it spin its web, enthralled by the action. So, Lilyanna felt that she was the only one being truly punished as Alicent had dragged her to the sept of Dragonstone that morning.

  Why does Dragonstone even have a sept? Most Targaryens, hell, most Valyrians are either non-religious, prayed to the Fourteen, or only acted like they practiced the Faith of the Seven. This is definitely just lip service paid to the Faith.

  Lilyanna would not be surprised if this were the case, a way for the Targaryens to show the rest of Westeros that they were willing to assimilate by adopting some of their culture.

  Although to Lilyanna, this appeared like a hollow gesture, like the performative allyship and apologies that she often saw made towards minorities on Earth. The sept was a platitude, but at the same time, the Valryians of today were almost no different from those of Westeros, only being separated due to their hair, eyes, and their giant, fire breathing, murder lizards.

  Lilyanna did not bother to close her eyes and pretend to pray, looking around the sept with a bored expression on her face. She noted that unlike the sept of King's Landing, the sept of Dragonstone was smaller and less ornate and had a smaller number of septons and septas, showing how little this building was used by the island's populace.

  Wait, is the Seven Who Are One real? Thanks to Aegon, Visenya, and Rhaenys, I know that the old Gods of Valyria are real, they were the ones who brought me here, so would the same go for them, it? Are all the gods in this world real? Why have I never thought of this before?

  While Lilyanna could confidently say that some gods were real, it did not change the fact that she saw no reason to pray or be religious. Why should she pray to deities who stand aside and do nothing within their power to help the mortals below? Who only pay attention to mortals if or when it suits their own interests?

  Alicent smiled as she finished her prayers and slowly rising to her feet, making Lilyanna feel relief as she knew that they would finally be leaving.

  "Wasn't that satisfying?" Alicent asked aloud.

  "Sure, let's go with that." Lilyanna said dryly, "Am I really going to have do this for the next moon?"

  "Yes, you are." Alicent stressed, "Honestly, Lilyanna, you are acting as if I am dragging you to your execution."

  You might as well be. The Valyrian gods were the ones who isekai'd me here, would the Seven even want my prayers if I bothered to give them? Or do they simply not care? Can they even do anything for me?

  Alicent shook her head, wondering if her own parents felt exasperated with her and her brothers growing up the same way she felt towards her own children at times.

  Lilyanna sat across from her mother as Criston opened the carriage door for them, happy to be heading back to the castle once the carriage started to move. And as Lilyanna leaned her head against the window, watching as they moved through the streets of Dragonstone's largest village, her eyes widened slightly when she caught the of a sign for a smithy.

  Maybe I can find the swords I want here. Dragonstone is populated with people from all over, so there would certainly be diverse types of blacksmiths here that could be capable of helping me. Lilyanna thought, smiling to herself as she planned to come back here as soon as she could.

  Alicent looked through the window, no longer seeing Syrax and Silverwing in the sky, signaling that Aemond and Rhaenyra were finished with their flight.

  What am I going to do with Aemond? Alicent thought, seeing the clear change in her middle son.

  Aemond has been obsessed with dragons since he was old enough to know what dragons were, he had wanted nothing more than to have a dragon of his own. While Alicent was glad that her son had finally gotten what he wanted, she could not stop thinking about what could have happened last night, and wondered if having a dragon, especially one as large and prestigious as Silverwing would cause Aemond to be even more reckless.

  "Are you still upset with Aemond and I?" Lilyanna asked, following her mother's gaze, and realizing what Alicent was thinking.

  Alicent frowned, "What you and Aemond did was reckless, you two could have died."

  "I know and I sorry for worrying you, but you know that Aemond would not stop until he finally claimed a dragon. So, I thought it best to go with him since dragons seem to enjoy my presence, and I could ensure that he stayed safe." Lilyanna said.

  "And riding Silverwing without a saddle was also protecting Aemond?" Alicent asked pointedly.

  Lilyanna scratched the back of her neck, a sheepish expression on her face, "That was stupid, I have no excuse for that, and I should have fought Aemond harder on that."

  "I suppose this is just something one must accept when they have dragonrider children." Alicent said begrudgingly.

  Alicent fought the urge to pick at her cuticles, being reminded of how different she was from her children. She would never understand the bonds or customs they had as Targaryens, and she could not shield them from most things.

  Lilyanna hummed, "Aemond wants me to claim a dragon from the Dragonmount."

  "Does he?" Alicent asked but was not surprised by this.

  Aemond, since Helaena claimed Dreamfyre, had wanted himself and Lilyanna to claim dragons of their own as to not be left behind by their siblings and nephews, and he remained resolute in his desire even as Lilyanna continued to be apathetic to the idea of being a dragonrider.

  "I think he wants to drag me to every available dragon in the mount. He wanted me to try yesterday after our ride on Silverwing, but I was adamant about returning to the castle." Lilyanna sighed.

