Inside his chambers, Rhaegal groaned in bliss as he soaked in his bath, feeling at peace. Well, his body did.
His mind? It was still racing with many thoughts.
As the expansion of the Crownlands continued, Rhaegal was saddled with more responsibilities. This was a problem of his own making. He had capable men under him to rely on, but as always his mind was always fixed on what to do next, for there was still so much to do.
Namely the new keep on Crackclaw Point.
While the crown's coffers were flourishing, they weren't endless either. And unfortunately, Rhaegal did not yet have a gold mine to sit upon. Because of that, he had to prioritize certain projects over others. The reconstruction of the Dragonpit was one such project. It diverted the resources and manpower that would have otherwise been used for the new keep on the peninsula. The same was true for the fortress on Skagos. Both holds had yet to have any meaningful progress as Rhaegal focused more on King's Landing and the roads.
'If I were to marry a Lannister, then perhaps this wouldn't be an issue,' he thought with a wry smile.
Rhaegal almost laughed out loud at the thought. He did not have anything personally against Tywin and his family. By all accounts, the lion proved himself to be one of the most effective Hands in all of Westerosi history. Sure, he was stern and cold, but that had more to do with his no-nonsense attitude that Rhaegal did not really mind. Many lords needed such sternness in order to get anything meaningful out of them. Now imagine dealing with seven kingdoms.
No, what Rhaegal disliked about the aging lion was his insatiable ambition.
Rhaegal figured that his quiet dismissal of Tywin's proposal to not wed Shaena would have been enough to dissuade him, but that was not the case. Tywin had been trying many subtle methods over the years to push Rhaegal toward his daughter. It even led to a souring of Tywin's friendship with Aerys as the old lion continued trying to accumulate more power for himself. He was not satisfied with what he had accomplished for his family or the fact that he was technically the second most powerful person in the Seven Kingdoms due to his position as Hand of the King.
'Not that such a title means anything to a dragon's fire,' Rhaegal thought, silently amused.
That was the real problem that Tywin was facing. Or rather, the problem that the whole realm was facing. After the dragons had gone extinct a century ago, the lords forgot just how powerful the majestic beasts were.
It was one thing to hear stories of their prowess from days past. It was another to now have them alive once more. Their mere presence in the game fundamentally changed everything.
The lords also forgot the respect and authority that the Targaryens commanded with the dragons at their backs.
Even Lannister gold meant nothing when stacked up against a dragon.
It was a situation that Tywin never had to consider until four years ago. The fact that he could not leverage his house's gold against the crown threw him off his game. Not to mention that Rhaegal's dragons were still growing.
There was also the matter of a personal favor that Tywin said he owed Rhaegal. He could very well use it to squeeze gold out of the lions, but Rhaegal had little interest in having the Lannisters finance his projects. He wanted no Lannister involvement in what he was creating. Perhaps he was being petty, but this was how much Tywin's attitude over the years had started to sour his opinion of the man.
As always, Rhaegal had to remind himself that patience was key. He could not do everything at once. Time was his greatest ally.
'I still might have rushed some things.'
The Dragonguard came to mind. His own private force, free of the influence of anyone else. Including the crown. He even had a smaller contingent of knights within the Dragonguard, which he so adequately named the Dragon Knights, formed.
The Dragon Knights, as the name implied, were made up exclusively of knights from all across the Crownlands. There were also some Stormlanders and Reachmen knights in the mix. Perhaps not so surprisingly, the majority of these knights were former hedge knights who were looking for stability. Serving the Targaryens directly was an honor that none of them could have dreamed of. It was an honor that Rhaegal was happy to provide them with.
Their skills differed widely, but with someone like the Blackfish leading them they had become a formidable force.
Thanks to the expansion of the city, Rhaegal had set up the Dragonguard's barracks in the south bank of the Blackwater. This ensured that the Dragonguard did not interfere with the existing organization of the Gold Cloaks.
Now, how could Rhaegal afford such a force?
The red priests were financing it for him. Well, that wasn't entirely accurate. The red priests were offering their gold for the upkeep of the five thousand men year round, but if need be Rhaegal could afford it with his own gold. While not exactly wealthy on their own, the fact that all the red temples were acting in unison meant that they had plenty of resources at their disposal.
