Chapter 1: 𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕡𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟 𝕊𝕚𝕝𝕧𝕖𝕣
Summary:
Betrayals and broken promises...
Hope and determination...
Love and Family...
Fire and silver...
Notes:
This spiraled into such a big thing and I didn't mean to let it go so far! This was supposed to be a one-shot but I was running out of time because I didn't want this to get deleted, so now it's a two-parter and ill post the second part soon!
Please excuse any inconsistencies or errors, this work Is not betaed. If any of ya'll lovely people want to beta this, lemme know.
Also, I would recommend going to chapter 3 before or while reading this chapter, because Ch.3 has some useful information and images.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The fallout of King Viserys I Targaryen naming his firstborn son of his second wife, Queen Consort Alicent Hightower, days after his birth in the Sun’s Dawn of 113 AC was truly one for the history books.
There was already some controversy floating around when the King married the second child of a second son barely even 4 moons after Queen Aemma’s death, as well as the child being born soon after the wedding, which generated whispers and questions of the boy's legitimacy.
But, King Viserys, after holding a ceremony for his daughter and saying, several times in public, that Rhaenyra would be queen, named his newborn son his long-awaited Heir soon after his birth.
The servants of the Red Keep, and almost everyone in Kings Landing, could hear the King and his daughter yelling and screaming at each other. The betrayal their princess felt was palpable to everyone in the city. The Realms Delight shrieked and cried in outrage as the King completely stripped away her freedom in one night. King Viserys decreed that Rhaenyra would be wedded to Jason Lannister, and sent to live at Castarly Rock immediately after, while her dragon would remain in Kings Landing, chained.
For days after, Princess Rhaenyra remained in her room, not talking to anyone and barely eating.
The people ached for their beloved princess, who was beautiful and kind and gracious, who would’ve been a great queen, who was dealt the short end of the stick by her own father. They wondered if the King hated his daughter because she looked wholly Valyrian, but also like the late Queen Aemma whom the king murdered in cold blood.
The wedding grew closer, and it was then that King Viserys visited his daughter, only to find her gone.
Princess Rhaenyra had packed everything she could, with the help of Ser Harwin and several of her new handmaids, and fled Kings Landing, taking her sworn shield and handmaid with her, as well as half a dozen kingsguard and knights.
No one knew where she went, she just flew past the horizon. She had left a note, denouncing King Viserys as her father, cursing him and any bastard, Andal half-breeds he has with his Hightower whore.
King Viserys was nearly inconsolable, crying and raging at the disappearance of his daughter. He, and Lord Hand Otto Hightower, accused Prince Daemon of kidnapping the princess, but there was no proof.
A couple of moons later, Daemon followed his niece's lead, took his daughter, and left the Seven Kingdoms for good. The King had decided to betroth his niece to his son and have her fostered in Kings Landing to be raised alongside Aegon, without even asking Daemon.
The Rogue Prince denounced Viserys as his brother, as Baelon Targaryen’s son, and left forever.
Soon after, news reached Westeros that Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon had begun living in Volantis with Princess Saera, her children, Princess Viserra, Princess Gael, and her children as well.
It greatly surprised Viserys that his aunts were still alive, but he was mostly relieved that Rhaenyra was alright. He ordered for a raven to be sent for Volantis, with a letter demanding for Rhaenyra and Daemon to return to Westeros. Simply put, he received a letter in return saying ‘no’. The Lord Hand threw a fit, he and the queen saying that Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon must be brought back to be punished, but what could King Viserys do? He doesn’t have a dragon, and he doubts he can hire someone to successfully kidnap Rhaenyra and Daemon.
There was no news for some time. But during that time, the Queen bore another son, Prince Aemond Targaryen.
The King's children from his second wife did not have dragons, their eggs never hatched in their cradles, and to add insult to injury, they looked more Hightower than Valyrian despite the white hair, they had Andal faces and brown eyes.
It didn’t matter though, Lord Otto’s grandson was the Heir to the Iron Throne.
Nearly a year later, news once again reached Westeros that Princess Rhaenyra had traveled to Astapor and purchased all the Unsullied they had to offer. Soon after, she liberated all the slaves and killed all the masters.
It spread like wildfire, people talked about Princess Rhaenyra’s conquests, that maybe she would conquer the Free Cities, maybe all of Essos.
“Disgraceful, what Rhaenyra is doing,” Alicent muttered angrily, wearing her green gown with Helaena on her lap. That’s all Alicent does when Rhaenyra is brought up, talk about her disgraces.
The news Westeros always got of what Rhaenyra and Daemon were doing was always after a week or two, but they were still well-informed. In 116 AC, Rhaenyra had been crowned Queen of Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen, and last they heard, Rhaenyra, Daemon, their dragons, and her Unsullied were headed towards Old Valyria.
Rhaenyra slipped away during the hour of the wolf, under the cover of darkness.
Her loyal shield, Ser Harwin, her trusted handmaids, and many knights and former Kingsguards who swore to her.
First, they headed to Dragonstone.
Rhaenyra practically stripped the castle of any Valyrian artifacts, tapestries, and such. Then they set sail for Volantis, where Rhaenyra’s great aunt Saera Targaryen was living with Gael and Viserra.
The Runaway Princess was met with open arms and gentle gazes, and Rhaenyra is not ashamed to admit that she broke apart in the arms of the aunts she never met before, but for the first time since her mothers passing, Rhaenyra felt safe. She felt safe and at ease enough to sleep soundly at night.
A couple of moons later, her Uncle Daemon and cousin Saeranera arrived in Volantis.
When Rhaenyra heard of what her father planned to do with Saeranera, wedding her to Aegon, the girl practically saw red.
A rage unlike anything she’d felt before, even when her mother was murdered, filled the princess. Saera, her sweet cousin, had almost been sold off to Aegon, that fucking half-breed, like she was cattle like her father had done to her.
For days, Rhaenyra wandered the halls of Aunt Saera’s castle, the streets of Volantis, comparisons and differences between there and Kings Landing, between the whole of Westeros.
In the Seven Kingdoms, women were used for birthing heirs and securing alliances. They had no freedom, and their only education was how to please their husband. That’s all Rhaenyra was to her father, a way to secure gold and ships for the Crown. She wonders if her mother were a way for Viserys to gain the Vale's support in his petition for the Crown, it would explain why he was so ready to have her butchered like a fish for a babe that lived but an hour.
The more she thought about it, the more resolute Rhaenyra became in her decision to never return to Westeros.
If her father wanted his Hightower bastard on the Iron Throne, fine, let him be on the fucking throne.
But, Rhaenyra would be Queen, even if not Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
And so, Rhaenyra abandoned the Targaryen name and became Rhaenyra Aureliās, and her campaign began.
Rhaenyra traveled to Astapor, Daemon and Saeranera, Aunt Saera, Viserra, and Gael, along with their dragons, and her swordnknights following her. The city was disgusting, people in rags and chains, cowering under their master's gazes. The masters worse clothes of the finest silks, ate the most delicious foods and wines, taking pleasure in the suffering of innocents.
Once again, Rhaenyra drew comparisons to Astapor and Westeros. Women were the slaves of men, and the commoners were slaves to the highborn.
“You will give me all the Unsullied, and free every slave within this city by tomorrow morning,” Rhaenyra said in bastard Valyrian to the apparent leader of Astapor and the masters, a young, timid slave girl at his side, with long silver hair and tan skin and brown eyes, a descendent of Valyria no doubt. The former princess had abandoned her old clothing, no longer wearing black and red, instead, she wore a beautiful silver and blue gown with Valyrian Steel pauldrons with dragon design, her hair pulled back into a braid, much like what Visenya Targaryen wore during the Conquest.
“And if we don’t?” The masters chuckled, clearly amused by the girl. Daemon smirked and Harwin chuckled darkly.
“Then you will regret it. Deeply.” With that, Rhaenyra turned on her heel and left, Daemon and Harwin following close behind.
Hours passed, morning came and the masters laughed and drank wine. Steel collars still adorned many people's necks.
The peace was broken when dragons descended from the sky and burned the master's towers. At the same time, the gates broke open and a few hundred of Rhaenyra’s knights flooded into the city, rushing people to safety and killing anyone with a whip in their hands.
Quickly, the city’s guard dwindled and they were forced to surrender.
The masters were brought before Rhaenyra, along with the Unsullied. She stood before the main one, and without prompting the master threw the whip at her feet. Rhaenyra picked up the whip and turned to the Unsullied. “Dovaogedys. Today, you are no longer under the rule of the cruel. Today, I give you freedom.” Rhaenyra tossed the whip Syrax’s way, and the golden dragon opened her maw and burned the whip. “I ask you all to follow me! If you follow me, you can live freely, eat what you want, drink what you want, and take revenge on those who wronged you!”
The remaining masters looked positively frightened, shaking where they kneeled. A couple even pissed themselves.
“Will you join me!?”
The Unsullied raised their spears and cheered loudly, and the dragons roared.
That day, in the year of 114 AC, the masters died, by dragonfire or spear. That day, every slave in Astapor was liberated, now free people. That day, Rhaenyra Auraellys, at just 17 name-days, became Queen Rhaenyra the Liberator and with her army of loyal Unsullied, her silver knights, her advisors, and dragons, Queen Rhaenyra went on to liberate and conquer Yunkai, claiming the cities as hers, their riches as hers, and the people as her people.
(Within Yunkai, apparently the Old Masters had a collection of Ancient Valyrian documents, scriptures, books, and priest robes they had salvaged from the Doom of Valyria. Not only that, but Rhaenyra was blesses enough to come across priests taught in the ways of the Fourteen Flames, the knowledge they possess passed down through generations since the Doom.)
(And so, the Order of the Fourteen was formed.)
During this time, Rhaenyra grew closer to her sworn protector, Harwin Strong. It didn’t take long for them to enter into a relationship, with innocent but passionate kisses and terms of endearment, but they did not sleep together. Despite years after her mother’s death in the birthing bed, Rhaenyra still fears it and sex, but Harwin is willing to wait as long as his Queen wants, and she loves him for it.
At 18 name-days, Rhaenyra Aureliās married Harwin Strong in the ways of Old Valyria, a priest of the Fourteen Flames officiated their wedding, with Dameon being the one to hand Rhaenyra off. They smeared oils on their foreheads, and their blood on their lips, they cut their palms and joined each other as one Soul, one Flame. That night, Rhaenyra and Harwin Aureliās slept together for the first time. It would be soon after when the Queen and King learned that their Heir grew in Rhaenyra’s womb. The people cheered at the news, blessing and praising their queen, their Empress.
(During her time in Yunkai, an attempt on the Liberators life was made, but she was saved by a woman, a former slave turned sellsword, who played an instrumental role in Rhaenyra’s conquest of Yunkai, by getting inside the slave barracks and convincing them to revolt. The woman, called Mara, not only saved the Empress’ life, but she also returned the three dragon eggs Elissa Farman stole all those years ago during King Jaehaerys’ rign.)
(In return? Mara wanted freedom and a purpose.)
(Empress Rhaenyra gave her such, she became Ser Mara, commander of her guard under the care and command of Ser Harrold, the captain of her guard. With those three eggs, Rhaenyra gifted them to her dear cousin, young Saeranera.)
A year later, Queen Rhaenyra conquered Meereen, adding the new Free city to her growing empire, and in the Great Pyramid of Meereen, surrounded by her aunts, Maester Geradys and Vaegon, trusted healers, Harwin and Daemon, Rhaenyra went into labor, and as dawn broke the dragons would roar as twins Aemma and Jacaerys Aureliās were born, with crowns of silver and brown hair and enchanting blue eyes. All the fires and torches in Meereen burned bright and the Fourteen Flames rumbled across Slaver’s Bay and the Smoking Sea as the Princess drew her first breath.
The priests said it was a sign by the Fourteen Gods themselves, blessing the girl.
The twins were presented to the people of Meereen soon after their birth. Crown Princess Aemma Aureliās, heir of Queen Rhaenyra, and Prince Jacaerys Aureliās, future ruler of Meereen.
With the cities conquered in 117 AC, Rhaenyra’s next course of action was to reclaim Valyria, but before she could do so, she needed to consolidate her power in Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen to ensure no future uprising.
The three cities were beautiful, but the slums where the former slaves lived were probably worse than Flea Bottom in Kings Landing. Rhaenyra and her trusted advisors, Aunt Saera, Viserra, and Gael included, threw themselves headfirst into repairs, reconstruction, food, water, anything and everything to make the cities perfectly suitable for the free people. Fountains and water conduits were created so they had clean water, sewers so the filth washes away, smooth pathways, comfy beds, clean clothing were handed out, and rich fields of grain, fruits, and vegetables were planted, so the people had a lot to eat.
The reconstruction, unification, and consolidation of the three cities took some time, the damage was not too severe, but Rhaenyra thinks it would have taken much longer if people like her father and Otto Hightower were overseeing the construction or lack thereof.
About a year later, the construction of the three cities and the formation of the guard wholly loyal to Rhaenyra was completed. Some things still needed fixing, but with the cities in the capable hands of Aunt Saera, Gael, and Viserra as their Castellans, Rhaenyra was assured that they were safe, before marching to Old Valyria.
It was said that the Doom still hung over the Valyrian Ruins, that they were cursed. Some said that the gods of the Valyrians set the Doom upon them for their atrocities against their slaves and that the Fourteen Flames were waiting for a True Valyrian to return and bring Valyria back to glory.
Queen Rhaenyra entered Old Valyria, and it was the first time in two centuries that dragons flew over the destroyed peninsula.
The ruins were empty, and many buildings and castles were destroyed.
Rebuilding would take time, a lot of it, but Queen Rhaenyra was undeterred. She got to work.
For several, long years, Queen Rhaenyra and her builders reshaped Valyria, bringing it back to its former glory and then some. Though, some say that Valyria was rebuilt in a year, those rumors were just that, rumors as no one on the outside truly knew.
Within the first year, Empress Rhaenyra gave birth to Princess Daenerys Aureliās, future ruler of Yunkai.
During this time, Prince Daemon wed Lady Laena, who had long since run away with her family.
The former Velaryon’s, now the Seafyre’s, abandoned Driftmark and Westeros after King Viserys disrespected them for the last time. Laena had been forcibly betrothed to the King’s firstborn son, and Laenor was to be a squire under Gwayne Hightower, who took over the remaining Gold Cloaks, and his Hand had sent Kingsguards to forcibly retrieve the twins, with the threat that Corlys and Rhaenys would be imprisoned and executed should they disobey the king. The Sea Snake and the Queen Who Never Was would not let their children suffer under the Hightower’s, so they sent the King a letter denouncing him as kin and proclaiming their allegiance to Queen Rhaenyra. Then they left, taking everything from Driftmark and sailing to New Valyria.
The Prince and Lady, now Princess, married before the ancient tree that still stood in Valyria, said to have been planted by the Fourteen themselves, and became man and wife, became Twin Flames.
Within a year they had their first children, twin girls, Rhaena and Baela Seafyre. The priests of the Fourteen blessed the two girls the day after their birth, praying for their health.
Two eggs were placed in their cradle, Baela’s hatched while Rhaena’s turned to stone. Queen Rhaenyra promised that the girl would be given another egg in due time, if not then when she is older she can try and claim a dragon.
Corlys and Rhaenys Seafyre, the Nautical Prince and Princess of Dragon’s Bay, immediately swooned over their grandchildren. They showered the babes in love. One day, Rhaena would rule Dragon’s Bay, after their mother Laena. Corlys had finally got his head out of his ass and talked, actually talked to his son, and accepted that his son was the way the Gods made him and there was no changing it. Laenor stepped down as his father and mother's Heir, and Laena stepped up in his place.
Princess Laena would rule Dragon’s Bay, while Daemon would rule Mantarys. It was to the north of Valyria, a small city that stood between Essos and the Dothraki Sea and Valyria. Rhaenyra knew that Daemon would always protect their family, he was her sword and shield, and so he would be the sword and shield of Valyria.
Mantarys was a small city, not as big as Valyria, but it had been just as beautiful.
Immediately upon being named Royal Prince of Mantarys, Daemon commissioned many builders and the dragons to create a tall, strong wall of volcanic stones held together by dragon fire, and a little bit of magic courtesy of the Red Priests and Valyrian Priests, that no instrument of war could break.
Valyria’s Black Wall stood a hundred feet high, with guard towers and dragon engravings. There was one gate that allowed entrance, reinforced with Valyrian Steel.
To protect Valyria and Mantarys, Daemon assembled an army of great warriors from Essos, mainly from Volantis and Braavos, along with Rhaenyra’s Unsullied. They became the Red Legion, who wore dark Valyrian Steel armor and wielded swords of the same material, and red cloaks. Daemon was the General of the Red Legion, with Saera Targaryen’s oldest daughter, Tynaera, being his captain.
Daemon’s heir and daughter, Saeranera Emberlith, grew to be a beautiful and strong girl at 10 namedays old.
Short silver-white hair, pale freckled skin, shimmering amethyst eyes, and a fire as hot as the sun. She is nothing like the “traditional” lady of Westeros, she preferred sword fighting as opposed to embroidery, she wears trousers and tunics and coats and armor more often than dresses, though she does have some nice ones in her wardrobe. Saeranera speaks her mind and speaks the truth rather bluntly, she's firm and outgoing, rather than meek and quiet.
On their third year in Valyria, in 121 AC, Saeranera’s dragon eggs hatched. No one expected all three eggs to hatch, least of all at the same time. The three eggs, black, cream, and green, hailed three hatchlings of different colors. Nagho, a pure whitedragon with eyes as bright as fire. Soarmes, a beautiful dark ocean blue with golden stripes and eyes. Aendar, a bronze dragon with sharp edges and red eyes.
Saeranera’s dragons grew quickly and heartily, their diet of bison, sheep, and fish, along with their freedom to fly when they wanted, ensured that within a year, they were as big as horses.
At 9, she mounted her dragon Nagho and, without anyone's knowledge, flew off towards the Dothraki Sea. She was found some hours later in one of the Khalaasars to the northeast, given hospitality by the Khal after saving his son. A rival Khalaasar had attached them, taking the Khals son hostage, and so Saeranera flew in on Nagho and laid waste to the attackers.
(They say Nagho roared with the fury of thunder and flew with the force of a hurricane, which earned him the moniker of ‘The Wrath of the Sky’.)
Not even flowered, and she already secured an alliance for Mantarys and Valyria.
She grew into such a beautiful, strong, smart girl, Rhaenyra shuddered to think of what would have happened to Saeranera should she have stayed in Westeros, betrothed to that mongrel Aegon, who was a drunk and leered at women, according to her Faceless Men spies.
It would be another several years later when finally, Valyria and Mantarys were restored and thriving.
Valyria was now a bustling empire, strong and ethereal. They mined dragonglass and sold it to Essos and the North of Westeros, as well as ash, which had proven to be a very plentiful soil; it wasn’t long before Valyria became very rich. Dragon’s Bay and the Velaryon fleet became probably the greatest Naval force in the world, with over 40,000 ships at their disposal. Their army numbers over 150,000 men and women, along with about 34 dragons.
Empress Rhaenyra Aureliās ruled Valyria with her husband, Emperor Harwin Aureliās, and their children, her Imperial Grace the Crown Princess Aemma Aureliās rider of Vermithor, his Excellency the Prince of Meereen Jacaerys Aureliās rider of Vermax, her Royal Highness Princess of Yunkai Daenerys Aureliās rider of Moonfyre, the Pearl of Valyria Prince Lucerys the future Sovereign of Astapor rider of Arrax, the Gem of Valyria the Princess Naerys future Warden of Volantis rider of Quicksilver, and their younger children Prince’s Arthur and Vael riders of Tyraxes and Sheepstealer, Prince Aemon and Princess Visenya riders of Dreamfyre and Maraxes, and Princess Maenora rider of Grey ghost.
Prince Daemon ruled Mantarys with his Heir, Princess Saeranera rider of Nagho, Soarmes, and Aendar, along with his wife Laena Seafyre, rider of Vhagar, and twin daughters Rhaena and Baela and young son Baelon, the city thriving and a formidable defense against any assault.
The Seafyre’s kept careful watch over the seas at all sides. Rhaenys and Corlys have never been happier and more free.
House Celtigar, who also abandoned Westeros several years ago, became one of the several Noble Houses of Valyria, many of their sons and daughters becoming Dragon Keepers and Red Legionnaires.
They lived peacefully for years, happy and content and free, but Rhaenyra knew it was a matter of time before Viserys found her.
A ship waving the Targaryen symbol sailed across the vast sea, towards the Valyrian Peninsula.
King Viserys of Westeros had recently discovered the whereabouts of his long-lost daughter. She had conquered Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen, and then reclaimed Valyria. It took 16 years, but Valyria was reported to be completely restored and thriving.
When he learned the news, Viserys immediately set sail with his family.
Otto and his wife protested going there, but Viserys was undeterred, he would see his daughter and brother. The winds were swift and the waters kind, so they arrived there quickly. However, Lord Vaemond Velaryon was not as good a sailor as Lord Corlys had been.
Much has happened in the 16 years Rhaenyra and his relatives have been gone. His eldest and Heir, Aegon, was 5 and 10 now, a handsome young man, but a drunk. He was disinterested and did not apply himself. Helaena was 4 and 10, a beautiful girl who spoke in riddles and sought the company of bugs more than her mother. Aemond was 3 and 10 years old, and an angry boy, he was skilled with a sword, but he had a short temper. Daeron, just 10 namedays, was frankly plain-faced and unremarkable among Targaryens, taking more after his mother, he was polite, but rather dismissing of the commonfolk. None of his children had dragons, their eggs turned to stone in their cradles, and the remaining eggs in the Dragon Pit turned to stone as well 3 and 10 years ago. His children couldn’t claim any dragons, as they had fled the Dragon Pit and Dragonmount around the same time Rhaenyra would have first entered Valyria, 7 and 10 years ago.
There has been much unrest in the kingdom, the North and the Vale are unhappy with the low provisions sent to them, as well as many other transgressions, and declared themselves independent. Otto advised going to battle with them to bring them to heel, but they did not have enough men to combat both the North and the Vales combined forces, and the Master of Coin advised against it, saying that going to war would bled them dry.
Viserys decided to deal with it another time and instead focused on finally seeing his daughter after so long.
The Wall of Valyria came into view. It was over a hundred feet tall and just as imposing as the Wall in the North. At the top of the wall, guards pointed bows at them. They remained still for a while until the gates opened and they were permitted entry into Valyria.
Valyria was… ethereal. The towers seemed to reach the heavens, the architecture was just beautiful, and it was all just… so much more than Viserys ever imagined.
Dark blue banners with a roaring silver dragon breathing gold, red, and aquamarine fire waved in the air, and overhead, a dragon soared, and Viserys could make out Silverwing being one of them.
Before long, their ship docked in Dragon’s Bay. The King led his family off the vessel and onto solid ground. The docks were bustling with people working, guards patrolling. Viserys looked around for someone in charge when surprisingly, Corlys and his cousin, Rhaenys, approached them, wearing aquamarine and silver clothing.
“King Viserys,” Rhaenys greeted curtly. Viserys internally winced, he figured that his cousin had not forgiven him for betrothing her daughter to Aegon without asking. But it would have been for the betterment of the Realm, or Viserys liked to tell himself. He just ended up driving more of his family away. “Welcome to Valyria.”
“Rhaenys,” Viserys nodded, smiling a bit. “It is good to see you.”
His cousin just hummed. The king turned to Corlys. “It is good to see you again, Lord Velaryon-“
“We are no longer Velaryons, your grace .” Corlys cut the man off, practically sneering that last word. “We are now the Seafyre’s, watchers of the sea and Nautical Wardens of Dragons Bay.”
That shocked Viserys and Vaemond, they not only abandoned Driftmark and Westeros, but also their name and family. The king felt a tug at his heart, he had pushed his relatives away so badly that they changed their name. Corlys Ve- Seafyre turned to his brother, “I guess you got what you wanted, brother. You are the Lord of Driftmark now.” He said mockingly. Vaemond had nothing to say.
Nautical Princess Rhaenys hummed again. “Come, the carriages are waiting.” She and Lord Corlys turned and walked down the dock, people parting ways for them.
King Viserys and his family hastily followed after them. They were taken to three open silver carriages, led by sturdy and strong horses. The king, his wife, his Hand, and children in one, Corlys and Rhaenys in another, and Ser Gwayne and three of his Kingsguards in the other. The carriages rode off down the streets towards the Palace of Dragons. Up close, the buildings of the small folk look just as magnificent as the keeps and castle. The people have different skin tones and hair colors, some pale and some tanned. They all wore clean clothes, shoes, some were working and others were heading home, children played in the streets, and they all looked happy. The place looked much better than Kings Landing, the people looked happier than the smallfolk there too.
Queen Alicent and her father were looking at the beautiful architecture, the happy people, the plentiful guards in shock. They never expected Rhaenyra to do this well. Seven Hells, they never expected Rhaenyra to do… all of this!
The citizens watched as the carriages were ridden down the main road. Many began to cheer and chant the names of the Nautical Wardens.
“Princess Rhaenys!”
“Sea Wardens!”
“The Sea Dragons!”
“Gods bless you Princess!”
“Prince Corlys!”
“The Protectors of the Sea!”
“May the Lord of Light guide you!”
“Fourteen bless you!”
Nautical Prince Corlys and Princess Rhaenys smiled, genuinely grateful and happy, as they waved to the people. Some threw flowers to them, which were caught and gathered into a bouquet. Some of the people spoke Low Valyrian, as well as a language Viserys didn’t recognize, but it appeared Rhaenys and Corlys understood and their smiles widened.
It was then that the King of Westeros noticed the small shrines and tapestries of the Fourteen Flames and the R'hllor, the Lord of Light.
“Where did all these people come from?” Alicent asked, her voice quiet with disbelief and shock. She was staring at the people of clearly different lineages and environments in barely concealed disgust.
“Apparently, Princess Rhaenyra had traveled to Yunkai, Astapor, and Meereen and killed the Masters, liberating the slaves and making them citizens of Valyria.” Lord Hand Otto informed the Queen, the same look in his eyes as he looked upon the liberated slaves, now free people. The man’s choice of words were not lost on the two men wearing red and silver armor who were driving the carriage. “Most unseemly, to wage war on three powerful cities. How she won is truly a mystery. And to consort with pagans- ”
The one leading the horses threw a glare at the Hand over his shoulder, “𝔾𝕒𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕠𝕟 𝕕𝕒𝕠𝕣 ȳ𝕫𝕒𝕝𝕕𝕣ī𝕫𝕖𝕤 𝕙𝕖𝕟 ī𝕝𝕧𝕒 𝕕ā𝕣𝕚𝕒 𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕟𝕒 ñ𝕦𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕠, 𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕝!”
The venom behind those words caused Lord Otto and Queen Alicent to recoil in surprise, not expecting that reaction. King Viserys looked at the Red Legionnaire in shock, understanding what he said. Neither of them could say anything before the other knight laughed humorlessly. “You should know, we do not take kindly to people talking ill of our Empress. You would do well to mind your tongues.” He said with a menacing grin, the gnarly scar across his face pulling with the motion.
“Is that a threat?” King Viserys spoke for the first time in a while, sitting up straight and glaring at the knight. Really, to threaten royalty, especially those of their Empress’ kin…
“Yes.” The scarred knight said simply, the smirk still pulling at his lips. “You are guests here, outsiders, foreigners. Our Empress was generous enough to let you come. Keep your mouths shut and follow the rules."
Once again, before any of them could say anything they were cut off by the sound of a roar. Everyone looked up and saw Vermithor, the Bronze Fury and King of the Dragons, fly overhead, followed by two smaller dragons, one a pearlescent color and the other a dark blue. As he looked closer, King Viserys realized that the dots that flew over the city, which he thought were birds before, were actually dragons. Many dragons, about five and ten, flying as freely as they did before the Doom of Valyria.
The carriage carried on down the main road, made of perfectly placed pale stone. It stretched over the ocean that separated the islands, and broke off into other bridges that connected the islands.
It was then they saw the palace…
It was… truly beautiful, ethereal, like something from a dream.
The palace reached high into the skies nearly reaching the clouds, it was clearly bigger than the Red Keep, maybe even Dragonstone. Made of smooth stone in colors of light blue and silver. All the roads and bridges met at the Palace of Dragons. There were lush green bushes of flowers and healthy trees all around, making it look more alive. It was truly… magnificent.
The carriages arrived at the castle soon enough, it was even more beautiful up close. They circled around the large fire pit that burned as bright as dragonfire, three Priests of the Fourteen praying.
They came to a stop in front of the stairs, and everyone exited the carriages. Viserys exited first, and was shocked to see his brother Daemon and niece Saeranera on the steps, wearing red and silver clothing and armor. Daemon stood behind Saeranera, their arms crossed behind their backs, standing tall. A woman was standing a step beside Saeranera, about Daemon's age, if not a couple of years younger. She had dark hair, tanned skin, and Valyrian violet eyes.
“King Viserys,” Saeranera said with a curt nod. “I am Princess Saeranera Emberlith, heir of Mantarys and commander of the Red Legion.” She then nodded to the woman on her left, “Captain of the Valyria Guard, Tynaera Saanys, daughter of my Great-Aunt Saera Saanys.” Finally, she nodded to her father on her right. “And of course, my father, Daemon Emberlith, Bastion Prince of Mantarys and General of the Red Legion.”
“Emberlith?” King Viserys questioned, looking between his brother and niece. He was shocked to see the look on his brother's face, cold indifference.
“My father and I took on a new name when we reclaimed Valyria.” Was her short and simple answer.
The king cleared his throat and tried not to let his hurt show on his face. “Um, where is Rhaenyra?” He asked, smiling a bit.
“There was a bit of an altercation in Meereen, Empress Rhaenyra had to go there to sort it out with Emperor Harwin and Prince Jacaerys.” Princess Saeranera smirked, looking over at her father, who smirked back and shrugged. She nodded to the Palace. “Come, let us get you settled. It should not be long before the Empress returns.”
Saeranera and Daemon turned and led the foreigners into the palace.
The inside was just as beautiful as the outside. Smooth tile floors, dark blue accompanied by silver coloring, carvings and sculptures of dragons. Many servants, guards, and nobles roamed the halls, completing tasks or chatting idly.
“This is where you will stay during your… visit,” Saeranera said, leading the foreigners into one of the wings of the palace. It was a small wing, with only a couple of rooms for them and several beds, so a couple of them would share a room, bare and the same size as the rooms in the Red Keep. They were not meant for royalty, but they would do.
“We are… not staying in the same wing as the… royal family?” Queen Alicent asked, looking at the simple rooms in disdain.
“You are guests. Guests do not stay in the royal wing.” Princess Saeranera said simply, a smirk similar to her father's on her face. Captain Tynaera snorted softly. Without another word, the three of them walked down the hall, leaving the Westerosi to stand there.
“The disrespect they have shown is harrowing, husband.” Queen Alicent said, pacing in front of the king. Viserys sighed, already tired of his wife's attitude. “And these rooms are not befitting royalty!”
“Alicent we are guests!” Viserys snapped. “We cannot force them to give us different rooms!”
“We must still be treated with respect!”
“And we have! It just seems that you have forgotten what respect entails.”
“Why did we come here, Viserys?” Alicent asked in an attempt to change the topic. “What reason is there to be here? Do you intend to ask Rhaenyra to come back to Westeros?”
“I want to see my daughter and grandchildren! It’s been 16 years since she left, and I want to know how she’s been doing all this time. I want to know my grandchildren.” Viserys told his wife, tired of her questions and her paranoia. “And, maybe if our children behave, we can ask Rhaenyra if they can try and claim any dragons.”
That made Alicent quiet and acceptable.
If his children could claim dragons, then the unrest about the legitimacy of his heir would disappear, and maybe Aegon would straighten up and Aemond would calm down.
While for the Greens, dragons meant more power for them. If one of them claimed Dreamfyre, the Mother of Dragons, then Alicent’s grandchildren could have dragons, and according to her father, with so many dragons at their command, they could attack Valyria and claim it for themselves. So, Alicent would play nice. For now.
The next day, the king and his family dressed in their finest clothes, him in red and black, his wife and children in green.
Four Red Legionnaires escort them to the throne room, and up close, Viserys realizes that their armor and weapons are Valyrian Steel.
The throne room was reminisced to the one in the Red Keep, except larger, with a higher ceiling, shinny dark blue tile floors and walls, white columns waving the silver dragon flag, and at the back of the room was a large stained glass window of various colors with a roaring dragon, and in front of it, an imposing throne of black sat there on a platform.
The hall was filled with Red Legionnaires, Volanti and Braavosi nobles, and some Valyria nobles. Viserys was shocked to see Lord and Lady Celtigar standing in the hall with their children.
“Lord Celtigar? What are you doing here?” The king asked.
“Well, considering our plights and hardships were deemed ‘unimportant’ by the Crown, we decided that we would not tolerate Westeros’ disrespect anymore. Luckily, Empress Rhaenyra took us in.” Lord Celtigar said coldly, glaring at his former king. His wife and children did the same.
King Viserys turned to glare at his Hand and wife, who looked nervous. Why did Otto not inform him that House Celtigar left like the former Velaryon did!? Viserys shook his head, he would have words with Otto later.
Approaching the throne, Viserys saw his niece sitting on the throne with her father and Captain beside her. On her left, the Seafyre’s stood with Princess Laena and Prince Laenor, and standing with the pregnant Princess were two girls with a striking resemblance to Daemon, and in her arms a young boy that looked more like her. On her right were 9 children, four boys and five girls, standing from oldest to youngest, with his Aunt Saera, Vissera, and Gael, along with who appeared to be their adult children.
“King Viserys,” Saeranera nodded to him.
“Niece,” He nodded back before looking around. Everyone was looking at them suspiciously. “Um, might I ask why you sit on the throne?”
“When the Empress and Emperor are away my father and I are tasked with watching over the kingdom,” The princess explained. She looked to the side and motioned for the oldest child, the girl so come over.
“Allow me to introduce Empress Rhaenyra’s children. Princess Naerys of Volantis,” She nodded to the dark-haired and violet eyed 8 nameday old girl standing by Aunt Saera, wearing a simple but elegant silver and orange gown, “her twin, Prince Lucerys of Astapor,” the 8 nameday old boy had white hair with dark roots, and eyes like Alyssa Targaryen’s wore yellow trousers and a silver doublet with yellow accents, “Princess Daenerys of Yunkai,” the 10 nameday old girl had long silver-white hair and blue eyes, wearing a silver and violet gown that resembled dragonscales, “Prince’s Arthur and Vael, Prince Aemon and Princess Visenya, and Princess Maenora,” the five small children, ages from 6 namedays to several moons with the babes in the arms of Saera’s daughters, were a mix of silver and brown hair, violet eyes and blue and brown, they wore silver clothing, simple yet elegant, “And her Imperial Grace the Crown Princess Aemma, heir to the Obsidian Throne.”
The eldest girl, Princess Aemma, 2 and 10 namedays old, looked just like her namesake, but much more beautiful and ethereal. She had short golden-white hair, amethyst eyes, and glowing skin, wearing a silver and light blue gown what looked like dragon scales and armor, with a simple circlet encrusted with sapphires on her head. “Your grace,” the children, his grandchildren nodded respectfully to him.
King Viserys could feel the disbelief radiating from his Hand and wife as they stared at the children.
“So, you are our grandfather?” The crown princess, Aemma, asked, looking as if she didn’t quite believe it.
“Yes, yes dear. I am.” Viserys smiled, tears brimming in his eyes as he looked at his absolutely beautiful grandchildren. “Did Rhaenyra not… tell you about me?”
Princess Daenerys pursed her lips, shaking her head. “Not really. We knew who you were but not… what you were to us.”
The king of Westeros felt his heartbreak. He had severed his relationship with his daughter to the point where she did not tell her children, his grandchildren, who he was.
Just then the doors opened and everyone bowed deeply. King Viserys and his entourage turned and stared in shock, awe, and outrage as Rhaenyra, Viserys’ firstborn child, sauntered into the throne room, her head held high and a graceful smile on her face. Her silver hair was cascading down her back beautifully, with sapphires braided into the strands. She was wearing a beautiful blue and silver gown that flowed down her body like a waterfall, dragons embroidered, and sapphires encrusted into the hem, neckline, and sleeves. On her shoulders and flowing down her back, a cloak of dark blue with sequins in the shape of a dragon stitched into the material. And on her head, rests a silver circlet encrusted with sapphires.
Behind Rhaenyra, Harwin Strong walked with Prince Jacaerys and three Red Priestesses. Ser Harwin wore silver and dark blue clothing that looked like dragon scales, and his crown was much simpler than Rhaenyra’s crown. Prince Jacaerys had white-silver hair and violet eyes, he looked so much like his mother, he wore silver and gold clothing that made him look authoritative despite his young age.
King Viserys’ firstborn child, his runaway daughter glided across the floor towards the throne, the people in the room bowing and smiling and praising her, some of them called her ‘Mysha’ .
Walking up the steps, Rhaenyra ascended as Saeranera stood up and bowed to her, gently grasping her hand and kissing her knuckles like a knight would. “My Empress,” She said respectfully, smiling at the woman.
“Dear cousin, you needn't bow to me,” Rhaenyra smiled back, gently tipping the girl's head up and kissing her forehead, stroking her cheek much like a mother would.
Saeranera and her father stepped down and stood by the Seafyre’s, and Viserys was shocked to see Daemon gently kiss and embrace Princess Laena, and the twin girls attach themselves to his waist. His niece stood beside Laena Seafyre, who smiled at her and stroked her hair.
Viserys turned back to his daughter and watched as she sat on the throne made of black glass, sat there with her back straight and chin up, looking regal, firm, and determined. Like a ruler.
“You now stand before her Radiance Empress Rhaenyra Aureliās of Valyria, Mantarys, Dragon’s Bay, the Three Sisters, and the Smoking Sea, the First of Her Name, conqueror of the Slaver Cities, the Liberator of Slaves, the Dragonlord of the West, the Flameheart, the Bringer of the Silver Age, the Azor Ahai, and Protector of Valyria.” A woman introduced Rhaenyra, ascending the steps of the throne and standing to the immediate left of the Empress, while Harwin and Jacaerys stood on the right with the rest of her children.
Otto cleared his throat and assumed an aura of calm and control. “Presenting King Viserys of House Targaryen, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, and his wife, Queen Alicent Hightower, their eldest son and Heir, Aegon Targaryen, and their youngest children, Princess Helaena, Prince Aemond, and Prince Daeron.”
Princess- no, Empress Rhaenyra looked upon the group of people, wearing green in her country.
For years, Rhaenyra dreaded the day she might see her father and his Andals again. She thought she would feel sadness, or anger, or hate. But all she feels is annoyance and disgust. The familial love she had for her father is gone. The man was dead to her, Rhaenyra would never again consider him or any half-breeds he has with his Hightower whore her kin ever again.
And she would never allow them to harm her ever again.
“King Viserys,” Empress Rhaenyra Aureliās nodded her head curtly to the foreign monarch. ”Welcome to Valyria.”
“Rhae-Rhaenyra…” Viserys stuttered, taking a small step toward his daughter. The Red Legionnaires in the room tensed, their hands falling to the hilt of their swords. The movement was not lost on King Viserys, who stood still. “It-it has been so long…”
“𝙳𝚊𝚘𝚛 𝚋ō𝚜𝚊 𝚍𝚘𝚖𝚋𝚘,” Daemon muttered, holding his young son in one arm and Saeranera in the other. Princess Laena rubbed her husband's back comfortingly. His anger grew when he noticed the confused expression on Viserys and his half-breed’s faces.
It appeared the Targaryen King completely forgot how to speak Valyrian, and he cared not to teach his youngest children.
“Yes,” Rhaenyra said slowly, her face and eyes betraying nothing. The small, beautiful smile on her face displayed no warmth or love, it was cold and emotionless. These… people deserved nothing from her and her family, so they would get nothing. “It has been a long time since we last saw each other since that night you disinherited me and sold me to the Lannisters.”
Her sire flinched, looking pained and Rhaenyra thought that was so ironic.
What right did he have to be pained? After he murdered her mother, fucked Alicent Hightower the night of her funeral, then proceeded to marry her and have children with her, disinherit Rhaenyra and sell her to the lions like a fucking broodmare! The Empress scoffed inwardly, her sire was truly ridiculous.
“What brings you here, to my kingdom?” She asked.
Viserys Targaryen cleared his throat and straightened himself up, attempting to look like a king, but failing miserably.
“My daughter-”
“Empress.”
The man looked startled. “I'm sorry?”
“It is Empress. You will address me as such.” Rhaenyra said firmly.
Another cleared throat, Viserys tried again with an awkward smile. “Empress Rhaenyra, we came her in hopes to… reconnect. I-I know that we parted on bad terms, but I hope you will allows us to mend bridges and become a family again.” The smile on his face told Rhaenyra that the old fool truly believed that they could get past all the hurt, the rift Viserys Targaryen caused, that everything could be fixed.
Before she could open her mouth, that harlot in green stepped forwards, chin high and hands clasped, looking like a pious and noble lady, but Rhaenyra knew the whore that hid under the fadace. “And, we were hoping to secure an alliance… your grace.” The Queen said, trying to assert herself but faltering under the gaze of dragons. “And… perhaps, give my children a chance to claim dragons.”
Ah, thats what this was about.
They wanted an “alliance” so they could plant their spies in her empire, so they could steal from her and, mayhaps, kill her family.
The Hightowers have always been overreaching people, as envious and greedy as the green they wear.
And her fathers children, his half-breed mongrels, claiming dragons? The very idea was preposterous, downright ludicrous, and from the looks on her family's faces, they thought the same.
The Empress of Valyria wanted to turn them away, to banish them and never see their faces again. But… Rhaenyra was tempted to allow them to stay, not to secure an alliance or mend bridges or allow those half-breeds to claim any dragons.
No, she would allow them to stay, if only to show them what she did. To gloat, to rub in their faces the fact that she made an empire, that she commanded the greatest military force in the world. That she, a woman, did all this. That they are better than them.
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, after all.
“Hmm,” Empress Rhaenyra hummed, as if giving it some thought. Her family noticed the look on her face and collectively smirked, knowing what she had in mind. “Laena is soon to give birth, according to the priests and healers, within a week, and a celebration has been planned for her babe and the anniversary of Valyria's rebuilding. The celebration will last the week leading up to the birth, and two weeks after the babe has been born. I will allow you to stay for those three weeks, and then we will see about an alliance and… dragons.”
Rhaenyra would never entertain the thought of an alliance with Westeros, nor would she let those half-breeds even touch a dragon, but she would let them stay and see all she created.
