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Chapter 293: Chainbound Sky

Aegon decided on something as they continued to fly past many small towns, lakes, farm fields, and so much more. He had been delaying it for quite a while.

"I will take the trial," he said. "Of House Valeria, I mean. I will become their Supreme."

Elara slightly tilted her head and asked, "Did this help you decide?"

"Yes," Aegon nodded. "I want this freedom. To feel this air, to ride with the winds among the clouds. It’s so beautiful. I want it all. And for that, I’ll need a dragon of my own."

Elara leaned back on his chest and asked, "Is that a requirement to pass that trial?"

Aegon hummed in agreement, "A Valerian without a dragon is no true Valerian."

"Hehe! Good luck! I’ll wait to ride with you again," Elara giggled softly. "We can roam around the world with your companion then."

Aegon smiled lightly at the way she referred to the dragons. Most people misunderstood and called the dragons tamed pets or beasts of House Valeria, when it was far from the truth.

They were lifelong companions. For many, they were the closest bond in the world. So calling them pets was an insult.

"Where are we going?" she asked, still unsure. "We are moving southeast. I noticed that, but where?"

"It’s a surprise," Aegon said. "You have read and heard about human culture, right?"

"It’s mandatory, even if the Elders hate to teach us that. According to them, we should know everything about our enemies," Elara sighed. "But it’s mostly superficial. There are too many cultures and traditions among humans, unlike us."

"That’s true," Aegon nodded. "But that’s what makes it so interesting. Every region is different, every human is different, everything affects how one grows up and shapes their culture. My plan to explore the world includes experiencing those cultures too."

He rubbed his thumb against her hand and said, "Unfortunately, you won’t accompany me. I would have loved to travel around with you. Just like now."

Elara was silent for a while before she said something that shocked Aegon, "Sure, I will accompany you."

He was stumped for words, too surprised. Somehow, he found his voice again and asked, "Are you sure? You’re willing to abandon your responsibilities to travel with me?"

That was a first for him. He knew Elara very well, so how could he not know what responsibilities meant to her? They bound her, but she was the one who chose those chains, so now they represented her too.

Yet, the same person was now saying these words.

"No, it’s a bit complicated," Elara shook her head and said, her voice turning low. "If everything goes well, I can travel with you while also fulfilling my role as the Elf Princess. I won’t have to give up either. Just..."

She became hesitant, unsure of how to say what was on her mind.

"Take your time," Aegon whispered. "I’ll wait for you. Always."

"I promised you’ll get all answers when you come to Sylvanna. This will be one of the answers," Elara finally said. "So, please just wait."

"It’s fine," Aegon smiled and snuggled closer to her, putting his head on her shoulder. "I’m already too happy knowing you’ll come with me. I’m looking forward to our adventures."

They continued to fly towards the distant, rising morning sun, chatting over random topics. They might get shy and embarrassed around each other, but they also found comfort in each other’s presence.

Elara had no clue about their destination, as she wasn’t well-versed in human domain geography, but she cared little about it. As long as she was with Aegon, she felt any place could become a perfect spot for their date.

After more than an hour of flight, they had left Dusk City far behind. Soon, they even left the Empire behind and entered the lands of free nations, kingdoms, and theocracies.

It was a wonderful experience for both of them.

They flew a bit lower than the clouds at times, but they also went above them. The view there was something they could never forget. Even Elara hadn’t gone to such heights despite having flying carriages.

Finally, Aegon saw his destination ahead, so he asked Virginia to lower a little so they could see it clearly. And she did so without complaints.

"Chainbound Sky!" Elara muttered in surprise. "This is our destination?"

"Yup, I chose this for our first date."

The Chainbound Sky was exactly what the name promised, but much more than what Aegon had read about it.

More than fifty floating islands hung suspended at varying heights across the open morning sky, each one different in size and shape, some wide and flat, others narrow with jagged peaks.

All of them carried their own patches of thick forest and wildflowers that had no business looking that colorful this early. Waterfalls spilled off their edges in thin, lazy streams, dissolving into mist well before they reached anything meaningful.

And connecting all of it were the chains.

Thick as tree trunks, dark metal worn down by years of wind and weather, they stretched between the islands in every direction, some pulled taut and others hanging in long, heavy curves, with moss and climbing vines slowly working their way into the links.

The islands swayed gently with the high winds, just barely, but enough that the chains groaned with it, a low, steady sound that rolled across the open air.

Aegon stared at it all for a long moment, taking it in.

’Okay,’ he thought. ’Definitely worth it.’

Virginia turned to the right, taking a detour around the group of floating islands and moved above the chains, as if they were beneath her.

"I’ve read about them," Elara said, watching the islands in awe. "The only place in the whole world with an ecosystem built in the air. The mysterious ancient magic that has kept the floating islands in the air for centuries."

"I know," Aegon smiled. "Later, they turned into a tourist place and now it’s one of the richest nations."

He stared at one of the biggest islands and asked, "Shall we land, my princess?"

Elara smiled and said, "I look forward to this."