Volantis
Haedryn’s first interaction with relatively sane humans on Planetos was in Volantis, though he wondered if it was perhaps a mistake to reveal Terrax. At the same time it wasn’t as if he would be able to hide his monstrously large familiar from the world for long.
The sun was nearly in the middle of the sky when Haedryn directed Terrax to land on a grassy embankment near the city just off the road. There was no need to attempt a landing in the city and possibly be shot down from Terrax’s back by arrow fire. The sandstone walls of the eastern portion of the city were nearly two hundred feet in height. By the time Terrax had landed and Haedryn had clambered down, a feat in itself considering his dragon’s size, horsemen and spearmen had marched from the gate stopping a large distance away.
“Hail Dragonlord,” a voice called out in a very accented High Valyrian and Haedryn raised his hand in greeting.
“Well met,” Haedryn called back politely, his own High Valyrian smoother, more songlike. “I hope me and my dear Terrax didn’t cause a panic.”
“Dragon’s have not been seen in a century and with the recent overthrowing of House Targaryen in Westeros, the sight of a dragon even half the size would be frightening,” the same voice answered once again. It belonged to a tall white blond haired male atop a beautiful red and white leopard colored appaloosa. The young man couldn’t be any older than Haedryn, perhaps even a year or two younger.
“I apologize. Terrax may be large but he is a sweet boy,” Haedryn said as he moved a bit closer to the horseman. “While my ancestors ruled the city of Aquos Dhaen, the progenitor of my line left Valyria long before the doom. I am the last of that line, and the last of House Belaerys. I grew up far from these lands and know little beyond what was written and passed down and my own dreams. I was unaware dragons were completely gone from these lands,” Haedryn fibbed. He had known that dragons were dead and gone, though he had assumed it was with the doom. It sounded as though for a time, some had survived in Westeros. It made going to the continent he knew very little about a larger priority.
“Perhaps we can help with that,” the horseman said, letting his horse take a few steps forward. “I am Visemor Paenymion, second son of Triarch Prince Doniphos Paenymion, my family will gladly sponsor your stay in Volantis. Your dragon will have to remain outside the walls for I fear there is nowhere within the city he might land but only the best livestock will be provided to satisfy his hunger.”
“I will take you up on your generous offer, as does Terrax. I am Haedryn of House Belaerys,” Haedryn said walking closer. Visemor nodded towards two of his men. One, who had the same white blond that Visemor and Haedryn shared, wheeled his horse around and galloped back towards the city gate. Haedryn could only assume that the man was playing messenger to the important figures still in the city, likely the Triarch Prince that was Visemor’s father, especially as his son had volunteered his funds to sponsor Haedryn. The second dismounted from his horse, a pretty blood bay color, and offered the reins to Haedryn.
“She is a calm mount My Lord,” the man said, giving a small inclining nod of his head in Headryn’s direction as he passed off the reins. “Our apologies for not having a palanquin ready. We were unsure as to the situation when runners delivered messages of sighting your dragon.
“My thanks,” Haedryn said as he mounted. Though he hadn’t ridden a regular horse before, he had ridden a hippogriff as well as several pegasus that were part of the Zabini Stables in Italy, not to mention riding Terrax. He took to riding the young blood bay with ease.
The city of Volantis was distinctively segregated in at least two sections. The first, seemed poorer, though the closer to the second section one got the more upscale the merchant buildings and homes seemed to be. The segregation was even clearer by the black wall. Encircling the entirety of the city was a twenty foot wide and two hundred foot tall sandstone wall. Within the city however was a wall made purely of dragonglass, one that was smooth without any indication as to masonry seams to show where the stones were stacked together. It was like sections of an undestroyed road in Old Valyria. It was at least fifty feet taller than the outer city wall and was wide enough that two carriages could easily move side by side with space in between. Spearmen seemed to patrol the entire length of it, though Haedryn noted that much like the spearmen that marched beside them, their eyes were blank, as though nothing but their duty mattered. Visemor shifted his horse to ride right beside Haedryn, others moved out of the way without a word. It was obvious that Visemor Paenymion was the highest ranking member of this little party, excepting possibly Haedryn, who was outside of the hierarchy entirely, at least for the time being.
“Does our city impress you? You have been quite silent,” Visemor asked his voice slightly smug.
“In some ways yes, in others no,” Haedryn answered truthfully. “It is very unlike where I grew up in many respects but oddly familiar in others.” Haedryn answered. “I must ask as I am unfamiliar with the title that you referred to when speaking of your father. Exactly what does ‘Triarch Prince’ mean?”