Other than the fact that expanding his private force too quickly would cause the lords to start speaking out against it, Rhaegal did not want to face a situation where the red priests suddenly stopped backing him and he was made to lose face by dismissing his own men just because he could not afford them. It was why he had stopped at five thousand. Even with trade flourishing and his bannermen's taxes at his disposal, Rhaegal could not afford more than that.
'It's still better than some other houses.' The investments on Driftmark had helped a lot. The reconstruction of Spicetown had given Rhaegal much tax revenue. As the Velaryons felt indebted to him, they were happy to share part of the revenue stream with him. There was even a written contract in place. It put the Velaryons in a weaker position, but that was precisely the point. Rhaegal would not allow for another Corlys to rise if he could help it.
In short, Rhaegal had to contend himself with what he had for now.
There were also the treasures that he had managed to discover on Dragonstone, but that was a separate matter.
"Even with the most beautiful woman in the Seven Kingdoms on your lap, your mind still seems elsewhere."
Rhaegal's thoughts ceased as he returned to the present. He was met with Ashara's amused eyes as she emerged from the water in front of him.
Rhaegal watched the water drip down her nude form, memorizing every detail. It was not the first time that the two of them were in this position, but he still made sure to soak in her body every time. They had become more than a little familiar with one another over the years.
"Well, you're not on my lap, are you?" he said, trying to be cheeky.
"Such a charmer." Rolling her eyes, Ashara climbed on top of him with her arms wrapped around his neck. She leaned closer until their foreheads were touching. Her long dark hair cascaded down her back like a dark tide on the ocean.
"You didn't deny me being the most beautiful."
Rhaegal's hands circled her waist. "I'm pretty sure every bard who's seen you has been singing about your beauty for a while now."
Ashara was not being modest. Over the past year, many had started to claim that she was the most beautiful lady in the realm.
"Mhmm." She gave him a quick kiss. "I'm sure I'll have competition soon."
Rhaegal did not answer her immediately as he brought one of his hands up to cup one of her tantalizing breasts.
"These keep getting bigger."
Ashara did not shy away from his touch as she sneaked one of her hands down the water and to his lower regions.
"I don't see you complaining."
"I don't think any man would."
"They're not for anyone else."
Rhaegal fought back the urge to groan in delight at Ashara's movements as her hand moved with ease. He knew that she was always watching his reactions with those beautiful eyes of hers. It was always a game between them to see who would give in first.
"Sometimes I think I should just let Rhaegar become king," he admitted as he began to kiss her again. "Then we could have more time together."
"I don't think he would let you," Ashara said between their kisses, which started to become more and more fervid.
'True,' Rhaegal thought wryly.
Rhaegar very much preferred being the spare despite having been born first. It was not that he did not take his duties seriously. Far from it. When it was time to go and negotiate with the lords of Crackclaw Point, Rhaegar went there in person to present himself as their new lord. His brother had shown himself to be quite charismatic as he grew older, and he was able to win the reclusive lords over after giving them several reassurances.
Rhaegar just preferred that the spotlight was not on him. Even now, his brother had gone off to Summerhall for a period of meditation. Rhaegal did not particularly understand his twin's fascination with their birthplace, but Rhaegal would not begrudge him for it.
"Stay focus, my prince." Ashara once more cut through his thoughts as she kissed him more fiercely, sneaking her tongue in his mouth in the process.
'I think she lost this round,' was Rhaegal's final thought as he gave into his desire to explore every inch of Ashara's body, a desire which the young lady matched with his own.
As their relationship continued to develop, the one wall that Rhaegal had tried to maintain, his dealings with magic, had crumbled. He had wanted to make sure that Ashara was never troubled by something that Rhaegal himself did not fully understand. And yet, she had managed to get past that as well, and now there were no secrets between them.
It was mostly because she had started to become jealous of Malora's presence on Dragonstone, a fact which she would never admit to. Regardless of the reason, Rhaegal did not mind losing that small battle.
For the times Rhaegal spent with Ashara were some of the rare moments where he could truly let his guard down.
---
"Good afternoon, mother."
Rhaella was happy when Rhaegal joined her. She was even more happy when Rhaegal planted a small kiss on her cheek as he walked into the private garden.
Her Rhaegal had grown even taller over the past four years. Now, he was the tallest of their family. Unfortunately, he still kept his hair short, something which she still complained about. Unlike their father, Rhaegal's and Rhaegar's faces were free of any facial hair, but that was because they seemed unable to grow any. It was not so uncommon in their family.
