Archmaester Marwyn had conflicted feelings as he walked through the halls of the Citadel once more, his massive hands folded neatly in front of him.
He had not been here for six years, and it would have been longer had his trip in Essos not been interrupted so abruptly. Normally, Marwyn would have been incensed with any sort of interruption to his work.
But this? This was far too important to pass up.
At least he had made it to Asshai. Traveling farther north to Qohor and Ibben would have to wait. If he had any free time after that is.
Marwyn did not let his true feelings show as he continued on his trek to his private study within the Citadel. He felt somewhat uncomfortable wearing his mask again after so many years of going without, but he put up with it. He knew the protocols here, and a little discomfort was preferable to the alternative.
'Hm. This place seems more lively than I remembered.'
Novices and acolytes alike were like madmen as they scurried about around him. Like they were on a life or death mission.
Perhaps they were. The Seven Kingdoms certainly felt like they were hanging by a thread. Not out in the open of course. Behind closed doors, where cravens and opportunists liked to meet.
Marwyn didn't give them much thought, his mind plagued by his encounters in the east. How life could change at the drop of a coin. It was fascinating. He had been surrounded by books and mysteries all of his life. It wasn't until he encountered the stars that he realized how little he actually understood of this world.
Funny that.
As he neared his study, Marwyn began to think of his chambers in the Ravenry. He was going to have to check up on that too now that he was back in Westeros for the foreseeable future. Maybe have one of the more slow witted novices clean it up for him. Cleaning was far beneath him.
"I heard you were here."
Marwyn almost clicked his teeth in annoyance as his hand stopped short of the door leading to his study.
He had almost made it. But of course it wasn't going to be easy for him.
Knowing when to call it quits, Marwyn faced his first annoyance of the day.
Archmaester Vaellyn.
The old bastard still looked the same, although it was hard for Marwyn to fully make out the man's features underneath that bronze mask of his.
"Were you going somewhere?" The man's tone was full of scorn.
Marwyn shrugged somewhat. "I just returned to Oldtown this morning. I thought I might go through my belongings. See what needs to be in order before heading to the Ravenry."
"We have something more important to discuss. Come."
The Archmaester did not wait for Marwyn to respond. He just turned and walked in the opposite direction, fully expecting Marwyn to follow him.
Which he did, despite his immense distaste.
'I wonder what he plans to complain about this time.'
The Archmaester in front of him was well known for his less than amiable personality. Then again, most Archmaesters were like that, weren't they? It had been a few years since Marwyn had thought of his colleagues, so his memory was hazy at best. He had little interest in these stubborn men who liked to monopolize what knowledge they had of the world rather than use it.
But now wasn't the time for such thoughts.
As Archmaester Vaellyn led Marwyn to one of the deeper chambers inside the Citadel and not the man's own study, Marwyn began to realize that this was more than just a normal meeting.
'This is surprising.'
Marwyn said nothing as Vaellyn pushed a large oak door open. This door led to a dimly lit room with no windows. There were statues of sphinxes inside, similar to the ones that decorated the gates of the Citadel, only smaller. In the middle was a large round table where a group of men were all seated.
All of them were Archmaesters.
Marwyn had not seen these men in years, and there were a few of them who were new. He did a quick mental count and realized that these were not even half of the Archmaesters at the Citadel.
A small group indeed.
"Archmaester Marwyn has returned," Vaellyn announced as he took his seat after closing the door. There was a small chance of anyone walking in here. This section of the Citadel was barred to most, but better to be safe than sorry.
Marwyn remained standing as he felt the eyes of all the men in the room on him.
"Quite a warm greeting you've prepared for me. I did not think that you were this eager to see me again."
"We tried reaching you over the years," one of the men said. "There was no luck."
"I was constantly on the move."
Marwyn was not lying about that.
"It matters not. You have returned, and we need your help."
"Oh?" Marwyn finally took one of the available seats for himself. "With what? Your research? I have found a great many interesting things in my travels, true, but I'm not sure how much it correlates with your own studies."
None acknowledged his words.
"Your associate....Maester Qyburn. He left the Citadel some years ago. Did you know that?"
Qyburn? Talk about a blast to the past.
"I believe 'associate' is too strong of a word. I shared some talks with him in the past, but that was about it. He showed some interest in Prince Rhaegal before I left. Why? Has something happened?"
