129 AC:

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KING'S LANDINGS

Princess Rhaenya found herself surrounded by a lot dresses, frustration etching her features as she looked through the gowns with growing discontent.

The large collection of her wardrobe seemed insufficient as she grumbled about the apparent lack of fitting options, the garments failing to flatter her figure.

The grand doors swung open, revealing the graceful form of her sister, Helaena Targaryen, her gentle smile a balm to Rhaenya's troubled soul.

With a tender embrace, Helaena leaned in, her voice soft with understanding. "Still struggling to find the right dress?"

Rhaenya sighed heavily, frustration evident in her every movement as she surveyed the array of gowns before her. "None of them fit properly!" she exclaimed, her tone tinged with annoyance. "It's like they're conspiring against me!"

Helaena's laughter echoed in her chambers looking at her sister. She reached out with a gentle touch, a playful twinkle in her eye. "Your cheeks look adorable when you pout," she teased, attempting to lighten the mood.

As their little white dog pranced around the room, adding an element of whimsy to the scene, Rhaenya's frustration momentarily gave way to amusement.

She reached out to scoop up the playful creature, only to find her efforts thwarted by the voluminous skirts of her dresses, eliciting a wry smile from Helaena. "Seems like even the dog knows you're in a difficult situation!"

Their giggles filled the air, as they looked one another before a small interruption. As the door creaked open, a lady entered, bearing a stack of dresses adorned with extra panels.

Rhaenya's eyes sparkled with relief as she glimpsed the new options. Among them, a stunning pink dress caught her attention, and she turned to seek Helaena's approval. "This one!"

Helaena ran her fingers over the fabric with a discerning touch, nodding in agreement. The young princess smiled as she giggled now happy to see the new fabric that came her way.

There was trust in Rhaenya's eyes knowing  that she could trust fashion advice from her elder sister, knowing that she would always be there to pick out her dresses.

"It looks stunning," Helaena whispered, planting a kiss on Rhaenya's cheek before extending a supportive hand. "Are you nervous?"

Rhaenya gazed down at her stomach, the moment of a couple of years of being married to   Aemond. Finally, the time had come for their first child. She took a deep breath, addressing her sister, "This is my duty, and I have to do what I was born to do..."

Helaena embraced her sister tightly, recognizing that Rhaenya had found clarity regarding her purpose, a purpose intertwined with the shared destiny they were fated to face.

As the door swung open, once more, as both sisters turned their heads to identify the newcomer—Queen Alicent.

"Your Majesty," Helaena rose gracefully, offering her mother a curtsy, a slightly awkward smile gracing her lips. Rhaenya mirrored the gesture, maintaining that same awkward smile beside her sister.

"My girls," Queen Alicent approached, giving her daughters a tight hug. There was some unease between her and her mother... per usual.

Resting her head on her mother's shoulder, Rhaenya savored the scent that comforted her, occasionally inducing a hint of nausea. Stepping back, she gazed at her mother, gently caressing her stomach.

Alicent's hands traveled to Rhaenya's stomach, tenderly caressing it. The young princess met her mother's gaze with a slight smile. "The babe is coming along well," Alicent remarked.

Helaena leaned on her sister's shoulder, adding, "The babe will undoubtedly be one of the most gorgeous children of all time."

Rhaenya rolled her eyes, caressing her stomach, and with a small pout, exclaimed, she continued to repeat her words, "I'm getting fat, and as I've said before, I am ruining my figure!"

Alicent and Helaena shared laughter, appreciating the young princess's playful complaints about her changing physique.

As the sounds of a carriage reached their ears, Rhaenya quickly glanced outside to witness the arrival of her sister Princess Rhaenyra's arrival.

"Mother, please?" The young girl pleaded with the Queen, her eyes imploring permission to go see him—her best friend.

Helaena, observing the exchange, looked at her mother and then at her sister. Alicent nodded, smiling, "Go—but be safe."

With a nod, Rhaenya hastened outside, cautiously navigating the stairs to meet her best friend, she hadn't seen him in so long. She wanted to forget about all the idea of being pregnant, just wanted to be a kid for once.

Rhaenya grasped the fabric of her dress, hastening her descent to the Training Yards. The rhythmic clashing of swords and the sounds of combat greeted her ears.

A quick scan of the area revealed her husband, Aemond, immersed in training. Her gaze lingered on him for a fleeting moment before finding the one she truly sought.

Jacaerys Velaryon, older since the last time Rhaenya had laid eyes on him, met her gaze with a polite smile. Rhaenya, unable to suppress her warmth, returned the smile. Her brother, a formidable warrior, captivated her attention next, and she marveled at his skill.

Turning to her husband, she smiled faintly before her gaze returned to Jacaerys. Beside the weapon-laden tables, she picked up a small dagger, spinning it skillfully in her grasp.