“I suppose there are differences in culture to be expected,” Visemor answered almost dismissively. “‘Triarch Prince’ is an elected title. My father is one of three elected to the position by vote. They rule the city, decide our laws, and our actions. Right now the Triarchy holds two Elephants, and one Tiger; our political groups. There are many differences in party ideals but for the most part, the Tiger alliance wants to use war and conquest to gain more land and power and the Elephants prefer the more subtle use of trade and alliance to gain power. My father is an Elephant.”
“I understand,” Haedryn said. “Where I’m from the title would be Viscount, although usually a single Viscount rules a city and its surrounding country land.” There was no word for Viscount in High Valyrian so Haedryn resorted to english.
“Viscount?” Visemon rolled the word through his mouth in question, it seemed heavy, and languid with the man’s accent. “May I ask what your title would be in your home?”
“My full title with all of its pomp is rather lengthy, but it is as follows; Lord Haedryn of the Houses Peverell, Black, and Belaerys. Duke of Lancaster and Montagu, Viscount of Aquos Dhaen. Former Regent of the Houses Prince, the Barons of Shrewbury, and Ravenclaw, the Earls of Hamilton. Though I suppose here in these lands, only my Viscount title truly means anything, and even then, Aquos Dhaen is a destroyed city.” Haedryn answered, fighting back the giggle at the absolutely gobsmacked look on Visemon’s face.
“I do not understand some of these words,” Visemon said after a moment.
“Of course, well in order of importance where I’m from the titles descend as follows. Emperor or Empress, King or Queen, Duke or Duchess, Earl, Count or Countess, Viscount and then finally Baron or Baroness or if they are a border noble, Marquess. Earl and below are referred to as Lords, and Dukes and Duchess’ are referred to as Great Lords,” Haedryn said explaining. “The other words that you do not recognize are places, the lands that I rule according to each of my titles, or in the cases of Houses Prince and Ravenclaw, ruled until passing the Regency to another to make the journey to my ancestral lands.”
“You are Great Lord then, where you come from,” Visemon said.
“Yes,” Haedryn answered. “Though as I said only my Viscount title matters here,” Haedryn continued humbly. “And even then, only barely.”
“You ride a dragon, something done by no man in a century,” Visemon said as they entered the courtyard of what was honestly a glorious manse. “That is a far greater power than any title can grant you.”
People were gathered in the courtyard waiting for them. Haedryn dismounted only seconds after Visemon and a collared man with a black horse head tattoo on his left cheek took the reins of the horse.
“Father, might I introduce Lord Haedryn, Dragonlord of House Belaerys,” Visemon said greeting his father, a white blond haired man only a few inches shorter that Visemon and shared many of the same features.
“Welcome to our Great City, the First Daughter of Valyria, Lord Belaerys,” Triarch Prince Doniphos Paenymion said, giving Haedryn the tiniest of head nods. “Allow me to introduce my family, you have already met my second son, Visemon.” The Triarch Prince gestured to his son beside Haedryn before turning his attention to those lined up beside him, all bearing the distinctive white blond hair that spoke of their relation and their valyrian roots.
“My eldest son and heir Daemmarr,” the Triarch Prince continued and as he spoke his son Daemmarr stepped forwards and gave Haedryn a respectful head bow.
“Well met Lord Belaerys,” Daemmarr said before stepping back into the line up. His voice was deeper than both his brother Visemon, and his father Doniphos.
“Well met Heir Paenymion,” Haedryn returned.
“My wife Haelemera and our eldest daughter Haera,” Doniphos continued. “My wife is a beauty and my daughter is set to surpass her. Her hand is quite sought after now that she has flowered and she will continue to grow to be a great beauty as you can see.” Haedryn fought back the visible wince at the heavy-handed insulation of the Triarch Prince, while his wife was certainly a vision, their daughter couldn’t be older than fifteen. It wouldn’t be the last of offers given to Haedryn he knew, and given what had happened back in the Wizarding World, revealing his omega status, especially here in this world where it wasn’t an oddity but a rarity, would only make it worse. At least here he wouldn’t have to worry about love potions or imperius curses from prospective suitors. That wasn’t to say there wasn’t the possibility of insidious magics that could be wielded against him but Haedryn knew from his dreams that he was the most powerful mage that had ever walked Planetos because of the sheer versatility of his magic alone.
The aforementioned girl gave a smooth courtesy, her pastel purple silk skirt billowing prettily around her as she did so.
“We gladly welcome you into our home my Lord,” Haelemera said, giving a deep curtsey.
“Well met Lord Belaerys,” Haera said sweetly and Haedryn could see an intelligent glint in her eye as she assessed him. No doubt she was thinking of the best way to either seduce him outright, or manipulate him into falling for her in order to further either her own standing or her family’s or perhaps both. Haedryn knew that here in this world women had little power beyond the extension of their father’s power or their husbands. “I hope you enjoy your stay with us.” she added.
