The Shivering Sea had tested them in ways neither Laena nor Daemon had anticipated. The cold was relentless, the air biting at their skin, but now, as night fell, they finally emerged from its grasp. Behind them, the ice-cold expanse stretched like a dark, dangerous memory, but ahead, the Narrow Sea opened up like a welcome relief. Laena could feel her shoulders relax as she surveyed the water dragons around her-small, medium, and large-all accounted for, all safe. The eggs were still tightly secured on the dragons' backs, the hatchlings nestled close to their mothers.

Though the tension that had gnawed at her for hours began to loosen, Laena remained alert. Her dragon, ever the protective companion, swam by her side, its powerful tail cutting through the water with ease. The other water dragons followed suit, moving like a well-ordered unit, and Laena felt the weight of their collective presence. She glanced back at Daemon, who was still flying overhead on Caraxes, Vhagar soaring beside him. Despite the exhausting journey, Daemon seemed to be taking it all in stride, as he always did. But she could see the way his eyes darted from the water to the horizon, always cautious, always vigilant.

"We're nearly there," Laena said quietly to her dragon, her voice barely audible over the soft splashing of water around them.

Her dragon rumbled in acknowledgment, its head turning slightly as though checking to make sure the others were still close. Despite the immense size of the creatures surrounding them, there was a quiet grace to their movements, a natural harmony that made Laena's heart swell with pride. These creatures, these water dragons, had chosen her. And she had chosen to protect them.

Daunted by the thought of the challenges ahead-of the questions they would have to face when they reached Driftmark-Laena's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden roar that broke the stillness of the evening. Her heart skipped a beat.

Daemon's head snapped to the sound, his eyes narrowing. "Vhagar, hide in the clouds, now," he barked, his voice sharp and commanding.

Vhagar responded without hesitation, her great wings folding as she soared higher into the clouds, disappearing from sight. Caraxes followed, though with less subtlety, his tail whipping through the air, sending a gust of wind through the surrounding dragons. Daemon's gaze never wavered, his focus solely on the distant horizon.

Laena didn't need to issue a command. Her dragon, already instinctively attuned to the danger, submerged in the water with a swift and fluid motion, disappearing beneath the surface. The other water dragons followed suit, vanishing one by one. Even the hatchlings and their mothers seemed to know what to do, sliding into the safety of the depths as silently as shadows.

Laena, however, did not follow them. Instead, she held her position, floating just above the water's surface, her gaze locked on the sky. She could feel the cold of the water now creeping up her legs as the dragon's body slid beneath her, and she shivered, but she kept her head held high. Her breathing remained steady, and though her heart raced with a mix of concern and adrenaline, she remained perfectly still.

Daemon observed her with growing curiosity, still perched high above. He knew that the water dragons were capable of things he couldn't fully understand, but seeing Laena so effortlessly slip into their world of water was still an impressive feat. The way she remained perched atop her dragon, neither disturbed by the freezing waters nor struggling to stay afloat, was almost unnatural.

"Later," he muttered under his breath, "I'll ask her how she does that."

The roar they had heard earlier reverberated again, louder this time, and Laena couldn't help but tense. She recognized it-there was no mistaking it.

"That's Rhaenys," Laena said, though it wasn't a question.

Daemon's eyes flicked toward her, brows raised. "What's she doing here?"

"I don't know," Laena replied, her voice tight with uncertainty. "But we can't let her see us-not like this."

Just as the thought passed through her mind, Laena saw the flicker of movement in the sky. A silhouette appeared against the dusk-colored clouds, and as it came closer, it resolved into a form she recognized-Rhaenys, flying atop Meleys, her dragon's bright red scales almost glowing in the fading light.

Daemon's mind worked quickly. He had to think fast-he couldn't let Rhaenys see Laena with the water dragons so close to Driftmark. Laena was already in enough trouble without raising suspicion. Without hesitation, he barked an order.

"Vhagar, stay hidden. Caraxes, stay quiet." His voice was firm but calm as he steered his dragon higher into the clouds, disappearing into the sky above. His eyes briefly met Laena's before he muttered, "Stay low."

Laena gave him a nod, though she was still trying to wrap her mind around the strange turn of events. Her water dragon, sensing her unease, submerged further into the depths, until all Laena could see was the rippling surface of the sea and the occasional flicker of a water dragon's fin beneath.