"From what we can tell, he has become one of the prince's most trusted advisors."
Look at that. One of the few people Marwyn respected, moving up in the world. It was a shame he couldn't stick around the Citadel.
"There is more," another said, his voice tinged with frustration. "That very same prince has done what many thought was impossible. He has brought back the dragons, and we do not know how."
Marwyn's heart quickened at the mention of dragons, but he schooled his features.
"From my understanding, the prince has magical abilities, correct? He must have used those powers on dragon eggs. I'm not sure what the mystery here is."
"The mystery is that the crown prince has thus far refused the Citadel's guidance, so we do not know the exact method. He only keeps maester Qyburn at his side who has also refused to share his knowledge with the rest of us."
"Not even the Grand Maester knows much. Prince Rhaegal no longer studies under him."
How peculiar. It seemed like Marwyn's information was accurate so far. This was promising.
Marwyn cleared his throat. "The return of the dragons is very fascinating, but why are you telling me all of this?"
He could hear one of the Archmaesters grit their teeth, or what was left of them.
"We sent a delegation to King's Landing. Now that the dragons have returned, the king will want to see the dragonkeepers restored. Who better but us at the Citadel to lead this restoration? We hold the most information that pertains to dragons. I'm sure the king will see reason."
So that was their angle. Poisons hadn't worked, so it was time for a different approach.
"However, the main reason we called you here is because we need you to go to King's Landing yourself and get in contact with maester Qyburn. He needs to be reminded that he took an oath to the Citadel. That he cannot remain unresponsive. He needs to see reason."
Marwyn's thick brow furrowed. "Reason, you say?"
"His lack of reports despite our constant requests shows a complete disregard to this institution! It cannot be allowed to continue."
They were really annoyed by this. Marwyn was silently amused at the trouble Qyburn had caused by his mere presence in the capital. He occupied a vital position now, so he could not be ignored.
Marwyn did not need to wonder what these reports were about.
'They're taking a great risk here.'
Even before he'd left for Essos, Marwyn had been sort of the black sheep of the order. His appearance and disregard for what these gray sheep valued had seen him isolated. Under normal circumstances, they never would have approached him like this.
Westeros was rarely normal these days fortunately.
Marwyn understood what they wanted. "There is no need for me to go to King's Landing. I believe that maester Qyburn will come to Oldtown in person soon enough. You have my guarantee. When that happens, I'll talk to him myself and then bring him before you."
The Archmaesters exchanged glances, doubtful of his claim.
It was Vaellyn who asked, "How can you be sure?"
"You said it yourself. You hold knowledge about the dragons. The crown prince will be interested and will have no choice but to approach you. He might even come himself."
His explanation was met with silence, but Marwyn knew that they were mulling over his answer.
Thankfully they took the bait.
"Very well. We shall wait and do it your way….for now."
Excellent.
Marwyn was dismissed after that, but he did not care.
For he had a very important meeting to prepare for.
----
It would be a lie to say that Rhaegal did not relish in some of the gasps and cries from the onlookers as he stepped out from his carriage for the first time, with Rhaegar and Monford at his side.
It had been weeks since he had last seen the city, and despite the awful stench that was still everywhere Rhaegal was happy to be back.
Ancalagon seemed to agree, and it was not because he made any sounds or anything of the sort. It was just a…feeling, in the back of his mind. It was not something that he could put into words, but it was there. He felt it the most with Ancalagon, but he could sense a similar sensation with Aegorax and the other dragons too.
How very interesting.
Rhaegal was dressed in his finest clothes as were his brother and the others. Ser Barristan and Ser Gerold were flanking him, standing tall and proud. Ser Brynden was taking up the rear, his eyes alert.
The smallfolk and the gold cloaks stationed at the docks had been the first to greet them. Rhaegal had seen the way their faces had twisted into shock and awe at seeing the dragons for the first time. Not just three dragons but five.
No doubt his family would be immensely happy, even if one of them would be left without a dragon today. Not that Rhaegal was worried. Finding the two eggs under Winterfell reassured him that there were probably other dragon eggs scattered throughout the realm. The Dance had displaced many, and there were stories aplenty of dragon eggs going missing.
It was only a matter of locating them….assuming the dragons slumbering within didn't reach out to him first.
But now wasn't the time to dwell on those thoughts. Rhaegal already had many things on his plate. He had to stay focused.
