Two slow years had passed since the events of that night, her family had slowly, or rapidly in some cases, changed through the years. News had reached that the Princess Rhaenyra had given birth to another child, a son, named Aegon a few days before.

When they received the news, however, her mother was quick to begin her comments, claiming Rhaenyra named her son so to antagonize her. Viserra could not claim if that was true or not, nor did she care. She was happy to receive the news of a new nephew, one who apparently looked the part of Targaryen.

The servants ran by her down the hall, their steps quickening to finish the preparations of the wedding at the end of the week, the very one that would unite Aegon and Helaena. Ser Rickard walked close behind her, his white cloak swaying behind him and metal armor making a noticeable sound with each step.

Viserra took a deep breath before walking into her mother's chambers, noticing Aemond also standing in the room with their grandsire, a shocking sight. The twins had grown apart in the years, Aemond growing colder and crueler, leaving her behind with little to no hesitation. She missed him, she often wondered why he pulled away from her.

Alicent turned, eyes softening at the sight of her noticeably tired daughter whose health was still declining slowly for no apparent reason. Her mother had begun to wear a pendent of the Seven-Pointed Star, a symbol for the Faith, something she noticed she had recently thrown herself into. They had always followed the Seven, it was no surprise considering the Hightowers presided in Oldtown. No place in the kingdoms was more faithful to those seven gods than they were.

"Viserra..good, we must speak with you and Aemond before the feast tonight.." Otto sat in a chair, turning from his hushed conversation with said boy. Viserra nodded, sitting in her chair, next to where Aemond sat.

Aemond had clearly matured in his appearance over the years, beginning to have a slender, thin face, much like her own. His height began to skyrocket, passing her and still growing, though she was close behind him in that manner. His clothing turned to black, matching his eyepatch, and his silky hair was tied back. Aemond truly looked like a prince, even if he was only two-and-ten.

She was often dressed to match by her handmaidens. Black dresses that flowed behind her, long silver hair pulled back with a simple braid, the two often appeared to mirror one another when stood side-to-side.

Alicent sat across from them, her hands clasping in her lap, "The small council has recently made a decision..one regarding the both of you.." capturing Viserra's attention. Both her mother and grandsire had their eyes on Aemond however, caution on their faces. She could not blame them, he had grown rather unpredictable in the years since he lost his eye.

"They have decided..that you both must wed one day..not soon, but once Viserra has flowered..it'll be a priority..it shall be announced tonight." Otto said, hands clasping behind his back, looking down at the both of them. Viserra turned her wide eyes to look at Aemond, confused, she was always raised with the notion she would marry someone from a different family so how could this have happened?

Aemond's face was unreadable, almost contemplative, before he looked back up, "Very well..I shall wed Viserra." his nonchalance leading to more of Viserra's confusion. She looked back forward only to notice her mother and grandsire had turned to her, expecting her to speak.

Viserra wet her lips, "Why..why must I marry Aemond?" her voice was hushed as if she didn't want to be heard, making Otto sigh. Alicent reached over and grasped her daughter's hand, stroking it softly, "It is necessary to ensure the power of the house, to keep the blood pure among us."

Viserra's eyes darted to the floor, nodding softly, biting her lip, "..is that all?" pulling her hand away from her mother.

Alicent sighed, "Actually..Father, Aemond..you are both excused, I need to speak alone with my daughter.." and her heart dropped, she didn't want to be alone with her mother. She wanted to curl up in her bed and cry, to pretend this information was never told to her. Gone was the dream of a distant prince claiming her hand only to leave the reality behind, she would marry Aemond.

The two left the room, Aemond quicker so he could return to the training yard, with the heavy doors shutting behind them. Alicent stood and sat next to Viserra, attempting to look in her eyes, "Oh..my sweet girl.."

Viserra looked into her mother's round eyes and suddenly she felt like that little girl who would cry when she fell, running to her mother for help. Her eyes filled with tears, curling into her mother's embrace as she cried softly. No place felt safer than her mother's arms in that moment.

Alicent shushed her softly, rocking her young daughter back-and-forth, rubbing her back, "It'll be alright, you have nothing to fear, my sweet girl.." only serving to make her cry harder. She didn't want to marry Aemond, especially not now. If you had asked her when they were young children, she would have agreed, after all, he was sweet then.

But now?

Now that the sweet boy from her childhood was turning cruel, becoming quick to anger and reckless. Viserra often found him storming the halls, snatching things from her hands, that dark look present in his eye at all times. Gone was the comforting hand she held replaced by a tight grip on her wrist. She never thought it possible to miss and mourn a person who still lived, especially someone you see every day.