Later that day, they had supper.
The Targaryens and Hightowers were led to the dining hall, where they would eat with the royal families. There were five tables, equal in length
The dining hall is a sight to behold, with five tables arranged in a circle beneath a vaulted ceiling painted with constellations. Each table is draped in blue silk and set with golden plates and silver cutlery, while crystal goblets sparkle in the candlelight. At the head of the room sits a raised dais, where the ruling family dines in splendor.
Rhaenyra and Harwin sat at the head table on a raised dais, their youngest children sitting between them, their eldest on their other sides. Daemon and Princess Laena sat at the table on the left with the Seafyres, the twin girls and young boy between their parents, and Saeranera sitting to her fathers right. Prince Laenor sat beside his sister, chatting with a handsome man. Prince Corlys and Princess Rhaenys sat beside Laenor and the man, holding hands and talking about something. The Celtigars sat at the second table on the left, chatting amongst themselves, the younger children play fighting. On the right, Aunt Saera, Gael, and Vissera sat with their children, the latter two with their husbands.
Viserys and his family, along with Lord Hand Otto and Ser Gwayne, sat at the second table on the right, sitting in silence awkwardly as they waited for the food. They were so out of place in the dining hall.
All Viserys could keep his eyes on was his daughter and her children. He saw how she laughed and smiled, how she caressed their cheeks or petted their hair, he saw their dynamics. He saw how Daemon looked at Laena like she was all he could see, how he held Baelon on his lap and held his hand, how Daemon and Laena talked with Rhaena and Baela, how his brother jested with Saeranera and cupped her cheek. He saw Ser Harrold and the girl, half his age, stand at both ends of the head table, conversing with the young prince’s and princess’.
The King saw all of this and felt grief that he was not part of it. He hoped that this visit would change things.
(Lord Hand Otto and Queen Alicent Hightower watched the royal families of Valyria, contempt, rage, and greed filling them to the brim. Rhaenyra had more power than them, more power than Westeros. They hated her and her little brats, they hated Prince Daemon and his wife and mixed children, and they hated the defector Seafyre’s. Otto and Alicent Hightower hoped that Prince Aegon, Aemond, and Daeron bonded with dragons, then the Greens power would grow, and there could be a chance they can take Valyria from the undeserving hands of that brat, Rhaenyra.)
(Ser Cole looked at Rhaenyra with rage, regarding her children with disgust. Bastards, his mind whispered. No matter what that bitch Rhaenyra said, her children were bastards, born of sin.)
Finally, the doors opened and about a dozen servers entered the hall, carrying platters and trays of exotic foods and wines from all over Essos.
The food was spread out across the tables, and the Westerosi couldn’t help but gasp at the sight of the food. “Your Radiance,” the head server addressed her Empress with respect, bowing to her briefly. “Tonight the chefs have prepared spiced lamb skewers, stuffed grape leaves, and seasoned rice from Volantis. Braavosi seafood stew and black bread. Dornish peppers stuffed with cheese along with a platter of their blood oranges and pomegranates, along with Dornish Red wine. For dessert, Myrish Firecakes and fireplums.”
“Thank you, Alava.” Rhaenyra nodded to the girl, and with a smile, she and the servers exited the hall. “Well, let us eat.”
“Should we not pray first?” Alicent Hightower cut in before anyone could pick up their utensils.
Rhaenyra, Dameon, Aunt Saera, Viserra, and Gael’s young children looked confused. “What do you mean? We already prayed, right mother?” Princess Naerys looked to Empress Rhaenyra in confusion, her twin having a similar expression. “We gathered in the Shrine of Fourteen and had the incense ritual.”
The girl's mother nodded, smiling and patting her hair. “That is right, sweetling. However, Queen Alicent was referring to the Faith of the Seven, the religion of Westeros.” She explained gently, before tuning her cold eyes to the foreigners. “We are going to have to decline, your grace. We follow the Fourteen Flames, not the Seven, and I would ask if you not force your religion on us, please.”
Queen Alicent looked scandalized, her eyes wide and wild, with a very bright blush on her face. Prince Aemond and Ser Cole looked angry, the latter almost taking a step forward, but was stopped by Ser Gwayne Hightower, who was smarter and not as impulsive.
“Enough, Alicent.” King Viserys shook his head, leveling his wife with a glare that caused her to wither. “The Faith does not exist in Essos, and the Valyians never practiced it. If Rhaenyra and her family does not wish to practice it, then you should not force it on them.”
The king's wife cleared her throat and nodded.
Daemon rolled his eyes at his disowned brother's words, taking a sip of his wine. Were they in Westeros, Viserys would let his Hightower wife forsake and disrespect their traditions and religion, and from what Daemon has heard, the Targaryen banners and relics have been taken down and placed in storage, replaced by Faith paraphernalia, green everywhere.
The Prince of Mantarys was glad he didn’t have to see the place he grew up in turned into a godsforsaken Sept. He was glad he saw his brother Viserys for what he was, a weak, pitiful man who would continuously harm his blood.
The General of the Red Legion was glad he got himself and his eldest daughter Saeranera out of that hell hole, he could not live with himself if anything had happened to her.
With one final glare at Alicent and Viserys, Rhaenyra plastered a smile on her face and bid everyone to eat. Everyone took some food from the platters and dug in. The parents at the four tables helped their youngest children eat, praising when they tried the food. The Westerosi were a little hesitant to eat the food, but once they put just a piece in their mouths, they were stunned at how good the food was. Unlike any other food in Westeros.
As the meal progressed, tensions simmered beneath the surface of polite conversation. Queen Alicent Hightower, her face flushed with indignation, exchanged pointed glances with her husband, King Viserys, while Lord Hand Otto shifted uncomfortably in his seat. King Viserys, however, attempted to engage in polite conversation, his eagerness to mend bridges palpable.
"Rhaenyra, my dear, how have you been faring ruling over Valyria?" he inquired, trying to maintain a friendly tone.
Rhaenyra’s gaze hardened, her violet eyes boring into her father with icy disdain. “We have fared quite well, King Viserys,” she replied coolly, her tone betraying none of the warmth one might expect from a daughter addressing her father. “Valyria thrives under my rule.”
Viserys faltered, unsure of how to proceed. Sensing his discomfort, Alicent interjected, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "Yes, indeed. Your accomplishments are impressive, Rhaenyra. Though, one must wonder how much of it is truly your doing."
Rhaenyra's lips tightened into a thin line, her violet eyes flashing with annoyance. "My achievements speak for themselves, Queen Alicent. Unlike some, I do not rely on the efforts of others to bolster my reputation."
A tense silence settled over the table, broken only by the clinking of utensils against plates.
Queen Alicent squirmed under the weight of their scrutiny, her attempts at small talk falling flat in the face of their silent disapproval. King Viserys, for his part, tried in vain to maintain a facade of geniality, but his forced smiles only served to highlight the strain in his voice.
“Ahem,” The King cleared his throat. “And, my grandchildren and niece and nephew…”
“What about us?” Saeranera leveled her uncle with a cold stare, taking a bite of her skewed lamb. She only broke eye contact to hold out a piece of a blood orange to her little brother, who giggled as he took a bite.
“Well, I…” The man looked confused at his eldest niece's actions towards him. It was obvious he didn’t understand what he did to wrong him. Idiot. “I would like to know about you all.”
The Heir of Mantarys snorted, rolling her eyes. Viserys had no desire to know her when she was a child, he was more interested in using her and marrying her to his mongrel, rapist son.
(Said son, Prince Ageon was currently ogling one of the servants pouring Abor Gold in their goblets, a young and pretty girl with red hair and amber skin. His leering eyes traced her waist and chest, his mind filled with impure thoughts of what he would do to her.)
(Queen Alicent caught her son staring at the girl as she walked away as he does with the maidservants at the Red Keep. She averted her eyes as she always did and went back to eating.)
“Well,” Saeranera cleared her throat, a false, menacing smile stretching across her face. (The Greens shuddered, remembering she was the Rogue Prince’s daughter) “I am the Heir of Mantarys, Commander of the Red Legion. You already know that though,” The girl chuckled, smiling at her youngest siblings. “These are my sisters, Rhaena and Baela,” the twin girls smiled at their elder sister, looking so similar but so different at the same time. “My little brother, Baelon.” The little boy who looked just like Daemon toothily smiled.
(Viserys felt his heart clench at the sight of the boy, who looked so much like his late father, the Spring Prince.)
(Queen Alicent bristled in outrage at the name, as if she had the right to be offended.)
“And my unborn brother,” Saeranera smiled to her stepmother, who smiled back with a hand on her belly.
“You and your father are awfully convinced its a boy.” She teased, grinning mischievously at Daemon. Saeranera and her sisters giggled.
King Viserys saw how his brother acted with his family, how happy and gentle he was with them, something he had never been with Rhea Royce. He saw how he acted with the woman he fell in love with and chose to marry. He wondered why Daemon could not be like that with his former wife.
(The King forgets that his brother despised the woman he was forced to marry.)
“Well,” His wife cleared her throat, breaking the silence they had fallen into. A sickly sweet smile spread across her face. “What of the children's teachings, they appear quite… well mannered.”
“And very well educated.” Princess Rhaenys complimented, smilling and Lucerys and Naerys. “Smart and gifted children all around.”
“Thank you, grandmother.” Rhaenyra and Daemon’s youngest children echoed, smiling at the elder lady, who blushed and smiled back, her eyes crinkling with happiness.
“Yes,” Empress Rhaenyra hummed, stroking Jacaerys’ hair as he ate, smiling at her children before catching her husbands eyes across the table. “Very smart indeed. Great Uncle Vaegon, Aunt Gael, and Archbishop Gerardys oversees the children's education: economics, trade, mannerisms, language. Uncle Daemon and Lord Commander Harrold oversee the childrens sword training, and archery in the case of Lucerys, Naerys, and Rhaena.” Said children smiled at each other. Ser Harrold smiled at the children, standing beside young Princess Aemma, leaning down so she could whisper something in his ear.
“And Grand Keeper Aegel oversees our bonding and care of our dragons!” Prince Jacaerys said excitedly, and all the children giggled and agreed excitedly.
“They all have… dragons?” Prince Aemond spoke for the first time since arriving, addressing Rhaenyra, but his eyes were on the children, anger and disbelief in his Andal brown eyes.
(It was inconceivable to the boy, his soul green with envy. Why did his half-sisters bastards have dragons, while he and his trueborn siblings did not? They were the Blood of the Dragon, they were of noble blood, blessed by the Seven, so why didn’t his dragon egg hatch? It wasn’t fair.)
(King Viserys’ children he had with Alicent Hightower, and Andal through-and-through, were half-Targaryens and half-Andals. Andal blood should never be mixed with Valyrian blood, for their blood is tainted, and grately diludes the pure blood of Valyria, that and the fact that the Fourteen did not accept King Viserys’ children, so they do not have the privlage of dragons. They do not deserve them.)
(Empress Rhaenyra’s children may have a father with the blood of the First Men, but their blood was pure and strong. They were blessed by the Fourteen as babes, bathed in the sacred oils. Even without the prayers and oils, the Aureliās bloodline was blessed by the Fourteen, they were the Gods’ champoions and children. They were worthy and deserving.)
“Yes,” Crown Princess Aemma nodded, taking a bite from her blood oranges. “Vermithor claimed me the day me and Jace were born, and his dragon egg hatched that night. Dany’s hatched the day after her birth. Luke’s hatched as he was born, and Silverwing came to Nae just as she came out. Arthur and Vael’s hatched a week after, along with Visenya’s, and Dearmfyre called to Aemon about two days after. A week after Maenora’s birth, her egg hatched as well.”
Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin gazed at their children with unconcealed love and pride.
“And Saeranera, my little terror,” Daemon smirked at his daughter, ruffling her hair fondly and chuckling as she jerked away from him and giggled. “Hatched three eggs at the same time, and rode them into battle like a Dragonlord of old!”
People laughed, and scattered applause was thrown around as Viserys’ niece blushed at the compliments.
“She went to battle? A girl…?” Ser Gwayne sounded absolutely flabbergasted, looking at the Heir of Mantarys as if she was an unknown creature. Queen Alicent looked absolutely shocked and scandalized.
“Daemon’s daughter, through and through.” Prince Corlys laughted heartily, taking a sip of his Lyrish wine and grinning at the girl. “All fire and courage and bloodlust.”
“Your flattery is much appreciated, grandsire.”
The rest of the dinner went by too slow for the Westerosi, they watched as the Valyria Royal families conversed. They traded jokes and barbs, smiled and laughed. Near the end, Lord Hand Otto finally spoke. “Ahem, Pr- Empress Rhaenyra, about an alliance…”
The weasley man was cut off. “I have not yet decided,” Rheanyra lied, she already decided, but she was going to drag them along the entire three weeks of their stay. “I need to think about it and speak to my council of an alliance. And as for dragons,” Her violet gazed swept over her half-siblings; Aegon was leering at a girl across the room, Aemond was glaring at her children (namely Luke and Nae), Helaena was staring off into space and hunched into herself, and Daeron’s eyes were strangely blank as he fiddled with a butterknife. Rhaenyra barely kept herself from curling her lip. “Well, we shall see.”
With that, dinner ended and everyone retired to their chambers.
Viserys was unable to say anything to his daughter before she and her husband ushered their children out of the door and off to bed. The Aureliās’ slept in Shrykos’ Wing , where the royal family slept high in the palace. The Emberliths and Seafyre’s slept in the main guest wing, close to where the royal family slept.
Meanwhile, the Westerosi visitors slept in the wing farthest away from them, one of the smaller wings with just enough beds but they still had to share rooms.
As King Viserys went to sleep that night, he hoped and prayed that he would be given the chance to mend the hurt and pain he caused, to be given the chance to know his grandchildren, nieces, and nephew.
(But his prayers would not be answered. The Fourteen had long since abandoned the king and forsaken his Andal family.)
(Before Queen Alicent and Lord Otto Hightower went to sleep that night, they spoke privately and heatedly, devising a plan to break into the royal apartments and steal any important documents they could find, anything to help them weaken the Aureliās’.)
(They did not know that in the hidden passageways, three Faceless Men were listening. Silent and unassuming.)
The next day, nobles from the Free Cities, Volantis, Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen began to arrive for the celebrations.
The Targaryens and Hightowers, dressed in their fanciest garments of green and black (save for the king who wore red and black), clashed terribly against all the silver, blue, and gold. They watched as many nobles of different colors and origins arrived by horse and carriage, watched as many hugged Empress Rhaenyra, Nautical Prince Corlys and Princess Rhaenys, and Princess Laena.
Viserys was surprised to see the ruling Prince of Dorne arrive along with his brother and sister and hug Rhaenyra and Daemon like old friends.
Some of them spoke in languages Viserys never heard before, and Rhaenyra responded in those languages! As well as her children! When was Rhaenyra bilingual? When did she learn these unknown languages?
The King of Westeros felt a pang in his heart, another thing he missed because of his foolishness.
Lord Hand Otto Hightower and his daughter, Queen Alicent, stood side by side and watched as many nobles arrived at the Palace of Dragons, many powerful nobles. They grimaced, Princess Rhaenyra had too much power at her disposal, coupled with the dragons and the Red Legion.
Otto Hightower, the ambitious man he was, had made several plans in his mind of conquering Valyria when Aegon was crowned king, should he claim a dragon. The more power the merrier. Alicent Hightower, half as ambitious as her father, wanted to weaken the former Heirs power, viewing it as a danger to her children and Aegon’s rule, but she had no qualms about her precious son conquering Valyria.
Just then, it appeared the final guests arrived.
Queen Alicent gasped in fright, grabbing Aemond, Helaena, and Daeron when a mean-looking Dothraki Khal entered the room, flanked by his wife, their children, and several of his finest bloodriders.
Khal Essino laughed, the sound a booming echo as he raised his arms and strode towards Empress Rhaenyra. “ᴢʜᴀᴠᴠᴏʀꜱᴀ ᴋʜᴀʟᴇꜱꜱɪ! ᴀɴɴᴀ ᴏᴋᴇᴏ!” The savage man wrapped the woman in a warm, intimate hug, as if they were very old friends.
“ᴇꜱꜱɪɴᴏ! ᴍᴇ ᴀᴊᴊɪɴ ᴍᴀ ᴅᴀᴠʀᴀ ᴛᴀᴛ ᴛɪʜᴀᴛ ʏᴇʀ!” His daughter Rhaenyra responded in fluent Dothraki, hugging the Khal as if he were a brother. The two separated after a moment and held each others arms, a hold of equals, of brethren. Viserys watched the two interact before Rhaenyra moved onto the Khals wife and three small children, talking to the Khaleesi in soft tones.
Once the pleasantries were done, everyone made their way to the colosseum, where the main events of the celebrations would take place.
“You consort with the Dothraki?” Alicent asked, more demanded, of Empress Rhaenyra as they walked. “With Dorne?”
“Yes,” She said simply without looking to her unfortunate stepmother, her arm looped with her husbands. “I saw it important to make as many alliances with the factions of Essos. Though, Khal Essino and his Khalaasar are more friends. And as for Dorne, I’d figured at least one alliance with a far off country as rich as Dorne would be beneficial to Valyria, and it was, and the Martells are good friends.”
Empress Rhaenyra left it at that as she and her family headed off to the colosseum.
Before being led to the Royal Box where they would sit with the Aureliās’, Seafyre’s, Martells and such, Viserys went to find his brother to talk. Alone.
“Daemon,” Viserys said in that voice he always used with his little brother, the one that was filled with disappointment and anger. His little brother sighed in annoyance and waved for his family to go ahead before him before turning to his once-brother.
The King was surprised by the look of cold indifference in Daemon’s eyes, and it was so jarring to see him dressed in attire aside from the black and red of House Targaryen. Daemon’s hair was cut short, shorter than it ever has been, he was wearing a mostly silver doublet with red dragon detailings, dark red pants, silver boots, with Dark Sister strapped to his belt. On his right shoulder was a brooch of a roaring dragon head, its eye a ruby with a sword that resembled Dark Sister behind it. Viserys still cannot believe that Daemon is the lord of a city, the general of an army, what was Rhaenyra thinking?
“Viserys,” his little brother said. He had always called him brother, always, but now he called himm by his name, Viserys. “What do you want? Should you not be with your beloved wife and long-awaited son?”
“Daemon,” Viserys glared at his brother, wanting to see anything other than cool indifference in his eyes. “You abandoned your duty-”
“I never liked it anyway-”
“-disregarded an order from your King-”
“I was not about to let my daughter wed your half-breed- ”
“-dishonored our family-!”
“Oh, you did that plenty!”
Viserys froze, having never heard his brother speak with so much venom and hate .
Daemon scoffed, breaking eye contact and shaking his head. A humorless smirk stretched across his cheeks.
“I amassed an army for you, backing your claim to the throne, I practically put that fucking crown on your head.” The man hissed, Caraxes shrieked in the skies above the colosseum, sensing his riders rage. “All I have ever done since you became king is defend our family. I protected out family, fought for it, bleed for it, and killed for it, but it was never enough for you, was it?”
The king could not speak, he did not have any words, and he was too shocked at his little brothers attitude towards him.
“I let you exile me time and time again at the word of that Hightower cunt. I said nothing when you allowed your Small Council to call me ‘Maegor Come Again’ . I begrudgingly went back to the Bronze Bitch at your behest each time you commanded me. And each and every time you put those Andal’s before me, I forgave you because you were my brother, my family. Becasue my father, Baelon Targaryen, asked me to protect you, and I did.” Prince Daemon Emberlith of Mantarys took a deep breath, emotions running high as he said what he wanted to after all these years. The man looked back into the eyes of the man he once called brother. “I allowed all of that towards me, but I draw the line at my daughter and Rhaenyra.”
“Daemon-” The king tried to sound firm, but his voice came out strangled.
“I did not think your weakness would allow you to let those Hightower cunts to convince you to forsake out family further, but I was wrong. If it wasnt enough that you married that Andal whore-”
“Don’t call her that-!”
“-After fucking her the night of Aemma’s funeral-”
“-nothing happened-!”
“-and had those mongrels with her-!”
“-enough!”
“-but then you made that beast your heir!”
The two men stopped and took deep breaths for a few moments. Daemon pointed at Viserys, shaking his head, chuckling.
“Rhaenyra would have made a great Queen of Westeros, she would have brought House Targaryen back to glory. But instead, you made that little half-breed your heir, the king after you. Then! Then… you betrothed her to the fucking Lannister , dooming her to a cruel and dark marriage with a man who would rape her and beat her down until her inner flame diminished.”
“That would never have-!”
“You are a fool to think that fucking Lannister would not do that to Rhaenyra! And then you thought you had the right to marry my daughter to your half-breed! To make her into his broodmare, his plaything, to allow Septas to beat her at every little mistake and extinguish her fire like what would have happened to Rhaenyra! I was not going to let that happen!” Daemon yelled, and Caraxes let out an earpeircing roar that was soon drowned out by the cheers of the people. He took advantage of VIserys’ stunned silence to continue. “For years I made excuses for you, because you were my brother and I loved you. But, I finally realized my worth, that you do not deserve my devotion or anything I had ever given to you. I should have left years ago, taken Rhaenyra and Aemma with my across the Narrow Sea, but I didn’t because I though you still held our fathers teachings to heart, that you truly cared for our famly. I was wong, you care more about the Hightowers, snakes and strangers to our House as if they were your real family!”
The words came out of Daemon’s mouth like a waterfall, unable to stop now that he had long since started. He kept all this bottled up for years, kept it behind a locked door because he loved and respected his father and his teachings of family and loyalty.
For neigh on twenty years since Viserys was crowned king, Daemon defended him from how own weakness to the best of his ability, enduring years of being disregarded and put to the side, endured the taunts and whispers and insults that Viserys allowed to be levied at him, endured exile after exile after exile.
He endured and allowed all of that, slowly breaking over the years unbeknownst to him.
Daemon Emberlith had loved his older brother, but his love for his innocent, spitfire daughter outweighed the brotherly love the man used to have, and he could not let Saeranera suffer because of Viserys’ weakness.
(He will never say, but upon arriving at Volantis and meeting with his niece and aunts, Daemon held Rhaenyra in his arms, and the two broke . They sobbed and cried in each other's arms for hours, taking comfort, no matter how little, in each others embrace. Rhaenyra cried for the death of her mother and brother, for her disinheritance, for her betrothal to Jason Lannister, for all the years of disregard and being unprotected, for not being enough for her father. Daemon cried for his father and mother, for his brother Aegon, for Aemma his sweet sister, for years of wasted devotion, for never being enough for Viseyrs.)
(Silently, the two vowed to protect what family they had left, and the family they would have in the future. Silently, they vowed to never be like Viserys. Silently, they vowed they would never forgive him.)
Viserys gaped at his brother, truly shocked and outraged at what he was saying. Daemon scoffed, he had no right to be outraged.
“You have always been a weak, pathetic man Viserys. You sullied our bloodline and destroyed out family but at least you have the son you oh so desired, you have your Highotwer whore, and your cunt Hightower Hand! You might as well call yourself Viserys Hightower, because you sure as shit aren’t a fucking dragon!”
“Father.”
The two men turned and saw Saeranera standing there, wearing a silver long doublet with red dragon embroidery and rainbow obsidian, with a stand-up collar and cloak attached to the back, and two buckles in the front, dark red trousers and black boots, and a red chemise. Her chin-length silver hair was brushed back and braided.
The Heir of Mantarys no doubt heard the yelling, she looked worriedly at her father, not once looking at her uncle.
“It’s… it’s almost time.” She said, her ringed fingers fiddling at her sides. “The twins and Baelon will wonder where you are.”
Daemon looked at his daughter and sighed, he nodded, walking down the corridor. He laid a hand on Saeranera’s shoulder and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before leaving, never once glancing back at Viserys.
That left just the King of Westeros and the Heir of Mantarys alone.
The girl’s gaze turned stone cold as she regarded the man she, unfortunately, shared blood with. “I was young, very young the times I was in your presence,” She said, her voice indifferent and cold. But her eyes were alight with fiery anger. “But I remember every interaction. I remember the vile words spoken about my father and how you did nothing to defend him. I remember how your whore of a wife slandered Rhaenyra’s character, calling her ‘brat’ and ‘spoiled’ , saying she was undeserving of her station. I remember the numerous insults levied against my father and Rhaenyra. I remember looking at your son as you announced our betrothal and thinking ‘I don’t want to marry him. I don’t want to be a broodmare.’ I remember how smug those Hightower cunts looked at the announcement, and how outraged father was. I remember how you dismissed his concerns, how you countered his refusal with threats of being labeled a traitor and imprisonment.”
“He had no right or authority to refuse an order from his king!” Viserys finally found the voice to speak, anger rising in him at the words of both his brother and niece.
“You seem to love to throw that fact in everyone's faces!” Saeranera yelled back. “You say you are King but you do not act it, you do not deserve it. They call you ‘the Puppet King’ you know? The small folk? They say it is Otto Hightower who truly rules.”
“He has been a great support to our family-!”
“Your family.” The king stopped, and stared at his niece, confused. She glared. “ Your family, not our family. We may share blood, but we no longer share the name Targaryen. We are no longer family. You abandoned us first, choosing to consort and surround yourself with snakes and andals, forsaking your Valyrian blood, so we abandoned you as well.”
“Niece, I…” Viserys fumbled with his words, his mind spiraling at all the words thrown at him. “I… I am hoping and willing to-“
“That’s too bad, because we do not want anything to do with you.” Saeranera cut the pathetic man off. “Maybe Rhaenyra will allow you into her good graces,” that was a lie, but truthfully Saeranera wanted to see this whole thing play out, “but my father and I want nothing more to do with you.”
Not waiting for an answer, the princess turned on her heel and left to join her family, leaving the King of the Seven Kingdoms alone.
Notes:
EDIT: GO TO MY TUMBLR FOR FANFIC UPDATES AND FUTURE ART!! 💙🖤💙My Tumblr
(A/N - 7/20/24) Listen if you dont like this story, don't read and don't leave mean comments. There have only been a couple, but i wanna address it before any more come. If you do not like Black-Centric fics, don't read this. If you hate Team Black, don't read and don't hate comment. Okay? Have a good day :D
(A/N - 9/16/24) EDITED, because the timeline and characters ages didnt make sense
Also I’m sorry for not updating Saeranera’s Rhapsody lately, I’ve been working on this and this semester of college is almost done so things are chaotic
I’ll get back to working on Rhapsody when I’m done with this. In the meantime, read the inspired works and have a good day!
---Valyrian Translations!---
“𝔾𝕒𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕠𝕟 𝕕𝕒𝕠𝕣 ȳ𝕫𝕒𝕝𝕕𝕣ī𝕫𝕖𝕤 𝕙𝕖𝕟 ī𝕝𝕧𝕒 𝕕ā𝕣𝕚𝕒 𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕟𝕒 ñ𝕦𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕠, 𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕝!” ====== "Do not speak of our Queen that way, Andal!" (theres no Valyrian word for empress)"𝙳𝚊𝚘𝚛 𝚋ō𝚜𝚊 𝚍𝚘𝚖𝚋𝚘,” ====== "Not long enough"
---Dothraki Translations---
"ᴢʜᴀᴠᴠᴏʀꜱᴀ ᴋʜᴀʟᴇꜱꜱɪ! ᴀɴɴᴀ ᴏᴋᴇᴏ!” ====== "Dragon Queen! My friend!"
“ᴇꜱꜱɪɴᴏ! ᴍᴇ ᴀᴊᴊɪɴ ᴍᴀ ᴅᴀᴠʀᴀ ᴛᴀᴛ ᴛɪʜᴀᴛ ʏᴇʀ!” ====== "Essino! It is so good to see you!"
Chapter 2: 𝔸 𝔻𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕎𝕒𝕝𝕥𝕫 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕤
Summary:
FINALLY!!! ITS HERE!! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR PATIENCE!!
Y'all writing this I almost forgot about Vaemond's bitchass 😂
Also please excuse any errors in this chapter, this is not proofread or beta'd, and also please forgive Harwin and some characters not talking much, it's hard to keep track of everyone 😂😂😂
This was... so long... I love you guys but y'all were impatient as fuck 😂😂😂 appreciate the love tho
Also, real quick, don't hate on the actors, they did an amazing job and they (some of them) are very good-looking, but that does not make their characters not absolute cunts. Do not go on hating actors who played flawed/evil/bad characters. Seriously, be nice pls.
Notes:
---Valyrian Translations---
"𝙽𝚊𝚐𝚑𝚘, 𝚜ō𝚟𝚎𝚐𝚘𝚗! 𝚈𝚗 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚜ȳ𝚣 𝚟𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚚𝚊𝚛 𝚜𝚎 𝚍ī𝚗𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚟𝚊 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚝𝚢𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗!” === "Nagho, fly! But be a good boy and put on a play!" (show/performance)"𝙰ō𝚑𝚊 𝚍ā𝚛ōñ𝚎, 𝚜𝚎 𝚣𝚊𝚕𝚍𝚛ī𝚣𝚘𝚝𝚒 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒 𝚜ȳ𝚛ī." === "Your grace, the dragons are well."
"𝙳𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚏𝚢𝚛𝚎 𝚓ā𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚒𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚣ȳ𝚑𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚣𝚞𝚖𝚋𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚊 𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛ī." === "Dreamfyre will lay her new nest soon."
“𝙺𝚊𝚛𝚒! 𝙺𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚟𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚜𝚢𝚝 𝚓𝚘𝚛𝚛ā𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚣𝚒𝚛ȳ, 𝙺𝚊𝚛𝚢𝚜 𝚖ī𝚜𝚒𝚘.” === "Great news! Thank you for caring of them, Great Protector." (Theres no words for 'Grand' or 'Keeper')
"𝙸𝚜𝚜𝚊 𝚓𝚘𝚛𝚛ā𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗s!" === "My loves!" (Roughly)
“𝚂𝚔𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚢𝚍𝚘𝚜𝚘 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚘 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚊𝚛𝚎?” === "How have you been?"
"𝚅𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛. 𝙼ā𝚣𝚒𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚔𝚎𝚜ī𝚛, 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚊 𝚟𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚚𝚊𝚛." === "Vermithor. Come here, my boy."
"𝚂𝚎 𝚛ū𝚜 𝚒𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚜 𝚖ā𝚣𝚒𝚜! 𝚂𝚎 𝚛ū𝚜 𝚒𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚜 𝚖ā𝚣𝚒𝚜!" === "The baby is coming! The baby is coming!"
"𝙹ā𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚞ñ𝚊 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚜ȳ𝚣?" === "Will mother be fine?"
"𝙼𝚞ñ𝚊 𝚓ā𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚎𝚙ā𝚛 𝚜ȳ𝚣. 𝚉𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚒𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚜 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚣ȳ𝚑𝚘𝚗 𝚛ū𝚜, ī𝚕𝚟𝚊 𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚎 𝚋𝚢𝚔𝚊 𝚍𝚞𝚋𝚢𝚜. 𝚉𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚎 𝚜ȳ𝚛𝚓𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚑𝚊𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗." === "Mother will be just fine. She is to have her baby, our new little sibling. She has the best help."
"ī𝚕𝚘𝚗 𝚓𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝙰𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚡, 𝚓𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢𝚜 𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙹𝚊𝚎𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒, 𝚟ē𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚛, 𝚜𝚎 𝚞𝚍𝚛ā𝚣𝚖𝚊." === "We pray to Arrax, Ruler of Gods, Law, and Order."
"ī𝚕𝚘𝚗 𝚓𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚊𝚘, 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚒𝚎𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚊ō𝚑𝚊 𝚘𝚓𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗." === "We pray to you, to ask for your blessing." (Roughly)
"𝙾𝚓𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚋𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝚛𝚒ñ𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā, 𝚘𝚑 𝚔𝚘𝚜𝚝ō𝚋𝚊 𝙹𝚊𝚎𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒. 𝙱𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝚛𝚒ñ𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚣𝚢𝚜 𝚜𝚎 𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚊𝚛." === "Bless this child, oh mighty Gods. This child of fire and sea."
"𝙾𝚓𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚋𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝙳ā𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚜 𝙼𝚊𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚛, 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚚𝚊𝚗𝚊 𝚜𝚎 𝚜𝚢𝚕𝚟𝚒𝚎. 𝙽𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚊𝚣𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚢𝚜." === "Bless Prince Maekar, to be sharp and wise. To be a warrior."
"𝙾𝚓𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚋𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝚣ȳ𝚑𝚘𝚗 𝚙𝚛ū𝚖𝚒𝚊, 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚔𝚘𝚜𝚝ō𝚋𝚊 𝚜𝚎 𝚗ē𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚔𝚊. 𝙽𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚍𝚛ē𝚓𝚎 𝚣𝚊𝚕𝚍𝚛ī𝚣𝚎𝚜, 𝚛ū𝚜ī𝚛 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚣𝚢𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚗𝚊 𝚣ā𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚢𝚜 𝚓𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚛ī." === "Bless his heart, to be strong and brave. To be a true dragon, with a fire that burns bright."
"𝙾𝚓𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚋𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝚣𝚒𝚛ȳ𝚕𝚊 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚎 𝚊ō𝚑𝚊 𝚓𝚊𝚚𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚣𝚊 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚣𝚢𝚜, 𝚜𝚎 𝚓𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚣𝚒𝚛ȳ𝚕𝚊 𝚟𝚊 𝚓𝚊𝚚𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚣𝚒𝚛." === "Bless him in your glorious fire, and guide him towards glory."
“𝙸𝚜𝚜𝚒 𝚊𝚘 𝚜ȳ𝚛ī?” === "Are you well?"
“𝙽𝚢𝚔𝚎 𝚜ȳ𝚣, 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚊 𝚓𝚘𝚛𝚛ā𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗.” === "I am fine, my love."
"𝚈𝚗, 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎 𝚔𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚘𝚝ā𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚐𝚘𝚗 ī𝚕𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒 𝚝𝚘𝚕ī 𝚜ȳ𝚛ī 𝚙𝚛𝚢𝚓𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘𝚕ī 𝚜ī𝚛 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚣𝚒𝚛ȳ, 𝚑ē𝚣ī𝚛 𝚙ō𝚗𝚝𝚊 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚎 𝚐ē𝚕ȳ𝚗 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚜𝚝ā𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚔𝚊." === "But, I may consider we are more well off more so to them, hence they are in debt to the Iron Bank."
"𝚂𝚔𝚘𝚛𝚘𝚜 𝚒𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚜 𝚋𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝚑𝚊𝚔𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚣𝚒𝚛!?" === "What is this lunacy!?"
"𝙶𝚊𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚘 𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚙ō𝚗𝚝𝚊 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒 𝚟ē𝚍𝚛𝚘𝚜? 𝙿ō𝚗𝚝𝚊 𝚕ī𝚜 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗." === "Do you think they are mad? They must be."
"𝙹𝚊𝚎𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚊𝚜 𝚜ȳ𝚛𝚒𝚜 𝚜ā𝚝ā𝚜!" === "Gods be good!"
"𝙳ō𝚛ī 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚎 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚐ā𝚛 𝚓ē𝚍𝚛𝚒." === "Never in a hundred years."
"𝚅ē𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚐𝚘𝚗, 𝚣𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚑𝚘𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚔𝚊 𝚟𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚊𝚗 𝚣𝚒𝚛𝚢." === "Finally, she fucking said it."
"𝙽𝚢𝚔𝚎 𝚓ā𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚣𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚑ū𝚕𝚝𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚎 ō𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚜." === "I hope he died in pain."
“𝚂𝚔𝚘𝚛𝚘𝚜 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚜?” === "What has happened?"
“𝚂𝚎𝚙ā𝚛 𝚚𝚒𝚕ō𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚗.” === "Just punishment.""𝚉𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚔𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚊𝚑𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 ō𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚜, 𝚢𝚗 𝚍𝚊𝚘𝚛 𝚐ū𝚛𝚘𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚣𝚒𝚛𝚢?" === "He can cause pain, but cannot take it?"
"𝙽𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚖𝚒𝚓𝚎𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚊 𝚍𝚛ī𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚜𝚢𝚝 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚣𝚊𝚕𝚍𝚛ī𝚣𝚎𝚜." === "A poor excuse for a dragon."
“𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚣𝚢𝚜 𝚜𝚎 𝙶ē𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚔𝚊.” === "Fire and Silver."
"𝙼𝚞ñ𝚊! ī𝚕𝚘𝚗 𝚕ī𝚜 𝚍𝚊𝚘𝚛 ō𝚍𝚛𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚂𝚞𝚗𝚏𝚢𝚛𝚎! 𝚉𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚒𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚜 𝚐ō 𝚔𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚎𝚐𝚒!" === "Mother! We must not harm Sunfyre! He is under (power) control of the Witch!" (There was no word for control)
"𝙷𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚊 ā𝚗𝚘𝚐𝚊𝚛 𝚓ā𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚖ā𝚣𝚒𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚔𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚘 𝚍ā𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚜, 𝚜𝚎 𝚣ȳ𝚑𝚘𝚗 𝚓ā𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚎 𝚟ā𝚎𝚍𝚊𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚞𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚣𝚢𝚜." === "From my blood will come the Prince That Was Promised, and his will be the Song of Ice and Fire." ('𝚍ā𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚜' means heir, it is gender neutral)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
In the Royal Box of the colosseum, the families of Valyria sat. The adults, the royal families and Dornish and Dothraki friends, sat in the middle and to the back. The Westeros guests sat in the corner, somewhat out of sight, but close enough to see everything.
The children sat a bit closer to the railing at the front, all looking down into the arena, waiting for the show to start.
The colosseum was already full, the people cheering and screaming as the dragons soared and danced overhead or sat on the edge of the open dome, singing to each other.
Wine and snacks were served to them as they waited, Arbor Gold from Dorne, along with summerwine from Lys from the children. For the snacks, they had Myrish firecakes and dornish bloomed oranges.
The Green children looked very awkward and out of place, sitting there alone, silent as the other children giggled and gossiped.
Behind them, the Westerosi King and Queen, along with the Lord Hand and their five Kingsguards, were in a similar position. The king was casting forlorn looks his daughter's way, sad and pitiful. The Queen was looking in disdain at Rhaenyra and Daemon’s brood of bastards and savages, the boys were loud and brash, and the girls were no better! They spoke bluntly with no thought, laughed loudly and behaved so unseemly. The lord Hand was eyeing everyone, as if assessing every little thing about them. He was planning and scheming, the only thing he was good at.
(The Lord Hand had been wise to keep his mouth shut for the most part, as the night before he was heard slandering Empress Rhaenyra, and two Red Legionaries heard and threatened to take his tongue should he say things like that again.)
“So, what kind of show will we expect… your grace?” Queen Alicent inquired, looking like she sucked on a particularly sour lemon.
Daemon scoffed and muttered something in High Valyrian. Laena giggled and slapped her husband's arm in jest and warning.
(Gael, Saera, Viserra, and Vaegon did not stop their conversation, in fact, they had not once acknowledged Viserys and his family once.)
“First, there will be a play, Queen Alicent.” Empress Rhaenyra began to explain in a condescending tone, a graceful but wicked smile on her beautiful face as she held Maenora. “About three plays, one should be a re-enactment of a battle and another about a famous Valyrian tale. Then an archery contest, then finally, a gladiatorial combat.”
“Gladiators?”
“Yes. Gladiators.” Princess Saeranera spread out the word as if the Queen didn’t know what it was. Rhaena and Barla giggled.
“The Valyrians of old used slaves to mine gold and silver. I have to wonder…” Lord Otto spoke up, sipping at his Dornish Red, “are these… gladiators- ”
“Upon Empress Rhaenyra’s conquest of the Slaver Cities, the main producers and trainers of slaves, she killed every Master there and melted every chain.” Princess Rhaenys drank from her goblet of wine, her other hand caught in Prince Corlys’ grasp. The Queen Who Never Was regarded the snake in human skin with scorn and pity. “Our beloved Empress abolished slavery in Essos within a year, but you cannot settle the feuding between House Bracken and Blackwood within the time you have been in office since King Jaehaerys’ reign?”
Every adult in the Dias burst out laughing, with the children following suit, all except the Targaryens and Hightowers.
“I hear that coin in Westeros is scarce because the Crown donates it all to the Faith.” Princess Rhaena gossiped to Baela, Lucerys, and Naerys, who giggled and nodded.
“I thought most of the Faith’s money comes from the smallfolk, because they demand compensation for medical care and prayers.” Prince Arthur and his twin brother, Prince Vael, looked a tad confused at their cousin's words. Little Aemon, Baelon, and Visenya nodded.
“Why pay for care, though?” Princess Rhaenyx Vysaris, Princess Vissera Vysaris youngest daughter, questioned.
“The Faith needs donations in order to fund their members.” Prince Aemond spoke down to the girl as if she were stupid, as if she were lower than he.
“We understand that, but why do people need to pay the Faith for medical care?” Alaella Maegarys, Mistress Gael Maegarys’ youngest child, tilted her head, confused as she looked back at her mother and father. “In Valyria, healthcare and education is free, right ? ”
“Yes, but in Westeros, you must pay the Faith for their services.” Emperor Harwin said to the young girl. “That is how it’s always been in Westeros.”
“Well, that’s stupid.” Prince Jacaerys said, and his twin Aemma nodded.
“It is. And apparently, tax has been raised in Westeros, because the Crown is broke and in dept to the Iron Bank!” Princess Baela said excitedly, a glint in her eyes similar to one Daemon would get.
“How do you know about any of that?” Queen Alicent snapped, glaring at the young heathen girl. She was Daemon’s daughter no doubt, no filter, uncouth language, such a little beast. King Viserys hissed at her.
“Gossip travels, your grace .” Prince Vaegon said mockingly, eying the green queen as if she were a particularly annoying gnat. Saera and Viserra giggled, rolling their eyes at the woman.
(It was unknown to the Westeosi, but Prince Daemon Emberlith had his own little sect of Faceless Men, several of whom reside in Kings Landing and Old Town, feeding news of what happens so the Bastion Prince and his Empress.)
“You may want to teach your children decorum, Prince Daemon. Their attitudes are not suitable for ladies- ”
“They are my daughters, princesses of Valyria.” With a glare of fire, the Green Queen flinched and withered, loosing her confidence in the presence of the infamous Rogue Prince. “I will raise them as I see fit.”
Silence for a few moments, then Otto fucking Hightower opened his mouth, “Lady Laena,” her mouth twisted and Daemon’s jaw clenched at the wrong title, “I cannot help but be confused, why do your daughter have your… surname, but your sons don’t?”
“That is quite simple, Ser Otto,” with all the wit and sarcasm she inherited from her mother, the Queen Who Never Was, Princess Laena Seafyre regarded the snake. “I am my parent's heir, so I will inherit Dragon’s Bay and the Isle of Cedars after them. Rhaena and Baela are my heirs, and they will rule equally after me.”