The courtyard of the Red Keep was full. Even as immense as the Great Hall was, the entrance was packed to the brim. It took the guards, aided by the other Kingsguard, to clear the massive doorway for Rhaegal and the others to start making their way to the throne.
Rhaegal could see the usual knightly stoicism on the other Kingsguard fade away as they gazed at the dragons for themselves.
Rhaegal was probably never going to get over those reactions. It made him feel powerful.
As he stepped into the Great Hall after they were properly announced, Rhaegal saw why it was so packed. It wasn't just the usual courtiers and knights that were present. Lords and knights from across the realm were also inside, no doubt driven to come here to get a look at the dragons for themselves.
And look they did.
There were more gasps and even some fear as Rhaegal led the others to the Iron Throne with the four dragons on him. They had grown slightly, and so they were heavier than before. Aegorax clung to Rhaegar of course. Monford was doing his best to maintain his composure despite being in the middle of such a large crowd.
The others seemed to be doing just fine. Oberyn in particular was relishing in all the attention while Euron continued to grumble about something. The Greyjoy had been acting strangely ever since they left the Wall. Of course, Melisandre still drew the attention from some of the lords. Whether it was out of interest or distaste was hard to say right now.
Reaching the Iron Throne felt longer than normal. It was not hard for Rhaegal to miss the eager forms of his younger siblings. It took their mother's presence to keep them rooted next to her lest they break protocol and take off running to him.
The relief on his mother's face was obvious. Rhaegal knew that he was going to have to make it up to her in some way for not saying that they were heading to Skagos from the beginning.
Her ladies and his sister's ladies were around her. Elia was there of course, but he ignored her for now. Instead, Rhaegal sought and caught Ashara's eyes, and he could see the excitement in her eyes too. Only there was another emotion in the mix too.
Unfortunately, Rhaegal did not have the time to decipher it as she looked away from him, which confused him. However, his attention was redirected to his front as he stopped before the throne and his father and knelt.
The members of the small council, apart from Lucerys, were all studying him and Rhaegar with great intent. But it was his father who was perhaps the most eager as he leaned forward from his throne, a wide grin plastered on his face.
"Your Grace, we have returned from the North. And better for it."
Aerys cackled as he clapped. "Yes! I can see that, my son. But enough with the kneeling. You are no subject of mine. You are my heir! Now rise. The rest of you as well. All who have aided my son on his journey will be well rewarded!"
Rhaegal rose to his feet, as did the others. His father's proclamation was met with claps and cheers from the crowd, but their eyes were still trained on the dragons. They had already counted them and realized something shocking.
"Now then." Aerys' eyes gleamed with interest as they went from dragon to dragon. "They are magnificent, my son. I never thought that I would see anything like this during my lifetime, but you have proven me wrong. And how gladdened I am for it!"
Aerys' face had softened. Despite remaining clean shaven, age was catching up to him, and he was no longer the teenager that he had been when Rhaegal and Rhaegar had been born. Except now, Rhaegal felt like he was looking at that young man all over again.
"There are five of them," Tywin noted from where he stood, his hands clasped behind his back. His distinct pale green eyes that marked his Lannister heritage were honed in on the dragons who for their part were studying Rhaegal's family.
"My prince, your letter only m-mentioned three of them," Pycelle murmured, his tone unsure.
"This is one of the surprises that I wanted to present the crown with," Rhaegal replied, ignoring the man's stammer. "For we made a wonderful discovery in Winterfell. Two more eggs had been hidden away, and they were recovered and hatched like the rest."
He made it sound so simple, like this wasn't a momentous occasion for the realm.
Aerys began to clap again as he laughed. His laughter was so loud that it filled the throne room with its sound.
"Extraordinary! The gods bless the dragons once more!"
Those who stood in the throne room began to clap once more to show their support, but their uncertainty was palpable.
"Indeed." Tywin was much more measured than Aerys. "And who shall become the riders to these dragons, Prince Rhaegal?"
That was the most prudent question at the moment, wasn't it? Rhaegal had claimed Ancalagon while Rhaegar had claimed Aegorax. This left three dragons unclaimed, and there were four Targaryens. Someone was going to be left disappointed today.
Regrettably, it was not Rhaegal's decision to make.
Once again, he could sense a barrage of emotions from the three unclaimed dragons. It took a moment for Rhaegal to understand that they were asking for his permission.
