The Sea Smoke Recognized Its Master

The next day.

King's Landing, the Red Keep.

"Caw, caw, caw..."

Flocks of ravens were released, carrying messages to every castle across the continent of Westeros.

One dragon after another flew out of the Dragonpit and crossed Blackwater Bay.

The docks at Mud Gate halted all cargo shipments. The royal fleet's sailors loaded supplies and set sail for the Gullet.

The death of a young prince shook the entire continent.

Since 101 AC year, when Brave Baelor Targaryen died of a swollen belly, not a single male heir had perished.

And he had been a precious Dragonrider, to boot.

The Red Keep.

Alicent wore a grim expression as she helped her husband into the bedchamber of her former friend.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Rhaenyra." Viserys knocked on the door, panting. "My child, are you all right?"

His daughter had returned the night before and locked herself in her room, refusing to eat, drink, or bathe.

He had lost many children before they were grown and understood the agony of losing a child.

"I'm all right, Father."

Rhaenyra was still wearing yesterday's filthy clothes. Her calm expression and tone were worrying.

Viserys said sadly, "Aemon... He was just a child, but this disaster will pass."

What a good child he had been—the most affectionate of all his grandchildren.

He had loved hearing Viserys tell the story of their grandfather, the Centuries King, over and over, and helped him read passages from history books.

"May the Seven bear witness, he didn't deserve this!"

Viserys threw his head back with a long sigh.

Rhaenyra glanced at her father, standing by the hearth as she wiped down her sword, Light of the Kingdom.

No one regretted it more than she did.

She had sent Aemon out.

No one grieved more than she did.

He