As Rhaenys and Meleys drew closer, Laena remained as still as she could manage. She wanted to see her mother, to tell her everything, but not now-not like this. Not while the water dragons were still so close.

Rhaenys descended slowly, her face filled with concern. Meleys landed with a grace that belied her massive size, her wings folding in with a powerful swoosh. Rhaenys's eyes scanned the area, searching for her daughter. When she saw Daemon, her expression softened, though there was an undeniable worry in her gaze.

"Daemon," she called out, her voice heavy with concern. "Where is Laena?"

Daemon gave her a smile that, while gentle, was laced with subtle mischief. He quickly dismounted from Caraxes, giving the beast a friendly pat on the side, and walked toward Rhaenys.

"She's just a bit further ahead, flying near us," Daemon said, his voice smooth. "She needs a bit of time alone. The horrors she experienced last time..." He trailed off, making a gesture of concern. "It's been hard on her, Rhaenys. But I'm watching her from a distance. I assure you, she's getting better."

Rhaenys frowned, her brow furrowing as she took in Daemon's words. But after a moment, she seemed to relax, nodding slightly. "You're right. I'm sure she'll be fine. Thank you, Daemon, for looking out for her."

Daemon gave her a reassuring smile, though the lie sat heavy in his stomach. It was a strange thing, keeping such a massive secret from someone he had known for so long. But he knew it was for the best-for Laena, for the water dragons, and for everyone involved.

"We'll catch up with her in the evening," Daemon said smoothly. "She'll need some time to gather herself."

Rhaenys seemed to take comfort in his words, nodding gratefully. "Thank you again, Daemon. I trust you."

With that, she turned to Meleys, guiding the dragon back into the air. Daemon watched as she took off, the fading light catching the glimmer of her dragon's scales as they flew back toward Driftmark. The moment she disappeared from view, Daemon let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

Laena surfaced from the water then, her wet hair clinging to her face. She gave him a sheepish smile. "You lied for me, didn't you?"

Daemon chuckled, his voice light with amusement. "You know I would do anything for you, Laena."

"You didn't even hesitate," she said, shaking her head with a smile. "That's... that's a little terrifying."

Daemon's smile softened, and he nodded. "Well, it's true. And besides, if you've learned anything from me by now, it's that lies are sometimes the best way to protect those you care about."

Laena looked out toward the horizon, her eyes filled with determination. "Then we better make sure we're keeping the biggest secret of all."

Daemon glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "And what would that be?"

"The water dragons," Laena replied with a mischievous grin, though her voice was soft. "We still have a lot of work ahead of us before anyone finds out."

Daemon chuckled, mounting Caraxes once again. "Indeed we do, Laena. Indeed we do."

---

The journey from the Shivering Sea had been long and tense, but now, as night settled over the world, Laena and Daemon finally approached the Gullet. The stars were beginning to twinkle in the night sky, and the air felt crisp and cool. It was a relief to be this close to safety, but there was still a lingering tension in Laena's chest. The water dragons, while safe for now, would need a secure place to stay until they could find a more permanent home. And she had yet to explain to Daemon how she managed to breathe underwater.

Daemon's voice rang out, breaking the silence. "You really need to explain how you can breathe underwater, Laena. I've been dying to know."

Laena chuckled, the sound soft and light. "Later, Daemon," she replied, her voice teasing. "For now, let me get us somewhere safe. I promise I'll tell you all about it when we're settled."

With that, she gave him a smile that she hoped would be enough to stave off his questions-for the moment at least. Her water dragon, as if understanding her intentions, nudged her gently before gliding effortlessly beneath the surface of the water. Without another word, Laena submerged herself with it, leaving Daemon behind on Caraxes, who hovered high above.

A few of the medium-sized water dragons followed Laena's lead, their lithe forms slipping into the water behind her, but the largest of them all remained at the surface. It was an imposing sight, a massive creature that dwarfed the others. Still, Laena knew it was protecting the group from any dangers that might lurk in the depths, keeping watch from above.

As she descended deeper into the Gullet with her dragon by her side, Laena couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. She had only just begun to understand the world of the water dragons, and every moment felt like an exploration of something new and unknown. The water, though dark and murky at first, slowly lightened around her as she descended. At first, she thought it was just the reflection of the surface above, but then she realized-it wasn't the surface that was lighting the waters, it was something else entirely.

