━━━━━━━━━━━🗡️━━
⋆༺𓆩⚔𓆪༻⋆
𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐈𝐍 ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ 𝑯𝑶𝑻𝑫
⛧°。 ⋆༺ sᴇᴀsᴏɴ ᴏɴᴇ ༻⋆。 °⛧
━━━━━━━━━━ .°୭̥ ❁ ˎˊ˗━

𝔗he sea air was thick with the scent of salt and smoke, Dragonstone's volcanic cliffs rising sharply against the overcast sky.

In the courtyard of the castle, the clash of steel echoed through the air as Vaegon and Aeron circled each other, swords drawn. Their movements were fluid, practiced, but there was an unspoken tension between them, the kind that went beyond simple training.

Aeron struck first, his blade slicing through the air in a clean arc. Vaegon met it easily, the force of their swords colliding sending a sharp clang through the courtyard.

"You're holding back," Vaegon muttered, his grip steady as he pushed against his twin's blade.

Aeron smirked, stepping back and shifting his stance. "And you're reckless."

Vaegon wasted no time in pressing forward, his attacks sharp and precise, forcing Aeron to move quickly. Aeron blocked each strike, but Vaegon could see the frustration in his brother's eyes. Aeron was always the calculated one, the one who thought things through, while Vaegon relied more on instinct. It made their fights unpredictable.

Aeron dodged a particularly aggressive swing and countered with a well-aimed strike that nearly caught Vaegon off guard. Their swords locked again, their eyes meeting in the space between them.

"You've been restless since we arrived," Aeron noted, his voice even despite their exertion.

Vaegon's jaw tightened. "I could say the same of you."

Aeron exhaled sharply, stepping back and lowering his blade slightly. "A lot is changing." His expression was unreadable, but Vaegon could tell there was something else on his mind.

Vaegon scoffed. "You mean Saela."

Aeron's grip on his sword twitched, but he didn't deny it. He glanced away briefly before giving a small nod. "She is to be my wife. It would be foolish not to think of her."

Vaegon felt something coil tightly in his chest, but he forced it down, masking it with a smirk. "Then you should speak to her more. You're the one she's meant to marry."

Aeron gave him a look, studying him carefully. "And yet, it's you she looks at when she thinks no one is watching."

Vaegon stilled, but only for a moment. His grip tightened around his sword, but he said nothing.

Aeron sighed, shaking his head before stepping back fully, lowering his sword. "This match was decided long before either of us had a say in it," he said, his tone quieter now. "And I will not dishonor her by treating it as anything less than it is. But if there is something you wish to say, brother, say it now."

Vaegon held his brother's gaze, the weight of his words settling heavy between them. But after a long pause, he simply exhaled, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the thought entirely.

"There's nothing to say," he finally muttered, lifting his sword again. "Come on, let's go again."

Aeron studied him for another moment before nodding, raising his blade once more. But the tension between them remained, unspoken yet undeniable, as steel clashed once again.

The clash of steel echoed through the courtyard as Vaegon and Aeron continued their sparring, each movement precise and calculated. The tension between them was thick, though neither spoke of it outright.

The sound of approaching footsteps broke through the steady rhythm of their strikes.

"Still at it?" Jace's voice carried across the courtyard as he and Luke stepped onto the training grounds.

Vaegon barely spared them a glance, keeping his focus on Aeron as he parried an incoming strike. "You're welcome to join, unless you're afraid of ruining that pretty tunic."

Jace smirked, rolling his shoulders as he pulled his own sword free. "I think I'll manage."

Luke, ever the more cautious of the two, hesitated for a moment before drawing his blade as well. "We've only just arrived, and you two are already trying to kill each other?" he mused, though there was an undertone of unease in his voice.

Aeron exhaled, stepping back and lowering his sword slightly. "Just training," he assured Luke, though his eyes flickered to Vaegon briefly, betraying the weight of their earlier conversation.

Jace twirled his sword in his grip, a confident grin on his face. "Well then, let's make it interesting. Two against two." He gestured between himself and Luke before nodding toward the twins. "What do you say?"

Vaegon smirked, some of the tension in his shoulders loosening as he shifted his grip on his sword. "Fine. But don't complain when you lose."

Luke scoffed, taking his position beside Jace. "We'll see about that."

The four of them squared off, the courtyard buzzing with anticipation. And as the first blows were exchanged, for a brief moment, the weight of duty and expectation faded away-leaving only the sound of swords and the thrill of the fight.

