Bronze Fury
Chapter Six: The Dragon's Pit
Pairings: Aemond x F!Targ!OC, Aegon x F!Targ!OC
Word Count: 5.4k+
Previous Chapter: (Ch. 5) Princess of the Bugs
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Next Chapter: (Ch. 7) The Pink Dread
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"Getting a bit late, isn't it?"
Rhae's heart skipped a beat—now outside Helaena's room, she and Aemond stood face to face with Ser Criston. She looked nervously to Aemond, who was staring guiltily at Cole's boots.
"Apologies, Ser Criston," Aemond mumbled. His youth was showing—he looked remarkably like a boy being scolded by his father. "We'd lost track of time."
"I expect it won't happen again," Criston chided, raising a brow. Aemond's face flushed. "You've got training in the morning, and you should rest well if you'd like to continue with the heavier sword."
"It is my fault, Ser Criston," Rhae said, clasping her own hands together nervously. Criston shifted his gaze to her, his expression unreadable. "I had asked Aemond for a bit of a history lesson and got... a bit carried away. It won't happen again."
"I'd hope not," he replied, his tone softening. "Especially if you still wish to join us in the training yard. You'll need your rest too, Lady Rhae."
"Of course, Ser Criston. My apologies."
Ser Criston studied the pair closely, before relinquishing with a deep sigh.
"I suppose there's no harm done. It is not yet midnight, but we are near it." Cole nods towards the prince. "Aemond, escort Lady Rhae back to her room and head off to bed. I must report back to my station... I trust you won't wander."
"Your trust is not misplaced, Ser Criston." Aemond said, his look of shame dissolving into one of pride. The boy clearly held his responsibilities in high regard.
They bade Ser Criston goodnight, then took off down the halls at a brisk pace. Rhae could feel the gaze of the knight following them until they turned a corner.
"Is he always so scary?" Rhae asked in a hushed voice as they climbed the steps toward her room.
"Scary?" Aemond looked puzzled at this. "Well... I suppose he might come off that way to others, but Ser Criston is an excellent knight! I should've warned you he might come to check on us, he often does. He can be stern, but he merely wishes to keep us safe."
Rhae still had her reservations about Ser Criston, but Aemond's perspective was an influential one. Aemond clearly held Cole—both his teachings and his opinion—in high regard. All things considered, Rhae supposed she ought to be grateful to have someone so intimidating looking out for her. So long as she stayed away from his bad side, perhaps she could come to fully view the knight the same way Aemond did.
"Had he said you would join us in the training yards?" Aemond asked as they reached the top of their flight. Rhae nodded.
"He said he would teach me to wield a sword myself, if I'd like," Rhae said.
"And would you?"
"Very much."
Aemond laughed.
"What's so funny?" Rhae asked, instantly defensive. It wouldn't be the first time she'd been mocked for her desire to learn combat.
"Nothing, nothing... I'm sorry," Aemond said, looking to her with admiration. "I think that's great—you could be just like Visenya!"
Relief washed over Rhae.
"Well... maybe not that imposing," she smiled. "I can only hope to be a fraction as formidable."
"Have you trained before?"
"Not with a sword, no." Rhae explained, flexing her bandaged fingers. "My uncle had trained me with a bow back in Runestone."
Aemond eyed her nervously.
"You've mentioned your uncle, Ser Gerold, a few times," He said. "Was it him?"
"He taught me everything I know."
They continued a few paces in silence.
"I'm sorry for what happened to him," Aemond said, his voice soft. "And for what happened with Sheepstealer."
"There's no need to apologize," Rhae said, her voice thick. A lump had formed in her throat. "I'm responsible for my own failures, not you."
"I don't mean to insult you with pity," Aemond sighed. "I'm just... sorry that it happened. The gods can be cruel."
Rhae had received the same sentiments from the Queen, but she could see in the boy's face that this was more than an imitation of his mother. She didn't mean to reject his offering of compassion—there were very few who'd extended their condolences so sincerely.
"It's not all bad," she said, nudging him. "Ser Gerold tried his best, but Runestone was... lonely. I've never had a peer with which I could train and study." Aemond gave a closed-lip smile, looking pleased. They had reached Rhae's door. "If it hadn't happened, maybe I never would have come here. Then I'd never have met you."
