𝓔𝓵𝓪𝓮𝓷𝓪 𝓥𝓮𝓵𝓪𝓻𝔂𝓸𝓷
The fires burned dim the night of Lady Laena Velaryon's funeral in Driftmark.

The waves crashed the shore as if even the gods, old and new, were in despair of her passing. The seas song cried out along with her brother, my father Laenor and her mighty dragon, Vhagar.

The older I became the more I'd grown aware of the side glances and whispers from people in the halls. I was not Ser Laenor's true blood, this much was certain, but I was Targaryen.

At first glance one might assume it'd be possible, matching both my mother and fathers white blonde hair and purple eyes but I knew better.

My fierceness mirrored my Uncle Daemon's along with the shape of my eyes and face. It's been years since I'd last seen my true father, had he missed me? Did he even believe me to be his in the first place?

When the sun crept down over the hills of Driftmark sleep escaped me at every turn. My heart beat like a war drum in anticipation for what was to come, but I couldn't understand what.

Throwing off the sheets I decided on a late night walk.

The breeze swept through the cold halls of Driftmark, a usually cold place similar to Dragonstone in that it was surrounded by water, which was even a short flight from here.

Pulling my robes tighter around me I lift my hood over my head hoping to stay inconspicuous.

If anyone saw the young princess out for a late night stroll they'd surely send me straight back to bed where the winds howled through the windows of my chamber.

Descending the many steps of the castle towards the ocean I'm struck by a familiar figure sat on the sand dunes looking out over the hills where the dragons laid sleeping.

Where Aegon II, the older brother drowned himself in the cups of Westerosi wine and the desires of the flesh, Aemond truly only ever wanted one thing.

To have his very own dragon.

My heart went out to Aemond being the second son of King Viserys constantly overshadowed by not only Aegon but Jace and Luke as well being the heirs sons.

We had more in common than I'd realized for I was dragonless as well, spending my days trying to live up to the expectations of my mother who was perfection in the eyes of those who were loyal to her.

Before I even realize where my feet are taking me I'm climbing the hills of sand towards him and my breath hitches in my throat when he turns, locking eyes with me.

"Elaena, what are you doing here?" Aemond asks, standing to meet me in surprise, brushing the sand off of his emerald green cloak.

"I could ask you the same thing. Keeping a watchful eye over the dragons?" I arch an eyebrow at him and he relaxes instantly realizing I'm not here to reprimand him.

Taking a seat next to him his tense shoulders relax and his usual frown is replaced with a half smile as he replies, "Vhagar is sleeping just below. She's been crying out... but no one will listen to her." Aemond's voice is thick of sympathy for Vhagar, his stare never leaving the massive creature.

"You're listening to her, my prince." The wind whips through my loose strands of hair and I tug the hood tighter when I notice he's started watching me now.

"I suppose. Do you think we'll have dragons of our own soon?"

Thinking it over for a moment I nod, knowing in my heart it was true. I saw the fire that burned wild behind Aemond's deep purple eyes.

"We have dragons blood running through our veins. The same blood of old Valyria. We'll do great things one day Aemond, we have to.... we're destined to." My words fade to a whisper, only the waves crashing the shore to be heard in the night.

I welcome the silence that seeps comfortably between us. No expectations, no pressure of duty or honor.

"What do you know of Old Valyria?" He asks simply, his inquiring mind making him sharper the older we'd grown.

Since I learned to read the maesters of Kings Landing and Dragonstone taught me all my growing mind could handle. When I wasn't by the windows with a book I was by the waves with a sword sparring with whoever would have me.

Being older than Jace by only two years if I were to be heir, I wanted to be able to cut the throats of all who opposed me or my family, not only in battle but with my wit in the small council chambers as well.

"I know a bit... have you heard the ancient songs of the lost dragon?" Peeking through my loose strands of hair his purple eyes shimmer in the moonlight when I mention it.

"A song? I don't know much of any songs." He scoffs but I can tell he's intrigued.

Finding my voice in the cold dark night, I begin to sing.

"The bleeding star had flown so far
The air had turned to ash
The walls of stone would stand no more
but the song will never end

Oh, the blood pays the debt
Fire cracks the hills, white heat burned the steel,
Oh, the blood pays the debt"

Singing for anyone but my mother was foreign to me. It was something I'd always kept to myself. The wide eyed stare Aemond held was the very reason why.

A heated blush comes to my face and suddenly I'm a shy girl, my confidence and fire fading as quickly as it arrived.

"The bleeding star? Is that the lost dragon?" Cocking his head to the side thoughtfully his gaze holds something just beneath the surface.

"I believe so. Some mention in ancient texts the doom of Valyria freed an ancient dragon housed in the very volcanoes that destroyed it all. Her power was so frightening they chained her away, worried of the chaos she might ensue on the world."

"If she's so powerful why hasn't anyone found her? Why don't they speak of her?" Aemond asks, both of us finding ourselves look out at the dragons.

"Maybe she's in hiding. I wouldn't want to be imprisoned by a human ever again." I whisper, resting my chin on my knee.

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up when I can feel Aemond staring at me, deep in thought and he finally says what's on his mind.

"We'll find that lost dragon. Together."

I want to laugh at such a promise but I can only smile at the boy with such astounding dreams.

"If anyone could find her it would be you, my prince. You're such a good listener." I nod, embracing the idea of this fantasy. Wandering the hills of Old Valyria finding treasures and ancient artifacts alike.

"But you've given her a voice, Elaena."

Somehow the night air grows silent and my stomach flips at the mention of my name. The only thing that can break me out of my trance is the deep throated cry from Vhagar below.

The sound is heart wrenching, one of pain and sorrow echoing deep through her bones. I can't imagine what kind of pain a dragon feels when losing their rider, especially by her own flame.

"Stay here," Aemond whispers, taking his moment moving swiftly through the sand towards the monstrous Vhagar herself.

Double taking where he was just a moment ago I almost can't believe he's no longer next to me.

Ignoring his order I take off after him.

"What are you doing?! You'll get eaten alive!" I say, eager to stop him but terrified of waking the dragon.

Just as I'm about to reach him he turns one last time before Vhagar's eyes fly open taking in the both of us, only children.

Aemond and I freeze, grabbing each others hand in fear not daring to make a single move.

"I'm going to claim her." His lips turns up into a grin and I don't waste another moment trying to pull him away.

"Vhagar is Rhaena's to claim, you know that-"

"Than she should've claimed her by now." He snaps, turning back to the dragon, his palm pressing against her scales.

"Aemond, no-!"

This time the dragon rears her head, her throat filling with the fire that would surely burn us alive. Squeezing my eyes shut tight I hold onto Aemond for dear life, if we were to have any of it left.

"Dohaera, Vhagar! Lykiri!" He commands, confidence bellowing through his voice.

Daring to open my eyes, Vhagar lowers her head once more this time in submission. We were merely blips in a timeline to the legendary dragon, and yet she deemed us worthy.

"She's hurting... come with me, Elaena." It's like he uses my name as an enchantment and I'm under his spell.

Still in awe of him I do as he says, climbing up to the heights of the dragon saddle legendary riders like Visenya Targaryen once destroyed great cities on. I'd hoped Vhagar would never burn cities ever again if Aemond had anything to do with it.

Taking my seat behind Aemond he loops my arms around his waist and though I've ridden dragonback with my mother and father before, this felt different.

"Don't let go, princess, no matter what."

***