“ You will inherit? You and your daughters? Girls? ” Unbidden, Lord Vaemond Velaryon could not help his disbelief as he stared at his whore niece. His brows furrowed in anger as his eyes slid from Laena to Corlys. “What about Laenor-”
“I decided that I would be unfit to lead our House, instead I will protect.” The man said, sitting beside his lover, Joffrey Lonmouth, and beside him his half-brother, Addam Seafyre, who’d arrived a few years ago.
“Why do you care so much, Vaemond?” Corlys asked his brother, his brow arched as he sipped his Dornish Red. “It is my House, and I chose who will be my heir.”
(Vaemond had five children with his estranged wife who despised him, 2 girls and three boys. His eldest is Haella, a girl, followed by Daemion.)
(Young Daemion Velaryon was the Heir to Driftmark, because there was no way in the Seven Hells would Vaemond name a woman as the next ruler of Driftmark. Over his dead, fucking body. He worried, albeit unconsciously, that if word reached Westeros that his brother, the former Lord of the Tides, had named his daughter and granddaughters his Heirs, then his stupid little daughter would get in her head that she had any right to Driftmark. But Lord Vaemond was determined to never let her even touch the seat.)
(But Haella was a girl scorned by her father, deprived of a position that was rightfully hers. She was ambitious and cunning, a sailor at heart, even if she didn’t look completely Velaryon. Daemion wasn’t fit for the Driftwood throne. He wasn’t a pervert like Aegon II, or ruthless like Daemon, he was a weak boy with low self-esteem and relies on others to guide him. Haella wanted to be Lady of the Tides, Daemion didn’t know what he wanted.)
The sound of trumpets and fanfare cut off whatever the Queen or her father wanted to say.
“It’s starting!” Baela and Rhaena jumped excitedly in their seats, and Princess Saeranera sat up straighter and leaned forward.
The gates to the Colosseum opened, and several carriages pulled by strong, war stallions rode in. Cheers and applause rose in volume as the carriages from all over Essos, waving the flags of kingdoms and cities aligned or sworn to Empress Rhaenyra.
“Look! Its Uncle Reggio!” Prince Arthur pointed to the Prince of Pentos, he, Vael, Aemon, and Visenya going up to the railing and leaning over, screaming to the man. “Uncle Reggie!”
The Prince of Pentos heard the yells of his name and waved to the children.
“Empress Rhaenyra! We are honored to be asked to perform for the celebration of Princess Laena Seafyre’s babe!” Prince Reggio yelled, the carriages circling the Colosseum. The cheers rose in volume, people chanting the Essosi nobles names and praising Princess Laena and her unborn babe. “So, we will begin the celebrations with a re-enactment of how Empress Rhaenyra built up the New Valyrian Empire!”
Louder cheers and chants, confetti was thrown and flags were waved.
It was much like a tourney in Kings Landing, except grander and more… sincere.
(Since naming Prince Aegon his heir, any celebration held was never as cheery or happy as celebrations centered Rhaenyra or Daemonor Aemma. The only ones really happy during those times were House Hightower, Lannister, and Wylde. King Viserys could not understand why the smallfolk did not seem happy or satisfied with his son.)
(The reason is that in the short time Rhaenyra was heir, she made an effort to go out into the city, donating her allowance to orphanages and struggling families, reaching out to Houses whose problems were ignored by the Small Council and securing alliances and friendships. Rhaenyra had shown that she cared about her once-future subjects, and that she would have done everything in her power to improve their lives.)
(Prince Aegon has never once done anything like that, in fact, his and his Hightower mother's contempt for the smallfolk was well known and never hidden. Everyone in the kingdom knew what a drunk and a pervert the Prince was, seen more often in the company of whores than attending his duties.)
Everyone watched as the performance started.
Several actors and performers had been hired from the Free Cities, Braavos, and Volantis for the re-enactment, with a man with a booming voice narrating from the side.
The tales of Empress Rhaenyra’s conquest of nearly half of Essos had scarcely reached Westeros. Only short tales, embellished stories, and half-truths. No one in Westeros know the complete story, but now it was being shown to the Crown.
Bewildered, awed, shocked, outraged, they watched as the actors re-enacted the Silver Conquest, starting from when she ran away from Kings Landing. It had been staged as if Rhaenyra had run away from the cruel king and her wicked stepmother, who intended to keep her chained in a golden tower on a rock, imprisoned by greedy lions.
(King Viserys and Queen Alicent felt called out, even though their names were not said.)
The Targaryen's and Hightower's watched as the play progressed to the first Conquest of Astapor.
“... and in a valiant display, Empress Rhaenyra gave the Masters of Old one chance to surrender. But being the old, decrepit,” the narrator paused to allow the laughs to pass before continuing, “soulless men they were, the Masters refused. So, keeping to her word, Empress Rhaenyra, the Liberator of Slaves, sacked the city with Bastion Prince Daemon. Syrax the Golden Lady and Caraxes the Blood Wyrm burned the towers of the Masters, before eventually burning the men with hearts as black as night…”
Two dragon puppets made of wood and fur, made in the likeness of Syrax and Caraxes, were controlled by two people and swooped over a wooden model of Astapor, and the puppeteers breathed fire on the city, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
In the Royal Box, the youngest children jumped up and down in excitement.
“Together, they screamed…”
“𝓓𝓡𝓐𝓒𝓐𝓡𝓨𝓢!”
The crowd and children roared as one, a booming sound that was sure to reach miles. Overhead, the dragons breathed out fire into the air, eliciting more cheers and screams from the people.
“Why are the dragons not chained?” Queen Alicent asked in a high, panicked tone, as if she were only just noticing the many dragons sitting on the bowl of the Colosseum. She clutched her hands tightly, picking at her cuticles. “Why are they flying freely?!”
“They have been flying freely since the starts of Rhaenyra’s Conquest.” Princess Saeranera turned in her seat to stare at the vain and fairly annoying woman. “Just as they did before the Doom.”
“But, they are dangerous! They must be chained and controlled-”
“A dragon is not a slave.”
Brown eyes turned to Princess Aemma, who was staring at the Andal Queen with an indifferent expression, but the look in her eyes… The Greens shuddered, for the girl's eyes held a deep understanding. It felt like she was staring into their souls, as if she could see them for what they truly were. It was as if she knew more than she was letting on…
“Yes, that's right, sweetling.” The cold indifference melted into a warm smile directed at the Empress. “The dragons were not meant to be chained and confined to small pits, that is why the dragons have their own nesting grounds.”
“A truly magnificent place for the dragons,” Emperor Harwin spoke up, transferring Maenora into his arms and cooing at his daughter. “Plenty of space for them to fly around and make their nests. Nothing but the best for those majestic creatures.”
King Viserys shook his head, a placating, condescending smile on his face as he turned to Empress Rhaenyra. “My dear,” the man seemed to not notice the sour look that passed over Rhaenyra’s face, “You know that it is very dangerous-”
“They are not mindless animals.” The Empress of Valyria cut the man who was once her father off. “While I can understand the Dragonpit was made to make the smallfolk feel safe, chaining the dragons since infancy and confining them to small caves is unhealthy. I swore I would not do that to them in my country.”
Before anyone could say anything else, the horns sounded off, signaling the second play was about to start after intermission.
The second play was a re-enactment of The Battle of Slaver’s Bay. Apparently, the Slaver Cities had Scorpions, and when news reached Meereen and Slavers Bay about the Conquest, they took up arms.
“Princess Laena, atop her mount Vhagar, flew above the Slavers Bay, the Queen of the Dragon’s thunderous roar shaking the sea.” The puppeteer, now with a large puppet resembling Vhagar, swooped around a replica of Dragon's Bay. “Their ship numbers were in the thousands, but by the time Princess Laena the Dauntless’ bloodlust was satisfied, there were only seven ships… left.”
The crowd went wild, cheering for Princess Laena Seafyre, and in the distance, Vhagar could be heard roaring, making the crowd cheer more.
“She rides Vhagar?” Prince Aemond asked, looking sullen and a little angry, next to him, Prince Aegon was indulging heavily in Arbor Gold. Princess Helaena was silent, staring at nothing.
“Mhmm.” Rhaena nodded, a big smile stretching across her face.
“Yep, she's the largest dragon in the world!” Baela pipped up.
“Very big!” The younger twins excitedly jumped up and down, smiling and giggling. “Huge!”
“With how big she is, I wouldn’t be surprised if she had a dragon in her belly.” Aegon muttered drunkenly, unheard by the adults behind them who were in a tense conversation, but it was heard by the other children.
“Don’t talk about our mother like that!” Baela hissed at the elder boy, glaring as he took another sip from his goblet. The alabaster skin and white hair didn’t stand out well with the bright doublet and trousers, with golden trimmings and dragon buckles, so the so-called Heir to the Iron Throne looked very unsightly and… unappetizing, as you would say.
(If the Greens wanted to marry the boy to any noble girl, they would have a run for their coin. He was good-looking, but he was not handsome, and he was nothing compared to the Targaryen men of old, like Prince Daemon or Prince Baelon, or even his namesake, Aegon the Conqurer.)
“My father can have your tongue for that comment,” several seats down, Princess Saeranera, only a year or two Aegons senior, glared at the Andal boy called Targaryen Prince, her violet eyes piercing into his damming brown ones. “You would do well to keep your mouth shut, boy.”
“Our mother and father will not allow-”
“What can your mother and father do?” The Heir of Mantarys and Commander of the greatest military force in Essos, rider of three fully grown dragons, cut the second son off, her glare sliding over to him. Like with Aegon, Aemond’s pale skin and white hair did not go well with the bright green, and honestly that shade is so bad that no matter the seamstress it’ll make you look bad.
(And as if you had something to be envious about… or greedy. )
“What can they do? Rhaenyra doesn’t have any familial love for you, so she would let my father do what he must to protect his family.” The girl's lips quirked up in a smirk, one so eerily similar to the Rogue Prince’s. “Rhaenyra’s army is over 150,000 of the greatest fighters in all of Essos, who I have no doubt would any army Viserys tries to send. The Dothraki and Dorne are close friends, and they would die and kill for her. And there is nothing, nothing Rhaenyra wouldn’t do for family. So, I ask again, what can they do?”
Prince Aegon and Aemond were stunned into silence, and Saeranera turned back to the Colosseum.
The third play came and went to the deafening cheers of the people.
Then came the archery contest. “Prince Lucerys, Princess Naerys, Princess Rhaena.” Captain Harrold prompted the children to follow him. The three children giggled and excitedly followed after the man.
“Where are they going?” Prince Aemond asked, his eyes following as the younger children left the Dais.
“To partake in the Archery Contest, of course.” Emperor Harwin said proudly. “They’ve been practicing for it.”
“But-but girls are not supposed to partake in fighting of any sort-” The Green Queen shook her head, her voice reaching a high pitch and her eyes looking wild as she stared at Rhaenyra and Harwin.
“This is Valyria,” Commander Mara cut the Andal woman off, glaring at the whore, her thick bastard Valyrian accent cutting through the air. She was a pretty woman, but undesirable by any man with her scarred face and muscular body. “Nobody gives a shit what’s between their legs, all that matters is actions and skill.”
“You cannot speak to me in that way-!”
“Your grace, I urge you to-“
“ Enough .”
All heads turned to Empress Rhaenyra, who levied the Green Queen and Lord Hand with a fiery, stern glare. “I will have no squabbling during this week of celebration, and I will not have any of you insult my family. Keep your opinions to yourself, or you will lose your tongue.”
“Rhaenyra!” King Viserys snapped, glaring at the Empress as if she were a misbehaving child. “You go too far! Alicent is your stepmother and I will not have you-!”
With violet eyes blazing like contained dragonfire, Rhaenyra, Viserys' runaway daughter, stood firm and commanding, not needing to raise her voice to exert her authority. Addressing her sire, whom she would never again call " father ," she declared, "I have no mother but Aemma Arryn, whom you ruthlessly murdered in cold blood. It is you who overstep your bounds. Remember, this is my kingdom, my realm, and I will not tolerate slander against my family or people or any reckless actions without consequence. Be aware that I can easily strip you of your tongues and send you back to the wretched place you rule without hesitation. Do you understand?"
The Westerosi Royals stared, absolutely shocked at the Empress’ display. They did not speak, and Rhaenyra took their silence as acceptance and sat back down, taking a deep breath and grabbing her husband's hand, speaking softly to her love in High Valyrian.
(The whereabouts of Ser Cole and Ser Gwayne fled her mind, but it didn’t matter, Empress Rhaenyra’s Faceless Men were shadowing the two Kingdguard; silent, unseen, and unknowing. Should they do anything, they’ll alert the Red Cloaks.)
(The rest of their guards were staying at her guest chambers, standing awkwardly.)
Everyone’s attention was turned back to the arena, where Prince Lucerys and Princess’ Naerys and Rhaena entered, wielding beautiful looking bows, and wearing their dragon scale riding leathers. Luke in yellow, Naerys in orange, and Rhaena in aquamarine.
“Yeah Luke!” Prince Jacaerys cheered for his little brother, he and his twin clapping and smiling.
“Go Lu! Go Nae!”
“Whoo! Rhaena!”
“Yay!”
“Do well!”
The children and adults cheered for the three, giving encouragement and waving little flags. The Aureliās’ were waving flags with their House colors and the little silver dragon, and the Seafyre’s were waving their flags.
(Vaemond Velaryon, Lord of Driftmark and commander of the Velaryon fleet, stared in envy and disgust at Daemon’s daughters, who didn’t even look like Laena or Laenor, who were girls , but would inherit Dragon’s Bay and the Isle of Cedars, which according to rumors, was larger and grander and richer than Driftmark. He felt slighted and embarrassed and owed something, but he already got everything he’s ever wanted.)
(When Corlys left Driftmark with his wife and children, most of the Velaryon lights left with him, along with half of the sailors and warships.)
(Driftmark was no longer Westeros’ greatest navy force, and was no longer the richest, since Lord Vaemond lost a lot of it from expenses maintaining the keep, paying off debts, buying sellswords to make up for the lost knights, and his support of the Greens.)
The royal families were not the only ones cheering on the children. The citizens were also voicing their enthusiasm and encouragement and love.
“Prince Lucerys! Princess Naerys!”
“The Pearl of Valyria!”
“The Gem of Valyria!”
“Princess Rhaena!”
“The Storms Calm!”
“Lucerys the Valiant!”
“The Twin Delights!”
The Targaryen’s and Hightower’s watched (awed, outraged, angered, disgusted) as the three children were cheered on by their family and the people, as the love for the prince and two princesses was so clearly displayed. They watched as the children smiled and giggled, waving to the people as they held their bows and walked to the center, where the archery equipment was set up.
There were a few other contestants, archers from all over Essos and Dorne, a couple of Dothraki as well. The elders did not look down on the younger contestants, no, instead they looked at them with respect.
The Westeros Royalty watched as the three young children went up against grown men and women as the archery contest, and won . They watched in shock as they notched their arrows and hit every target almost perfectly, they were still young so they didn’t get many bullseyes, but they hit near center and got higher scores than the other contestants.
As the contest went on and the three continued to win, Prince Aemond Targaryen watched in envy and anger as those three… bastards showed off how much of prodigies they were at archery and how they were adored by the smallfolk and their fellow contestants.
(When his mother deemed he was old enough to learn to fight, Ser Criston Cole and Uncle Gwayne have been the ones to oversee Prince Aemond’s sword training. The Greens all claimed that he was a skilled swordsman, that he would become a fine warrior and become Protector of the Realm when Aegon became king, boosting the boys already large ego. But no one outside of allies or family ever said that to him, in fact, people didn’t really talk to the prince. They did not praise him, compliment him, or give many verbal confirmations. And no one outside the Greens looked at him with respect or adoration.)
(Since the day he could talk, hells, since the day he was born, Prince Aemond has always been an angry and, some would say, feral boy. He was always mad about something or another, glaring at people and talking down on them. Some thought it was the lack of a dragon, others the status of being a second son.)
(It did not help that the boy inherited his mother and grandsires disdain for the smallfolk and servants. He did not outright say anything bad about them, but he did insult the servants and squires and pages. And more than once, he could be heard in his rooms or in the training yard speaking ill of the people of Flea Bottom, calling them disgusting and vermin , as well as his run-away sister, Princess Rhaenyra, calling her a whore and bitch. There were also incidences of violence against squires, younger or about his age, in which Prince Aemond would beat them in the training yard and threaten them.)
(One boy, about 10 namedays old, had been beaten to a bloody pulp, and the Prince had threatened the child a year his junior, “Say anything, and I will burn you and your disgusting family alive, peasant.” Word of that spread, and people avoided the boy like the plague. Whispers of Maegor Come Again followed Prince Aemond to this day.)
Soon, the archery contest ended with the three children winning, a Dornish archer third, Luke and Nae second, and Rhaena first.
The three were given crowns of golden roses and dandelions for winning before going back to their seats. Upon arriving at the Royal Dais, the children were showered with praises and love by their parents and siblings. Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin held the twins in their arms and said sweet nothing's of High Valyrian into their soft hair as they showered them in kisses.
Prince Daemon and Princess Laena kissed Rhaena’s head tenderly, saying how proud they were of her, causing a dark flush to build on the pale girl's cheeks.
As things were settling, Princess Saeranera got up and left the Dais through a side door.
“Where is Saeranera going?” King Viserys asked, puzzled.
“You’ll see,” was all Rhaenyra said.
A few minutes passed as the arena was cleared of the archery equipment, and then a roar was heard. One that reverberated through the air and shook the ground, one that made the crystal glass of goblets shake and the wine within them tremble.
Everyone looked to the sky, the children rushed to the railing in excitement and jumped up and down.
Then, a dragon as white as snow wearing a blood-red saddle with silver accents descended from the sky and landed in the middle of the arena. The cheers of the audience rose to a near deafening level.
The Westeros visitors gasped as the large dragon landed, causing the ground to tremble beneath the force.
Nagho, the Wrath of the Sky, let out a deafening roar that would rival the Bronze Fury’s and spread his wings wide. Once he settled, he lowered his chest to the ground to allow his rider, Saeranera, to unbuckle and dismount.
“Emberlith’s and their dramatics.” Princess Rhaenys shook her head, a grin tugging at her lips as she stared at her step-granddaughter.
Princess Saeranera walked across the arena as confetti was throw in the air, smiling and waving to the people as they called her name. She wielded a Valyrian Steel spear, and she wore light Valyrian plated Steel armor with red leather underneath, her silver hair braided back like a wreath.
“Princess Saeranera!”
“The Princess of the City!”
“Saeranera!”
“Saeranera the Brave!”
“The Red Blade!”
“Gods Bless you, Princess!”
“The Wrath of the Sky!”
“The White Hydra!”
“Lord of Light smile upon you!”
“Princess!”
“Saeranera the Hydra!”
“Nagho of the Sky!”
“The Three Heads of Saeranera!”
The princess beamed at all the praise and love she received from the citizens of Valyria, her eyes brimming with happiness and gratitude.
(A stark contrast to when she lived in Westeros. Runestone was never home to her, especially after her mother’s death. The people there despised her, they were her uncle's side of the family, and they hated her because she was more Daemon’s daughter than Rhea Royce’s. Things weren’t better in Kings Landing, people looked at her like she was a monster, an abomination, they whispered vile, cruel things about her and her father.)
(Those whispers beat down on the then child and her father, slowling killing them the shot time they were in the Red Keep. And King Viserys did nothing to protect them, then he sought to further their suffering by betrothing Saeranera to Aegon, that little beast, and threatening Daemon with imprisonment.)
(But in Valyria, under Empress Rhaenyra’s rule, Daemon and Saeranera were loved by the people, they weren’t judged for past actions or looks, they weren’t whispered about maliciously or slandered. They were free , free to marry whom they wanted when they wanted, to go where they please, say what they please. They were free and happy , something they could never achieve in Westeros.)
The love the smallfolk had for the Princess of Mantarys was evident to the Targaryen’s and Hightower’s, and needless to say, they were… stunned. The girl had never been so well received in Kings Landing, in fact, nothing with Daemon’s name attached to it was well received.
The Greens couldn't understand, how could they cheer for Daemon’s daughter, his feral, ruthless, uncouth, unladylike daughter who no one would ever marry. And how could her behavior go unchanged for so long?! If she had stayed in Kings Landing, Queen Alicent would have made sure the girl was taught by the strictest of Septa’s to be sure that her wiliness and feral mannerisms were smoothed away.
Queen Alicent would have made Princess Saeranera into a fine lady, and a worthy wife for her Aegon.
Stopping before the Royal Dais, the Heir of Mantarys crossed her spear over her chest and bowed her head deeply. “Your Imperial Radiance, Empress Rhaenyra,” she greeted her eldest cousin, who was like a second mother and aunt to her. “Your Imperial Majesty, Emperor Harwin,” Saeranera then nodded to the man, then turned to Princess Aemma, “Your Royal Eminence, Crown Princess Aemma.”
The Heir to the Obsidian Throne giggled and waved, the other children doing the same.
“I thank you for allowing me the honor of starting the final event of the start of the festivities!” Princess Saeranera said boldly, pausing to let the cheering die down before continuing, “And before we begin, I would like to ask for the favor of my beloved mother, Princess Laena Seafyre.”
She looked to her stepmother, smiling that smile that could only come from Daemon Emberlith.
The future Warden of the Sea chucked as she stood, struggling momentarily with her large belly, before approaching the railing and standing behind her twins and son. The Heir of Mantarys held her spear up towards the Dais, which allowed for the Sea Princess to tie her handkerchief around the hilt below the blade. “Good fortune, my dear girl.”
The audience ate the exchange up, cheering and whistling as Saeranera blushed and smiled. She then turned to her dragon, and shouted, “𝙽𝚊𝚐𝚑𝚘, 𝚜ō𝚟𝚎𝚐𝚘𝚗! 𝚈𝚗 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚜ȳ𝚣 𝚟𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚚𝚊𝚛 𝚜𝚎 𝚍ī𝚗𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚟𝚊 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚝𝚢𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗!”
In response, the white dragon roared before breathing fire into the air. Once it dispersed, to the deafening cheers of the smallfolk, the Sky’s Wrath took flight and joined his brother and sister in the sky.
Then it wasn’t long before the gates opened, and the first gladiator entered.
“For the first contestant to fight against Princess Saeranera the Hydra, hailing from Sunspear, the seat of Dorne… Red Dune!!”
The cheering rose again as the gates opened, and a large Dornish man entered, wielding a greatsword and wearing dark red leather armor. The sword was long and large, the steel had been stained red and the hilt wrapped in black fabric. The leather armor was rough, seemingly made of different parts from different sets but pained with blood. The warrior was tall, maybe an inch more than Daemon, with sienna skin and ashen hair tied back in a low ponytail, dark eyes almost the color of black, with a large scar on the side of his face going from his temple down his neck.
Princess Saeranera faced the Dornish man with a smirk, twirling her spear around. “Red Dune!” She greeted the man as if he were an old friend.
The Dornish man smiled back, showing a mouth of yellow teeth. “Hydra of the Grass Sea!” He greeted back, swinging his large and imposing sword around.
“What is a hydra ?” Prince Daeron asked, speaking for probably the first time since arriving. His eyes were strangely blank as he stared at the weapons held by the gladiator and Princess.
(Prince Daeron was… an odd boy, so to speak. He was a good-looking boy, better looking than Aegon, but he not what you would think a prince should be. He was fairly polite, not rude like his brothers, and he left the servants and squires alone for the most part, he spent time in the training yard, some in the library, at first glance Prince Daeron was… ordinary. That is, until you learn of the rumors…)
(In his rooms, the boy has a series of journals unknown to everyone but the Queen and the maids. In these journals, Prince Daeron wrote very detailed entries about… violent, cruel things he would do to people. Skin, murder, torture, cut, stab, flay, whip, many horrible, vile things he wished to do to anyone. The first maids who found the journal couldn’t help but read, it was left on his desk, they vomited and ran to the Queen with this discovery. Queen Alicent turned as green as her dress, and before long the maids were fired and sent away, sworn to secrecy.)
(Rumors and whispers of rape did not follow the third son of the king, but whispers did follow. Whispers than small animals, such as birds, rats, mice, and the occasional kitten, would be caught and brutally slaughtered by Prince Daeron, their innards torn open and ripped apart. When the Queen asked why, the boy said, “I wanted to know what the inside looked like.” )
“A hydra is a mythical beast, they say it is a three-headed dragon.” Prince Lucerys explained, kicking his legs as his eyes tracked the gladiator and Saeranera.
“Begin!”
Attention was pivoted back to the arena.
Saeranera and Red Dune charged towards each other. Cheers echoed in the air as the spear and greatsword clashed together in a loud clang ! Under normal circumstances, a spear would break under the weight, but Saeranera’s spear was made of Valyrian Steel, much more sharp, durable, and lighter than ordinary steel, which made the armor and weapons far superior to those of Westeros.
“Their armor and weapons are Valyrian Steel,” Lord Otto Hightower relayed this information to his Queenly daughter, leaning towards her in a way that was inconspicuous. “Which is damn near unbreakable.”
Queen Alicent nodded grimly, her lips pulled into a tight line as she picked at her cuticles. “As if their numbers were not enough, they also outmatch our armies.”
“But not if we get our hands on the diagrams for Valyrian Steel. When we return to our rooms, tell Cole and Gwayne to look for schematics as well.” He whispered into Alicent’s ear before pulling away and drinking his wine, trying to look casual. His daughter nodded, and did the same.
(Unaware to them, a rat was scurrying by their feet, its eyes a cloudy white color, its ears listening to everything they say.)
(While in the walls, one of Rhaenyra’s Faceless Men, a man named Holden stood, his eyes white like the rat's as he possessed the creature's body, seeing and hearing everything the rat did.)
Everyone watched as Princess Saeranera battled the imposing Dornish man, moving with grace and agility even in the armor. She bobbed and weaved around the behemoth, parrying his greatsword with her spear.
The audience cheered as the Heir of Mantarys cut the man with her spear, drawing blood, the weapon tearing through his leather armor, the wound on his side clean and not that deep.
Meanwhile, in the Royal Dais, the families were yelling and cheering just as loudly, specifically the children. They clung onto the railing and jumped up and down, cheering Saeranera’s name excitedly.
“Go Sae!”
“Go Nera!”
“Whoo!”
“Yay!”
“Saeranera!”
“Win sissy!”
All during the fight, Princess Saeranera kept that genuine, feral smile on her face even as sweat began to bead on her forehead and dampen her leather clothes under the armor. She was enjoying this fight, she was having fun and relishing in the cheering from the smallfolk and her family.
And for some reason, this made the Westeros guests jealous. People never cheered for them like that, never looked at them with respect or love.
(And why would they? King Viserys butchered his first wife after subjecting her to pregnancy after pregnancy never once caring for her well being, before replacing her with the daughter of a second son that wasn’t even that pretty. Queen Alicent Hightower was a prideful and ambitious woman, like her father. She thought herself above everyone else, even though she was once a maid who's only achievement was seducing the king and giving him children, she cared not for the smallfolk and preached righteousness and purity, when she was actually a hypocrite who laid with the king like a whore. Lord Hand Otto Hightower, former hand of King Jaehaerys, father of the Queen Consort and grandsire of the future King, always desiring more than he deserved and willing to do whatever it took to reach his goal, even if it meant murder and rumors and kidnapping. It was well known how little he thought of the smallfolk and minor Houses, since he ignored their needs, and has hidden the conflict between House Blackwood and Bracken.)
(Prince Aegon was a pervert, a disgusting boy with several bastards running around Flea Bottom, who’s raped nearly every maid in the Red Keep, all of whom have been threatened with death should they peep. Prince Aemond was a feral boy, uncaring for the people he deems lesser than him, already called ‘Maegor Come Again’ with a history of violence. Prince Daeron murders small, defenseless animals for fun and fantasizes torturing people.)
(House Hightower, so smug and assured of their superiority with Prince Aegon as the future King, flaunted their green clothing and acted as if they were the leiges of the Reach, snubbing the Tyrell’s left and right, knowing they would not be punished. They heavily taxed the smallfolk, abused them, and withheld food and medicine from them.)
(Why should any of them be loved or respected?)
The crowd went wild as Princess Saeranera disarmed Red Dune, his greatsword flying out of his grasp before his feet were swept out from under him. He found himself on his back, staring up at the sharp edge of the spear pointed straight at him.
“Yield,” Saeranera commanded, her voice hard and reaching even over the cheers.
Red Dune looked at the princess for several seconds before laughing, “I yield!” He shouted, and the cheering rose.
The man was helped to his feet, the two grasped each other's forearms in a hold of equals before Red Dune left with his head held high despite the defeat. Saeranera raised her spear in victory, screaming with the smallfolk.
The spectators from the Royal Dais watched as Saeranera battled and won against every opponent that came forward from all across Essos from the Free Cities to the Dothraki Sea.
Prince Aemond watched his cousin fight valiantly and fairly, his eyes green with envy.
(Despite the Green’s stroking his ego, a subconscious part of the second son knew that he wasn’t as good as they say he is. Ser Cole and Uncle Gwayne are mediocre at best, they could never measure up to the likes of Daemon Emberlith, so with the two of them training the boy, how could he even compare to his runaway uncle, and subsequently, his niece who fought like a demon with grace and speed Cole and Gwayne did not possess.)
(And it didn’t help that Ser Cole taught Prince Aemond unfair and dishonorable tactics, teaching the boy to strike an opponent when down, to strike from behind, when they are weak. That solidified his title of ‘Maegor Come Again’ .)
Princess Saeranera was a great warrior, and it wasn’t a surprise. Her father was Daemon Emberlith, she rode three fully grown dragons, she’s been taught from great masters from all over Essos, and she was a Valyrian through-and-through.
By the end of the gladiatorial tournament, Saeranera came out the winner, sporting a few minor wounds and a triumphant smile on her face.
The Heir of Mantarys was given a reward of 10,000 Valyrian Dragons, to which the Princess set aside some for her personal account, while she would donate the rest to the Order of the Fourteen to use for the smallfolk. That got another round of cheers.
Then, the princess knelt before her stepmother, a wreath of fireblooms, Valyrian Sunflowers, and Bloodrose’s held in her hands as she presented it to the Seafyre Heir. “I name my beloved mother, Laena Seafyre, my Queen of Love and Beauty.” Saeranera Emberlith declared, placing the wreath on the Princess’ dark curls as if she were crowning a Queen. The very pregnant Laena got up and embraced her eldest, kissing her forehead tenderly.
Ladies swooned and people cheered, and the young children clung onto Saeranera’s pants as they left for the carriages to take them back to the Palace.
There, they had a small family feast to celebrate Saeranera’s victory.
It was then that Viserys and his family learned more about the Valyrian Royalty. It seems that the celebrations has eased the tension a little.
(The families knew of their Empress’ plan to subtly gloat, to rub in the Targaryen and Hightower’s faces how happy and at peace they were in Valyria, and they fully intended to take full advantage of that plan.)
Aunt Saera was married to her husbands, Lazenno and Norros, two Volantis men who were polar opposites in appearance. Lazenno had short, light strawberry blond hair and tanned skin with brown eyes, Narros had auburn hair tied back in a low ponytail, beige skin, and deep grey eyes. They spoke in thick Volantese accents as they flirted with Saera, which made Alicent mutter prayers and curses under hear breath.
Queen Alicent would have liked to lecture against wearing provocative gowns or flirting in ways like Saera and her husbands were, as well as the sin of taking multiple husbands, but a glare from her Kingly husband and father kept her from doing so.
(Besides, it's not like her ramblings would do anything aside from annoy people.)
(A bit of an unspoken rule supported by Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin, more of a social norm by now, was that women could dress how they liked without leering men or pois ladies shaming them. So, many women wore low cut gowns, dresses with slits in the skirts, clothing normally associated with whore’s in Westeros. But here, they were normal clothing and no one was shamed for what they wore or where they worked.)
Aunt Vissera’s house led the Healers Guild, the doctors, healers, and physicians of Valyria dedicated to helping the sick and injured. They had employed many Essosi healers, especially those from Volantis, Braavos, Dorne, and the Free Cities.
When asked why they don’t employee Maesters of the Citadel, Daemon sneered and barely held back what he wanted to say, only stopped by his wives hand. Rhaenyra’s nostrils flared for a moment, her hands griping her beautiful and immaculately designed silverware, Harwin noticed and grabbed her hand, the one with her wedding band.
It was a beautiful piece of jewelry, obviously created by a master. It was made of Valyrian steel, engraved with dragons and encrusted with sapphires, rubies, aquamarines, and obsidian stones.
Her husband's ring was similar, but simple. It was gold-plated Valyrian Steel, with sapphire resin and stones with engravings of dragons.
They remained King Viseyrs of the rings he and Aemma wore. The one he still wore on his left hand, and Aemma’s was taken by Rhaenyra when she ran away all those years ago, which she was wearing, right next to her wedding ring.
The sight made the King's chest tighten painfully.
Aunt Gael was the teacher of the young children, alongside Archbishop Gerardys and Uncle Vaegon. The three sisters’ children were Dragon Keepers, guards and knights and sailors, they were all happy, beautiful, and accomplished, much more than King Viserys can say for his children.
Everyone went to bed that night, retiring to their respective chambers.
The King of Westeros dreamed of bloody sheets and empty Arryn blue eyes.
(Meanwhile, the Green Queen and her father the Hand conversed late into the night, instructing Ser Cole and Gwayne of their next course of action.)
(They remained blissfully unaware of the Faceless Men listening through the walls.)
The carriages were pulled down the slightly rough path, strong stallions taking them to the western island of Valyria, the Western Valley as it was called
After a couple of days of celebrations and festivities, and several instances of King Viserys and Queen Alicent inquiring the subject, Empress Rhaenyra finally allowed the Westeros Royalty to accompany them to where the dragons resided.
The Targaryen’s and Hightower’s rode together behind the Aureliās, Emberlith, and Seafyre carriages. Beautiful things, made from cherrywood and redwood, in the colors of their respective Houses. Their carriage, meanwhile, was simple and nothing special.
Honestly, Viserys didn’t care, but he was glad his wife didn’t complain about it.
Prince Aemond sat in his seat, tense but excited about the chance to finally claim a dragon, as was his birthright. He would finally get his due and the respect his station demanded. Prince Aegon lounged where he say, nursing a mug of wine, Princess Helaena picked at her cuticles and seemed irritable, even as she sat so still. Prince Daeron was looking across the landscape, his hands fidgeting, he wanted to bring his journal, but his mother forbid him.
They rode for maybe an hour, traveling across the landscape of fresh grass and tall trees. Like the rest of Valyria, life retuned to the barren landscape, grass regrew, rivers ran with clean water, and wildlife once thought extinct and lost forever were brought back by the grace of the Fourteen Flames.
The Ashen Elk, with their fur the color of their namesake and antlers as black as obsidian, travel across the valley with the Flamecrest Deer herds, which have fiery orange fur and glimmering antlers. Red Hares scattered across the land, narrowly escaping the Fire-tailed foxes. The Magmahide Bison stand and eat the grass with the red-hided cattle, not paying mind to the Sootscale Sheep or the Obsidianhorn Ram’s. The Sunhawks and Sunbirds resided in the trees.
It was all a stark-clear example of the Fourteen’s blessing.
Alicent and Otto didn't believe in the Fourteen Flames, but they couldn’t logically explain the return of flora and fauna in this way.
Eventually, the carriages came to a stop and everyone exited.
The Keeper's stronghold was large enough to house the 20,000 members, but it wasn’t grand or beautiful like the Palace of Dragons. It was simple, a reconstructed keep waving the flags of House Aureliās. The Keeper’s wore black and dark blue leather armor resembling dragon scales, with a variety of skin tones, eye and hair colors, along with burn scars, and they only spoke in Valyrian.
“𝙰ō𝚑𝚊 𝚍ā𝚛ōñ𝚎, 𝚜𝚎 𝚣𝚊𝚕𝚍𝚛ī𝚣𝚘𝚝𝚒 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒 𝚜ȳ𝚛ī.” Grand Dragon Keeper Aegel, an older but sturdy looking man of Valyrian descent, told Empress Rhaenyra, holding a Valyrian Steel spear in his hand. “𝙳𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚏𝚢𝚛𝚎 𝚓ā𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚒𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚣ȳ𝚑𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚣𝚞𝚖𝚋𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚊 𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛ī.”
“𝙺𝚊𝚛𝚒! 𝙺𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚟𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚜𝚢𝚝 𝚓𝚘𝚛𝚛ā𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚣𝚒𝚛ȳ, 𝙺𝚊𝚛𝚢𝚜 𝚖ī𝚜𝚒𝚘.” Rhaenyra smiled, leaning into her husband as he smiled back. The Empress was wearing dark blue and silver riding leathers that resembled a gown, but more accommodating to a dragon rider. It reminded King Viserys of Queen Visenya during the conquest.
“𝙰𝚘 𝚐𝚊𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚛ō𝚟ē𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚛𝚛𝚎.” Emperor Harwin nodded gratefully to the man.
King Viserys stepped out of the carriage, holding his hand out for his wife to take. The Green Queen herded their children to their sides, gripping Prince Aegon’s arm like a vice, sure to leave bruises later. Princess Helaena gazed out at the rugged landscape, Prince Daeron was indifferent, and Prince Aemond was abuzz with excitement. The Lord Hand was eyeing everything and everyone, Queen Alicent was standing straight and clutching her hands, and Ser Cole was just openly glaring at Empress Rhaenyra and her children.
Captain Harrold caught the glare and stepped between his liege and former-comrade, breaking the man's line of sight. Their eyes met, Ser Cole flinched and averted his gaze.
“Come,” Empress Rhaenyra said with an air of authority, and her family as well as several Dragon Keepers walked down the path into the grounds.
The Westeros guests hurry to follow.
The entourage walk down the path past the Keeper's stronghold, down the hill and into the valley that was the home of the dragons. The valley was once a small but thriving city, until the Doom came and destroyed everything, now the ruins of buildings and keeps are all that remain. The dragons fly overhead, or nest in the ruins.
It wasn’t majestic, but the sight of the dragons flying free made King Viserys nearly stop in his tracks. Just like in Old Valyria…
The Silver’s continued the path down, not sparing a thought to the foreign guests, who rushed to catch up with them.
Saeranera’s face broke out into a large smile, and she broke away from the group. “Nagho! Soarmes! Aendar!” She called out towards one of the larger structures, a small keep. One by one, three heads of white, bronze, and blue pop out and turn to the girl. Happy cries and trills peirce the air as the three dragons leave their nest and crawl towards their rider. “𝙸𝚜𝚜𝚊 𝚓𝚘𝚛𝚛ā𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚜!”
Nagho, Soarmes, and Aendar let out happy cries as they lowered their heads and nuzzled Saeranera, purring as she scratched their scales. “𝚂𝚔𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚢𝚍𝚘𝚜𝚘 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚘 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚊𝚛𝚎?”
The children soon followed suit and ran across the field towards their respective dragons.
Vermithor was nesting with Silverwing in one of the former keeps, the silver dragon curled up under the Bronze Fury’s wing, with a smaller dragon under her wing. The three of them perked up when Aemma, Lucerys and Naerys.
“Arrax!”
“Silverwing!”
The two dragons responded to their rider's calls excitedly. The Princess of Volantis hugged the snout of Silverwing, the two nuzzling each other. Meanwhile, the Prince of Yunkai almost body slammed into his adolescent dragon. It was about the same age as the boy, with beautiful pearlescent scales and red fins.
The Crown Princess Aemma smiled and held her hands out for Vermithor, the King of Dragons. “𝚅𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛. 𝙼ā𝚣𝚒𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚔𝚎𝚜ī𝚛, 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚊 𝚟𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚚𝚊𝚛.” The beautiful girl smiled, running her hands over the dragon's rough, worn scales. The Green entourage watched as the Bronze Fury purred, fucking purred like a cat for the damned girl who would go on to inherit an entire empire.
The Greens watched as Rhaenyra and Daemon’s children greeted their dragons so excitedly, like they were pets - no, that's not the right comparison. They spoke to the beasts as if they could understand them in that vulgar language, as if they were speaking to another person and not a vicious creature.
(The Faith of the Seven always saw the Valyrian’s and their dragons as abominations, their customs as sins, and their magic evil. The Faith could never understand them, never bothered to try, they were afraid and that was why they hated them.)
(That was why the Faith and the Maester’s conspired for years, maybe since before the Doom, to eradicate magic and the remaining Valyrian’s. That was why so many Targaryen’s died because of the Maester’s Conspiracy.)
“So many… dragons.” Queen Alicent said, clutching her hands together tightly. Her father nodded and caught her eyes, after a moment she nodded back and sighed.
Emperor Harwin stood back with Prince Corlys and their guests as they watched their family members greet their dragons. The former Heir of House Strong looked warmly upon his beloved wife as she approached her Golden Lady, High Valyrian rolling off her tongue so smoothly. Gods, Harwin loved her so much…
“Ser - Emperor Harwin,” King Viserys stumbled before quickly righting himself, regarding his son-in-law with an awkward smile. “Might I inquire where my granddaughter Maenora is?”
“We decided to leave her in her rooms with Jaenya, Gael, Saera, Vissera, and Vaegon. Her hatchling is still young, the Keeper’s said to wait a little while before allowing him to move to the Grounds.” The man explained, not taking his eyes off his wife and children. “Mayhaps when they are 3 namedays.”
Prince Aemond found himself walking away from the others as they spoke, approaching the twin bastards, Lucerys and Naerys.
“They are your dragons?” The boy asked, a blank but slightly mulish look on his face.
The twins looked at the Westeros Prince, surprised and a bit confused at his presence. Little Naerys nodded, grabbing her twin’s hand. “Um…yes, they are.” Luke said, his voice timid but firm. “This is Arrax, my cradle dragon. And that is Silverwing, she bonded Nae shortly after we were born.”
“Silverwing… bonded with her?” The choice of wording was not lost on Prince Aemond, whos brows furrowed. Riders claimed dragons, bonded them and commanded them, not the otherway around.
“Mhm.” Naerys nodded, smiling as Silverwing’s head gently nudged the girl's arm, asking to be pet, to which she obliged. “ 𝙼𝚞ñ𝚊 said that she was singing to me outside as she gave birth to me, and didn’t settle until 𝙼𝚞ñ𝚊 showed me to her. Vermithor bonded with Aemma when she was born too! As well as Aemon!”
“A dragon cannot claim someone.” Prince Aemond snapped, glaring at the twobastards that looked so ethereal compared to him and his siblings, who others say, looked too Andal . “You’re a liar.”
“I’m not a liar!” Naerys puffed up in offence, her twin doing the same as they faced the older boy. “You just don’t understand!”