Recently Aerys had allowed for a neatly groomed beard to grow, which Rhaella did not personally mind.
"Rhaegal!" Jaehaerys, one of her new delights, sprang to his feet from his seat in order to hug his older brother.
Much like his other brothers, Jaehaerys shared the typical features of a Targaryen. He was still young, but Jaehaerys' hair seemed to be more wavy and curly than any of her other sons'. He would grow up to be very handsome one day. Rhaella was sure of it.
Laughing, Rhaegal happily caught his younger brother in his arms. "Woah there. It's already past noon, and you still have so much energy. Shouldn't you be napping?"
"Nuh uh! I'm three now!" The young Jaehaerys exclaimed.
"I think he takes after you," Rhaella said, remembering how Rhaegal rarely napped if he could help it.
"Hmm, I see." Rhaegal placed the energetic Jaehaerys in one of the seats at the table as he glanced around. "Where are Shaena and Daeron?"
"Your sister thought it necessary to go out riding again after spending the morning with me. She said she would take Ashara with her."
Her lone daughter was rarely able to sit still for too long.
"Hmm. I see." Rhaegal hummed but did not comment further.
Rhaella did not ask whether Ashara would be available or not. She just moved on.
"Daeron is at the training yard." Rhaella could not stop herself from frowning a little. "He's training with Ser Barristan again."
Ever since Rhaegal and Rhaegar had become adults in the eyes of the realm, Ser Barristan had been removed from their immediate service. It was not detrimental, as a new Kingsguard was assigned to them. A good replacement all things considered.
This change coincided with Daeron's sixth name day, where he begged Aerys to allow him to start training. Rhaella was well aware why her son had asked for such a thing.
'To be just like Rhaegal.'
Her precious Daeron had never fully recovered from not being originally chosen by one of the dragons four years ago. It seemed silly, but all the whispers persisted, which exacerbated the situation. The main sentiment seemed to be that he was not worthy to be the brother of Rhaegal because of his so-called failure to bond with one of the dragons. Because of this, Daeron had become more driven to prove those whispers wrong. He had asked to become Ser Barristan's squire as soon as he was able, almost as if he was chasing after Rhaegal's shadow.
It worried Rhaella a little, but unfortunately Daeron did not heed her warnings. Thankfully her son did have a friend to whom he wrote often. Rhaella might not know if it was a scheme by Tywin or not to have his heir strike a friendship with her Daeron, but she could not deny that it was a positive relationship. So she let it be.
Rhaegal did not say anything to that, no doubt already knowing why Daeron was pushing himself so hard.
Rather, he changed the topic. "Unfortunately, I cannot stay for too long either. I have several things to attend to."
Rhaella sighed. "You are much too busy these days, Rhaegal. I don't know what I'm supposed to do."
Her children were growing up. It was a bit lonely for her, she would not lie. Now, she had only Jaehaerys and Viserys to occupy herself with, although her youngest spent most of his days sleeping in his crib still.
Rhaegal chuckled. "Don't say that, mother. I know that you and father go flying together at least three times a week. I'm sure it's quite fun for you."
Rhaella's cheeks reddened slightly as she cleared her throat. "It's only natural. Our dragons get along."
She did not know why specifically, but it allowed for comfortable flights around King's Landing and the Blackwater Bay.
Rhaella had never felt more free than when she was in the sky with Aerys. Her brother too looked at peace every time they flew together. Like it was something that they were always meant to do. Her bond with Moonlight seemed to strengthen every time they flew together as well. It had also become a special bonding activity for her and Aerys, even if the small council tried to argue that flying so much was dangerous.
'As if they could understand a dragon.'
It was part of her blood, and Rhaella would not allow outsiders to interfere with her time with her dragon.
Rhaegal's face softened. "I'm glad, mother."
Rhaella would have hugged him if not for Jaehaerys cutting in.
"Brother! Brother! I want a dragon too!"
Chuckling some more, Rhaegal patted Jaehaerys on the head. "When you're older. Perhaps one of them might choose you, little brother."
Rhaella would be happy if all her sons could fly together one day.
Jaehaerys pouted. "Aw. I wanted one now…"
"Patience is important, Jaehaerys."
"Okay…"
Giving Jaehaerys one final nod, Rhaegal turned toward her. "Have you heard what father plans to do about Viserys and Jaehaerys' name day celebration?"