"I suppose so." Even with nothing more than torches to light the hall, the blush in Aemond's cheek was visible. He rubbed at his elbow, not quite meeting her eye. "I'm really glad you're going to be around. You're not like the others."
"You shouldn't listen to the others," Rhae said firmly, remembering the teasing of Aegon and the Velaryon princes. "They're missing out, and they'll be sorry to have denied you when you've become a great warrior and dragon rider. You'll show them."
"Thank you, Rhae," Aemond said. His voice was quiet, but he at last met her gaze. "You will too. We'll do it together."
Rhae slung her good arm around Aemond's neck, pulling him into a loose hug. The gesture seemed to catch the boy by surprise, but he responded a moment later. Aemond was a head shorter than Rhae, and so he rest his chin upon her shoulder, head tilted against hers so that his silver hair brushed her cheek. Tentatively, he placed a hand on the middle of her back.
When Rhae pulled away, Aemond released quickly, not daring to impose himself. The boy was pink to his ears.
"We should do as Ser Criston says and get our rest," Rhae said, trying not to pay too much mind to the enchanted look upon his face.
"Right," he exhaled. "Goodnight Rhae."
"Goodnight Aemond."
Back in her room, Rhae finds that the movement seemed to have shaken her of sleepiness. A month's worth of tossing and turning in bed, her left side itching insistently, had made her accustomed to less rest. It was an unhealthy habit, but one she had developed nonetheless.
She decided to practice once more with her bow, invigorated by the mention of her resumed training. Rhae pulled the string back, holding it for as long as she could muster, before slowly releasing it back into a neutral position. In all her concentration, she did not notice a new presence enter the room.
"I didn't know you practiced with a bow," came a voice from behind.
" Fuck! " Rhae gasped, ringing her hand as her surprise prompted an early release. She spun around to face her unexpected guest, fingers stinging. "You scared me! What in the Seven Hells are you doing here?"
Aegon stood at the door.
"I tried knocking!" He said, arms raised defensively upon seeing the look on Rhae's face. "I didn't know you'd be practicing with a bow in your bedroom. It's nearly midnight, you know."
"I could've been sleeping!"
"You'd only just gotten back." Aegon waved a hand dismissively. How had he known that? Before she could ask, he continued. "Where'd you get that anyhow?"
"I brought it from Runestone," Rhae said gruffly, taking a seat on her bed and massaging the injury. Thankfully, the bandaging on her hand seemed to have protected against any damage to the skin, though it still throbbed painfully.
"Are you any good?" Aegon asked, taking a few steps deeper into the room.
"I was," Rhae replied, lifting her injured arm as best she could and waving it a little for emphasis. "Been a bit difficult to practice as of late..." Rhae glared at her guest. "And you didn't answer my question."
"Right," Aegon said, nearing the foot of her bed. "I came to see you about my invitation from earlier."
"To visit the dragon pit?" Aegon nodded. " Now ?"
"I'd settle for a walk if you're scared."
"Who said I was scared?"
Aegon smirked, leaning against the bedpost.
"It's late," Rhae insisted dodgily. "Surely we wouldn't be allowed to leave the castle at this hour."
"We surely aren't," Aegon agreed solemnly.
Rhae furrowed her brow. She'd just arrived a day prior—it would not be wise to wander about King's Landing unsupervised with the prince. It may cause a scandal. What would Alicent say?
Aegon seemed to read her mind.
"I promise you, if anyone's to be in trouble, it'll be me," he assured her. When Rhae opened her mouth to argue, Aegon hastened to cut her off. "That's if anyone even realizes we're gone, which almost never happens! My guard thinks I'm in my room even now."
"They don't seem like very good guard then," Rhae said concernedly. "How'd you manage that?"
"Secret passages! There are dozens, I'd wager. Like the one at the bottom of the staircase leading to your room, for instance."
His answer caught Rhae by surprise—this felt like the sort of thing you'd avoid telling strangers. Perhaps her second impression of Aegon was no more accurate than her first. He may be clever, but he was proving to be reckless, too—this was the second royal secret he'd spilt in the past day alone. Perhaps it was her fault for thinking that the two traits may be mutually exclusive.
