Afternoon.
The royal ship sailed out of the harbor, gradually receding beneath the escort of a golden dragon.
"Won't you stay a few more days?"
Rhaenys stood atop the cliffs behind the castle, trying to persuade her nephew to stay.
"No."
Aemon shook his head. "If I'm here, cousin Laenor won't even leave the house."
Rhaenys sighed at that and reached out to ruffle his hair.
Seasmoke had been gravely injured and would not recover anytime soon.
Laenor could not get past the hurdle in his heart and refused to show his face.
"Fine. Do as you wish."
Though reluctant to see him go, Rhaenys was not one to force others. She reminded him, "Be careful on the road. I'll have Laena accompany you for part of the way."
Aemon dearly wanted to refuse and stay away from the troublesome woman, Laena.
But seeing the eager look in her eyes, he swallowed the words at his lips.
"Come visit when you have time."
"I will, Aunt."
All feasts came to an end, let alone one between two families with strained relations.
A moment later.
Rhaenys nestled against her husband as they gazed out over the vast sea.
Suddenly, a commotion sounded overhead.
Without even turning around, they knew it was a massive dragon seemingly cast from bronze. Its feet stomped on the cliff's edge before it spread its wings and leapt down.
"Screech—"
Vermithor let out a roar, swaying from side to side as it caught up to the distant royal ship.
Aemon sat firmly in the Dragon Saddle, his silver hair streaming in the wind.
Man and dragon set out in force.
Unlike the petite Syrax.
Vermithor's body resembled a heavy black cloud, its broad brown wings stretching across the sky and casting the royal ship into shadow.
It