(A/N):
Drop a meme here that you find funny. Or reflects your mood.
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The crowds still roared Leo's name long after he left the arena,
But he paid it little mind.
Fame, admiration, fear—
It was all noise to him.
"..."
He walked calmly through the narrow lanes of King's Landing.
From the rooftops, shadows moved—
Soft, silent, deliberate.
Kejoro, Hagoromo Gitsune, Setsura, and Sasami followed unseen,
Their yokai senses sharp enough to feel his pulse through the city's breath.
They moved like whispers among the crowd, masking their presence effortlessly.
No one so much as turned their head as they passed.
Leo eventually stopped near a quiet inn reserved for noble visitors and foreign dignitaries—
A sturdy stone keep with banners fluttering lazily above its gates.
It would serve.
He rented the upper floor with a casual flick of coin, more interested in the view of the city than the comfort.
A short while later...
His companions joined him—
Each stepping from the shadows in elegant human guise.
Kejoro smirked playfully.
Smirk~
"You caused quite the storm out there, my king. I could feel the women swooning from half the stands."
Leo rolled his eyes slightly, unbuckling his gauntlet.
"I wasn't there for that. I just wanted to test the so-called knights of this world."
Setsura folded her arms, her frosty aura faintly visible as the air cooled around her.
"And yet you did enjoy showing off."
Leo sighed with a faint smile.
Sigh~
"Perhaps a little."
Hagoromo Gitsune's black eyes glimmered in amusement.
"The princess herself couldn't take her eyes off you. And that girl beside her—Alicent, was it? They looked ready to fight over who could speak to you first."
"..."
Leo ignored the teasing,
Focusing instead on the quiet hum of the city.
"Let them look. We have other things to do."
Later that afternoon...
Leo walked through the market,
Scanning rows of open stalls and craftsmen's workshops.
The smell of iron, oil, and wood filled the air.
Eventually, he stopped at a carpenter's shop—
The finest in the district, by the look of the craftsmanship displayed outside.
Inside, an elderly craftsman bowed nervously at the sight of the dark-armored foreigner with the piercing crimson eyes and four graceful women at his back.
"You make carriages?"
Leo asked simply.
"Aye, my lord,"
The man stammered.
"Finest work in the capital. What design might you desire?"
Leo looked at the displayed models—
Some modest, some ornate—
And chose a sleek, high-standard carriage reinforced with steel edges and darkwood polish.
"That one. How long for a more refined version?"
"A few weeks, my lord,"
The craftsman said cautiously.
"The finer gold and inlaying takes time."
Leo nodded.
Nod~
"No need. This one will do."
He handed over several golden dragon coins—
Far more than its worth.
Showing off his royal worth.
The craftsman blinked in astonishment, bowing repeatedly.
As the carriage was prepared,
Kejoro brushed a hand along its frame, smirking.
"A carriage? We could summon a broom to fly us across this continent, yet you buy this?"
Leo gave her a faint glance, his tone warm but firm.
"I've declared myself a king here. A king doesn't make his wives ride horses through muddy streets—unless they want to."
Hagoromo Gitsune smiled approvingly,
Tail flicking lightly behind her human glamour.
Only Leo could see ofcourse.
"A true gentleman, even in a world of dragons and swords."
Sasami, meanwhile, was peering curiously at the reins and the wheel's design, muttering something about bad omens if the right axle wasn't aligned—
Her usual streak of unlucky superstition.
Leo chuckled softly and ran a hand through her hair.
Chuckle~
"Relax. Nothing will happen."
Of course, the moment he said that, a hammer fell from a nearby table with a loud clang, nearly hitting Sasami's foot.
"..."
She yelped and glared at him.
"You just had to say it, didn't you?"
The others burst into quiet laughter.
Hahaha!!!
As the carriage rolled out of the carpenter's yard, polished and freshly fitted,
Leo stood by the street for a moment—
Watching the city bustle with merchants, guards, and whispers of his earlier duel.
He could already sense the tension shifting in the air.
And all the eyes on him.
The King's court would not ignore him.
Otto Hightower's scheming mind would already be at work.