“That’s not how it works, you-”
“And how would you know?”
Three eyes turned to Princess Aemma as she stepped forward protectively, placing her young siblings behind her as she faced the boy. They were about the same age and height, so their eyes met, no problem. The only notion that they were related was the silver hair and the nose, and that was it.
Prince Aemond had an Andal face and brown eyes, unlike Princess Aemma Aureliās, who had mesmerizing amethyst eyes, fair, unblemished skin, and golden-white hair. She looked wholly Valyrian and so beautiful, unlike the second son of the prince.
Behind the Crown Princess and her little siblings, Vermithor was there, looming above, causing a shadow to cast upon the boy. The King of the Dragons growled low in his throat, glaring at the Targaryen Prince. Aemond swallowed and took a small step back. “Our Maester said-“
“Is your Maester a dragon rider? Does he have a dragon of his own?” Princess Aemma questioned, not unkindly, nor mean, but firmly and calmly. She looked genuinely curious to hear Prince Aemond’s answer. “Well, your Maester is wrong about dragons. He knows nothing about them, but allow me to educate you, Prince Aemond. Dragons claim us, it is them who chose who deserved the privilege of being their bonded, not the other way around. So, I am sorry to say your Maesters are terribly misinformed.”
“Then why did my egg not hatch?” Prince Aemond asked, angry at the Princess’ words and being in these bastard’s presence.
“I do not know,” Princess Aemma shrugged, her eyes and face carefully blank. “Perhaps it was not meant to be.”
The three turned back to their dragons, ignoring the Targaryen Prince.
The boy’s fists clenched, and his jaw tightened in anger.
Overhead, Syrax flew high with two young dragons following after her, one was a pure golden color while the other was a light shade of blue.
“Who are those little ones?” King Viserys asked, trying to catch his daughters eye to no avail.
“Syrax’s hatchlings, born just a couple of years ago.” Empress Rhaenyra answered simply, her face impassive, standing tall and regal as she looked upon her children. “Sunfyre and Tessarion. Jace and Aemma named them.”
“They are very… peculiar.” Queen Alicent said.
“Hm.”
“Ahem,” King Viserys cleared his throat and smiled at his daughter. “Rhaenyra, my dear, about your siblings claiming dragons-”
“They will have to wait, King Viserys.” She cut her sire off, leveling him with an even and cold stare. The man swallowed. “You are strangers to the dragons, Your Grace. If your children were to approach the unbonded ones, they could perceive them as threats and attack.”
“Yes, but, maybe-”
“No.” The stare turned into a glare, beautiful amethyst eyes drilling into dark violet ones. “These dragons are under my protection, and I decide who can try and bond with them. You can accept that, or you can leave right now.”
The Greens and her sire sputter, in offense and shock.
“ Princess-!”
“That is highly-!”
“Rhaenyra-!”
“Enough.”
The squabbling ceased at once. “Those are my rules. Once again, if you do not like it, leave. Non-negotiable.”
Before anyone could say anything else, an earth-shaking roar echoed through the air. The foreigners looked around for the source of it, and saw a large mass of darkness emerge from a cave. The Cannibal crawled out from her dwelling and shook around, stretching her mighty wings as Vhagar exited after her. Visenya Targaryen’s mount snapped at the Cannibal, who growled.
The display was nothing violent, if anything, it appeared playful as the two largest dragons in the world took flight over the valley.
Saeranera watched the two behemoths fly away as she approached with one of the Dragon Keepers, a Lyrish woman with red hair.
“Kona and Uncle Vaegon says that Cannibal has been doing better.” Saeranera said to her liege, watching the pitch black dragon fly. “She’s been eating well.”
“That is good.” Empress Rhaenyra said with a pleased smile. “She looks much more healthy.”
Noticing the confused looks on the visitors faces, the Dragon Keeper, Kona, began to explain while Saeranera translated. “The Keepers have suspected that the Cannibal’s aggression and… diet have been caused by an illness, or something or other. So, the Keepers and Priests have been monitoring her carefully, overseeing what she eats and giving her medicine.” The princess explained.
“Medicine?” King Viserys inquired.
“Yes, made by the Healers Guild Bishops. It seems to be doing the trick, even though it took Cannibal a while to eat the animals we sent into her cave.” Saeranera continued, watching the Cannibal dance in the sky with Vhagar. “She’s been eating more healthy, and has left the other dragons alone for the most part. The only ones she allows near are Vermithor, Vhagar, and Silverwing.”
(Lord Hand Otto and Queen Alicent Hightower shift, their mouths pressing into thin lines. The Hand of the King clenched his hands behind his back, his face carefully blank in spite of the anger boiling in his chest.)
(Queen Alicent regarded the black dragon with a weary, fearful gaze before looking away. Perhaps one of her children could mount the beast, now that it was calm…?)
Later, as the carriages carried its occupants back across the bridge, towards the Palace of Dragons, the Cannibal could be seen flying above the Valley with Vermithor, Vhagar, and Silverwing.
The week passed almost dreadfully slow, and by the end of it the festivities were delayed until Princess Laena gave birth, which she was very close to doing so if her forced bed rest was anything to go by. Lady Siroreah, Rhaenyra’s first advisor and close friend, along with Princess Rhaenys, oversaw preparations for the party.
The Celebration of the New Sunrise, as it was called by the smallfolk.
The former slaves revered it as such because the day Empress Rhaenyra broke their chains and killed their oppressors, the sun rose on a new day for them. A new day, a new sunrise in which they were free people for the first time in their lives.
Decorations were being set up, food organized, entertainers hired.
People were abuzz with excitement, anxiously waiting for the approaching day, they day they were given freedom and a new home, and the day a new Prince or Princess of the Sea would be born.
The Palace was abuzz with activity, servants moving left and right, hurrying to accomplish their tasks.
Princess Laena lay in her bed in hers and Prince Daemon’s guest chambers, being tended to by Archbishop Gerardys, Grand Healer Vissera, and several of the best healers of Valyria and Essos. The Princess of the Sea was sickly looking, a high flush on her pale cheeks, her hair matted with sweat. “Babes have and always will be demanding little things,” Princess Vissera said, organizing her tonics as Geradys gently probed Laena’s bulging belly, his ear set against her skin to listen to the babe. “They come when they please, take as long as they want. They really suck you dry.”
“Hmm,” Archbishop Geradys hummed, in agreement and thought, as he withdrew from the princess’ belly. “The babe’s heartbeat his strong, and they’re moving around quite a bit. Eger to come out, I recon.”
Two of the healers, women from Pentos giggled as they gossiped about something, mayhaps something about the guests .
“There shouldn’t be any problems, the babe is in the proper position. But, should anything happen, we are ready.” Aunt Vissera put a reassuring and on Laena’s shoulder, rubbing the skin for a moment before doing the same for Daemon. The couple nodded gratefully and smiled at each other. It was almost time.
As Prince Daemon and Princess Laena awaited for the labor to start, the royal families and their guests had moved to Tessarion’s Garden.
It was unlike anything the Targaryen’s and Hightower’s ever saw in Westeros, no doubt the work of sorcery and witchcraft.
The grass was a lush, healthy green color, spreading out about 15 acres. Paved paths of pale stone lined the land, smooth and carefully crafted as they led across the garden to gazebos and ponds. Benches rested along the paths, made from cherrywood and carefully crafted. All across the land, red-leaf trees, redwood trees, and cherry blossom trees from YiTi stood tall, proud, and beautiful, along with the hundreds of various flowers that sprouted in bushes.
Empress Rhaenyra sat under the large gazebo just across from the pond, where YiTi Koi fish and several other fish species swam under lily pads, reading a book with young Aemon resting his head in her lap. Next to her, Emperor Harwin held little Maenora in his arms, gently rocking the babe to sleep. Across from them, King Viserys, Queen Alicent, and Lord Hand Otto sat tensely, nursing cups of Rosewater tea and Honeyed Pastries.
In a separate pavilion, the Nautical Princess Rhaenys and her husband, Corlys, sat surrounded by their family and friends. They were joined by their sons, Addam and Laenor, and Laenor's lover, Joffrey. Aunts Saera, Vissera, Gael, and Uncle Vaegon, along with their husbands, and Lord and Lady Celtigar were also in attendance. The group conversed and laughed as they enjoyed Fire Tea, Arbor Gold, Lemon Cakes, Blood Orange Scones, and Spiced Nuts.
The children played in the garden, giggling and running around as they played their make believe games of knights and monsters and dragons. Saeranera was further away with Prince Trystane Martell, Clement Celtigar, and Princess Tynaera Saanys, the four of them sparing with wooden spears and swords.
They were laughing as they jested and threw jabs at one another. They were all so carefree and happy, for some reason, it was… jarring, to King Viserys Targaryen and he did not know why.
Maybe because… he wasn’t part of it?
Princes Aegon, Aemond, Daeron, and Princess Helaena sat on a bench, awkward and stiff as their peers played. The eldest Prince was nursing a cup of wine, not very strong, unfortunately, but it gave him a pleasant buzz. Prince Aemond was glaring at everyone, and Prince Daeron was blankly staring at the children. Princess Helaena was holding a Crystal Butterfly, carefully inspecting the delicate specimen as she muttered something.
“I am Aegon the Conqueror!” Princess Visenya said with a toothy grin, standing on a bench and holding up a stick as if it were Blackfyre. The then pointed to Arthur and Vael. “And you two are my sister wives, Visenya and Rhaenys!”
“We can’t be Visenya and Rhaenys!”
“We’re boys!”
Arthur and Vael protested to the amusement of everyone else.
Empress Rhaenyra smiled as the sound of laughter filled the air, gently running her fingers though Aemon’s hair. She could feel their eyes on her, but she chose to ignore them, focusing instead on the presence of Harwin beside her, her son in her lap, and the Lyrenese book she was engrossed in.
As she read, and as the guests struggled on what to say, her first Advisor walked out into the garden and approached the gazebo. Her first Advisor, Siroreah, was a beautiful woman at only 7 and 20, kind and smart, well versed in several languages, and had a real silver tongue. She had long dark, silky hair, with beige skin and amber-brown eyes. She had been 2 and 10 when Rhaenyra first met her, when the dirty girl had snuck into her war camp and spoke to her in fluent High Valyrian. With her help, Rhaenyra was able to send her troops into the keep and capture the Archmaster’s family and important documents, which made conquering the city much easier.
“Your Imperial Radiance,” Siroreah bowed her head as she stood beside her Empress, hands folded and back straight. “Archbishop Geradys and Healer Vissera say that Princess Laena’s labors are near, and that the babe should come within a day.” She reported, her voice a dulcet tone like voices of the sweetest bards and most melodious birdsong.
“That is wonderful news.” Empress Rhaenyra pulled her eyes away from her book to look at her Advisor and trusted friend gratefully.
“Give our best to Daemon and Laena the next you see them, will you?” Harwin asked gently, careful not to disturb Maenora who was dozing in his arms.
“Of course, Imperial Majesty.” Siroreah bowed again and left, but not before saying hello to the children.
“Rhaenyra, who was that? I do not believe we met her.” Gods, honestly, every time she heard King Viserys’ voice, she felt a rage and annoyance so deep, she was impressed with herself that she did not let it show. But, Rhaenyra kept a calm and composed appearance as she regarded the Puppet King.
“That was Siroreah, my First Advisor. She hails from Yunkai, and aided in my conquest of the city. She is a very close friend.”
Short and simple, that was all Empress Rhaenyra wanted any conversation with her sire and his Hightower’s to be like, and it seemed they partially caught onto that. King Viserys cleared his throat and took a sip of his tea. “I noticed that… Maester Geradys is in your service, now called Archbishop. May I ask why that is? Why do you not employ Maesters?”
Empress Rhaenyra stared incredulously at King Viserys, did he really just ask that? This man’s stupidity knew no limits.
“Yes, yes, the Maesters of the Citadel are quite skilled and knowable. Much more so than that Healer’s Guild , I’m sure.” His Whore Queen as well, it seems, though hers and her fathers are more malicious, while Viserys’ was just pure obliviousness and stupidity.
“I found myself distrusting and questioning the methods of the Maesters after they butchered my mother like a pig, only to produce a dead babe, since they claim to be oh so knowledgeable.” Her voice was even, and low to not wake her children, as she placed her book to the side and made direct eye contact with the Weak King and his Green Whore and her Snake of a father. They all tensed, Otto and Alicent Hightower needing to look away to avoid seeing that fire in her amethyst eyes. “I did not trust them with my family's health and safety, which is why I hired many healers and physicians from all over Essos, and why Vissera founded the Healer’s Guild. You can imagine how she felt about the Maesters herself, having seen so many of her brothers and sisters die before adulthood.”
That stunned them into silence, and they could not say anything to rebuke. What could they?
While the gazebo fell into a tense silence, the children remained unaware of the tension sowing.
It was the hour of the wolf, when the entire palace was awoken to pained cries and curses.
“𝚂𝚎 𝚛ū𝚜 𝚒𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚜 𝚖ā𝚣𝚒𝚜! 𝚂𝚎 𝚛ū𝚜 𝚒𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚜 𝚖ā𝚣𝚒𝚜!”
The babe was coming.
Everyone was immediately awake, Geradys, Vaegon, and Vissera rushing to Laena’s chambers as her contractions came in long intervals, followed by their healers and physicians. Daemon was with Laena, resolute in staying with her as he had with his other children, so he left the care of Baela, Rhaena, and Baelon to Saeranera and their grandparents.
The children weren’t let near the wing where Laena was giving birth, so they were kept in the drawing room on the other side of the Palace, but they could hear the faint sounds of her cries.
The tension in the air was made tenser when they were all joined by the Targaryen’s and Hightower’s.
They were ignored for the most part.
The children played on the floor quietly or read books, while the adults drank tea. Saeranera sat on the floor with her siblings, Jace, Luke, Dany, Nae, and Aemma, holding Baelon in her lap as the older kids played cards. The youngest ones played with their stuffed toys and blocks, babbling in High Valyrian.
The faint echoes of a wail could be heard outside the door, the older children looked at it for a moment before resuming their game. “𝙹ā𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚞ñ𝚊 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚜ȳ𝚣?” Baelon asked quietly, looking up at Saeranera.
“𝙼𝚞ñ𝚊 𝚓ā𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚎𝚙ā𝚛 𝚜ȳ𝚣. 𝚉𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚒𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚜 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚣ȳ𝚑𝚘𝚗 𝚛ū𝚜, ī𝚕𝚟𝚊 𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚎 𝚋𝚢𝚔𝚊 𝚍𝚞𝚋𝚢𝚜. 𝚉𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚎 𝚜ȳ𝚛𝚓𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚑𝚊𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗.” Saeranera soothed her little brother's hair, holding him close in her lap. He nodded, satisfied with her answer, and turned back to watching the card game.
“I heard Vaegon and Vissera say this one is particularly difficult. Laena will have to wait awhile to have another.” Aunt Saera said to Gael, wearing her low cut sleep clothes.
“Yes, but with all those healers, Laena is in good hands. Geradys and Vaegon would sooner throw themselves in the pits of the God's Mountain than ever think to cut her open like a fish. Unlike some people.” Gael shook her head as she murmured that last part. The God’s Mountain is one of the larger dormant volcano’s in the Smoking Sea, it was one of the main sources for their obsidian.
King Viserys froze at her words, his heart stuttering when they registered. How do they know that?! Did Rhaenyra tell them? Would that one event haunt him forever?
(Yes. It would. His murder of Aemma Arryn would follow him every day of his life to the day of his death. And even then he would know no peace.)
Queen Alicent and Lord Hand Otto exchanged glances. It was bothersome and annoying that Empress Rhaenyra was smart enough to know not to trust the Citadel and the Maesters. Otto Hightower wondered if she had an idea about the poisonings, or if she was simply distrustful of them because of what happened to her mother. The man was leaning more towards the latter, because the Citadel was still standing, and if she knew, there was no doubt she would have burnt it to the ground. Good thing she wasn’t that smart.
But, it was still troublesome because of that, because if Empress Rhaenyra had employed any Maesters, Otto could have bribed one of them to slip a little something into their food and drink. Fast acting, but agonizing. They are well stocked in Tears of Lys and Manticore Venom, but alas…
Though, sneaking in some spies may be possible if Viserys could not be a fucking moron and keep saying the wrong shit, then they could secure an alliance and offer workers.
Meanwhile, Vaemond Velaryon was silently seething in his seat, not eating nor drinking as he glared at Corlys, Rhaenys, their son, and Corlys’ bastard son. Just the sight of them fills him with rage, adding on to the fact that both Corlys and Rhaenys rule Dragon’s Bay and the Isle of Cedars, that they commanded the greatest naval force in the world, and that they were nearly obscenely fucking rich if what Vaemond has heard is true.
And the fact, that Laena will inherit everything, and then her fucking daughters will inherit after her. Women are not meant to rule, not meant to lead.
It was why Haella was not named heir, why he was looking for the farthest possible lord Vaemond could marry her off too.
They do not deserve all they have, they don’t deserve any of it! And oh, how much Vaemond wanted to rip it all away, tear it from his brothers fucking hands and drown him, his wife, and his fucking abominable children in the fucking sea.
Princess Laena Seafyre’s labor went on for hours, and the young children fell asleep immediately, only the elders were up. Saeranera was laying her head on Rhaenyra’s shoulder as she read a book, holding a slumbering Baelon. Rhaena and Baela were sitting with their grandparents, while Aemma, Jacaerys, Daenerys, Lucerys, and Naerys sat with Harwin, Harrold, and Mara.
Hours later, as the sun began to rise along the horizon, as the first light of gold cast across Valyria, a sharp wail pierced the tense silence. The wail of a newborn babe.
On the day of New Sunrise, Maekar Emberlith was born.
The celebrations were in full swing, people cheering and dancing, eating and drinking exotic foods and wines, children playing, bards singing. The streets were lined with decorations of the three colors of blue, red, and aquamarine, with several others mixed in.
Overhead, the dragons soared and sang.
It was truly a marvelous celebration, one that put the many celebrations Kings Landing has ever had to shame.
The people were cheering and singing for Empress Rhaenyra, their liberator, their savior, as well as Princess Laena and Prince Daemon’s newborn son.
The two smiled and waved as the Princess of the Sea held her son, proudly showing him off as the carriage carries the family down the street, followed by several other carriages. Flower petals and confetti were thrown into the air from rooftops, creating a shower of rainbow colors.
“Princess Laena!”
“Prince Daemon!”
“Gods less you!”
“Long live the Bastion of Mantarys!”
“The Princess of the Sea!”
“We love you!”
“Fourteen bless you!”
“May the Lord of Light guide you!”
Smallfolk cheered, and it was very reminiscent of how the people would greet Daemon in Kings Landing. The people of Kings Landing, especially Flea Bottom, loved Daemon and he was called the Prince of the City for a reason. He may be brash and rough, he may have a thirst for blood and battle, but he was a good man, and he did care.
It’s unfortunate that King Viserys never saw that in his brother. That he believed an outsider over his own flesh and blood.
(But, that was not the case for the Three Houses of Valyria. The Aureliās’, Emberlith’s, and Seafyre’s (along with the Saanys’, Vysaris’, and Maegarys’ and their cousins the Celtigar’s and Rogare’s) were all family. Old King Jaehaerys was a good king but a horrible father, condemning his daughters to early deaths and unhappy lives “for the good of the realm,” and Rhaenyra and Daemon had never been enough for Viserys. The Silver Empress never wanted her loved ones to suffer the abandonment and disercion they have all their lives ever again, and she never wanted their children to even get a taste of it.)
(While the House Targaryen would never again be united, the Three Houses of Valyria and their minor houses, would. Family, love, and loyalty was the foundation of the Valyrian Empire, it was a lesson that the smallfolk, the soldiers, the farmers, the Keepers, the monarchs, the Lords, the Ladies, the Princesses and Princes, and the Empress’ and Emperor’s would never forget.)
Advisor Siroreah sat in the carriage with the Westerosi guests, sitting across from them and smiling at the people.
Not only were they cheering for Laena and Daemon, but also for their Empress, as they did anytime she graced the streets, which she did very often. Empress Rhaenyra always made a habit of going out into the city with her family whenever she could socialize with her citizens.
“Empress Rhaenyra!”
“Mysha! Mysha!”
“Empress!”
“The Silver Empress!”
“Rhaenyra the Liberator!”
“Mysha!”
“Dragonlord of the West!”
“Our Beacon of Liberty!”
“Our protector!”
“We love you, Empress Rhaenyra!”
“Mysha!”
“Mysha!”
Advisor Siroreah fought not to laugh at the looks of pure shock on the guests faces (and the looks of anger and the Hightower’s). Truly, these people were delusional. It was fascinating, watching them be dumbfounded by everything everywhere they went, Siroreah honestly doesn’t understand their thought process, but she was going to enjoy rubbing in their faces how amazing Rhaenyra was.
Her beloved friend told her of how Rhaenyra and her family were treated when they lived in Westeros, under the rule of the Fool King Viserys I.
Abandonment, neglect, being pushed to the side.
Siroreah was told of how Empress Rhaenyra’s mother was forced to get pregnant again and again in an effort to birth a son, but each child would die. How King Viserys claimed to love Aemma Arryn, but readily sacrifice her for a babe that lived barely a day, and married the maid daughter of a second son that brought nothing to the crown, barely 6 moons after his first wife’s death.
The advisor was told of Rhaenyra’s crime of being a woman and not a man, how because she was not a son she did not have her father's love. How she was never enough for him, how the weak man preferred the Hightower’s to how own blood and forsaken Rhaenyra to a cruel, loveless marriage to a terrible man because ‘Otto Hightower said so’ .
Prince Daemon and the Seafyre’s were not spared from King Viserys’ actions.
Daemon assembled an army to defend his brother's claim, placed that crown on his brow, protected him all his life because he loved him, but not once was he thanked for all he’s done. Exile after exile, denied annulment to a woman he despised, cruel words spoken against him and not once was he defended.
The Velaryons harbored resentment after Rhaenys was overlooked for the throne in favor of Viserys, a decision based solely on his gender and not on his suitability as a ruler. Despite their anger, they returned to Driftmark, but the slights against them continued. The Velaryons fought valiantly in the war for the Stepstones, yet King Viserys made no effort to assist them, but he was quick to claim credit for their victory. If that was not enough, the King disrespected them again by choosing Alicent Hightower, a nobody, over Laena Velaryon, a dragonrider.
All because of the honeyed words uttered by Otto Hightower, a man King Viserys held in such high regard that he was willing to destroy his family for him.
Siroreah pitied and despised the man before her.
“Pr - Empress Rhaenyra has done… quite well with Valyria,” Ser Otto said, grimacing at the word he forced out of his mouth. At least he was smart enough to know that the Red Legionaries would and could take his tongue, should he not mind it.
“What did you expect, Ser? Dilapidated buildings, rivers of lava? Starving citizens?” Siroreah raised her brow at the man, a smirk tugging at her lips when he grits his teeth. “Empress Rhaenyra wanted her people to live in comfort, and she spared no expense. Suitable homes, fresh water, plentiful food, medical care, a sewage system, jobs. She wanted her people to live a happy, full life.”
Queen Alicent and Lord Hand Otto Hightower’s eyes flashed with shock and anger, and wasn’t that peculiar. Did they despise Rhaenyra for her success? For going against the norms of Westeros? Siroreah did not know, nor did she care.
“I can… only imagine how much it all cost-”
“That is none of your business, your Grace, ” the advisor cut the Green Queen off, delighting in the outraged look in her brown eyes.
They sat in silence for several moments before King Viserys cleared his throat and smiled, and Siroreah found herself hating that smile. “Ah, Lady Siroreah, might I inquire what that word, ‘Misah’ means?”
“Mysha,” Siroreah corrected the man, “It means ‘mother’ in Old Ghiscari. It is what the Free People called Empress Rhaenyra when she liberated Yunkai.”
A proud look passed over King Viserys’ eyes, even with the sadness that still plagued them.
(And Siroreah sure didn’t miss the angry looks on the Greens faces.)
“Why mother?” Queen Alicent asked, her face impassive, but brown eyes held fury and contempt.
“Empress Rhaenyra broke their chains, killed their tormentors and oppressors, and set them free. She gave them new lives, happy lives. They love her, she is their savior, their beacon, their Mysha .” Siroreah smiled, looking over her shoulder and watching her Empress as she smiled and waved to her people, a real, genuine smile on her beautiful face. Some called her a Goddess on Earth.
It wasn’t long before the carriages came to a stop, and the inhabitants exited. Empress Rhaenyra stood beside Princess Laena and walked her down the street, her arm wrapped around her dear friends.
The people kept a respectable distance away from the royals walking down the street, waving flags and throwing confetti and flowers. They were yelling their names and cheering, some in Common, others is Low Valyrian, Old Ghiscari, and another language the Westerosi nobles did not recognize.
They soon came upon an amazing sight.
Within the heart of the city plaza, a towering and sprawling tree commanded attention. Its vibrant leaves, as if painted with the essence of blood, contrasted strikingly against the rich reddish-brown hue of its trunk. The trunk itself, shaped like sinuous roots erupting from the ground, twisted and intertwined majestically high into the sky.
The sight briefly reminded King Viserys of the Weirwood trees, but they were… so vastly different to this tree.
“This is the Blood Tree. When the Gods breathed new life into Valyria, this tree stood out as being the largest and most majestic.” Siroreah began to explain as she led the guests down the street. “The magical sense of this tree was not lost on us, and it is a religious site. It is our closest connection to the Fourteen Gods, so many rituals and praying and ceremonies are held before the tree.”
“Preposterous,” Queen Alicent spat without meaning too, wilting under the glare of her husband and Lady Siroreah. She straightened and wiped the disgust off her face. “The notion that a tree is magical or connected to Gods is-”
“I believe the North of Westeros does the same, do they not? Those of the Faith pray before statues as well. I do not see why you are so abhorred by this custom,” unless it is not the custom, but the religion that bothers you , goes unsaid but heard all the same. Siroreah looks into Queen Alicent’s eyes, daring her to say something, anything, but wisely, she does not.
Empress Rhaenyra, Princess Laena and Prince Daemon approach the Blood Tree, the Seafyre Heir holding her newborn son in her arms tenderly, wrapped in red silks.
The three approached a man wearing elaborated blue and silver robes, with the hood drawn over his head, and an immaculate amulet around his neck with fourteen gemstones. High Priest Maehalon bowed his head to Empress Rhaenyra, smiling as the three Valyrian’s approached with the babe. “Your Imperial Raidence, your Highnesses.” He greeted them respectfully, the Priests, archbishops, and Red Priestesses of R’hllor doing the same. “We are ready to begin.”
“Wonerful,” Empress Rhaenyra gave Princess Laena a smile. “Please proceed, High Priest Maehalon.”
The man nodded, and the ritual began.
Whenever a child of the Three Houses, or of their cousin Houses, is born, they are brought before the Blood Tree to preform the Blessings ritual. They would pray to the Fourteen Gods of Valyria, black candle’s would be lit, and sacred oils would be smeared on the child’s forehead and chest. They would ask for blessings upon the child from the Fourteen, to bathe them in their fire and go through unharmed.
“ī𝚕𝚘𝚗 𝚓𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝙰𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚡, 𝚓𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢𝚜 𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙹𝚊𝚎𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒, 𝚟ē𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚛, 𝚜𝚎 𝚞𝚍𝚛ā𝚣𝚖𝚊.” High Priest Maehalon began, black candle’s and intense were lit and held into the air. The Three Houses and their cousins watched from the side, the smallfolk of Valyria standing behind, holding their candle’s. Dragons flew and sang above. “ī𝚕𝚘𝚗 𝚓𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚊𝚘, 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚒𝚎𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚊ō𝚑𝚊 𝚘𝚓𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗.”
Prayers in Valyrian, High and Low, echoed in the air, spoken by the Priests, Acolytes, archbishops, royal family, and citizens of Valyria. “𝙾𝚓𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚋𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝚛𝚒ñ𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā, 𝚘𝚑 𝚔𝚘𝚜𝚝ō𝚋𝚊 𝙹𝚊𝚎𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒. 𝙱𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝚛𝚒ñ𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚣𝚢𝚜 𝚜𝚎 𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚊𝚛.” The High Priest prayed, a Red Priestess came over holding a bowl of blue colored sacred oils from his right, while Archbishop Geradys approached from his left holding a bowl of reddish orange sacred oils. Maehalon dipped his fingers in the blue oils, and drew the ancient Valyrian symbols on Maekar’s head. “𝙾𝚓𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚋𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝙳ā𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚜 𝙼𝚊𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚛, 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚚𝚊𝚗𝚊 𝚜𝚎 𝚜𝚢𝚕𝚟𝚒𝚎. 𝙽𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚊𝚣𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚢𝚜.” He then dipped his fingers in the red oils and drew symbols over the babe’s chest. “𝙾𝚓𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚋𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝚣ȳ𝚑𝚘𝚗 𝚙𝚛ū𝚖𝚒𝚊, 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚔𝚘𝚜𝚝ō𝚋𝚊 𝚜𝚎 𝚗ē𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚔𝚊. 𝙽𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚍𝚛ē𝚓𝚎 𝚣𝚊𝚕𝚍𝚛ī𝚣𝚎𝚜, 𝚛ū𝚜ī𝚛 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚣𝚢𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚗𝚊 𝚣ā𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚢𝚜 𝚓𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚛ī.”
Pyres were then lit, along with the fourteen candles that lined the dais of the Blood Tree.
The fires roared to life as the praying continued. “𝙾𝚓𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚋𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝚣𝚒𝚛ȳ𝚕𝚊 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚎 𝚊ō𝚑𝚊 𝚓𝚊𝚚𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚣𝚊 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚣𝚢𝚜, 𝚜𝚎 𝚓𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚣𝚒𝚛ȳ𝚕𝚊 𝚟𝚊 𝚓𝚊𝚚𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚣𝚒𝚛.”
The High Priest grabbed an incense stick and waved it over the babe, chanting in High Valyrian as the Red Priestess’ did the same at the side. Then with one last wave as the oils dried, he threw the incense stick into one of the larger pyres and it roared, growing before calming.
Gently taking the babe from his mother, High Priest Maehalon held Prince Maekar up high. “Prince Maekar of House Emberlith!” He proclaimed, and everyone cheered.
( “Once Upon a December” by Liz Callaway from Anastasia or listen to the instrumental version “Laura & Dante Orchestra || Once Upon a December ||” )
The end of the Blessing Ritual marked the official beginning of the Celebration of the New Sunrise.
The celebrations would last a week, going day and night.
It was truly a marvelous event with amazing food, beautiful music, games, plays, dancing. Much more grand and merry than any event ever hosted in Kings Landing. The royal families (and annoyingly their guests ) spent much of the celebrations in the city with their people, enjoying the festivities.
They ate and drank and danced along with the citizens, acting as if they were old friends and not their subjects.
To celebrate the birth of Prince Maekar, a grand feast was held hours after the Blessing Ritual.
The Hall of the Gods was a breathtaking sight of beautiful Vayrian architecture, it is a vast chamber, characterized by soaring ceilings adorned with intricate dragon motifs carved into the stone arches.
The primary colors of blue and silver dominate the decor, with accents of shimmering gold that catch the light and add a regal touch to the surroundings. Throughout the Hall of the Gods, dragon designs are omnipresent, from the sculpted pillars that line the perimeter of the room to the detailed mosaics on the marble floors. Each dragon is depicted in various poses—some coiled in fierce readiness, others soaring with outstretched wings.
It was a truly majestic place, just like the whole of Valyria.
The most talented musicians of Essos and the Free Cities have come to play, they stood in an alcove and played their rebecs, drums, flutes, harps, lutes, and mandolins, creating an enchanting melody as a young and beautiful woman sang, her voice as sweet as songbirds as it resonated within the ballroom.
Tables were set up along the walls and to the back of the room, to allow people to feast while giving ample room to people who wanted to dance.
The guests danced gracefully across the smooth, blue tiled floor, creating a flurry of colors as their dresses swish and sway.
The Westeros company sat at the dais to the back of the room where the Royal families are seated, overlooking the whole room. They were tense and uncomfortable as they ate their delicious food and drank their marvelous wine.
They did not partake in the festivities, opting to stay at their table and eat, awkward and tense.
The king was sullen, the Hand blank but contemplating, the Queen disgusted and dumbfounded everywhere she looked.
Everything about this godsforsaken Empire went against everything the Seven That Are One stood for. Queen Alcent thought things could not get any worse their first two weeks staying in Valyria, but then they did get worse when she saw Laenor openly kissing Joffery Lonmouth. Embarrassingly, the Green Queen made quite the fuss about it. In public.
Only to be scolded by Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin that, in Valyria, love is love, and that no one would be condemned or abused for being who they were. Same-sex marriage, and polyamorous relationships, were legal and accepted in her country.
(She was then further put in her place when a little girl with silver eyes and golden hair, with her two mothers, told the queen that it was a tenant of the Fourteen, that love and acceptance was for everyone no matter their gender or where they come from. She asked the queen, “why does your faith abhor those who are themselves and love who they do?” )
(Before the Queen could begin to yell at the little girl who asked her a genuine question, her father angrily grabbed her arm and dragged her away.)
The Three Heads, and their cousin houses and guests, on the other hand, laughed and giggled and joked. They were all in their element, having a good time, and looking beautiful in their outfits.
Empress Rhaenyra donned an exquisite golden gown that resembled dragon scales, enhanced by the vibrant green accents and adorned with glistening emeralds and amethysts and spphires. Her golden-white hair was intricately braided, cascading down her back like a waterfall.
In a striking display of regality, Prince Daemon's blood-red coat, adorned with silver accents, billowed like a cloak around him. Secured by an ornate silver sash, the sword known as Dark Sister hung at his side. A dragon head brooch, featuring a ruby eye and a piercing sword, adorned his shoulder, artfully keeping his cloak firmly in place. His elegantly coiffed, short silver hair, combed back with precision, accentuated his handsome features. His dear wife, Princess Laena was wearing a one shoulder light blue silk gown with a red shawl, wearing silver dragon jewelry on her hands and wrists, and a simple tiara encrusted with lapis lazuli.
Nautical Prince Corlys and Princess Rhaenys made an impressive appearance. They adorned themselves in intricate attire featuring sea dragon and ocean designs. The princess opted for an elegant up-do, showcasing her silver hair adorned with turquoise and aquamarine hairpins that went together well with her ruby red gown with rose gold accents. Prince Corlys tied his hair back in a low ponytail that perfectly framed his face.
(The blatant display enraged Lord Vaemond Velaryon, his grip on his glass nearly shattering the crystal. How dare his brother…?)
The lieges of the Three Heads merrily drank their wine and conversed in High Valyrian about something or another. Daemon laughed heartily and slapped the table, his eyes crinkling at the corners with glee.
King Viserys has never seen his brother that happy in… ever , he thinks. Hasn’t seen that laugh or smile in years.
He drank from his goblet, the sweet aroma tasting bitter on his tongue. He looked at his family and grimaced, compared to his daughter and brother's families and… everyone else, the Targaryen’s looked very out of place in their green tunics and dresses, fit for court but not a feast like this.
His dear wife was tense in her seat, picking at her food. Otto was surveying everyone in the room. Aegon was deep in his cups. Aemond was sullen and glaring at everyone. Helaena was quietly eating as she stared at nothing. Daeron was tearing into his chicken a little viciously.
Luckily, no one was paying attention to them.
It was then that the ballroom doors opened, “The Jade Empress of Yi Ti, her Emperor Consort Lohan, and their heir Prince Kal Kari!” The herald announced, and in walked the royal family of the Yi Ti Empire.
The Jade Empress Reborn possessed breathtaking beauty, adorned with long, dark hair, pale skin, and captivating emerald eyes. Her elegant robes, in the same mesmerizing shade, were adorned with intricate jade embroidery, perfectly complemented by her crown crafted from jade and silver. In contrast to his wife's captivating appearance, her husband possessed a handsome yet unassuming demeanor. Their son, at the tender age of 12 namedays, had slightly tanned skin and auburn brown hair, framed by golden-brown eyes. Exuding confidence, he wore sanguine robes, carrying himself with the poise and grace of a young prince.
Queen Alicent audibly gasped at the sight of them, her face draining of color. Lord Hand Otto’s eyes widened and his jaw clenched.
“Kisara! I’m so glad you could make it!” Empress Rhaenyra exclaimed, standing from the table to go and hug the Jade Empress, who happily returned the embrace. “I have missed you so.”
“As have I, Nyra.”
The event went underway, a most joyous thing, as if the royals of the fucking Yi Ti Empire aren’t there.
To try and create conversation, King Viserys asked Empress Rhaenyra about her relationship with the Yi Ti Empire. Apparently, she and the Jade Empress Reborn became close friends after she had saved her younger children and cargo from pirates. That happened a few years ago, and since then they have visited as much as they could.
Prince Kal sat between Crown Princess Aemma and Prince Jacaerys, giggling as they drank their summerwine, the latter wearing a stunning bronze scale gown with her short wavy hair pulled back with a sapphire and gold headband. While her twin wore an emerald doublet accented by pale red and silver, a simple silver circlet sitting in his curly golden-white hair.
All around them, the grand ballroom was filled with guests who laughed and danced, their colorful attire blending in a riot of hues under the soft glow of the chandeliers. The music played by the minstrels added a lively background to the chatter and clinking of glasses.
As the music played, filling the ballroom with a lively, upbeat tune, the festivities began in earnest, with dancers taking to the floor, their movements fluid and graceful. Musicians played a variety of instruments, creating a harmonious blend of sounds that filled the grand hall. Servants moved about with trays of exotic foods and drinks, ensuring that every guest was well taken care of.
“Isn’t it wonderful?” Aemma whispered to Kal, her eyes shining as she watched their mother. “A new prince and such a grand celebration.”
Kal nodded, his gaze following the graceful movements of the dancers. “It is. And look at Princess Laena, she looks so happy.”
Across the room, Princess Laena and Prince Daemon were surrounded by well-wishers. Laena, holding her newborn son, looked radiant despite the exhaustion of childbirth. Daemon stood protectively by her side, his usual fierce expression softened by the joy of fatherhood.
“Do you think we’ll have to make speeches?” Jacaerys asked quietly, a hint of anxiety in his voice.
Aemma shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. Tonight is about celebrating Maekar’s birth and the New Sunrise. We’re here to enjoy ourselves.”
Empress Rhaenyra stood up from the table and raised her goblet high, her presence commanding respect and admiration. The music and dancing and chatter momentarily halted as all eyes turned to the Empress of Valyria.
"To Prince Maekar, a new light in our lives and the future of our empire. May he grow strong and wise, under the protection of his family and the blessings of the Fourteen."
The guests echoed her toast, raising their goblets high with scattered congratulations said to Princess Laena and Prince Daemon. The celebration continued with renewed vigor, the joy of the evening palpable in the air.
Rhaenyra watched her family with a satisfied smile, her eyes lingering on her children and grandchildren. She had fought hard for this peace and prosperity, and seeing her loved ones so happy and safe made every sacrifice worthwhile. Her gaze softened as it fell on Harwin, who stood beside her, his strong presence a constant source of support. He met her eyes with a warm smile, the love between them unspoken yet undeniable.
She nodded to the assembled musicians, and a new tune began to play.
With this new song, the guests and royals faltered onto the dance floor with their partner, smiling and giggling. Empress Rhaenyra took Emperor Harwin’s extended hand and walked onto the floor.
Crown Princess Aemma, feeling the pull of the music, stood and extended her hand to Prince Kal. "Shall we dance, Prince Kal?"
Kal's face lit up with delight. "I'd be honored, Princess Aemma."
They joined the others on the dance floor, moving gracefully to the rhythm of the music. Jacaerys watched them for a moment before turning his attention to his surroundings. Princess Daenerys, wearing a dark gown shimmering with diamonds that looked liek stars, with dragon and moon detailing, her silver hair falling down her back like a waterfall of moonlight with sapphires in the strands, placed a hand on her brother's shoulder, saying something in his ear before he nodded and stood from his seat. Daenerys watched him go before accepting a hand from a Braavosi boy and standing from her seat as well.
The Prince of Meereen approached the table the Westeros company sat at, Queen Alicent and Lord Otto tensed in their seats. Prince Jacaerys ignored them and walked over to Princess Helaena, held a hand out, and said, “Would you care for a dance, Princess?”
The girl didn’t say anything, but instead, she smiled and took the boy's hand, allowing him to guide her onto the dance floor.
(Since their arrival in Valyria, Princess Helaena only smiled or showed emotion or spoke in the presence of the Empress’ and Bastion Prince Daemon’s children. In the years to come, many would attribute this to the girl's Dreams and her prophecy of the future. That she felt safe with her estranged family, even when they were technically enemies.)
Queen Alicent watched with wide, seething eyes as her precious daughter followed that sinful boy and let him touch her. She was about to stand and march over to drag her daughter away from the bastard, but her father gripped her wrist so tight it left bruises, so she stayed seated.
Princess Saeranera, meanwhile, grinned at the sight as she sipped at her Dornish Red. The Heir of Mantarys was wearing an elegant white, blue and bronze scaled gown with small accents of red and silver. Her short hair was braided with rubies in an intricate style. The long sleeves billowing down her arms.
Then, she was approached by the Prince of Dorne, Trystane Martell. “Would you honor me with a dance, my princess?”
She looked at the prince, a little shocked as her eyes widened, but then she smirked, handed her glass off to a servant, and took his hand.
As the music intensified, the dancers effortlessly synchronized their movements to the rhythm. At that moment, a beautiful Pentoshi woman gracefully ascended onto a slightly elevated platform and captivated everyone with her enchanting melody.
Someone holds me safe and warm.
Horses prance through a silver storm.
Figures dancing gracefully across my memory
Amidst a whirlwind of vibrant hues, dancers moved in harmonious unity, their graceful steps perfectly complementing the enchanting melody that filled the air.
It was a beautiful sight, so mesmerizing and ethereal.
Someone holds me safe and warm.
Horses prance through a silver storm.
Figures dancing gracefully across my memory
Soon enough, Bastion Prince Daemon and his beloved wife Princess Laena joined the dance, their red and light blue swirling together seamlessly. They were followed by Nautical Prince Corlys and Princess Rhaenys, and Prince Laenor and Ser Joffrey.
Giggling caught King Viserys’ ears, and he saw little Luke and Naerys talking to their cousins, Rhaena and Baela.
The pair of twins giggled again and rushed out onto the dance floor, their movements a little out of synch with the adults.