The clash of steel rang out again as the sparring began in earnest. Jace was quick on his feet, his training evident, but against Vaegon, it was clear he was outmatched. Luke, still growing into his strength, struggled to keep up with Aeron, who moved with an ease that came only from years of rigorous training.

Vaegon deflected Jace's strike with little effort, sidestepping and tapping the flat of his blade against Jace's exposed ribs. "Dead," he remarked dryly.

Jace huffed in frustration but reset his stance, determination burning in his eyes.

Aeron, meanwhile, blocked Luke's hurried attack, twisting his wrist to knock the younger prince's sword from his hands. It clattered to the ground, and Luke let out a groan of irritation.

"Too predictable," Aeron said, offering him a hand. "You telegraph your movements before you swing."

Luke sighed but took the offered help, dusting himself off as he retrieved his blade.

Jace, undeterred, came at Vaegon again. His movements were quick and precise, but Vaegon read them easily, parrying each one with a practiced ease. "You rely too much on strength," Vaegon noted, deflecting a particularly aggressive strike before stepping forward and forcing Jace to backpedal. "Speed is your greatest weapon. Use it."

Jace gritted his teeth, nodding.

Aeron turned to Luke, twirling his sword once in thought. "Try again," he instructed, lifting his blade.

Luke took a breath and went for a different approach this time, feinting left before switching his angle at the last second. Aeron raised a brow in approval as he barely blocked in time. "Better," he admitted. "Still sloppy, but better."

Luke grinned. "I'll take it."

The training continued, the twins pushing Jace and Luke to their limits, offering corrections and pointers in between strikes. Despite the friendly nature of the spar, the difference in skill was undeniable. Vaegon and Aeron had been trained by Daemon himself, molded into warriors by the Rogue Prince's own hands.

Still, they held back just enough to make it a lesson rather than a beating.

After another intense exchange, Jace, breathless and sweating, finally stepped back and held up a hand. "Enough," he panted, shaking his head with a grudging smile. "I yield."

Luke exhaled sharply, wiping sweat from his brow. "Gods, do you two ever lose?"

Vaegon smirked. "Not to you."

Jace scoffed, though there was no true bitterness behind it. "Remind me never to cross you in battle."

Aeron chuckled, clapping Jace on the shoulder. "At least not until you're ready."

The tension that had weighed on them the night before seemed lighter now, buried beneath the camaraderie of the fight. But as they sheathed their swords and prepared to leave the courtyard, Vaegon's thoughts drifted elsewhere-back to the ship, back to Saela, and the way her eyes had lingered on him before she walked away.

He pushed the thought aside.

Jace, still catching his breath, suddenly grinned. "Let's take this fight to one I can win," he said, rolling his shoulders as he gestured toward the dragon pit in the distance. "Care for a race?"

Aeron chuckled, shaking his head. "You're mad if you think you can beat us in the skies."

"Maybe," Jace admitted, "but I like my odds better up there than with a sword in my hand against you two."

Luke perked up at the challenge. "I'm in."

Vaegon glanced at his brother, sharing a look of silent agreement before turning back to Jace with a smirk. "Very well. Let's see if your dragon is as fast as your mouth."

The four of them took off toward the dragon pit, the friendly competition invigorating after the morning's sparring. The ground rumbled beneath their feet as they neared the great stone structure, the sounds of their dragons shifting within echoing through the cavernous space.

The Dragonpit of Dragonstone loomed before them, a vast, cavernous structure carved into the side of the volcanic mountain. Its entrance was framed by blackened stone, the jagged edges worn smooth by years of dragons passing through. Inside, the air was thick with heat and the unmistakable scent of sulfur, the deep earthiness of the volcanic rock mixing with the musk of dragon hide. Fires burned low in scattered braziers, casting flickering orange light against the damp stone walls, and the occasional clatter of claws against rock echoed through the vast space as the great beasts shifted within their nests.

Vaegon strode forward, his boots crunching against the soot-covered floor as he approached Pyraxes. The great dragon, black as night with shimmering veins of deep crimson along his scales, lifted his head at his rider's approach. His molten gold eyes narrowed, intelligent and assessing, before he let out a deep rumble, a greeting and a challenge in one.