"Are you always so forthcoming?" She scoffed.
"Do you always ask this many questions?"
Her eyes narrowed—if the Prince was going to insist upon over sharing, perhaps she could use it to her advantage.
"I do." Rhae said, standing abruptly. "And if I'm coming with you, I'm going to have very many more."
"Deal."
Shit . There was no getting out of it now.
Rhae huffed, then dug through her chests, looking for a suitable cloak. She still wore her attire from the day—a deep blue gown made of linen. It was simple and lightweight, easy for traveling, though she wished for some trousers.
"Sometime tonight, perhaps?"
"I wasn't exactly prepared for an outing, you know."
Once she'd emptied half her things onto the floor, Rhae at last found a gray hooded cloak with silver fastenings. She swung it awkwardly over her shoulder, left arm stiff, following Aegon to the door. He pressed his ear against the wood as she fiddled with the clasp, bandaged fingers fumbling.
"Come on," Aegon whispered, creaking the door open. Rhae had still not fastened her cloak, and so she gripped it at her throat as she followed him into the hall and down the stairs.
Aegon stood on the bottom-most step, reaching up towards the nearest torch. Rhae watched in awe as he gave a tug, and the wall opened up on unseen hinges.
"Ladies first," he whispered, holding it open a crack. Still clutching her cloak, she slid beneath his arm and through the hidden door. Aegon followed, closing the false wall behind him. The passageway which they entered was narrow and dark, except for a lantern resting upon the ground.
"The guards," Rhae whispered, watching as Aegon picked up the lantern. "Will they be able to hear us through the wall?"
"Not likely," Aegon replied, his voice only slightly lower than usual. "But I haven't really tested it. I don't usually have company."
"Usually?"
"Ever," Aegon admitted. The pair set off down the dimly lit path together, the prince leading the way.
"How'd you learn about this?"
"Targaryen family secrets," he said dryly. "Not that anyone bothered to tell me. I found them myself. It's said that King Maegor ordered them built during his reign, then had all the builders hung to preserve their secrecy."
"Seems cruel."
"Yeah, well, he was known for that." Aegon took a sharp turn, and Rhae bumped against the wall. "He was a paranoid man, wanting to make sure he could escape the castle if it were ever under siege. Didn't stop him being killed upon his throne, though."
Aegon's voice sounded heavy. Rhae had learned of Maegor's demise during lessons with her Septa—his killer was never discovered, if there was any. Some believed his wrists were gashed upon the Iron Throne itself.
"You said it was a Targaryen family secret. Do the others know of these paths?"
"Given how he went, I don't think it likely Maegor passed along his secrets so... I cannot say for certain. But I've never seen another." Aegon paused. "At least no person... rats, on the other hand." As if on cue, a large lump scurried across Rhae's foot. She yelped in surprise, crashing into the prince. Aegon snickered. "You get used to it."
Rhae wasn't so sure she wanted to.
"If you're the only one that knows about these... Why share them with me? We've only just met."
"Mother said we were to make you feel welcome."
Rhae didn't feel that this answer was satisfactory, but before she could interrogate further, Aegon came to a full stop, and she bumped into him once more. Aegon hung the lantern upon a hook above their heads, and through the dim light of the fire, Rhae could see Aegon press his ear against the wall. When he turned back to her, he held his finger indicatively to his lips.
"We're almost to the end, but we'll have to leave the light behind." Aegon whispered. "The tunnel out is dark and rough, but you should be fine if you stick close to me." As he said this, he extended an arm for Rhae to grab hold of—but Rhae was still holding her cloak to her neck, still not having managed the clasps from before.
"I... um..." Rhae tried and failed once more to fasten the garment, her injured arm feeling tight as she tried to bend her elbow to use both hands. "These stupid bandages..."
Realizing her struggle, Aegon hastened to help.
"Here," he said. Rhae lifted her chin upwards, but with the light so dim and far above, Aegon had to lean in to better see what he was doing. Her face felt hot— how embarrassing, she thought. "You could've asked before we left, you know." The clip upon her cloak came together at last.
