GOT King of Dragon

Dusk. 

Rhaegar's steps halted at the edge of a farmland. 

In the distance, a vast expanse of barren, rocky mountains stretched endlessly. 

"Prince, we should return to the castle," urged Cole, who was acting as his escort. 

Rhaegar gazed at the distant mountains and murmured, "The active volcano on the island is over there." 

"Prince, if we don't go back soon, the princess will be upset," Cole said with a resigned sigh. 

"I know, we'll return before nightfall," Rhaegar replied indifferently. 

During his walk around the small town on the island, Rhaegar had gathered quite a bit of information. 

For instance, he had pinpointed the general location of Vermithor and Silverwing's long-term nesting grounds. 

"Let's go, Ser Cole," he said. 

Taking one last look at a few silver-haired children chasing each other near the town's entrance, Rhaegar turned and began walking back. 

Cole followed closely behind, curious. "Prince, do you lack playmates?" 

"No, I was just curious about their hair color." 

At the sight of those silver-haired children, Rhaegar couldn't help but wonder if any of them might be his father's illegitimate siblings. 

He chuckled to himself. His father had been quite the vigorous young man in his youth. 

--- 

That evening, after the family had dinner, everyone retired to their rooms. 

As usual, Rhaegar was dragged into Rhaenyra's chamber, where the siblings exchanged whispers. 

Rhaenyra spoke first. "Cole said you went to the town?" 

"I want to find a young dragon and tame one as soon as possible," Rhaegar replied calmly. 

"That's a good plan. Young dragons are better suited for young Targaryens. Syrax and I have been together since she was a hatchling." 

Rhaenyra understood a child's longing for a dragon. 

After some thought, she added, "Alicent came to talk to me. We had a long conversation." 

"What could you two possibly have to talk about?" Rhaegar asked, puzzled. 

"I asked her the same question," Rhaenyra said thoughtfully. "She brought up the topic of marriage alliances and offered some suggestions, which I rejected." 

"What else?" 

"I wasn't particularly polite, but Alicent didn't get angry. Instead, she mentioned the whereabouts of two young dragons." 

"And what do you think that means?" 

"It's suspicious!" 

The siblings spoke in unison, then exchanged knowing smiles. 

Rhaegar chuckled. "Alicent is a petty woman. If she's lowering herself to speak with you, she must have ulterior motives." 

"I think so too. Alicent has always outshone me in every way since we were children and looks down on me deep inside. There's no way she'd suddenly show kindness without a reason," Rhaenyra said with a self-aware smirk. 

Rhaegar asked, "Did she tell you where the two young dragons were spotted?" 

"They appeared on the east coast and even fought each other," Rhaenyra replied. 

"That area is near the active volcano. It's probably true," Rhaegar said, analyzing the geography. 

Dragons were creatures that thrived in high-temperature environments. 

The caves beneath a volcano made for the perfect dwelling. 

Rhaenyra twirled a strand of hair around her finger, her gaze firm. "We need to find those two young dragons before she does." 

"The two dragons are likely together; there's no need to rush," Rhaegar said, unconcerned. 

"What do you know? Dragons come in varying levels of quality. A highly gifted young dragon will grow much faster in the future," Rhaenyra snapped, lightly smacking him. 

"I don't even know what the two young dragons look like. How am I supposed to tell which one's better?" Rhaegar complained, looking aggrieved. 

Sitting up straight, Rhaenyra said seriously, "Choose Sunfyre! The golden dragon with shimmering scales and pale pink wing membranes." 

"Is it a hatchling from the same clutch as your Syrax?" Rhaegar asked curiously. 

"Yes, Sunfyre hatched a few years after Syrax. It's a magnificent dragon, and you must do everything to claim it," Rhaenyra emphasized. 

"Targaryen siblings riding golden dragon siblings—sounds impressive," Rhaegar said, amused by the image. 

"Rhaegar, I'm not joking. Sunfyre is truly perfect for you. Do you want to let Aegon take it instead?" Rhaenyra was clearly invested in her brother's dragon choice. 