  Alicent tried to keep herself from sounding hopeful, "And you do not want to claim a dragon?"

  Lilyanna shrugged, pressing her head against the window once more, "I have never wanted a dragon to the same extent as everyone else, and I would not be upset if I never claim one. I would not be the first and most likely not the last Targaryen to not be a dragonrider. And people have much larger issues with me than my lack of dragon."

  "And you should not listen to such worthless opinions." Alicent said strongly.

  Lilyanna laughed at her mother's protectiveness, "I know, I am simply saying that I don't feel the need to have a dragon the same way Aemond did. I do not see it as something that should define my personhood or my worth as a Targaryen. Honestly, I think my siblings will be more disappointed if I fail in claiming a dragon than I ever will."

  "You may not be wrong about that." Alicent said, feeling guilty for how relieved she inwardly was about Lilyanna's confirmation about not seeking a dragon of her own.

  Lilyanna was not normal, Alicent had long known this to be true. Lilyanna was far more intelligent and intuitive than any girl her age had the right to be, and Alicent knew that her daughter was destined for remarkable things. Lilyanna was not someone who would be able to blend into the shadows, even as many sought to be break her down and put her in what many viewed as her place.

  But to Alicent, she wanted her younger daughter to still be reachable, to know that Lilyanna was content to remain on the ground with her instead of flying off to places that Alicent could not go.

  It was why Alicent was so angry over Helaena and Lilyanna going to Pentos, because despite their good actions, it was confirmation to Alicent that she was losing her children to age and greater responsibilities and desires.

  As if she was not their mother, and that nothing she said mattered, and Viserys had done much in the last couple of days to cement this feeling within her. She wanted to ignore the truth for just a bit longer, and she felt like a terrible mother for thinking this way.

  Alicent looked down when she felt Lilyanna gently take her hand within her own, smiling at her warmly.

  "We're not going anywhere, mother." Lilyanna said reassuringly, "And even if we do, dragons will make it quite easy to come back to you. Although you will not have to miss us if you decided to join us on dragon back."

  Alicent laughed, both at the Lilyanna's words and the playfully smile that Lilyanna gave her, one that reminded Alicent so much of Rhaenyra. "I am perfectly content on the ground, and away from the man-eating dragons, my little flower."

  "The dragons won't eat you, and even if they want to, I won't let them."

  "Because you are the dragon whisperer?" Alicent asked with a playful grin.

  Lilyanna scowled, causing Alicent to laugh again, "That isn't funny, mother. I'm serious, I hate that terrible title. I should punch Laenor in the face for giving that name to me, well, when I'm tall enough to reach his ugly face."

  Alicent continued to laugh, and Lilyanna was not able to hold onto her annoyance for long as she watched her mother let down her mask of regal propriety in a rare showing.

  I suppose I do not mind being the butt of the joke, at least if it's for them and no one else. Lilyanna thought to herself.

  The Next Day

  Lilyanna yawned as she sat down at the table, the family once again breaking their fast together in the great hall. She had underestimated how difficult it would be to sneak out of the castle undetected, realizing that either she and Aemond had gotten lucky when they went to the Dragonmount together or the castle's security had been increased due to how easily they were able to sneak out.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Either way, Lilyanna did not find a way to escape the castle last night. With Ser Rickard guarding her door and with the guards now patrolling the halls, Lilyanna was forced to hold off on her plan for a later date.

  Even if I had been able to get out, there's no way anyone in that smithy would have been there for me to speak with that late at night, so it's probably good that I didn't waste my time trying to break out. Lilyanna thought as she ate.

  "Are you and mother going back to the sept today?" Helaena asked from her seat next to her twin.

  Lilyanna sighed, "Unfortunately. She's very intent on me seeing this punishment through, although I think mother just doesn't like going to the sept alone."

  Helaena frowned, "I was hoping she would forget or change her mind. I really want to see Dreamfyre toady."

  "Just go, I'm sure if you go to the Dragonmount after we leave for the sept, then mother will be none the wiser." Lilyanna said, "As long as you come back before we return."

  "And she will not be too upset if she does find out?" Helaena asked.

  "I doubt it. You're the one who gets into trouble the least, and you have the benefit of having the most innocent looking face out of all of us."

  "Innocent looking face?"

  "You know what I mean, don't be obtuse." Lilyanna said, rolling her eyes.

  Helaena giggled, knowing what Lilyanna meant and being proud of this fact as she went back to eating.

  "Where is Daemon?" Viserys asked, looking at the open seats at the table, "I am not surprised that he is so late, but it is strange that Laena and the twins are also not here."

  "Laena did not say that they would not be coming this morning, Your Grace. But I am sure they shall be here shortly." Laenor said, although he too had been wondering why his sister, and her family were so late to the meal.

