Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord

Suppressing the complicated thoughts in his heart, Gavin turned to Daenerys and spoke softly:

"It's okay, Daenerys. I promised your brother I would not let you get hurt. For Viserys, we will seek justice in the future."

The Sea King added in a comforting tone: "Don't worry, Princess. Braavos will stand with you."

Daenerys knew deep down she could not avenge Viserys's alone. Silently, her gaze drifted toward Gavin. At that moment, he was the only person she could rely on.

Gavin returned her look, his expression firm yet gentle. At this moment, she wasn't the Mother of Dragons with grand titles or the woman hardened by betrayals and loss. She was just a timid girl thrust into a world of chaos.

Gavin gently patted her shoulder and said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here."

After a moment, Gavin turned to the Sea King and said, "Your Highness, I'm afraid I won't be able to attend tonight's banquet. Please allow me to take Daenerys and leave first. In addition, may I trouble you to arrange for Viserys's body to be collected? I wish to give him a funeral worthy of a Valyrian Dragon Lord tomorrow."

The Sea King immediately inclined his head apologetically. "Sir Gavin, please leave these matters to me. It grieves me that such a tragedy occurred under my roof. I assure you, the Moonsong Temple will assist with the arrangements. Two days from now, Braavos will host a celebration, and I hope you and Princess Daenerys will attend. I will send a messenger to make amends for what happened today."

After bidding farewell to the Sea King, Gavin approached Syndor. Instead of returning in the comfortable wheelhouse, he climbed onto the dragon's back. Holding the reins tightly, he extended his hand to Daenerys.

"Come," he said, gesturing for her to join him.

Daenerys took a deep breath, mustering her courage, and climbed onto Syndor's back. Settling into Gavin's arms, she clung tightly to him as the dragon shifted.

With a command from Gavin, Syndor spread its massive wings and leapt into the air. A powerful gust swept through the square, kicking up sand and dust and forming a small whirlwind.

The dragon soared into the skies, its golden form glinting in the sunlight. Daenerys's silver hair danced wildly in the wind, her heart pounding with a mix of exhilaration and fear.

As they flew over Braavos, the city became a patchwork of tiny buildings far below. The people on the streets stopped to gaze upward, awestruck.

Some whispered in awe of the dragon's majesty, others stood frozen in shock, and a few muttered prayers, fearing it might be a harbinger of disaster.

In a shadowed corner of the Sea King's square, Illyrio Mopatis stood watching the dragon's ascent. Anxiety flickered in his eyes as his plans seemed to unravel before him.

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. "If only I'd arrived sooner."

Syndor continued its flight, heading toward the sea. Its altitude dipped low, and the dragon skimmed just above the waves. The powerful beats of its wings sent sprays of water glittering in the sunlight.

The rush of sea breeze, combined with the roar of the ocean, made Daenerys scream with joy. She had never felt so free, the weight of her sorrows momentarily lifted.

Gavin guided Syndor to ascend once more, soaring higher until they were engulfed by the endless blue sky. After a time, they returned to Braavos, the breathtaking journey having eased Daenerys's grief.

Syndor gracefully landed in the garden of a seaside villa, stirring petals into a soft dance. Gavin dismounted and helped Daenerys down, steadying her with a firm hand.

Daenerys looked at Gavin, her violet eyes brimming with gratitude. She blushed as she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him.

"Thank you, Sir Gavin," she said softly.

Gavin smiled, gently brushing a stray strand of her hair. "This is what I should do. Now, you're my fiancée, aren't you?"

Daenerys's cheeks flushed a deeper red, and she turned away shyly. Gavin chuckled and gestured toward the villa.

"Go inside and choose a room. Make yourself at home."

Daenerys's eyes lit up as she eagerly explored the villa, her sorrow temporarily replaced by wonder. Behind her, Gavin signaled the Blood Dragon Guard to follow and keep watch.

Moments later, the captain of the guard approached Gavin with a grave expression.

"Sir," he began, "we caught a man attempting to infiltrate the villa. He disguised himself as one of our own but fled after injuring three guards."

Gavin frowned, his mind racing.

"Tighten security," he ordered. "No one leaves the villa grounds. Screen all servants carefully to prevent infiltration."

"Understood, sir," the captain replied, saluting before hurrying off.

As the captain departed, Gavin's thoughts darkened. "Are the Faceless Men involved?" he wondered.

Thankfully, the soldiers he had brought were rigorously trained, following a system based on the Unsullied but adapted to his needs. They retained their humanity and excelled in discipline and combat. It was this mix of precision and drive that gave Gavin confidence despite the lurking threats.

For now, his focus was on ensuring Daenerys's safety. The storm brewing around them would have to wait.