Jaehaerys looked up at his brother, eyes shining with ambition. He wasn't just here to fight. One day he wanted to stand beside Daeron as Hand of the King, like Orys Baratheon had for Aegon the Conqueror.
Daeron hauled him to his feet. "Come on. Let's finish this."
---
King's Landing
Tywin listened to the report from the Red Sea battle with a face like stone. The Lannisters had played second fiddle while Velaryon and the king took the glory. That wasn't how things were supposed to go.
Varys watched him carefully. "My lord, we've received word from Lys. Prince Rhaegar collapsed after hearing the Stepstones fell. He's been bedridden ever since. Prince Oberyn is leading their forces now."
Tywin's jaw tightened. "House Martell has supported Rhaegar openly. Again. They act like the Iron Throne's commands mean nothing."
The council stayed quiet. Everyone knew Dorne was a special case—half-independent, always testing the limits.
Tywin leaned forward. "I say we send a formal demand to Prince Doran. Order him to cut off all aid to Rhaegar immediately. Make him answer for his family's defiance."
Maester Aemon spoke softly. "Peace is fragile, my lord. We should not rush into punishing Dorne while the king is still at war."
Tywin's green eyes were cold. "Dorne has played us for fools long enough. It's time they remembered who rules the Seven Kingdoms."
---
Tyrosh
The royal fleet entered the harbor under a hail of stones and arrows. Two hundred ships flying the three-headed dragon and the silver seahorse closed in on the city.
Daeron stood on a ridge with Jaehaerys beside him. Caraxes, Toothless, and Valar circled overhead like living banners of fire and bronze.
"Tyrosh sent messengers to Myr and Lys," Jaehaerys said. "They're begging for help."
Daeron shook his head. "Rhaegar's already bleeding them dry in Lys. They won't come. Oberyn's running their war now while Rhaegar lies in bed coughing blood."
Jaehaerys frowned. "He really used the Martells, didn't he?"
"Completely," Daeron said. "Rhaegar made promises he never intended to keep. Doran kept feeding him men and gold anyway. House Martell is the biggest sucker in this whole mess."
He climbed onto Caraxes. "Time to remind Tyrosh what happens when you back the wrong dragon."
Jaehaerys mounted Valar, gripping the reins tight. "I'm ready."
Daeron looked at his little brother and gave a sharp nod. "Then let's burn their port to the waterline."
The three dragons screamed and dove as the fleet opened fire.