Game of Thrones: The King of Bronze and Fire

Rhaenyra galloped through the forest, her horse splashing through streams and climbing steep paths, before reining in at the edge of a cliff.

"Come down and see the view," she said with a bright smile, brushing wind-swept silver hair from her face.

Aemon clung to her, his silver-gold hair disheveled from the ride. He was clearly miserable.

"I swear, if I catch a cold, you're the one taking care of me," he grumbled through chattering teeth.

"Fine by me," Rhaenyra laughed, her spirits high. She gazed out at the dense forest below, her heart feeling lighter than it had in years.

This ride felt more liberating than soaring above Blackwater Bay on Syrax's back. For the first time in a long while, she was truly at peace with herself.

"Hyah! Hyah!"

The sound of hoofbeats approached as Ser Criston Cole caught up, his face etched with worry. Behind him, Aemon's escort followed closely.

"Princess, your riding skill rivals that of dragon flight," gasped Jason Lannister as he finally arrived, drenched in sweat and clearly out of his depth.

"Thank you, my lords," Rhaenyra replied coolly, pausing before adding, "This spot will do. Let's set up camp here."

Jason, eager to impress, puffed out his chest. "Leave it to me!"

Aemon slipped down from his horse and wandered off, ignoring the scene behind him. His sharp gaze roamed the forest, and something caught his attention—a towering tree with gnarled bark.

"That looks... familiar," he muttered, running a hand over its rough surface.

He circled the tree, his frown deepening. "It looks just like the one in my dream..."

Suddenly, a squeaky chitter drew his attention.

"Squeak! Squeak!"

The golden-nosed mouse scurried up to him, tugging insistently at his pant leg.

From a thicket nearby, a majestic white figure emerged.

Aemon's eyes widened as he craned his neck to take in the creature before him—a massive white stag.

Its pristine coat shimmered like silk under the sunlight, its antlers wide and flat, a crown of grandeur atop its head. Standing at over two meters at the shoulder and nearly five meters long, it towered over everything around it.

"A white stag... or a leucistic giant elk?" Aemon whispered, his voice tinged with awe.

The commotion quickly drew the attention of the group.

"Princess, get behind me!" Ser Criston barked, positioning himself defensively.

"Wait," Rhaenyra said, trying to calm the situation.

Aemon, too, wanted to intervene but decided to remain silent. The creature's sheer size and presence were daunting, and it was clear that their party wasn't equipped to handle it.

Jason Lannister, however, had other ideas. His eyes gleamed with ambition.

"It's a sign! A divine blessing from the gods!" he exclaimed. "This proves I am destined to wed the princess!"

He quickly rallied the other nobles.

The white stag's graceful steps slowed as it neared the group. Its intelligent eyes scanned the humans, pausing briefly on Rhaenyra.

Aemon, observing quietly, whispered, "Is it here for her?"

Rhaenyra, too stunned to answer, stood frozen.

Aemon frowned. "If she can't handle this, then it's mine."

He tightened his grip on his satchel, a memory of his dream flashing before him—the crown, the golden tree, the majestic aura.

"Surround it!" Jason shouted, ropes already flying toward the creature.

Startled, the stag pulled back, its majestic gaze replaced by a flash of fear.

"Squeak!"

The golden-nosed mouse scampered up Aemon's shoulder, gesturing frantically at his satchel.

"What did you take this time?" Aemon growled, grabbing the mouse and squeezing it until it reluctantly produced a drooping flower.

"Here, take this," Aemon said, tossing the flower in front of the stag.

The majestic beast stilled, lowering its great head to sniff the offering. It ate the flower in one bite, its posture relaxing.

Jason, however, was undeterred.

"Don't let it escape! Secure the ropes!"

The stag reared back, bellowing in anger.

CRACK!

With a powerful leap, it snapped the ropes binding its antlers and charged. Jason was sent flying, landing in a crumpled heap.

"Protect the princess!" Ser Criston yelled, drawing his sword.

"Wait! Don't harm it!" Aemon shouted.

The group froze in confusion, but Aemon had already made his move.

He strode forward, holding out a handful of fragrant grasses. The stag paused, its gaze locked on the offering.

In two great strides, it was in front of him.

Aemon climbed onto its back with surprising ease, holding tightly to its silken fur.

The stag, startled but calm, snorted and ate the grass from his hand.

Then, without warning, it bolted into the forest.

"AEMON!" Rhaenyra screamed, her voice cracking with panic.

Ser Criston and Ser Gonsor immediately gave chase, but the stag was too fast, disappearing into the dense woods with Aemon clinging to its back.

Camp Entrance

King Viserys stumbled into the camp, exhausted and disheveled.

Behind him, a cart dragged the lifeless body of a large brown stag.

"Your Grace, this is still a fine trophy, perhaps the best of the hunt," Tyland Lannister said, his tone dripping with obsequiousness.

Viserys waved him off, clearly uninterested.

The hunt had been a disappointment. The white stag was nowhere to be found, and this was the best they could muster.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted near the forest's edge.

"Protect the king!" the guards shouted, drawing their swords.

"What now?" Viserys muttered wearily.

Out of the trees emerged a radiant white stag. Its powerful form gleamed in the sunlight, and atop its back sat Aemon, his silver hair shining like a beacon.

The camp fell silent, every eye fixed on the awe-inspiring sight.

Aemon dismounted gracefully, holding a small flower in his hand.

The stag bowed its head slightly before turning and vanishing back into the forest.

A chime sounded in Aemon's ears as the Magic Essence Panel appeared:

Essence Acquired: 57New Card Unlocked: [Regal Aura]

The card shimmered in a regal purple hue:

[Regal Aura]

"Gain the recognition of the white stag, imbuing you with a presence that inspires respect, loyalty, and awe."

Without hesitation, Aemon activated the card.

The card dissolved into a soft, radiant light that flowed into his chest.

When the light faded, Aemon stood taller, his very presence exuding an air of authority.

Viserys stared in stunned silence, his gaze locked on his young nephew.

The silver-haired boy stood illuminated by the sun, surrounded by knights in gleaming armor.

Aemon turned, offering his uncle a slight, knowing smile.

"Your Grace," he said, his voice calm and steady, "the white stag has blessed us today."

Viserys's lips moved, but no words came out.

In that moment, the boy looked every bit the image of a king.