The royal feast was in full swing at the Red Keep, the long tables laden with platters of roast meats, bread, and fruit. Laughter echoed through the hall as noble families mingled, raising their cups to the health of King Aerys I. The mood was warm, joyous, a rare reprieve from the political machinations that usually filled the air.

Princess Aerea, however, had other plans. She sat at the far end of the table, her violet eyes glinting with barely-contained excitement. After a few long moments, she cleared her throat loudly, silencing the conversation around her.

"Do you ever wonder," Aerea began, her voice cutting through the chatter like a blade, "what it would be like to burn alive? To feel the fire consume your very soul and transform you into a dragon?"

A cold silence fell. Even the clink of silverware stopped. Aerea grinned, clearly pleased by the attention she now had, her eyes gleaming. "Fire is the true essence of valyria. We are born of it. We should embrace it. Why hide from the inevitable?"

A few of the courtiers shifted uncomfortably in their seats, exchanging glances. Her cousin, tried to change the subject. "Yes, well, that's... that's an interesting thought, Aerea, but perhaps now isn't the time—"

"Why not?" she interrupted, her smile widening at him. "After all, we are royalty—dragons in human form! We are pure creatures cousin, we should remain that way."