“You have my thanks for your hospitality,” Haedryn answered.
“And finally my two youngest daughters, Eraella and Aelysa,” the Triarch Prince introduced the final two girls, the youngest mayhaps six and standing close to whom Haedryn assumed must be their nursemaid, and the elder perhaps one mayhaps two years older.
“Well met Lord Belaerys,” the both said at the same time, echoing one another as they each gave an adorable little curtsey.
“Well met Eraella and Aelysa,” Haedryn said with a genuine smile. “I’m sure you will both be great beauties of your own one day.”
“Thank-you my Lord,” they echoed one another again.
“Might I be so rude as to ask to be led to whatever rooms I will be occupying for my stay? As well as perhaps a bath? I have been traveling for a long while,” Haedryn asked.
“Of course of course,” Doniphos said waving servants, or more likely given the collars Haedryn could see locked around their throats, slaves off. “Your rooms are still being arranged but if you will, my dearest Haela can take you on a brief tour of our manse while the rooms are finished. I don’t see any luggage for you?” Doniphos questioned.
“I wouldn’t mind a small tour,” Haedryn acquiesced, “As to luggage, my bag is enchanted, it holds all I need, and weighs only a few pounds. I’ll keep it on me until I get to my rooms, I have grown accustomed to its presence at my side.” Haedryn continued politely.
“Of course of course,” Doniphos said and Haedryn stepped forward offering Haela his arm. She took it gently, and gave Haedryn a soft smile, but Haedryn had gone through puberty as a known Duke in the Slytherin House and while the young woman’s mask was quite well put together it wasn’t nearly as solid as she believed it might be.
“Lord Belaerys, allow me to show you my father’s menagerie, it is the greatest in all of Volantis, and my father’s pride,” Haela said, gently pulling Haedryn along.
“It would be my pleasure,” Haedryn politely answered, pretending not to notice the prideful smile that the Triarch Prince sent his daughter. Spearmen, who Haedryn was now almost certain were slave soldiers of a sort, followed a small distance behind, serving as chaperones. Haela had not lied. The menagerie was quite extensive. There were several Zorses, which Haedryn recognized as Zebras and Little Valyrians which Haedryn knew as lemurs. In a rather decently sized lowered enclosure there was even a small bear creature that was spotted like a leopard and in another similar enclosure was a lynx sized cat that’s back end was striped tan and black like a tiger and front end was a solid tan. Tiny, nearly palm sized monkey’s leapt through the boughs of the trees around them, sticking around due to the fact that they were fed here. Underneath the shade of several great willow trees, clear smallish glass enclosures set atop various sized stone pedestals held insects of all sorts, from several spiders whom Haedryn was almost certain were a breed of silk spider, and another that Haedryn suspected might be the same species as the Australian Funnel Web back on earth. Several of the enclosures held butterflies, some species like the monarch Haedryn recognized others like a beautiful jade colored one with white markings Haedryn had never seen before.
“Lord Belaerys,” Haela began as they left the menagerie area towards a water garden area. Several koi like fish swam in a large fountain pond and several small children no older than seven at the eldest, and in various states of undress splashed in the lower level of a large four tiered fountain. They were watched over by a multitude of beautiful women, some the same white blond that was familiar within the black wall of the city, others with a variety of hair colors, some even dyed a vibrant turquoise blue. “The kingdom where you come from, does it have many dragonriders?” Haela asked.
“While there are many dragons, I am the only dragonrider, at least for the time being. My aunt and cousin are of Belaerys blood and although they aren’t riders, riders may come from their lines. My aunt has remarried and her new husband has valyrian blood by the way of a several times over great grandmother, they have a child on the way, perhaps he or she will be a rider,” Haedryn answered.
“It must be a wonderful place if there are many dragons,” Haela said. “I always wished to fly on one. Maybe you could take me for a ride on your dragon.” Haedryn frowned.
“Dragons are not pets,” Haedryn said, fighting not to hiss. “Nor am I naive. While I am grateful to your family’s generosity in hosting me while I stay in Volantis, that generosity will not be reciprocated by a marriage.” Perhaps his bluntness was cruel on his part but it was best to get the truth out in the open quickly so he didn’t have to continue fending off advances from a girl who was still a child in his eyes.
“Of course My Lord,” Haela said quietly. “Perhaps we might see if your rooms are ready?”
“That would be best,” Haedryn said knowingly.