A towering figure approached from behind, and she sensed Jacaerys' presence. Despite the inner conflict, she couldn't bring herself to hate him. "Hello, Jacaerys," she greeted, picking up another sword.

"Hello, Rhaenya," he replied, his eyes flickering to Luke, who continued to observe the ongoing fight.

"Follow me," Rhaenya directed, setting down the sword and taking Jace's hand. She cast a cautious glance behind, ensuring Aemond hadn't noticed her departure with a Velaryon Prince,  before leading Jace into a secluded passageway.

"Welcome back, Your Highness," Rhaenya teased, laughter escaping her lips as Jace joined in. She curtsied playfully, and Jace responded.

"Your royal highness, it is a pleasure to be reunited with you," Jacaerys replied, kissing her hand. Rhaenya blushed, meeting his gaze. His hands hovered over her stomach, seeking permission before she nodded. "I wish... this was your child... not... his," she confessed.

Jace looked at her sadly before lightening the mood. "I have something for you," he announced, producing an old bracelet that belonged to Rhaenya. "Found this in my old pocket!"

Rhaenya's eyes widened in shock. "I have been looking for this!"

Jace placed it on her wrist, sealing the gesture with a kiss. Rhaenya rolled her eyes, a giggle escaping her lips. If only things hadn't gone so wrong six years ago.

Six years ago, her brother lost an eye, and the consequences forced her to keep her best friend at a distance. The trauma lingered, unspoken and painful.

"It's not like your brother hates me, right?" Jace blurted out, searching Rhaenya's eyes.

She responded with a familiar expression. "I do not know and I do not wish to care."

As footsteps approached, Rhaenya and Jacaerys exchanged glances. "Make sure nobody sees you leave," she urged Jace, ensuring he vanished into the crowd. An illicit affair loomed in the shadows.

Watching Jacaerys blend into the crowd, Rhaenya prepared to face Aemond. Finding him sharpening his knife, a smile played on her lips.

The Training Yards witnessed secrets, alliances, and a forbidden connection that could spell doom for them both.

"Aemond," Rhaenya called out, and her tall, sweat-soaked brother turned around to face his petite sister. His gentle smile spoke of the fatigue that clung to him after long hours of training and fighting.

"Wife," Aemond replied, his voice softened with affection. Rhaenya stepped closer, acknowledging his prowess in the day's combat.

"You fought well today," she complimented, standing before him.

"You missed the last bit of it, why did you leave, hm?" Aemond inquired, his gaze returning to his sword.

"I went to find the old sword I hid away when I was younger," Rhaenya lied, trying to tell a convincing story.

"Ser Criston said Jace Velaryon was gone too, hm?" Aemond's eyebrows raised in suspicion."I don't know where he went," Rhaenya replied, concealing her connection with Jacaerys once again. "Are you done sharpening?"

Aemond studied his sister, a questioning look in his eyes. "Where did you go with Jacaerys?"

"Nowhere, I said I went to look for my sword!" Rhaenya's voice rose, emphasizing her seriousness.

"I don't believe you. You're still in love with him! It's plastered all over your face—the one who taunted me my whole childhood. You promised me you'd stop being around them after what happened to my eye. You were so scared that night, do you remember?" Aemond taunted, a smirk playing on his lips.

He sheathed his sword, fixing a scrutinizing gaze on Rhaenya. "Aemond!" she protested, shocked. "You can't accuse me of such things! Do not bring our childhood into this!"

"I can, and I will. You are my wife, I own you. And you should only be in love with me, not that bastard," Aemond declared, his words biting as he walked past her.

Stunned and disbelieving, Rhaenya found herself unable to respond. Her mother had granted her freedom, but her husband disapproved glance.  She rolled her eyes, challenging him, "I have my own free will!"

The Prince's intense gaze locked onto hers. "You are my wife at the end of the day. You are carrying my child. Is that clear?"

Upset, she reluctantly nodded. The weight of duty and expectation pressed heavily upon her. Jacaerys, her best friend, now felt like a distant dream. Her emotions churned, and she stormed back into the castle, Aemond following closely behind. "Where are you going?"

Ignoring him, the pregnant princess pushed past people, determined to reach her chambers. Moments ago, she felt a sense of beauty, but now the tide of emotions threatened tears, the unpredictable hormones surging through her.

Aemond hastened to catch up, finding her in her chambers. She had kicked off her shoes and crawled into bed. "Rhaenya, I didn't mean it that way."

"I do not care how you meant it!" she snapped, her emotions raw. "Even if I went to see Jace, that doesn't mean something happened!"

"I'm just trying to protect you!" Aemond pleaded, nearing her. She turned her back, her thoughts spiraling into the worst scenarios.

"What is protection? What are you trying to protect me from?" she demanded, facing him with a glare that mirrored the storm inside her.

