The Kingsguard unsheathed their swords when they heard the King's words. They pointed the blades at the keepers, driving them against the far corners of the room, away from Viserys and the young dragon.
Viserys approached the hatchling, as it flailed around, hissing and trying to bite the dragonkeepers who were still getting away—their eyes filled with resentment against both the King and the dragon alike.
Seeing its captors being driven away, the dragon turned towards Viserys. Its eyes shone with faint recognition. Feeling in the blood of the approaching man an echo of the one it sought.
A shrill rumbled through its small reptilian body.
With tentative movements, it approached Viserys, though it still kept a bit farther away.
Viserys knelt, not coming any closer than he already was. He studied the dragon's body further, a satisfied smile making its way to his face.
If Antarys had such a promising beast as his companion, then the future of his son was all but assured.
Rhaenyra also drew closer, fascinated by the hatchling. Its crimson scales shone even under the light of the torches. She wondered just how beautiful they would be under the light of the sky.
Sensing her approach, the young dragon turned its head towards her. It tilted its head in confusion as it felt once more an echo of familiarity in the girl's blood—and this one was much stronger than the man's.
It hissed in approval, moving closer to Rhaenyra.
The princess smiled as she saw the beautiful creature coming closer to her.
She knelt, waiting for the dragon to come closer to her on its own.
After a few more steps, it was so close that Rhaenyra felt the hot and powerful breath tickling her legs.
Crimson eyes that were so very similar to her brother's stared up at her, looking at her with clear curiosity. She couldn't help but find them beautiful.
Her hands moved forward, eager to pet the small creature.
When it saw Rhaenyra's hands approaching, it hissed and bared its teeth in dissatisfaction.
Rhaenyra yelped, a bit startled by its sudden change of behavior. Meanwhile, Viserys chuckled, shaking his head softly, a small smile on his lips.
"I don't think it will accept anyone other than your brother to pet him… for now, at least," Viserys explained to his daughter, but seeing her downcast expression, he continued his explanation. "I'd wager a fair amount of golden dragons that it won't have any other touch it before your brother. Though I may be wrong."
Rhaenyra pouted her lips sulkily.
Viserys chuckled and ruffled her hair, eliciting a soft smile and giggling from his daughter.
The dragon looked at them with an eager expression, making an expectant shrill.
The king turned towards his daughter. "I think it wants to go to your brother." Viserys pointed out.
Rhaenyra nodded. "I think so as well…"
Viserys got up, looking coldly towards the keepers. "Throw them in the dungeon, I'll deal with them later," then he turned towards the one who told him about his son's dragon. "As for you… You will be rewarded for this. Late though you may have been, I am still grateful. Due to you, my son's dragon will go to the prince's side, where he belongs."
The dragonkeeper bowed in gratefulness, thanking his lucky stars that he hadn't kept quiet and slipped away the first chance he got.
Ser Redwyne stepped forward, his white armor shining orange due to the torch's light. "What about the rest of the dragonkeepers, Your Grace?" He asked.
Viserys frowned, the simmering anger threatening to burn everything in its path. "Any who knew of this and kept quiet shall be flogged. Any who had direct involvement in this offense against the Targaryens shall be sent to the dungeon to await my judgment."
Ryam Redwyne bowed. "By your orders, Your Grace!"
Then Viserys turned towards his daughter. "Before we return to the Red Keep, do you wish to see Syrax?" He asked.
Rhaenyra shook her head. "No, Father, but I do wish to discuss a few things with you on that matter later, if you will."
Viserys nodded. "Very well, we shall discuss it later then." He turned towards no particular direction and barked an order in a loud tone. "Bring me a cart so that we may bring the prince's dragon to the Red Keep!"
One of the cornered dragonkeepers tried to move forward, only to be forcefully shoved back against the wall. The man gritted his teeth. "Your Grace, if I may, that is completely inappropri-"
"Silence!" Hearing the man's grating voice, Viserys lost control of his own anger. "Speak one more word, and I shall have your tongue!"
The dragonkeeper paled and lowered his head, his shoulders shaking slightly.
After a few minutes, a small cart—commonly used to transport the dragon eggs—was brought to the king.
"Jiōragon va bisa, byka mēre, se kesi maghagon ao naejot se mēre ao jurnegon syt." Rhaenyra gently coaxed the hatchling through the use of High Valyrian. Words that meant: "Get on this, little one, and we will bring you to the one you search for."
The dragon tilted its head, not fully understanding the words, but recognizing the intention behind them. It hissed softly and climbed onto the cart.
Rhaenyra's eyes twinkled. 'What a smart little dragon…' She thought.
Thus, they made their way back to the Red Keep.
The small creature looked curiously at its surroundings on the way back. At times, it eagerly flapped its wings when it got excited by something, at times hissing and shrilling in anger when someone got too close.
When they entered the castle, the dragon leapt from the cart, indicating it preferred to walk on its own from there. Rhaenyra giggled at its antics. Viserys then ordered cooked meat to be brought to the room where his son slept.
After that, they made their way towards Antarys, eager to see how the dragon and child would behave.
Pushing open the door, Viserys and Rhaenyra saw Alicent gently rocking the baby's cradle. A motherly smile on her face.
A truly odd sight on the countenance of one as young as her.
Yet it also oddly fitted her.
Viserys took note of the young Hightower's behavior, an outrageous idea bubbling in the dark corners of his mind.
Alicent noticed their approach and got up, curtsying elegantly to her friend and the King. Her eyes widened when she noticed the dragon trailing behind them.
Though she often found these creatures frightening, she couldn't help but find this one the most adorable creature she had ever seen.
Viserys waved his hands, indicating for Alicent to step away from the cradle.
She obeyed without question, though no one missed the confused expression she made.
The dragon sniffed the air, seeking eagerly for a specific scent. And when it found it, its eyes widened with what could only be seen as joy. It shrilled happily and rushed forward.
With a mighty leap, it climbed the cradle and entered it.
Alicent gasped in shock, fearing for the baby's safety.
When they all approached, the sight they saw was not one any of them expected.
The red dragon coiled around the baby protectively, nuzzling the prince's soft cheek. Meanwhile, Antarys hugged its tail with a soft smile on his face.
The two looked at each other for a few seconds, their eyes shining with the same hue, before the two of them fell asleep together. Their bond now truly and forevermore formed.
Viserys exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. No septon, no maester, no council could deny it now. The gods themselves had chosen his son.