Now this caught him off guard. He was certain that dragons did not typically behave this way. It was almost as if they were being submissive to him, but he was not their rider, so he didn't understand this behavior from them.
Rhaegal would have to ponder on this more later. For now, he conveyed his approval through this….bond, for a lack of a better word, of theirs and let them do as they pleased.
The one to move first was the slender blue dragon. The only one from the original trio who had remained unclaimed all this time.
Rhaegal was not surprised to see Ancalagon's sibling flapping its wings and gracefully making its way toward its target. The dragons had been growing rapidly, but they were still young. Despite that, they were capable of short flight already.
Everyone in the throne room was mesmerized by the sight, and their captivation only grew when they saw how the blue dragon flew straight into Shaena's arms.
Despite not knowing how much his sister had been boasting about becoming a dragon rider like her older brothers, the young Shaena was left speechless as she embraced her dragon for the first time. There were no words, nor were there any sounds from her. But Rhaegal could tell that she was happy, and his mother shared in that joy as she looked at her only daughter with pride.
The others in the throne room could only watch as a new bond between dragon and Targaryen was established. Usually such things were a more private affair, but given the unusual circumstances the historic occasion was put on display for everyone to see.
Aerys watched on with growing excitement as his daughter claimed her dragon first.
"Yes! Just as the Old King and the Good Queen, my children will both be dragon riders!"
Rhaegal understood the comparison, but he wasn't sure if Shaena would. Not now at least.
Those in the crowd began to clap and cheer once more. Not that it seemed to interest Shaena any. She was more interested in her own dragon, starting at it like a piece of herself had finally joined her.
Both Rhaegal and Rhaegar could understand that feeling.
Only Daeron looked put off by this as he grumbled next to Rhaella.
Rhaegal noticed this while withholding a sigh. He knew that one of them was going to become jealous of the other no matter who it ended up being.
Luckily, there were still two dragons remaining.
Unlike Ancalagon's sibling, the last two hatchlings took a few more moments before they moved. Not that the onlookers noticed this, too busy as they were still cheering for Shaena.
It was the silver hatchling who moved first, and its wings took it straight for Rhaella Targaryen.
The Targaryen queen had been too preoccupied expressing her pride at her daughter for claiming a dragon of her own that she missed the hatchling's approach until it was right in front of her.
Rhaella was taken aback by this, and it showed. A small gasp left her lips as the hatchling circled her before landing delicately on her shoulder. There, perched proudly, it let out a small burst of white flames that illuminated the throne room for a few moments.
This development caused those in the audience to look uncertain as their initial excitement died down, not having expecting for the two female Targaryens to become dragon riders over the prince and the king.
There was no emotion on Aerys' face as he took this in while Tywin observed everything with keen interest.
It was Rhaegal and Rhaegar who clapped for their mother first, causing the others to slowly start to do the same, feeling that it was safe if the princes were doing it.
Once more Daeron looked put off by this, and he looked to be close to tears. His young age made it harder for the prince to control his emotions, and he was only concerned with the fact that the dragons had not picked him.
Rhaella did not notice this, however, as like with her daughter she was too enraptured by her dragon to perceive the world around her.
Rhaegal was deeply happy for his mother. To him, it felt like she sometimes forgot that she was a Targaryen herself. She needed to express more of her fire, and perhaps this was just the way to do it.
The last to make its move was the bronze hatchling. Unlike with its sibling, everyone paid attention to its movements, all of them waiting with great anticipation to see who would become the final dragon rider today: the king or his son.
Perhaps the one who was the most on edge was Daeron. He had already been heartbroken twice. Could he handle a third disappointment?
Rhaegal had to watch the hope die in his little brother's eyes as the bronze hatchling flew straight for the top of the throne. It had made its choice.
King Aerys Targaryen, the Second of His Name, was now a future dragon rider.
Aerys just watched on with satisfaction as the hatchling landed on his lap. The young dragon was bigger up close, but that did not seem to bother the king any. If anything, it pleased him more.
"The wheels of destiny turn," he said, his voice filled with elation.
It took all of Rhaella's concentration to soothe Daeron, who was already sniffing, as she scooped up her son in her arms and whispered reassurances to him.
"The king has claimed a dragon!" Lord Staunton shouted, eager to sing praises of the king.
"No." Aerys' voice was soft as he shot down the proclamation. "I was chosen."
