GOT King of Dragon

The sky was shrouded in dark, heavy clouds. 

The sea churned with roaring waves. 

The wind howled incessantly. 

Rega's frail figure climbed up a coconut tree, staring in panic at the rising waters below. 

The icy seawater lapped at his ankles and gradually swallowed his calves. 

He wanted to call for help, but his throat seemed blocked, unable to produce even the faintest sound. 

**Boom!** 

A flash of lightning split the darkened sky, like a silver bottle bursting apart, its deafening roar reverberating. 

Amidst the rolling storm clouds and surging waves, a sudden downpour began, soaking the helpless and isolated Rega. 

"So cold… Where is this place?" 

The freezing rain drenched Rega's skin, his muddled thoughts swirling in confusion. 

**"Hiss… Grr…"** 

With a clap of thunder, the roar of a colossal beast echoed endlessly from the horizon. 

Rega raised his head in bewilderment. In the flicker of lightning, he caught sight of an enormous creature breaking through the dense clouds, its wings spread wide as it soared into the distance. 

Rega strained to see the beast clearly, but the sound of the pouring rain drowned out everything else. 

Rain streamed down his cheeks, and he wiped his face with his hand. 

When he opened his eyes again, the giant beast had circled back, spreading its wings and diving toward the island where he stood. 

"No! Stay away!" 

The massive, indistinct shadow loomed over him, and Rega couldn't help but cry out in fear before his vision went black. 

The next moment, Rega opened his eyes and bolted upright in bed. 

"What was that?!" 

His chest heaved violently as he scanned the room, nerves on edge. 

Familiar surroundings greeted him—the layout of his room. 

After a long pause, Rega wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and collapsed back onto the bed, his voice tinged with lingering fear: 

"Damn it, another nightmare… and it's connected to the one from last time!" 

Usually, his nightmares changed every few nights. 

But this dream had haunted him for two consecutive nights, leaving him utterly drained. 

Rega sighed. "Maybe it's true what they say—'Daytime thoughts lead to nighttime dreams.'" 

He had been poring over ancient texts until the early hours, his mind fixated on dream lore. 

And now, this. A seamless string of nightmares. 

"Anything out of the ordinary is worth investigating. Recurring dreams are rare and must carry some prophetic meaning." 

Rega tugged at his hair in frustration, muttering to himself. 

--- 

After freshening up, the servant brought in the usual breakfast: bread, milk, and a fried egg. 

"Are you planning to attend the tournament today, Prince?" 

Finishing the last sip of milk, Elric entered just as Rega set his cup down, perfectly on time. 

Rega gently wiped the milk from his lips and replied calmly, "There's nothing worth watching. I'll visit the Dragon Pit instead—I haven't been there yet." 

"Understood," Elric replied in a deep voice. 

Before leaving, Rega picked up a sheet of drawing paper from the table and carefully rolled it up. 

The Dragon Pit was a considerable distance from the Red Keep, so the attendants had prepared a carriage for the journey. 

Once outside the Red Keep, they entered the streets of King's Landing. 

Elric occasionally stole glances at Rega, looking as though he had something to say but hesitated. 

Growing annoyed, Rega asked, "Sir, is there something wrong with my attire? Why do you keep looking at me like that?" 

"No, Your Highness. I just feel you seem a bit down today." 

Elric voiced his concern. 

They had already been traveling for some time, yet the normally lively prince had remained silent—a stark contrast that worried him. 

Rega's eyes betrayed his exhaustion. He sighed wistfully, "I had another nightmare." 

Hearing this, Elric noticed the deepening dark circles under the prince's fair complexion. 

He was starting to resemble a panda. 

"Your Highness, perhaps you should consult a maester. Insomnia and frequent nightmares are not good signs," Elric suggested. 

Rega gave a mysterious smile. "No need. My father told me to learn to embrace my dreams, whether sweet or bitter." 

"With all due respect, Your Highness, you do have a preference for sweet things," Elric said with a slight frown. 

"Don't worry about me. Life is a mix of bitter, spicy, sour, and sweet. Experiencing them all early isn't necessarily a bad thing," Rega replied with quiet resolve.

Rhaegar interrupted Elric's advice and asked, "Where can we find a good blacksmith shop?" 

Elric replied, "There's a decent blacksmith shop on Silk Street. Old Auron's craftsmanship is well-known." 

"Then let's head there and pick up a few other things while we're at it." 

Having made his decision, Elric instructed the coachman to drive toward their destination. 

---

The royal carriage wasn't just luxurious; it was also impressively fast. 

It made its ostentatious way through the streets, eventually entering the famed Silk Street. 

Finally, it stopped in front of an unassuming blacksmith shop. 

Rhaegar lifted the curtain to look outside and saw a robust young man hammering away at the forge, sparks flying. 

"That's Old Auron's grandson, an apprentice blacksmith," Elric remarked, shielding Rhaegar as he stepped out of the carriage. 

"Go fetch your grandfather. Tell him a distinguished guest wishes to see him." 

Without hesitation, Elric tossed the apprentice a gold coin, his tone commanding. 

"Yes, honored White Knight," the apprentice replied, quickly putting down his tools and running inside. 

Moments later, an older man with a short, stout build and a full beard came striding out. 

This was the owner of the shop, Old Auron himself. 

Taking a bold step forward, Auron greeted them in a booming voice, "Respected guests, blacksmith Auron welcomes you!" 

He then struggled to bow deeply to Rhaegar. 

Rhaegar studied the rotund old man, finding him secretly amusing. 

Standing face to face, Old Auron barely reached Rhaegar's height, but his width could easily double, if not triple, Rhaegar's. 

Rhaegar pulled out a rolled-up parchment and instructed, "This is a design for a bracelet. I need you to craft an exact replica as quickly as possible." 

"No problem. Is it sized to your wrist?" 

"Yes, it's to replace a gift that doesn't fit." 

After clarifying the customer's needs, Old Auron confidently pounded his chest and said, "Rest assured, you can pick it up by sunset. I guarantee it will be flawless." 

"I trust Elric's recommendation. Pay him, Ser." 

Rhaegar decisively ended the transaction. 

However, Old Auron waved off the pouch of coins Elric offered, firmly stating, "I won't accept payment. Having a prince wear my work is reward enough." 

"Oh? How did you know I'm a prince? Care to guess which one I am?" 

Rhaegar looked at the stout man with amusement. 

With a serious expression, Old Auron said, "I once saw the king's second son, Aegon, at an event. You're about his age, which means you must be the eldest son of the late queen—'The Sleeping Hatchling,' Rhaegar." 

"'The Sleeping Hatchling'? Is that supposed to be a nickname for me?" 

Rhaegar admired Old Auron's wit but clearly didn't appreciate the title. 

Realizing his mistake, Old Auron immediately shut his mouth, inwardly cursing his loose tongue. 

When Auron failed to respond, Rhaegar turned to Elric with a displeased look. "Ser, when did I acquire such a nickname?" 

Elric shot Auron a warning glare before quietly explaining, "Ever since the last royal hunt, rumors about your frail health and the White Stag's blessing have been spreading among the common folk." 

"Even though the king issued an order to suppress any gossip about you, it hasn't stopped people from talking." 

"It wasn't until you greeted Princess Rhaenyra upon her return voyage and appeared before the public for the first time that this nickname began to circulate." 

Rhaegar frowned and pressed further, "So my father's decision to keep me confined to the Red Keep is connected to this?" 

"It's partly related, though the king has other considerations as well…" 

"Partly is enough." 

(End of Chapter)