Laena blinked in surprise as the water around her began to glow. The darkness that had once obscured everything faded away as her surroundings illuminated, giving the water a surreal, almost magical quality. She could see her hands clearly in the water, her silver curls floating around her like a halo, her clothes swaying gently as she moved. And then, with awe, she looked down at her water dragon.

It was the strangest thing-she could see perfectly in the dark water. There was no sense of panic, no struggle to find her way. She could see herself, her dragon, the other water dragons-all clearly visible despite the depth. Laena realized with a jolt of surprise that she had night vision, a gift she hadn't even known she possessed. The idea was both thrilling and a little frightening.

She paused for a moment, staring at the glowing water in wonder. The colors of the plants below her were more vivid than she could have imagined-brilliant reds, blues, and greens. Fish of all sizes swam gracefully around her, their scales shimmering like jewels in the water. It was like a dream, a world she had never even considered existed.

But Laena couldn't allow herself to be lost in the wonder of it all. She had a task to accomplish, and there was no time to waste. Shaking herself out of the reverie, she refocused on her dragon, who was gliding calmly beside her. She could feel its strength in every movement, its sense of purpose guiding her as they swam deeper.

As they descended, Laena was struck by the sheer size of the Gullet. The water here was vast, stretching out in every direction, and there were plants-colorful, twisting things-that seemed to grow from the very walls of the Gullet itself. Laena felt a sense of awe stir within her, even as she marveled at how perfect this place was for the water dragons. It was wide, open, and deep enough for even the largest creatures to swim freely. The largest dragon, the leader of the group, seemed to sense this, and with a soft, melodic rumble, it called to the others.

The other dragons responded almost immediately, following the leader as it swam deeper into the Gullet. Laena's dragon swam beside her, its movements strong and steady. She glanced around, taking in the vibrant beauty of the water. She couldn't help but feel like she was in the presence of something ancient, something vast and untamed.

The further they swam, the more Laena realized how much she had underestimated the size and scale of the underwater world. It was not just a place to house the water dragons-it was a living, breathing ecosystem, teeming with life. The fish darted in and out of the colorful plants, the soft glow of the water illuminating everything in a surreal, dreamlike way. Laena felt like she was floating through a world entirely of its own-a world she had only just begun to discover.

She swam beside her dragon, trying to absorb everything around her, and noticed that the other dragons were becoming more and more comfortable in their new surroundings. The larger ones swam deeper, settling into the shadows of the Gullet, while the smaller ones and the hatchlings followed the path laid out by their elders. It was clear that this was the place they had been searching for-this was where they could finally feel safe.

After a few more moments of swimming through the vast expanse of the Gullet, Laena and her dragon surfaced again, breaking through the water and emerging into the cool night air. She glanced up to see Daemon still flying high above on Caraxes, Vhagar hovering nearby. The faint glow of the stars above reflected in the water around her, and she felt a deep sense of peace.

She waved up to Daemon, signaling that everything was fine. He descended slowly, his gaze scanning the water below.

"They like it," Laena said, her voice light with excitement. "It's perfect for them. The space is vast enough for even the biggest ones to move freely. There are plants, creatures, everything they need. I've never seen anything like it before, Daemon. The deep water... it's beautiful. There are colors down there I've never imagined, and the plants-some of them seem to glow!"

Daemon landed on the shore beside her, dismounting from Caraxes with a practiced grace. He glanced at her with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "You're in awe, aren't you?"

Laena gave him a sheepish smile. "A little," she admitted, her voice filled with awe. "I just-I didn't realize how incredible the deep water would be. It's like a whole other world down there. I could see everything, Daemon. It's like I was meant to be able to do that. The water... it's alive, you know? And the dragons, they feel it too. This place is going to be perfect for them."

Daemon raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You're not just talking about the water dragons, are you?"

Laena chuckled, her eyes glinting with a playful light. "Maybe not," she said softly. "Maybe I'm talking about myself too."

Daemon's expression softened, and for a moment, he simply watched her with a quiet admiration. "Well, I think this place will suit both of you just fine," he said, his tone warm. "And if it means keeping you both safe, I'll make sure no one ever finds out about it."

Laena nodded, her gaze turning toward the water as she watched the dragons swimming peacefully below the surface. She knew Daemon was right. This was their secret-one they would protect, no matter what.