Across from him, Aeron ran a steadying hand along Zyraxes' crimson hide, the dragon's long tail flicking against the stone floor in anticipation. Jacaerys was already mounting Vermax, the green-scaled beast shifting eagerly beneath him, his nostrils flaring as he sensed the excitement in the air. Lucerys stood beside Arrax, the smallest of the dragons, but quick-footed and full of energy, his pale white-gold scales gleaming in the dim firelight.

Jace grinned, adjusting his grip on Vermax's reins. "No rules, right?"

"Right," Vaegon called back, mounting Pyraxes with practiced ease.

Aeron climbed onto Zyraxes, his dragon shaking out his wings with a guttural huff, while Luke swung himself onto Arrax's saddle.

"On my mark," Jace said, voice carrying over the heat and the restless movements of their dragons. "Three... two... one-go!"

The ground shook as all four dragons launched into the sky, their powerful wings sending gusts of hot wind rolling over the cliffside. Pyraxes shot forward like an arrow, his massive wingspan slicing through the air, while Zyraxes kept pace beside him, his longer frame cutting through the winds with precise movements. Vermax and Arrax, though smaller, were nimble, their lighter bodies allowing them to climb faster, dodging through the currents with ease.

The four riders streaked across the sky, the cliffs of Dragonstone rushing past beneath them. The ocean stretched out to one side, dark and endless, waves crashing against the jagged rocks below. The wind roared in their ears as they pushed their dragons faster, each one determined to outpace the others.

Jace leaned low over Vermax's back, urging him forward, but Pyraxes and Zyraxes were relentless, their larger wings allowing them to cover more distance with each powerful stroke. Vaegon smirked, angling Pyraxes downward as they neared a deep canyon, the sharp cliffs rising on either side like jagged fangs. Without hesitation, he dove into the narrow space, the air rushing past him in a blur.

Aeron followed, Zyraxes weaving through the rock formations with ease. Behind them, Jace and Luke exchanged glances before diving in after them, their dragons twisting through the tight turns, wings brushing dangerously close to the stone walls.

The canyon narrowed, forcing them into a single-file line. Vaegon led the way, Pyraxes shifting effortlessly through the turns, while Aeron stayed close behind, his dragon mirroring his every move. Jace struggled to keep up, Vermax's bulk making it harder to maneuver through the tight spaces. Luke, however, had the advantage.

Arrax, being the smallest, darted through the canyon like a flash of lightning, his wings barely needing to move as he rode the currents. He slipped past Vermax, then Zyraxes, and finally Pyraxes, weaving between the larger dragons with breathtaking speed.

Vaegon cursed under his breath, trying to push Pyraxes faster, but the smaller dragon was already out of reach. Luke and Arrax shot ahead, bursting out of the canyon and into the open sky just as the finish line-the highest peak of Dragonstone-came into view.

With one final burst of speed, Arrax soared past the summit, his triumphant roar echoing across the island.

Luke threw his fist into the air, grinning wildly as he turned back to see the others catching up.

"Ha!" he shouted. "I win!"

Vaegon and Aeron slowed their dragons, exchanging looks of disbelief before laughing.

"Fast little beast," Aeron admitted, shaking his head.

Jace groaned, pulling Vermax alongside the others. "I should've known. Smaller dragons always have the advantage in speed."

Vaegon smirked, though he shook his head in mock defeat. "Enjoy it while it lasts, Luke. Next time, we make it a fight you can't win."

Luke grinned, patting Arrax's neck. "I'll take you on anytime."

The four of them turned their dragons back toward Dragonstone, the thrill of the race still pulsing through them as they soared over the castle, their bond stronger than ever.

As they made their descent back toward Dragonstone, the rush of the race still thrumming in their veins, the four riders found themselves riding the wind currents in an easy glide, their dragons drifting lazily above the castle. The sun was higher now, casting a golden sheen across the black stone of the fortress, and from this height, they could see the waves crashing against the jagged cliffs far below, sending up white foam that misted against the rocks.

Vaegon exhaled, loosening his grip on the saddle as Pyraxes stretched his wings wide, catching an updraft. He turned his head slightly, glancing toward Aeron, who was wearing a rare, genuine smile. Winning or losing didn't seem to matter to him-Aeron simply loved the sky, the way the wind carried them, the way the world seemed so much smaller from up here. It was a freedom like no other.

Jace, still muttering about Luke's unfair advantage, guided Vermax into a gentle turn, leading them back toward the Dragonpit. Arrax, despite his earlier sprint, was still full of energy, weaving between the larger dragons in playful bursts. Luke laughed as his dragon dipped and rolled, showing off.