Princess Naerys was wearing a silver gown with soft blue accents, resembling scales, with a silver and sapphire headband in her soft brown hair. Prince Lucerys was wearing a pearlescent white scale shirt under a red jacket. Princess Rhaena was wearing a pretty light pink gown with layered silks and black gemstones, her hair in a simple updo. Her twin, Princess Baela, was wearing a simple mint green dress with intricate gold dragon embroidery.
As King Viserys watched his estranged family dance beautifully to the music, their faces stretched into wide smiles, their eyes glowing with mirth and glee, he realized that their outfits looked like their dragons .
Rhaenyra’s golden Syrax, Daemon’s blood-red Caraxes, Rhaenys’ red queen Meleys, Saeranera’s white, blue, and bronze Nagho, Soarmes, and Aendar, Jacaerys’ emerald Vermax, Aemma’s bronze fury Vermithor, Daenerys’ starlight Moonfyre, Lucerys’ pearl beauty Arrax, Naerys’ majestic Silverwing, Rhaena’s sunrise Morning, and Baela’s mint Moondancer.
They all looked so beautiful and powerful in those outfits inspired by their mounts, their bondmates, their dragons.
They looked so much more… more than King Viserys and his family.
(They were more. More worthy of their dragon blood and bonds, of their gifts. Of their Dreams… )
Far away,
Long ago,
Glowing dim as an ember,
Things my heart
Used to know
Things it yearns to remember
And a song someone sings
Once upon a December…!
Thunderous applauds followed the conclusion of the beautiful woman's song, she bowed with tears in her eyes as flowers were thrown her way.
The music continued, along with a slower, yet still passionate dance. This one was a little less formal, with the pairs dancing on their own, no longer in a synchronized number.
While King Viserys was staring down at his plate, guilt and pity radiating off him, Queen Alicent and Lord Hand Otto were so focused on scheming and being angry at this whole thing, that they did not notice that Prince Aegon and Aemond were gone from their seats.
Prince Aegon was deep in his cups, leaning drunkenly against a wall as he stared at a pair of women with some very appealing breasts.
In the meantime, the second Green Prince was making his way through the crowd, eyeing everyone critically, though no one paid mind to the boy. These dirty people were beneath the Targaryen Prince, they were filthy slaves of mixed races, and Prince Aemond hated being among them.
Through the bodies of people, he saw his sister Helaena with those bastards and mock Velaryon girls. She was holding Jacaerys’ hand as she whispered about something, the other children nodding along and giving her their undivided attention.
Prince Aemond saw them and felt his blood boil, he stormed up to the children in the flowers. Helaena tensed, and her mutters of threads of poisonous green and radiant silver and crumbling towers sped up. “Get away from my sister,” Prince Aemond demanded, glaring at Prince Jacaerys as he turned to face the foreign boy.
The Prince of Meereen took a step back and subtly stepped in front of the girls to protect them from this boy with a dangerous look in his brown eyes. “Prince Aemond! Is something the matter?” Jacaerys asked, his voice calm and sweet with a tinge of genuine concern.
“Aemond, please don’t-” Princess Helaena’s plea fell on deaf ears to her brother, as Daenerys and Naerys stood beside her.
“Helaena get away from them.” He commanded, glaring at Jacaerys, Daenerys, and Naerys, shifting on his feet as if he wanted to get into a fight, while the Meereenese Prince stayed still and calm, though he was ready to defend himself should Prince Aemond do anything. “Come here.”
The poor girl shook her head, muttering nonsense under her breath as her hands pressed over her ears. Little Naerys gently touched her elbow, attempting to comfort her as she tried to decipher her whisperings. “Prince Aemond, please, you're frightening her and beginning to cause a scene.” Princess Daenerys, who fought with wit just as much as with a blade, attempted to defuse the situation, hoping the boy wasn’t so dumb as to attack their host's children.
The nearby party goers, begging to notice the tension between the children and the Green Prince, and they were beginning to draw a small crowd.
(The children have been told, in great detail, what to expect of the half-breed's and Hightower’s attitudes should they come to Valyria, as they were raised by entitled, overreaching snakes who thought themselves above everyone else.)
(Beside that, Westerosi men were generally unpleasant, egotistical, sexist, and morons.)
Unfortunately, Prince Aemond seemed to fit into that stereotype their parents taught them. Great.
“Do not touch my sister,” He growled at Princess Naerys, seeing her hand on his sister's elbow. “Get your filthy hands off her.”
He pushed past Jacaerys and shoved Naerys away from Helaena, who flinched away from Aemond’s touch. Princess Naerys landed on her bottom quite harshly, staring at the boy fearfully. Prince Jacaerys, a smart boy, but still a boy, pushed Prince Aemond away from the girls, being careful not to harm them. He didn’t do it harshly, like the green boy did, he just grabbed his coat and pulled him away.
“Do not touch my sister.” The Prince of Meereen growled, standing tall as he glared at the boy. Then, he took a breath and tried to be diplomatic again, hoping to resolve this without resorting to violence. “Please calm down, there is no need-”
Prince Aemond growled and socked Jacaerys in the jaw, his head snapping to the side as pain exploded on the side of his face. The girls gasped in fright as the Green Prince started fighting Jacaerys for no reason, snarling like a wild animal.
The guests cried out in fright, backing away from the brawl and calling for the guards.
Princess Daenerys moved to intervene when Prince Aegon, having gotten up from the wall at some point, grabbed her and wrapped his arms tightly around her gripping painfully as he laughed, his breath stinking of wine.
Unfortunately for him, Daenerys was stronger than she looked, and she jammed her elbow into Aegon’s gut and punched him in the nose when she was free.
Prince Aegon groaned and tripped over his feet.
The Red Guards managed to break through the crowd and pulled Prince Aegon and Aemond away from their Prince and Princess.
“Jace! Dany! Nae!”
“Aemond!”
The boy was grabbed by the back of his coat and pulled off Jacaerys. Commander Mara unceremoniously tossed the green boy aside for the Red Guards to grab before helping Jace to his feet, looking him and Dany over for any injuries. Empress Rhaenyra pulled her three children into her arms, stroking their hair and whispering assurances into their ears, Captain Harrold and Commander Mara formed a wall between her and the Green Queen.
“Aemond! Are you okay? Are you hurt?” She asked, her voice panicked and high as she frantically moved her hands over her second son, who glared mulishly at Jace. Ser Cole picked Prince Aegon off the ground, gripping his arm tight and snarling something into his ear, something the boy rolled his eyes at. “What happened?!”
“𝙼𝚞ñ𝚊 , we were just talking, and he came over and demanded Princess Helaena go with him. But, she didn’t want to.” Dany began to explain, clinging to her mother's skirts and Jace’s hand.
“It’s true, Your Imperial Majesty.” Some guests nodded and murmured their agreements.
“He hit Jace really hard!” Naerys exclaimed, her small arms wrapper around her brother's waist.
The rest of her children flocked around her, looking worried and scared. Prince Daemon and Princess Laena grabbed their twins and held them, but luckily they were not harmed, just frightened.
“That boy attacked my son! I want him punished!” Queen Alicent exclaimed, her voice shrill and grating on many ears as she clutched Aemond and Helaena to her sides, ignoring the girl’s squirming as she tried to break out of the forced embrace.
The guests voiced their displeasure and disbelief at what the Green Queen said, speaking against her sun causing her to wilt a bit.
“It was my son who was attacked by yours! You have no right to demand what you just did.” Emperor Harwin said, his voice booming and commanding as her held Jace’s shoulder, standing at his wife’s side.
“Why did you hit my son? Why did you attack him?” Rhaenyra asked her half-brother before Alicent could say anything else. The boy glared at her, his face pulled into a frown. He did not answer her. “Why?” She demanded, and Aemond kept silent. Rhaenyra took a deep breath. “Fine. Prince Aemond will remain in the palace under guard for the duration of your stay here, and he will not go anywhere without permission and supervision.”
Queen Alicent let out an outraged gasp, and wasn’t that rich?
“My son was attacked, and he is being punished?!” She yelled, ignoring her husband's hiss to be quiet.
“Your son attacked my son, be glad I am not outright making you leave.” Empress Rhaenyra snapped, glaring at her once friend. The queen gulped and shut her mouth. “Take them back to their rooms.”
Captain Harrold and Commander Mara nodded, and with several other Red Guards, they escorted the Westeros company back to their chambers, ignoring their priests as they dragged them through the crowd.
The Hall of Gods was silent for several moments before Empress Rhaenyra sighed and stroked Jacaerys’ hair. She gave him a smile before addressing the guests. “Apologies, friends, for that… unceremonious display. Please, pay no heed to them, this is a celebration.” Empress Rhaenyra retook her place at the head of the table, her family gathered around her. As she raised her goblet, the hall fell silent in anticipation. "Today, we celebrate not only the birth of my cousin and honorary nephew, Prince Maekar, but also the strength and unity of our people. Together, we have built a realm where freedom and prosperity flourish. Let us continue to strive for a future filled with peace and happiness. To the new sunrise!"
The guests raised their goblets in unison, echoing the Empress's toast. "To the new sunrise!"
The earlier commotion was quickly forgotten as the music and festivities resumed merrily.
Emperor Harwin took his wife’s hand. “𝙸𝚜𝚜𝚒 𝚊𝚘 𝚜ȳ𝚛ī?” He asked, he knew she was strong, but them being here was still a little hard for her, because they constantly reminded Rhaenyra of all her grievances and betrayals.
She sighed, before nodded with a small smile. “𝙽𝚢𝚔𝚎 𝚜ȳ𝚣, 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚊 𝚓𝚘𝚛𝚛ā𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗.”
Empress Rhaenyra was not going to let her sire and his family ruin this occasion, this joyous occasion celebrating a new life, and the realm she created from blood, sweat, and tears. So, she pushed them to the back of her mind, and focused on the party.
On the second to last day of the week, a grand hunt was hosted in the Western Valley where the animals congregated. The Dragon Grounds took up the eastern part of the valley, while most of the animals stayed to the westernmost part of the island.
As things were nearly finished being set up, Empress Rhaenyra received news that the final guests have arrived.
“Wonderful,” The Empress of Valyria smiled, and not long after, several carriages rolled into the valley.
King Viserys, Queen Alicent, and Lord Hand Otto were shocked to see the members of Houses Stark and Arryn exit the carriages, and then the Rogare’s followed soon after. What were they doing here?!
“Lord Rickon,” Empress Rhaenyra greeted the man warmly, embracing him like he were an old friend. “It is so good to see you again.”
“You as well, Empress Rhaenyra.” Lord Stark greeted back before pulling away to allow the woman to embrace his wife and greet his children. His eldest and heir, Cregan, was 5 and 10, and a strapping young man. His second son, Brandon, was 2 and 10, a little shy but mischievous. “I hope we are not late?”
“You are right on time, old friend.” Emperor Harwin heartily embraced the man like they were brothers, the two laughing as they began to exchange banter.
Rhaenyra then walked over to the Arryn’s, and embraced her aunt Amanda and Elys, who embraced back just as tightly. “Oh, Aunt Amanda, Aunt Elys, I’ve missed you.” The Empress’ voice was soft and full of love.
“We have missed you as well, dear Rhaenyra.” They coursed, pulling back to look their niece in the eye.
Utterly dumbfounded, King Viserys watched as his daughter and brothers families interacted with the Stark's and Arryn’s like old family. Then there was a pang in his heart, Rhaenyra maintained contact with her Arryn kin, and even made friends with the North, but never once tried to reach out to him, her father. The King of the Seven Kingdoms felt a sense of betrayal at this revelation, how could Rhaenyra do this?
Meanwhile, The Queen and Lord Hand seethed quietly. How could Valyria have communications and relations with the North and the Vale without their knowledge?
How could this go over their heads?
“Lord Stark, L-Lady Amanda, Lady Elys, wh-what are you doing here?” King Viserys asked, wilting under the scorning glare of the Arryn ladies. “We-we thought you claimed yourselves independent from the Targaryens-”
“ Well , King Viserys, you see we want nothing to do with you and yours . Your kinship ended the day you murdered my sister, Aemma Arryn.” Lady Arryn glared at the man with her striking blue eyes, standing tall and proud in her Arryn blue gown. The King shivered, but could not avert his gaze. “We are not here for you , we are her to visit our niece, our Arryn kin , Empress Rhaenyra and her children. Because unlike you, we remember our lineage and our blood.”
The Arryn ladies briskly walked passed the stunned king, not sparing him, his whore wife, or his snake Hand a second glance, leaivng them with the Starks.
At the unasked question, Lord Stark answered simply, “Since the Crown could not concern themselves with providing us food and drink and cloth, we had to look elsewhere. Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin were kind enough to send us provisions to last a year, as well as supplies to build greenhouses.” Rickon Stark, as old as King Viserys but much more healthy and stron, looked into the mans eyes, purple meeting brown. “We secured an alliance and a friendship with Valyria to survive. Not only that, but because the North remembers our vows to Rhaenyra, who should have been Queen.”
“Perhaps it is better this way, Rickon,” Lord Stark’s lady wife squeezed his arm, leading him away. “The Hightower’s never would have allowed for it.”
(As King Viserys was sad and heartbroken and confused, Queen Alicent and Lord Hand Otto spoke in hushed but angry tones. “An alliance, with the North and the Vale,” Otto Hightower hissed angrily, looking around to make sure no one was listening. “Not only that, but that spoiled whore and her family are friendly with the Kari Family, rulers of the Yi Ti Empire !”)
(The Queen nodded grimly, picking at her nailbeds. “Princess Rhaenyra may seek an betrothal with them, Princess Aemma is the same age as their son. If we could propose a betrothal of our own before her, we can secure Yi Ti as allies.”)
It wasn’t long before everything was set up, and the hunt officially began in the Eveningwood. The trees were shades of red and orange, looking like a sea of fire.
Many tables and tents were set up in the clearing, the hunting party in full swing.
People dined, others got ready to hunt. Before the Royal tent, several large tables were set up for the Three Houses and their guests, the North, the Vale, and the Kari Family being the guests of honor so they sat closer to the ruling family. The Rogare’s, Saanys', Vysaris’, and Maegarys’ sat at different tables at different tents.
The Westeros company sat with the Three Houses and their guests, but further away so they weren’t the main focus.
They awkwardly ate silently as the royal families conversed with their guests, never once giving them a second glance. Though, a scornful glance or two were thrown Prince Aegon and Aemond’s way once or twice over the evening.
To try and break the silence, King Viserys asked Empress Rhaenyra about her relationship with the Yi Ti Empire. Apparently, she and the Jade Empress Reborn became close friends after she had saved her younger children and cargo from pirates. The two families were friends, close fucking friends as apparent by how Empress Rhaenyra’s children interacted with the Yi Ti children, as if the North and Vale were not enough.
(Lord Hand Otto quietly seethed in his seat, trying not to let it show. That whore Rhaenyra had too much power, Valyria was much too powerful. They needed to even the playing field. That fool Cole and his idiot son needed to hurry up and find what they needed, the Lord Hand thought angrily.)
Princess Saeranera approached the head table, adored in blood-red hunting leathers with embroidery of silver dragons and roses, soft trousers with knee pads, and sturdy boots. Her silver hair was braided out of her mesmerizing violet eyes with rubies in the strands. Princess Saeranera looked very beautiful in all that red, and maybe thats why some called her ‘the Rose of Valyria’ .
She had a Valyrian Steel swords strapped to her waist, a sturdy bow slung over her shoulder, and Valyrian Steel tipped arrows in a quiver.
“We’re off to hunt, there's a herd of bison on the move,” Princess Saeranera announced, arm resting lazily over her sword as she wore Daemon’s signature smirk. “We can’t let these boys get ahead of us now, could we?”
The children giggled, and the adults rolled their eyes. “Who is joining you, sister?” Rhaena asked, sitting next to her sister and mother, as she cooed at Maekar.
“Laenor and Addam, Joffrey, Lord Clement, Baelar, and Prince Trystane plan on joining my hunting party.” She nodded over to the group of horses at the edge of the camp, their riders waiting patiently for her to join. She smiled at her siblings and reached over to caress little Maekar’s head with the back of her fingers. “I’ll be sure to catch great game for you. Your favorites. Be good for 𝙼𝚞ñ𝚊 and 𝙺𝚎𝚙𝚊 for me, yes?”
“We will,” The children chorused and rolled their eyes playfully.
Saeranera smirked and turned to Rhaenyra and Harwin. “Any requests, Your Majesties?”
“I would fancy an Emberback Boar, princess. And I recon my dear wife would appreciate a hearty mean.” Emperor Harwin laughed as he patted his wife’s belly, which earned him a playful swat to his arm and an eye roll. Saeranera chuckled, after several pregnancies, Rhaenyra kept a healthy amount of muscle around her waist. It wasn’t ‘slim’ or ‘small’ any more from when she was a maiden, but she wasn’t fat, in fact, Saeranera would argue that she looked more beautiful with the healthy fat around her waist, and she certainly knows Harwin loves it.
“I will keep a lookout then,” The Heir of Mantarys smiled and walked to her hunting party, climbing atop a mighty Shire stallion with a bronze brown coat and grabbing its reins. “Lets go!” She said to her company and they were off, riding into the mystical forest.
The hunt continued, food as cooked and wine drunk. People talked and laughed as hunters would return with their prizes.
The Westeros company was ignored as they sat at their table, the people stewing as they picked at their delicious food. The whole situation infuriated them, the people looked at them with disinterest and scorn. What right did they have to regard them in that way?
(Simple. They were foreigners, pretty rude ones at that. They claimed to the family that abandoned their beloved Empress and Bastion Prince, so of course they despised them.)
(They hurt their Empress. The least they deserved was their indifference.)
This was not just a hunt, it was a party, a celebration, so many nobles would approach the royal table with gifts for the Three Heads, but mostly House Aureliās. Gold, jewels, dresses, weapons, toys, ships, animals, and much more were gifted to Empress Rhaenyra and her brood. Such lavish gifts were never presented to King Viserys and Queen Alicent’s children, and those from the Lannister’s did not count.
These gifts were sincere, obviously made with care and attention.
They were gifted by people who genuinely loved Rhaenyra and her family, they respected her and were thankful to her for all she did. She gave them homes, food, jobs, made the cities better.
Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin were great and kind rulers, they all were, that was painfully obvious. Infuriatingly obvious.
Queen Alicent was at a loss, unable to fathom why Rhaenyra and her illegitimate children were adored and cherished, while she and her genuine and pure-blooded offspring were met with contempt and watched with suspicion, as if they were wild beasts poised to strike. They did not deserve the treatment they received at home; they were royalty, of noble lineage, and should have been treated with the respect befitting their station.
(They say ignorance is bliss, and Queen Alicent truly loved to drown herself in it. In her defense, the Green Queen was a mother, and what mother wants to see their children as monsters? But in retrospect, she could not deny forever that her eldest son was a rapist, her second a hateful little shit, and her youngest a mad boy.)
(They say projection was better than facing your problems.)
Nearing the end of the day, as the sun began to set over the horizon and the main feast was about to begin, Princess Saeranera and her company returned.
“Princess Saeranera!”
“Saeranera!”
“The Rose of Valyria!”
“Prince Laenor! Prince Addam!”
“Look, she’s riding beside Prince Trystane!”
“He’s leading her horse! What a gentleman!”
“Is she hurt? Her arm is wrapped.”
Several horses, a couple pulling carts with dead animals, came into the camp, and true to word Princess Saeranera Emberlith and Prince Trystane Martell were ridding side by side, and the girls left arm was in a sling with a bandage wrapped around her shoulder, blooming blood.
The company was smiling and laughing as they rode into the camp, carrying behind them the spoils of their hunt.
Princess Saeranera and Prince Trystane laughed about something, at ease even with their minimal injuries.
In the middle of the camp, the company dismounted and drew back the sheet of the wagons to reveal several Emberback Boar, Ashen Elk, and Flamecrest Deer. All but one wagon was revealed to everyone, who marveled at the spoils. Prince Trystane helped Princess Saeranera dismount from her horse, as it was difficult with only one arm, before the two came up to the royal table. They were dirty, their clothing ruffled, but otherwise unharmed save for the minor injuries.
“Your Imperial Majesties,” They bowed to Rhaenyra and Harwin. “Apologies for being late, we got a bit held up on the way back.”
“I see that your spoils are plentiful,” Empress Rhaenyra observed as she and several other adults (not including the Greens) got up and rounded the table. “But are you both alright? You are bleeding.”
“Only flesh wounds, cousin. Nothing severe,” Saeranera placated the woman, looking down at her wrapped arm, it no longer hurt, but it did ache a bit. Nothing she could not handle.
“But what happened.”
“We were off the trail, you see, scouting out the area of the Black Face when we saw a herd of Magmahide Bison. They were truly magnificent creatures, your grace.” Prince Trystane began to explain, his smooth voice filling the silence as everyone hung onto every word he uttered. The Magmahide bison weren’t the most hunted animals, they were larger than a horse, very strong, and stayed along the volcanos. The people of Valyria only hunted when they needed to, they never take more than they need, especially from the majestic creatures gifted to them by the Fourteen Flames. “Princess Saeranera wanted to hunt one for its hide, so she rode in from the side and I flanked her. Unfortunately, her horse got spooked and threw her off, and the bison charged her. She took a horn to the shoulder, but despite that, she fought valiantly against the bison and took it down! With one swift, strong thrust of her sword!”
As he finished, the sheet of one of the wagons was pulled back to reveal a large bison, with a tough hide of fiery reds and smoldering oranges and charcoal black. It was the alpha of the herd, as evident by its mighty horns and how it was a bit bigger than the average Magmahide bison.
Shocked and awed gasps rang out through the camp, before the thunderous sound of applause arose.
Princess Saeranera blushed, smirking as her mother and father fussed over her. She met Prince Trystane’s eyes, and the two teenagers smiled at each other.
Empress Rhaenyra smiled and embraced the girl tightly, but being mindful of her injured shoulder. She ordered for the bison to be skinned and for a cloak to be made for Saeranera, and to cook the meat for the feast.
Said feast was joyous and rambunctious and large, people singing and dancing and feasting on the delicious foods and wines.
The children were among those dancing, giggling as they twirled around with their siblings and cousins. Prince Lucerys and Princess Rhaena were clumsily dancing together, before inviting Moredo Rogare to dance with them. Princess Saeranera danced with Prince Trystane, now wearing a comfy red dress with her arm in a sling. Princess Aemma was dancing with the crown prince of Yi Ti, a boy with jet black hair and pale skin, wearing sanguine clothing, Prince Kal Kari, who gently held her hands and whispered something to her, which made Princess Aemma laugh.
At the guest table, King Viserys, Queen Alicent, and Lord Hand Otto were in a quiet but heated discussion about alliances. Their chances of an alliance with Valyria were slim, considering their behaviors and Prince Aemond’s actions, but the King of the Seven Kingdoms was optimistic that he could convince Rhaenyra. She was his daughter, he was her father, he could make her see sense.
(Queen Alicent and Lord Otto were not as optimistic, considering that Viserys Targaryen had the charisma of a wet towel and a backbone made of glass.)
But, they also had to ensure alliances with Dorne and Yi Ti, because this visit was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Princess Aliandra Martell had a daughter named Lyralla who was 8 namedays old. The Jade Empress had several children with her now deceased husband, Prince Kal who was 3 and 10 namedays, Princess Mi who was 10 namedays, Princess Xia who was 7 namedays, and Prince Tao and Princess Sun who were 5 namedays.
Queen Alicent suggested proposing a betrothal of Prince Aegon to Princess Aemma, Princess Helaena to Prince Kal, Prince Aemond to Princess Rhaena, and Prince Daeron to Princess Lyralla. They could even betroth Princess Baela to Daemion Velaryon, Lord Vaemond’s son, and Princess Saeranera to Gwayne, seeing as he was still, obviously, unmarried. The marriages would ensure alliances and fruitful outcomes.
And like the fool he was, King Viserys agreed when his Hand, and Lord Velaryon, agreed.
He was about to propose this to Empress Rhaenyra, the Jade Empress, and Princess Aliandra in front of everyone, which might pressure them into complying, but he was stopped before a word could leave his mouth by Prince Kal Kari.
“Your Imperial Majesties,” He bowed to Rhaenyra and Harwin, so obviously a very respectful young man.
He would be perfect for her Helaena, Queen Alicent thought. She was sure, with marriage, her daughter would drop her odd tendencies and mutterings. But those hopes were dashed when the Yi Ti Prince continued speaking.
“I have been thinking of this long and hard,” The Sanguine Prince paused to lock eyes with his mother, who nodded encouragingly to him. He took a breath, “I am coming before you, Empress Rhaenyra the Liberator and Emperor Harwin the Steelheart, for the hand of your daughter, the Crown Princess Aemma Aureliās.”
Everyone gasped as Prince Kal held his hand out to said princess, who blushed bright red and walked over to the boy and took his hand. “Funny, I was going to ask for yours.” She said, and the people laughed heartily. “I would be honored.”
Deafening applause broke out as Princess Aemma excitedly embraced Prince Kal and the two twirled around.
What!?
The Westeros’ companies eyes widened. Queen Alicent went to stand up, her face red with rage, when her father gripped her arm and tugged her back into her seat harshly. They couldn’t afford to make a scene.
(But they were bewildered, shocked, enraged, and so many other things. Who did Rhaenyra think she was? Who did Aemma think she was? Choosing her own husband? Blasphemous! That girl was the only way they could get to the Obsidian Throne, they only way they could get Valyria under control! And if she could choose her match, what's to say the other children won't be given the same choice!?)
(They couldn’t let that happen! The Greens had to ensure the marriages, no matter what.)
Soon, the festivities began to die down until nearly everyone went to bed, leaving only the royals and their guests being the ones dining. The children had gone to bed at this point in their tents.
The Three Houses seemed resolute in ignoring the Westeros company, instead focusing on eating and talking amongst themselves.
After being ignored for too long, King Viserys cleared his throat and gained the attention of the others, which was about 20 eyes. He nearly wilted under the gazes, but managed to keep his smile on his face, the one where he thought he was charming and making decisions. “Rhaenyra, I have to say,” The Empress’ face tightened at the lack of her appropriate title. “The festivities have been… most joyous, but I cannot help but wonder for the expenses-”
“That is none of your fucking business,” Saeranera muttered, but they heard it all the same. The Princess of Mantarys didn’t even look at them, just focused on her seasoned venison and chicken. “𝚈𝚗, 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎 𝚔𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚘𝚝ā𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚐𝚘𝚗 ī𝚕𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒 𝚝𝚘𝚕ī 𝚜ȳ𝚛ī 𝚙𝚛𝚢𝚓𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘𝚕ī 𝚜ī𝚛 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚣𝚒𝚛ȳ, 𝚑ē𝚣ī𝚛 𝚙ō𝚗𝚝𝚊 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚎 𝚐ē𝚕ȳ𝚗 𝚗𝚊𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚜𝚝ā𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚔𝚊.”
Daemon laughed into his goblet at what Saeranera said.
To their credit, they did not go off the handle at what she said, seems they could learn after all.
“To put it simply, we are all very well off, so we can indulge,” Emperor Harwin briskly explained. With their spoils from the conquests, gifts from the Free Cities, and their tradings, it would be argued that Valyria was the richest empire in the world, so yes, they could indulge.
(The same could not be said about Westeros and, more specifically, the Crown. King Viserys threw parties and jousts and tourneys left and right, and Queen Alicent donated a ludicrous amount of coin to the Faith every moon, so it was needless to say that the Crown was very broke and in debt to the Iron Bank.)
(It perpetually gave Lord Otto migraines, and if old age had not already taken Lord Beesbury, he most certainly would have had a heart attack at the expenses every month.)
Queen Alicent cleared her throat, feeling called out for no reason.
As King Viserys sipped Dornish Red wine to quench his thirst, he addressed the matter of an alliance. Despite some attendees’ skeptical reactions, he remained focused, holding his wife's hand as he spoke. After careful deliberation, he announced that satisfactory terms for the alliance had been identified.
Empress Rhaenyra raised her brow, remaining silent as Lady Siroreah stepped up behind her. She wanted to see where this would go.
“Betrothals!” King Viserys proclaimed joyously, as if it were the most wonderful thing in the world. His Queen and Hand smiled along, something mean and nasty. “Oh, our Aegon will be wonderful for Aemma! They will truly be a wonderful couple. The same with Aemond and Rhaena, and Lord Vaemod’s son Daemion and Baela. And we were thinking of arranging Prince Kal for Helaena, Princess Lyralla for Daeron, and Princess Saeranera for Ser Gwayne.”
Queen Alicent nodded. “Yes, yes, the marriages will be so fruitful! We will all be a family!”
The exact moment they stopped talking, Daemon and Saeranera (and several others) burst out laughing. Full on laughing like maniacs, as if it were the funniest thing they ever heard. “𝚂𝚔𝚘𝚛𝚘𝚜 𝚒𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚜 𝚋𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝚑𝚊𝚔𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚣𝚒𝚛!?” Saeranera said, laying her head on the table as her body shook with laughter.
“𝙶𝚊𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚘 𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚙ō𝚗𝚝𝚊 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒 𝚟ē𝚍𝚛𝚘𝚜? 𝙿ō𝚗𝚝𝚊 𝚕ī𝚜 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗.” Aunt Saera asked Gael and Viserra, sounding absolutely shocked. Her sisters shrugged and giggles, flabbergasted.
“𝙹𝚊𝚎𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚜𝚊𝚜 𝚜ȳ𝚛𝚒𝚜 𝚜ā𝚝ā𝚜!” Uncle Vaegon took a very large gulp of his very strong wine, shaking his head and chuckling in disbelief.
“What the fuck makes you think any of us would agree to… to any of that?” Saeranera asked King Viserys, looking at him like she weren’t sure what he was. Did Grandsire Baelon drop him on his head as a babe, he must have because there is no explanation for this lunacy. The Heir of Mantarys looked around and back to the Westeros company, who had the audacity to look shocked and angered. “What makes you think you have any room to say that as if it has already been decided?”
Her uncle, and she was so embarrassed to be related to that , stuttered, at a loss for words.
More laughter and giggling.
“Aemma is going to marry Prince Kal,” Princess Rhaenys shook her head as her husband laughed, barely able to breath. “She accepted his proposal. In public before his mother.”
“It is not a set thing!” Queen Alicent was quick to cut in, her very plain face twisting into a strained smile. “The word of children holds no weight. We can tell the Jade Empress that the marriage proposal is not excepted, but he can marry my Helaena. I mean, honestly! Children choosing who they wish to marry? Preposterous.”
“Yes,” Lord Otto nodded along to what his daughter said, oblivious to the rising tension from their hosts. “Prince Aegon will marry Princess Aemma, thus securing a profitable alliance, and then-”
“No.”
Their eyes widened and heads snapped to the Empress seated across from them, a cold and furious look in her eyes. “I-I’m sorry-?”
“No,” Empress Rhaenyra cut them off again. She was… baffled at the level of audacity these people had, the way they spoke with such confidence as if it were already decided that her precious daughter would marry that little cunt . “Aemma will not marry Aegon, nor will Rhaena marry Aemond, nor Helaena and Prince Kal,nor Daemion and Baela, nor Saeranera and Gwayne. None of them will marry your disasters of children.
“𝙳ō𝚛ī 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚎 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚐ā𝚛 𝚓ē𝚍𝚛𝚒.” Saeranera muttered, to which her parents nodded along, laying protective hands on her shoulders.
“Rhaenyra!” King Viserys exclaimed, as if shocked and angered at what she said. “Do not speak of your siblings that way! You must see that this is the right thing-!”
“Right for whom?” Daemon cut in, glaring at his former brother right in the eye and feeling nothing but pity and anger. “For you? For your Hightowers? Oh, I must commend you Ser Otto, Lady Alicent, it was a good idea. Marry your mongrel sons to the Crown Princess, the future Wardens of the Sea, a Dornish princess, the Crown Prince of Yi Ti, and the future Bastion of Mantarys and General of the most powerful army force in Essos, and you would have unlimited power!”
“Unfortunately, you are not as smart as you think you are.” Emperor Harwin said, his hand laying on his wife’s to comfort her, and keep her from flying at them with a butter knife.
“Even if you proclaimed that in public, we wouldn’t hesitate to deny it.” And it’s not like anyone likes them anyway , Rhaenyra thinks. “And I will speak to them however I please. They are not my siblings.”
“Rhaenyra,” King Viserys shook his head, as if disappointed in her behavior, and wasn’t that fucking rich? “Please, my daughter, if we want this alliance to work -”
“I never agreed to an alliance.”
They turned to look at Empress Rhaenyra again. Wait -
“And there will be no alliance, and no marriages.”
Silence filled the air as the Westeros company stared at the woman in total and complete shock, looking like gaping fish.
“𝚅ē𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚐𝚘𝚗, 𝚣𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚑𝚘𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚔𝚊 𝚟𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚊𝚗 𝚣𝚒𝚛𝚢.” Prince Corlys threw his head back and spread his arms, exasperated. Honestly, watching Rhaenyra string the cunts along was fucking funny, but their self-entitled attitudes quickly grated on his nerves.
“Y-you will not… form an alliance?” The King of Westeros stuttered, his face paling. The same happening to his wife’s and Hand’s, though for different reasons.
(They underestimated, overestimated, whatever! They made a mistake somewhere, slipped up! Shit, shit!)
“Why would we?” The attention was derived back to Saeranera, who looked back expectedly. “What would we gain from an alliance with you ? The Crown is broke from what the whispers say, you have no resources we don’t already have, there’s no point in marriages if the proposed grooms can offer nothing. So what would be the point?”
“And,” Princess Rhaenys took a sip of her Arbor Gold, looking every bit the Queen That Never Was, looking every bit Valyrian. “We do not want an alliance with the likes of you. ”
There were several hums and murmurs of agreement.
“Quite right.”
“Yes.”
“No, thank you.”
“Gods Grace, no.”
“It would not be the smart thing to do.”
Empress Rhaenyra met the eyes of her sire and his wife, her face cold and indifferent, but her eyes fiery with anger. “Do not think I don’t see the real reason for your attempts at an alliance. You seek to control. You always have.”
“You cunts think you can worm your way into our home, and take what is not yours,” Daemon said, feeling utter disappointment and disgust at the man who was supposed to be his older brother, but who readily there him away at any chance he got. “You cannot slither into our home and lives like little Alicent slithered into a married man’s bed in the middle of the night!”
“Enough!” King Viserys slammed his goblet down on the table, glaring at his runaway daughter and brother. “I will not have you slander my wife and children! This must cease! We are family !”
“Family!? ” Rhaenyra let out a loud, incredulous laugh, staring in disbelief at what the man dared to say. “We are not family. My only family was my mother, who you butchered in the birthing bed and replaced her less than a year later.”
“Rhaenyra!” His voice was angry and wretched.
“Did you even truly love her?” Rhaenyra needed to know, even if she didn’t get the honest answer. Every word out of Viserys Targaryen’s mouth was an unconscious lie, contradiction, or a copy of what Otto Hightower whispered in his ear. But still, Rhaenyra needed to ask. “Did you really love my mother like you claimed? Or was she just a womb to you? A thing to use and discard when it no longer worked.”
King Viserys seemed a loss for words, his eyes brimming with tears. “How could you ask me that?”
“My mother suffered miscarriage after miscarriage, stillbirth after stillbirth, with no regard to her wellbeing. You did not even allow her to recover, just kept getting her pregnant until you got your long awaited son.” It has been years, but Rhaenyra could still see the image of her mother, cut open and discarded like trash on the birthing bed. She could still smell the blood that clung to the room. “And then, you cut her open like a pig , and murdered her.”
She was struggling slightly not to cry, she refused to give these people the satisfaction.
The king did not say anything, could not say anything.
“And then,” The Empress chuckled, shaking her head. “You replaced her 5 moons after her death, not even giving her the honor of waiting for the mourning period to end! All because she, ” Her violet eyes locked onto Alicent’s brown ones, the former friends having a heated stare off, “Climbed into your bed like a whore , and got pregnant.”
The Queen felt the blood drain from her face and her heart race. How… how did she know that? How dare she!?
“How dare you!?” She screeched, standing from her seat and knocking the chair to the ground. Several Red Legionnaires tensed, but otherwise did not move. “How dare you speak these blatant lies– ”
“Oh, do not feign ignorance, Alicent. It just makes you look stupider than usual,” Empress Rhaenyra did not bother standing, just kept glaring at this pathetic woman playing Queen, looking just as intimidating even staring up. “I spoke no lies. I know . Everyone in Westeros knows how you climbed into a grieving man's bed the night of his wife’s funeral, and had a perfectly healthy son 6 moons later.”
The Green Queen was stunned into silence, her face losing all her color, making her look sickly. Lord Otto took the opportunity to harshly tug his daughter back into her seat.
“You are not my family,” The Empress hissed, and Syrax roared in the distance. “You are not my father , and your half-breeds are not my siblings. I know no siblings but those borne of my mother, Queen Aemma Arryn.”
“Well said, dear niece,” Aunt Saera hummed, drinking her near black wine as she held one of her husband’s hands. For the first time she finally addressed her nephew, and to say the least, she was disappointed. “Just when I thought our family could not stoop any lower, when I had a slimmer of hope that the next King after Jaehaerys would be a tiny bit better and not be such a cunt.”
Saeranera snorted at the look on King Viserys’ face. “I–I have always strived to keep the peace King Jaehaerys built–”
“Well, you did a shitty job,” Saera has always been known to be blunt, and she was not going to pull any punches. “The Realm is not at peace, it is placated. Kings Landing is still a cesspool of crime, Houses Blackwood and Bracken are nearly at war, the North and the Vale grew tired of being ignored and declared independence. Hells, Jaehaerys would never allow half of that shit happen, and that’s the only thing I will give that decrepit old man, he was a good king, but a horrible father.”
Aunts Gael and Viserra nodded, looking mournful at the thought of their siblings fates, more specifically their sisters.
Little Aegon and Daenerys died in infancy despite being seen to by the Maesters. Maegelle was sent to the Faith at 10 namedays, and died to Greyscale not even a year later. Daella died in childbirth, never given the chance to hold her child. Alyssa as well. Gaemon was a stillborn, Valerion barely lived a year. Aemon died to a crossbow, Baelon to burst belly.
Saera, Viserra, and Gael would have had worse fates had they not run away. Saera would have been sent away to the Faith, Viserra would have married that ugly lord at 5 and 10, and Gael would have married a man thrice her age at 2 and 10.
“My sisters. My brothers. Never enough for him.” Saera continued, her eyes glazed over as she recounted how her father treated his children, especially his daughters. “His daughters, broodmares to placate the lords he commanded. His sons, soldiers for his army. 𝙽𝚢𝚔𝚎 𝚓ā𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚣𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚑ū𝚕𝚝𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚎 ō𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚜.”
“I always wondered why he did not love us,” Gael muttered mournfully, humming as Viserra and her husband took her hand and rubbed her back.
“Guess that is something you two have in common; being a shitty father.” Saeranera hummed, picking at her remaining food, her appetite waning. “So fucking embarrassing, being related to you.”
“I have had enough!” King Viserys slammed his goblet down on the table again, shaking with rage as he glared at everyone gathered at the tables. “I demand this slandering to cease! I demand respect! As your father, ” He met Rhaenyra’s eyes, and she just looked back expressionless, “as your brother, ” then his eyes moved to Daemon, who looked wholly unimpressed, “as your uncle, ” Saeranera didn’t bother meeting his eyes, just looked to the stars as if asking for strength, “as your king! ”
“King!?” Rhaenys chortled, in complete and utter disbelief at what was happening. “You are not our king! And why should we respect you when you never respected us!”
“You took advantage of us! Took us for granted and did whatever you bloody wanted!” Saeranera threw in her two coins, wanting to give this pathetic man more a piece of her mind. “You didn’t care if you hurt us, your blood , as long as you did as your beloved Hightower bid. Acting like he was a God to revere, his tenants you blindly follow and teachings you preach like a bloody Septon.”
“You were willing to destroy us, your kin, your blood , all for them .” Empress Rhaenyra growled, her hands shaking from how hard she was gripping the armrests of her seat. “You destroyed Aegon the Conqueror’s legacy… for two nobodies.”
(House Hightower was not a Great House, despite how they acted like they were, they were not even rich. Unlike their overlords, House Tyrell, which was rich in grain, coin, and enjoyable company. It was why King Viserys’ marriage to Alicent Hightower caused quite a stir among the Lords of the Great Houses, I mean, why would the king marry the daughter of a second son of a minor house that brought nothing to the Crown?)
(Otto Hightower may have been Hand of the King, but he was still virtually a nobody. He wasn’t even a good Hand, if the state of Flea Bottom, the conflict between the Blackwoods and Bracken’s, the unrest, and two independent regions were anything to go by.)
(And by Valyrian, and even Westeros, standard Alicent Hightower was not beautiful, she was very plain looking, if you saw her in the streets you wouldn’t look twice. She was also annoying and self-righteous.)
“Rhaenyra, please,” King Viserys pleaded, his eyes brimming with tears. “Please, do not do this. We-we can be a family again–”
“I want nothing to do with any of you ever again.” The Empress of Valyria stood, and her husband followed. She stood to her full height, her enthralling violet eyes blazing like dragon fire. Empress Rhaenyra Aureliās looked every bit the ruler King Viserys the Fool never would. “I want you all gone by the end of the week, and I never want to hear anything from you about anything ever again. Be grateful I'm even letting you stay a day more.”
With that, everyone got up and retired to their tents, not sparing a second glance to the snakes and worms.
They sat alone for several minuted before retiring to their own tent. King Viserys was heartbroken, but the Hightower’s were desperate, they schemed for many hours for ways to force Rhaenyra’s hand. They hoped Gwayne found what they needed.
It all came to head when late at night, Prince Aemond somehow sneaked out of the tent he and his siblings were staying in, and headed towards the Dragon Grounds.
(He was unseen by the Faceless Men and Red Legionnaires, because coincidentally, they were changing shifts when the Prince snuck out.)
In the meantime, Princess Naerys sensed a disturbance, brief flashes of green and red filled her mind, and her eyes snapped open.
The Princess of Volantis sat up in her bed and shook her twin Lucerys awake, and they went to investigate. Upon not seeing Prince Aemond in the tent near theirs (Prince Aegon and Daeron were gone as well, but they were not the concern), the two then hurried to their older siblings’ tent, where Princess Aemma and Prince Jacaerys were still awake with Princess Rhaena and Baela, and Prince Kal.
“Jace, something’s wrong. Prince Aemond is gone!” Little Luke whispered urgently, him and his sister climbing up onto the bed.
“I think the Andal boy is headed to the Dragon Grounds.” Nae fiddled with her fingers, biting her lip.
