Daenerys watched the young dragons a little longer, then suddenly remembered something and turned to Aegon. "I wonder whether the dragon egg we left with Viserys has hatched. I'd like to go see him."
Aegon glanced up through the glass dome.
The sky had already darkened. The last glow of sunset was fading from the Myrish glass, and the light in the courtyard had grown dim. The young dragons were gathering in the corners, ready to sleep.
"It's too late today," Aegon said. "I'll go with you first thing tomorrow."
Daenerys followed his gaze to the sky and nodded. "All right."
They turned and left the courtyard where the young dragons were being raised, passed through the covered walkway, and returned to the residence.
After dinner, they retired for the night.
Early the next morning.
Daenerys sat before her dressing mirror, while her maid Lya stood behind her, combing her long silver hair with an ivory comb.
She sat quietly, gazing at her reflection, her thoughts unreadable.
Aegon was already up, standing beside the bed and fastening the belt of his outer robe.
As Lya combed her hair, she seemed to remember something. "Your Highness, I heard from the guards in the front courtyard this morning that Commander Carl returned last night."
Aegon's hands paused. "Last night?"
"Yes," the maid said. "She rowed back from the fleet overnight. She arrived before dawn and has been waiting in the front hall ever since."
Aegon stared for a moment, then shook his head with an amused curse. "That fool."
He finished fastening his belt and walked behind Daenerys, meeting her eyes in the mirror. "I'll go see her first. Take your time getting ready."
Daenerys nodded gently. "Mm."
Aegon turned, pushed open the door, and left.
He crossed the corridor into the