She had been keeping an eye on that golden dragon. 

Initially, her plan was to bring Rhaegar to tame Sunfyre if he failed to hatch his dragon egg by the age of ten. 

Now that both Rhaegar and Aegon were setting out to tame dragons, she had arranged for Rhaegar to get a head start with Sunfyre. 

Unfortunately, the volcano's eruption had frightened the two young dragons into abandoning their nest. 

If Alicent found Sunfyre first and gave it to Aegon, Rhaenyra would be furious. 

Seeing his sister on the verge of an outburst, Rhaegar dropped his playful demeanor and promised earnestly, "I'll do my best to tame Sunfyre and leave Aegon with no chance." 

"Hmph, that's more like it," Rhaenyra said with a satisfied huff as she lay back down. 

In her mind, it was only natural for the siblings to each tame a golden dragon—destiny's design. 

--- 

The next morning. 

Rhaegar climbed out of bed and was dressed by the maids in a black dragon-rider's outfit. 

He touched the dragon-scale pattern on his shoulder guards and sighed. "Do I really have to dress like this?" 

Rhaenyra lay lazily on her side on the bed, speaking weakly, "The dragon-riding outfit is made of excellent material—durable, breathable, and perfect for long activities."

"As long as you agree to let me go dragon-hunting, I'll wear anything," replied Rhaegar.

Last night, Rhaegar had pestered her for hours, pleading to join the dragon-hunting team. After much difficulty, he finally received her reluctant approval.

Before he left, Rhaenyra stopped him and reminded him, "I'm feeling unwell, so Cole will accompany you. I've also dispatched a squad of dragon guards to follow."

"Don't worry. No matter how cunning Alicent is, she wouldn't dare make a move against me," Rhaegar said confidently, patting his chest as he left with an eager heart.

...

Once out of the castle, Rhaegar headed straight for the active volcano.

His goal was never the hatchlings, so there was no need to travel to the eastern coast.

"Your Highness, our itinerary should start with the eastern coast," Cole said with a frown, noticing their path was veering off-course.

"The eastern coast was Alicent's suggestion. How much of her intelligence do you think is true, and how much false?" Rhaegar retorted.

"Uh…" Cole was momentarily at a loss for words.

He had heard about the conflict between the queen and the prince while aboard the ship and was well aware of their strained relationship.

"So, follow me. No objections, right?" Rhaegar asked.

"You make a good point, Your Highness," Cole said, pressing his lips together and wisely keeping quiet.

Rhaegar glanced at the ever-dutiful Cole, his peripheral vision catching sight of the pristine white cloak draped over his back.

Pausing briefly, Rhaegar spoke almost instinctively, "That white cloak represents the honor of the Kingsguard, doesn't it?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Cole replied.

He gently touched the cloak, a flash of pride gleaming in his eyes, and said, "I come from humble beginnings. As a boy, I served as a squire for a noble lord. Later, I risked my life in a battle against the Dornish invaders and earned merit, which brought me this honor."

"You must treasure the life you have now," Rhaegar remarked with a faint smile.

Cole nodded earnestly. "Because of this white cloak, I've gained unprecedented honor and dignity."

It was clear how seriously he regarded his duty and mission.

For some reason, Rhaegar felt a strange unease about Cole's white cloak.

It was immaculately white, pure and spotless.

Rhaegar suddenly remembered a dream he once had and asked curiously, "If it got dusty, wouldn't it just become a dirty rag?"

Turning to glance at the upright and dutiful Cole, Rhaegar's expression shifted unpredictably.

"Cole, cherish it and make sure it never becomes tarnished," Rhaegar said flatly.

"I will, Your Highness," Cole replied.

Although he didn't fully understand why the prince was reminding him to protect the cloak, Cole smiled and promised, his eyes filled with hope for the future.

To change Cole's fate and grant him a good ending— 

Loyalty and duty are the lifelong honors of a White Knight. 

(End of Chapter)