"You should have seen your faces," Luke teased, grinning. "Arrax and I flew right past you."

Aeron smirked. "We let you win, little cousin."

Luke scoffed. "Oh, of course. You let me win. That's exactly what happened."

The four of them guided their dragons downward, circling the Dragonpit before making their final descent. One by one, the great beasts touched down, their talons scraping against the scorched stone floor. Pyraxes let out a snort, his breath steaming as he folded his wings neatly against his back, while Zyraxes flicked his tail, dislodging bits of dust and loose rock.

As they dismounted, the dragon keepers rushed forward to tend to the dragons, though they kept a respectful distance until the creatures had settled. The boys loosened their riding straps, brushing sweat-damp hair from their faces as they caught their breath.

Vaegon stretched his shoulders, rolling out the tension. "I'll admit, that was a better match than I expected."

Jace smirked. "Not bad for a future king, eh?"

Vaegon snorted. "We'll see about that when the time comes."

Aeron, standing beside him, leaned on his saddle. "We should do this more often. It's been too long since we last raced."

Luke, still basking in his victory, grinned. "You just want a rematch."

Aeron didn't deny it.

Just then, a voice called out from the far end of the pit. "Enjoying yourselves, are you?"

They turned to see Saela standing at the entrance, her arms crossed, a slight smirk on her lips. She was dressed in a riding gown suited for dragon travel, the wind from the pit catching at her silver-blonde hair and making it dance around her shoulders.

Vaegon felt something stir in his chest at the sight of her, though he forced his expression to remain neutral.

"Very much so," Jace answered, brushing the dust from his sleeves. "Perhaps next time, you'll join us?"

Saela chuckled softly. "Perhaps. Though I imagine you'd all hate to lose to me as well."

Luke snorted. "I'd like to see you try."

She raised an eyebrow. "Careful what you wish for, Lucerys. You might not like the outcome."

Vaegon watched the exchange in silence, his gaze lingering on her just a little too long before he turned away. "We'll see about that another time," he said, removing his riding gloves and tucking them into his belt.

Aeron approached Saela, brushing his shoulder against hers in a familiar, affectionate manner. "You should come see Zyraxes up close," he offered. "He's calm after a long flight."

She hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. "I'd like that."

Vaegon turned, walking back to his dragon before he could dwell on the twisting sensation in his chest. He knew where this road led, and he wasn't foolish enough to walk it.

Aeron led Saela toward Zyraxes, his dragon standing tall and proud among the others, his deep red scales gleaming under the sunlight filtering through the openings in the Dragonpit's high walls. The beast turned his massive head at their approach, his golden eyes settling on Saela with quiet curiosity.

"He's beautiful," she murmured, stepping forward with measured grace.

Aeron's lips twitched into a smile. "He knows it."

Saela laughed softly, reaching out a hand toward Zyraxes. The dragon exhaled a deep, rumbling breath, warm air brushing against her palm as he leaned in slightly, accepting her presence. She stroked along his scaled snout, marveling at the sheer power beneath her fingertips.

"I've always admired him," she admitted, her voice softer now, almost reverent. "Even when we were younger, I'd watch him in the skies with Pyraxes. They move as if they were one."

Aeron hummed, his gaze flicking to his brother momentarily. "They were born of the same egg. Bound together before they ever saw the world."

Saela glanced at him then, her fingers still trailing over the dragon's snout. "And you and Vaegon? Do you feel the same?"

Aeron considered this, exhaling through his nose as he folded his arms. "Yes. And no."

She tilted her head, waiting for him to elaborate.

Aeron sighed, his expression growing distant. "We were raised together, trained together. He is a part of me as much as my own blood. But we are not the same."

"No," Saela agreed, her gaze lowering slightly. "You're not."

Aeron studied her carefully, noting the weight behind her words. "You speak as though you've given this much thought."

Saela let out a quiet breath, stepping back from Zyraxes and clasping her hands in front of her. "How could I not? I am to be your wife."

Aeron didn't answer immediately. He turned his head, watching as Pyraxes shifted in the distance, Vaegon speaking quietly to him. There was something in the way his twin stood, in the way he held himself so rigidly, that made Aeron's chest tighten.

"You don't have to fear me, Saela," he finally said, turning back to her. "I will not force anything upon you. I will honor our betrothal, yes, but I will not demand what you do not wish to give."