Because of all the building projects, there hadn't been enough time to spend on hosting a proper celebration for Jaehaerys' first name day. There was a celebration, so it was not as though it was forgotten. It just wasn't like how it had been for his other siblings. Now that Viserys had been born and many of those projects had been completed, Aerys decided to make it up to Jaehaerys by combining the two and celebrating them together.
"I'm not sure yet, but I believe the Lord Hand was planning on hosting a tourney in their honor," Rhaella said, her voice distant. It was something that Joanna had written to her about, wondering what Rhaella thought of it.
While her friendship with Joanna had become complicated after she married Tywin, they had started to bond once more after she nearly died four years ago. Joanna's pregnancy had almost turned fatal from complications of giving birth to a…malformed infant.
Rhaella did not want to be rude. She had nothing but pity toward the child who did not choose his fate. But he nearly tore Joanna apart during his birth since his head was much too big. If not for the skills of maester Qyburn and Archmaester Marwyn, it was very possible that Joanna would have died that day. Since the two were instructed to help the Grand Maester and ensure a safe delivery by Rhaegal himself, Tywin had been eternally grateful to her son. As cold as Tywin was to most people, no one could deny that he loved his wife.
Unfortunately, he did not bear love for his second and final son. Due to the difficulty of the birth, even with maester Qyburn's and Archmaester Marwyn's skills, Joanna would be unable to have more children. Not if she wanted to remain safe.
There was much tension between Tywin and the young boy, who was named Tyrion, but Joanna made sure that her husband treated the boy with some respect whenever he returned to Casterly Rock to visit his family.
Or so her letters claimed. Rhaella had not seen her friend in nearly four years now. That might soon change.
"Casterly Rock. Hm. I see." Rhaegal sounded a bit interested, but whatever else he might say was cut off as one of the servants quickly approached, his head bowed.
"Apologies for the interruption, my prince. My Queen. The ship you were expecting has been spotted approaching the city."
"Oh?" Rhaegal perked up. "It's a bit earlier than I expected, but I do not mind." He waved the servant away. "Thank you. I'll be there shortly."
The young servant nodded and went on his way.
Rhaella eyed her son. "You did not tell me that you were expecting someone. Does your father know?"
"Lord Manderly is due to arrive soon as well, so it's not as though I've been expecting no one."
Was her son trying to be coy with her? She could still pinch his cheeks.
"Don't try to trick me. You would not go out of your way to greet Lord Manderly in person. So who is it?"
"You know me too well, mother." Smiling, Rhaegal bent down to give her one more kiss on the cheek. "But you are right. This guest is far more important than any lord."
Her son turned to exit the garden.
"I'm going to greet the last of our family."
---
Aemon felt happy to see his great-nephew waiting for him as he disembarked from his vessel.
Rhaegal was not alone. He had several guards with him. They were not the standard Gold Cloaks, though. They weren't the standard house guards either.
'Oh, so these must be the Dragonguard…'
They were well equipped from what he was seeing. Imposing as well.
Not just that, but there was also a member of the Kingsguard with his nephew. One that Aemon recognized from four years ago.
"Welcome, Uncle Aemon." Rhaegal seemed happy by his arrival as he hugged him. "It's been four years now."
Aemon hugged him back. "Indeed it has, child. But I suppose you're a man grown already."
And what a man he was turning out to be. The black doublet he wore fit him nicely. His red cloak which barely concealed Brightflame just added to his presence. Aemon felt like he was in the presence of his father all over again.
"I couldn't stay small forever," Rhaegal joked as the two separated.
Aemon shook his head. "I don't think you've ever been small." He then glanced at the young Kingsguard standing next to Rhaegal. "I see a familiar face has joined you."
And the sword that he carried. It was the first time that Aemon was seeing it with his own eyes, but he read enough enough to recognize it instantly.
Dawn.
"I'm honored that you remember me, Prince Aemon." The Kingsguard bowed his head.
Aemon smiled. "There's no need for that with me, Ser. I gave up my princely title when I became a maester."
He had not looked back since.
"Of course. Forgive me."
"Stop being so uptight, Arthur," Rhaegal said. "I thought separating you from my brother would make you relax a little."
Arthur's mouth twitched. No doubt he wanted to smile or grin over Rhaegal's comment.
"I don't believe I have that luxury when I'm around you, Prince Rhaegal."
Rhaegal glanced at Aemon with an exasperated look. "I can only do so much with what I've got I suppose."