As the night deepened around them, the stars growing brighter in the sky, Laena couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settling over her. The water dragons were safe, and for the first time in a long while, she felt like she had found a place where she truly belonged.

---

The crisp night air clung to Laena's skin as she adjusted her grip on Vhagar's saddle, her mind racing faster than the wind whipping past her. Beside her, Daemon rode Caraxes, the dragon's powerful wings cutting through the night sky. The shimmering lights of Driftmark grew closer with every wingbeat, and Laena's stomach churned in panic. Waiting for her at the cliffs were her parents-Rhaenys Targaryen and Corlys Velaryon. She could already picture their expressions: a mix of concern, suspicion, and that piercing parental intuition that made lying nearly impossible.

She had left early in the morning with no explanation and now returned late at night. What could she say? Tell them she had been bonding with fifty water dragons and their leader, the size of a small mountain? Absolutely not. The thought of revealing that she could breathe underwater and see in the dark like some mythical sea creature wasn't any better.

"I'm doomed," she muttered under her breath, gripping the reins tighter.

"What was that?" Daemon called out, his voice tinged with amusement.

"Nothing!" Laena snapped, shooting him a look that could've burned hotter than dragonfire. "Just... thinking."

Daemon smirked, clearly enjoying her panic. "Oh, come now. They're just your parents. What's the worst that could happen?"

Laena glared at him. "You don't know my parents. My mother's intuition is sharper than any Valyrian steel blade, and my father-" She shuddered. "He'll interrogate me until I spill everything."

Daemon raised an eyebrow. "So, what's the plan, then?"

Laena hesitated. "I... don't have one."

The cliffs loomed closer, and Laena's panic grew. What were her options? Tell the truth? Not a chance. Lie? Risky. Pretend to faint? She paused, the absurdity of the idea dawning on her. Could she really pull it off?

Yes. Yes, she could.

---

As Vhagar and Caraxes landed gracefully on the cliff, Laena's heart pounded like a war drum. Rhaenys and Corlys were standing there, their expressions a mix of worry and curiosity. Laena slid off Vhagar, her knees shaking-not from the ride, but from sheer anxiety.

"Laena," Rhaenys began, her voice filled with concern. "Where have you been all day? We've been worried sick!"

Laena opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. She glanced at Daemon, who gave her a subtle shrug as if to say, Your mess to clean up.

Corlys crossed his arms, his gaze as sharp as the sea breeze. "Well?"

Laena felt her throat close up. Her hands felt clammy, and her mind raced. Without thinking, she stumbled slightly, placing a hand on her forehead. "I... I don't feel so good..." she murmured weakly, staggering in place.

Rhaenys' eyes widened. "Laena?" she said, rushing forward.

Before her mother could reach her, Laena gave the most dramatic performance of her life. She staggered, wobbled, and let out a faint, "Ohhh..." before crumpling to the ground in what she hoped looked like a graceful faint.

"Laena!" Rhaenys cried, kneeling beside her daughter.

"Get a maester!" Corlys barked, his voice booming as he turned toward the servants standing by the doorway. "Now!"

Daemon, meanwhile, stood frozen, staring at Laena with a mix of amusement and disbelief. He quickly knelt beside her, scooping her up into his arms. As he did, he noticed something peculiar-one of her eyes was slightly open. She quickly shut it when she realized he'd seen.

"Oh, for the love of-" Daemon muttered under his breath. He fought the urge to laugh as he carried her into the keep, following Rhaenys and Corlys.

---

Once inside, Laena was placed on a grand bed in her chambers, her silver curls splayed across the pillow. A maester arrived moments later, bustling in with his bag of remedies. He checked her pulse, examined her eyes, and hummed thoughtfully.

"Exhaustion," he declared, nodding sagely. "Likely stress and overexertion. She needs rest-several days, at least."

Rhaenys and Corlys exchanged worried glances, their concern deepening. "Is she going to be alright?" Rhaenys asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Oh, yes," the maester assured them. "A few days of rest, some light meals, and she'll be as good as new."

Daemon, leaning casually against the wall, fought to keep a straight face. Laena, meanwhile, remained perfectly still, her eyes shut tight. She felt a pang of guilt hearing her mother's worried tone, but the thought of facing their questions still terrified her.