The rooms he was given were quite extravagant, a bedroom, a sitting room and a living area that even included its own built in slightly raised floor tub, it was already nearly filled with steaming water that slaves were still filling carrying buckets of water to dump within. The rooms were very open and breezy with a walkout veranda, shaded with curtained pink silks and filled with the scents of yet another garden area that was cultivated around it. Silks and golden inlays into the white marble made up the decor along with furniture carved from a pale wood that could only be as expensive as everything else in the room.
“My father will be throwing a feast tonight in your honor and inviting many of our allies to meet you. I will ensure that someone comes to fetch you and lead you to the dining hall,” Haela said before giving a curtsey and leaving the rooms. Harry carefully unpacked a few things in his bedroom, mostly a few of his lordly outfits from the various events he’d had had to attend back in the wizarding world, luncheons, dinners and seasonal parties and every ministry event that he could feasibly attend in order to further his political agenda. While he hoped he didn’t have to be quite so hands on in this new life he had given himself he knew he wouldn’t be able to escape it entirely.
He didn’t want to completely unpack, knowing that while not in the rooms they would most certainly be searched by whatever spies were employed within the household, from Paenymion’s own to those slipped in by political rivals or even allies wanting to keep a close eye out. He did make sure to pull out enough interesting things that spies should be well satisfied and not dig too much further including the dead dragon egg which he set on the small table beside the bed. The jewelry box he’d found in his family’s manse in Valyria was set on the vanity table, a couple of pieces tucked within it, the rich clothing was hung in the wardrobe by the two slaves that had immediately begun helping Haedryn unpack, taking the items from the resized chest he’d pulled out of his bag. Both of their eyes had widened at the sight but neither had spoken as Haedryn performed, the very obvious, if not at all flashy magic.
Pausing a moment Haedryn sighed before conceding to himself that as much as he didn’t want to, he really ought to give a host gift. If his aunt was here he’d have received a smack upside the back of his head for even thinking about being so rude as to not. Pulling out another shrunken trunk Haedryn set it on the bed. The Zabini family owned a large amount of land, part of it being farmland for the multitude of horseflesh they raised but the larger portion of their lands contained orchards and vineyards. The best of italian wine, both traditional red and white grape wines, and a variety of summer wines made from other fruits came from the Zabini wineries, and Blaise had made sure Haedryn had nearly a lifetime’s supply. Haedryn could drink a bottle a day and unless he lived for two hundred years he wouldn’t run out. There were a multitude of other alcoholic drinks, whiskey, bourbons and other liquors but the majority by far was wine.
Selecting two bottles of a blackberry summer wine in distinctive bottles that were pink near the top and darkened into a black color near the bottom, Haedryn set them atop the vanity where he could easily grab them later, before deciding on what he would wear to this ‘feast’ that was to be thrown in his honor. It would be best if he wore something in his colors and with his crest. The robes he wore for his coming of age celebration when he turned seventeen should still fit given the sizing charms on them, plus he hadn’t grown all that much taller in the three years since. Butter white linen pants tailored to his form perfectly and laced with gold dyed laces, an undershirt of the same color, with golden flame embroidered along the collar. His vest was leather and only a few shades deeper than the butter white of his pants and shirt, golden fire designs painstakingly stitched into the soft leather, and each button his sigil wrought in real gold. His open overcoat was also butter white it was cut to pull tight at the waist and flared around the legs. The inner lining was solid cloth of gold, and the weight of the cloth told the wearer it was real. The embroidery work was also done with gold thread, all but the large piece that spread across the back of the coat. The symbol of his valyrian House, done in various shades of green; a dragon ouroboros. He laid each piece atop his bed before leaving the bedroom for the living area where the bath waited.
He slowly stripped, uncaring that the two slave women were still within the room, leaving his travel clothing where they fell. The steam of the bath was fragrant, like lemongrass and sweet orange oil had been mixed into the water. He moved up the steps and gently lowered himself into the fragrant water lounging for a moment on the built in seats of the tub.
“May I wash your hair Master Belaerys?” the younger of the two slave girls asked, lifting a jug in askance.
“Please,” Haedryn answered kindly. Delicate hands gently manipulated his head as she wet his hair and gently rubbed soaps and oils through it before rinsing. His curls had gotten easier to manage over the years, magic had been a lifesaver in that resolve, but they could still become a rictus of madness if he wasn’t careful. The young slave woman didn’t stop at his hair, using a soft cloth to gently clean his face and then his shoulders, and Haedryn allowed her to gently manipulate his body to clean all of him. He soaked till the water had long grown cold, nearly an hour, before he rose fully out of the tub. The second slave woman was quick to help the first dry him off with linen cloths before they both began to gently rub oils and creams into his skin. Haedryn remained quiet and allowed them to do their work. Both of them were gentle and neither pushed beyond the propriety of their stations so Haedryn continued allowing it.
