Gentle Words in the Dragon's Castle

The morning light at Red Keep, carrying the slight chill of early autumn, streamed through the windows of the bedchamber, making the withered white roses beside the bed even clearer.

The chaos and weeping of last night have gradually subsided, leaving only the sounds of the maids quietly tidying up, and Aemma's occasional furrowed brow in her sleep, like an unhealed wound etched on everyone's heart.

Daemon stood in the shadows of the corridor, watching his servants release the raven bound with parchment.

A dark-colored bird swept past the pheasants and butterflies of Red Keep, flying towards Crab Claw Peninsula. The handwriting in the letter was written overnight.

Without much embellishment, he simply informed Gary and the Gael, who were overseeing the construction of Dragon's Roost Port on Crab Claw Peninsula, that "Aemma is safe for now, but her unborn child has died, and she and Viserys both need comforting." However, he added at the end, "If Dragon's Roost Port needs reassignment, let Rayford and Rupert temporarily take over. We hope you will return soon."

With the coolness of ink still lingering on his fingertips, Daemon looked up towards the north of Blackwater Bay outside the city, as if he could see the pale blue dragon shadow of Dreamfyre breaking through the morning mist and flying towards King's Landing.

"Are you worried about Aunt Geri, who's alone on Crab Gael Crab Claw Peninsula?"

Daemon Targaryen's voice came from behind Daemon, who was carrying a food box and whose black and red riding outfit had the collar casually open.

But today, there was none of his usual carefree air; even his purple eyes held a hint of seriousness. "Grandmother had the kitchen make some hot honey cakes early this morning. Let's take some to Viserys and Rhaenyra."

Daemon took the food box, his fingertips touching the warm wooden surface. "Gael will be worried when she hears the news. She'll probably bring Alys Rivers with her; Alys Rivers a skilled doctor and can help take care of Aemma."

"Is that the hot swamp witch under your command?" Daemon Targaryen raised an eyebrow, a hint of wariness in his voice. "She's always so secretive. Aren't you worried about her causing trouble by bringing her to King's Landing?"

"If she wanted to cause trouble, she could have done it anytime; she probably would have already turned against me," Daemon said calmly, his gaze sweeping towards Viserys and Aemma's bedroom. "Besides, Aemma needs a good healer right now, and Alys Rivers's unpredictable medical skills are definitely more useful than those nuns and old men in the Red Keep."

As soon as the words were spoken, a long, drawn-out dragon roar came from afar—not the Glutton's deep rumble, nor the crimson of Caraxes, but the clear, melodious sound unique to Dreamfyre.

The two looked up at the same time and saw a pale blue dragon breaking through the clouds and hovering above the Red Keep. The light purple robe on the dragon's back was particularly eye-catching; it was Gael.

The Dreamfyre slowly descended onto the square outside the castle. Gael flipped off the dragon's back, her skirt still damp with the moisture from Blackwater Bay and Narrow Sea. Clutching a cloth bag tightly in her hand, she ran quickly toward the palace.

Alys Rivers followed behind, her green cloak hood obscuring most of her face. She carried a medicine box in her hand, her fingertips lightly stroking the corner of the box. Her gaze calmly swept over the guards of the Red Keep, without the slightest hint of unease.

It's likely that Gael arrived overnight on her Dreamfyre after receiving the news yesterday.

"Little Daemon!" Gael saw Daemon and rushed over, her light purple eyes filled with worry. "How is Aemma? Is Viserys alright?"

"Aemma is still asleep, Viserys is keeping watch by her bedside." Daemon held her hand, feeling the slight coolness of her palm. "You rushed here all night; you must be exhausted. Rest first before you go see her."

"No need to rest." Gael shook her head, opened her cloth bag, inside were several packets of dried herbs, "These are calming herbs that Alys picked. Boil them in water for Aemma to drink, it will help her sleep more soundly. Let's go over now."

Alys Rivers stepped forward and handed the medicine box to the maid. "Inside are ointments to regulate qi and blood and calming decoctions. Boil them according to the prescription I wrote down and take them three times a day."

Aemma has just experienced severe bleeding and needs to rest; she should not be disturbed by too many people.

Her voice remained deep, yet carried an undeniable professionalism, causing the nuns beside her to nod subconsciously.

As the four of them approached the entrance to the palace, they heard Viserys's low murmur coming from inside.

Pushing open the door, they saw Viserys sitting by the bed, holding Aemma's hand, staring blankly at the bed curtains. Rhaenyra was asleep, her little hands tightly clutching the hem of his clothes, her face still bearing traces of tears.

"Viserys," Gael said softly, handing the calming herb to the nun, "Alys said this can help Aemma down. You should drink some warm water too, don't stay up too late."

Viserys slowly raised his head, his eyes bloodshot, his voice hoarse like sandpaper scraping. "Gael —you've come."