  Lilyanna thought it strange too, but she was also glad to be able to enjoy a meal with having Daemon staring at her and Helaena for once. Lilyanna felt like Daemon was just waiting for an excuse to lash out against her, her siblings, and her mother, being able to hold himself back only barely.

  I honestly wish he would just do or say what he is thinking already and move on.

  But her peace was short-lived as she heard the doors of the hall open, and the presence of the missing members of her family being announced. Lilyanna did not bother to look in the direction of the door or acknowledge the new arrivals.

  But as she lifted a cup to her lips to drink, Lilyanna was suddenly knocked off her chair, hitting the floor with a thud as she felt a small figure laying on top of her.

  "I'm on the floor." Lilyanna said aloud, now staring at the ceiling.

  Lilyanna heard Aemond snort from off to the side as the gasps and sounds of surprise tapered off, "What a brilliant observation, sister."

  "Rhaena! What in the hells are you doing?!" Laena exclaimed after watching her daughter tackle Lilyanna to the ground in her excitement.

  Lilyanna lifted her head and looked down, realizing that Rhaena was the one laying on top of her and found herself confused as she felt Rhaena wrap her arms around her, hugging her with a fierce grip.

  "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Rhaena cried happily, squeezing Lilyanna tighter.

  "What am I being thanked for?" Lilyanna asked.

  Rhaena let go of Lilyanna and sat up, and when she did, everyone saw what the small creature that had moved onto Rhaena's shoulder. It was a small hatchling with pale pink scales, a black crest, and horns, and beady, slanted yellow eyes. The hatchling let out a small cry before looking down at Lilyanna, leaning close enough to the redhead to bump its head against her cheek happily.

  Morning. "Your dragon hatched." Lilyanna said, looking at Rhaena with a small grin.

  Rhaena looked at her dragon, still smiling brightly, "She did, she really did, just like you said she would."

  "You don't have to thank me, I didn't do anything too impressive, all I did was hand you an egg. If anything, you should be thanking Syrax." Lilyanna as Rhaena got off her, pushing herself to her feet.

  "Do dragons hatch this quickly after an egg is laid?" Aemond asked as he stared at the hatchling.

  "Not usually." Rhaenyra answered, glancing at the hatchling, Rhaena, and Lilyanna, "A rarity but not impossible."

  "So, this is what kept you?" Rhaenys asked as she looked away from Rhaena's smiling face to her daughter's.

  Laena sighed, a small smile on her face, "Daemon and I were shocked to see that Rhaena's egg had hatched and Rhaena refused to be parted from her hatchling."

  Corlys laughed, "And what is the hatchling's name?"

  "Her name is Morning, grandfather." Rhaena answered.

  She had named her newly hatched dragon after the pale pink scales the dragon had that to Rhaena looked just like the colors of the sky when the sun rose, and to pay homage to the time of day when her long awaited dragon finally hatched.

  "Well, I'm happy for you and Morning." Lilyanna said, rubbing the back of her head, "Damn, you're stronger than you look."

  Rhaena looked away from Lilyanna bashfully, she did not mean to tackle the older girl, but when she entered the hall with her sister and parents and saw Lilyanna, Rhaena had been overcome with the joy she had been feeling from the moment Morning hatched.

  Viserys laughed, "This wonderful. First Aemond and now Rhaena, claiming dragons in such quick succession? A blessing for our house to be given more dragonriders!"

  Again, Aemond was surprised to hear his father praising him, a small spark of joy filled his heart, but he could not help but wonder when Viserys would stop saying such good things about him and would go back to ignoring him.

  Aemond turned his gaze to his sister as everyone else was still focused on Rhaena and her dragon, staring at the back of Lilyanna's head. But Aemond was forced to look away when he felt someone staring at him, and when he did, he was met with Rhaena's gaze.

  Rhaena was staring at him questioningly, her head tilt as she glanced at Lilyanna for a few moments before looking back at him, her purples eyes saying what she could not say aloud at that time.

  Both Aemond and Rhaena understood that now, Lilyanna was the only member of their house, to not have a dragon of her own. And yet despite not having a dragon, Lilyanna gone out of her way to help the two of them claim the dragons they both had longed to have.

  In their silent conversation with each other, Aemond and Rhaena agreed that this travesty could not stand any longer, and it did not matter how apathetic Lilyanna felt about it, they would make sure that Lilyanna would have a dragon.

  A Few Hours Later

  Lilyanna smiled as she looked down at Aethan as she continued her examination of the newborn, but Aethan was not soothed by this.

  Aethan had begun to cry viciously out of nowhere, unable to stay still or sleep, and crying even more whenever a wet nurse would touch and hold him. Worry had crept over them so much, that they moved Joffrey and Visenya into an adjacent room in the nursery, keeping them far away from Aethan in fear that he had contracted some kind of illness.

  Master Gerardys had been called by the women, but even he found himself stumped when his expertise proved fruitless, and Daemon had been furious when he learned this, questioning why he and Laena had not been notified of their son's aliment before then.