"Mother...why..?" she sobbed, an unseemly sight reserved for her mother, fear coursing through her veins. Alicent teared up, continuing to hold her close, "I promise you..that it will all end well, I do this to keep you safe, Viserra"

She shook her head in reply, burying her face into her mother's shoulder, who let her cry while holding her close. It was unclear to Viserra why her mother clung to her so closely, she would reflect in later years over this moment but she did not care. She was just a girl who wanted her mother's comfort.
___

Viserra stood in the middle of her chambers during the hour of the bat, allowing her handmaidens to dress her in a beautiful black kirtle gown with small golden embroidery in the shape of branches on the neckline. On her feet were a pair of simple heels, only serving to make her two inches taller to her chagrin as she was already taller than all her ladies-in-waiting.

It was Talana who finally finished braiding her hair before stepping to her front, "Does this please you, my Princess?" causing her to turn to her mirror. She looked at her overall appearance, her eyes growing slightly wide.

A portion of her silver hair was braided into a loose braid, the rest of her hair curled, flowing down her back to just above her hips, with small pieces of her hair left loose to frame her face. It was similar to her everyday look but she couldn't help but feel pretty, Talana always knew how to make her feel better.

"Thank you, Talana, I love it.." she gave a small twirl when all her handmaidens backed away, looking at her in slight awe. Viserra had never felt more like a princess from the histories she read, the ones who were saved by a dashing knight.

Talana smirked, "Just wait for the actual wedding and tourneys, princess..you'll leave all the knights breathless." before stepping up and applying a light red powder to her cheeks, some kind of import from Pentos, likely to hide her sickly pale skin.

The doors opened causing all her handmaidens to bow to the man who entered, Aemond. He stood in his black tunic and pants, the real show of wealth was in the embroidery on his sleeves. Gold was evident, shining every time he moved his arms from the torches around the room, showcasing the wings of a dragon. The clasps on the front of his tunic were the same, along with the tops of his boots, he looked the part of a Targaryen prince.

Aemond walked forward, the twins were now only an inch apart, their heights were always close to one another, both growing quickly but now it was more evident due to her heels. He held out his arm to her, "Mother requested I escort you to the feast..since you are now my betrothed..you look..acceptable" making her sigh, grabbing his arm.

She turned to Talana, giving her a weak smile, "Thank you, Talana..I look beautiful." making the older woman beam in pride. The wrinkles around her smile became more evident before she bowed, "You honor me, Princess" as the two exited Viserra's chambers.

The twins began to make their way towards the throne room where the feast was to be held, with two members of the Kingsguard behind them. They were silent as they walked, the only sound being the guards behind them and the clacking of her heels. She looked to her left where he walked beside her and noticed his stern expression.

Viserra took a deep breath as they reached the doors before Aemond signaled them to be opened, "Prince Aemond and Princess Viserra of House Targaryen" as eyes turned to them. Many lords and ladies were already sitting at their tables, most notable were the Hightowers and the Lannisters, they always seemed to shine the brightest at events like this.

Aemond walked next to her, almost pulling her along, with his head held high, eye facing forward. The same could not be said for Viserra, who moved with her head facing the ground, eyes scanning those who looked at her. She mentally filed every name she could remember, wondering why the walk felt so long at this moment.

The two stood in front of the royal table, bowing to their father and siblings before making their way to their designated seats. Viserys sat in the middle with Alicent and Daeron on his right, Aegon and Helaena sat on his other side, and next to them was where Aemond and Viserra were meant to sit. There were only two empty seats left, those she assumed would be for Daemon and Rhaenyra whenever they arrived.

More houses were announced as the time passed, Viserra making sure she kept her eyes to the table, anxiety beginning to fill her. Her father had always loved festivities, thinking them a great way to relax but she would have to disagree. They did nothing more than make her feel like a prized pig at auction.

Viserra could see how they looked at her, like they could use her for their own gain. Since her recent engagement hadn't been announced yet, it would only ensure that they would try and win her favor, to sweep her off her feet and make her swoon.

A year ago she may have loved that, to have a great romance that she would one day tell her children, just like King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne. But now she would need to be realistic. Viserra must have noticeably seemed to wilt as she felt someone grab her wrist, harshly, making her look up to meet Aemond's eye, "Fix yourself, it is a wedding feast." he whispered, the Hgih Valyrian slipping through his tongue with ease.

Viserra straightened up, shaking her head, before slipping a smile on her face. She should be happy for Aegon and Helaena, they were doing what she was terrified to do. If Helaena could do it, so could she. There was nothing to fear, she assured herself, Aemond would become better.