He looked at Alys Rivers, didn't ask any questions, and simply nodded, "Thank you for your help."

Alys Rivers stepped forward and placed her hand on Aemma's wrist; the coolness of her fingertips made Aemma move slightly.

She closed her eyes for a moment, then slowly said, "Madam's qi and blood are severely depleted, but her pulse is still relatively stable. It's just that she's struggling to resolve her inner conflicts and needs more guidance."

As she spoke, she took a small silver bottle from her medicine box. "This is calming incense. Light it and place it by the bedside; it will help alleviate her nightmares."

Daemon placed the food box on the table and gently picked up Rhaenyra: "Big Daemon and I will take her to rest next door. You two look after Aemma for now."

Rhaenyra nuzzled against his shoulder in her sleep, murmuring "Mother" in her little mouth, which made his heart clench.

As soon as I stepped out of the palace, I saw Rhea House Royce standing at the end of the corridor, holding a roll of parchment in her hand, looking out the window with a complicated expression.

Today she wore a bronze-colored close-fitting outfit, with her family's rune amulet hanging at her waist. She looked less sharp than before, and more forlorn.

"Should we send a message back to the Vale?" Daemon asked, with Rhaenyra fast asleep in his arms.

Rhea turned around, saw him, paused for a moment, then nodded. "Miss Jeyne is the only remaining direct relative of Aemma; she should come to see Lady Aemma. My uncle, Earl Yobert, is the regent of our Vale; I need his permission."

She paused, her voice softening slightly, "Aemma and Viserys —are they alright?"

"It's not great, but everyone's here," Daemon said softly, holding Rhaenyra in his arms. "You thought of having Jeyne come to see Aemma; Sister-in-law Aemma will definitely be happy."

Rhea didn't speak again, nor did she look at Damon's legal husband, Daemon Targaryen, behind Daemon. She simply handed the parchment to the servant, watched the raven fly away, and a barely perceptible tenderness flashed in her eyes.

She may have been dissatisfied with her marriage to Daemon Targaryen, but she was never truly indifferent, especially when her family suffered misfortune, and ultimately chose to stand on the side she believed was right.

Three days later, the Vale fleet arrived in King's Landing. Jeyne House Arryn, dressed in a silver and blue robe, was carried by William House Royce, who was guarding her. Her little face was full of curiosity, and she clutched a wooden eagle in her hand. It was a gift that Daemon had given her from Viserys's collection of wooden carvings.

Upon seeing Daemon, she immediately reached out her little hands. "Little Daemon! I want a hug!"

Daemon smiled and took her. Jeyne immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, "Where's Aunt Aemma? I heard she's sick?"

"Hmm, she's resting. Shall we go see her together?" Daemon said softly, gently carrying Jeyne towards the palace. Behind them followed Rhea, William, and Daemon Targaryen, who was carrying the currently sleeping Rhaenyra. Yes, there were also Rhaenys and Laena and Laenor, whom Corlys had specially sent from Tidehead Island a few days ago.

In the palace, Gael was talking with Aemma, while Queen Alysanne and Jocelyn sat to one side, knitting little clothes.

Although they couldn't keep the child, they still wanted to leave Aemma with something to remember her by.

Upon seeing Jeyne, Aemma's eyes lit up, and she weakly reached out her hand. "Jeyne —my little niece."

Jeyne slid off Daemon's arms and ran to Aemma's bedside, gently touching Aemma's outstretched hand with her little hand. "Aunt Aemma, I brought you some berries from our Vale, they're so sweet."

As he spoke, he pulled a cloth bag from his pocket, the berries inside still glistening with fresh moisture.

Aemma looked at the berries, tears welling up in her eyes, but she also smiled for the first time since giving birth, "Thank you, Jeyne, Auntie likes them very much."

Laena also came over and handed the seashell in her hand to Aemma: "Aunt Aemma, this is a seashell from our Tidehead Island. It can hear the sound of the sea. Listen."

She held the seashell to Aemma's ear, and the crisp sound of waves coming from inside the shell gradually calmed Aemma down.

Laenor, hiding behind Rhaenys, clutched a handkerchief embroidered with a silver ship. After hesitating for a long time, he stepped forward and handed the handkerchief to Aemma: "Auntie—this is for wiping your tears."

The children's innocence was like a ray of light, dispelling the gloom in the palace.

Queen Alysanne watched this scene, quietly wiping away tears, and whispered to Jocelyn and Rhaenys beside her, "Thank goodness for these children, otherwise Aemma really wouldn't have been able to hold on."

Rhaenys nodded, her gaze falling on Daemon Targaryen at the doorway. Damon Targaryen was clumsily holding Laenor, who had tried to snuggle into Daemon's arms but was switched with Daemon by Rhaenyra. She gently straightened his crooked collar, her usually carefree eyes now filled with a rare seriousness.

