The Master of Dragons - A Reality Slap. (Patreon)

Daemon Targaryen, Council Chamber – The Red Keep.

His head was spinning as Daemon slowly opened his eyes, as though he were a bloody newborn.

His body felt heavy, and he was completely disoriented, but he could hear Viserys' voice. It sounded distant, as though he were hearing it through a wall. His brother was talking to someone.

"It seems he's waking up," his brother said in a calm and composed voice, while another voice answered.

"As you mentioned, he was making a nuisance of himself. Delicate construction work was being carried out on the Tower. I wasn't about to let him throw a tantrum and endanger the workers," the voice said, much to Daemon's indignation, who was making a titanic effort to wake up and put the insolent idiot in his place.

Viserys sighed before replying.

"It was the right decision. Daemon is impulsive and tends to act before he thinks. Bringing him here so you could explain the situation to him was the best course of action," his brother said, much to Daemon's disbelief.

As usual, Viserys had taken the side of some bloody stranger before his own brother.

"Well, it's time for the awkward conversation. Your brother has awakened," the stranger said, just as Daemon opened his eyes with difficulty, looking around in confusion.

He was in the Council Chamber, which was practically empty. None of the dull Lords who made up the Small Council were present, something Daemon appreciated, having no desire whatsoever to see the bloody face of that disgusting bastard Otto.

Only Redwyne and Westerling stood watching over his brother, impassive and solemn.

Viserys was seated at the head of the table, but there was something different about him. His expression was serious as he read a parchment in his hands with great concentration. His straight posture and stern demeanor made him look like a true king.

"I see the reports indicate the Tower will be finished in a couple of weeks, just before the tournament celebrating Baelor's birth. That was remarkably fast," Viserys said with obvious satisfaction in his voice as he looked toward the other man in the room.

Someone familiar to Daemon.

After all, never in his life would he be capable of forgetting the damned humiliation that man had subjected him to.

"The Nests are ready. Dreamfyre and Syrax have already settled in. Their behavioral patterns indicate it's possible both dragonesses will lay clutches of eggs soon. We're already preparing the incubators and everything else we'll need. Did you do what I told you?" the stranger asked.

"I did, but we can talk about that later. I'm sure Daemon has questions, and he owes me a few answers," Viserys said, setting the parchment aside before raising his gaze to Daemon, observing him impassively.

Daemon was about to make some foolish remark, but after seeing the look on his brother's face, he decided to remain silent.

There was...

Something different about Viserys.

He had lost weight. He sat differently, and his gaze...

Was much firmer and far more resolute.

His brother's eyes usually looked at him with resignation or weakness, but now...

"Daemon, I'm glad you've come, brother, because you have explanations to give me," Viserys said. His voice remained calm, yet there was an icy edge to it that made it abundantly clear he was not joking.

The Rogue Prince remained silent for several seconds, looking toward the stranger seated to his brother's right, who continued to focus entirely on the various parchments spread before him, utterly indifferent to Daemon's presence, as though standing in the company of a prince and a Targaryen king meant absolutely nothing.

"Brother," Daemon said cautiously, realizing this was not the best moment to say something foolish, though his face clearly betrayed his desire to know the mysterious man's identity.

The one who had humiliated him in the Dragonpit.

A debt that was still waiting to be repaid, Daemon thought furiously.

Apparently, his expression was more than obvious, because Viserys gestured toward the mysterious man before speaking.

"Daemon, allow me to introduce Lord Harry Potter, my new Master of Dragons and the newest member of the Small Council," Viserys said with a smile, his tone carrying a sense of camaraderie and pride he had never once directed toward Daemon.

"Harry, this is Prince Daemon, my brother," Viserys added simply, prompting the newly appointed Harry to raise his eyes from the table and look Daemon directly in the eye.

"Hey," he said indifferently before returning to his damned parchments.

Daemon was left utterly stunned by such audacity.

His wounded pride quickly gave way to overwhelming fury.

He rose to his feet, fully intending to teach this insolent piece of shit a lesson.

"Who the fuck do you think you are, you piece of shi— GAAAHHG—"

Daemon's outburst was interrupted by a sensation that was simply bizarre and terrifying.