"Thank you," she mumbled, now able to take hold of his forearm. They slipped past another hidden door, leaving the lantern and its light behind. The new space they found themselves in was larger, but just as dark. Rhae supposed they must be outside the castle now, in some sort of tunnel. They'd passed from smooth stone onto uneven ground, which rose and dipped unexpectedly underfoot. She was aimless if not for Aegon, who seemed sure of his step—the closer behind him she followed, the less she staggered and stumbled.
"I hope you know where you're going," she whispered. Aegon didn't answer, but she felt certain he was smirking.
At last Rhae spied a light ahead. It was not a door they approached, but a crevice.
"It's a bit of a squeeze," Aegon said, voice low. "I don't think Maegor ever tried this path himself."
Rhae pressed past the rock into a vacant alleyway. A cool breeze brushed her face, and she turned her head up towards towering turrets as the prince came stumbling out after her. They were outside the castle's walls, at the base of Aegon's High Hill.
"Come on," Aegon said, grabbing her hood and tugging it over her eyes. Rhae pushed him playfully, glad to be outside again. The success of their escape from the castle raised her spirits—Rhae was nervous still, but excitement gripped her now. She adjusted her hood to hide her hair, Aegon doing the same with his. "We've still got a way to go before we reach the Dragonpit."
The first few streets they encountered were quiet, but the farther they traveled, the more they teemed with activity. Walking along the Street of Sisters, they came upon performers, whores, merchants and bumbling drunkards.
"How often do you do this?" Rhae asked, eyeing the nearest group of inebriated men warily.
"Truthfully?"
"That is why I ask."
"Most nights."
"That's why you're nodding off in lessons, is it?"
Aegon grinned.
"You sound like Aemond."
"Maybe he has a point," Rhae insisted.
"You wound me," Aegon said, clutching at his heart. He spun on his heel, walking backwards now, facing her as he spoke. "Must you ruin our trip?"
"It is not ruined. " Rhae scoffed. "What have you got against him, anyway?"
"Nothing, it's just... he's my younger brother," Aegon said with a shrug. "Which makes him a twat. Besides, someone needs to keep him humble."
"Keep him humble ?" Rhae glared. "Is that what you call it?'
"Aemond will be fine. I've got to capitalize while I can!" Aegon said, rolling his eyes as Rhae frowned. "You've seen him in lessons, and it's just the same in the training yard! Mother's favorite, Helaena's favorite... yours , by the sound of it. Once he gets a dragon I'll have lost all my cards. He'll be the best of us, with my antagonizing and without your worries."
"He certainly will be." Rhae meant for her words to be more biting, but they lost their edge at the concession of Aemond's virtues. She hadn't expected for Aegon to seem so envious of his brother. He was a bit of an ass, but once again, there seemed to be more to Aegon than she'd given him credit for.
"Besides," he continued. "Not that you'd know this, having never met your siblings, but it just comes with the territory."
Rhae sulked at the mention of her sisters.
"I can't help that I've never met them," she grumbled.
"Certainly not," Aegon said, biting at his lip. Rhae avoided his gaze. "Do you want to?"
"I'm supposed to be the one asking questions here."
"I've answered plenty!" Aegon protested. "Come on, it's your turn."
Rhae sighed, contemplating. She thought of her sisters more than she'd care to admit. Daemon hadn't slaughtered their mother. He'd stayed for them, and as far as Rhae knew, cared for them. Her life would be much different if she were born to Laena Velaryon. It filled her with guilt, but sometimes she wished she had.
"I don't know what I would say to them," Rhae muttered. "But... yeah. I suppose I would."
"Daemon... he lives with them in Essos now, right?"
"Last I'd heard."
"And what about him?"
"What about him?"
"He's your father, isn't he?" Aegon raised a brow. "Haven't you ever wanted to meet him?"
"You're pushing it."
"I'll take that as a 'no', then."
"I didn't say that!"
"So... yes?"
"Stop it."
"It's a simple question!"