"The world, you are still a child after all," Aemond murmured, what he could think of at the last moment, Rhaenya could see the bullshit lying in between his eyes and she shook her head.

The room hung thick with tension, an unease that danced in the air. Rhaenya's eyes were sharp, cutting through the veil of deceit woven by Aemond. It was evident to her that his newfound concern stemmed not from genuine care but from the realization that she carried his child.

The stillness shattered as the door burst open, revealing Prince Daeron. Both Rhaenya and Aemond straightened as they saw who had arrived through the door.  The young princess's eyes went into shock seeing her twin brother, it had been ages since they had seen each other.

Without a second thought, Rhaenya leaped from the bed, racing towards Daeron with an eager smile. Her arms flung onto him in a tight embrace, the joy of being reunited with her twin brother radiating from her.

"Daeron!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine happiness as she held onto her brother.  There was this happiness the young princess hadn't felt in a while.

Daeron returned the embrace, his arms encircling his sister. "Rhaenya," he replied with a fondness that only a twin could understand.

The siblings held onto each other, the unspoken connection of shared experiences binding them in a way that words could not express.

As they separated, Rhaenya couldn't help but wear a beaming smile, that previously happened with Aemond. She looked back at Aemond and then back to Daeron keeping that one smile that was quickly erased because of her marriage.

That evening the twin prince and princess shared a lovely night, staying up to talk to each other about their missed lives. It was truly a moment that Rhaenya never wanted to face again, being separated from her twin brother...

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The next day court was held again and without a choice, Rhaenya had to go. She wore a Hightower Green and her hair braided back and out of her face. Aemond had come to see her in the morning to feast with her in the morning.

He had taken her to court as everyone had watched the two enter the building. He held her hand and Rhaenya kept her head low. She now despised being seen next to her husband after the moment the two had yesterday. She stood next to Helaena and her brother and Aegon and Daeron stood by one another.

On the other side stood the Targaryens and Jacaearys made eye contact with Rhaenya. Rhaenya gave him a little smirking smile and she turned away quickly as she saw the reaction on Aemond's face.

Otto Hightower, her grandfather sat on the throne of her father. Rhaenya frowned to see him on that seat, but she had no say whatsoever.

"Though it is the great hope of this court that Lord Corlys Velaryon survive his wounds, we gather here with the grim task of dealing with the succession of Driftmark. As Hand, I speak with the King's voice on this and all other matters. The crown will now hear the petitions. Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon." Otto her grandfather called out and Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon walked in.

"My Queen. My Lord Hand," He bowed looking at Rhaenya's mother which she turned to look at." The history of our noble houses extends beyond the Seven Kingdoms to the days of Old Valyria. For as long as House Targaryen has ruled the skies, House Velaryon has ruled the seas. When the Doom fell on Valyria, our houses became the last of their kind. Our forebears came to this new land, knowing that were they to fail, it would mean the end to their bloodlines and name. I have spent my entire life on Driftmark defending my brother's seat. I am Lord Corlys's closest kin, his blood."Ser Vaemond stated, looking directly at the Queen and then at Rhaenyra. "I am Lord Corlys's closest kin, his blood. The true, unimpeachable blood of House Velaryon runs through my veins," he claimed, his words were strong and clear.

"As it does in my sons, the offspring of Laenor Velaryon. If you cared so much about your house's blood, Ser Vaemond, you would not be so bold as to supplant its rightful heir. No, you only speak for yourself and your ambition," Her half-sister added, which made Rhaenya look over to Jace and then to the small boy Luke.

"You will have a chance to make your petition, Princess Rhaenyra. Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing him to be heard," Her grandfather said, cutting off the Princess.

Rhaenya looked over to her grandfather who was sitting on the throne of her fathers. She looked back at Ser Vaemond, she wanted no conflict in court, and she hated violence. She prayed none would take place while she was present.

"What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess? I could cut my veins and show it to you and you still wouldn't recognize it. This is about the future and survival of my house, not yours. My Queen, my Lord's Hand. This is a matter of blood, not ambition. I place the continuation of the survival of my house and my line above all. I humbly put myself before you as my brother's successor... the Lord of Driftmark and Lord of the Tides." Ser  Vaemond humbly said looking at Princess Rhaenyra.

" Thank you, Ser Vaemond. Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son, Lucerys Velaryon," Her grandfather said and now his face turned to Rhaenyra. 

All eyes were on her, on the heir to the Iron Throne

" If I am to grace this farce with some answer, I will start by reminding the court that nearly 20 years ago, in this very..." Rhaenyra started to speak before she was interrupted.

Rhaenya's head turns to see her weak father coming through the group of people. The room went quiet and it felt suspenseful.

"King Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm!" The caller called out as heads turned and murmurs took place.