The mysterious man...

This Harry...

Had raised his cold gaze and, using some sort of...

Little stick?

Did something utterly horrifying.

He made the infamous Prince's mouth disappear.

Filling Daemon with one single emotion.

Absolute terror.

"MMMHMM! MMHMMM!" Daemon tried to scream without success, utterly horrified by the unnatural event, practically shitting himself with fear at what had just happened.

"Normally I ignore arrogant pieces of trash like the Lord Hand or those clownish Septons, but you...there's something about you that simply gets under my skin for some reason," Harry said, looking at Daemon with icy eyes filled with a promise of pain and suffering should he continue being a nuisance.

It was a message Daemon had understood loud and clear.

Viserys watched the scene with a mixture of astonishment and admiration before looking toward the mysterious stranger once again.

"Gods, I've lost count of how many times I've wished I could silence Daemon like that. Give him his mouth back, Harry. I think he's understood the message," his brother said with obvious satisfaction as he looked upon the pitiful state Daemon found himself in.

The mysterious Lord merely shrugged before making another casual gesture, causing another strange sensation to wash over Daemon before he felt his mouth return to its rightful place.

"AAAHHHG!" he shouted in relief and terror, immediately feeling his mouth with both hands before looking toward the dangerous man, who continued to meet his gaze with complete indifference.

"Bother me again, and I'll personally make sure your mouth ends up wrapped around Otto Hightower's cock. I'm well aware of the... cordial relationship the two of you share," Harry threatened, making Daemon shudder while Viserys burst into a deep, genuine laugh at the sight of Daemon looking so...

Docile.

And submissive.

Apparently...

Harry's message had been received loud and clear.

"Good," Viserys said as he rose to his feet, looking directly at Daemon with a stern expression.

"Now, you're going to explain to me what in the Seven Hells possessed you to think it was a good idea to carry out a bloody massacre in my city behind my back."

"And for your own sake, Daemon...I sincerely hope your answer is satisfactory."

Daemon was left speechless.

"What? I... I don't know what you're talking about, Viserys... I..." he tried to deflect, only for a parchment to begin levitating from the mysterious Lord Harry's hand directly toward the Prince, silencing him.

Daemon froze at the magical display, staring at the indifferent and mysterious Lord with a mixture of disbelief and apprehension.

"Those are the names of the captains who have been relieved of duty and put on trial for bribery, extortion, and abuse of power. Every single one of them received the same orders: prepare the City Watch for 'the Purge,' where you intended to carry out a massive raid throughout the city, punishing criminals behind the King's back."

Daemon looked down at the damned, painstakingly detailed list with trembling hands.

Names.

Ranks.

Orders.

Everything was correct, everything was true.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?" Viserys demanded, his fury more than evident.

Daemon merely frowned before replying.

"It was a simple demonstration of strength, brother. Ever since the old King's death, things in the city have begun to deteriorate. We must remind the people of their place. A demonstration of the Crown's strength," Daemon answered honestly.

Alas...

If he believed those words would bring Viserys over to his side...

He was gravely mistaken.

"And do you truly believe the stupidity you were planning would have solved that? Do you think you have the authority to act in my name and serve as judge, jury, and executioner whenever it pleases you, Daemon?" his brother roared, clearly furious at the Prince's audacity.

Daemon frowned and opened his mouth to answer, to defend his plan.

But Viserys gave him no opportunity to do so.

"I don't care about your damned excuses! I've given you everything! I've been patient and understanding! I extended my hand to you, and you keep taking more and more! Always!" Viserys roared, his frustration and resentment impossible to hide.

Daemon remained silent, stunned by the words coming from his brother's mouth.

And the Rogue Prince began to have a very bad feeling in his chest.

"But that ends today" his brother said with unmistakable finality as he slowly rose to his feet, placing both hands upon the table while looking at Daemon with a stern expression.

"From this moment forward, you are relieved of your position as Lord Commander of the City Watch," Viserys declared solemnly.

Daemon was utterly shocked.

"What? But..." the Prince shouted indignantly as he jumped to his feet, his face twisted with fury.