The pride emanating from the king was apparent to all.
Tywin's eyes were left studying the scene with uncertainty.
But Rhaegal did not care for the lion's apprehension, for he had another announcement to deliver before he could offer comforting words to his little brother.
He could use the elation in the air as momentum.
"These are not the only treasures we present to you on this day, your Grace."
Pycelle looked worried. "There is more?"
Rhaegal gestured to Rhaegar who placed a hand at his side, more specifically his hand landed on his sword. His twin was careful to be overt with his movements so that none were caught off guard, for drawing a weapon in the king's presence was still a very dangerous thing to do, even if he was the king's son.
It was only when Rhaegar began to unsheathe his blade that everyone else began to realize that he no longer carried an ordinary steel sword.
Pycelle seemed to understand first as his eyes widened. "This cannot be."
Rhaegar took a step forward before kneeling before the Iron Throne once more, presenting Dark Sister to the king as well as the entirety of the court.
"House Targaryen has recovered Dark Sister once more, your Grace."
---
Rhaegal felt tired as he sat inside his father's private solar within the Red Keep.
After Rhaegar's announcement, the throne room had fallen into a frenzy once more. No one had expected to suddenly see one of the two legendary swords of house Targaryen on this day. As with the dragons, many had scrambled to try and catch a glimpse of Dark Sister for themselves. It had been many years since the sword had last been seen in person. It carried much history with it, as well as legitimacy.
The Kingsguard, as well as the other guards such as Ser Brynden and Ser Willem, were forced to step in and keep the order within the Great Hall until the king had dismissed the court for the day, proclaiming that he would be spending the rest of the day with his family.
Some, like Tywin, had tried to approach Rhaegal with questions, but Aerys had immediately dismissed him, reminding him that his king had issued an order.
It was the first time Rhaegal had seen Tywin back off so…meekly.
Dragons had the power to change dynamics, after all.
And so, the family had retreated here. The Kingsguard stood guard outside and were making sure that no one would be interrupting them.
Aerys was still gazing at his dragon with wonder as it stared back at him from the table.
Similarly, Shaena was scratching her dragon's snout with such tenderness that it surprised Rhaegal. And based on the purring-like sounds coming from her dragon, it was enjoying it very much.
Only Rhaella was unable to enjoy her dragon as she rocked the sleeping Daeron in her arms. The boy had finally burst into tears just before they left the throne room and had not stopped until he finally cried himself to sleep. Rhaella's dragon just watched from the floor with some mild curiosity.
Honestly, the sight made Rhaegal more hurt than anything else. If only he had been able to find one more egg for his brother. It was almost like this was done intentionally, so that a joyous occasion such as this would still be marred with some amount of despair.
"Hahaha!" Aerys burst out into laughter as he came around the table to embrace both Rhaegal and Rhaegar, the latter of which was surprised by the gesture. "My sons! You have brought much prosperity to our house today! To think that I will not only be remembered as the king who brought back the dragons! But that Dark Sister has also been returned to us! The realm will see that we are still to be feared!"
Rhaegal was not surprised at all by his father's reaction and hugged him back.
"Um. Thank you, father." Rhaegar was more hesitant. It was not often that Aerys displayed his love so openly to him. Whenever it did occur, he was always left feeling confused.
Aerys just continued to laugh before he kissed both Rhaegal and Rhaegar on the cheek.
"I have always been proud to be your father. I never thought that I could ever feel more joyous than when you were born, but you keep proving me wrong!"
Rhaegal just smiled a little while Rhaegar looke nervous.
"So Dark Sister-"
"You may keep it." Aerys did not hesitate with his decision as he returned to his seat. "I'm more king than warrior now, and the sword will see more use in your hands than in mine. For I have little doubt that our enemies will stir against us soon enough."
Rhaella frowned. "Aerys. There is no need for such words right now."
Aerys shrugged. "I speak the truth, Rhaella. Many will fear our rise." He then smirked. "It's better if they challenge us directly. Then we can make examples of them."
An open confrontation would fix many things, true, but Rhaegal doubted that their enemies, whoever they might be, would make it that simple for them. The realm was at peace, and because of that the lords were used to scheming in the shadows.
Rhaella still did not look happy. "Wishing for conflict-"
"It is inevitable, mother." Rhaegal had to defend his father, even as blunt as he was. "For there will be many changes moving forward."