Corlys sighed heavily, placing a hand on Rhaenys' shoulder. "We'll leave her to rest for now. Come, my love."

Rhaenys hesitated but eventually nodded. "Yes... Let her sleep." She leaned down, pressing a kiss to Laena's forehead. "Rest well, my sweet girl."

As soon as the door clicked shut, Daemon's composure broke. He burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the room.

"You," he said, pointing at Laena, "are absolutely ridiculous."

Laena cracked one eye open, glaring at him. "Shut up."

Daemon walked over, still laughing, and plopped down in a chair beside the bed. "Fainting? Really? That's your big plan? Do you know how worried your mother was? And Corlys looked like he was ready to declare war on whatever 'stress' caused this."

Laena groaned, covering her face with her hands. "I panicked, okay? What was I supposed to do? Tell them the truth? 'Oh, sorry, Mother, I was just wrangling fifty water dragons and their eggs while bonding with the biggest one of all and discovering I can breathe underwater.' Yeah, that would go over well."

Daemon smirked. "Fair point. But fainting? You're lucky the maester didn't notice anything suspicious."

Laena sat up slightly, her face red with embarrassment. "I didn't know what else to do. And you're not helping!"

Daemon leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. "Oh, no, I'm helping plenty. I'm helping by not telling your parents you're faking this whole thing."

Laena glared at him. "You wouldn't dare."

"Oh, wouldn't I?" Daemon teased, his grin widening.

Laena grabbed a pillow and threw it at him, though it missed by a mile. "You're the worst."

Daemon caught the pillow midair and laughed. "And yet, you'd be lost without me."

Laena rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her face. Despite everything, she was relieved to have Daemon by her side-even if he was insufferable.

For now, though, she had a few days to figure out what to tell her parents. And maybe, just maybe, she could avoid another performance of "Laena Velaryon: Fainting Maiden Extraordinaire."

---

The air was cool and crisp as Vensalia stepped through the veil of shadows, the soft pull of her magic depositing her at the edge of the cliffs overlooking Driftmark. She emerged soundlessly, her form wreathed in faint darkness that dissipated like mist in the breeze. Her reason for coming here was simple-her dragon, Silva, was taking a much-needed rest after an exhausting day playing in the skies with Dreamfyre, her daughter-in-law's dragon. Vensalia had felt a strange pull toward Driftmark, as though the shadows themselves were urging her to check on Daemon and Laena.

She wasn't expecting chaos-or amusement.

---

From her vantage point on the cliffs, Vensalia saw the scene unfold below. Laena, dismounting from Vhagar, appeared visibly tense as her parents-Rhaenys Targaryen and Corlys Velaryon-stood waiting for her. Their expressions were a mixture of worry and sharp curiosity. Daemon stood nearby, looking far too entertained for someone who should have been equally concerned.

Vensalia leaned against a jagged outcropping of rock, her shadows blending seamlessly with the night, allowing her to watch unseen. She expected a tense exchange, perhaps even an argument, but what followed left her blinking in confusion.

Laena stumbled, clutching her forehead dramatically. Vensalia tilted her head, her sharp hearing picking up the young woman's faint murmur of, "I don't feel so good..."

Rhaenys surged forward in alarm, her voice trembling. "Laena?"

Before Rhaenys could reach her, Laena wobbled, staggered, and crumpled to the ground in what Vensalia immediately recognized as an over-the-top faint. She couldn't help the subtle raise of her brow as she observed Laena's "collapse," complete with an exaggerated sway and an artful tumble. It wasn't bad acting, per se, but it was... noticeable.

Vensalia folded her arms, her lips twitching in amusement. Laena Velaryon, the strong-willed, dragon-riding daughter of the Driftmark, pretending to faint? What on earth is she playing at?

Her gaze shifted to Daemon, whose reaction was just as telling. He rushed to Laena's side, kneeling to scoop her up with what appeared to be genuine concern. But as Vensalia's sharp eyes caught the quick, subtle narrowing of Daemon's gaze, she realized he'd noticed what she had: Laena's faint wasn't real. His mouth twitched, fighting back a laugh, and Vensalia could practically hear his thoughts: Seriously?

She almost chuckled herself, though she quickly muffled the sound with a swipe of her shadow magic.