Only for an invisible force to strike him squarely in the stomach, knocking the air from his lungs and sending him crashing back into his chair.

"Be quiet. Your brother is speaking," the idiot Harry said, continuing to write notes upon his damned parchments, completely indifferent to the family dispute unfolding before him.

"And that's not all," Viserys continued firmly, drawing the attention of a stunned and increasingly cautious Daemon.

"From this moment until after my son's birth and the tournament, you are strictly forbidden from flying with Caraxes or leaving the city. If you insist on behaving like a spoiled child, then I shall begin treating you like one," Viserys spat, leaving Daemon completely speechless.

Before the Rogue Prince could even begin to protest, the King had already turned toward the black-haired Lord and issued another command.

"Harry, inform the Dragon Keepers of my orders. Daemon is forbidden from entering the Sun Tower for the time being. A dragon is a privilege..."

"...one my brother will have to earn again."

Daemon remained frozen.

So stunned that words simply failed him.

"Noted. What shall I do about the young Velaryon brat? She's still being a pain in my arse. For three consecutive nights she's shown up at my office demanding the right to enter the Tower. The last time she came, she claimed you had already granted her permission," Harry said.

Viserys let out a weary sigh before answering.

"I did, but she'll have to earn it. You are not to give her an adult dragon. She will receive either an egg or a hatchling. She will work alongside the Dragon Keepers every single day to learn how to care for dragons, just as Rhaenyra does. They all boast about their birthright as Dragon Lords without ever accepting the responsibilities that come with it."

"That is something we are going to change," the King ordered.

Harry merely nodded before rising from his chair, gathering his parchments as he prepared to leave.

"Perfect. Then I'll take my leave and inform the annoying girl. I'm sure Rhaenyra will have the time of her life finally having someone she can order around," the black-haired Lord said with amusement.

Viserys laughed openly at the remark.

Daemon merely frowned.

The closeness his brother shared with this...

Harry...

Bothered him immensely.

"I'm taking my leave. My betrothed is waiting for me so we can have tea and go flying together, and you know how demanding she can be with my time," the damned outsider said with a sigh, making Viserys laugh heartily while Daemon frowned.

The knot in his throat tightened.

"Betrothed? What betrothed?" Daemon asked with growing concern.

Viserys looked at him in surprise before smiling and answering.

"Rhaenyra, of course. Harry is going to marry my daughter. We'll make the official announcement after the tournament and Baelor's birth. I'll tell you everything you've missed in King's Landing tonight when we all have dinner together," Viserys said as he rose from his chair and prepared to leave.

Daemon was utterly stunned.

Completely overwhelmed by the terrible news.

It...

It had to be a bloody nightmare.

How in the Seven Hells had his brother given Rhaenyra...

A maiden of pure Valyrian blood...

To this...

This damned, unworthy stranger?

It wasn't possible.

He simply...

Could not believe it.

Daemon remained seated in the Council Chamber as Viserys and Harry calmly walked toward the exit, his brother walking beside the mysterious Lord.

"Things have changed around here, brother. And they're going to change for you as well. Do not challenge me. You will not obtain the outcome you're expecting."

"Now go to your chambers and get some rest..."

"...we have much to discuss," the King ordered before leaving the chamber alongside the damned Harry and the Kingsguard.

Leaving the Rogue Prince alone.

His entire body trembling with rage.

But also...

With a dreadful premonition.

Apparently...

Things in King's Landing were about to become extremely tense over the coming days.

And Daemon...

Hadn't the faintest idea just how right he was.

Rhaenys Velaryon, The Sun Tower – King's Landing.

"I'm so excited, Mother! The day has finally arrived!" Laena shouted enthusiastically, her face barely able to contain her happiness after receiving the news personally from Lord Harry.

The King had authorized Laena to receive a dragon, and her beloved daughter had practically dragged her toward the imposing Sun Tower for the great occasion.

Lady Velaryon still could not believe that such an immense structure had been built in mere weeks...

Instead of decades.

"Perhaps Dreamfyre... or Silverwing! I heard Lord Potter is organizing an expedition to Dragonstone after the tournament to capture the remaining wild dragons!" Laena said excitedly as the massive gates of the enormous complex slowly opened to receive them.