Aemon shook his head. Despite himself, he was entertained by the two. "I don't think making fun of your knights will earn you many friends, my child."
"Unfortunately, I think that I'm stuck with this one."
Arthur looked away. Probably to hide his laughter.
'Hmm. A serious one,' Aemon thought before raising his hand toward Arthur. "I don't think we were able to be properly introduced last time. My name is Aemon Targaryen, son of King Maekar, the First of His Name, and Lady Dyanna Dayne. It is a pleasure to meet another distant kin of mine, young Dayne."
Dawn, as well as those purple eyes. There was no way Aemon would not recognize the knight's identity.
Arthur stood straight as he faced Aemon. He then raised his hand as well, shaking Aemon's. "I'm honored by your words, maester Aemon. My name is Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning and member of the Kingsguard."
And now the youngest knight to join the Kingsguard in all history, if Aemon's memory served him right.
'The prince that was promised and the Sword of the Morning, standing side-by-side before my eyes.'
Aemon could not be more at peace than he was right now.
Living a long life was worth it indeed.
---
Rhaegal had a carriage prepared for them.
They did not head straight for the Red Keep. Instead, Rhaegal had the driver take them on a small tour of the new King's Landing.
Aemon's eyes were watery as he saw all the changes that had taken place over the past four years. It was something that he had noticed as he was disembarking from his ship. No, even before that, for he had seen the construction on the southern bank of the Blackwater.
He had not seen King's Landing with his own eyes for a long time, but he could never forget about the stench that seemed to be entrenched into the foundations of the city. That stench was no more.
Rhaegal had written to him about his reforms and construction plans, but to see them be carried out with such efficiency….Aemon felt younger than he had in years.
"You have a dragon's determination to you, Rhaegal," Aemon said softly after seeing the new section of the city walls.
"It's all about will, uncle," Rhaegal said in return, his eyes reflecting the fire that he seemed to carry within his very soul. "Stagnation is the same as deterioration. I could not let that continue. I'm sure that my descendants will be able to keep building upon my foundations."
Aemon hoped so. Not so long ago his family seemed to be on the brink of collapse. Only Rhaegal and Rhaegar remained as the future of the royal family, and yet now there was a new generation of healthy Targaryens born, with most of them being dragon riders.
To say that Aemon was more than a little optimistic about the future was an understatement.
"I know you made your vows to the Citadel, uncle," Rhaegal said, drawing Aemon's attention. "You told me why you chose to go to the Wall. But now I need you. Here. I will not lie to you. If you accept my offer, then you will be working against the very same institution that you are a part of. Are you able to do it?"
Aemon was almost offended that Rhaegal even had to ask.
"My child, the fact that I'm here now should tell you all that you need to know."
It was an extraordinary set of circumstances. Rhaegal essentially forced his will upon the Citadel to have Aemon transfer out from the Wall and into his service. A certain maester Gormon, formerly of house Tyrell, was chosen as Aemon's replacement.
Aemon knew why the Citadel was bowing to his nephew so easily, but it was still an interesting turn of events.
The Lord Commander had not been happy to see him go, but he nevertheless released Aemon from his vows to the Night's Watch, silently thankful for what Rhaegal had done for the crumbling black brothers.
Aemon had mixed feelings to an extent. The Night's Watch had become a second family to him. The harshness of the cold had a way of bonding people together, for all they had was each other. However, Rhaegal would always come first to him. The young Targaryen was the one their family had been waiting for all this time. How could Aemon not dedicate himself to Rhaegal's cause if he was able?
Rhaegal smiled. "I just have to be sure, uncle. After all, I could still arrange to have you be the Grand Maester if you so wish."
"If you keep this up, the Citadel's ire will be the least of your concerns."
"It's my ire that they will fear one day."
Aemon didn't doubt that. "I'm content to follow you instead, nephew. I have little desire to remain in one place if I can help it."
"Then it's decided."
Aemon was making a new vow. A third vow, and hopefully his last.
---
The tour took Rhaegal and Aemon to the reconstructed Dragonpit. Rhaegal watched as his uncle nearly cried again at seeing Ancalagon for the second time.
"He's beautiful," he whispered.
Rhaegal could tell that his uncle wanted to approach the dragon but kept his distance.
This was good. Ancalagon would not appreciate any sudden movements. However, after Rhaegal soothed the dragon's temper, Aemon was given the opportunity to touch the large dragon with his own hand.