---

As Daemon carried Laena into the keep, with Rhaenys and Corlys trailing close behind and barking orders for a maester, Vensalia remained on the cliff, her shadows swirling lazily around her. She should have left then, but curiosity anchored her in place. Her instincts told her to ensure they were safe, even if this wasn't the type of danger she'd expected to find.

Once the group disappeared inside, Vensalia willed her shadows to stretch forward, weaving unseen tendrils through the halls of Driftmark. Her magic allowed her to feel the environment, though she was careful to avoid intruding too deeply. She didn't need to eavesdrop to understand what was happening inside; the energy emanating from the keep told her plenty. There was no fear or panic, only mild confusion, concern, and-on Daemon's part-barely contained laughter.

So, Laena is afraid of her parents' questions, Vensalia mused, a smirk playing on her lips. Smart girl. But fainting? I expected something more... bold. She imagined the numerous excuses Laena could have crafted instead-tales of adventure, dangerous flights, or perhaps an urgent summons to Valyria. But instead, the young Velaryon had chosen theatrics.

Vensalia didn't judge her for it, though. Family dynamics were complicated, even for someone as poised as Laena.

---

When the maester left, Vensalia sensed the mood shift. Corlys and Rhaenys hovered by Laena's bedside, their worry palpable even from a distance. Vensalia sighed softly. For all the chaos of their lives, they were good parents-doting and attentive. She could tell that much.

After what felt like an eternity, the Velaryon lord and lady finally departed, leaving Laena alone with Daemon. Vensalia let her shadows linger just long enough to witness Daemon teasing Laena mercilessly for her performance.

"You fainted. Fainted!" he said, his voice shaking with laughter. "Laena Velaryon, fainting like some damsel from a song. I can't-"

"Shut up, Daemon!" Laena hissed, sitting up and chucking a pillow at him. "I panicked, okay? What was I supposed to do? Admit I was flying around with water dragons and their eggs all day?"

Daemon dodged the pillow easily, still grinning. "Admit it? No. But fainting? You're lucky the maester didn't see you peeking."

Vensalia pressed a hand to her mouth, suppressing a laugh of her own.

---

She stepped back from the cliff's edge, satisfied that her presence wasn't needed. It was rare to see Daemon and Laena so relaxed, teasing and laughing as if the weight of their shared burdens had momentarily lifted. It wasn't her place to intrude on that kind of peace-not yet.

Still, as Vensalia prepared to leave, she couldn't resist one last glance at the keep. Her gaze softened, the faintest smile gracing her lips. It was moments like these, quiet and filled with mundane absurdity, that reminded her why she cared so deeply for the people she protected.

The pull of her shadows wrapped around her like a warm embrace, and with a soft whoosh, she disappeared into the night, leaving Daemon and Laena to their antics-and whatever creative excuse Laena would come up with next.

---

Laena paced back and forth in her chambers, her riding boots clicking against the stone floor. The dim light of the room's sconces flickered as the late afternoon sun began to fade. She fiddled with her hands, smoothing down the fabric of her dress, adjusting her silver hair, and muttering under her breath.

Daemon, sprawled lazily on the plush chair near the fireplace, watched her with a smirk that bordered on infuriating. His legs were crossed, one hand resting casually on the armrest while the other twirled a goblet of wine. He looked like a man with no cares in the world, which only made Laena's nerves worse.

"Stop staring at me like that," she snapped, pausing in her pacing to glare at him.

"Like what?" Daemon asked, the corner of his mouth twitching upward.

"Like you're waiting for me to trip over my own feet so you can have a laugh."

Daemon chuckled, setting the goblet down on a nearby table. "Laena, my love, I don't need to wait for you to trip. Your performance these last few days has been chef's kiss. Fainting? Dizzy spells? The dramatic clutching of your head whenever your mother so much as looks at you? I'll admit, I'm impressed."

Laena crossed her arms, her violet eyes narrowing dangerously. "I panicked, all right? What was I supposed to do? March up to my parents and say, 'Oh, by the way, I found a hidden colony of water dragons, bonded with one the size of a castle, and now I'm apparently part of some ancient legacy we never knew about'? That would've gone over brilliantly."

Daemon shrugged, clearly unbothered. "It's not like they'd exile you for it. You're their daughter. Besides, I think they'd find it fascinating."

Laena let out an exasperated sigh and resumed her pacing. "You don't understand, Daemon. This isn't just about the dragons. This is about everything-the secrecy, the history, the... weight of it all. What if they don't believe me? What if they think I've gone mad?"