And soon enough, Rhaenyra's curiosity would bring her to him.
He rested his hand on the carriage door and murmured,
"Let's see what interesting things will happen."
The four yokai women exchanged knowing looks as the carriage rolled forward,
Its wheels clattering over the cobblestones toward the keep they were staying.
When he returned to the keep,
Several City Watch guards stood waiting near the entrance,
Their helms lowered respectfully. One stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"My lord,"
The man said, voice steady but cautious.
"A message from His Grace."
Behind him, a Maester stepped forth,
Holding a sealed scroll bearing the Targaryen sigil.
He bowed slightly before offering it to Leo.
"The King invites you to the Red Keep,"
The Maester said.
"It seems His Grace wishes to meet the man who humbled the Rogue Prince."
Leo took the scroll, broke the seal, and read the formal invitation.
"..."
Then, with a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, he nodded.
Nod~
"Tell the King,"
Leo said evenly,
"that I accept."
As the guards and Maester withdrew,
A familiar metallic chime rang softly in his mind.
[Ding...]
[New Quest Unlocked]
[Objective: Save Aemma Arryn and her child.]
[Reward: Perfect Kingdom Set x 1]
Leo's expression didn't change, but his eyes darkened slightly.
'So… destiny has made it's move huh... such a cruel.'
Before he could ponder further,
Another notification shimmered before his eyes—
One that made his pulse quicken.
[Ding...]
[Task completed]
[Kingdom Declared: Eldoria]
[System Update: Shadow Monarch Template Initialized]
[Power Synchronization: 5% Complete]
[ Host can summon 10 shadows.]
[Ding...]
[Note: since Host power level is superior in this world and to the requirement of the character there is no limitation with the creature host choose to Arise.]
A faint, shadow-like aura rippled from Leo's back before fading, unseen by mortals but unmistakable to the yokai who accompanied him.
Hagoromo Gitsune turned her head slightly, sensing the shift, and smirked.
Smirk~
"Looks like our king has received quite the gift,"
She murmured softly.
Leo merely smiled—
Grin~
"..."
A slow, confident grin.
The night had settled softly over King's Landing,
The faint hum of festivities still echoing in the distance.
Inside the visitor's keep,
Leo and his companions had retired to their rooms —
Hagoromo Gitsune and Sasami sharing one,
While Kejoro and Setsura took another.
Leo had his own chamber, lit by a lone candle whose flame danced lazily against the dark stone walls.
When he mentioned going out for a walk to "get some air,"
All four women shot him a knowing look.
"It's girls' night,"
Kejoro declared flatly, folding her arms.
Setsura nodded in agreement.
Nod~
"You, my dear king, can fend for yourself tonight."
Hagoromo Gitsune's fox-like grin followed,
Grin~
"Consider this your royal exile, just for a few hours."
Their teasing chorus drew a low chuckle from Leo.
Chuckle~
"Alright, alright. I surrender. Enjoy your plotting."
Pulling his cloak around his shoulders,
Leo stepped out into the cool night.
The city had quieted down since the day's tournament —
Only the flicker of torchlight and distant chatter of taverns filled the air.
He strolled through the cobbled streets,
Observing the medieval charm,
The smell of roasted meat from a nearby stall mingling with the salt of the Blackwater Bay breeze.
Then, a deep roar shattered the calm —
ROOOAR!!!
A dragon's cry, echoing from beyond the city walls.
"..."
Leo's eyes narrowed.
It didn't sound like a battle cry,
But rather a restless call.
Intrigued, he followed it through the narrow paths leading toward the woods just beyond King's Landing.
The forest was dimly lit, silver moonlight streaming between the tall trees.
As he reached a clearing, the air grew warmer —
Faint scorch marks marred the rocks and soil.
Then he saw her.
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen sat by a moonlit lake,
Her silver hair gleaming like molten starlight.
She wore no crown, no regal posture —
Only a young woman lost in thought,
Her reflection shimmering on the water's surface.
Above her, Syrax, her golden-scaled dragon, circled lazily, wings rustling like thunderclouds.
Flap! Flap!
Leo paused at the edge of the clearing, watching silently.
"..."