He sat on the small bench seat at the vanity and pulled out the wide toothed wooden brush gently running it through his hair before using magic to dry it evenly and as though he had used a diffuser. The youngest of the slave girls drew a sharp breath seeing the soft blue color of the spell but quickly composed herself.
“Do you wish to tie your hair up in a specific way, Master Belaerys?” the slave girl asked.
“I’m partial to half up hairstyles and braids, there are hair beads and other hair pieces in my jewelry box there, pick what you think would work best with the outfit I’ve laid out. The girl’s handiwork was completed with deft and gentle fingers. The top of his hair was pulled back into a crown braid with waterfall curls flowing down behind his ears. Small golden pearl strands were wrapped through the messy bun and let hang down amongst the curls that fell past his shoulder blades, their polished surfaces glinting within the silver white curls of his hair. He added a small golden ear cuff high on the curve of his ears, attached with a fine golden chain to the small teardrop emerald studs in the lobes of each ear. The ring he’d had made for House Belaerys made from goblin carved white ivory and a jade inlay in the form of his House sigil took its place in his left hand, visible where his other lordship rings were not.
He had just finished dressing when he heard the knock at his door. Fixing his collar he nodded towards the elder of the two slave girls and she scurried over to the door, opening it to reveal young Visemon. Affixing only a dagger to his belt, leaving his sword behind Haedryn turned more fully to the other boy.
“You have cleaned up quite well Lord Belaerys,” Visemon said as Haedryn turned.
“My thanks,” Haedryn said. “ I had a few things I wanted to ask before we attend dinner.”
“Of course,” Visemon, “Whatever I can answer I shall.”
“It’s more on the pleasantries. Titles and honorifics and how to address those I’m about to meet, there are likely to be differences from my home that I am unaware of,” Haedryn said.
“Of course, I never realized that such things would be unknown to you,” Visemon said. “You did quite well upon meeting my father, and my family.”
“A mixture of luck and experience,” Haedryn answered giving the other a genuine smile.
“Well for the most part my father and Triarch Prince Nyessos will be the highest ranking people at this feast,” Visemon said as he slowly walked around the perimeter of the bedroom taking in the few knick knacks that Haedryn had spread around the room whilst unpacking. “They can be addressed as either Prince or if you’re given permission simply by their name. The rest of the Old Blood can be referred to as Master or Lord and in the terms of wives and daughters as Lady.” Haedryn nodded along as he twisted his ring to sit more comfortably on his hand.
“Simple enough,” Haedryn said after a moment, setting his shoulders back in preparation. Visemon paused at the object that Haedryn had set on the small table beside the bed.
“Is this real?” Visemon asked, hand reaching out to touch but pulling away at the last second as he turned and asked permission nonverbally.
“It is, but it is long dead,” Haedryn said. “And time has turned it to stone. Go ahead.” Visemon was quick to gently touch the scale like the pattern of the dull egg. It was a navy blue color with small specks of dull gray.
“It is still beautiful,” Visemon whispered near reverently. Haedryn grasped the neck of both bottles of wine that he was going to give as host gift and turned back to Visemon who had gingerly lifted the dead dragon egg.
“I suppose it has a certain beauty,” Haedryn said. “But perhaps we ought to find ourselves at the feast your father has prepared.”
“Yes of course,” Visemon said, setting the stone egg back down.
The walk to the dining hall was not long and it was already filled with a multitude of people. The moment Visemon and Haedryn entered the room all eyes were on them and Prince Doniphos quickly came to their side, taking Haedryn’s arm and pulling him along. Haedryn was introduced to a large number of people, many of whom Haedryn would not remember their names and had to place both of the bottles under an arm so he could grasp and kiss hands as needed. Soon enough the call to seat themselves for dinner came, and Haedryn was given a place of honor to the right of Doniphos Paenymion, his host, and once more beside the man’s daughter Lady Haela. Before the Triarch Prince stood and called for the feast to begin Haedryn stood.
“While I am unsure of the traditions here, where I am from, if someone generously opens their home, it is only polite to offer a host gift at the first formal meal. As such Prince Doniphos, may I present two bottles of summer wine from vineyards near my homelands?” Haedryn passed the bottles to the man unaware that the glasswork of the bottles alone was worth its weight in gold.
“Lord Belaerys these bottles are kingly gifts, I ask that you partake with me and my family your gift tonight,” Prince Doniphos asked.
“Of course,” Haedryn answered. “It would be an honor. If I might add however. This wine is quite sweet and better drunk with sweets after the meal.” Doniphos nodded and passed both bottles off to a male slave and Haedryn sat down. Prince Doniphos raised his hands wide as he welcomed everyone to his hall and ordered the feast to begin.