Rhea stood to the side, watching him, and a rare, faint smile appeared on her lips, instead of her usual sarcastic remarks.

"I never knew he had this side to him," Rhaenys said with a laugh. "I always thought he was unreliable, but now it seems he's a loving father."

Rhea didn't reply, but quietly moved closer and gently tidied Laenor's hair, her movements unusually gentle.

Daemon Targaryen paused for a moment, then grinned. "I never expected that you, this unyielding bronze, could be so gentle."

Rhea's ears turned slightly red. She turned and walked to the window, but did not refute it again. Perhaps in the face of the child's warmth, the past barriers could gradually melt away.

The atmosphere at the family dinner in the evening was much more relaxed than in the previous days.

On the long table were light dishes that Aemma could eat, as well as honey cakes and sweet wine that the children liked.

Today, Vaegon sat in the corner, with no longer the "Chronicle of the Stars" in front of him, but a thick medical book, next to him was a herbal medicine manual given to him by Alys Rivers. He was discussing something with Alys Rivers in a low voice, occasionally glancing up at the children, a hint of gentleness flashing in his eyes.

"You said you were going back to the Citadel, why didn't you say you were leaving today?" Baelon sat down next to him and poured himself a glass of ale.

Vaegon closed the book, ink stains still on his fingertips. "Aemma needs someone to look after her. As for the Citadel, have Bernard go back and report. Besides, Little Daemon witch has very special knowledge of herbs. Although it must be criticized, it's also a good opportunity for them to exchange ideas."

He paused, then added, "Family matters need to be addressed; I shouldn't have left first."

Baelon smiled and nodded, his gaze sweeping over Otto across from him.

The former Master of Laws, dressed in a plain robe, had lost his former sharpness and was helping his close friend Viserys organize official documents, occasionally muttering something in a low voice. Although Viserys's face was still pale, it was much better than before.

Leonno sat beside Otto, holding a glass of warm ale, occasionally patting Viserys on the shoulder and offering words of comfort. Though not a man of many words, his silence at that moment was more powerful than any speech.

"Lord Otto has been a great help to Viserys these past few days," Gael said softly to Daemon, peeling berries for Rhaenyra. "He's helped with some trivial political matters and even drafted Viserys's reply to the lords' mourning. Gone are the scheming he used to be; he's become like a true friend."

"Everyone has two sides," Daemon said. "He might be power-hungry, but he genuinely cares about his close friend Viserys."

Halfway through the dinner, Laena and Jeyne pulled Rhaenyra and Laenor to play in the corridor. Gael quickly told Daemon and Daemon Targaryen to follow them out, afraid that the children would fall.

Under the moonlight, the four children circled around the Grey Ghost's claws, but the little dragon lay obediently on the ground, letting Jeyne touch its scales. However, it seemed that the honey cake was more attractive to it. Seeing the honey cake that Rhaenyra handed it, it immediately curled up at Rhaenyra's feet, quickly grabbed it in its mouth, and ate it with great relish.

"I used to think that our lives Targaryen were either filled with Dragonfire or swords."

Daemon Targaryen leaned against a pillar, looking at the children's smiling faces, a hint of emotion in his voice, "Now I realize, this quietness is quite nice too."

Daemon nodded, his gaze drifting towards the bedroom. Aemma should already be asleep, with Gael and Alys Rivers guarding her side.

He recalled the bloodshed before his journey, the battles on the Red Grassland, and then looked at the warmth before him. Suddenly, he felt that protecting this peace was more meaningful than conquering any land.

"Don't make Rhea angry so often in the future." Daemon patted Daemon Targaryen on the shoulder. "You two can try to get along, even if you're just being stubborn."

Daemon Targaryen scratched his head and smiled helplessly. "I know, I'll try not to argue with her anymore. Once Aemma is feeling better, I'll try to take her to Storm's End. Borros said the hunting grounds there are quite nice."

The sound of waves came from the distant Narrow Sea, mingling with the laughter of children and the low murmur of a dragon.

The lights of the Red Keep gradually came on, like warm stars, illuminating this castle that had endured pain yet remained resilient.

Daemon knew that the pain of losing a child would not disappear easily, but with the support of their family and friends, Viserys and Aemma would eventually get over it.

And he will stay in King's Landing, with them, with Gael, with these people who deserve to be protected, until the bells of Dragon's Roost Port ring, until their future truly arrives.

Under the moonlight, Glutton gently nuzzled Daemon's hand, and the Grey Ghost leaped into his arms, while the children's laughter remained clear and cheerful.

That night, the Red Keep was devoid of Dragonfire and swords, only warmth and hope, like a gentle barrier that kept all the storms outside.