Crown Princess Aemma’s face hardened. It had been said that she was a girl beyond her years, with old eyes and an ancient soul. Many rumored it was a blessing by the Gods, others a curse.
“Stay here,” The girl told the younger children, her and Jacaerys and Prince Kal swiftly exiting her tent and sneaking by the Legionnaires.
(They did not stay.)
Aemond Targaryen held a lantern in his hand, walking down a path through the jagged and destroyed landscape, towards where the unclaimed dragons resided. It took some time for him to remember the way, and he tripped a couple of times, but he soon found his way into the Dragon Grounds.
The boy sneaked past the nests of the slumbering dragons, taking care not to step on anything and hold his lantern low, so the light would not disturb them.
He walked past the dragons, even a couple of the unclaimed ones, towards the Cannibal’s cave.
The cave was dark and damp, but oddly warm since it was near an inactive volcano. Prince Aemond held the lantern up high to light the way, being careful not to trip over anything. In his other hand, he held a whip.
The Cannibal was fast asleep on her nest, her chest rising and falling with each breath. She did not look as menacing like this. She was large and ferocious with green fire that melted stone, she was perfect for Prince Aemond, and he would have her.
(Unknownst to him, Ser Cole was following close behind. Not to stop him, but to witness this magnificent event unfold.)
Prince Aemond put down the lantern and slowly approached the she-dragon, each stepped made with determination.
“Cannibal,” He called out. The dragon did not wake. “Cannibal!” He said, louder. The she-dragon peaked her eyes open and saw the boy, but did not move. “Mazīs.” Aemond Targaryen said in broken Valyrian, his voice cracking around the word quite embarrassingly. The Cannibal yawned, shaking her head as the boy continued to shout in broken Valyrian. “Mazīs, Cannibal! Dohaerās!”
The she-dragon, notorious for growing angry at anything and everything, huffed as if annoyed at being disturbed before rolling onto her other side and faling asleep.
“Dohaerās! You stupid beast!” Aemond screamed, flailing the whip and striking the Cannibal’s back.
Silence for a moment, then the pitch black she-dragon growled and rose onto all fours. Her scales were ragged and torn, the spikes along her back jagged and uneven, and her eyes, an inhuman color of green that gleamed menacingly. The Cannibal turned to the Targaryen Prince, scenting the air, she sensed his mixed blood and the malevolence in his heart.
She rose to her full height, growing down at the intruders as she reared back, before dropping to a low crouch and roared in the boys face, a sound so shrill and cracked, it sounded more like a demon than a dragon.
The air coming from the she-dragon's mouth almost made Prince Aemond fall back, but he managed to stay standing as he dropped the whip in fright.
It was over as quickly as it started. The Cannibal glared one last time before turning away from the boy and resuming her sleep.
Prince Aemond was pretty sure his life flashed before his eyes, he was petrified as Ser Cole picked him up and ran out of the cave, setting his charge gently on his feet. The Kingsguard wanted to go back in there and slay that beast, but he was smart enough to know that was an idiotic idea. “My Prince–”
“Stop! What are you doing?”
They turned to see Crown Princess Aemma Aureliās run up with her little brothers, little sister, and Prince Kal. They were all in their night clothes, but wearing their riding leather boots.
“What are you two doing out here? It is dangerous to be out here by yourselves! The dragons would have perceived you as trespassers and killed you!” Princess Aemma said, walking up to the boy but keeping a distance from him. She looked behind him, into the mouth of the Cannibal’s cave, and her eyes widened. “You went into the Cannibal’s cave? Are you mad?”
“She does not like people in her cave. The fact that you left unharmed is a mercy!” Prince Jacaerys said, truly amazed. One time, a thief from an old house of Slave Masters snuck into the Dragon Grounds in an attempt to steal some eggs, and walked into the Cannibal’s cave. The thief was killed by her green dragon fire before he knew what was happening.
“Neither of you had a right to be out here!” Princess Aemma took a few steps forward, her future betrothed close behind her, exuding an air of command and authority. “My mother did not give you permission–”
“I do not need permission for your whore mother to claim a dragon, as was my birthright!” Prince Aemond snarled, the shock wearing off as his heart slowed. He glared at the bastards before him, daring to question his actions.
“Do not call our mother that.” Jace said, stepping forward, the Prince of Meereen was full of dragon fire, much like their mother in her youth.
“You cannot call 𝙼𝚞ñ𝚊 that!”
“Take that back!”
Princess Aemma gave her twin and young siblings a look, silently telling him to stay back. “You are in the Empire of Valyria, my mother is Empress. You and your family are guests here. So, yes, you do need permission from my mother to attempt to claim a dragon. Who do you think you are?”
“Watch your tongue,” Ser Cole snapped, stepping threateningly close to the Crown Princess of Valyria with a hand on the hilt of his sword. “You are speaking to the son of King Viserys Tar–”
“This is our home. It is you who should watch your tongues.” Prince Jacaerys stood beside his twin sister, the two posing quite the commanding painting. Their silver-white hair, fair pale skin, and beautiful eyes made them look like Gods, and people always said the Valyrian’s are closer to Gods than men. Compared to Prince Aemond and his siblings, who looked so plain and unremarkable, the boy seethed .
“It is my birthright as a Targaryen Prince to claim a dragon, you cannot stop me from doing so!”
“That means nothing in Valyria. You are not part of our empire, you have little to no ties to our heritage, you do not even honor our customs or language. You have no right to the majestic creatures you disrespect so.”
The younger children nodded and took the chance to leap in with their own opinions.
“You have no shame or respect! Going into the Cannibal’s cave like that!” Princess Naerys snapped, anger shimmering in her little body.
“You cannot just go in and expect her to obey you! That is not how it works.” Prince Lucerys said, holding his twin sister’s hand gently. “You have to let her choose you.”
“I doubt any dragon would willingly choose any of King Viserys children. They might look it, but they have no dragon blood in their veins. It's all Andal.” Princess Naerys remarked.
“Oh course,” Princess Aemma, renowned for her wisdom in her youth, but still a young child, snarkily said, “They are fake dragons. Half-breeds .”
That seemed to push the boy over the edge.
Prince Aemond yelled, a shrill sound, as he charged at Princess Aemma and tackled her to the ground and began to hit her. That action set off a chaotic chain of events.
The children yelled and screamed as they tried to help Aemma, trying to drag the feral boy off the Crown Princess, but they were hindered by the boy’s strength and the Kingsguard who grabbed them and pushed them away from Prince Aemond.
It turned into a full out, unfair brawl, with Prince Jacaerys and Prince Kal fighting off Ser Cole, who looked deranged and murderous as he fought the two boys, he has yet to unsheathe his sword, instead using his fists and feet to fight the younger and smaller boys. It was unfair, but the two were giving as good as they got despite the disadvantage.
Princess Aemma still on the ground with Prince Aemond punching her, and she was giving as good as she got. Princess Naerys and Prince Lucerys pushed the boy off Aemma, and they then started wailing on him.
The second son of Viserys Targaryen snarled and grabbed a rock, which he used to hit the two younger children over him. He hit them several times until they were writhing on the ground.
Grabbing Prince Lucerys’ shirt, he pulled him up and held the rock over his head. “I will claim a dragon, and you will die burning like the rest of your disgusting family, bastards. ” He spat the word like it was venom, delighting in the terrified look in the 8 nameday old boy’s eyes. It felt so satisfying to see the terror, the fear was intoxicating.
“W-we aren’t bastards!” Luke said firmly, despite the fear shaking his body.
“Luke!” Jace tried to get to his little brother, but Ser Cole grabbed him by his hair and yanked, holding him painfully in place. Prince Kal was on the ground, the Kingsguard’s foot on his chest, holding him down. “Release me!”
“Watch. Go on, watch.” The Dornish man grasped the boys chin and forced him to look at Prince Aemond standing with a jagged rock over his baby brother’s head. “Watch as he slays your sinful brother, and know your family will be next.”
The children, injured and distressed and afraid, unconsciously reached inside themselves to that piece next to their hearts, and several roars penetrated the tense air.
Vermithor rose from his nest and roared, sensing his riders panic and pain. Beside him Silverwing did the same, as did Vermax and Arrax. They took flight.
Princess Aemma growled, coming in from the side and punching the Green Prince in the face with an impressive left hook. He released Luke and stumbled back, but did not relinquish his hold on the rock. “You stay away from my family, you mongrel. ” She snarled, chest heaving as she faced off against the boy. “You and yours will die if you touch mine. My mother will ensure that.”
“I would like to see you try, bastard .” Prince Aemond mocked, raising the rock again and fully ready to use it. He hit Princess Aemma in the head, and she immediately began to bleed as she sat on the ground. He raised the rock again, then–
Not even a moment later, the 3 dragons surrounded them, snarling and growling as they glared at the boy with the rock and the mad man in silver. Arrax shrieked, agitated at the danger his rider was in, jumping and moving around. Vermax was a bit calmer, but all the same angry.
Behind Aemma, Vermithor the King of all Dragons lowered his head so his eyes were at level with the boy and growled, a reverberating sound that shook his bones.
He froze, his body locking up as he gazed into eyes of pure fire.
Taking the opportunity, Prince Lucerys grabbed his sister's discarded dagger off the ground and slashed up , towards Prince Aemond’s face.
Skin split, blood spilled, and Prince Aemond screamed . Falling to the ground as he writhed in pain, a smooth cut across his left eye.
Ser Cole threw Pricne Jacaerys away and charged towards Luke, his hand on the hilt of his sword when–
“What is the meaning of this!?”
Captain Harrold bellowed, he and a small garrison of Red Legionnaires swiftly approaching with several Dragon Keepers, who gently ushered the dragons back. Two Red Legionnaires swarmed Ser Cole and disarmed him, forcing him on his knees, while the others saw to the children. “My prince’s, my princess,” The captain said, gathering the Crown Princess, Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys, and Princess Naerys into his big and warm arms. “What happened?”
“Empress Rhaenyra!” Her advisor, Lady Siroreah exclaimed, breaking through the treeline and coming upon said woman and her husband sitting at a riverbank. The two shot up to their feet. “You must come quickly! The children!”
Eyes wide, Rhaenyra and her husband quickly ran back to camp, which was in absolute chaos.
Their guests had awoken and flooded in front of the Aureliās tent.
“Where are they?” Rhaenyra asked, moving through the crowd. “Jace, Luke, Naerys! Aemma!”
Her children were standing with Captain Harrold and Commander Mara, all four of them bloody and dirty. Little Luke’s nose was broken; one of his hands held a cloth to it while the other held Naerys’ hand, her other arm in a sling. The right side of Aemma’s face was covered in blood, but luckily the wound on her forehead had stopped bleeding by now. The Crown Princess was struggling to stay standing, so her twin Jacaerys had his arm wrapped around her and Luke, while Prince Kal held Aemma’s hand.
“Show me, show me,” Rhaenyra kneeled in front of Luke and gently moved his hand away to examine his nose while Harwin wrapped his arms around Aemma and Jace. “What happened? Who did this?”
“They attacked me!”
Looking behind her, Empress Rhaenyra saw Prince Aemond sitting on a chair, a Healer kneeling before him as he carefully stitched his wounded eye closed. An equally bloody Ser Cole was standing nearby, being held by two of her Legionnaires.
“Move! Move!” Not a moment later, King Viserys and Queen Alicent, with Lord Hand Otto following close behind, broke through the crowd and were beside Aemond in a second. “Aemond! My son! My boy, what happened!?”
“He attacked Aemma!” Jace yelled, upset.
“He hit her!”
“They attacked me ! They were trying to kill me!”
“They tried to kill my son!”
“Enough.”
“That's a lie!”
“He had a rock! He was going to hit Luke in the head!”
“He said he would kill us!”
“My son–!”
“ Enough.”
“He said we would all die burning!”
“ORDER!” Captain Harrold bellowed over the yelling from the children and the Green Queen, and all noise immediately ceased. “The Empress demands order.”
“Thank you, Captain,” She gave the man a grateful nod and stood up. She was wearing a pale Arryn blue nightgown that reached the ground, embroidered with images of dragons and eagles, her golden-white hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. “I will have the truth of what happened.”
“What more is there to say?” Queen Alicent asked, her voice shrill and hair wild. “My son has been maimed, and yours is responsible!”
“It was my children who were attacked by your son.” Emperor Harwin countered, his hands on his eldest twins shoulders, while Luke plastered himself against Lady Amanda, who had come over to comfort the young ones.
“𝚂𝚔𝚘𝚛𝚘𝚜 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚜?” Saeranera asked quietly, she and her parents breaking through and standing just a couple steps away from Rhaenyra.
“𝚂𝚎𝚙ā𝚛 𝚚𝚒𝚕ō𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚗.” Prince Daemon smirked, his hands on Saeranera’s shoulders as he watched.
“Your son snuck into the Dragon Grounds and attempted to claim a dragon without Empress Rhaenyra’s permission.” Emperor Harwin revealed, the people gasped and murmured. Going into the Dragon Grounds unauthorized was a crime punishable by imprisonment, let alone trying to claim a dragon. “And when our children went to confront him, he attacked them.”
“He was going to his Luke in the head with a rock.” Little Naerys said, her voice quiet but echoing in the tense air. She buried her face in Lady Elys’ skirts and whimpered. “He called us bastards, and-and said we would die burning , like the… the rest of our disgusting family.”
Outraged cries filled the air, the people glaring at the one-eyed boy who wilted just a little, but managed to keep the angry look on his face present. His mother and father paled, and his grandfather grit his teeth. For fucks sake…
“He attacked the Empress’ children!”
“He broke Guest Rights!”
“How shameful!”
The murmuring was abruptly broken, and before Rhaenyra could say anything, Jaenya and Vaelys ran up, the former holding a crying Maenora, while the front of the latter’s dress had blood on it. “Aunt Rhaenyra! Aunt Rhaenyra!” With her horrified attention on them, the girls approached with tears in their eyes. “We–we had just stepped out for a moment to clean up, Maenora was asleep and Grey Shield was nearby! But–but when we returned, the–the Westeros prince had–had–!”
Just then, Prince Daeron was marched through the crowd by Grey Shield, an Unsullied, and Aerys, who tightly held the boy's blood soaked arm’s.
“Daeron! Unhand my son!” Queen Alicent found her voice and commanded, taking a step forward but what stopped by Viserys.
“What is the meaning of this?” The King demanded.
“Your Majesty, Prince Daeron he–he killed Princess Maenora’s hatchling.” Vaelys sobbed, tears falling from her gray eyes.
“When we arrived, he was standing over the crib with a knife. Princess Maenora was wailing and her hatchling…” Jaenya sighed mournfully, lowering her head.
Horrified gasps filled the air. Killing a dragon, especially a baby , was considered taboo, a sin by which the Fourteen Flames would greatly punish. And to kill a bonded hatchling as well… Empress Rhaenyra quickly took Maenora into her arms, attempting to soothe her babe as she wailed for her hatchling, her other half that would never come.
Not even a second later, Prince Aegon was roughly escorted through the crowd by Laenor and Addam, his clothing were askew, and he smelled strongly of alcohol. “Unhand me,” He said drunkenly, and obviously, the two did not listen. Princess Rhaena and Baela and Princess Daenerys appeared behind them and made beelines for their parents.
“Mother! Father!”
Daemon and Laena wrapped their twins tightly in their arms, while Harwin did the same with Daenerys. The girls were dirty and their clothes messy, they had obviously been crying. “Dany! What happened?”
“It was Prince Aegon!” Baela said, pointing to the heavily intoxicated boy. “He snuck into Dany’s tent and tried to rape her!”
“After he raped Almira!” Rhaena cried, her chest hitching with each breath.
Almira was one of the Palace Maids, trusted with overseeing the children’s possessions and such. She was supported by her husband, an Unsullied named Mud Mole, her clothing was ripped and there was a forming bruise on her cheek. She met Empress Rhaenyra’s eyes and nodded.
“Unbelievable! Who do those princes think they are!?”
“Mongrels!”
“Monsters!”
“What is that women teaching her sons?”
“How awful!”
“They should be punished! The three of them!”
“They deserve punishment!”
In the face of the hate and scorn directed towards her sons for truly vile reasons that she could not make disappear like she did with the maids and squires in the Red Keep, Queen Alicent and Lord Hand Otto started to panic. They had no allies in Valyria, and there was no love between Viserys and Rhaenyra, the latter who hated him and his children wholly.
In Westeros, they might have been able to spin this in their favor, falsify evidence, pay off witnesses, make some people disappear, but they could not do that here. There was nothing they could do.
(But the Hightower’s never could accept defeat, always needing to win no matter the cost.)
“Those are vile accusations! You have no proof!” She yelled, her hand gripping Aemond’s shoulder in a vice grip. “Y–you cannot punish my children–!”
“You are in Valyria, my Empire. I have every right to punish your sons,” Empress Rhaenyra cut the woman off, after finally managing to soften Maenora’s cries, she hands her over to Elys before turning back to the Greens. “Your sons broke Guest Right, assaulted my children, raped one of my people, killed a hatchling and could have killed Maenora!”
“Rhaenyra, please! Enough of this!” King Viserys finally found the will to speak, his eyes pleading as he regarded his daughter. “We can come to a compromise, there is no need to spill blood–”
“It was your sons who spilled blood first, King Viserys,” Prince Daemon cut him off, holding Baela to his side while Laena kissed Rhaena’s hair and rubbed her back. “And you are a fool to think they will get a slap on the wrist.”
“She can have them beheaded for breaking Guest Right.” Princess Rhaenys commented, and Lady Siroreah nodded. “As would be her prerogative as Empress of Valyria.”
The crowd immediately agreed with the Nautical Princess, voicing their thirst for blood and justice.
“Kill them!”
“Bathe them in dragon fire!”
“Kill them, Empress!”
“Take their heads!”
“Geld the eldest one!”
“Cut that little beast's hands off!”
“Take out his other eye!”
“Silence!”
Everyone ceased speaking at the Empress’ call to order. All eyes turned to her. She looked at her sire and half-brothers for a moment, taking in their Andal faces and Targaryen hair. The looks of self-righteous anger and indignation served to fuel Empress Rhaenyra’s anger. She wanted to do many horrible things to all of them, she wanted them to suffer , but… she didn’t want to see them anymore. Rhaenyra was done with them.
“While I do not consider King Viserys and his children with Alicent Hightower as my family,” The King’s eyes looked completely heartbroken, but Rhaenyra did not care. “But, they are unfortunately of my blood, and curse be the Kinslayer, yes?”
A few grumbles, mostly from Prince Daemon, filled the air before they were shushed.
“But, these crimes will not go unpunished. Prince’s Aegon, Aemond, Daeron, and Ser Cole will receive 10 lashes in Balerion’s Plaza. After that, any who carry the name Targaryen and Hightower are hereby banished from the Empire of Valyria, never to set foot in its cities under threat of death.” The people cheered, the sounds loud and reaching as they raised their arms. With each word that left Rhaenyra’s mouth, the Westeros company grew increasingly pale. “Henceforth, Valyria disowns House Targaryen. Valyria ceases to consider the descendants of Viserys Targaryen as its progenies. Valyria declares the Targaryens as illegitimate and severs all connections with them! They abandoned our heritage, and now they must suffer the consequences!”
The thunderous applause echoed through the air, momentarily tempering the crowd's demand for retribution as the Empress delivered her righteous verdict upon the culprits.
“Please Rhaenyra, my beloved daughter! Do not do this! We can put the past behind us and be a family–” Truly, the King’s words were pitiful, his tears even more so as he tried to beg for mercy. His wife and Hand were deathly pale as the gravity of the situation dawned on them.
“Save your breath. I do not want to hear any more meaningless dribble from you.” Empress Rhaenyra cut him off, looking the man that was her 𝙺𝚎𝚙𝚊 in the eyes. She had loved him, long ago, when her mother was still alive and when things were simpler, but as Rhaenyra got older, she realized that she would never be enough for him, because she was not a son and because he cared more about his Hightower's than his own flesh and blood. "You have been a dead man to me ever since you murdered our mother and replaced her with a whore . It disgusts me to be related to you. I should have known sooner that you were only concerned with pleasing Otto fucking Hightower, even if it meant destroying our entire family. I can only imagine how horrified Aegon the Conqueror would be to see the ruin you have made of his legacy."
Harwin stood behind his wife, knowing she needed this, as he silently took her hand and gently squeezed.
“Take them away. I want them gone by tomorrow.”
Lord Hand Otto, having finally spoken up, stepped forward only to be met with the unsheathed swords of the red cloaks. "Should you proceed, you will become an enemy of the Seven Kingdoms. You and your family will be labeled as traitors.”
“And what?” Eyes shifted to Prince Daemon, who raised his brow as he glared at the snake. “You will wage war on us? March upon us with your feeble armies? Against our Valyrian Steel weapons and dragons?”
“Come now, you are not that foolish to think waging war with me is a good idea?” Empress Rhaenyra of Valyria, unafraid and defiant, met his gaze head-on, daring him to continue. Though reluctant to engage in bloodshed and needless war with Westeros, she would not shy away from defending her kingdom and people if they forced her hand. However, Empress Rhaenyra would hold them accountable for any conflict that ensued, as it would not be her choice but a response to their actions. “With over 100,000 seasoned warriors equipped with the finest steel and 30 fearsome dragons at my command, I possess unparalleled military might. My naval force boasts over 40,000 ships crafted from the most robust wood, far surpassing your own. Any attempt at war against me would be futile, as my forces greatly outnumber and outmatch yours. It is highly doubtful that the people of Westeros would be willing to engage in war with the greatest empire in Essos due to your impulsive, selfish, and short-sighted actions. Should you persist in this reckless path, the consequences will fall solely upon your shoulders. The deaths of your men will be a direct result of your poor judgment, and I shall ensure that the blame rests entirely with you. The people of Westeros will know that the loss of their husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, and cousins is solely attributable to your foolishness.”
With a final nod of her head, her Red Cloaks and Legionnaires grabbed the Westeros company, who have overstayed their welcome, and harshly took them back to the Palace of Dragons, ignoring their protests.
The next morning, everyone in Valyria knew of the Westerosi’s crimes, and all gathered in Balerion’s Plaza, a grand square used for announcements, small plays, and public punishments.
The Three Houses stood as a united front, dressed in their respective colors of aquamarine, blue, and red with silver accents. Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin stood in the middle, donning their crowns of silver and gold, sapphires and rubies and dragonglass, their clothing resembling dragon scales, making them appear as such a formidable pair.
Alongside their parents, the children stood tall, adorned in the hues of the cities they were destined to rule. Their bodies bore the visible marks of their arduous journey, but they carried those bruises and cuts with pride, refusing to conceal them from the world.
In the plaza's center, on a raised platform, stood the condemned criminals—Princes Aegon, Aemond, and Daeron Targaryen, along with Ser Criston Cole. Shackled in chains, they bore the weight of their guilt: violating the sanctity of Guest Right, assaulting the royal family, attempted thievery of a dragon, raping a member of the Palace and attempting to rape Princess Daenerys, and killing a hatchling in cold blood. Each of them was to endure ten lashes as punishment for their transgressions.
King Viserys and Queen Alicent stood nearby with Princess Helaena, Lord Hand Otto, and Ser Gwayne.
(The Kingsguard was unable to sneak into the Empress and Emperor’s offices, in fact he wasn’t able to go anywhere in the Palace of Dragons. He was followed and watched closely, and he did not want to risk anything, so he abandoned the plan and just remained with his niece. Much to the anger of his father.)
Under the watchful eyes of Red Legionnaires who surrounded them on all sides, they stood frozen in a mix of emotions. Queen Alicent, clutching onto her daughter, sobbed uncontrollably, unheeding of her daughter's attempts to escape the rough touch. In contrast, King Viserys mirrored a pitiable image of sorrow and shock, while Lord Hand Otto's face flushed crimson with fury.
Empress Rhaenyra nodded to the designated punisher, a middle-aged man with a nasty scar on the left side of his face, named Harlen. He nodded back, in his hand, a simple whip.
First, Prince Aegon. He was dragged to the center of the platform and strapped to the pillar. The eldest boy struggled and cursed, his movements sloppy and speech slightly slurred, he was very much hung over.
He was ignored for the most part as he was bound in place.
Harlen stood behind the Targaryen prince, and with no fanfare or buildup of tension, struck the boy across the back. He howled, screeching like a feral cat and jerking against the leather straps. His body jerked almost violently as he was whipped 9 more times, the process slow, but not in a way meant to be overly cruel.
“𝚉𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚔𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚊𝚑𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 ō𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚜, 𝚢𝚗 𝚍𝚊𝚘𝚛 𝚐ū𝚛𝚘𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚣𝚒𝚛𝚢?” Prince Daemon snorted, his hand on Saeranera’s shoulder as he held Baelon on his hip.
“𝙽𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚖𝚒𝚓𝚎𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚊 𝚍𝚛ī𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚜𝚢𝚝 𝚗𝚢𝚔𝚎ā 𝚣𝚊𝚕𝚍𝚛ī𝚣𝚎𝚜.” The Heir of Mantarys hummed, looking upon her cousin with pity and disgust.
By the end, the Heir to the Iron Throne was a sobbing, pitiful mess, his drafty shirt torn in the back and covered in blood, the wounds precise and large. He was released from the pillar and dragged away to have his wounds cared for.
Next, Prince Aemond. He put up more of a fight than his brother, snarling and yelling obscenities at everyone and anyone. He looked like a feral animal. But compared to the healthy, large, and exceedingly strong Red Legionnaires, Prince Aemond was no match.
He was strapped to the pillar, and then Harlen began. The boy took the pain better than Prince Aegon, but he still cried and yelled at the pain. He also found the breath to curse out the royal family, but seemed to be smart enough to not use certain words that would make them even more angry. His back was a mess of blood and gashes, he was released and dragged away.
Then, Prince Daeron. He didn’t put up much of a fight, but he snarled and growled. When the whipping began, he didn’t react to it like Aegon or Aemond, he seemed more annoyed than pained, and that was cause for concern.
Finally, Ser Cole. He spat and snarled insults at Empress Rhaenyra and her children, but they were ignored. The kingsguard had been stripped of his armor, leaving him in his dirty breaches and linen shirt. He took the lashes much better than the boys, barelly letting out any cries of pain, but his face said everything.
After the Westerosi were punished, they were returned to their ship under escort and guided past the Black Wall. They were sternly warned that if they ever returned to Valyria, death would be their fate.
This would be an event for the history books for centuries to come, the day Valyria disowned the Targaryens, and their downfall.
The much-discussed weeklong visit to the Valyrian Empire, which was believed to be King Viserys' final opportunity to mend his relationship with his daughter, marked the start of the decline of House Targaryen. However, in reality, that visit was merely one of the many cracks in the foundation of the Targaryen dynasty.
The House of the Dragon's downfall started when Otto Hightower, a second son of a small noble House and overly ambitious, was appointed Hand of two Kings, a position of great power and influence far beyond his station.
Upon their return from Valyria to Westeros, hushed whispers about the dishonorable actions of the three princes quickly spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Within a moon, every tongue wagged with tales of their misbehavior in Empress Rhaenyra's country. The fact that they escaped with their lives was seen as a great mercy, and many believed that the punishment of fifteen lashes for the heinous crimes of raping a young servant, killing a hatchling, and harming the Crown Princess of Essos' greatest empire was far too lenient.
The news further soured the people's opinions on the King’s sons.
Even the Green supporters looked wearily at the boys, especially the one who would be King.
Queen Alicent barred her children from leaving Kings Landing, hells , she practically forbid them from leaving the Red Keep all together. Probably for the best, considering their reputation isn't the best.
So, with the King’s lackluster children no longer in the spotlight, with the Queen and Lord Hand doing everything they would to ensure no whispers of what goes on in those red halls reach outside the city, Westeros turned its attention to Valyria.
News was slow, considering the Peninsula was two oceans away. But when news reached the Seven Kingdoms, they ate the gossip up.
Crown Princess Aemma Aureliās’ betrothal to Prince Kal Kari of Yi Ti was made official, and they would wed when they reached their majority at 8 and 10 namedays old. Their story of young romance made many a girl and ladies swoon as bards sang songs of the Silver Princess and her Sanguine Prince, and serenaded of how the foreign prince sweeped the girl off her feet with his declarations of love and devotion.
(That certainly made the Green Queen’s teeth grit.)
Furthermore, as the years passed, the children of the Silver Empire were the discussion and gossip of the century.
Apparently, Prince Lucerys of Astapor fancied his cousin, Princess Rhaena Seafyre. They bonded over archery and books, and they flew together over the Smoking Sea and Dragon’s Bay. There were rumors that Moredo Rogare was infatuated with the two, and they in turn. The reciprocated love triangle was hot gossip for a long time, despite the Faith preaching the unholiness of polygamy and homosexuality.
(Those preaches seemed to have tripled since news of Valyrias tolerance for love of all kind, including same-sex marriages and polygamy.)
(They say that the High Septon almost had a heart attack.)
But those preaches did not deter the people of talking about the Empire across the Narrow Sea.
Princess Naerys of Volantis, still single though there are rumors she has her eyes on Lord Rickon Stark's second son Aiden, has become the center of whispers and speculations. The rumors have shifted away from her marital status and instead revolve around her extraordinary ability to control the dragon Silverwing. They claim that she possesses the dragon's mind, allowing her to guide and command Silverwing as if she were the dragon herself.
The Faith considered the girl a witch and damned her. Though, the people doubt that the Seven could the girl touched, she was protected by the Fourteen Flames. The Gods of Valyria showed their influence by bringing life back to the abandoned and destroyed peninsula all those years ago, what can the Seven do?
Princess Daenerys of Yunkai was rumored to be close friends with a boy from the city she would one day rule. His name was unknown, but apparently his family was one of Yunkai’s powerful warrior families, with much influence and honor.
In a tavern in the Reach, a sailor told an extravagant but ultimately true tale of how the youngest of Empress Rhaenyra’s children, Princess Maenora, tamed the Cannibal.
While the Valyrian’s connection with their dragons was not fully understood, the smallfolk knew that they were sacred and cherished beings, and a rider without their dragon was a tragedy. There are tales of Targaryen’s of the past loosing their cradle dragons when they were young, how some went mad with grief, or just went mad.
Hearts went out to the young Princess, just a babe of 8 moons when Prince Daeron murdered the defenseless dragon right next to Princess Maenora. The smallfolk could only imagine what the girl was going through as she grew up, grieving for a companion she doesn’t know.
Then, on the eve of her 5th nameday, the Cannibal left her dwelling for seemingly no reason, and was then seen circling the Palace of Dragons, singing. Princess Maenora left the palace while everyone else was scrambling about, confused to the dragon's behavior, before they saw the young princess approaching the Cannibal in the courtyard.
Everyone watched, entranced, as Princess Maenora stepped up to the dragon's lowered snout, and laid her tiny hand on her rough black scales. They watched as the Cannibal’s ominous green eyes soften, her pupils expand as she purred under the Princess’ touch, and a bond was formed.
And for the first time in many years, the Cannibal now known as Meraxes, now had a bond and a rider.
Upon hearing the news, Lord Hand Otto shattered a vase against the wall, and Queen Alicent prayed to her Seven Pointed Star for the downfall of that damned Empire across the Narrow Sea.
(The Seven That Are One disregarded the prayers of House Hightower and their allies, the Greens, as a punishment for their sinful behavior. The Hightower's and the Faith had abandoned the Seven, and in turn, the Seven abandoned them. They had committed heinous acts, such as exploiting the Seven's name for personal gain, harming and raping people, and neglecting the poor. The Hightower's further alienated themselves from the Seven when they joined forces with the Maester's Conspiracy to poison the Targaryen's.)
The Heir of Mantarys, Princess Saeranera Emberlith, was said to be as rogue and wild as her father. She was adherent to her duties as the next Bastion of Mantarys, but she was still young and wild, so she spent much of her time flying with her dragons over Valyria, Volantis, and the Three Cities, visiting Vaes Dothrak, and visiting Dorne.
She was called a great warrior, the Hydra of Valyria, the Red Blade, she was gracious and kind, fierce and brave, cunning and ruthless. Furthermore, she was a hero, and beloved in Essos and Valyria.
But in Westeros, she was called a harlot, a whore (even though she did not share her father's sexual exploits and was a virgin for a very long time), a devil, a sinner. She was a disgrace, undesirable, they said no man would want a thing like her.
They were wrong.
It was well known how good of friends Princess Saeranera was to the Martell’s, in fact, it was primarily because of her that Empress Rhaenyra proposed an alliance with Dorne, with the young Princess being the mediator.
So, it was no surprise that Princess Saeranera was particularly close to Prince Trystane Martell, the Heir to his mother, the ruling Princess of Dorne, Aliandra Martell. Much to Prince Daemon’s chagrin, the two were very good friends. They met as children, young and stupid, and immediately clicked, bonding over the mythology of dragons, their respective religions, and the art of the spear.
Princess Saeranera visited Dorne as much as she could, and when Nagho was big enough to carry two people, she took Prince Trystane on a flight over the Stepstones.
It was their friendship that sowed a long-lasting companionship between the two families, and it was with their marriage at the ages of 8 and 10, that the Martell’s and the Three Heads of Valyria were further bound in kinship.
(They were already kin technically, considering his Rogare father is of Valyrian decent.)
It was most probably the biggest wedding of the century, and the news of it spread like wildfire. Sailors said that Prince Trystance proposed to the Princess of Mantarys in the heat of battle, the two fighting left over pirates of the Triarchy, who have pillaged several trade ships, stole their goods, and killed the inhabitants. They were on a flight when they saw their rickety ship's docket at the Stepstones where their camp was set up.
(It was no surprise that when Prince Daemon and the former-Velaryon’s left Westeros for good, after the long and hard battle they suffered to claim those lands, for King Viserys to take the credit despite not doing anything to help them, that the Crown soon lost the Stepstones when Dorne took back the islands, captured the very few men there, and sent them back to Kings Landing with a note. ‘The lives of these men spared and your trade routes undisturbed. Those are the only terms we will accept for the Stepstones.’ The threat was unspoken, but heard all the same. The Hand demanded action be taken, but what could they do? The Crown had not the numbers nor coin to go to war with Dorne.)
(There were a couple rumors that the Crown was using Lannister gold, and that two of their mines were bled dry to fund the Crown and pay off their debts.)
Upon seeing the pure white dragon soaring overhead, the Triarchy immediately fired upon them with scorpions.
Outnumbered, the princess and her companion had to momentarily retreat to the Sunspear for reinforcements. Prince Trystane relayed the situation to his mother, Aliandra Martell, the ruling Princess of Dorne, who sent a platoon of warriors to aid her son and Princess Saeranera in pushing back the Triarchy.
It was a long and bloody battle, even with a dragon aiding them.
The details and specific events have been blurred and forgotten, but the only things that are remembered and recorded of the battle is the proposal.
Princess Saeranera and Prince Trystane had been fighting back-to-back, blood staining their steel and armor. According to eyewitness accounts, the Heir to Sunspear had yelled amidst the sounds of war, “Nera, will you mary me!?”
Said princess had been stunned, stilling for just a moment before getting back into fighting. “This isn’t the right time!” She had yelled, blocking a blow that would have beheaded Trystane. Their entire conversation wasn’t heard, it was summed up to declarations of love and devotion, before the two kissed in the middle of battle.
The next day with the Triarchy dead and Stepstones reclaimed for Dorne, who long at this point claimed independence from Westeros, a letter was sent to Valyria and received by Empress Rhaenyra and Bastion Prince Daemon, informing them that Princess Saeranera and Prince Trystane would be marrying at the beginning of spring, just in time for the equinox.
(Empress Rhaenyra was said to have laughed at the shocked and displeased look on her uncle’s face as he muttered curses about Prince Trystane.)
The wedding was a grand affair, no expense spared.
They married in Summerhall, a grand keep built on a cliff overlooking the Summer Sea near the Water Gardens, as a wedding gift for the couple. Completely funded by the Martell’s and the Rogare’s, much to the displeasure of Prince Daemon, but it was not his wedding so he had no choice but to concede. And for the first time in 200 years, dragons graced the skies of Dorne.
Summerhall, a magnificent castle, stood as a testament to the grandeur of Dorne and Valyria combined. Its walls were adorned with intricately carved red sandstone, while rainbow-stained windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors upon the interior. A sprawling garden, complete with a dragonpit in the nearby cliff, offered a breathtaking vista, leaving visitors in awe of the castle's resplendence. Summerhall truly surpassed every expectation of a grand keep, leaving no desire unfulfilled.
Decorations of poppy red, daffodil yellow, and tangerine orange were hung around the pillars and walls, along with dozens of flowers. It was a Spring Wedding so they had to go all out! Many guests arrived with gifts for the soon-to-be couple.
In her wedding attire, Princess Saeranera exuded elegance. Her hair, meticulously braided, was adorned with a simple circlet of black steel encrusted with fire opal and rubies. The cloak she wore cascaded over her shoulders, a vibrant tapestry of poppy red, daffodil yellow, and tangerine orange, reminiscent of dragon scales. Beneath it, an obsidian black gown completed her bridal ensemble.
The Heir of Mantarys looked both beautiful and powerful, a Dragonlord through and through.
Prince Trystane Martell, her betrothed, shared similar features. He bore tanned skin, dark short hair, and every trait of a Martell except his hazel blue eyes inherited from his father. The Heir to Sunspear wore a golden long coat beneath a red and bronze cloak adorned with the Martell sun on its back. His dark hair was neatly combed back and crowned with a simple sun circlet.
(It would be denied until his dying day, but it was said that Prince Daemon teared up at the sight of his daughter in her wedding outfit.)
The ceremony was a combination of Rhoynar customs and Valyrian customs, the couple stood in the grand pond of Summerhalls garden in which Rhoynarish oils and mixtures had been poured into, and then the Prince and Princess had Valyrian oils smeared onto their foreheads. They then drank the goblet of their mixed blood as their hands were tied together by a piece of silk by Archbishop Geradys.
Their vows were sealed with a kiss, and Houses Martell and Emberlith were joined as kin in the eyes of the Fourteen Flames and Mother Rhoyne.
All of Westeros was buzzing with anticipation for months as the Spring Wedding became the talk of every gathering. From lords and ladies to smallfolk and knights, even the common people and fishermen, everyone was discussing the upcoming event. The Crown itself could not escape the excitement, making it a topic of conversation in the highest circles.
Despite the presence of the King, the Greens continued to criticize the Valyrians, unable to restrain themselves from doing so. It was like it was all they could do. Their vitriol only seemed to increase when two years after their marriage, Princess Saeranera and Prince Trystane had twins.
Elaena Nymeros Emberlith and Daemon Nymeros Martell, the perfect blend of Martell dark and Valyrian light. Elaena, with her golden-white hair, sienna skin, and deep indigo eyes, would rule Mantarys after her mother with her mount Gaelithox, who hatched minutes after she was placed in the cradle. Daemon, with his light golden-brown hair, pale skin, and sky blue eyes, would rule Sunspear after his father with his mount Morsterys, a who hatched a day after his birth.
Gaelithox shared the lineage of Syrax and Caraxes, as evidenced by his distinctive physical attributes. His body appeared somewhat disproportionate, and some observers remarked that he resembled a hybrid of different dragons. Specifically, they noted similarities to Syrax in his head and to Meleys in his wings. Gaelithox's coloration was a deep, near-black shade of brown, accentuated by pale peach undertones and striking golden eyes.
Morsterys took after his sire, looking more worm than dragon with his slim body and long neck. He was a dark, grayish color with vibrant orange and yellow accents, and deep red eyes. Compared to his clutch brother, Morsterys was calm as apposed to ill-tempered.
(King Viserys was said to have confined himself in his rooms at the news. His niece, married, with beautiful dragon-riding children.)
(Lord Otto raged in the Tower of the Hand, the Martell’s, now allied with Valyria and no longer granting him a chance to control them.)
In contrast to the flourishing state of the Valyrian Empire, House Targaryen and House Hightower in Westeros faced a different fate.
Their reputations have seemed to take a nosedive as the years passed. Prince Aegon, Heir to the Iron Throne, was a deplorable man at barely 20 namedays old. Drinking the days and nights away in his favorite establishment in Flea Bottom, the one with the children's fighting pits where a couple of his bastards live. If that were not enough, his penitent for raping the maids and young servants of the Red Keep was well known despite the Queen and Hand’s attempts to keep the whispers from spreading.
Prince Aemond was a feral and cruel as ever, spending his days in the training yards beating his squires. He was ruthless, not stopping until his opponent was unconscious and bloody. He had a handsome face, but his attitude and bloodlust soured that and drove many would-be brides away.
Princess Helaena, the Lonely Princess they called her, spent her days in her chambers, reading and embroidering peculiar designs on handkerchiefs as she muttered nonsense. She was the only one without a negative reputation among the Targaryen’s.
Prince Daeron was… an oddity, so to speak. He wasn’t seen all that much outside of his rooms or the keep, but the horror stories the maids of Kings Landing have of them reach far and wide. They tell of how the boy mutilates animals, killing them slowly as he tore them open. They tell of how he chuckles as he tears into a cat. They tell of the journals, which detail what he wants to do to people.
People wonder why King Viserys doesn’t do anything about his son's behavior, but the king was a fool. Viserys the Fool , he was called. The Fool, the Puppet King, the Weak, the Kinslayer.
He was content to just stay in his chambers for days on end, doing whatever happened behind closed doors. Mushroom said the King mourned for the nieces, nephews, and grandchildren he would never know because of his own actions. He truly was a pitiful man, would rather hide in his rooms than be a king .
So that left Lord Hand Otto and Queen Alicent to rule the kingdom in the King's absence, but they were already doing so anyway. Taxes increased, people arrested, problems ignored. The people were growing restless and angrier as the days passed. They cursed the day Hightower became the Hand of the King, the day Viserys Targaryen married the Whore in Green .
Finally, the tension would all come to a head and everything would change when Prince Aemond traveled to Storms End with his mother and grandfather to choose a wife.
Lord Borros has been a supporter of Prince Aegon since the day his father died, and he became Lord Baratheon, but with the rumors of the actions of the King’s sons, and various inactions, Lord Borros began to distance himself from the Hightower’s. He may be an idiot who could not read, but he was not that much of an idiot.
The second son arrived with an air of authority and bloodlust, his one eye gazing over Lord Borros’ daughters.
The Lord Hand decreed that one of his daughters would wed Prince Aemond by the end of the month, and House Baratheon would surrender half of their coin to the Crown.
It caused an outrage, Lord Borros denied this decree, stating that it was not signed by the King himself, so it was inadmissible. He would not allow his daughters to marry this savage prince, nor allow the Crown any of his coin when they would lose it all in a week to Prince Aegon’s lavish spendings.