  And so, Laena had come to Lilyanna, asking for her help as all other avenues had been exhausted, much to Daemon's chagrin.

  He is in pain in some way, that much is obvious with how restless he is and how he begins to bawl when he is touched. Lilyanna thought.

  Laena, Daemon, Rhaenys, Corlys, Laenor, Rhaenyra, and Viserys were all with her in the nursery, watching every movement she made as she stood over Aethan. Even Gerardys and Orwyle were there, each wanting to see what Lilyanna's solution might be.

  What is this? A performance? You all don't need to be here.

  Laenor put his arm around Laena's shoulders, "He will be fine, Laena."

  Laena gave her brother a weak and strained smile before letting it fall as she turned back to Lilyanna and Aethan, placing hand on top of Laenor's and squeezing it. She was glad to have her family by her side, but their words were falling on deaf ears as she watched her son wail and struggle against Lilyanna's hold, his face turning red as large tears fell down his face.

  "Do you know what is wrong with Aethan, or not?" Daemon asked, his impatience with Lilyanna's slow approach, now showing.

  "Daemon, you can trust Lilyanna to know what she is doing." Viserys said to his brother, "She will not endanger young Aethan."

  Lilyanna ignored both men as she kept her attention on Aethan, her eyes narrowing as she placed her thumb on a patch of scales on Aethan's arms, pressing down with a small amount of pressure, causing Aethan's cries to sharpen.

  And when Lilyanna removed her thumb and looked at it, she saw a small spattering of blood on her skin, and seeing the blood was also on the same place that she had just touched on Aethan's arm.

  "So, it's yours scales and skin that are causing you problems?" Lilyanna whispered knowingly, and as she began to think about Aethan's skin, she started to think of the dragons she had come into contact over the years.

  Lilyanna carefully put Aethan down in his cradle and removing his clothes from his body. When she finished, she reached into her cross bag and pulled out one of her jars of muscle relaxant.

  "Isn't that the relaxant you use for our dragons?" Rhaenyra asked as she looked at the familiar concoction.

  "Yes." Lilyanna said as she removed the jar's cover, spreading a good amount on the palms of her hands.

  Rhaenyra's expression did not change, "And you are going to put it on Aethan? Is that safe?"

  "It's perfectly safe." Lilyanna said, rubbing the relaxant onto the area of Aethan's body that were covered in scales before anyone could object.

  As the relaxant began to take effect, Aethan's cries slowly tapered off, and he looked up at Lilyanna with a gurgle, his eyes wide. Lilyanna smiled before reaching into her bag and pulling out a pair of forceps.

  "And just what are you going to do with that?" Laenor exclaimed, staring at Lilyanna and the tool in her hand wide eyed.

  Lilyanna had to fight the urge to roll her eyes as she turned back to Aethan, using the forceps to gently pull on the infant's scales. "I need them to help Aethan with his ecdysis."

  "Are we supposed to know what that is?" Corlys asked this time.

  Right, I keep forgetting that I can't use modern terminology when speaking to people here. "The reason Aethan has been so uncomfortable, and crying is due to the shedding of his scales."

  "He is shedding? Like a dragon?" Laena asked, walking to Lilyanna's side, and watching as she gently removed each bronze scale one at a time, placing them at the edge of the cradle.

  "But why would that hurt him? Dragons shed all the time, and they do not show any pain due to it." Laenor asked.

  "Dragon skin and human skin are worlds apart." Daemon stated, "Dragon scales are of a thick quality that very few things could pierce them, along with having muscles and bones that are incredibly strong. Aethan does not have this; most of his body is that of a human."

  He really is a dragon nerd. Lilyanna thought as she continued to remove Aethan's scales.

  By the time Lilyanna finished, there was a sizeable pile of bloodied dragon scales sitting in the corner of cradle, with Aethan now laying down peacefully, no longer showing any visible signs of discomfort.

  New scales had appeared from underneath the removed ones, shinning brighter than before. Lilyanna thought this reaction was similar to body hair once it was shave or plucked and how because it had been hidden under the surface and not exposed to air, clothing, and chemicals, the hair would appear thicker and shiner than it actually was.

  "So, he is healthy?" Corlys asked.

  "For now, but this will most likely be an issue for him going forward. Dragons never stop shedding their scales, and I doubt Aethan will be different." Lilyanna answered.

  "And could something be made for his skin?" Rhaenys asked, watching as Laena began to redress Aethan. "I can't imagine that the typical soaps and creams would be good for his skin."

  "I have been thinking of that as well. So far, I'm stumped on what could work best for a combination of dragon scales and human skin." As Lilyanna spoke, she gathered the removed scales, placing them in a small glass jar and putting the jar in her bag.

  Rhaenyra had noticed this and stared at her sister questioningly, Lilyanna met her gaze with a blank expression, until Rhaenyra looked away, remaining silent as she chalked this up to her sister's usual style of weirdness.

