The next morning, a crowd gathered on the platform outside Dragonwing Castle to see him off.
Ashara, Rhaenys, and Daenerys stood side by side around Viserys. Margaery, Arya, and Kinvara stood behind them, though Kinvara kept her distance. Still, deep in her blue eyes lay a trace of concern over Viserys's journey.
They had only just learned that Viserys was going to the Wall. Arya had wanted him to take her back to Winterfell along the way, but Viserys had refused, saying that Dragons would not let anyone outside the Targaryens ride them.
Daenerys hugged his waist tightly, burying her little face against his chest. "Brother, remember to come back soon, and tell me stories about the Wall."
"Of course. I promise." Viserys affectionately ruffled her silver hair.
King Ghidorah had already settled in the center of the platform. Her three heads took turns watching the women as they lingered over their farewells, a remarkably human look of exasperation in her molten-gold eyes.
Viserys gave Ashara one last embrace, then kissed Daenerys and Rhaenys on their cheeks. He did not forget to nod to the women behind them in farewell before turning toward King Ghidorah.
He climbed onto her back with practiced ease. The moment he settled at Dragon Neck, King Ghidorah let out a low roar and flung her wings wide, whipping up a gale that sent the women's robes billowing.
Viserys sensed a slight change in King Ghidorah's mood, but gave it little thought. "Wait for me to come back." His voice carried on the wind.
A moment later, King Ghidorah took flight. Her enormous shadow swept over the platform as she rapidly climbed into the sky and sped northwest.
Her golden scales traced a dazzling streak through the morning light, soon shrinking to a tiny black dot