The ensuing events precipitated the downfall of the Targaryens and the Hightowers, unleashing a fierce and bloody war that left the ground stained red.
Prince Aemond beheaded Lord Borros so fast and suddenly no one knew what happened until the man's head was rolling on the floor. His daughter shrieked in fright as the prince killed their father. Storms End was in complete chaos, and it took a day for the White Cloaks to seize everyone and bring order.
Lady Cassandra Baratheon barely had anytime to process before they left with their coin and Floris, her baby sister, who was only 2 and 10 at the time. Queen Alicent had offered Lady Cassandra her condolences , and a warning of not being like her father, before leaving with her savage son.
By the end of the month, Floris had been wedded and bedded by that one-eyed beast .
By the end of the month, House Baratheon declared war on House Targaryen, and Cassandra’s Rebellion began.
Cassandra’s Rebellion would be known as the bloodiest civil war ever wrought in Westeros history.
The Stormlands took up arms, soon followed by the Vale and the North. They were dubbed the Golds , for House Baratheon’s golden coat of arms, a furious stag poised to attack.
Cassandra Baratheon, donning her family armor and ancestral sword Stormbringer , rallied the rebellion and declared, “Since Viserys Targaryen became King of the Seven Kingdoms, he has been content to sit back on his ass and allow his slimy Hand, Otto Hightower, to rule in all but title. To do whatever he pleases and elevate his own House high above others! Then, King Viserys the Fool married the Green Whore, who bore him three sons, Hightower’s pretending to be dragons, monsters pretending to be Princes! Aegon the Monster of the Pits, Aemond the One-Eyed Beast, and Daeron the Mad Huntsman, all cruel, depraved, ferocious! They stole my little sister and forced her to wed Maegor Come Again at just 2 and 10! For too long, the Hightower’s, the Greens, have made us all suffer! They take our food and coin, our friends and family with no remorse! How many girls have disappeared from the Red Keep? How many squires have died? Too many! NO MORE! We will not suffer under the rule of the Puppet King and his Hightower masters any longer!”
The Golden Army, the army of Stormlanders, Vale knights, and Northerners, gave a resounding war cry as they raised their swords and spears.
“Queen Aemma was the first to suffer! King Viserys the Fool got her pregnant again and again, forcing her to endure miscarriage after miscarriage, and in the end he butchered her like a pig! Then he replaced her with a whore not even a year later. Queen Aemma cared for us to the best of her ability, and in the end she was brushed aside and dishonored. Then, it was Princess Rhaenyra, who was disinherited for the half-breed, forcing her and most of her family into exile! King Viserys is willing to condemn his own blood for the Hightower’s, what lows will he not sink to!? What crimes will he allow them to commit!? No more, I say! No more shall suffer for his weakness, for the Greens greed and privilege! NO MORE!”
Cassandra’s Rebellion arose from a profound brew of grief, anger, and a thirst for revenge and justice. This uprising was ignited by a populace who had endured great pain and indignities, and who now yearned for justice to honor those they had lost.
The war had happened suddenly, but it was a long time coming.
It was bloody and violent.
The Crown had been heavily caught off guard at the rebellion. They scrambled to assemble their armies and call to arms, to ensure that this rebellion was squashed before any real damage was done.
They had hoped to end it before it truly started within a moon, but then 5 passed, and it turned into an all out civil war. Lines were drawn, arms taken, lives lost.
The Golds consisted of the Stormlands, the Vale, and the North, just three regions of Westeros but large in Houses and armies. The Greens (the Crown) consisted of the half of the Riverlands, the Westerlands, and the Crownlands, House Tyrell and several others refused to fight either side.
The Greens, now led by Prince Regent Aegon and Queen Alicent (with Lord Hand Otto pulling most of the strings). King Viserys said he was not equipped to deal with the rebellion, so he trusted his wife and Hand to deal with it while he stayed in his chambers.
Prince Regent Aegon took advantage of his new power to indulge heavily, spending most of his time in whore houses and the fighting pits. No matter what Queen Alicent or the Lord Hand said, Prince Aegon would not stop, which left the planning to his grandfather and mother.
He made life hell in the halls of the Red Keep, whores came in and out of his rooms, both young and old. He was seen in broad daylight entering the fighting pits and betting on the children, most of them his own bastard children. One night, when the Council had convened, there was a commotion and everyone went to the Prince’s rooms to see Ser Tyland and Lord Jason’s young sister on the floor, her face bloody and clothes torn.
She had been raped by Prince Aegon after he had dragged her to his chambers.
Queen Alicent had shrieked and hit her son, wailing to him about honor and duty, as she had done a hundred times before, but this time was different. Aegon had stuck his mother back, sending her sprawling onto the floor as her cheek reddened. “How dare you?” She was said to have whispered, shocked, as she was helped to her feet, as was everyone else. Prince Aegon had just hit his own mother.
“The next time you raise your hand to me,” Prince Aegon the Cruel hissed, getting in his mothers face, “Will be the last time you have hands .
The Queen was rendered speechless, which prompted her loyal dog to jump to her defense, “Prince Aegon you cannot–”
“Who are you to tell me what to do!?” He shouted, making the Kingsguard flinch. This was a tone unheard from the prince. “You will shut your fucking mouth and stand there like the good hound you are! Or your head will be removed!”
“Aegon!” Queen Alicent got over her shock and moved in front of her son, her eyes frantic, hair frazzled. “You must cease this horrid and dishonorable behavior at once–”
“You seem to forget that I am Prince Regent, mother. And I am to be the future king,” He cut her off, staring right into her brown eyes. Then, he stepped closer to her, standing just a couple inches above her. “I will be King. I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT!!” He roared in his mother's face like the dragon he pretended to be, shaking the Queen to her core. He then grabbed her by her hair and threw her out of his rooms, slamming the door shut.
The news spread, and the Lannister's wanted justice, but what could they do? They could not go to the king, he was a weak fool who would do nothing. The Lord Hand and Queen could not punish Prince Aegon, he technically had more power than them.
The Greens were lucky the Lannister’s were still their supporters and funded them.
As Westeros tore itself apart, Valyria was content to sit back and not get involved. But Empress Rhaenyra had a bleeding heart, and she felt sorry for the smallfolk caught in the crossfire, so she sent her cousins to Westeros to bring the neutral houses and small towns food and medicine. A mass letter was sent to the noble Houses, informing them of Valyria’s neutrality but their deed of aiding the smallfolk.
But that would all change when Storm’s End was brutally attacked by the Greens, the great House sacked.
Princess Alaella Maegarys, 3 and 10 namedays, Prince Baelar Saanys, 4 and 20 nameday, and Prince Talaerys Vysaris, 4 and 30 namedays, were finished delivering food when they saw the aftermath of the destruction.
The Princess and Princes rode in on Grey Ghost , Tessarion , and Sunfyre, they had orders to not interfer with the war, but they wanted to help the people of Storm’s End.
However, unknown to them, the attackers had not left.
For as soon as the dragons neared the castle, ships appeared from the fog and fired scorpion arrows at them. The attack was sudden, they were caught off guard. The arrows hit their marks, and the dragons fell into the waters of Shipwreaker Bay.
Princess Alaella drowned in the waters. Prince Baelar and Talaerys were killed on the beach by Prince Aemond and Daeron, who oversaw the attack on Storm’s End and this ambush.
Their dragons lived, they were only hit in their shoulders. Taking advantage of their injured states, the Greens chained the dragons and took them to Kings Landing, leaving the bodies of the Valyrian Princess and Princes behind.
In the aftermath, Cassandra Baratheon sailed to Valyria.
She informed the Empress of the deaths of Princess Alaella and Prince Baelar, delivering their bodies to them. Princess Saera, Gael,, and Viserra sobbed over their children's bodies as Empress Rhaenyra regarded the Lady Baratheon. Then, shockingly, the proud lady of a proud and stubborn House fell to her knees and begged .
“Please, Empress Rhaenyra, I-I beg of you. Please help me … help me in overthrowing the Greens, help me in getting revenge against those monsters . They… my mother died in the sack, and they took the rest of my sisters… please, please I will give you whatever you want…! Just-just please… help me…” The lady, barely a woman at scarcely 20 namedays, cried on her knees, looking broken but burning with fury and the desire for revenge.
The Empress of Valyria looked upon the girl kneeling before her, begging as if it was the only thing she could do.
In a fleeting moment, a memory washed over her, transporting her back to a time when she was a young girl. A wave of emotions engulfed her: fear, abandonment, betrayal, and a profound sense of isolation. Her mother's death, her uncle's banishment, and her father's decision to leave her behind for his newfound family had left an indelible mark on her soul.
For years, Empress Rhaenyra had been steadfast in her resolve to never again return to Westeros. But as she beheld the tearful young girl kneeling before her, she realized she had no choice. Aemond and Daeron Targaryen had committed an act of unspeakable cruelty, murdering her young cousins, her family , their kin , in cold blood and stealing their dragons. This heinous crime was one that Empress Rhaenyra could not and would not ignore.
And so, the Valyrian Empire wholly backed and allied with the Golds, sharing with them their ships, men, weapons, and their dragons .
Throughout the passage of time, the Great Civil War has been bestowed upon various titles, including the Bloody War, Cassandra's Rebellion, the Great Sack, the Liberation War, and the Clash of Crowns. However, two names have emerged as the most commonly used: the Dance of Dragons and the Waltz with Stags.
Empress Rhaenyra led the Rebellion with Lady Cassandra, aiding her in winning many battles.
Amidst the Golds, Cassandra Baratheon, also known as the Furious Stag, stood as an enduring symbol. As their leader, she possessed the valor to confront adversity and lead her people fearlessly. She rode atop her black stallion, donned in golden Baratheon armor as she wieleded Stormbringer, leading her army to battle against the Greens.
The war would have been ended quickly with Valyria’s aid for the Golds, but the Greens still had a large army, a lot of gold, and two fully grown dragons in their roster.
Despite being married, Prince Aemond was said to have taken a lover in Alys of House Strong, a witch and the bastard of Lord Lyonel. Lady Alys and Lord Larys betrayed their father, who was going to pledge for the Golds, overthrowing the liege lord of Harrenhal and pledging to the Greens.
Lady Alys was known for her dark and blood magic, the people of Harrenhal called her a witch, a user of the dark arts. She used said magic to ensnare the dragon's minds. Blocking the Fourteens' attempts to protect them, Alys Rivers forced Grey Ghost, Tessarion, and SUnfyre to bond with Prince Aemond, Daeron, and Aegon. The dragons became irritable, feral, acting like wild dragons under the witches dark influence.
(There would be speculation of how dragons could be controlled like that, and some would wonder how those under the protection of the Fourteen Flames could be brainwashed like that. But blood magic was a powerful art, it was evil depending on how it was used, and it’s why the Red Priestesses are so powerful. That, combined with the fact that the Fourteen’s magic is most powerful in their stronghold, their magic is not as powerful in Westeros, so they could not do anything as their creatures were enslaved.)
(As was the explanation given by High Magus Alysanne in the year 302 AC.)
With two fully grown dragons, thousands of Rivermen and Westmen, along with sellswords like the Golden Company and the Second Sons, the Greens became near formidable enemies, and ruthless tyrants.
They allied with the Faith Militant, and things got worse for the smallfolk. Garrisons of Poor Fellow’s and Warrior’s Sons travelled to small villages and small Houses to preach to the smallfolk.
The Faith Militant preached against the Golds and the Valyrian Empire, calling Cassandra Baratheon a whore for daring to dress like a man and wield a sword, a traitor for rebelling against the Crown. They said the Valyrian Empire was sinful, that the Three Heads were devils who sought to throw Westeros off the right path, that they wanted to destroy them.
Unfortunately for them, the smallfolk were not listening, they were too busy trying not to starve to death or die of disease because the Crown refused to give them food or aid, and the Maesters were charging outrageous prices for their services.
The smallfolk were dying and the Crown did not care. Some of them hoped the Faith would help, they preached goodness, right? They were representatives of the Seven That Are One, and they would help, right?
(Sometimes, people forget that those of the Faith are simple men, and Men are selfish creatures…)
The Faith Militant soon began a violent spree of “cleansing”. Some rumored it was ordered by Lord Hand Otto Hightower, to keep the smallfolk scared and underheel to ensure they would not revolt. Others said it was ordered by Prince Aemond, because his bastard lover Alys Rivers needed the blood of the innocent to give her more power
But, no matter what you believe, the crimes of the Faith during the Dance were forever recorded in the history books, and no one could discredit thousands of eyewitness accounts of the Faith’s vile deeds in the name of “righteousness”.
People deemed to be “sinners” or “traitors” were rounded up in these small villages and Houses, and burned at the stake.
Villages were sacked and nearly destroyed, Prince Daeron was said to lead the attack on many of these villages and ordered his men to rape the women and girls, some as young as 8 namedays. And his men, many wearing Hightower green and Lannister red , happily obliged.
The people cried for mercy, for salvation, but the Seven nor the Crown heard their cries.
But, salvation did come in the form of Golden armor and shadows in the sky.
Cassandra’s Rebellion started from Storm’s End, and worked its way up Westeros, intending to corner the Greens and cut them off from any aid. The Dornish aided them, and made sure to set up guards and warriors near their borders to ensure no one tries to sneak in.
A moon passed, and the Golds secured half of the Reach, House Tyrell swore to them and raised their banners for Lady Cassandra. They have been disrespected by the Hightower's for far too long, and Lady Cassandra gladly accepted their men and grain.
Eventually, the Reach was theirs, and Oldtown was surrounded, with several dragons keeping watch, and keeping them in check with a garrison of Red Legionnaires.
Princess Laena, Prince Laenor and Addam, Princess Saeranera and Aemma, and Princess Rhaenys were sent to secure Driftmark, who was about to send war ships armed with Scorpions to Kings Landing. The Velaryon fleet put up a good fight, but in the end they fell to the Golds. Lord Vaemond and his family were captured. When faced with his brothers wife, he flew into a rage, cursing him and his niece and nephew, saying many unsavory things. He got even more angry when he learned that his eldest, Haella, had helped the Golds in capturing Driftmark in exchange for becoming Lady of the Tides.
Former Lord Vaemond was bright red with fury, cursing his daughter out, damning his brother and his family, but the moment he called Rhaena and Baela bastards and Laenor a faggot , Princess Saeranera the Red Blade relieved the man of his head.
The tide was quickly turning in favor of the Golds, they took the Reach, and they were marching to the Riverlands, while their Northern and Vale allies were coming from above towards the Westerlands and Crownlands.
The Greens were scrambling at this point. They were quickly loosing ground, and the discord within themselves is throwing them off.
Prince Regent Aegon became drunk on the power, he raised the taxes and horded the food and wine sent to Kings Landing. He had whores brought to the Keep and to his room, and did not care if his sexual activities were public. Many servant girls and whores have disappeared from the Red Keep, and it did not take a genius to figure out why. Queen Alicent, try as she might, could not hide forever the vile deeds of her firstborn son, of the many girls he raped and impregnated.
Everyone knew of the girls he raped, of the girls Queen Alicent made disappear.
Rumors spread, people began to talk. It wasn’t long before talk of bastards reached court. Prince Aegon’s bastards running around Flea Bottom, in the Children’s Fighting Pits.
Lord Hand Otto and Queen Alicent had a heated discussion of it. The bastards looked exactly like Aegon with his silver hair, hells, some looked like King Viserys. They worried that word of them would reach the King, who may revoke the Prince’s regency and see the chaos the realm has fallen into.
But, they were also worried of a potential uprising. It seemed unlikely, but the smallfolk could rise up against them proclaiming one of Prince Aegon’s bastards the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, seeing as he was still unwed and had no legitimate children.
And so, the Green Cloaks led by Lord Commander Criston Cole, under the orders of Queen Alicent and the Hand of the King, went into Flea Bottom to find as many of Prince Aegon’s bastards as they could and kill them, no matter how young they were…
It was bloody, and horrifying.
The Kingsguards barged into peoples homes and brothels, snatching children and babes with white hair and purple eyes out of their mother's arms and violently killing them. The cries of children and mothers echoed throughout Kings Landing the whole night.
In the end… the streets ran red with blood, and the air stunk of death…
(Upon the news reaching the Golds, Empress Rhaenyra had to step outside to breathe. Such heartlessness and barbarity… she never knew Alicent was capable of such a thing, and she never thought her sire would be blind to even that. )
(Lady Cassandra holed herself in her chambers that night, she worried about her sisters. What could the Greens be doing to them? What could that beast Aemond have already done to sweet little Floris? Cassandra shuddered to think about it…)
It was said, after the Massacre of Flea Bottom, Queen Alicent kneeled in her chambers for hours, praying to the Seven to forgive her for doing her duty, no matter how vile it may seem. But the Seven would not hear her prayers…
(Prince Aegon became enraged when news reached him, he hit his mother and viciously beat Ser Cole senseless for “getting rid of his entertainment” and “not leaving well enough alone like the fucking twats you are!” )
(Afterwards, he mounted Sunfyre for the first time and set fire to House Stokeworth. It was after that he became a little more involved in the war, and people say it was the thrill of bloodlust and madness that drove the despicable boy.)
Not long after, a marriage between Prince Regent Aegon and Princess Helaena was arranged, set to occur before the end of the moon.
The gentle Princess Helaena locked herself in her chambers, crying and screaming nonsense about falling and threads of black and green, how towers fall and dragons die. The next morning, the princess was gone. She had snuck out through Maegor’s tunnels with Ser Arryk and Erryk, and out of Kings Landing on a boat headed towards Storm's End. Once there, she kneeled before Cassandra Bratheon and pledged to her.
Lady Cassandra accepted the poor princesses surrender and plea for mercy, she then handed the girl over to Empress Rhaenyra, seeing that in a way they were kin.
Out of all of King Viserys and Queen Alicent’s children, the only one Empress Rhaenyra felt something other than contempt for was Princess Helaena. She was a girl, and a girl was useless to Alicent and Otto, her only purpose to them would be to secure an alliance. Princess Helaena has done nothing wrong, has done nothing ever in fact, Queen Alicent kept her in the Keep her whole life to be raised by Septas. So, Empress Rhaenyra took Princess Helaena out to the beach and had a long talk with her, flanked by Lady Siroreah and Prince Jacaerys.
They talked in length for many hours, walking along the beach and picking up seashells. Princess Helaena mostly said ramblings, which Lady Siroreah easily deciphered as Dragon Dreams.
Sisterhood bloomed on that beach, and Empress Rhaenyra claimed Princess Helaena as a Princess of Valyria, a member of House Aureliās and under her protection.
The Greens truly began to fall apart after that.
Many Houses allied with the Greens (the Hightowers) were sacked or destroyed. The Westerlands were captured, Lannisterport sacked by the North and nearly burned to the ground by Caraxes. House Lannister was almost wiped out, with only a few old men, women and children surviving. House Redwyne and Paeke met the same fate, the families captured and House secured. House Wylde was destroyed, they refused to surrender. So, Empress Rhaenyra set fire to Rain House, reducing it to ash.
The Houses allied to the Greens put up a good fight with their soldiers and Scorpions, but they were overwhelmed by the amount of dragons and rebels, so in the end they either fell or surrendered.
With the biggest benefactors of the Greens gone, Lady Cassandra got closer and closer to the capital. The Greens were trapped.
In a bid to push the Golds back and gain ground, Prince Aemond and Prince Daeron, atop their enslaved dragons, struck the Golds from above while the Golden Company attacked the rebels head on. The Battle of Gold Road, it was called, the second to last battle before the Siege of Kings Landing.
Prince Aemond and Daeron rode in, cocky and confident.
Ever since their forced bonds with Grey Ghost and Tessarion, the two Targaryen Princes grew more bold and feral, burning several small villages and Houses in their bloodlust.
But their bonds with the dragons are volatile and unstable, and the Princes are very inexperienced dragon riders. So when Prince Jacaerys the Sword of the Skies and Prince Lucerys the Valiant appeared from the clouds and clashed with Prince Aemond and Daeron, it was sufficed to say they were outmatched.
But the Valyrian Princes had to keep in mind the Greens Scorpions, which they immediately began firing at them.
As the dragons danced overhead, the Golden Company fought against the Golds and Red Legionaries, Lady Cassandra Baratheon at the head of the army. It was a bloody battle, and it was evident the Golden Company was no match for the Unsullied soldiers.
“𝙳𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚢𝚜, 𝙰𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚡!” Prince Lucerys commanded, and his Pearl Beauty obeyed, breathing fire at Grey Ghost, silently apologizing to the poor dragon. It was not his fault he was under the witches spell, but she would be dealt with soon.
Because, since Prince Aemond was supposed to be guarding Harrenhal, he left it undefended. Which allowed Princess Daenerys and twins Rhaena and Baela to capture House Strong with a garrison of Red Legionnaires and Gold Rebels led by Emperor Harwin. His traitorous brother tried to hide and run away, but he was caught by the Faceless Men. His bastard sister was also captured and subdued, it shouldn’t be long before the Valyrian Magus’ and Red Priestesses arrive to bind her magic.
It is said that Emperor Harwin had to be pulled off his younger brother before he beat the cripple to death. The clubfoot had done many terrible things in the service of the Greens, as their Lord Confessor. Murder, torture, assault. Many, many horrible things. Luckily, Lord Lyonel and the rest of House Strong were alive and unharmed, they had been locked away in the dungeons.
Meanwhile, his grandsons Jace and Luke fought valiantly against Prince Aemond and Daeron. Through, they were a bit hindered, because they were trying not to hurt Grey Ghost and Tessarion.
Prince Lucerys shot at Prince Aemond with his trusty bow, his aim strong and true, but Grey Ghost was swift even if his movements were janky. He managed to shoot the One-Eyed Beast in his dominant shoulder, causing the prince to roar in pain and anger. His actions became rash and foolish, so he attacked Prince Lucerys head on.
But the Valiant prince was a smart boy, and he had a plan, so he retreated into the clouds. And of course, Prince Aemond gave chase, shouting for Prince Lucerys to ‘Give me your eye, bastard! ’
While they fought above in the clouds, Prince Jacaerys fought against Prince Daeron the Mad Hunstman. Vermax wrestled with Tessarion, both drgaons of equal size, their jaws snapping and growls filling the air. Prince Jacaerys saw something from the corner of his eye and commanded Vermax to ver left, narrowly avoiding a Scorpion bolt. He was not given a moment of respite before Tessarion slammed into Vermax, the two dragons spinning through the air as the mad dragon tried to bite into the emerald dragons neck.
They got closer and closer to the ground, and Prince Jacaerys needed to do something because the impact may kill them. “𝚅𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚡, 𝚓𝚒ō𝚛𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚛𝚕ī! 𝙱ē!” He commanded, and Vermax wrestled out of Tessarions hold and shoved away. The two dragons managed to right themselves in time to land, rather roughly, on the ground. Vermax shook his body and have an annoyed huff, before standing to his full height and hissing at the blue dragon, who moved around and growled like a wild dragon.
Prince Jacaerys dismounted Vermax, telling him to stay there as he unsheathed his sword, watching the Mad Hutsman practically fall off of Tessarion and curse at her. “Stupid beast,” He growled lowly before his eyes landed on Jacaerys. A strange look passed his eyes, and he stepped forward, his sword in hand. The two princes fought valiantly, steel clashing against Valyrian steel, kin against kin. At this point, the battle on the ground has long since stopped, with the Golden Company defeated and subdued.
The Red Legionnaires created a circle around the dragons, around Prince Jacaerys and Prince Daeron, slamming their spears into the ground and their swords against their shield like battle drums.
Their prince was skilled with the blade, exceptional with his foot work thanks to training with the Water Dancers. It was clear, Prince Daeron the Butcher was outmatched. And so the fight was over quickly, the third Targaryen Prince knocked out and quickly subdued.
Not long after, a screech was heard overhead, and two white blobs came from the clouds and down to the ground. Arrax, though a little smaller, had a strong grip on the nape of Grey Ghosts neck and wings, forcing him to slowly fly down. On his back was an unconscious Prince Aemond.
The Battle of Gold Road won, Grey Ghost and Tessarion were quickly caught in chains and restrained, held down by nearly 20 Red Legionnaires. It wasn’t long before the Red Priestesses arrived, the enthralled dragons were writhing in the chains, foaming at the mouths as they let out near ungodly screeches. The witches hold was strong on the dragons, threatening to tear apart their minds. The Red Priestesses approached the dragons but stayed an appropriate distance away, pyres were assembled and lit, and the dead bodies of the Golden Company were thrown into the flames.
It took a long time, but in the end Alys Rivers’ influence on the dragons was lifted. Unfortunately, Tessarion would die soon after, surrounded by her dragon kin, before her body would be taken Back to Valyria several hours later. Prince Daeron scarcely fed her and whipper her to get the she-dragon to obey, that coupled with the forced bond from the blood magic, her body could not handle it, and she passed in her sleep.
Arrax, Vermax, and Grey Ghost roared a mournful song, cuddling around Tessarion’s rapidly cooling body.
Kings Landing was tense, the smallfolk hid away in their homes, to scared to go out in fear of the sellswords and Hightower knights patrolling the streets.
In the Red Keep, it was turmoil.
The Greens were cornered and cut off from any aid. Lord Vaemond was dead, and his damn daughter assumed the position of Lady of the Tides and swore to the rebels. Lord Jason and Ser Tyland Lannister were dead, Lannisterport captured, and their gold secured. Oldtown captured and carefully watched by 50,000 men and 3 dragons.
Right now, they had 20,000 Hightower and Lannister knights, along with 60,000 sellswords, over 100 ships in Blackwater Bay, armed with Scorpions.
Truthfully, Lord Hand Otto was not confident in their odds, but there was no way they were going to surrender.
At least Aegon was off his ass and trying to strategize with Ser Cole. But his grandson was a fool, an idiot just like his father. He wanted to attack the Golds head on, wanted to attack Storms End and kill the bitch himself.
Him and what army? The Golds easily outnumbered them with the Valyrian army at their side, not to mention the North and the Vale, two whole regions against them.
Not only that, but they lost their only dragons and a huge chunk of their sellswords!
Those damn bastards, Jacaerys and Lucerys! Alicent cursed them vehemently, praying for their downfall, for the world to be cleansed of their sinful presence. Those two have no doubt captured Aemond and Daeron, intending to use them as leverage. Who knows what they have done to them?!
Oh, and her sweet daughter Helaena! Queen Alicent did not believe for a second her sweet girl ran away, it was not possible! Her daughter understood her duty, understood the sacrifice of doing the right thing. She knew that when they won this silly rebellion, Helaena would accept marriage with Aegon and give him an heir, and their reign would be glorious! They would guide Westeros back to the path of the Seven!
(The Queen remained in a state of deep denial, possibly aware of her actions yet unwilling to acknowledge them. Her delusions, along with the crimes she committed, would leave a lasting impact and be remembered for years to come.)
They were convening in the Small Council chambers, heavily debating on what to do next. Prince Aegon and Ser Cole wanted to do a full-frontal assault, Lord Hand Otto wanted to play at this smarter, and Queen Alicent just sat there and prayed. It was then that King Viserys finally left his chambers for the first time in moons and stormed into the council chambers.
“What is the meaning of this!?” His voice boomed in the room, shoving off the hands of his Kingsguard. King Viserys was a little worse for wear, his hair beginning to thin and several fingers were gone. “What is this I hear about rebellion and the destruction of the Citadel!?”
“My king–” The Queen stood form the table and attempted to steer her Lord Husband out of the chambers, but the King pushed past her.
“What has happened!?” He demanded an answer from his son and his Hand.
“Husband, please you must rest!” Queen Alicent grabbed her ailing husband's arms and tried to lead him towards the door, but he backhanded her.
“OTTO! AEGON! I DEMAND AN ANSWER!” The King roaredred like a dragon, causing his wife to give a full body flinch as she gasped in fright. “YOUR KING DEMANDS AN ANSWER!!”
“M-my King,” Ser Otto said in that placation, slightly condescending tone as he was faced with the wrath of his king. “Please, rest assured we have everything under control–”
“Under control!?” King Viserys limped towards his Hand, his dull purple eyes alight with fury. “The Realm is in chaos! I was on a walk when I heard of the destruction of the Citadel and Storms End! You call that ‘under control’ !?”
The Lord Hand was silenced as he tried to come up with a response. Everything he came up with was weak.
Unfortunately, his idiot grandson decided to speak. “The Baratheons have betrayed us, father,” Prince Aegon said, and the Kings anger filled eyes turned towards his eldest son. “We are at war with the Riverlands, the North, and the Vale, who call themselves the ‘Golds’ .”
“War…? WAR!?” The man stepped up to his son and got in his face. “How could you let this happen!? How could any of you!? I trusted you to keep the Realm in peace! Yet instead, you-you let it descend into chaos! Destroying the peace my grandfather has built, that I have spent years trying to uphold!”
“Oh, please, you have upheld nothing!” Aegon rolled his eyes, not very fazed by his father's rage. “The only thing you upheld is that stupid model while grandfather ruled!”
“Mind your tongue, boy!”
“It’s true, it is not? Just go back to your room, I will ensure we win this war and kill the Baratheons! I will mount my dragon and burn them, I will go burn the North and the Vale to teach them a lesson!”
“You will do no such thing-!”
The arguing was cut off by a noise in the distance. Everyone looked to the windows, and Blackwater Bay was filled with ships armed with Scorpions. “What…?” King Viserys muttered before the sound returned. It was closer and louder.
It was the roar of a dragon…
The people on the ships looked up towards the sky, and in the distance was a black dot. A dot that was getting larger.
Vermithor roared as he broke through the clouds and dove towards Blackwater Bay. The men on the ships scrambled to arm the Scorpions and aim them at the King of all Dragons. They began firing, but Vermithor was so far and flying so fast, each bolt missed. They barely had time to try and reload when Vermithor swooped over the Bay, and a stream of dragon fire came from the Bronze Fury’s maw, destroying the ships instantly as he flew past.
A couple more dragons soon joined the fray, Princess Daenerys’ Moonfyre came in from the west, while Silvering from the southeast, and Meleys from the east. The dragons and their riders flew over Blackwater Bay, their dragon fire decimating the warships, no matter of what they were made of.
A torrent of fire hit the Red Keep and surged in through the Small Council chambers windows, and the inhabitants were quick to scramble away from the windows.
While the navy in Blackwater Bay was being destroyed, the Golds arrived at the gates of Kings Landing. The Kingsguard and sellswords scrambled to take up arms, preparing to fight and hold the rebels back, but the Greens have underestimated the might and power of the smallfolk for years.
(The smallfolk of Kings Landing, as Westeros as a whole, were disregarded by the Greens/Hightower’s for many years. While they did not think much of them in terms of power, their words held much of it. The members of the Crown had long since stopped leaving the Red Keep, the words of the smallfolk grew to be too much for their egos.)
( “Monsters!” They cried, regarding the Targaryen Princes and Queen Consort with utter contempt. Men, women, children, people of the Faith who would soon be persecuted. “Kinslayer!” Prince Aemond. “Rapist!” Prince Aegon. “Butcher!” Prince Daeron. “Green Whore!” Queen Alicent.)
(Queen Alicent’s household used to be large, full of Reach ladies and septa’s, but they either left or were called back home once the rumors of the Green Queen's compliance of her eldest son's vile actions were revealed. One septa, before she left, damned Queen Alicent, saying she would burn in the Seven Hells for her sins. She disappeared not long after.)
So, the smallfolk of Kings Landing rioted against the Kingsguard and opened the gates for the Golds.
While the royal family too refuge in Maegor’s Holdfast, towards the back of the Keep, hundreds of Kingsguards and sellswords between them and the traitors.
Lord Commander Criston Cole gathered his brothers and took point in front of the keep. The outer gate which separated Kings Landing from the Red Keep was bolted tightly shut with a log of the sturdiest wood. There was no way the Golds or smallfolk could get in. “Take up arms!” He barked, donning his helmet as he unsheathed his sword, “Take point! Do not let any get through! Kill whoever comes in!”
A line of Kingsguards raised their shields, while their brothers took up arms behind them. Archers and bowmen aimed out of the windows and stood on the ramparts above the gate.
Things were silent for several moments, all they could hear was the sounds of screaming and battle in the distance. They could hear many footfalls of heavy armor getting closer and closer, and the Green knights and sellswords braced, but they were confident in the door not breaking. But that was broken when the sounds of dragons graced their ears. They looked up, and saw Nagho the Sky’s Wrath and Silverwing descend from the sky and perch on the ramparts, the knights yelled and tried to fire, but Princess Naerys Aureliās was much faster, her aim sharp and true as she shot the knights in their throats or eyes, killing them swiftly. Aendar and Soarmes remained in the air, circling the Red Keep.
Princess Saeranera Emberlith and Princess Naerys dismounted their dragons, who were poised to attack as they growled threateningly at the foolish men in their White Cloaks. They quickly climbed down the ladders and approached the door. The Hier of Mantarys locked eyes with Ser Cole and glared, before she and Naerys grabbed the log, sliding it out of the door before pulling it open.
Allowing for the Golds to pour in, and leading them was Cassandra Baratheon, her golden stag armor glimmering in the sunlight, highlighting the blood splattered on the metal.
“Hold!” Lord Commander Cole shouted, and the White Cloaks braced, but it was in vain as the Golds slammed into their barricade and broke through easily.
The Red Keep was in chaos as the Golds and Red Legionnaires battled the White Cloaks, Green Cloaks, and sellswords. Servants screamed and ran for safety, blood spilled and stained the stone, armor broke. The remains of the Crown sat tense in the furthest room in Maegor’s Holdfast, Queen Alicent was pacing as she picked at her fingers, King Viserys sat heavily on the chair, and Lord Hand Otto was nursing a mug of wine.
Prince Aegon had left to go to the Dragonpit to mount the golden dragon, whose name he didn't bother to learn, so he could set fire upon these traitors, regardless of the smallfolk sure to get in the crossfire.
The sounds of the battle got closer. The doors were bolted, and there was little chance the Golds would get through the Kingsguard and find them. Those were Ser Otto’s words, the man a little drunk and in denial. It was then, that two of Queen Alicent’s remaining handmaidens exchanged looks before approaching the door. “What are you doing? Get away from the door!” The Queen commanded, but they did not listen.
Their hands on the latches, they looked at the remains of the Crown and said, “𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚣𝚢𝚜 𝚜𝚎 𝙶ē𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚔𝚊.” In perfect High Valyrian, and they opened the doors.
The Golds ruched in, roughly grabbing onto the King, Queen, and Hand, ignoring their demands to be released as they were wrangled out of the room, and down towards the Black Cells. “The Keep is captured, the city secured.” Lady Cassandra said, covered in blood as she glared at the three, sneering at the hideous green the Queen and her father wore. “Resistance is futile.”
“You will not win! Aegon rides the Sunfyre!” The Green Queen screeched, and the Riverman holding her grabbed her hair and yanked painfully to get her to shut up.
“Oh yeah?” The Baratheon lady stepped closer to the Hightower woman, and leaned in close. “I have several dragons on my side. Your rapist son stands no chance.”
And he didn’t, as the Keep was being captured, Prince Aegon abandoned his idea to set aflame the city in an attempt to kill the Golds to attack his niece, Crown Princess Aemma. Sunfyre has grown considerably since 4 years ago, back then he was the size of a horse, now he was the size of Dreamfyre when she resided in the Dragonpit all those years ago. So, the Heir to the Iron Throne, future King of Westeros was assured in his victory against the old dragon, Vermithor.
The foolish prince attacked the Silver Princess head on, the two dragons colliding violently in the air in a whirlwind of viscous growls and fire. Princess Aemma had been caught by surprise at the attack, so she could not counter at first. Sunfyre had Vermithor in his grasp, the bewitched dragon growling and biting like a rabid animal. He would have bitten clean into the Bronze Fury’s neck, if not for Syrax the Golden Queen flying in and slamming into Sunfyre.
The dragons flailed in the air, scattered before righting themselves. “𝙼𝚞ñ𝚊! ī𝚕𝚘𝚗 𝚕ī𝚜 𝚍𝚊𝚘𝚛 ō𝚍𝚛𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚂𝚞𝚗𝚏𝚢𝚛𝚎! 𝚉𝚒𝚛𝚢 𝚒𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚜 𝚐ō 𝚔𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚎𝚐𝚒!” Princess Aemma shouted to her mother, who nodded, and the two convened on Sunfyre.
It was a fierce battle in the sky, though Syrax and Vermithor were at a bit of a disadvantage since they were not trying to harm Sunfyre. He flew around erratically, and in the fight the dragons crashed into the Red Keep several times, damaging roofs and walls. But, soon enough, they had managed to bring the dragon down to the ground and hold him down until the Red Legionnaires could arrive to trap Sunfyre in chains. Prince Aegon tried to run like a coward, but he was soon captured and taken to the Black Cells.
It was over. The capital was captured, the royal family subdued.
Now, it was time for retribution.
The prisoners were led into the destroyed throne room and forced to kneel. King Viserys, Queen Alicent, Prince Aegon, Prince Aemond, Prince Daeron, Lady Alys Rivers, Grand Maester Mellos, Ser Otto, Ser Cole, Lord Larys Strong, and Ser Gwayne. The throne room was a wreck, most of the ceiling was gone, and the far back wall was half demolished from the fight between Sunfyre and Vermithor.
It had been a day since the Siege of Kings Landing, since the Golds won the rebellion and captured the capital of Westeros. The important Lord and Ladies that sided with the Golds, or bent the knee later, along with smallfolk from Flea Bottom and the city, filled the throne room to witness.
Lady Cassandra stood in front of the Iron Throne, beside her was Empress Rhaenyra. To the left of the Iron Throne, Bastion Prince Daemon stood with his wife and children, along with the Seafyre’s, Saarys’, Vysaris’, and Maegarys’, while Empress Rhaenyra’s husband and eldest children stood to the right.
The Baratheon lady met the Empress’ eyes, and nodded.
Empress Rhaenyra looked over her shoulder at Daemon and Rhaenys and her great aunts, who nodded back after a moment. They took a couple steps back from the Iron Throne, and Syrax crawled in through the hole in the ceiling.
Princess Saeranera stepped away from her husband's side and walked over to the disgraced Targaryen King, plucking the crown of the Conciliator off his head rather harshly, glaring at him before climbing the steps of the Iron Throne and placing the crown on the seat, backing away soon after. Syrax growled, her eyes trained on the cursed seat.
King Viserys’ eyes widened, he began to shake his head as his voice failed him.
“Syrax,” The Empress’ voice was firm and level. “𝙳𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚢𝚜.”
“No–!”
In the flash of an eye, the Golden Queen inhaled and breathed a stream of bright, hot golden flames on the Iron Throne, melting it before the eyes of the Targaryen King and the Lords of Westeros as they cringed away from the heat. And in the blink of an eye, the seat of the Targaryen's forged by Aegon the Conqueror himself, and the crown of two kings was gone in an ugly, melted mess on the ground.
Lady Cassandra sighed, looking at Rhaenyra expectedly, as did everyone else, albeit it some more in surprise. Most expected her to claim Westeros as her kingdom, as her birthright as the firstborn child, or at least as a right of conquest since if it wasn’t for her dragons and army, the Golds would have lost.
But what she did next shocked many, and was a moment that would be recorded in the history books and told for generations to come.
“I thought of this for many years. Coming back here one day, mayhaps to claim what was supposed to be mine? Mayhaps to destroy it all?” Empress Rhaenyra said, looking around the destroyed hall that she has seen a thousand times. She grew up within this castle, she knows every stone and every door, but it hasn’t felt like home in years, even now… “Mayhaps it was better that I was disinherited, the Greens would have never allowed me to ascend the Throne. They would have done anything to ensure I never donned that crown and sat in that chair. They would have me poisoned in my sleep, my children killed in their cradles.”
The spectators nodded and murmured in agreement to the astonishment and shock of King Viserys. Considering what the Hightower’s did with Aegon as the Heir Apparent, it was not shocking to them. “Rhaenyra–” The Targaryen king tried to speak, but he was kicked in the gut by a Red Legionnaire behind him.
“Silence.” He commanded before stilling again.
“Mayhaps I was never meant to be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, as was the will of the Gods,” Rhaenyra’s amethyst eyes meet Cassandras golden brown ones, determination alight in their beautiful depths. “But a Queen will rule.”
Lady Siroreah approached her Empress, holding a small chest in her arms, which she opened. Empress Rhaeyra reached in and took out the Crown of the Stormlands . When Westeros was still seven separate kingdoms, the kings of those regions ruled wearing intricate crowns to pay homage to their homes. When Aegon and his sister-wives conquered Westeros and the Kings bent the knee to their rule, they were allowed to keep their crowns, and they have been sealed away in their vaults for many years.
House Durrandon ruled Storm’s End during Aegon’s Conquest, but they went extinct, only succeeded by the Baratheon’s. This crown belonged to the last Stag King.
“Kneel, Cassandra Baratheon,” Empress Rhaneyra gently commanded, and the young woman complied, stunned as she lowered to one knee. “Cassandra Baratheon, true daughter of the Stormlands, has borne the banner of justice and liberty. She has led with courage, wisdom, and unwavering resolve. Through her valor and the dedication of all who stood beside her, the chains of oppression have been shattered. The iron grip of a corrupt dynasty has been broken, and the path to a brighter future has been forged.”
The gathered guests and prisoners held their breaths through the speech, their eyes widening in shock, awe, and horror. Was the Empress of Valyria doing what they think she was doing?
“By right of conquest, by the will of men, in the light of the Fourteen Gods of Valyria, the Seven That are One, the Old Gods and the New, I crown thee Queen Casandra of House Baratheon, the First of her Name–” Empress Rhaenyra declared, holding the crown up high before slowly lowering it to the ladies head.
The prisoners yelled and screamed in protest.
“You cannot do this!”
“This is treason!”
“- undisputed Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men–”
“No! I will be King !”
“You whore!”
“Rhaenyra you cannot–!”
“-Lady of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm.” Empress Rhaenyra ignored the protesting yells, bringing the crown to rest comfortably and perfectly on Cassandra Baratheon’s head. “Long may she reign!”
“Long may she reign!” The hall echoed as Queen Cassandra Baratheon stood and faced the people, her new subjects. “Long may she reign!”
What once was a lady of a Great House, now stood the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. With her ascension, came absolute primogeniture. The Targaryen’s were overthrown from their seat, and in their places the Baratheon’s, a bastard line of Old Valyria, now ruled. Queen Cassandra stood before the remains of the Iron Throne, the legacy of Aegon the Conqueror destroyed by his own House.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
The Baratheon Queen snapped out of her daze and noticed that the prisoners were still shouting. “Silence!” Queen Cassandra shouted, and the hall fell into silence. She took a breath. “I did not start this war. No. It was them who started it. I just finished it, but I did not do so with the intention of becoming Queen. I did so for justice .”