  Daemon had seen this as well, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Lilyanna, wondering just what Lilyanna would want with his son's scales.

  "Perhaps we can use rosemary and chamomile for his skin?" Gerardys pondered.

  "That won't do shit." Lilyanna said without a thought.

  Gerardys visibly bristled, not used to someone questioning or flat out rejecting his knowledge. Especially not from a child. "Princess, rosemary and chamomile have long since been used to treat skin ailments and have proven to be successful."

  "They have been somewhat successful at treating them, I will give you that, but they are still lacking and inferior in many ways." Lilyanna scoffed, "Besides, Aethan is not a normal person, he is half-dragon, that must be taken into account."

  "My sister means you no offense, Gerardys." Rhaenyra said while giving Lilyanna a sharp look.

  I meant all of the offense. Lilyanna thought, meeting Rhaenyra's gaze with a roll of her eyes.

  "But it would perhaps be best to leave Aethan's health to her from now on." Rhaenyra said.

  Gerardys bowed, "Of course, Your Highness."

  When Gerardys lifted his head and looked to the other maester in the room, Orwyle had a look of calm on his face, as if he was used to this kind of behavior from the younger princess. Gerardys had known of Lilyanna's intelligence, had heard that she had long surpassed Orwyle, remaining his student in name only.

  There was even rumor and gossip of how Lilyanna was practically the one in charge of the King's treatment, something that the people of King's Landing had stopped batting an eye at. But seeing this in person was an entirely different thing, one that left Gerardys not knowing how to feel.

  "Does this not bother you, Grand Maester?" Gerardys asked as he and Orwyle left the nursery together.

  Orwyle glanced at Gerardys before responding, "You will come to learn that Princess Lilyanna is quite stubborn and relentless when it comes to this sort of thing."

  Gerardys pursed his lips, "And you do not feel-"

  "Insulted to have a child tell you that everything you have learned is wrong? To have someone see your profession as not as important as you think?" Orwyle asked, "I did, I still do at times, it is infuriating, especially with how often she is proven to be right. But you cannot deny her genius, it is more often not interesting to see how her mind works."

  Even if I do wish many of her ideas were not so trailed to the peasantry. She would get much more headway if she stopped and smoothed out some of the rougher edges of her character. Orwyle thought.

  "You must be quite proud as her teacher."

  "As much as I and my predecessor would like to take credit, this is all the princess. She has taken… little from either of us."

  Gerardys still did not know what opinion to make of Lilyanna Targaryen, but he could take solace in the fact that the princess was more complicated than he first thought.

  "So, what I'm I supposed to do with these scales? You didn't tell me before you made me take them." Lilyanna said once she was back inside her bedroom.

  The Three Conquerors appeared at the sound of Lilyanna's question, Visenya being the one to respond, "They are for experimentation. Never before has a dragon born child survived childbirth, or its life snuffed out before it could be fully realized during pregnancy."

  "Aren't I a dragon born child?" Lilyanna asked.

  "Yes, but your birth was assured by the will of the Gods, and your creation was not a natural one. This could be the only chance we have to see and study such a phenomenon."

  "We? I think you mean I, sister." Rhaenys corrected, "This type of thing has always been of your interest and care."

  Visenya frowned, "Only because you two-"

  "Fail to see the importance of examination into the unknown elements of the world. Otherwise, we would understand how crucial research can be in our advancement." Aegon drawled tiredly, having heard this statement from Visenya so many times throughout their lives that it was ingrained in his mind.

  "I would not have to keep saying that if people, like you two, would understand the importance of it."

  "Alright, before you guys get into an argument, what am I doing with these?" Lilyanna asked, shaking the jar in front of her.

  Visenya crossed her arms, "First, you will need some materials and books from my old bedroom."

  Lilyanna grinned playfully, "Oh? Are you going to teach me some of your Valyrian witchcraft?"

  "Do not call it 'witchcraft,' that word is an insult to I and the countless others who have practiced the art."

  Rhaenys leaned close to Lilyanna, loudly whispering in her ear, "It used to irritate her whenever someone would call her a witch."

  "Because they always meant it as an insult, those Westerosi mongrels." Visenya seethed.

  "See what I mean." Rhaenys japed.

  "And you are sure that your belongings have not been discarded?" Aegon asked, "It's been over seventy years since you last occupied the castle."

  Visenya smirked, "Oh, I am sure."

  "That doesn't sound ominous at all." Lilyanna said sarcastically, but she could not deny that she was curious about what this process would entail, and Visenya could see this, given how her smirk grew wider.

  Lilyanna sighed, "I guess we can see if my uncle is not in the room, so we can search."

  Daemon had commandeered Visenya's bedchamber for himself and Laena to use, so Lilyanna was not looking forward to trying to sneak inside, and how she would explain to him what she was doing if she were caught.