Daemon rose from his chair and sauntered over to her, his hands slipping into his belt casually. He stopped in front of her, blocking her path, and tilted her chin up so she had to look at him.

"Laena," he said, his voice softer now, "you've faced things that would make most people crumble. You tamed a dragon no one thought could be tamed, uncovered truths buried for centuries, and did it all with grace. If anyone can explain this to your parents and make them understand, it's you."

Laena searched his face, trying to draw strength from his confidence. Then his smirk returned, and her resolve wavered.

"Of course," Daemon added, his tone turning mischievous, "if you start feeling faint again, just make sure I'm close enough to catch you this time. We wouldn't want you hitting the floor."

Her hand flew to his shoulder, and she yanked him down to her level by his collar. "Daemon Targaryen, I swear, if you keep bringing up the fainting-"

"You'll make me bald," he interrupted, his smirk widening. "Yes, I've heard. But honestly, Laena, do you really think you could do that?"

Laena narrowed her eyes, her fingers moving toward his hair as if to prove her point. Daemon pulled back, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

"All right, all right, I'll behave," he said, though the twinkle in his eye suggested otherwise.

Satisfied, Laena let him go and resumed pacing, though now with less urgency. She was clearly working through her thoughts, and Daemon wisely stayed quiet-for the moment.

"Five days," she muttered to herself, shaking her head. "Five days of avoiding them, and for what? To buy myself more time to panic? Ridiculous. I can do this. I will do this."

Daemon leaned against the bedpost, watching her with an amused expression. "Are you giving yourself a pep talk now?"

"Shut up, Daemon."

"Of course, my love."

She paused, taking a deep breath, and then turned to him. "All right. I'm going to tell them everything. About the dragons, about the history, all of it. But I need you to promise me something."

Daemon straightened, suddenly intrigued. "And what's that?"

"No laughing. No smirking. No making comments that will make me want to throw something at you. Can you do that?"

He pressed a hand to his chest, looking mock-offended. "Laena, when have I ever been anything but supportive?"

"Don't make me answer that," she deadpanned.

Daemon chuckled, but his expression softened. "All right, I promise. No laughing. No smirking. I'll be the picture of decorum."

Laena eyed him suspiciously but nodded. "Good. Now, let's go over this one more time."

Daemon groaned, dropping onto the bed and sprawling out dramatically. "Laena, you've been rehearsing this for days. You don't need a script. Just speak from the heart."

"I can't just 'speak from the heart,'" she argued. "This is delicate. If I don't present it properly, they might think I'm reckless or-"

Daemon interrupted her with a loud yawn, earning himself another glare.

"You're impossible," she muttered.

"And you're overthinking," he countered.

Laena huffed, but a small smile tugged at her lips despite herself. She sat down on the edge of the bed, her hands fidgeting in her lap. Daemon reached over, taking one of her hands in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"You've got this," he said simply.

She looked at him, his confidence in her steady and unwavering, and felt a flicker of hope. Maybe he was right. Maybe she could do this.

And if all else failed... well, she could always faint again.

But this time, Daemon had better be ready to catch her.

---

Laena sat stiffly in the high-backed chair by the fireplace, her hands tightly gripping the dark blue book in her lap. The tension in the room was palpable, and despite the warmth of the fire, she felt a chill settle over her. Daemon sat beside her, his hand resting over hers in silent support. She glanced at him briefly, drawing strength from his calm demeanor, but her heart still raced in her chest.

When the door creaked open, her parents stepped in. Rhaenys was the first to speak, her voice gentle but laced with concern.

"How are you feeling, Laena? Are you truly well now?"

"I'm fine, Mother," Laena replied, her voice steadier than she expected. She paused, then added, "But we need to talk. Please... sit down."

The weight of her words made Rhaenys and Corlys exchange a glance. Corlys, ever perceptive, furrowed his brow.

"Is this about what happened before you fainted?" he asked, his voice firm but tinged with worry. "If there's something you need to tell us, you can. We're your parents."

Laena hesitated, her gaze dropping to the book in her hands. She nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Yes, it's about that. But it's... more than you think."

Rhaenys stepped closer, her sharp violet eyes studying her daughter's face. "Whatever it is, Laena, we'll listen. You can trust us."