"I don't know!" Rhae huffed, throwing a hand up irritably. "I mean... a little, I guess. But what's the point? I'm sure it would end poorly. He's never wanted to meet me, has he? Otherwise it wouldn't really be a question."
Aegon nodded, looking deep in thought. His demeanor lacked malice.
"Fathers are overrated anyhow," he said.
He sauntered backwards still, unaware of the thickening crowd behind him. Rhae peered past the prince, trying to identify the source of the gathering.
"Um... Aegon..."
Before she could get his attention, a mass of people parted as several men came crashing through, grappling with bloodied fists and faces.
"Watch out!" Rhae exclaimed, grabbing Aegon by the hand and pulling him away from the brawl. She spied City Guards pushing through the crowd towards them. "We should get out of here."
"Right," Aegon said, pulling at his hood anxiously. Gripping her hand, he led her in a new direction. "This way!"
They ducked into another alleyway, quickly putting distance between themselves and the fight. Another pair of guards rushed past, but paid them no mind.
"How much farther?" Rhae asked, casting a glance over her shoulder at the commotion they'd fled.
"We're nearly there," Aegon assured her. He no longer tugged her forward, slowing his pace so their steps fell in line. After a few moments, Rhae realized they were still holding hands. She let go, blushing.
"The Dragonpit... is there a secret passage to get in there as well?"
"Not really, no," Aegon said. "But we won't need one. There's not that many guards really, the dragons are a strong enough deterrent on their own."
Rhae's stomach churned—the prospect of confronting another dragon scared her. She knew she'd have to, eventually, but she hadn't expected to hurdle towards that future so soon.
"Will it be safe?"
Rhae braced herself for teasing.
"I promise."
They waited in the alley as a pair of guards strolled past, before quickly rounding the large domed structure before them. Rather than climbing the steps to the bronze doors that marked the main entrance, Aegon led Rhae to the base of the hill. To her surprise, Aegon opened a wooden door leading into the ground with ease.
"The dragonkeepers don't always bother with locking doors," Aegon said as they slid through. There was no need to keep their voices down—the room they found themselves in was full of pens. Goats and pigs bleated and oinked at the disturbance. "The consequence of thieving from the dragons is to be fed to them."
They crept about the place, but they encountered no one. The smell was unbearable, and the sights were strange. One room seemed to be filled with dragon scales and half-finished armor, another contained the largest saddles Rhae had ever seen. In yet another, Aegon collected a heavy looking satchel, but did not elaborate on its purpose. At last they came upon a heavy steel door at the end of a long, dark hallway.
"This leads directly into the pits, Sunfrye is kept closeby," Aegon explained. Rhae was trying not to tremble, but she could not stop imagining the glow of fire deep within Sheepstealer's gullet. The cries of Ser Gerold echoed in her ears. "I don't intend to kill us, you know."
"Yes, well..." Rhae took a deep breath, trying to hold her composure. "I've learned once already that intent means very little to dragons."
"Sunfyre's not like other dragons," Aegon said confidently, a hint of pride in his tone. "You'll love him, I'm certain of it. Just stick close."
Rhae followed the prince into the pits, which were sparsely lit by torches hung on decaying columns of stone. The chambers were great. Rhae felt small.
A trill echoed from deep within the cavern, sending shivers down Rhae's spine. She clung to the prince's arm instinctively.
"He knows we're here," Aegon whispered, before calling out: " Rytsas, queldios gevyvis !"
A spout of flames erupted, but Aegon pressed forward without fear. Rhae's heart pounded in her chest as they neared—she could not see the dragon well, but in the darkness she could tell that Sunfyre was much smaller than Sheepstealer. She found no real comfort in that. When they neared, the dragon rushed forward, straining against his chains.
"Hold this," Aegon said, passing the satchel to Rhae. She released his arm, wishing his confidence was in any way contagious. "Sunfyre, I've brought a friend! Raqiros. Be calm, Sunfyre! Gidon."
The dragon trilled, lowering his head to Aegon's height and, without warning, pushed his rider to the ground. Shit , Rhae thought. But Aegon was laughing, his dragon nuzzling into his outstretched arms.
"Jerk," Rhae heard him say. Aegon turned to beckon to her. "C'mon, he won't bite."