Haedryn could die happy and full at this feast even with the pang of homesickness and nostalgia it caused. It reminded him of Dudley’s going away feast. Multiple courses with multiple dishes each. The first course filled with small bite dishes; soft crepes filled with roasted mushrooms doused in garlic herbs butter and cream. Thin slices of beetroot cured fish and fresh oysters stuffed with spicy peppers and thin slices of toasted bread drizzled with honeyed oil. Then came several soups, or rather hot broths that slaves poured into bowls as thinly sliced platters of various meats along with dumpling-like bites were passed around. Haedryn copied those around him as they used their two pronged forks to put several slices of meat and dumplings into the hot broth alongside various leafy greens and root vegetables and let it cook as they chatted with those around him. Haedryn made certain to turn his body more towards the Prince than his daughter, subtly showing his lack of interest.
“Lord Belaerys,” Prince Doniphos began.
“Call me Haedryn Prince Doniphos,” Haedryn said. “I insist.”
“Of course, Lord Haedryn,” Doniphos began again. “Did you enjoy your tour?”
“I enjoyed the sights of the menagerie. I understand it is a pride point,” Haedryn answered politely.
“Yes it is one of my dear Haela’s favorite places to walk,” the Prince said with a knowing smile. “You are unmarried, yes?” Haedryn took a moment to eat some of the now cooked meat in his bowl.
“I am unmarried,” Haedryn said slowly. “Though for the time being I am not looking to be wed, it would most likely lead to the end of my adventure as the expectation would be for me to settle down and I’m not ready for that.”
“I’m sure the right wife would be happy to let you continue on with your adventures as long as she had a home to run with children,” Prince Doniphos said. Haedryn’s smile was forced.
“As an Omega, I would be considered the wife in most marriages, even if I am a dragonrider,” Haedryn said as Prince Doniphos and Prince Nyessos who had clearly been listening from where he was sitting both choked on their mouthfuls of wine. “It is the unfortunate way of the world.” Haedryn picked up his goblet and took a sip of the sweet red wine that was made in the wineries owned by the various ‘Masters’ of the city. Unfortunately the wine was not to his taste.
“I confess I hadn’t realized,” Prince Doniphos said after a moment, not at all bothering to lower his voice, “Not only a dragonrider of which hasn’t been seen in a century but an Omega as well? The last known Omega was Shaera Targaryen, mother of the last Targaryen king. Even amongst the old blood the last Omega born was Prince Nyessos’ grandmother’s mother, the Lady Nareris I believe. Both of which were female. I confess there is little known even to us of male Omega’s beyond the phrase that ‘like dragons male Omega’s are as changeable as flame’.”
“A phrase well known to me,” Haedryn said softly as he pushed his bowl of broth away. “It references our physical appearance as male despite our female internal organs.” A slave quickly took the broth from him and another moved to refill his wine goblet. Haedryn placed his hand atop the wine goblet to prevent its filling. “Just warmed lemon water for me,” he softly ordered. He was tense now. It would seem a good portion of the table had quieted at Prince Doniphos’ words. It wasn’t as though Haedryn would be able to hide his status for long but he had hoped the man would have had a bit more discretion, none but those directly beside Haedryn should have heard Haedryn’s words but the man seemed to have little volume control. Haedryn had undergone his heat just before completing the ritual to come here but he generally had one every quarter of the year and had been here for under two months now and his next heat was soon approaching. His ‘heats’ were uncomfortable. In the wizarding world a ‘heat’ was a reference to a creature mating season of sorts where the submissive creature seemed to go into a sexual frenzy at least for most canine creatures. Thankfully it was not the same thing for him.
A heat for a Valyrian Omega did involve an increased sex drive but it certainly did not mean the Omega lost themselves in the urge to mate or whatever it was that occurred in creature submissives. Calling it a heat was a literal description. Like the dragon Haedryn rode, his internal temperature warmed several degrees during the five day period, and he sought out sources of warmth, even in the warmest of summers he would gladly lay beside a lit hearth soaking in the warmth. According to his ancestor’s journals and the dreams he’d walked, a dragon’s heat, both the humanoid dragons and the scaled beasts was the most auspicious time to conceive. At one point it was even believed that Omega’s were more fertile during their heat but this had been disproven shortly after the small exodus of Valyrians had arrived in the wizarding world. Children conceived in a heat were however stronger, more likely to survive the cradle to adulthood. Eggs fertilized within a dragon that was in a heat produced dragons that grew with great speed, learning to breathe fire sooner than even that of their siblings born from different clutches. Despite all of this it was still an uncomfortable time. For Haedryn personally his heat seemed to make his skin more sensitive; he sought out loose and soft clothing, nothing with wool or anything that might cause even the slightest of irritation against his skin. While still in Hogwarts Haedryn used to ride out the nights of his heat lying skyclad on the soft bearskin rug in front of the hearth of his and Blaise’s dorm room. Blaise would even stay the night in one of the upper year’s dorm rooms to give Haedryn privacy and also because the heat Haedryn needed in the room was uncomfortable for him. So no, Haedryn would not have been able to hide his Omega status for long but it didn’t mean he had to like it.