Laena took a deep breath and straightened her back. She held up the book for a moment before placing it carefully on the table between them. "I found something-something about our family, about our history. It's not in any records we've ever seen before."

Corlys and Rhaenys both leaned forward, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

"What do you mean?" Rhaenys asked.

Laena opened the book, flipping through the pages with practiced care. "This is an ancient text I found through... unconventional means. It details the history of a Valyrian family that isn't mentioned in our records. A family that, according to this, we are descended from."

Corlys frowned. "Another Valyrian family? That's impossible. All the noble houses of Valyria are well-documented. Why would this one be missing?"

Laena stopped at a page and pointed to a passage, her finger trembling slightly. "Because this family didn't survive the Doom. But before that, they were powerful. Far more powerful than just a wealthy house."

Rhaenys and Corlys exchanged confused looks. Corlys leaned back slightly, folding his arms. "And what does this have to do with us?"

Laena hesitated. "Our name. Velaryon. It wasn't always Velaryon. It was Velyarionis."

The room fell into silence. Corlys stiffened, his expression hardening as he processed her words. Laena pushed the book toward him. "Please, just look."

Corlys slowly picked up the book, his movements deliberate and tense. Rhaenys moved closer to her husband, leaning in to read over his shoulder. The room grew quieter still as they absorbed the information before them: the records of their ancestors, their connections to the Targaryens, and other families whose names had long since faded from history.

Laena sat on edge, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap. She glanced at Daemon, who gave her hand another reassuring squeeze. The minutes stretched on, and the silence became unbearable.

Finally, Corlys spoke, his voice low and measured. "Where did you find this?"

Laena looked to Daemon, silently asking for his help. He cleared his throat and leaned forward. "I went to someone who... knows more about the history of Old Valyria than any of us could imagine. She had this book, along with others that delve deeper into our family's legacy. She gave it to Laena."

Rhaenys looked skeptical. "And who is this person?"

Daemon hesitated but chose his words carefully. "Someone connected to Valyria's past. That's all I can say for now."

Corlys narrowed his eyes. "This is a lot to take in, and frankly, it's hard to believe. But if this is true... why hasn't anyone ever mentioned these water dragons before? If they're real, there should be proof."

Laena nodded, her nervousness giving way to determination. "That's why I left Driftmark five days ago. I needed to see for myself if they were real."

Rhaenys' eyes widened. "You went to find these dragons?"

"Yes," Laena admitted, her voice steady. "I went to the Thousand Islands. I waited in the freezing water, and..." She hesitated, her gaze flicking to her father. "And I bonded with one."

Corlys' expression darkened, disbelief evident in his features. "You're telling me you bonded with a mythical creature that hasn't been seen in centuries? That you, my daughter, can call a water dragon your own?"

Laena nodded, her heart pounding. "Yes. They're real, Father. They're hiding in the Gullet."

Rhaenys placed a hand on Corlys' arm, her expression softer but equally uncertain. "Laena, are you certain? This sounds... incredible, but also unbelievable. If you truly bonded with one, there must be proof."

Laena straightened, her confidence growing. "I can show you. But you need to trust me."

The room fell silent again, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Corlys stared at her, his mind clearly racing. He wanted to believe her, but the rational part of him fought against it. Rhaenys, on the other hand, seemed torn between her daughter's sincerity and the impossibility of her claim.

Daemon finally broke the tension, his voice calm but firm. "Laena isn't lying. I've seen her determination, her bravery. She wouldn't make this up."

Corlys looked at him, his expression unreadable. "If what you say is true, then everything we know about our family's history is a lie. Do you understand the gravity of that?"

Daemon nodded. "I do. But that doesn't make it any less true."

Laena took a deep breath and stood. "Let me prove it to you. Come with me to the Gullet. See for yourselves."

Corlys stared at her for a long moment before finally speaking. "If you're telling the truth, this changes everything. Not just for our family, but for all of Westeros."

"It does," Laena agreed, her voice steady. "But it starts here, with us."

Rhaenys reached for Corlys' hand, squeezing it gently. "We'll go," she said softly. "We'll see the truth for ourselves."

Laena let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, relief washing over her. She turned to Daemon, who gave her a small, approving nod.

The Velaryons' legacy, it seemed, was about to be rewritten. And Laena was ready to face whatever came next.