Rhae approached timidly, holding the satchel to her stomach. Aegon got to his feet, resting one hand on Sunfyre's head, and reaching out to Rhae with the other.
"Friend, Sunfyre. Raqiros ... Raqiros ..." Aegon put an arm around Rhae's shoulder once she was close enough. "You can pet him if you'd like."
Rhae could feel the warm breath expelled from Sunfyre's nostrils—up close, she could see that his scales shimmered like gold. Green eyes stared at her as she extended a hand, and with baited breath, she pressed her palm to the dragon's snout.
"Holy shit," Rhae let out a nervous laughter, Sunfyre trilling contentedly. "I'm... I'm petting a dragon."
Aegon strode over to the side of the cave, fetching a large metal basin Rhae hadn't noticed before. He rolled it over so that it rested in front of Sunfyre, then, taking the satchel from Rhae, opened it to reveal that it was full of coal. He dumped its contents into the basin, motioning for Rhae to step back.
Rhae didn't need telling twice—she hadn't forgotten the heat of the flames expelled in her direction when Sheepstealer took his offering. She backed up as far as she could, pressed against the wall.
"Sunfyre," Aegon said. " Dracarys !"
Sunfyre's flames were as golden as his scales, and the basin ignited. Aegon sat beside the burning coals, fire giving way from their golden hue to a flickering orange. Sunfyre rest his head in his rider's lap and, sensing it was safe, Rhae re-approached to sit with them.
"Isn't he sort of... crushing you?"
"I couldn't get up if I tried," Aegon admitted, rubbing Sunfyre's head affectionately. "What do you think?"
"Best dragon ever," Rhae relented, leaning in to stroke his scales once more.
"Told you so," Aegon grinned. "You should see him in the air—a real show-off, he is."
Sunfyre trilled again, seemingly in agreement. The three of them sat in content silence, cozy by the fire. Rhae yawned and, feeling bolder, rested her head upon the prince's shoulder. Moments later, she felt his own head bump against hers.
"You know, I don't think you really answered my question from before," Rhae said after a while.
"Which one?"
"Why did you invite me here?"
"I answered that one," Aegon said. "Mother wanted us to make you feel welcome."
"Helaena invited me to tea."
Aegon sighed.
"Do you not know what you're here for?"
Rhae picked her head up and sat straight, eyes narrowing at the prince.
"What do you mean?"
"To study, and to train," Aegon mused. "Maybe even claim a dragon for yourself. Right?"
"...Right."
"And surely you know what our dragons have been used for?"
Of course Rhae knew. War. Conquering.
"Taking things," she said, thinking of Daemon's years-old threat on Runestone.
"And defending them."
"What are you getting at?"
Aegon's eyes were on his dragon, face pensive.
"Someday soon Sunfyre and I will have to fly for more than leisure," he said somberly. "That's what mother says. The King is not a healthy man."
Rhae inhaled sharply.
"You speak of succession."
"I'd rather not," Aegon admitted. "But as the King's firstborn son, I'm not often given the choice."
"But... Rhaenyra was named heir."
"Her claim is weak," Aegon pointed out. "It defies precedent, and worse yet, her sons are bastards."
Rhae tensed—they had found themselves on the topic of treason once more.
"What does this have to do with me?"
"Hopefully, nothing," Aegon said. "I have no interest in stealing my sister's crown. Even if she weren't heir, I want nothing to do with it."
"Truly?"
Aegon nodded, chewing at his lip.
"You've seen the King—how the throne rots away and eats at him. It is a death sentence." Aegon laughed bitterly. "It's funny, really, for as much as my father seems to resent me, denying my birthright might be the kindest gesture he's ever made. Rhaenyra can keep it."
Rhae sat with this for a moment, thinking of how dark Aegon's tone turned when they'd discussed Maegor's murder. It was true that the seat had a bloody history.
"If you don't want the throne, what's the trouble?"
"The lords may demand it—the Great Council declared for Viserys on the same principle. If not me, it would be Aemond. If not him, many would still see Daeron ascend before our sister."
"And if you all refuse?"
