Game of thrones: A storm is coming

The morning sun painted the sky in hues of gold and amber as Daeron swung into the saddle atop Acnologia. The dragon beneath him shifted its immense weight, muscles rippling like coiled steel under dark, shimmering scales.

Acnologia spread its massive wings, the breeze generated by the movement causing nearby trees to sway. Beside him, Rhaenys sat astride Meleys, the Red Queen, whose crimson scales gleamed in the sunlight like a living flame.

Below, Corlys and Laenor guided a Velaryon ship with sails of silver, cutting a graceful path through the calm waters. Laenor's dragon Seasmoke flew around the deck, still not big enough to carry him. Laena stood on the deck, her wide eyes fixed on the sky, marveling at the majestic sight of the dragons above.

Daeron glanced at Rhaenys, a wry grin playing at the corner of his lips. "You think King's Landing is ready for this spectacle? Two dragons and the Sea Snake himself? Might give the nobles a heart attack."

Rhaenys smirked, her violet eyes glinting with amusement. "Let them gawk. It's about time they remember what true power looks like."

With a shared nod, Daeron urged Acnologia into the air. The dragon's wings beat with mighty force, propelling them higher and higher until the sprawling city of King's Landing emerged below. Its red-tiled roofs formed a patchwork of color, and the labyrinthine streets bustled with life. The Red Keep, perched atop Aegon's Hill, loomed in the distance, its towers piercing the heavens.

As they descended toward the city gates, Daeron noticed something unusual. A crowd had gathered to watch their arrival, and to his surprise, the people were cheering.

"Savior Prince!" voices called out. "Daeron the Great!"

Daeron blinked, taken aback. He leaned slightly to address Rhaenys as Meleys soared beside him. "Savior Prince? Did I miss something?"

Rhaenys chuckled. "Word of your deeds in Essos travels fast, little brother. The merchants and travelers you helped must have spread tales of your exploits. The common folk love a hero."

As Acnologia landed gracefully just outside the city gates, the crowd erupted into louder cheers. Children waved eagerly, and vendors tossed flower petals toward the dragons. Daeron slid from Acnologia's saddle, landing lightly on his feet. He offered a polite bow to the gathered crowd, his smile warm but slightly awkward.

A young boy darted forward, holding out a crude wooden carving of a dragon. "For you, my prince!"

Daeron kneeled down to accept the gift with a kind smile, ruffling the boy's hair. "Thank you. I'll always treasure it. And in return, accept my gift as well."

He offered the boy a piece of candy he made for Laenor and Laena, which he took and ate with a happy smile.

The act sent another wave of cheers through the crowd. Rhaenys dismounted with practiced ease, watching the scene unfold with a mixture of amusement and pride.

"Enjoy the adoration while it lasts," she murmured. "It's the nobles you need to worry about."

As they approached the throne room, the shift in atmosphere was palpable. The warmth of the crowd was replaced by a cold, calculating tension. Otto Hightower stood at the head of the room, his expression barely concealing his disdain.

The other council members watched Daeron with thinly veiled suspicion, their whispers barely audible but unmistakable.

"Prince Daeron Penndragon," Otto said, his tone icy and filled with disdain, emphasizing on the 'prince' part. "How... unexpected to see you gracing the Red Keep with your presence."

Daeron gave a polite smile, bowing slightly. "I didn't really want to, considering how people like you might react, Lord Hand. But it's rude to refuse a kind invitation, especially from a good king." 

Lord Lyonel Strong bowed, " Welcome to the red keep Prince Daeron. Forgive us for some of the doubts we might have, you have never had any communication with us before. Not to mention your immediate journey to Essos, It didn't really paint a favorable impression among most."

Daeron chuckled, " Well, it would be much weirder if I returned here on Dragon back, causing a disturbance, lord Strong."

Otto's eyes narrowed slightly. "We've heard much about your exploits in Essos. One might say your reputation precedes you."

"One might also say reputations are often exaggerated," Daeron replied smoothly. "I'm here to reconnect with my family, not stir trouble or play your mind games, lord hand." Yeah, you hate me, I hate you, no need to pretend otherwise - was the subtext.

At that moment, King Viserys entered the chamber, his jovial presence breaking through the tension like sunlight piercing through storm clouds. "Daeron!" he exclaimed, his arms spread wide in welcome. "At last, the rider of the Black Nightmare graces us with his presence! It seems you've been making quite a name for yourself across the Narrow Sea, even in Westeros."

Daeron bowed deeply. "Your Grace. It's an honor to be here. I gratefully thank you for the invitation. As a child, I often dreamed of seeing the Red Keep in person."

Viserys laughed, clapping Daeron on the shoulder. "And yet, the first chance you had, you flew off to Essos! Why? I would have welcomed you here, especially if I knew you were Uncle Aemon's son. Did you think me such a frightful king that you had to flee?"

Daeron grinned, his tone light. "On the contrary, Your Grace. I thought it best not to add to your burdens. I figured your grace was stressed enough ruling the Westeros; I didn't want to add one more issue on top of it.

A bastard boy of 8, sneaking onto Dragonstone and claiming a dragon the size of a small castle might not have been the most welcome of surprises."

Viserys threw back his head and laughed heartily. "If it had been any other dragon, perhaps. But your dragon, let's just say nobody has the guts to bond with.