Saela's breath hitched, caught off guard by his words. "Aeron..."

He shook his head, a small smile playing at his lips. "I mean it. You are free to be as you are. As you've always been."

For a moment, she could only stare at him, taking in the sincerity in his eyes. Aeron was intelligent, perceptive-he was many things. But most of all, he was kind.

And for that, she was grateful.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Aeron only smiled, tilting his head toward the exit of the Dragonpit. "Come. Let's walk for a while. I'd rather not return to the castle just yet."

Saela hesitated, then nodded, falling into step beside him as they left the dragons behind.

They walked in silence for a while, the air between them unspoken but comfortable. The echoes of the Dragonpit faded behind them, replaced by the soft, rhythmic sound of their footsteps on the stone pathways that wound through Dragonstone. The sea was never far, its restless waves crashing against the rocky cliffs below, filling the air with a constant, soothing roar.

Aeron glanced at Saela from the corner of his eye. She had a distant look on her face, her thoughts seemingly drifting toward something far away, something he couldn't quite reach. He wondered what weighed on her mind, but he knew better than to pry. She would speak if and when she was ready.

"You know," Aeron began, his voice low and thoughtful, "there's something about this place. About Dragonstone. It's... ancient, in a way. It has a pulse, a heart. A legacy."

Saela nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the ocean met the sky. "I can feel it," she said quietly, her voice carrying a softness that was rare. "It's almost as if the island itself is alive. As if it's watching, waiting."

Aeron was silent for a long moment, his mind drifting as he considered her words. "It does that to people," he said finally. "Makes them think. Makes them remember."

They passed by the castle walls, the jagged stone towers towering overhead. Dragonstone felt like something out of time-a place where history lived and breathed in the very stone beneath their feet. Aeron had always felt it, from the first moment he set foot here. It was as if the spirits of the past walked alongside him, guiding his every step.

Saela's footsteps slowed, and she came to a stop, her gaze lingering on the sea. The wind tugged at her hair, sending strands flying about her face. She seemed lost in thought, her hands clasped in front of her, fingers fidgeting nervously.

Aeron stopped beside her, offering her a moment of quiet before he spoke. "Saela, if you ever want to talk, about anything... I'm here."

Her eyes flicked to him, and for a brief moment, the walls she had so carefully constructed around herself seemed to crack. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

Aeron's gaze softened, his expression unreadable for a moment. He could see the weariness in her eyes, the weight of everything pressing down on her, and he felt an unexpected pull to offer comfort, to show that she wasn't as alone as she might have thought.

Slowly, he stepped closer, closing the distance between them until he was standing beside her. The soft hum of the waves crashing against the cliffs, the rustling of the wind through the stone paths-everything felt distant, muted, as if the world had quieted just for them.

He turned slightly, his breath slow and steady, before leaning in. The gesture was simple, tender-he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, just below her ear. The contact was fleeting, but it carried a quiet reassurance, one that wasn't laden with expectations, but rather with the unspoken understanding that, for a brief moment, they shared something without needing to say a word.

Saela froze for a second, her heart skipping in her chest, but she didn't pull away. The brief, unexpected touch lingered in the air, and for a split second, she felt something shift inside her-a quiet stir of emotions she couldn't yet place.

Aeron stepped back, his eyes meeting hers, his usual confident demeanor replaced by something more subtle, more genuine.

"Come on," he said quietly, his voice softer than usual. "We should head back before they come looking for us."

Saela nodded, her expression unreadable, but there was something in the way she met his gaze now-something that hadn't been there before. With a final glance toward the sea, she began walking, her steps slow and measured at first, before they fell into a steady rhythm next to his.

They walked back toward the castle in silence, the air between them comfortable once again. The weight of the day still clung to them, but for the moment, it felt like they were simply two people walking through the ancient island together. And in that brief, fleeting moment, Saela allowed herself to believe that perhaps, just perhaps, Dragonstone wasn't so unfamiliar after all.

As they neared the gates of the castle, the towering walls of Dragonstone loomed before them, welcoming them back with their timeworn, steadfast presence. The world felt both far away and closer than ever, and Saela couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead for her, what would come of the feelings-complicated and unspoken-that were beginning to stir between her and Aeron.

But for now, she walked beside him, and that was enough.

The doors of Dragonstone creaked open as they approached, and together, they crossed the threshold, stepping back into the heart of the castle, where the future-and everything that came with it-awaited.