It was then that Aemon finally cried, once more saying how he wished his brother Aegon had lived to see this day.
Rhaegal just watched the man in silence, as did Arthur. He was happy to allow his uncle to have a moment reflecting on the past.
It took Aemon a few minutes to compose himself, which Rhaegal was more than happy to give him.
The Dragonpit was the last stop of his tour. Now they were heading for the Red Keep.
Along the way, a much more joyful Aemon congratulated Arthur on his ascension to the Kingsguard while also lamenting Ser Harlan's passing.
Both Arthur and Rhaegar had been knighted together by Ser Gerold two years after Rhaegal's knighting. While they did not set new records, they were two of the youngest to achieve knighthood, so it was still impressive.
Arthur followed that up by joining the Kingsguard a year later after Ser Harlan passed quietly in his sleep. While some might question the wisdom in allowing such a young knight to join the Kingsguard, Rhaegal was not one of them. His friend's skill and discipline were more than enough to earn him a white cloak. While wielding Dawn, he was on another level entirely. He proved this decisively in a public duel against Prince Lewyn, where he bested the Dornish prince.
Seeing the results of the duel for himself, his father had agreed with Rhaegal's choice and so accepted Arthur's request.
Rhaegal did not know that Arthur had harbored ambitions to join the Kingsguard, however. He thought that Arthur would follow Rhaegar to Crackclaw Point, not choose to remain in the city with him. When Rhaegal asked him about his motivations, Arthur merely glanced toward Ashara but said no words.
It was enough for Rhaegal to understand.
'He's more perceptive than I thought.'
Or maybe Rhaegal was bad at keeping secrets. Hopefully not.
During the ride, Rhaegal also questioned Aemon about the status of the Night's Watch.
"There are more brothers of the Watch now than ever," Aemon said, sounding proud. "When I left, the Lord Commander was making plans toward reoccupying two more castles along the Wall. And that was only the start. The supplies provided by the Iron Throne have seen the men more cheerful. The North has also been generous."
Rhaegal listened. From Brandon's letters, Lord Stark had some difficulty finding the required people to settle back the Gift for the first year. While the North was vast, it did not have as many people as the other kingdoms. Though, once enough had been found and relocated, they had been put to work straight away. Just as Rhaegal had told the Lord Commander, the Starks did not forget about the Night's Watch and were sending aid in the form of food as was needed. It made the conditions on the Wall a lot more tolerable.
"There has been tension between the new brothers and the old," Aemon admitted. "Those who have taken the oath for life feel like they are being overshadowed by the newcomers. The Lord Commander has had to be a mediator between the two sides. Thankfully they have not come to blows."
This was not surprising really. Big changes were rarely accepted easily.
"The first shipments of the obsidian weapons started to arrive before I left," Aemon added. "The Lord Commander understands their necessity."
Rhaegal doubted that. Lord Commander Jantos Qorgyle did not strike Rhaegal as someone who believed in the true dangers lingering north of the Wall, but that mattered little. What was important was that all men in the Night's Watch were armed with at least one weapon of obsidian for the future. It was a tip Rhaegal picked up during his studies with the glass candles.
"Will you tell me how you learned of their significance, nephew?" Aemon sounded curious. "Once I started to do some research on my own, I came across several scattered passages. Nothing concrete, but enough to hint at something."
Rhaegal did not mind. "Once we arrive at the Red Keep, I'll have much to show you, uncle."
The rest of the trip was made in comfortable silence. It did not take too long for the carriage to reach the Red Keep from the Dragonpit.
Rhaegal did not lead his uncle to the throne room. His father was still probably with the small council, and Aemon's arrival had not been expected.
Aemon did not care about that. In fact, he seemed to prefer the fact that his arrival made such little noise. He only had one request. To meet Rhaegal's younger brothers after their business concluded.
Rhaegal happily accepted.
Once they emerged from the carriage, Rhaegal led his uncle from the courtyard to inside the castle. Arthur shadowed them in silence.
They passed by several servants who all bowed while shooting Aemon curious glances. They did not stop to sate their curiosity, for Rhaegal was eager to reach their destination.
The Maidenvault.
It had been recommissioned recently. It became something of a red temple within the Red Keep after the red priests arrived. The fact that it was located behind the royal sept was a deliberate move on Aerys' part.
The structure was regularly watched by the red priests, with only the royal family and anyone accompanying them allowed entry.