There was a rare serenity to the scene —
The princess, the dragon, and the soft night breeze.
He could tell she hadn't noticed him yet.
Her expression was distant, troubled even, as though burdened by something beyond her years.
Leo decided to revel himself.
"..."
Then, Syrax's head suddenly turned, eyes glowing amber, and let out a low worry growl in Leo's direction.
Growl!
The princess snapped from her reverie and rose quickly,
"..."
Her hand reaching instinctively for the dagger at her belt.
"Who's there?"
She demanded, her voice sharp but tinged with caution.
Leo stepped into the moonlight,
His dark armor glinting faintly.
He raised his hands in peace, his crimson eyes calm and unreadable.
"Forgive me, Princess,"
He said evenly.
"I heard your dragon's call. I didn't mean to intrude."
Rhaenyra studied him —
The mysterious king from earlier that day,
The one who had humiliated Daemon before the entire court.
Her lips parted slightly, recognition flashing in her eyes.
"You… you're the knight who called himself a king."
Leo inclined his head slightly, a small smile ghosting across his face and a wink.
Wink~
"Leo Morningstar, King of Eldoria — at your service, Princess."
Syrax landed behind her with a heavy thud,
Thud.
The ground trembling beneath its weight.
The dragon's golden eyes locked onto Leo, worry of him.
Yet, Leo didn't flinch —
Instead, he simply met the creature's gaze.
"..."
"..."
For a brief moment, something ancient flickered between them —
A mutual understanding as Leo spoke in its mind in dragon language.
Rhaenyra noticed Syrax's growl soften slightly and blinked in surprise.
"..."
"She doesn't usually tolerate strangers that easily."
Leo's smile deepened, his tone laced with quiet amusement.
"Perhaps she senses that I mean no harm. Or perhaps,"
He tilted his head slightly,
"dragons recognize strength when they see it."
Rhaenyra couldn't help but smirk faintly at that, though she tried to hide it.
Smirk~
"You speak boldly for a man who nearly shattered the tourney grounds with his pride."
Leo chuckled softly,
Chuckle~
"I suppose pride is a trait both kings and dragons share, Princess."
Her eyes held his for a moment longer —
Curious, defiant, intrigued.
Breezzzz~
The night breeze rippled between them, carrying the distant roar of Syrax as the dragon took flight again, circling the lake in lazy arcs.
Rhaenyra's teasing smirk glimmered in the moonlight,
Smirk~
Her voice playful yet edged with curiosity.
"What is it, my king of nowhere?"
She said, tilting her head slightly, eyes glinting.
"You've been staring at the moon and water like a lovesick bard. Are you planning to recite a poem and confess your undying love, perhaps?"
Her tone was light, mischievous —
She wanted to see if she could make him flustered.
"..."
Leo blinked once,
Then slowly turned to her with that faint, unreadable half-smile.
A quiet chuckle escaped his lips.
Chuckle~
"Perhaps,"
He said softly,
"if the muse is worthy of the words."
Rhaenyra froze, not expecting such a smooth reply.
"..."
Her teasing grin faltered slightly,
Though she tried to maintain her composure.
"Oh? Then let's hear it, traveler. Impress a Targaryen, if you dare."
Leo's crimson eyes glowed faintly in the moonlight as he stepped closer to the lake's edge like it was going to take a bath in the water.
The rippling reflection of the two shimmered on the water's surface —
Her silver hair and his dark armor forming a striking contrast.
Then, without hesitation, he spoke —
His voice deep, calm, and flowing in the ancient tongue that few in the realm could speak fluently.
"Āeksio ābrar udra zaldrīzes,
Vezof hen byka ānogar hen ñuha prūmia.
Drējī ēdruta se mijegon perzys,
Ñuha hāedar ēdruta issa."
("A queen born of dragon's flame,
Light from the fire within my soul.
You are the ember that stirs the night,
My heart's eternal blaze.")
The words rolled out like velvet —
Elegant, melodic, and powerful.
Rhaenyra's lips parted in astonishment.
"..."
She understood every word —
Every carefully chosen phrase that held the weight of both affection and fire.
'But how he was not Targaryen right? Then why could he speak it?'