"Hm, indeed." Still gazing at his dragon with wonder, Aerys said, "I'm assuming this has something to do with Skagos and your exploits there?"
"That's part of it." Rhaegal placed the Skagosi treaty on the table, which Qyburn had handed to him earlier before they went their separate ways. "I have decided to annex Skagos into the Crownlands and place it under our direct control."
Rhaella let out a soft gasp at this while Aerys didn't bother to look through the treaty, choosing instead to look at Rhaegal with a mere eyebrow raised.
"For what reason?"
"I believe there is much potential there, father. It can easily become a second Dragonstone, for there is a dormant volcano present. Melisandre and I are confident that we can bring it back to life. It will strengthen our house as well as the crown. The clans there have already agreed to it, as has Lord Stark. In return, the North gets the Gift back, which will help them grow."
"You wish to strengthen the North?"
"I wish to strengthen the realm," Rhaegal clarified. "For we are its protectors and leaders. A stronger realm means a stronger throne. We shall continue to lead Westeros, father. It is only natural that it reflects our house's might."
Aerys chuckled. "You speak true, Rhaegal. The realm is a reflection of our house. Very well. You will have my support on this."
"But restoring a volcano." Rhaella sounded concerned. "Can that really be done?"
"Our son has already performed many miracles, Rhaella," Aerys said. "I see little reason for doubt."
Rhaegal was not bothered by his mother's words. He knew she was just worried about him.
He returned to the conversation at hand. "We must keep the dragons safe until they grow older. They must remain on Dragonstone for now, father. The flames from the volcano will help them grow."
Rhaegal had already taken a big enough risk continuing with his northern trip after hatching the eggs. There was little reason to put them at further risk now.
Aerys frowned at this. "The realm expects to see them."
"Enough saw them in the throne room today," Rhaegal replied. "There is little reason to endanger them when the entirety of the realm will come in the coming weeks. You said it yourself, father. There will be enemies who might try to take advantage. Until the dragons grow, they are vulnerable."
Aerys did not look happy, but he still nodded. "Very well. I suppose that makes the most sense."
It was clear that he was reluctant to part ways with his dragon. Rhaegal felt the same way, but right now Dragonstone was the most secure location for them.
"But brother, do we really have to?" Shaena complained.
"Listen to your brother, Shaena," Rhaella said with a firm tone, causing her to pout.
Rhaegal almost cracked a smile at this. "It's for their safety, sister. Besides, you will be able to visit yours as much as you want in the future. It's not as though you can ride it yet anyway. It is still but a hatchling."
"Her." Shaena huffed. "My dragon is a she. And you should refer to her by her name from now on. Azurax."
The now named Azurax perked up at this while Rhaegal just chuckled.
"Very well, sister. Azurax it is."
He did not know if she already had a name prepared or if she came up with it on the spot, but he did not argue it.
"Hmm, quite a name," Rhaegar hummed as he cupped his chin in thought.
"Shaena is nothing if not decisive," Aerys added with mirth.
Rhaella just sighed, but she too smiled.
"Well?" Aerys turned his focus back on Rhaegal. "Is there anything else that you have to add?"
Rhaegal nodded as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded map which he then unfolded and laid out on the table.
"I have many ideas, father. Ideas that we should begin to consider as soon as possible."
There was still no word from the Alchemists' Guild on their progress on recreating dragonstone, but Rhaegal had to believe that they were close.
Aerys began to scan the map and noticed two locations which had been marked. One was Skagos, but the other was in the middle of Crackclaw Point.
"Crackclaw?" Aerys questioned.
"It's not just Skagos that I want for our house, father," Rhaegal explained. "There are many houses in Crackclaw that are loyal to us but remain disorganized. We should establish a new holding on the peninsula to better strengthen the region."
Crackclaw Point was similar to the North and the Iron Islands in that they remained very isolated from the rest of the realm. The houses there were part of the Crownlands on paper, but they remained separated, rarely appearing in court. Rhaegal wanted to change that. Establishing a power base on the peninsula would only serve to reinforce the capital in the future.
He knew that he couldn't do everything at once, but it was better to start introducing some of his ideas to his family now so that they could be ready for the future.
"What of Summerhall?" Rhaegar suddenly asked.
Rhaegal looked confused. "What about it?"
"Are we going to leave it in ruins?"
