A New Valyrian Dragonlord

I held Nyessis Maegyr's gaze, weighing my options. She was dangerous, that much was clear. But in a city like Volantis, power was a dance, and those who stood alone were often the first to fall.

"I seek knowledge," I said at last, keeping my tone measured. "And perhaps a place in this world."

Nyessis smiled, slow and knowing. "A place in this world? Such a vague answer, yet filled with possibility." She took a step closer, her violet eyes sharp with interest. "Many would kill for Valyrian knowledge. And many would kill to keep it buried."

I did not flinch. "And which are you?"

She laughed softly, a sound both musical and edged with amusement. "A good question. Perhaps I am both."

Before I could reply, the bronze doors to the council chamber groaned open. The attendant from before reappeared, bowing slightly.

"The honored Triarchs will see you now."

Nyessis tilted her head. "Interesting. They do not usually grant audience so swiftly."

I said nothing, stepping forward. As I passed her, she murmured, "Tread carefully, Rhaegis. The great beasts of this city do not take kindly to new dragons in their midst."

I stepped into the chamber without looking back.

The Council Of Volantis

The room was vast, designed to intimidate. High domed ceilings bore paintings of Valyria at its peak—dragons soaring over the Freehold, armies marching in perfect formation, slave legions bowing before their masters. At the far end of the room, seated on raised platforms behind curved ebony desks, were the three Triarchs of Volantis.

Two of them wore tiger-striped robes—the faction that ruled Volantis with an iron grip, favoring military might and expansion. The third Triarch, an older man draped in deep crimson robes, represented the Elephant faction—the merchants and traders who sought wealth above conquest. His tired eyes regarded me with mild curiosity, while the two Tigers studied me like a potential threat.

I walked forward with deliberate steps, my every movement measured. Despite the weight of their scrutiny, I refused to bow. These men ruled Volantis, yes, but I was Valyrian. My bloodline had built empires long before theirs had ever dreamed of power.

The Tiger Triarch seated in the center, a broad-shouldered man with dark, weathered skin and streaks of silver in his hair, spoke first.

"You claim to be of Valyria," he said, his voice deep and authoritative. "Yet Valyria is gone."

I met his gaze steadily. "Valyria is gone, but its legacy remains." I reached into my satchel and retrieved the amulet of House Darharis, holding it up for them to see. The ruby eyes of the dragon shimmered in the candlelight. "This is proof of my heritage. I am Rhaegis Darharis, heir to the greatest of Valyria's houses."

A murmur rippled through the chamber. The name was not unfamiliar to them.

The second Tiger, a lean, sharp-faced man, leaned forward. "House Darharis was wiped out in the Doom. If you are who you claim, where have you been?"

"Surviving," I answered simply. "And now, I have returned."

The Elephant Triarch, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. His voice was softer but no less firm. "Returned for what purpose?"

"I seek knowledge," I replied. "Knowledge that was lost when Valyria fell. Knowledge that could benefit those who possess it."

The first Tiger scoffed. "You expect us to believe you came all this way simply for knowledge?"

I allowed myself the smallest of smirks. "Knowledge is power. And power is the currency of this world, is it not?"

The Elephant Triarch studied me carefully. "And what would you offer Volantis in exchange for such… power?"

Now we had arrived at the true game. They wanted to know my worth.

I stepped forward, letting my voice drop slightly. "I know what Volantis desires. You still call yourselves the first daughter of Valyria, yet you have no dragons. Your armies are mighty, but they lack the fire that once made Valyria invincible."

Silence. A tension filled the room, heavy and electric. The mere mention of dragons was enough to shift the atmosphere.

The sharp-faced Tiger Triarch narrowed his eyes. "You claim to have knowledge of dragons?"

I let the question hang in the air before answering. "I claim to have knowledge of many things."

The first Triarch sat back, his fingers tapping idly on the arm of his chair. "And why should we not simply take what you know?"

I smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Because knowledge taken by force is often lost in the struggle. But knowledge given willingly… can shape empires."

The Elephant Triarch exhaled slowly. "You play a dangerous game, Rhaegis Darharis."

I inclined my head. "So does Volantis."

A long silence followed. Then, the first Tiger Triarch chuckled—a low, rumbling sound. "You are bold, Valyrian. And boldness is often rewarded… or crushed."

He leaned forward. "Very well. You will stay in Volantis as our guest. We will speak again soon."

A dismissal. A test.

I nodded once before turning and walking out of the chamber. I had expected this. The Triarchs would not trust me so easily, nor would they let me leave without learning more about me.

As I stepped back into the corridor, I found Nyessis Maegyr waiting for me, her expression unreadable.

"Interesting," she murmured. "The Triarchs rarely entertain strangers so openly."

I met her gaze. "And yet, here I am."

She smiled, tilting her head slightly. "Yes. Here you are."

I could feel the weight of her curiosity, the calculation behind her eyes. Nyessis was not someone who wasted time on meaningless conversations. If she was still speaking to me, it meant she saw something worth investing in.

"Walk with me," she said, turning toward the palace gardens.

I considered for a moment, then followed. The game had begun, and if I wanted to survive in Volantis, I would need allies.

And Nyessis Maegyr might just be the most dangerous one of all.

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Hope you enjoyed, I certainly like this style of writing and I hope you guys do too.

And Happy Valentines Day

(Better Late Than Never)