"Princess Rhaenyra, Heir to the Iron Throne, and Princess of Dragonstone alongside Prince Daemon, Prince of Dragonstone, of House Targaryen"

All eyes shot to the door, Viserra frowned while noting the absence of her nephew's names, as the couple walked forward. They both walked with their heads held up high, eyes facing where Viserys sat, looking the part of royalty. They both looked beautiful with their silver hair almost glowing due to the torchlight.

Stopping in front of the table, they both bowed low before turning their faces to the engaged couple, Rhaenyra smiled, "Congratulations Aegon, Helaena! I wish you the happiest of marriages" before they both moved to climb the steps to their side of the table next to Alicent and Daeron.

It wasn't long after all the major families arrived that Viserys stood, panting softly, "Be welcome, and I thank you for all coming together to celebrate such a joyous occasion. My son, Aegon, and my daughter, Helaena, are to be wed and I could not be happier. We shall celebrate with tourneys, feasts, and festivities that shall last for seven days. And then at the end of it all, I shall see my children wed and I could not be prouder of the fact." before he sat, cheers ringing throughout the hall.

Viserra turned to look at Helaena, who sat on the other side of Aemond, as she stood to truly begin the festivities with a dance with Aegon. The two walked down, standing in front of everyone, and began to dance, swirling around one another with grace.

It wasn't the most perfect dance.

Helaena seemed to be trying to follow her own melody, one she likely heard in her own head, while Aegon seemed bored through it all and slightly drunk. The red on his cheeks gave it away. They circled one another in lavish clothing, made from the finest silks and cloth money could buy.

Helaena wore a beautiful white and gold gown, long sleeves going down her arms with a dress that easily twirled around her, her hair tied up in an extravagant bun of Targaryen braids. Aegon wore just as beautiful an outfit, wearing black with the red symbol of their house on his back, made up of small rubies that shone in the light. His front of his hair was tied back into a small braid, the rest of his hair loose to frame his face.

The two bowed to one another as they finished their dance, signaling others to begin the festivities. The room quickly filled with laughter and conversation, families eating together in unison. Viserra began to eat her food, a duck with just a bit too much of grease, and felt a pinch of nausea. She took a breath and move to continue to eat only to have someone stop in front of her spot at the table.

It was Cregan Stark, the new lord of Winterfell.

He gave her a nod, holding his hand out, "Would you honor me with a dance, Princess?" making her look to her mother not sure what to do. She didn't even dare look at Aemond, knowing how he most likely stared down at her. Getting a nod, she stood and accepted his hand, "it would be my pleasure, my Lord" before being led to the floor.

They began to dance, moving with ease around one another, before she looked up into his eyes, "So..pardon my curiosity..but why did you ask me to dance, Lord Stark?" she smiled at the sight of him, happy that he was taller than her.

He hummed, "You looked..upset..and it is my duty to make sure the royal family is happy, is it not?" making her giggle, a breathy noise. Viserra felt her face grow warm, biting down her smile, as he twirled her around.

He had the darkest hair she had ever seen, similar to the color of coal, and his eyes..how they shined like the night sky. He wore a simple tunic, nothing flashy, something commonly associated with the northmen as they had more important things to worry about than how rich they dressed. It was clear to see, Lord Cregan Stark was handsome.

The two continued to dance, whispered words flowing between them, and it let Viserra be free of her current circumstance, pretending that Aemond was not to be her husband in a few years. For she saw the one she wanted, The Lord Stark of Winterfell, Cregan Stark, a boy only two years older than her, a year younger than her eldest brother.

He would make her happy, she thought, maybe if she convinced her father that she would be happy with him he would agree. Though she knew it to be a lie, no dragon could live that far north, the cold would extinguish the flames that roared inside them. It was a beautiful dream to think of though, she knew she would think of it late into the night.

The two bowed, a big smile on Viserra's face before they both stepped away from one another. She turned, a blush on her face, and ran into a chest, looking up to spot Aemond staring down at her. His eye was cold, almost looking down at her in contempt.

He held out his hand and the smile slipped off of Viserra's face, accepting his hand. It wouldn't be long until their engagement was announced so it was likely that Aemond was told to dance with her. Viserra couldn't remember the last time he willingly spent time with her.

Aemond began to dance with her, the two spinning around one another, his grip tight whenever he touched her. Almost possessive though she could not say why, he had never acted like this before. The silence between the two of them carried tension, almost suffocating Viserra in its grasp. The music came to an end, the two standing in front of one another when Viserys stood, the court quieting. Dread filled Viserra's stomach.