  Before Lilyanna could leave her room, the door swung open and she watched Aemond and Rhaena enter, both staring at her strangely.

  "Is there a reason you two are here, and are looking at me like that?" Lilyanna asked.

  Aemond and Rhaena did not answer Lilyanna at first, instead walking towards her and grabbing her by the arms.

  "You're coming with us." Rhaena said, tightening her hold on Lilyanna's left arm.

  Lilyanna huffed, "And where is that exactly?"

  Aemond gave his sister a sharp grin, tugging her forward a step, "The Dragonmount."

  Lilyanna rolled her eyes, "Aemond-"

  "No, we will not be taking no, or any excuse you have for an answer." Aemond said, pulling Lilyanna by the arm again. "We have already spoken to the dragonkeepers and they are having Vermithor brought to the gantry as we speak."

  Lilyanna sighed, "You truly are not going to let this go, are you? And you have brought poor Rhaena into this?"

  "We have both decided that you cannot not be without a dragon any longer." Rhaena voiced, smiling at the older girl.

  "I must have been a terrible person in my past life to be made the focus of such relentless children."

  "You can make as many of your comments as you like, but we are going to the Dragonmount." Aemond stated as he and Rhaena began to pull Lilyanna out of the room.

  Lilyanna looked back and saw the three spirits looking at her with amusement, and all Lilyanna could do was sigh and accept her fate.

  Never a moment's peace in this family.

  "Why are you all here?" Was the first thing Lilyanna asked as she, Aemond, and Rhaena entered the gantry.

  On the platform above the bridge, their entire family had gathered to watch as the dragonkeepers were keeping Vermithor calm. Aemond and Rhaena left Lilyanna's side once she reluctantly entered, joining the others up above.

  "To watch you claim Vermithor!" Lucerys exclaimed from his place next to Laenor, "We wanted to support you!"

  "Not all of us came for support." Daemon smirked, "Some of us have come to be thoroughly entertained."

  Laena looked at Daemon with a blank and tired expression, while Alicent sent Daemon a nasty glare from the corner of her eye, both expressions only making his smirk grow larger.

  "I'm glad my impending failure will delight you, uncle." Lilyanna said sardonically.

  "You're not going to fail, Lily." Rhaenyra said, "We have faith that you shall succeed."

  "But don't worry we won't make fun of you too badly if you do." Aegon grinned, before clutching his side when Baela elbowed him in the stomach.

  "Baela, remind me to give you my dessert later for that." Lilyanna said, causing Baela to laugh and Aegon to weakly glare at her.

  "Are we sure that this is safe?" Alicent said, looking at Vermithor's enormous size wearily, and already beginning to peel the tips of her fingers.

  "Vermithor is usually tame around humans." Viserys said reassuringly, "He will not hurt her, and with the dragonkeepers and how dragons act around Lilyanna, nothing will happen to her."

  Viserys had faith that everything would be perfectly fine, a faith that Alicent could not find herself to share.

  Please, let her be safe. Alicent internally prayed.

  Lilyanna took a deep breath as she looked towards the eldest dragonkeepers and nodded her head, signaling that she was ready. The dragonkeepers kept their staffs raised as they slowly made an opening for Lilyanna to enter, backing a few feet away once Lilyanna was in front of them.

  Vermithor let out a growl when he saw the dragonkeepers move, but quickly quieted once Lilyanna came into his view, a soft hum leaving his throat.

  Lilyanna leisurely lifted her right hand, not looking away from the dragon for even a moment. "Vermithor, it seems I must claim you this day."

  Vermithor's hum grew louder, reverberating through the cave. The dragon leaned closer, pressing its snout against Lilyanna's hand.

  The cave was quiet for a few moments before Jacaerys spoke, "Did it work? Is Vermithor Lily's?"

  None of the adults responded, knowing only Lilyanna could answer that question, but Helaena was able to, "I did not. Vermithor and Lilyanna are not bonded."

  "But how?" Jacaerys asked, "It looks like Vermithor likes Lilyanna."

  Helaena shook her head, "All dragons like Lilyanna, that is not just enough reason for one to accept a bond with her."

  Viserys looked at Helaena in awe, "Did you know since the beginning that Lilyanna would not claim Vermithor."

  "No." Helaena said plainly, refusing to look in her father's direction as she stared at her twin's back.

  "Lily!" Daeron called out, the suspense finally getting to him, "Did you claim Vermithor?!"

  Lilyanna kept her hand on Vermithor as she twisted around to look at everyone, "No! I got rejected!"

  "Are you sure?!" Daeron asked, "Like really sure?!"

  "I think I would know if I gained a psychic bond or not!" Lilyann yelled back before turning back to Vermithor, whispering to him. "Are you sure that you do not want to be my dragon? I'll make sure to give you lots of food, and if you come to King's Landing with me, you can still be with Silverwing."