The forest seemed to fall silent around them —
"..."
"..."
"..."
Only the distant waves and Syrax's faint rumble filled the stillness.
Rhaenyra blinked, her cheeks flushed despite the cool night air.
Blink~ Blink~
She stared at him —
This man who not only bested knights and dragons but now spoke her ancestral tongue as if he had been born with dragon's blood himself.
"You…"
She whispered, her voice softer now, disbelief mingling with awe.
"You speak High Valyrian — and like a poet at that. How—?"
Leo's smile was faint, almost teasing.
"A king must learn many tongues to speak with many hearts."
He met her gaze, eyes warm but mysterious.
"But tonight, I only wished to speak to one."
Rhaenyra's breath caught for just a second.
"..."
She looked away, trying to mask her reaction,
But the faint curve of her lips betrayed her.
"You're dangerous, King Leo,"
She murmured, her voice quiet but with a spark of amusement.
"Not with your sword — but with your words."
Leo gave a small bow, his tone smooth as ever.
"Words, like fire, Princess — they can burn, or they can warm."
For the first time that night,
Rhaenyra couldn't find a clever retort.
She simply looked at him —
Truly looked —
And for a fleeting moment,
Her heart fluttered like Syrax's wings against the moonlight.
Rhaenyra cleared her throat suddenly,
Cough~
Breaking the charged silence between them.
The faint color on her cheeks was quickly masked by a regal smirk.
Smirk~
She straightened, brushing a lock of silver hair from her face as Syrax circled above,
Her golden scales shimmering under the moonlight.
"Well then,"
She said, tone light but filled with pride,
"since you're full of surprises, King Leo of Eldoria, tell me—would you dare to ride a dragon?"
Her smirk widened at the end, her eyes glinting with that familiar Targaryen confidence —
The kind that said you may have bested knights, but dragons are ours.
It wasn't just a challenge;
It was pride, legacy, and fire in one expression.
She wanted to see him falter —
To remind him that dragons only bowed to blood of the dragon.
Leo's eyes met hers —
Calm, deep, and unshaken.
Instead of replying, he took a slow step closer.
Thud.
Then another.
THUD.
Each step deliberate, until the space between them was barely a breath.
Rhaenyra's smirk faltered slightly.
"..."
Her heartbeat quickened despite herself.
Leo leaned in, close enough that his breath brushed the shell of her ear.
The faint scent of rain and lightning clung to him —
An aura of danger wrapped in composure.
His voice came low, smooth, and spoken in High Valyrian —
The language of her ancestors.
"Skorī dōrī Targārien kostagon ride zaldrīzes?"
(Who said only Targaryens can ride dragons?)
The words slid into her ears like silk —
Confident, defiant, and utterly blasphemous.
Rhaenyra froze.
"..."
Her eyes widened slightly as she turned her head to look at him,
Disbelief painting her face.
For a second, she thought she had misheard —
That perhaps the night had played tricks on her.
But no… his lips had definitely formed those words.
"You…"
She breathed, staring at him like he'd just declared war on Valyria's ghosts.
"You do not know what you speak of. Dragons—"
"—are creatures of power,"
Leo interrupted softly,
Meeting her gaze with a half-smile that held both mischief and mystery.
"And power recognizes power, Princess."
The way he said it —
The calm certainty, the quiet challenge —
Made something stir deep within her.
Rhaenyra's pride wanted to scoff,
To tell him that no man outside her bloodline could ever approach, let alone ride, a dragon.
But something in his eyes made her pause.
That flicker of, that unspoken authority —
It made her question for the first time whether the old rules truly applied to him.
Syrax let out a low, rumbling growl above them, circling lower as if sensing her rider's quickened heart.
The golden dragon's eyes glowed faintly in the moonlight, and for the briefest moment —
Just the briefest —
Her gaze turned downward toward Leo.
Rhaenyra noticed it, and her breath hitched.
'Impossible…'
She thought.
Leo only smiled knowingly.
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(Author's POV)
(A/N)I hope you guys are enjoying the story.
Thanks for reading the chapter!
Please give areview
And power stone!!!
It will Motivate Me.