Taming him would be seen as a grand achievement. That alone is a feat worthy of song! Though I must admit, your actions caused quite a stir at court."

Daeron's smirk returned. "I suspected as much. That's why I decided to just build my own house. I hope that managed to quiet them a little. Even if I breathe, someone will find fault after all, can't make everyone happy. Better to create than to disrupt, wouldn't you agree?"

Viserys's laughter softened into a warm smile. "Wise words. Come now, we must catch up properly over dinner. I'm eager to hear all about your time in Essos. Rhaenys, Corlys, you'll join us, of course?"

"Gladly," Corlys replied, his tone measured but respectful.

Rhaenys gave a nod. "It's good to see you in such fine spirits, cousin."

As they followed Viserys to the dining hall, Daeron could feel Otto's gaze boring into his back. He made a mental note to tread carefully in the treacherous waters of the Red Keep.

The dining hall was alive with warmth and laughter as the Targaryens and Velaryons gathered around a long table laden with roasted meats, honeyed fruits, and goblets of wine. King Viserys sat at the head, his mood unusually buoyant. Beside him sat Queen Aemma, her delicate features lit with curiosity as she regarded Daeron.

At the far end of the table, Princess Rhaenyra, eleven years old and brimming with youthful energy, stared at Daeron with wide, eager eyes.

Daeron sat near the middle of the table, flanked by Laenor and Laena, who were still chattering excitedly about their earlier dragon ride. He smiled awkwardly as Rhaenyra leaned forward, clearly ready to pepper him with questions.

"So, Prince Daeron," Rhaenyra began, her voice light and inquisitive. "Father says you've been in Essos all this time. What's it like? Did you really fight pirates? And is it true you made yourself a prince there with your own efforts ?"

Daeron chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Well, Essos is... vast. Every city is like a world of its own. And yes, I did run into a few pirates. They weren't particularly friendly. "

"Did you fight them with your sword?" Rhaenyra pressed, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Sometimes," Daeron admitted, glancing at Rhaenys for help, though she only smirked and sipped her wine. "Other times, it was more about outsmarting them. Pirates aren't the brightest bunch, you know."

"What about your dragon ?" Rhaenyra asked, practically bouncing in her seat. "Father says he is the largest dragon ever recorded, even bigger than Balerion? How did you tame him?"

Daeron hesitated, feeling the weight of her curiosity.

He trailed off, glancing at Viserys, who was listening intently. "Well, let's just say it wasn't very fond of me at first."

Rhaenyra's grin widened. "What did you do?"

"I ran," Daeron said with a laugh. "Very fast."

The table erupted in laughter, and even Queen Aemma chuckled softly. "It seems you've had quite the adventures," she said, her tone warm. "But surely there must have been moments of peace too?"

"Of course," Daeron replied, relaxing slightly. "Pentos was kind to me once I earned the trust of its people. And there's a beauty to Essos that's hard to describe—the sunsets over the Rhoyne, the endless grasslands of the Dothraki Sea. It's a place of extremes, both harsh and breathtaking."

As the laughter subsided, Viserys leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "So, Daeron, now that you're here, do you plan to stay in Westeros permanently? It would be good to have you close to family again."

Daeron paused, feeling the weight of the question. He glanced briefly at Rhaenys and Corlys before replying, "I don't think I'm ready to settle anywhere permanently just yet.

I've always been... adventurous. For now, I'd like to travel through Westeros and learn more about its people and places. But eventually, I'll return to Essos. My heart is still tied to the work I've begun in Essos. There are people who need my help, and I'm determined to see it through."

Viserys frowned slightly but nodded in understanding. "A restless spirit, then. Still, I hope you'll consider staying longer. Your presence here is... refreshing."

"You flatter me, Your Grace," Daeron said with a small smile. "I'll stay as long as I can, but my nature is to be free. I don't like slavery, and I plan to get rid of it slowly."

Rhaenyra, not satisfied with the pause in conversation, leaned forward again. "But why go back, Daeron ? Don't you like it here? You could ride dragons with us every day! Or teach me how to fight like you!"

Daeron chuckled, feeling a bit cornered by her enthusiasm. "It's not that I don't like it here, Princess. It's just that... there's still work to be done in Essos. People who need my help. Dragons to... avoid."

Daeron panicked inside.

Rhaenyra giggled. "You're funny, Daeron. But I still think you'd be happier here. Father says we're strongest when we're together, and you're part of our family now."

' Why is this chick so interested in me and behaving well ! And what's with the F word, are you Vin diesel's daughter? Act pretentious and call me a bastard or something, so I can hate you properly!'

Her earnestness caught Daeron off guard, and he hesitated before replying. "You're very wise for your age, Princess. Perhaps one day, I'll find my way back here for good."

Rhaenyra beamed at the compliment, and Viserys raised his goblet. "To family," the king said, his voice filled with warmth. "May we always find our way back to one another."

The toast was echoed around the table, and Daeron raised his goblet as well, though a flicker of doubt lingered in his mind. This was not what he expected honestly, not that he was complaining .

The bonds of family were strong, but so were the ties of duty and ambition. It's pretty weird how they are being so nice, and it feels bad to know that they will meet gruesome ends. Well, that's a problem for future Daeron.

For now, he would walk the fine line between them, knowing the choices ahead would shape not just his own future but that of the realm.