  Vermithor pushed his head against Lilyanna's hand and made a clicking sound with his teeth. Despite what some thought, Lilyanna could not speak to or verbally understand dragons, but she had interacted with enough to know that the sound Vermithor made, meant 'no.'

  "You have truly broken my heart, Vermithor." Lilyanna said playful.

  Vermithor climbed up higher, its head now towering over Lilyanna and using it to bring Lilyanna closer to its neck, Vermithor began to hum again when Lilyanna started to scratch the underside of its jaw.

  Vermithor and Silverwing are giving me the same feeling I had with Dreamfyre, Meleys, Caraxes, and Vhagar, like I have met them before. Seriously, what is going on? Although, I can't say that it isn't a nice feeling, it's like sitting by a warm fire when it's snowing outside.

  Aemond clenched his fists, watching a Lilyanna interacted with Vermithor, "Can't she try again? Lilyanna thought she would fail, so she did. If she tries to claim Vermithor again it will work."

  His words felt hollow on his tongue, but he needed them to be true. Aemond had to fulfil the promise he made; it was more than just a matter of keeping his word but also ensuring that Lilyanna did not have to bear the weight of being the only Targaryen in their family without a dragon.

  "Dragons do not care for what a potential rider is thinking, and regardless, that would not be possible; once a dragon decides that it does not want you, that is it." Daemon said his gaze focused on Lilyanna and Vermithor. "There is no changing their mind, and there is no second attempt."

  Aemond bristled at Daemon's cold and matter-of-fact tone, he wanted to ask how Daemon could possibly know that, but was stopped by Alicent, his mother grabbing his shoulder and holding, giving him a sharp look. Aemond glowered but begrudgingly held his tongue, a vast anger sitting within him that wanted nothing more than to be released.

  Daemon could see the look on Aemon's face from the corner of his eye but chose to ignore it, he understood better than anyone that dragons were unremittent in their choice of rider.

  He could remember the numerous times during his youth when he would sneak into the Dragonpit, and attempt to claim Meleys, the former dragon of his late mother, Alyssa Targaryen, but no matter how many times he tried, the Red Queen refused him, having no tolerance for his presence.

  Daemon could barely remember his mother, but having her dragon would have been a way to be closer to her, and as her child, Daemon viewed Meleys as his birthright.

  It was why he was so furious when Rhaenys claimed Meleys as her own, even more so when no one else was upset by Rhaenys' actions. Even Jaehaerys, who had at first been angry with Rhaenys for sneaking into the pit and claiming Meleys without his leave, quickly moved on, congratulating his eldest granddaughter days later.

  So, when the opportunity arose to claim Caraxes, Daemon took it gleefully, taking the dragon for himself hours after his uncle Aemon's body and Caraxes had been brought from Tarth to Dragonstone.

  Part of why he did so was to show his cousin how it felt to watch someone take their parent's dragon from right under their nose, but truly, he was not able to wait a moment longer to be dragonrider, and he refused to settle for any of the smaller, less formidable dragons on the island.

  Although, unlike Rhaenys, Daemon was treated like a common criminal for his dragon claiming, he could remember the anger, shock, and disgust on the faces of his family when they learned that Caraxes was his.

  I suppose I could have waited a bit longer. Daemon thought, something that he could understand now as a man grown but was unable to as a child of one and ten.

  Daemon's gaze fell on Rhaenys, and the woman only raised a singular eyebrow as she looked at him in turn, as if she knew what he was thinking, knew what he meant with his words to Aemond.

  You are still angry? Rhaenys' eyes seemed to say, and Daemon looked away with a quiet scoff.

  After some time, Vermithor removed itself from Lilyanna and moved away from the gantry, stalking its way towards the opening of the Dragonmount and disappearing into it.

  Lilyanna walked towards the platform, looking up at everyone as she spoke, "Well, Vermithor has made his choice."

  "Do you even care that you were rejected?" Aegon asked.

  "Of course, I care. Can't you see how utterly destroyed I am?" Lilyanna asked, "My life has officially lost all meaning."

  Aegon laughed, "Yes, sister, you look unable to continue living with how heartbroken you clearly are."

  "Since this was a failure, we can all just-"

  "What about the other riderless dragons? Rhaena quickly asked, "There are three other large dragons on the island, aren't there?"

  Why did I think it would be this easy? Lilyanna thought.

  Viserys, never missing a chance to speak about dragons, answered Rhaena's question. "There are and unlike Silverwing and Vermithor, they are wild dragons, each having never taken a rider; Sheepstealer, Grey Ghost, and the Cannibal."

  The eldest dragonkeeper amongst the group took this moment to give his own opinion to the King, bowing to Viserys. "You Grace, it would best for the princess to attempt claiming a hatchling first before going after those three. Each one has nests of their own on different ends of Dragonstone and can be avoidant or aggressive towards humans. It could be dangerous to attempt, even with our help."

