Snap!
When they arrived at the entrance of the dragon pit, Rhaenyra slapped Aemon on the butt without saying a word.
"Ah!" Aemon screamed in pain, still staring behind him.
What's going on? He thought, his mind racing. I didn't think the dragon would just ignore me.
Seeing his indignant expression, Rhaenyra's face flushed with anger, and she shouted, "Aemon, you almost lost your life just now!"
The dragon had clearly rejected him, and if he persisted, he was courting disaster.
"It didn't attack me," Aemon said seriously, trying to calm her down. "It didn't want to attack me either."
He was still shaken by the experience. But when he had stood before Meng Huo, the ancient dragon, he had felt something in its massive form—a faint presence, like a trace of thought, but it was indifferent, almost detached.
It wasn't hostile. It didn't care enough to attack.
Rhaenyra's chest heaved with frustration. "You—don't do this again!" She was furious. "This is nonsense. Even Daemon had trouble training dragons, but he was never as reckless as you!"
Aemon lowered his head, guilt washing over him. "I'm sorry. I won't do it again."
It wasn't the fact that he had tried to touch the dragon, but the fact that he had worried her so much. He couldn't help but think back to what had just happened. It had been reckless and impulsive.
"Just… be more careful," Rhaenyra said, trying to regain her composure.
Aemon looked up at her with a hint of a smile, but she wasn't looking at him anymore. He turned his attention inward, calling up the Magic Essence Panel.
[Aemon Targaryen]
Talent: Dreamer (Gold)
Bloodline: Ancient Valyrian Dragon King (18%)
Skills: High Valyrian (Proficient), Arithmetic (Proficient), etc.
Magic Cards: None
Pet: Golden-nosed rat (Blue)
Status: "Well-developed young man, destined to become a powerful warrior."
Aemon's eyes widened as he saw the panel's contents. "The purity of my bloodline has increased by 5%… and there's a new pet column. This must be from Dreamfire."
The panel flipped to reveal a new screen, and Aemon's gaze dropped to the Magic Essence count at the bottom. Quantity of Essence: 168. The extra 100 points, no doubt, came from the Dreamfire interaction.
Aemon let out a breath, feeling a surge of hope. The boost to his bloodline and the magic essence—this was worth it.
He glanced over at Rhaenyra, who was still not paying attention, and closed the panel. He felt a sense of bittersweet triumph, unsure whether to feel proud or guilty for what he had done.
Meanwhile, the old dragon handler, who had been nervously watching, took a deep breath and looked at Aemon. "Prince, it's best if you leave for now."
The old man was pale. The last time he had been so terrified was when Bold Bellon had caused a stir in the dragon's lair.
Aemon stood there for a moment, torn between the consequences of his actions and his desire to continue his connection with the dragon. He didn't want to leave so soon.
The old man shook his head, seeing the prince's hesitation. "You were only four years old when your father first rode a dragon. No Targaryen ever tamed a dragon younger than ten years old. You're still too young."
Aemon shook his head, determined. "I'm not trying to train it. Just let it be free for a moment. Let Dreamfire stretch its wings."
The old man frowned. "That's dangerous. Dreamfire has a wild temper."
Aemon, sensing the hesitation, added, "It's just lonely. It was once a symbol of prosperity hatched in King's Landing. It only wants to fly for a moment. I'm sure it won't be a problem."
The old man was silent, contemplating Aemon's words. Meng Huo, though ancient and wise, had always been a creature of great restraint, rarely showing aggression toward humans. The idea of letting it fly for a brief moment seemed harmless enough.
After a long pause, the old man sighed. "If you insist, Prince Aemon, I'll allow it. But only under my supervision."
Just then, Rhaenyra spoke up, her voice breaking the silence. "Let it fly."
Aemon turned to her in surprise. He hadn't expected her to speak in his favor.
"Don't think I'm helping you," Rhaenyra scoffed. "But it's not right to keep a magnificent dragon locked up like that."
Aemon couldn't hide his grin. Rhaenyra's words were as sharp as always, but he was grateful for her support.
The old dragonman gave in reluctantly. "Fine. I'll let it go, but you must step away, Prince Aemon."
Aemon stepped back, grateful that the situation had worked out in his favor. Rhaenyra, still looking somewhat displeased, followed him.
The bronze doors creaked open, and a ray of sunlight poured through, casting a golden light over Aemon's face. The fresh air washed over him, lifting his spirits.
He sighed, feeling lighter than he had in a long while. "I won't do it again, I promise."
Rhaenyra tilted her head slightly, giving him a pointed look. "You better not."
At that moment, the escort team arrived, and Sir Steve, ever vigilant, stepped forward.
The dragon's lair was a dangerous place, and even the Kingsguard were on alert. They had expected the worst, but now, seeing no immediate danger, they relaxed slightly.
"Prince, it doesn't matter that you didn't succeed this time," Sir Ryan said with a comforting smile. "You're still young. You'll have plenty of time."
Aemon nodded but couldn't help feeling the sting of failure. Sir Steve, Sir Ryan, and William realized the prince had not come out riding a dragon, but it seemed they were too polite to say anything about it.
"Ha!" Gonsol, one of the men in the group, casually spat out an orange seed. He seemed unfazed by the situation, chewing on his fruit.
But then, suddenly, the ground rumbled, and the sound of heavy footsteps reached their ears.
"Protect the prince and princess!" Sir Steve barked, his hand instinctively going to his sword hilt.
The old dragonman, his face pale, cried out in High Valyrian to calm the restless dragon. "Dreamfire, quiet!"
A shadow loomed overhead as the massive dragon, Dreamfire, emerged from the darkness of the dragon pit. The sunlight caught its sleek blue scales, and its wings stretched out with a great rustling sound.
Aemon had never seen a dragon up close before, and the sight took his breath away. The dragon's presence was awe-inspiring—its wings glowing like precious gems in the sunlight.
"Dragon!!" William cried out in shock, almost stumbling in his surprise.
Sir Steve and Sir Ryan stood frozen, their hands still gripping their swords, unsure of what to do. It was the first time in their lives that they had been so close to such a creature.
Gonsol, however, was the most stunned. He stared up at the giant dragon in wide-eyed awe, his half-chewed orange falling from his mouth.
Aemon looked up at Dreamfire with a mixture of wonder and respect. He stepped forward, motioning for the others to stay back.
"Everyone, step back and give it room," Aemon commanded firmly.
The escort team, obedient to their prince, moved aside.
Dreamfire, after being released, stretched its wings and let out a mighty roar that echoed across the dragon pit.
Aurethar was free once again, and Aemon couldn't help but smile at the sight. The dragon's wings, reflecting the sunlight, created a mesmerizing display of light and color. Aemon raised his hand to shield his eyes from the bright glow and said with admiration, "It's so beautiful."
With a powerful roar, Dreamfire took flight, soaring into the sky like an arrow, disappearing into the vast blue expanse above.
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