As always...

The breath left Rhaenys' lungs the moment she beheld the sheer immensity of the place.

The enormous buildings.

The countless acolytes serving Lord Potter, all tirelessly working in the care and maintenance of the dragons.

But most importantly...

The presence of the Alpha.

Tanaris.

Lord Potter's dragon.

He dominated the entire place from the top of the Tower, silently and intently observing Syrax and Dreamfyre as both dragonesses stretched their wings across the sky.

Rhaenys was so distracted...

That she barely noticed they had reached the place where Lord Potter had summoned them, the Central Tower, where all the Nest were located.

The chamber was enormous.

So impossibly tall that there could be no doubt whatsoever it had been built through magic.

Enormous artificial caverns connected by vast stone walkways formed an intricate internal network that reinforced the structure while also allowing the dragons to exercise freely.

Much could be said about Harry Potter.

But his knowledge regarding the care of those noble creatures...

Was undeniable.

And speaking of the devil...

Rhaenys couldn't help but laugh as she watched her beloved daughter blush furiously, utterly mesmerized by Lord Potter, who stood shirtless, his robes set aside, using his wand to levitate an enormous...

Leather ball...

While Caraxes continuously snapped at it, relentlessly trying to catch the elusive object.

Standing off to one side of the spectacle, Princess Rhaenyra and young Alicent Hightower stared openly and without the slightest restraint at the handsome Lord's body.

One held his robes.

The other...

His shirt.

"Come on, boy! I was told you were fierce! Catch the ball!" he exclaimed as he sent the object soaring through the air once more, this time allowing Caraxes to seize it in his jaws with a triumphant roar before the Blood Wyrm began enthusiastically chewing on his prize with obvious delight.

Rhaenys watched the spectacle in complete disbelief.

Never in her life had she seen her beloved father's dragon behave so...

Docile.

Cooperative.

The title of Master of Dragons was clearly well deserved.

A moment later, Caraxes began making his way back toward his new nest, climbing along the walls with his new toy clutched proudly between his jaws, while Harry Potter turned around and calmly walked toward Rhaenys and Laena.

Rhaenyra and Alicent fell into step beside him only a second later, like faithful shadows, proudly flanking the handsome Lord.

"Welcome to the Sun Tower, where your education in the breeding and care of dragons shall begin, Lady Velaryon," Lord Potter said without wasting time on unnecessary pleasantries.

Rhaenys looked on with amusement as her daughter instinctively straightened her back in excitement, just as Lord Potter casually waved one hand, making that a red robe, one remarkably similar to those worn by both Rhaenyra and Alicent floated gracefully toward her thoroughly confused daughter.

And at that precise moment...

Rhaenys understood her cousin Viserys' plan.

She couldn't help letting out an amused snort at the brilliant move.

The King had indeed authorized Laena to receive a dragon...

But he had never specified that it would be an adult one.

"This is the uniform you will be wearing every day from now on throughout your training. You will begin tomorrow. Nyra, Lizzy, and I usually leave at dawn, so I expect you to be ready and waiting at the entrance of the Red Keep before sunrise so we can begin your instruction," Lord Potter said as naturally as though he were discussing the weather, watching realization slowly spread across Laena's face.

"And now...your future companion, don't worry, take all the time you need to choose."

Lord Potter took a couple of steps backward as three Dragon Keepers approached, each carrying one of the newly hatched dragons in their arms.

One was blue.

It possessed a robust, heavy build.

Another was Red.

Slim and elegant, clearly built for speed and aggression and similar to Caraxes.

The last hatchling was green.

Its physique appeared to be a perfect balance between the other two.

"Choose your dragon, my Lady..."

"...and let your training begin," the handsome Lord said, a playful smile spreading across his face as he observed the look of utter resignation painted upon Laena's features.

Rhaenys briefly considered intervening...

But this had been Viserys' decision.

She had no doubt whatsoever about that.

And if she was being completely honest...

The responsibility would be good for her daughter.

Laena had always been spoiled.

Perhaps Lord Potter possessed exactly what was needed to teach her discipline.

The afternoon...

Was going to be far more interesting than she had expected.