  "Vermithor and Silverwing are more docile in comparison to the other large dragons." Viserys acquiesced, "How many hatchlings are currently on the island, elder?"

  "We have kept track of twelve." The elder answered.

  "Twelve?" Rhaenyra asked, "Last you told me, there were sixteen hatchlings."

  The elder frowned, "I did, Your Highness. But in the few weeks since your correspondence, four of the hatchlings were eaten."

  "By the Cannibal?" Rhaenyra asked, knowing that there was only one creature on Dragonstone that would eat a dragon.

  The dragonkeeper nodded his head, "The beast has grown more ravenous in recent moon turn."

  That is not reassuring. Rhaenyra thought, a worry being created at the possibility of the fearsome dragon causing issues for the island's residents, especially with Dragonstone now temporarily populated with so many nobles.

  "Will it satisfy you two if I try to claim one of the hatchlings?" Lilyanna asked

  Rhaena nodded her head while Aemond frowned, so Lilyanna took his silence as answer enough as she looked at the dragonkeepers. "Could you have the hatchlings brough here?"

  It did not take long for the twelve young dragons to be rounded up and brought before Lilyanna, she recognized the small blue hatchling that she and Aemond had ran into the night Aemond claimed Silverwing.

  Lilyanna did not have time to react as a red hatchling flew towards her and landed on her shoulder, chirping as it nuzzled her neck. This led to a free for all with the other hatchlings, each swarming Lilyanna, hanging onto her body.

  "Gods." Alicent gasped.

  Lilyanna shuddered as she felt claws digging to her skin, hair, and clothes as the dragons crawled all over her, not being able to anything but stand there and away it to happen. Lilyanna's body could barely be seen underneath the squirming and writhing mass of tiny scaly bodies.

  Why is this my life?

  "Haha!" Aegon started to laugh as he looked at his sister's misfortune, thinking that Lilyanna now looked as if she was wearing armor made of living hatchlings.

  Aegon laughing caused the other children besides Aemond to laugh heartily. Laenor had no such issue joining them, and even Rhaenyra and Laena struggled to keep their composure.

  Lilyanna wanted to say something to them but was afraid that if she opened her mouth then a stray tail, foot, or wing would end up inside her mouth due to how energetically the hatchlings were moving around her body.

  Corlys let out a snort, "Well, at least they don't seem to be hurting her."

  "Until the dragonkeepers have to help remove them." Rhaenys said, equally amused as her husband.

  "This does not happen often, I presume." Daemon said drily.

  "This image is certainly new." Rhaenyra said, still smiling.

  Daemon glowered when he noticed the tenderness and affection in Rhaenyra's voice, and how it was directed at Lilyanna.

  Lilyanna winced as the dragonkeepers converged on her and began trying to remove the hatchling from her body, feeling the twelve beasts digging their claws and teeth into her in an attempt to keep purchase.

  I really am going to slap Aemond. Lilyanna thought as the dragonkeepers continued to pull harder than they already were when they realized that the hatchlings were refusing to let go of her.

  "We have spoken to the dragonkeepers, according to them, both Sheepstealer and Grey Ghost are both on the island, we can tomorrow so you can attempt to claim them." Aemond said as he entered the room with Rhaena.

  Lilyanna was sitting in front of Orwyle while the maester applied balm to the scratches and bite marks the hatchlings left on her arms, legs, and face with their overzealousness. She gave her Aemond a nasty glare when she looked at him from the corner of her eye.

  "I believe you are going to need more balm if those dragons are anything like the hatchlings." Orwyle said drawled.

  Lilyanna gave Orwyle a dry look before turning back to her brother and cousin, "I want you two to stop bothering me."

  Aemond huffed, "Lilyanna-"

  "What do you want me to do, Aemond? Walk around the Dragonmount until I come across Sheepstealer and Grey Ghost? Neither dragon is known to stay in the same place for long, even when they nest."

  "Yes." Aemond said strongly, "But they are the only chances you have left to claim a dragon!"

  "I could always wait for another dragon egg." Lilyanna said flippantly.

  "Luke said you gave your dragon to him when he was born." Rhaena said, "If you really wanted another dragon egg you could have gotten one, Luke is seven name's days old."

  Lilyanna rolled her eyes, "Again, you two are relentless bothers."

  "You are the one being a bother." Aemond crossed his arms, "Why can't you just accept our help? You need a dragon."

  "You want me to have a dragon because me not having one feels like a reflection of how you used to feel without one. And because I helped you both get your dragons, you feel the need to return the favor, so to speak, as to save me from my continued existence as a dragonless Targaryen, especially now that I'm the only one in our family who is dragonless." Lilyanna, standing up once Orwyle finished putting the balm on her skin.

  The younger children said nothing, unable to refute what Lilyanna had just said, and Lilyanna walked past the two.

  For what is supposed to be a vacation, I have not yet been given the chance to relax. Lilyanna thought as she left the room.