"I will sit on the throne today." He groaned, trying to get onto the throne.
Rhaenya felt sorry for her father and wished she could do anything to help. She watched Daemon walk over to her father and helped him take the steps as the crown fell to the floor making a loud clunk making it echo around the room.

"Your Grace," Daemon quietly whispered to the King, her father quickly responding with the strength he had left.

"I will be fine, I said I'm fine. Ah..." He struggled to even climb up the stairs.

Rhaenya held back her tears feeling sorry for him, and she watched as he took the last couple of stairs.

"Come on," her father said as his brother Dameon placed the crown back onto his head.

Rhaenya's hand went to Helaena as she grabbed onto her arms. Helaena smiled down at her sister, "He will be alright,"

"Steady.  Must... admit... my confusion. I do not understand why petitions are being heard over a settled succession. The only one present... who might offer keener insight into Lord Corlys's wishes is Princess Rhaenys," Her father said looking to his sister and Princess Rhaenys stepped forward.

"Indeed, Your Grace. It was ever my husband's will that Driftmark passes through Ser Laenor to his true-born son... Lucerys Velaryon. His mind never changed. Nor did I support him. Princess Rhaenyra has just informed me of her desire for the betrothals of her sons Jace and Luke to Lord Corlys's granddaughters, Baela and Rhaena. A proposal to which I heartily agree!" Princess Rhaenys said with a smirk appearing on her face.

" Well... the matter is settled. Again. I hereby reaffirm Prince Lucerys of House Velaryon as heir to Driftmark, the Driftwood Throne, and the next Lord of the Tides!" The King continued with his statement.

" You break the law... and centuries of tradition to install your daughter as heir. Yet you dare tell me... who deserves to inherit the name Velaryon. No. I will not allow it!" He angrily told the King. Now the King was upset. "Allow it? Do not forget yourself, Vaemond," he shouted at Ser Vaemond.

"That is no true Velaryon, and certainly no nephew of mine!" He yelled with pure anger this time.

"Go to your chambers! You have said enough. Lucerys is my true-born grandson. And you... are no more than the second son of Driftmark. You... may run your house as you see fit... but you will not decide the future of mine!" Her father yelled the whole room was silent and it was echoing. "My house survived the Doom and a thousand tribulations besides. And gods be damned... I will not see it ended on the account of this..." He hesitated to say anything while he glared at Rhaenyra.

" Say it," Daemon responded in a stern tone,  wanting to hear what he had to say.

"Her children... are BASTARDS! And she... is... a whore!" Ser Vaemond angrily yelled, he freely stated his opinions in court, that was a risk taker.

Rhaenya looked at Jace and then at her mother who was stunned. The crowd was stunned that no one had ever called the Princess a whore out of all things.  Rhaenya held tightly onto Helaena as Helaena held onto her safely. She knew where this was going and it was not going safely.

"I... will have your tongue for that!" her father weakly said trying to come down the stairs with a dagger in his hand. 

The sudden and shocking turn of events left the room in stunned silence, broken only by the haunting echo of Daemon Targaryen's sword as it severed a life. Rhaenya, still gripping onto Aemond for support, felt the world shatter around her.

Daemon's sword cleanly severed a head, sending shockwaves through the room. Vaemond's lifeless body dropped from Rhaenya's arms, and a gut-wrenching scream tore through the air. Helaena covered her ears quickly.... from the chaos that had caused.

Aemond swiftly gathered his heavily pregnant wife into his arms, shielding her from the gruesome sight.

Daemon Targaryen, with a daring smirk, stood over the fallen figure. "He can keep his tongue," he declared, his words sending shivers down the spines of those present.

Gasps spread through the room as Daemon's actions reverberated. Rhaenya, still in shock, clung to Aemond, her heart pounding in her chest. The air was thick with tension, and uncertainty gripped the witnesses.

Rhaenya's grandfather, in a fit of anger, shouted commands to disarm the Prince. Confusion and chaos ensued as the guards rushed forward, reacting to the unexpected violence. Rhaenya, lost in the tumult, could only gaze at the lifeless form on the ground.

Aemond's comforting words reached her ears. "You are safe," he assured her, his arms providing a shield against the horrors that unfolded.

Jacaerys, observing the scene, glared at Aemond, a silent accusation in his eyes. His attention, however, shifted back to his grandfather on the throne, who sat wearily, exhaustion etched on his face.

Alicent Hightower, her eyes betraying a mix of concern and calculation, leaned in to whisper something to her father. In response, the tired ruler straightened and addressed the shocked assembly.

"The realm has witnessed enough bloodshed," Otto Hightower declared, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "We shall convene a council to discuss the matters at hand and find a resolution. This violence will cease."

As the gravity of the situation settled, the room slowly began to regain order. The body of Daemon Targaryen vanished from sight leaving the two sides of  House Targaryen in a state of shock.

I hope you enjoy the first chapter. 💗