Conversation switched to much simpler topics, at least for Haedryn who only had to follow the quiet discussions of trade and alliance between the guests around him. After the soup course, the main course was served. Onion and cheese pies, glazed fish and vegetables, baked peppers stuffed with beef and sharp cheeses, whole chickens stuffed with onions and sweet carrots and glazed with apricot syrups,were just some of the dishes available. The main dish, a whole lamb, cooked on a spit with a baked plum sauce glaze was a centerpiece requiring two slaves to wheel in the wooden cart it sat upon. Haedryn greatly favored some kind of fish in a spicy red fruit glaze, and a peppery grilled shrimp doused in some sort of creamy lime sauce.
Dessert was even more decadent. Small clay pots of lemon curd and yogurt dotted the tables as small soft white cakes, powdered with sugar were served alongside a variety of fruit tarts, and some kind of baked sweetbread drizzled with elderflower syrup. Prince Doniphos waved his hand towards one of the slaves and golden cups were brought out to those who sat at the head table. Prince Doniphos, his family along with Haedryn, and Prince Nyessos and his wife who were all sat at the head table were served a small amount of the sweet summer wine that Haedryn had presented as a host gift as the cups at other tables were filled with sweet volantineen red. Doniphos lifted his cup.
“To new friends and the return of age of dragons!” The Triarch Prince and Haedryn’s host shouted. Cheers abounded the room and Haedryn lifted his cup with everyone else before gently sipping at the summer wine, savoring it and wincing when he saw Prince Nyessos drain his glass in two large gulps. Unlike Doniphos who still had the somewhat athletic body his sons had, Prince Nyessos was fat, although that seemed too simple a word to describe him. The buttons on his purple silk robes looked as though they would burst with the smallest of moves and dripping cream sauce from earlier courses wobbled on one of his many greasy chins. Haedryn was happy that he was on the other side of Prince Doniphos and his wife, if only because he was certain that the scent of the man had to be overpowering.
As the dessert course was cleared from the table, though the alcohol continued flowing, people began converging into the cleared center of the room to dance.
“Do you dance Lord Belaerys?” Lady Haelemera asked Haedryn from where she sat on the other side of her husband.
“I do, but I’m afraid I do not know dances such as this,” Haedryn answered while gesturing towards the dance floor where people were doing a sort of hopping and turning dance around their partners before switching.
“Mayhaps you could show us one of your dances?” Lady Haela asked beside him. Haedryn turned his head slightly to see the girl’s face was filled with a genuine eagerness. For a second he regretted his harsh words to her earlier in the day, but they had nonetheless been true. With a soft smile he stood and offered a hand to the girl.
“Allow me to show you the basic steps to a dance we call the foxtrot and then we can join others on the dance floor,” Haedryn said. The girl eagerly took his hand and Haedryn quickly showed her the rather simple steps and the proper way to hold your partner as you danced. They took to the dancefloor for the next song, one that was just fast enough to speed up the steps and make it look as though they were truly gliding around. The dance floor quickly cleared as people moved out of the way to watch them.
“This is a wonderful way of dancing,” Haela said softly as Haedryn continued turning them on the dance floor. Soft clapping from those watching had begun.
“This is only the basic way of dancing,” Haedryn answered back. “Allow me to lead your body and we’ll really impress them.” Haedryn sped up just a little as he used his grip to twirl the fifteen year old before pulling her back and continuing the simple steps. A dip here and a twirl there made the dance look even more difficult than it truly was. Soon enough however the song ended soon enough and Haedryn gave a sharp bow over Haela’s hand before handing her off to a male who seemed to be far closer in age to her fifteen than Haedryn’s twenty, before once more finding his seat.
“You are quite a graceful dancer, Lord Haedryn,” Prince Doniphos said as Haedryn sat once more. Haedryn lifted his wine cup sipping at the now slightly warmed summer wine.
“The foxtrot is a simplistic dance meant to be graceful,” Haedryn answered. “And an easy one to learn the basic steps as your daughter demonstrated.”
“Perhaps I could implore you to teach my daughters more of your dances during your stay?” Prince Doniphos asked.
“I wouldn’t mind doing so,” Haedryn answered, though I confess I am still quite tired from my travels tonight and cannot see myself taking to the dancefloor again.