Aemon looked surprised when he took in the new displays and decorations of the Maidenvault. Tapestries, carpets, and other similar displays were strung about, all flaunting the Lord of Light's symbol.
"Hmm. I see the king has found a new faith," Aemon murmured. By the look on his face, it was clear that he did not fully approve.
"My father rarely does anything halfhearted," Rhaegal said, trying to sound diplomatic. "After the High Septon confronted him about allowing a red temple inside of King's Landing, he decided to transform the Maidenvault into this."
"He walks a dangerous line, Rhaegal," Aemon warned.
Rhaegal did not disagree. "We've been walking a dangerous line for a while now, uncle. And we'll continue to do so."
To that, Aemon had no response.
Arthur kept his silence as he continued to follow.
Inside the Maidenvault were many red priests, but Rhaegal ignored them even as they bowed to him. He directed his uncle to one of the smaller chambers. There, more tapestries were hung. Kneeling in the middle of the room was Melisandre. The beautiful red woman was kneeling before a glass candle which was placed on an altar.
"You took your time to get here, my prince," she said when they stepped into the room. She did not rise. "I feared for your safety."
Rhaegal did not believe her. "I wanted to show my uncle around before coming here."
"Mhmm. But of course." She finally stood. Melisandre fixed her robes as she turned to face them, her face slightly flushed. "It's good to see you again. When you left me behind, I worried we might never see each other again."
"Your jokes are still not funny."
"That makes me sad."
Right.
Aemon was looking at the burning glass candle with fascination. "What you spoke of in our letters-"
"It's a glass candle," Rhaegal said with a small nod. "I left this one in the Red Keep for father to use. It allows for instant communication, so it's very convenient."
"The king knows how to use it?"
"It took some time to teach him, but after they were reignited they have responded well to those of the dragon blood."
Rhaegal's mother had also learned how to use them. As had Rhaegar. Shaena and Daeron were still young. Rhaegal wanted them to mature a little more before introducing any magic to them.
'Although I might not have a choice soon.'
"Fascinating." Aemon seemed to be almost breathless as he approached the burning glass candle, ignoring the smiling Melisandre. "I never imagined that I would see one burning."
As a maester, Aemon had no doubt seen the glass candles during his time at the Citadel.
"They responded to the prince's flames," Melisandre said softly. "They recognize the divine fire that he carries."
"Divine, you say?" Aemon finally glanced at her. "You might be right about that, my lady."
Rhaegal didn't say anything to that.
Aemon turned back to the burning glass candle. "What can they do?"
"Many things." Rhaegal approached his uncle while Arthur remained standing by the doorway. "You can even glimpse through time."
Rhaegal had spent time training to become more familiar with the glass candles over the past four years. With how limited his time was, his training was not as intensive as he would have otherwise preferred. Still, he had learned plenty thus far, including the fact that there was at least another who possessed a glass candle. Whoever they were, they were unfortunately not in Westeros. No, they were far east in Asshai.
'The Shadow Lands.'
One of the most mysterious places in the world. Melisandre had been happy to share what she knew, but it only made Rhaegal want to visit the city for himself one day.
"Incredible." Aemon was almost speechless. "Can you teach me?"
"But of course, uncle. It's why I brought you here." Rhaegal stared into the bright flame of the glass candle. "You, Qyburn, and Marwyn will become the heads of a new organization, one that can check the unmatched authority of the Citadel."
It was one of the many checks that Rhaegal planned on implementing.
"Can you trust the Archmaester?" Aemon asked.
Rhaegal chuckled. "No. He's only interested in studying magic. He has little interest in anything else, which includes the politics of the realm. He just sees me as his best chance of acquiring more knowledge without his fellow maesters getting in the way. It's why I know he will not act against me."
Rhaegal did not trust Marwyn. Far from it. But he did have faith in the man's ambitions.
The Archmaester had been useful in keeping the Citadel in check for the past four years, acting as a double agent of sorts. The Citadel had already bent some of their rules in order to appease Rhaegal in their attempt at playing catch up. Allowing Marwyn to come to Dragonstone to serve Rhaegal was one such rule. Aemon's relocation was another.
Unfortunately for them, it would do them no good in the long run.
"There's more." Rhaegal glanced at Melisandre who understood. Reaching into the sleeve of her robes, the red woman pulled out a worn out scroll and handed it to Rhaegal.
"This is one of the treasures of our family, uncle. And it shall be yours from this day forward."