To be frank, Rhaegal had not given the destroyed palace much thought. It was where he and Rhaegar had been born, but it offered little importance in the grand scheme of things as far as he was concerned.
"I had some ideas to try and rebuild it," Aerys mused out loud. "The crown could afford it. But with all these extra projects…."
"What of the dragonkeepers?" Rhaella asked a question of her own deciding to join the conversation. "Now that the dragons have returned, we must find a way to keep them safe at all times. Merely leaving them on their own on Dragonstone will not be enough. One day they might lay eggs. We will need someone to keep track of them."
Enough eggs had been lost.
"The Dragonpit as well," Rhaegar said. "It has been abandoned for too long."
Many things had.
"We must focus on one thing at a time," Rhaegal said. "Otherwise, we will not be able to accomplish anything."
Unfortunately, they were not the Lannisters. They could not do it all at once. There was not enough gold. And taking out a loan was the last thing Rhaegal wanted to do. It wasn't that he would never do it. He would just prefer to avoid it.
Rhaegal looked at Rhaegar and said, "Brother, I want you to be my Hand one day and help me rule. For that, you will need hands-on experience. This is why I'm planning on giving you either Crackclaw Point or Skagos. Daeron can take the other. This way, you will learn to manage your own holdings which will prepare you for the realm."
Rhaegal knew his brother. Rhaegar was talented. He was smart. He had the makings of a capable administrator, and Rhaegal wanted to ensure that that talent was allowed to bloom.
Rhaegar looked surprised. It was the first time that Rhaegal was being upfront with his expectations of him, so it was not surprising.
While Rhaella looked happy by Rhaegal's words, Aerys just chuckled.
"Already thinking about your rule, are you?"
Rhaegal felt a bit embarrassed at being called out, even if it was just a little bit.
"It's something that has been on my mind sometimes…"
Aerys snorted at this and said, "You don't have to lie to me. I was your age once." He glanced down at the map again. "Your ideas have merit, son. But you know how the rest of the realm will take this, don't you?"
The dragons. The annexation of Skagos. The construction of new holdings under the direct control of the crown.
Many lords would be unhappy, but Rhaegal cared very little for that.
"I want to avoid conflict, father, but I will not run from it."
A peaceful realm was more beneficial for everyone. But sometimes conflict was useful in securing peace. Rhaegal had learned that with the Skagosi firsthand.
"I have some ideas about the dragonkeepers as well, but that will require time," Rhaegal added, almost as an afterthought.
"I wonder how long you've had these ideas for," Aerys said.
"I've been preparing." Rhaegal continued to lay out a rough version of what he intended, as well as the conversation he had had with the Lord Commander regarding the future of the Night's Watch. He shared some of the conversation that he had had with Aemon, which surprised his parents the most.
Aerys listened to all of this intently before chuckling. "Hm, yes. I can see that you've been preparing much."
Rhaegal just nodded. These were all ideas that would take time, of course. Rarely was change immediate.
Aerys stood up. "You need not worry, Rhaegal. Carry out these plans of yours. You will have the crown's full support."
Even though Rhaegal had expected this, it still felt reassuring to hear it. He had been prepared to go into further detail about his plans if need be, but this was also good.
For now, he could relax for a bit until the celebration began while ensuring that the dragons made it safely to Dragonstone. And of course, he was also going to have to wait to see whether Rhaegar would take Skagos or Crackclaw Point.
For just a moment, Rhaegal felt content, but that feeling did not last as Rhaella cleared her throat.
"I believe now it's my turn to speak, Aerys?"
Despite the fact that she was still holding the sleeping Daeron in her arms, Rhaella looked more threatening than ever. And Rhaegal and Rhaegar suddenly remembered that they still had to face her complaints about their unannounced trip to Skagos.
Aerys raised an eyebrow at this before he waved his hand. "By all means, my queen. They're all yours."
Well. So much for unity.
The twins would spend the next few hours trying to make their recompense before an outraged mother.
---
By the time Rhaegal was able to escape from his mother's clutches, it was almost dark.
Aerys declared that they would have dinner later where everyone who took part on the expedition was invited, but for now Rhaegal was able to roam the halls of the Red Keep in peace.
Rhaegar left for his chambers with Aegorax while Shaena did the same with Azurax. Right now his sister was more preoccupied with her dragon than anyone else, especially since they would all soon be heading to Dragonstone.
