Dragon's flame

[124 AC – Small Council Chambers]

"Your Grace, a letter from Prince Aelyx," said Ser Harrold Westerling, presenting a sealed parchment to King Viserys.

The room grew tense as every member of the Small Council leaned forward, their attention captured. What news could this letter bring?

King Viserys's expression darkened as he read, his usual calm replaced by a grim determination. He set the letter down with finality and declared, "Declare war on Tyrosh."

The council members froze, their faces etched with disbelief. The room buzzed with unspoken questions until Otto Hightower composed himself and asked cautiously, "Your Grace, may I inquire as to what has transpired?"

All eyes turned to Viserys, the weight of the moment palpable in the chamber.

"The Archon of Tyrosh, Alequo, has bought the three stolen dragon eggs from Princess Rhaena Targaryen and refuses to return them," the king said, his tone as grave as his expression.

The room erupted with murmurs of shock, but Otto quickly masked his surprise. He had suspected Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenyra might have influenced Aelyx to provoke action, but this revelation was far beyond his expectations.

"Send ravens to Driftmark, Dragonstone, Casterly Rock, the Redwynes, and Dragonhold. Command the dragons and the fleet to prepare for war," Viserys ordered, his voice leaving no room for objection.

The council chamber emptied swiftly as ravens were dispatched to every corner of the realm. Banners were raised, and preparations for war began.

---

[Tyrosh]

"Sir, the Iron Throne is mobilizing for war," a servant reported anxiously.

"They dare?" roared Alequo, slamming a goblet to the ground. "I purchased those eggs! They are mine!"

He had received a letter from Dragonstone demanding the return of the stolen dragon eggs, accompanied by a chilling threat: fire and blood. Yet Alequo remained confident in his position. The Targaryens were fractured, their unity shattered, and King Viserys was known for his peaceful nature. He underestimated the fire that still burned within House Targaryen.

---

[Dragonhold]

The imposing castle stood as a testament to Targaryen might, its high walls adorned with dragon motifs—a smaller yet formidable reflection of the Red Keep.

Rhaenyra Targaryen strode swiftly through its halls, tension etched across her face. She burst into her chambers, where Daemon sat cradling their young sons, Aegon the Younger and Viserys the Younger.

"Father has declared war on Tyrosh," she announced, her voice taut with urgency.

Daemon's brows shot up in surprise as he stood, a smirk forming on his lips. Chaos suited him well. "What has happened?" he asked eagerly.

"The Archon of Tyrosh bought the stolen the dragon eggs of Rhaena Targaryen and refuses to return them," Rhaenyra replied, her tone laced with anger.

Daemon's smirk vanished, replaced by a deep, simmering fury. His violet eyes glinted with a fiery resolve. Dragons and their eggs were the foundation of Targaryen power, and such an affront could not go unpunished.

"Prepare your men, Rhaenyra. We ride for Dragonstone. I'll take Aelyx and Daenerys and head straight for Tyrosh," Daemon declared, his voice firm and unyielding.

Rhaenyra hesitated. "Syrax is not a war dragon," she admitted, concern shadowing her features.

Daemon sighed and stepped closer, placing a hand gently on her cheek. "Then stay at Dragonstone with the children. It's the safest place in the realm for ' targaryens'. I'll handle the rest," he said, his voice soft but resolute.

She nodded reluctantly. Dragonstone, transformed into a sanctuary by Aelyx and Daenerys, was indeed the safest haven for House Targaryen. That night, Rhaenyra, Daemon, and her children sailed for Dragonstone.

---

[Driftmark]

Corlys Velaryon sat upon the Driftwood Throne, flanked by Rhaenys and surrounded by key members of House Velaryon.

"This is a golden opportunity to shatter the alliance of those three whores," said Vaemond Velaryon with a sneer.

A smile tugged at Corlys's lips. The Triarchy had cost him dearly, and now Tyrosh's arrogance would be their undoing. To steal dragon eggs and defy the Iron Throne? It was folly beyond measure.

"Prepare the fleet for war!" Corlys commanded, his voice booming across the hall.

The room erupted in activity as everyone scrambled to fulfill their duties.

---

[Dragonstone]

"Ravens have been dispatched, my prince," Rhyun reported.

Aelyx nodded and turned to Daenerys, his expression calm yet calculated.

Months earlier, they had discovered the location of the stolen eggs. They had sent a demand to Tyrosh for their return, knowing full well it would be refused.

"This war is a perfect opportunity to plunder the wealth of the Free Cities," Daenerys remarked, a glint of ambition in her eyes.

"It is. With that coin, we can complete the work on Dragonstone and secure a legacy for future generations," Aelyx said with a smirk.

"Daemon will be here soon," Daenerys noted.

"He will," Aelyx replied.

Together, they had meticulously planned the war, marking the treasuries and strongholds of Tyrosh, Myr, and Lys. The dragon eggs were more than just an excuse—they were a catalyst for Targaryen resurgence.

---

[Two Days Later – Blackwater Bay]

King Viserys stood on the deck of his flagship, clad in Targaryen armor. His near-death experience by his illness had transformed him; the once-peaceful king now bore the demeanor of a true dragonlord.

The fleet sailed toward Dragonstone, which would serve as the command center for the war. Viserys was accompanied by his Kingsguard and his son, Aemond.

"Your Grace, is it truly necessary for you to march into battle?" a knight asked cautiously.

"A ruler who hides behind his banners soon forgets what death is," Viserys replied, his tone resolute.

---

And thus, the War of the Triarchy began.