"You're clever, Rhae." Aegon shifted uncomfortably, legs pinned beneath Sunfyre's giant head. "Surely you can see what fears plague my mother. Why she's brought you here."
Rhae feared she did. She was reminded of Jon's words, before she left for King's Landing:
To question the succession of the royal line could mean death to you, me, and all of our House!
What might come of the boys that caused such a question?
You should understand better than anyone that the royal family has little regard for what is right and what is wrong.
"She hopes that I might defend your claim."
Aegon exhaled deeply, Sunfyre doing the same through his nose. Rhae took the hot stream of air blown in her face as confirmation. Her heart felt heavy—she had only herself to blame for not seeing the ulterior motives behind the Queen's actions. If Aegon knew of her agenda, had Helaena and Aemond too? Was it all a farce?
Rhae sniffed, mulling over this new information in silence. The dejected look upon Aegon's face felt telling. She believed he was telling the truth—both about the plans to recruit Rhae to defend his claim, and his distaste for having a claim at all. He didn't seem pleased to have shared such an unpleasant truth. Surely Alicent wasn't any gladder to have to make these preparations, and at present, that was all they were. Cautionary measures. It didn't have to mean that the words they exchanged over dinner were disingenuous. Could alliances and friendships not come together, hand in hand?
"I didn't bring you here just to discuss usurpation," he mumbled. "Mother wanted you to think highly of us but... I did too. I didn't mean to worry you, but you deserved to know. I hope I didn't ruin things."
"It's not ruined," Rhae said softly. They sat in silence awhile longer, watching the fire flicker before them.
" Hioras," Aegon said at last . Rhae thought this must be some command to rise, for Sunfyre lifted his neck, releasing his rider from his weight. Aegon stretched his legs before standing, offering Rhae a hand up. "We should return to the castle... try and get some sleep before morning. It'll take nearly another hour to get back."
"Right," Rhae yawned, allowing Aegon to help pull her to her feet. She watched as Aegon dragged the basin of coals to the side of the cavern, dumping them in the dirt. He returned to her side, shoulders slouched. "Thank you for being honest with me. I hope none of these fears come to pass, but I'm glad someone is keeping me informed. Ser Gerold... he oft handled such matters. I’m lost without him."
"Yeah," Aegon murmured. "Of course."
"I'm glad you brought me along," she continued, determined to have a happy end to their exploits. She believed him to be genuine—the concerns that plagued the prince seemed remarkably similar to her own. She liked him, more than she cared to admit. "Really." Aegon smiled slightly at this, while Sunfyre nudged at Rhae's stomach. She patted his jaw.
"Just don't forget to marvel at Sunfyre like it's the first time you've seen him when you make your official visit to the Dragonpit."
"That shouldn't be too hard," Rhae grinned as the dragon trilled once more.Their journey back to the Red Keep was much quicker and quieter than when they'd left, the streets mostly cleared of the ruckus and rabble they'd encountered before. The pair spoke little—a result of both exhaustion and tension. Rhae eyed the prince many times during their travels, hoping to glean what thoughts may be going through his head. More than once she found him watching her just as closely, and they would take turns making some passing remark on their surroundings. Neither seemed capable of their previous quips.
Through the crevice and up the tunnel to the castle, Aegon led Rhae delicately by the hand. It took some time to locate the secret door in the wall, but once they pried it open, they found the lantern flickering still on the other side. By the time they reached their starting point, the false wall at the bottom of the stairs, Rhae had grown bleary-eyed.
"Think you'll be able to make it to your room alright?" Aegon asked, holding her exit ajar.
"I should manage," Rhae whispered, and before she could lose her wits, she pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Goodnight Aegon." Ducking beneath his arm, Rhae hurried up the first few steps of the staircase. When she looked back over her shoulder, the prince had not yet sealed the wall shut, a stupefied look upon his face. "Well?" she hissed.
"Right," Aegon said, shaking his head with a lopsided smile. "Goodnight, Rhae."
The wall closed, looking once more like it was incapable of opening at all. The sound of boots sounded down the hall, and Rhae hurried to her room, shutting herself in. Dazedly, she fumbled to remove her cloak and gown, and from the moment her head hit the pillow, she was already asleep.