Rhaegal did not mind this. It gave him the free time he needed in order to track Ashara down. It was not difficult for him to do so. She was already waiting for him inside the godswood, standing in front of the giant oak tree that made up the heart tree.
This was one of their favorite rendezvous locations.
Rhaegal ordered Ser Barristan to give him some privacy before he walked up to stand at Ashara's side. Ancalagon took some sniffs while taking in the surroundings, but otherwise he did not appear all that interested.
Ashara regarded the dragon with some fascination. "You know, when you left, I did not think that you would be returning with dragons."
Rhaegal chuckled. "We don't see each other for weeks, and that's the first thing you say?"
"I think dragons qualify as noteworthy."
"More than me?"
"Especially more than you."
Rhaegal feigned his hurt. "My dear Ashara, you wound me. I'm not Mace, you know."
"If you were, then I would have ignored you already."
"Didn't you?"
Ashara crossed her arms. "I don't know what you mean. It's not as though I could have ran into your arms like the maidens in the story. Did you want me to embarrass myself before the entire court?"
Rhaegal chuckled. "It would have gotten them talking for sure. Probably more than the news that will be coming out soon."
Ashara rolled her eyes. "You mean there's more? Why am I not surprised? There is always something else with you."
"Are you pouting?"
"I am not."
When Rhaegal didn't respond but merely gave her a knowing look, Ashara scoffed.
"I really am not! I just thought that you trusted me more. Not even telling me about your true plans…"
No doubt Arthur had met up with her already and told her some of what had happened.
"It wasn't about trust," Rhaegal said. "I just wasn't sure if things would work out. I did not want to make a fool of myself."
Announcing that he was going on a mission to bring back the dragons only to come back empty handed would have been devastating. Keeping things quiet avoided that altogether. Not to mention that it prevented any potential interference.
"You still succeeded." Her face softened as her arms dropped back down to her side. "And you came back."
He had.
Rhaegal did not reply. He merely studied the girl before him. It was still hard for him to explain all of his emotions. If there was one thing he had struggled with in his life so far, it was connecting with others at first. It was something that came easier to him as he grew older. Maybe because his mind and body were more in tandem than before? Or maybe it was because his earlier connections had made it easier for him to build others.
Honestly, this was probably something that Rhaegal would never be able to answer. And he was okay with that, for it mattered little.
"You're staring." Ashara's voice was not teasing, but rather it was soft. Almost vulnerable.
Confusing.
"It's been a while since we last saw each other."
"No more than when I visit Starfall."
"Yes. But somehow, everything feels different now."
Ashara glanced at Ancalagon and smiled a little. "That's an understatement." She then focused on him. "What do you plan on doing now? Just relax before everyone comes to see the dragons?"
"I'll be leaving for Dragonstone to make sure the dragons are secured." He took a step toward her. "Will you accompany me?"
Ashara remained in place. "Won't your family be there?"
"Yes. Will that be a problem?"
She looked down, her face full of concern. "Your mother. She does not want us to be seen together. And she….she is not wrong. You are already promised to be with your sister. And I…I am not sure what exactly I have been waiting for. But I do not wish to cause you any problems."
Problems. Yes. Problems. Rhaegal knew of the mistake that would come from all of this. He had already caused many while in the North. Brynden Tully had explained that to him. That how he viewed things would alienate many lords. Skagos was one thing. Once he began to implement his other plans, there would be more outrage. His ambitions clashed with his desire to avoid conflict. It was not something he could avoid forever.
Aemon had been correct. Rhaegal was only the future king, but already that damned chair was changing him. Slowly, but he saw it.
This would just be adding more oil to the fire, as it were.
There were other things to consider, but regardless Rhaegal stood over Ashara with firmness.
"You don't have to worry about my mother. She means well, but she cannot control my decisions."
She had been unable to for a long time.
Ashara looked up at him with longing. "And Shaena?"
"I will not abandon her either."
His sister was now going to be a dragon rider. Rhaegal would never let her go now. The dragons were going to remain solely in the hands of the Targaryens. The mistakes of the past were not going to be repeated.
Ashara seemed to understand, but rather than rejecting him she accepted his embrace as Rhaegal wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned down to kiss her.
It was a tender moment that the two of them would not soon forget.
Here, in the godswood of the Red Keep, in a different time, another love had blossomed. Similar but also unlike what had originally transpired.
And the uncertain future kept steadily approaching.