“Of course of course,” Prince Doniphos said, waving off Haedryn’s words as though they were anticipated. The man gave a significant nod to second son, Visemon, who was quick to ask the Lady wife of Prince Nyessos to dance while Lady Haelemera gathered up her younger daughters to bundle them off to bed. “Walk with me Lord Belaerys?” Prince Doniphos asked.
“I wouldn’t mind a short walk before I find my bed,” Haedryn answered softly. Prince Doniphos led the way out of the dining hall towards a small gazebo-like structure that sat in a cliffside courtyard that looked out over the lower city. Spearmen guarded the area just out of earshot and they only had a moment alone before they were joined by Doniphos’ eldest son along with Prince Nyessos, and a few other men and a single woman that Haedryn had been introduced to earlier as important members of the Elephant party. Haedryn ignored the gathered group for a moment as he looked to east beyond the walls of the city where he could see the glinting white scales of the mountain that was his familiar in the moonlight. As though Terrax could sense his stare the dragon lifted his massive head and let out a burst of flame that although large Haedryn knew was nowhere near the most powerful he could unleash.
“Your dragon is a sight,” Lady Aelassa Veliar said as she walked up to him. Haedryn turned his body slightly though he kept his eyes looking out towards Terrax.
“He is beautiful,” Haedryn acknowledged. “Terrax waited for me for a long time.”
“He is larger than tales of House Targaryen’s Balerion ever described the black dragon,” Lady Aelassa said.
“I would not know,” Haedryn admitted. He had not known that any dragon beyond Terrax had survived the Doom until after his arrival in Planetos.
“Balerion the Black Dread was over two hundred years old when he passed in his sleep and he was perhaps, generously a third of the size of your Terrax,” Lady Aelassa informed him.
“Terrax had only a singular rider that he hatched for before me, the progenitor of my line of House Belaerys, Lady Jaenara. That was just over eight hundred years ago,” Haedryn answered the unasked question.
“Eight centuries?” Lady Aelassa gasped.
“Aye,” Haedryn, “The tale is not a pleasant one for my ancestress and not one I will share with mere acquaintances.”
“Of course,” the Lady acquiesced.
“Perhaps Prince Doniphos, we can speak of the true reason your son offered yourself as my sponsor to the city, and why you have gathered your allies here to speak to me away from the party?” Haedryn asked bluntly.
“You care not for dressings of formality it seems my Lord Haedryn,” Prince Doniphos said.
“Not when one seeks to manipulate me mere moments after meeting me,” Haedryn answered.
“I have not!” Prince Doniphos said, clearly greatly offended.
“Did you or did you not hope to wed me to your daughter? Enough of a hope that immediately after our meeting in which you extolled the virtue of your daughter's future beauty, you sent her to tour me around your home in hopes that she might prove beautiful enough for me to fall in love? And then quite publicly ask me for marriage at a dinner mere hours after we first met?” Haedryn asked. “I do not blame you for it in truth. I am unknown to you and yours beyond a name that holds great history, with power beyond your knowledge and a dragon at my back, all of which you hoped to bind to yourself and to your legacy. But yes, manipulation nonetheless,” Haedryn answered with a raised eyebrow. Despite being only five seven to the other man’s near six feet Haedryn seemed the taller in this moment as he waited for the Triarch Prince to answer his challenge.
“Your dragon may grant you power but do not forget you are just a man, and all men can die,” Prince Doniphos hissed. Haedryn smirked and pulled his dagger, vibrantly green ripples in the metal denoting it as valyrian steel. He had left ōños in his room but the dagger would do well enough. The spearmen moved quickly to protect their charges as they shouted but Haedryn wasn’t targeting any of them. Haedryn wasn’t exactly happy about his title as Master of Death, but he was a slytherin to his core and making clear to the men and women around him that sought to make his power their own would see that Haedryn wasn’t just a man, not anymore. Haedryn brought the blade to his throat and cut it deeply. He winced at the pain as he inflicted what should be a fatal wound to himself.
Gasps resounded amongst the group and Haedryn heard Terrax’s angered roars. Mentally he pushed the thought of being fine and safe to his dragon assuring the beast he had the situation handled. His blood dripped down his throat but only for a few moments before it began to fight gravity as it flowed back upwards towards his wound and the flesh began to stitch itself together again.
“Just a man?” Haedryn asked quietly when his throat was once more fully healed, the barest of faded white scars showing where the cut had once been. “You’ll find Prince Doniphos, that I am not ‘just’ anything. I will impose upon your hospitality for no longer than a week, and then I shall leave this city. I find it’s,” Haedryn paused to find the word. “Graspingness distasteful.” Haedryn left the gazebo structure walking in the direction he knew his rooms lay. No one hindered his exit.