He raised his cup, "I have..one final announcement to share to you all..my lovely daughter, Viserra..and my proud son, Aemond..are engaged to be wed. I have witnessed their bond since they were young children and I can say this, they will have the happiest of marriages. Hear, hear!" followed by cheering.

Viserra was led into a bow by Aemond, her eyes trailing to the handsome Lord Stark, confusion crossing his face. Looking away, Viserra put on a smile, thanking those who came up to give her their personal congratulations. There was nothing she could do now.

Sighing, the two made their way back to the table, Aemond's tight grip around her wrist leading her towards the table and leaving the small moment of joy behind. How she wished she could dance with Lord Cregan Stark forever.
___

The day of the wedding had arrived, after the week of feasts and tourneys, in a slow boring manner. Tourneys held no interest for Viserra, no man ever seemed to ask for her favor but now it seemed they avoided her, most likely due to Aemond's permanent presence by her side.

Helaena stood straight in the center of her chambers as Viserra and their mother added the final touches to her wedding gown. She had never been prettier, though it did not seem like she noticed. Helaena's dress came down in beautiful simple waves that all came together to make a train that spanned 3 inches. Her sleeves covered her hands and her neckline rested on her collarbone. But it was Helaena's hair that took away all her breath.

It was styled into a simple bun, with two braids on either side of her head leading to it, strings of white jewels were lined up between both braids, no strand was out of place, all set to perfection. She was beautiful.

It all came together when Alicent walked up behind her, putting a small veil in her hair, and they both looked at her in the mirror. Alicent hugged the young girl from behind, much to Helaena's displeasure, and smiled, "You look so beautiful, Helaena.."

The girl turned to her sister, eyes wide and waiting, and getting a smile in return, "You look like a proper bride, Helaena, I have never seen someone more beautiful." her voice was fond, as she slowly fixed her dress. It would only strike Viserra's mind that she truly meant her words, no secret hostility could be found in her heart.

Helaena smiled, turning back to the mirror, "I'm ready." before stepping off the podium she had stood on. Alicent's eyes teared up, smiling bright, as they both began to lead her to the exit of the Red Keep so they could make their way to the Dragonpit.

They climbed down the steps and exited the Red Keep, climbing into the grand carriage to let the commonfolk witness the grand nature of the wedding. Viserra looked out at the window at the people cheering for her sister, children waving their hands in the hopes they would be seen.

She smiled, raising her hand and waving to those she could, roars of the smallfolk's excitement filling the streets. There was no better feeling than the love of the smallfolk, Viserra thought. It wasn't a very long ride, to their joy, the celebration not easing in the slightest as they made their way to the Dragonpit.

They climbed out of their carriage, guards surrounding them as they slowly made their way for the massive doors, leading them to the side entrance for the Bride's entrance. Viserys stood inside, his cane holding his weakened body up, as he reached his hand out of Helaena.

He brought her into a soft hug, a smile gracing his tired face, as he backed away, reaching his hand out to cup her cheek, "It pleases me so to see you in a wedding gown, Helaena...you look as beautiful as your mother did.."

Helaena nodded, whispering gratitude to their father, letting him wrap his arm around her so they could walk slightly away, though the words they spoke to one another remained quiet.

Alicent quickly ushered her second daughter to their places, making sure she stood next to Aemond before placing herself at the edge of the steps. Next to Aemond was Rhaenyra and Daemon, the two speaking in hushed voices to one another. Aegon stood next to the High Septon in his groom attire, a black tunic with red accents trailing down the front, tiny rubies were sewn into the pattern of a dragon taking flight on his back.

Music began to fill the room, voices going quiet, as the grand doors opened to reveal Viserys and Helaena. The two began to walk down, with their arms around one another's, toward Aegon, who had turned to look at them.

There was no love or excitement on their faces, a fate she knew would soon be welcoming for herself. If Aemond had decided to be cruel then she would have to live with it, praying for the day he would change. The two eventually stood side to side with one another, climbing the steps to face the High Septon, Viserys moving to the foot of the stairs to the side of his children.

"You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection."

Helaena turned her back to Aegon, eyes focused on the floor, as he brought the cloak to rest on her shoulders, a beautiful black and red making the white on her dress even more bright. The High Septon smiled at the sight, as did Viserys, "Your Grace, Your Grace, my Princes, my Princesses, my Lords, my Ladies, we stand here in the sight of Gods and men..to witness the union of man and wife. Let all who hear know that..Helaena of House Targaryen and Aegon of House Targaryen are now one flesh, one heart, one soul..now and forever..curse be he who seeks to tear them asunder."

The two turned, facing one another, Aegon raising his head, "With this kiss, I pledge my love." before kissing her quickly, pulling away seconds after they kissed.