The Golds, lords, and ladies cheered.
“Justice for my sister, justice for the smallfolk suffering because they couldn’t be bothered, justice for those we have lost because of them . I intend to enact just that. Justice! Everyone in this hall has been wronged in some way by the Puppet King, by the Greens. Speak you grievances, speak of the crimes committed against you!”
They began to shout and yell, the thousands of voices mingling together, but each statement could be heard all the same.
“They raised the taxes an absurd amount! We could barely even pay it!”
“They hoarded the food! We were starving for weeks!”
“They threatened to burn our homes!”
“The Prince raped me and the Queen covered it up!”
“She threatened to have me and my family killed if I said anything!”
“Ser Gwaynes Green Cloaks raped my girls!”
“The King refused to resolve the feud between the Blackwoods and Brakens! I lost my son because of it!”
“They murdered my daughter!”
“Prince Aemond burned my home to the ground! We barely managed to escape!”
“They burned my son alive at the stake!”
“They killed our children!”
“He butchered my son for sick pleasure!”
An older woman with graying hair and frail bones stumbled out of the crowd and fell to her knees before the new Queen, sobbing, as a Northern knight and young woman tried to console her. “During the Massacre of Flea Bottom, my daughter had just given birth to Prince Aegon’s son. He had raped her and the Whore Queen dismissed her! The Green Cloaks barged into our home and threw my grandson into the hearth! Then they butchered my daughter and left like nothing happened! They murdered my daughter…!” The woman broke down in body wracking sobs, her heartbreak evident as tears fell down her withered cheeks.
Horrified gasps and grumbles of agreement echoed in the destroyed hall. Cassandra nodded sadly, and had one of her men take her away to be fed and consoled.
The former Targaryen King looked horrified at the accusations that kept coming from the people of the court. He turned his shocked eyes at his family, his sons looked only furious as they glared at the people, while Alicent and Otto averted his gaze.
“Prince Daeron stole the children from the orphanage and hunted them in the Kingswood for sport!” Another woman cried out, clutching a young boy to her side. She snarled and pointed at the third prince. “He hunted them like animals! He set his hounds on them, and those who weren't torn apart were flayed alive!”
Then a young woman, a former maidservant, her clothes dirty and hair frizzled, stepped forward hesitantly. “Y-your grace,” She stammered, wilting a little when she gained the Baratheon Queen’s attention. “Y-your sisters, Ladies Maris and Ellyn, they-they were some of the children Prince Daeron hunted. He released them into the Kingswood and-and they were hunted by his hounds. They were… torn apart, but they didn’t die, so Prince Daeron took them back to his chambers and…”
The girl could not finish, lowering her head as silent sobs left her mouth.
“... what happened to their bodies?” Cassandra dared to ask, her voice barely a whisper.
“Ser Otto wanted their remains to be thrown into the bay, or burned, he did not care, he just wanted them gone. But, we buried them in the Kingswood, near the Wendwater river.”
A tense silence followed, Queen Cassandra stared at the floor as her eyes filled with tears. Her sweet sisters, just 6 and 10 and 4 and 10 namedays, hunted like animals, sentenced to suffer an inconceivable death. She thought of her last moments with them and their mother, they were dinning in Cassandra’s new chambers, eating quietly as they made small talk. Maris and Ellyn were giggling about something, perhaps boys, and mother had a gentle but tired smile on her face when the ground shook and the walls began crumbling. Her mother was crushed under debris, and her sisters were taken.
Cassandra led her army and fought tooth and nail to save them, only to be told they were dead…
Furious brown eyes moved down the line of kneeling degenerates, before settling on the smallest one. Prince Daeron the Mad Huntsman, known for hunting people, for sending his hounds after them, for skinning people alive. He did that to her sisters.
Snarling, Queen Cassandra said, “Lord Stark, bring in your direwolves.” Lord Cregen’s eyes turned steely, and he nodded.
Not a moment later, he and his families direwolves, about 6, stalked forward, teeth barred as they awaited orders. The Furious Stag grabbed Prince Daeron’s silver hair and dragged him across the floor towards the wolves.
“No! Not my son! Not my baby boy! Leave him alone!” Alicent Hightower shrieked, trying to jerk away from the vice grip on her hair so she could get to her son, but it was in vain.
The young prince flailed and kicked, but the grip on his hair would not give.
With a guttural growl, the Stag Queen tossed Prince Daeron toward the direwolves, tears silently streaming down her face. The direwolves lunged , their sharp teeth tearing into the boy's flesh. Prince Daeron's shrill, agonizing cries reverberated throughout the once-majestic Great Hall as the direwolves tore him apart, ripping his young body to shreds slowly.
Everyone watched with bated breath as the vile boy was eaten alive by the wolves, no one dared to look away, and no one paid attention to the Hightower Whore as she sobbed for her son, who would always be remembered as a monster.
It went on for a long time, until Prince Daeron was dead and barely recognizable.
Queen Cassandra turned away from the grusome sight and her eyes turned to Aemond. “And Floris? What happened to her, One-Eye?” She questioned the Kinslayer, and he glared back, remaining silent. She grabbed the collar of his shirt and roughly shook him. “What did you do to her!?”
“He murdered her, Your grace.” One of the many Kingsguards who bent the knee stepped forward, his eyes tired and sad. “He slept with her the night of their rushed wedding, her cries… echoed in the Keep. She became pregnant soon after, but lost the babe. She was too young. Queen Alicent and Ser Otto told Prince Aemond to keep trying, to get the Lady Floris pregnant and that he must have children with her no matter what. But she kept miscarrying, until her very last pregnancy, she carried to 7 moons and went into labor early. Lady Floris was in labor for many hours, and the maesters feared losing the babe, so they decided to cut the child out of her. ”
Horrified gasps and scattered murmurs, hundreds of angry eyes turned to the Grand Maester, Queen Alicent, Ser Otto, and Prince Aemond. Everyone immediately thought of Queen Aemma, and how King Viserys allowed her to be murdered for a son that barely lived a day, and then replaced her for a plain-faced daughter of a second son, who bore him monstrous and kinslaying sons.
“Lady Floris bleed out, and her son was born gone. She died 5 moons ago, and the Hightower’s have been looking for another bride for Prince Aemond.”
Lady Floris Baratheon was 2 and 10 namedays old when she died, getting pregnant at far too young, and slowly being killed to give her husband a child. And then they disrespect her by not even waiting for the mourning period to pass before looking for another wife for the One-Eyed Beast.
These people… abominable .
The people cried out for justice, for revenge, and Cassandra would deliver.
“For the crime of murdering my sister, of kinslaying, of murder… Aemond Targaryen will lose his eye and his dominant hand. Then, he shall be sent to Ghaston Grey.”
Alicent Hightower shrieked and sobbed as her second son was dragged away from the line. The One-Eyed man struggled and cursed, but it was no use as his remaining eye was gouged out, and he screamed in pain. Immediately after, he was dragged out of the throne room, a trail of blood following after.
“For the crimes of murder, rape, assault, betting on children in fighting pits… Aegon Targaryen will be gelded and beaten by the women he wronged. Then he shall join his brother in Ghaston Grey.”
The people gave a resounding cry of joy as the supposed Heir to the Iron Throne began to whimper like a child as he was grabbed. Former King Viserys and Queen Alicent protested, but their words went ignored. Prince Aegon’s pants were lowered, and his… unimpressive member was laid bare for all to see. But it wasn’t fore long before it was removed swiftly. He shrieked, like a girl as his dick was held up triumphantly and the stump was cauterized so he wouldn't die of blood loss. Then he was grabbed and thrown towards a crowd of women and girls, those he had raped and hurt; maids, whores, daughters of them. They ganged up on the man, punching and kicking and screaming.
“For the murder of my sister, the murder of Queen Aemma and countless other Targaryen women, and the falsifying of our history… the Maesters of the Citadel will be put to death!”
“Y-you cannot!” Grand Maester Mellos shouted among the cheers, looking deathly pale as he knelt, a once proud man now reduced to a shaking mess. “T-the Maesters have taught the Seven Kingdoms for centuries! You-you have no right, no proof-!”
“No proof? The Citadel may have been destroyed, but we found many documents and copies of your plan to convert all of Westeros to Andal customs, suppress and even demolish the other religions, and make any magic or “queer” people and beings extinct.” Princess Rhaenys rised her brow, darring the man to retort.
“We found the detailed plans of your conspiracy,” Empress Rhaenyra spoke up, her eyes steely as she looked at Mellos and Otto Hightower. “Your plan to kill the Targaryens and our dragons, and how the deaths of so many princes and princesses are because of you… including the death of my mother.”
“What?” Viserys Targaryen looked from his friend to his daughter, not comprehending what was being said. “What are you talking about?”
“Well,” Bastion Prince Daemon chuckled humorlessly, glaring at that disgusting green color. “As it turns out, brother, the Hightowers and Maesters of the Citadel have been conspiring against House Targaryen since the conquest.”
“They developed poisons strong enough to kill fully grown dragons. They planned to slowly diminish our power over time, sowing seeds of discourse between the family.” Princess Saeranera’s voice was stern. “Why do you think so many Targaryen women, Valyrian women, died in the birthing bed and of sickness? They were poisoning them for centuries. They would kill us off, and replace our blood with Hightower blood.”
“That’s why Ceryse Hightower was married to King Maegor, to get Hightower blood on the throne. But when that didn’t work, they decided to try again. So they killed Prince Aemon, and then Prince Baelon became the Heir to the Iron Throne and Hand of the King. Then, conveniently, he died soon after from a burst belly . A healthy man, dying to burst belly.” Daemon looked into his brothers eyes, his voice low but booming. “Then, Otto Hightower becomes Hand of the King, and the Great Council commences, and you become king.”
“You saw enemies everywhere, Daemon. What you say–” the Puppet King shook his head, still in denial of what his brother and daughter were saying. It was all a lie, it had to be!
“Then my mother, Queen Aemma, after giving birth to me have miscarriage after miscarriage, stillbirth after stillbirth. It wasn’t her fault, Mellos was poisoning her, ” Despite the steadiness of her voice, her amethyst eyes brimmed with tears. Harwin gently took her hand, and her children surrounded her, giving Rhaenyra strength. “She was murdered, by them and by you . You played right into their fucking hands by allowing that cunt to cut into your Queen, and played into their hands again when you fucked Alicent the night of my mother's funeral and married her 5 moons later.”
Viserys the Fool kept shaking his head, tears falling down his cheeks.
“The Hightower’s sought to replace our blood with theirs, to kill our dragons and wipe our existence off the face of earth! And you helped them, because you trusted them more than your own blood. You killed my mother, you put a babe in that whore’s belly, you declared me your Heir only to humiliate and disinherit me so readily for your half-breed son!” A tear fell down Empress Rhaenyra’s cheek, and she took a deep breath. The tears falling from her sires eyes did nothing but enrage her, he had no right to look so wretched and heartbroken. “Were they worth it? Were they worth destroying your family and Aegons legacy for?”
She received no answer, because Viserys had none that would satisfy her.
“For her crimes of witchcraft, accomplice to murder and treason, Lady Alys will be put to death.”
“You can’t! I carry Prince Aemond’s child within me! My-my babe is blessed by the Gods-!”
“Then it will die with you!” No one looked particularly heartbroken at this, and Queen Cassandra waved her hand and the witch was dragged away, with two Red Priestesses following behind to ensure nothing would happen. “For the crime of overthrowing his liege lord, of conspiracy, treason, and murder, Larys Strong will be put to death.”
Lord Lyonel Strong looked down as his two children were dragged away to their deaths, feeling so old and tired. Prince Lucerys and Princess Naerys grabbed their grandsires hands and gave him small, bright smiles.
“For the crimes of murder, treason, and breaking the vow of the Kingsguard, Ser Criston Cole will be stripped of his White Cloak, his hands removed, and then sent to Ghaston Grey.”
“You cannot do this!” The Dornishman snarled, struggling against Ser Arryk and Ser Erryk as they forced his arms in front of him, and with two swings of a sword, his hands were gone and in their place stumps. Criston Cole, disgraced and soon to be forgotten, was dragged away as his curses faded away.
“For his crime of conspiracy, murder, treason, rape, accessory, Otto and Gwayne Hightower’s tongues will be removed, and they will be sent to the Wall. His daughter, Alicent Hightower, guilty of the same crimes, will be sent to Bear Island, her tongue removed and nails torn out. The three of them never to spread poison ever again.” The Hightower Whore sobbed, shaking her head as she looked around for any ounce of sympathy, but all she was met with were looks of contempt and hatred. “And since the Pious Queen Alicent just loves to spread her legs for men who are not her husband,” the disgraced woman paled, did she truly think no one knew of her escapades with Larys Strong and Criston Cole? No matter. “Since she loves acting like a whore, she shall be treated like a whore!”
Queen Cassandra grabbed the hem of the Hightower Whore’s collar and tore it, revealing her collarbone and shift. She cried and tried to cover herself, but the shackles proved difficult. “Men,” she turned to a small group of rough looking Stormlanders, “When the processions are over, do what you want with the Green Whore and her ladies. But, do not kill them.”
The men chuckled and nodded, eyeing Alicent Hightower lewdly, making her dry sob and shake.
“But they will not be the only Hightower’s punished! For years, centuries even, they have conspired with the Citadel and the Faith to manipulate our history, to wipe out the other religions and converts to the Faith! They killed us and tortured us for their own gain! For their numerous crimes, House Hightower will be wiped out!”
A resounding battle cry echoed in the chamber, drowning out the horrified protestations of Alicent, Gwayne, and Otto Hightower. For the first time in his life, Otto Hightower looked scared.
“Why should they live while our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, son, and daughters lie dead!? It is because of them that we lost so much!” Queen Cassandra’s voice broke and tears fell like waterfalls down her face, but she did not care if she looked mad. She was angry, sad, tired, heartbroken, wrathful. “We will wipe the Hightower’s off the face of the earth!”
“YEAH!”
“Down with the Hightower’s!”
“Kill them all!”
“Kill them!”
Queen Cassandra turned to Empress Rhaenyra. Neither spoke, but their eyes said everything. She nodded, and the Empress of Valyria looked over at Bastion Prince Daemon, Princess Saeranera, and Princess Laena, and nodded.
Feral smiles spread across their faces, and they left the hall to mount their dragons and lay waste to Oldtown.
“And finally, for the crimes of negligence, accessory, complicity, Viserys Targaryen will be stripped of all royal titles, and the responsibilities of House Targaryen, or what is left of it, will be given over to Empress Rhaenyra Aureliās. His fate and that of his House’s are now in your hands, Empress.” The Baratheon Queen nodded to her, and stepped back.
Empress Rhaenyra stood in front of her sire, his wife, and the man he sacrificed his entire family for. All she felt was pity and disgust.
“Rhaenyra, please! You cannot allow this–”
“You whore! I knew you were wicked–”
“If you even think–!”
“ Enough.”
The three fell silent at the cold, hard tone of Rhaenyra. They looked up at her in fear.
“I want you to know, I will never think of you ever again after this day. But, I am certain you will never forget me.” Rhaenyra looked at Alicent, and gone was the kind girl who was her friend, or perhaps she never existed at all? Just a facade to trick her. “I loved you once, Alicent. Like a sister. But you never cared for me, using me to further your position from maid to Queen Consort. Was it worth it? The betrayal, the crimes you committed, for your rapist son to sit the Iron Throne, for this war to occur?”
Alicent did not answer, just continued to cry as she was hauled away, shrieking and cursing Rhaenyra and her children to the Seven Hells. The same happened to Otto Hightower not even a moment later, and no one bothered listening to his crazed rambling.
Finally, Empress Rhaenyra turned to Viserys Targaryen, for what would be the last time. “I may have shed the Targaryen name, but unlike you, I have not forgotten our legacy, and House Targaryen will not die. Your name will be wiped from our history books, from our family tree. Instead, you will be forever known as Viserys Hightower , the Puppet King, the Kinslayer, the Deserter. Your legacy will not be of peace , no, it will be of death, destruction, of monstrous sons and a Realm torn apart. Valyria officially disowns you as kin.”
And with that, his fate was sealed, and he was dragged away.
Caraxes, Vhagar, and Nagho flew towards Oldtown, the seat of House Hightower. By then, the smallfolk had left, and the Hightower’s had locked themselves in the High Tower, hoping they would be safe.
Those hopes were dashed when the three dragons descended on their ancient seat and burned Oldtown to ash. House Hightower perished that day, only a couple of women and girls survived, and they were either married off or sent to the Silent Sisters.
Alicent Hightower, along with her Reach ladies in waiting, were raped for hours, never given a moment of respite. Her father and brother were beaten in the Black Cells, along with her Lord Husband, her remaining sons, her sword shield, and Larys Strong.
The next day was their Walk of Atonement.
The traitors and monsters were made to walk from the Red Keep, all the way to the gates of the city where their carriages awaited them to take them away to their fates.
The Walk of Atonement was usually reserved for women, in which they would be stripped naked, but in this case, the guilty party of the main instigators of the Greens and the Puppet King were stripped of their finery and gold and jewels, instead wearing simple ‘peasant’ clothing.
They walked single file down the streets, the chains around their waists keeping them from running as the Baratheon knights escorted them. The smallfolk of Kings Landing hurled abuse at their tormentors, their tyrants, saying such vile things as they unleashed all the hurt and anguish they suffered under their rule. Rocks and moldy food was also thrown at them, staining their hair and clothing.
Alicent Hightower walked with a limp, silently crying as she was called names, as well as carrying the knowledge that she would never see her sons again. That her House would die. Ser Otto was nearly catatonic, the plans he had made his whole life and the sacrifices he made now in vain.
By the time they reached the gates, they were covered in moldy food and cuts. They were each placed in the carriages, rather harshly, before they rode off in different directions, never to meet each other ever again.
Time passed, and things changed.
Aegon the Monster of the Pits and Aemond the One-Eyed Beast were crippled and sent to Ghaston Grey, their names stricken from the Targaryen family tree, and the Valyrian books.
Daeron the Mad Huntsman’s body was discarded off, he was not given a Targaryen funeral, or any funeral. They say his body was tossed into the bay to be fed to the crabs.
Otto, Alicent, and Gwayne Hightower’s tongues were removed, quite painfully. The father and son were sent to the Wall, and were very well received. The former Queen was sent to Bear Island to serve the Mormont’s as a lowly servant, a position she was well familiar with.
(Every day would be torment for the Hightower Whore, as the history books would know her as. Her mind would torment her, as well as her new lieges, who did not feel bad in treating the woman scornfully. It's not like she did not deserve it.)
Former King Viserys Hightower was locked in the Black Cells for the rest of his days, alone with his demons and the ghosts of his ancestors and wife haunting him.
Criston Cole joined the Monster Boys in Ghaston Grey, he would soon be forgotten.
All of them lived for a very, very long time. They lived in agony and pain, in disgrace. Aegon, Aemond, and Cole were kept alive in Ghaston Grey, tortured beyond comprehension. Otto and Gwayne were put to grueling, unforgiving work at the Wall, their wellbeing disregarded as they were essentially cannon fodder. Alicent was forced into hard labor on Bear Island, given respite scarcely so she did not die of exhaustion. She did just about every chore in Mormont Keep, constantly reminded that this was befitting of her station. Viserys was largely left alone, but that proved enough torture when visions of his wife tormented him in the dark.
They would eventually fade into obscurity, but their crimes and deeds would be known for centuries to come.
(And when they did eventually die, they would die alone and in agony, their name one of disdain and dishonor, rather than going down in glory as they had wished.)
(And Otto Hightower would die a bitter old man, his plans to overthrow the Targaryens from the shadows and instill House Hightower as the ruling family of Westeros, ironically, going up in flames. His legacy would be one of poison and manipulation, he would be known as a man who would do anything and everything to get what he wanted, and he would become something of a cautionary tale for second sons and fathers for years to come.)
The Stags Waltz was truly a civil war for the history books, a valiant, bloody battle between dragons and stags. Every death was recorded, every battle, every name. With the Citadel gone, and hundreds of Maesters dead, Westeros would need a new order of teachers in their place, luckily, Queen Cassandra formed an alliance with Empress Rhaenyra of Valyria.
In exchange for every Targaryen artifact, including Aegon’s Dagger, Balerion’s skull and hide, the crowns of their kings and queens, family heirlooms, tapestries, toys, books, clothing, weapons, the royal gems and jewelry, Empress Rhaenyra would aid Queen Cassandra in aiding in the reformation of Westeros.
The Stag Queen agreed without hesitation.
Consequently, a dozen scholars, Red Priestesses, and Bishops were dispatched overseas to assist the war-ravaged Realm. It would be a lengthy process, involving extensive healing and rebuilding efforts. However, a new system would be established, one that genuinely appreciated history instead of manipulating it for personal gain.
(The term ‘Maesters’ would stay, as some of them were completely innocent of the conspiracy and allowed to live. But they were not given the power they once had, they were governed by the Crown and treated as servants, and that was for the better as the newly names Brotherhood would be much better teachers and healers than their predecessors.)
(The Faith of the Seven would also receive an ‘overhaul’ of sorts. Many septs were sacked and destroyed in the war, mostly by the smallfolk. Those of the Faith Militant were killed in the war or imprisoned for their crimes, and there weren’t a lot of Septas or Septons left. In the coming years, the Faith would never be as powerful as it once was, it would no longer be the prominent religion of Westeros, it would just be one of the many religions.)
Westeros would eventually heal, but it would forever be changed as a result of the Waltz.
Queen Cassandra ruled fairly, but sternly, refusing to be a fool like Viserys Hightower. She would eventually go on to marry a fair man from House Tyrell, who would give her many children whom she loved with all her heart. In the coming years, she would be succeeded by her son and Heir, King Borys Baratheon.
Kings Landing was rebuilt, as was the Red Keep, and in the place of the destroyed Iron Throne, now sat the Golden Throne, a seat made of pure gold made from the treasury from the sacked Oldtown, with stags designed into the metal.
Driftmark and the Velaryons remained, but although they were not as rich as they once were, but under Lady Haella’s leadership, they flourished and persevered. The same could not be said about House Lannister, they lost their lordship over the Westerlands, and it was given over to House Westerling. Furthermore, House Lannister was heavily finned by the Crown, and like the Velaryon’s, were not as rich as they once were.
(Perhaps that was for the best, as their loss of status and riches seemed to have diminished their unpleasant egotism.)
Meanwhile, Valyria continued to flourish along with its children.
Princess Elaena Nymeros Emberlith grew into a girl of unpareleled beauty, and took after her grandsire in combat prowess and her bond with her dragon. Prince Daemon Nymeros Martell would look more Dornish than Valyrian, but his bond with his dragon would be strong and true. He would be more adverse in spear fighting, and the art of speechcraft.
Following the birth of her twins, Princess Saeranera Martell welcomed her third son, Baelon Martell, into the world just a couple of years later. Baelon would later establish his cadet house, House Emberlith and Martell, and found House Sunfyre of Summerhall, named after his mount, Sunfyre. The remarkable bond between Baelon and Sunfyre began when the dragon circled Summerhall while Baelon was only a few weeks old. House Sunfyre ascended to prominence, boasting over a hundred members and a dozen dragons, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of history.
Prince Baelon Emberlith became a renowned dragon rider and swordsman, looking just like Baelon the Brave in his youth, and even taking on the moniker of the Spring Prince.
Not long after returning to Valyria, Prince Jacaerys began to spend time with his aunt, Princess Helaena. They would take strolls in the gardens, along the seashore, and love bloomed in those moments of quiet talking and conversations about bugs and animals.
They would marry when they came of age at 8 and 10, and Princess Helaena would receive a blood cleansing ceremony to ensure her mixed Hightower-Targaryen blood would become pure Valyrian. Not long after their wedding, Princess Helaena Aureliās would give birth to their son, Monterys Aureliās, a beautify babe with snow-white hair and beautiful sapphire eyes. The rule of Prince Jacaerys and Princess Helaena of Meereen would be a brilliant one, and they would be known as some of the greatest rulers in Valyrian history, and they're romance for the ages.
In a foreseeable future, Prince Lucerys forged a marital bond with his cousin, Princess Rhaena, and Lord Moredo Rogare. As rulers of Astapor, and Heir of the Isle of Cedars, this triumvirate reigned with fairness and distinction, and their wisdom in trade brought abundant wealth. Their love, unyielding and pure, extended to the children they cherished. Prince Harwin, Princess Aelora, Princess Maerys, Prince Rogaer, and Prince Vaekar, inherited not only their parents' beauty and intelligence but also their strength. These siblings, reflecting the greatness of their lineage, blossomed into exceptional rulers and skilled dragon riders, leaving an indelible mark on their kingdom's history.
Growing up, Princess Baela ruled Dragon’s Bay, alongside her uncles, Addam and Laenor Seafyre, as mates of her ship, the Dragon's Voyage . She earned the moniker "The Bold" for her prowess as a fierce dragon rider and seafaring captain, battling pirates in the skies and conquering the seas with her ship. While she remained unmarried, Princess Baela adopted over ten children, nurturing them into skilled captains and sailors, continuing her legacy.
Princess Daenerys Targaryen and Miknen zo Oaq's marriage was a union of two powerful houses in Essos. They were both of noble birth, and their wedding was a grand affair that lasted for days. The city of Yunkai was decorated with flowers and banners, and the streets were filled with music and dancing.
After their marriage, Daenerys and Miknen settled down in Yunkai and began to rule the city together. They were both wise and just rulers, and they quickly earned the love and respect of their people. Under their leadership, Yunkai became a center of culture and learning. They established one of Essos' largest art schools, which attracted students from all over the world. The school produced some of the greatest artists of the time, and its influence can still be seen today.
Daenerys and Miknen had several children together, who grew up to be strong and intelligent individuals. They were all talented in the arts, and they helped to make Yunkai a vibrant and prosperous city. Their reign was a golden age for Yunkai. The city flourished under their rule, and its people were happy and content. They were a beloved couple, and their memory is still cherished by the people of Yunkai.
In their youth, Princess Naerys and Aiden Stark, childhood friends, wed at tender ages of 7 and 10. Following their nuptials, the couple settled down in Volantis, assuming the roles of rulers. Under their guidance, Volantis transformed into a cultural hub renowned for its exquisite jewelry and art, producing the most breathtaking adornments and garments in all of Essos. While they were blessed with only two children, this was of little consequence as their children, like their parents, possessed the exceptional ability of warging. These children would later go on to have numerous offspring with their own cherished spouses, continuing the lineage of wargs.
In Westeros, children beyond the firstborn son were often viewed merely as potential heirs or pawns in political alliances. This, however, was not the case for the children of Valyria. Prince Arthur and Vael Aureliās grew into handsome, fine young men and capable dragon riders, and when they reached their majority they would rule the islands of Elyria and Tolos, and those islands would grow into bustling small cities in the coming years. Prince Aemon would become Lord Lyonel Strong’s heir and rule Harrenhal upon his passing. Princess Visenya and Maenora grew into true Valyrian beauties and strong dragon riders, and it would be some time before they would find their own calling, but they would find it nonetheless.
Crown Princess Aemma married Prince Kal Kari when they reached 8 and 10, and their wedding was stunning. Held before the Blood Tree, Princess Aemma was dressed in a beautiful light blue gown, modeled after beautiful blue dragon scales, sapphires braided into the strands of her curly golden-white hair, with bronze eyeshadow applied to her eyelids. Her groom, Prince Kal Kari of Yi Ti, was wearing a sanguine coat encrusted with onyx beads and rubies, his dark hair styled back with a silver circlet.
They wed in the traditions of Valyria and Yi Ti, before the eyes of the Gods and the royal families, as they proclaimed themselves one soul.
Despite being in line to rule separate kingdoms, Princess Aemma and Prince Kal shared a strong and true marriage, overcoming the challenges of their circumstances. At the start of each year, Princess Aemma would embark on a journey to Yi Ti for a few moons to visit her husband, while Prince Kal would reciprocate by spending several moons in Valyria toward the end of the year.
Their marriage proved fruitful, as a year after the Blue and Red Wedding, Crown Princess Aemma gave birth to triplets, the Three Dragon Heads, named Zhaerys, Shaerys Lei, and Daenys.
Time passed, wounds healed, and Valyria grew.
In the years to come, the Empire of Valyria would ascend to the zenith of greatness, leaving an indelible mark on history. It would become the world's most revered empire, producing an extraordinary lineage of rulers, dragon riders, warriors, artists, and sailors from Houses Aureliās, Emberlith, and Seafyre, along with their cousin Houses. Despite the occasional imperfections of its princesses and princes, the empire would remain steadfast and unwavering in its strength and integrity.
Among the annals of history, Empress Rhaenyra the Great stands as a colossal figure, her leadership and legacy inspiring generations. She was renowned for her benevolence and generosity, earning her the titles of the Liberator of Slaves, the Dragonlord of the West, the Flameheart, and the Bringer of the Silver Age. Hailed as the greatest ruler the world had ever witnessed, Rhaenyra's wise guidance oversaw the expansion of a sprawling empire destined to endure for centuries. Her reign left an indelible mark on the world, shaping the course of history for eons to come.
Many history books and biographies of the Valyrian Dynasty, its members, its Houses, and its dragons.
One of these books would be called “Blood of the Dragon: A Complete Family Tree” , a complete book of House Targaryen’s family members, their histories, and eventually the members and history of House Aureliās, Emberlith, Seafyre, Saanys, Vysaris, Maegarys, Celtigar, and Rogare.
(Every Targaryen name was in this book, except Viserys the Fool and his sons, but King Jaehaerys was in this book. Except he would serve as a cautionary tale of valuing family above strangers, of valuing loved ones and your blood as much as your duties as a ruler, maybe even more than that.)
The years would pass, and eventually Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin passed away from old age, surrounded by their family before being accepted into the land of Balerion. Empress Aemma I would accent the Obsidian Throne, and the Dynasty of Silver would continue from her blood. Bastion Prince Daemon died in his sleep soon after, and would be succeeded by his daughter, Saeranera Emberlith. Next, Laena Seafyre (long after Rhaenys and Corlys were laid to rest), and then her daughters would become the Nautical Princesses of the Sea.
(For years, the name ‘Aegon’ was not used, as the name was sullied by Aegon the Rapist. But when a babe was born on a stormy night, he was given the name Aegon, and would grow up to be known as Prince Aegon the Glorious of Mantarys.)
(And maybe House Targaryen would rise again one day, who knows?)
Many years later, after the Waltz, the threat of the Others came.
An army of the dead was on the march Beyond the Wall, and Westeros needed to prepare. And for the first time in two centuries, dragons filled the sky and flew towards Kings Landing.
The Princess That Was Promised came, and the Song of Ice and Fire was sang on the battlefield. But despite the conflict many years prior, despite the scars and death, despite the Realm still not fully recovering, Westeros was prepared, the Aureliās’ were prepared.
And the Night King fell… and the Dawn came.
Most people would never know, except for a select few, but before leaving Westeros for good, Empress Rhaenyra went to see Viserys the Fool for the last time.
“Why?” His voice was quiet and broken, he stared at his daughter like he didn’t even know her. “Why did you do this?”
“Your son killed my cousins. My kin. I could not let that go.” She answered simply, standing just outside of his cell, staring down at the man who thought himself a King, a dragon, but was instead a puppet, a wyrm.
“But, Rhaenyra, kinslaying– ”
“I am not a kinslayer, unlike you. Like father like son, I guess, killing your kin, killing your wife in the birthing bed.” Empress Rhaenyra shook her head slightly, unable to fathom the thought process of this man. “Aegon and Aemond will not die. For now.”
“You do not understand, Rhaenyra. My son was supposed to rule…! I saw in a Dream, my son wearing the Conquerors Crown, sitting upon the Iron Throne as dragons danced. Aegon’s Prophecy–!”
“You are an even bigger fool and fucking idiot than I thought if you think yourself Daenys Come Again.” She cut the man off, shaking her head again. “But, I suppose I should not be surprised that you misinterpreted the Dream , as you so often do.”
“... what do you mean?”
“Dragon Dreams warn . They prophesize things that should not be. Daenys saw Valyria destroyed, and so her family relocated to Dragonstone, and 2 and 10 years later the peninsula was destroyed. If the Gods showed you a son as king, then a son never should have sat the Iron Throne, and dragons should never dance.”
The former King was stunned into silence, shaking his head as his eyes widened in disbelief. Empress Rhaenyra honestly did not care if he believed her or not, she wanted him to know this for the rest of his life.
“You would bring ruin to our House, ruin to our family. And I would not let that happen. Because unlike you, I understood .” Empress Rhaenyra sneered, her voice dropping into a rumbling whisper. She turned to leave, but before stepping out of the door, she had one last thing to say. “Aegon’s Prophecy. ‘𝙷𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚊 ā𝚗𝚘𝚐𝚊𝚛 𝚓ā𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚖ā𝚣𝚒𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚔𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚘 𝚍ā𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚜, 𝚜𝚎 𝚣ȳ𝚑𝚘𝚗 𝚓ā𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚎 𝚟ā𝚎𝚍𝚊𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚞𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚣𝚢𝚜.’ ” She looked the man right in his eyes. “ 𝙳ā𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚜 means Heir, not prince.”
With that said, Empress Rhaenyra exited the Black Cells and left the last Targaryen King to wallow in his misery and guilt, alone.
Notes:
... betcha didn't expect THAT did ya? 😏
Real quick for the throne room scene imagine the Throne Room from the wiki, and imagine it destroyed in the last episode of Game of Thrones, you know?
I put rhaenyra and jace in green colors for one part and they slay those colors. Vermax is emerald green, and Syrax's eyes are green. Imagine the color the Greens (heh) wear is Pine Green, dull and kinda ugly, not vibrant like the greens the Blacks(aka Silvers) wear for one moment.
I'll be honest with yall, i considered killing Laena like she does in the show and the whole thing playing out like in the Driftmark episode, but decided against it. This was not meant to be this long! This story really took a mind of its own!
And yes, I made Daeron a psychopath. Like a born psychopath, yknow? Okay. And yes, I gave him the Ramsey Bolton treatment. From what I could discern from the wikis, Daeron was an "honorable" (Or whatever) boy who let his armies rape and murder girls as young as eight jfc. So I decided to make him worse! :D
Also, I decided to make Aegon horrible to everyone, even his "supporters", because he had no love (not much more like) for his Hightower familr nor any gratitude towards the people who supported him, so he took advantage of his power as king to do whatever the hell he wanted to everyone in the Red Keep, including his family (moreso his mother and grandfather). I dont know if Aegon was shitty to people in the Red Keep in the books, especially his mother, but he would have had the power to do so. He was the king, he could do whatever the hell he wanted and no one could do anything about it.
Helaena gets a good ending. Why? Because shes baby and deserves it. I know everyone was talking shit about Viserys' kids, but they were more talking about his sons.
I'll be honest, I wasn't entirely sure the direction the ending of this story would go. I knew there was going to be a war, but I was having a hard time figuring out "how?" So i thought about it a while and the Baratheon's just popped into my head and I was like "... Roberts Rebellion early but with a girl?" Also, I wanted to throw in the Green's faces that a WOMAN would be Queen.
i love this series, it was so fun to make. And in the future I might make one shots and mimi-Au's of this. We'll have to see.
I will not watch season 2, I don't want my heart broken even though I know what'll happen ;-;
I may still end up watching clips on TikTok cus thats inevitable.
Also, ALSO... Alicunt and Crispy are fucking, they fucked during Blood and Cheese, they were having an affair (and probably during Draftmark) and I CALLED IT. I KNEW SOMETHING WAS GOING ON BETWEEN THOSE CUNTS. ALICENT YOU FUCKING HYPOCRITICAL BITCH!!!! >:D
And fucking Otto realizing he chose the wrong team when Aegon said "He made me king," and Hightower's bitchass was like "omfg this is who I decided to support??"
Chapter 3: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔐𝔞𝔨𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔬𝔣 𝔞𝔫 𝔈𝔪𝔭𝔦𝔯𝔢
Summary:
Written by High Maester Utherd, a collaboration with High Valyrian Priest Gaelan and the Red Priestess Melisandre
Notes:
Info for the story I put WAY to much fucking work into! :D
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔼𝕄ℙ𝕀ℝ𝔼 𝕆𝔽 𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸---
The Conquest of Empress Rhaenyra Aureliās (formerly Targaryen) began in XX AD, soon after she was disinherited in favor of her half-brother, Aegon Targaryen (Hightower), otherwise known as Aegon the Rapist.
She began with securing Volantis, with the help of her great-aunts Saera Saarys, Vissera Vysaris, and Gael Maegarys, as well as her sworn shield and later husband, Harwin Strong, and her dear uncle, Daemon Emberlith (formerly Targaryen). The then-young Queen's campaign moved onto Astapor, where Rhaenyra Aureliās killed the Masters and freed the 54,000 Unsullied soldiers, making them free people before liberating the city. Astapor became the second city to join her ever-growing empire.
The Campaign of Rhaenyra Aureliās then moved on to Yunkai, then to Meereen, where she also killed the Masters and liberated the slaves, gaining her the moniker of 'Rhaenyra the Liberator of Slaves' and 'Conqurer of the Slaver Cities'. The Queen spent much time in Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen, sorting everything out to make sure her new people were content and happy.
It wasn't long before her campaign ended with Rhaenyra Aureliās retaking Old Valyria. They say since the Doom that ended the Valyrian Dynasty, a curse had hung over the peninsula. None dared sail through the Smoking Sea, the ghosts of dragons and Valyrians frightened even the fiercest of pirates. But not Rhaenyra Aureliās, who some say was blessed by the Fourteen Flames themselves.
She lifted the curse of the Doom, and for the first time in over 200 years, dragons soared over Valyria.
Employing the very best constructors and builders in Essos and Dorne, Valyria was rebuilt within a decade. Some say it was more beautiful than it was before.
Taking inspiration from the architecture of Meereen and Volantis, the city of Valyria was constructed with beauty and comfort in mind. With primary colors of silver, blue, and gold, the buildings and the roads made one feel as if the city was unreal.
At the time of Empress Rhaenyra's rule, not including the people of Volantis, Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen, there was a total of 1.5 million citizens of Valyria.
---ℙ𝔸𝕃𝔸ℂ𝔼 𝕆𝔽 𝔻ℝ𝔸𝔾𝕆ℕ𝕊---
The Palace of Dragons is the castle of the ruling family. It stands as a testament to the power and grandeur of the ruling family of Valyria, one of the most influential and ancient dynasties in the realm. Standing in the center of the city, the palace dominates the skyline, its majestic silhouette commanding both respect and awe.
Upon crossing the threshold, visitors are greeted by a vast atrium adorned with soaring arches and vaulted ceilings. The interior of the palace is a symphony of marble and gold, with intricate mosaics depicting scenes of Valyrian glory adorning the walls and floors. Sunlight filters through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns upon the polished marble floors. The throne room of the Palace of Dragons is a sight to behold, a cavernous chamber dominated by a magnificent throne carved from obsidian.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔾𝔸ℝ𝔻𝔼ℕ𝕊 𝕆𝔽 𝕋𝔼𝕊𝕊𝔸ℝ𝕀𝕆ℕ---
Upon the first week of retaking Valyria and settling in the keep that would soon become the Palace of Dragons, Empress Rhaenyra planted a seed behind the keep in the dead soil of the land. She prayed to the Fourteen, then went to sleep.
She awoke the next day to see that the once barren land of Valyria was now as green as emeralds, rich with fertile soil and bustling trees and beautiful flowers. The Fourteen Priests said it was a blessing, a gift from the Gods, the gift of Tessarion, the Goddess of Healing and Beauty. The land had been healed, and with the reconstruction of the Palace of Dragons, the Gardens of Tessarion were underway. Behind the Palace, over 15 acres of land were sectioned off, paths were paved, gazebos were built, and many flowers and trees from all over Essos, creating an absolutely beautiful place.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔹𝕃𝕆𝕆𝔻 𝕋ℝ𝔼𝔼---
At the same time vegetation and life returned to Valyria, the tree with blood red leaves grew. Standing at about 50 feet high, with leaves as red as blood and bark as rich as the earth, the Blood Tree was seen as a symbol of the Gods. It was believed that it was a conduit of some kind, with a strong spiritual connection to the Fourteen, so the site of the tree became a kind of place of worship. Weddings were held, along with some other ceremonies, but it was mostly where the people prayed to the Fourteen, and it helped that the Chapel of the Flames was nearby.
---𝔻ℝ𝔸𝔾𝕆ℕ𝕊 𝔹𝔸𝕐---
Protected and watched over by the Seafyre's (formerly the Velaryons), Dragons Bay was formerly known as Slavers Bay. A great ocean between Valyria, Mantarys, Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen.
Home to the Seafyre Fleet, the greatest nautical force in the world, with unsinkable ships and fierce sailors. Dragons Bay is a great sea harbor and the main trading post, where ships from all over Essos, the Free Cities, and the Three Kingdoms (Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen) will dock to deal with trading or just visit.
---𝕄𝔸ℕ𝕋𝔸ℝ𝕐𝕊---
Separating Valyria from Essos and the Narrow Sea was the Black Wall of Valyria, and the house that manned the wall was House Emberlith, who hailed from Mantarys.
Mantarys, the protector city, was a small city compared to Valyria, with a population of about 90,000 people not including the Red Legion, but stood strong and tall. Home to the Red Legion, Mantarys' primary purpose was protecting the Empire of Valyria from any threats coming from Essos. The Blood Bastion is the seat of House Emberlith and the capital (and only) city of Mantarys. It is a large keep, not as big as the Palace of Dragons, but it is vast and beautiful. Made of red sandstone, with rough and sharp edges.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕀𝕊𝕃𝔼 𝕆𝔽 ℂ𝔼𝔻𝔸ℝ𝕊---
The Isle of Cedars is a large island that sits astride both Dragons Bay and the Gulf of Grief. There is pale sand on the southern shore. The water is a shimmering turquoise close to shore, and farther out a blue so deep that it is almost black. The forests are green and still, full of twisted trees and queer bright flowers. The Isle of Cedars is the seat of House Seafyre, Wardens of the Sea and Dragons Bay, and upon the retaking of Valyria, the island was given to the Seafyre's, who managed to drive back the wild animals and build their home.
Being the seat of the Seafyre's, the naval military of Valyria, many of their own trading or warships reside there, in the Harbor of Ironwood.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 ℂ𝕆𝕃𝕆𝔼𝕊𝕊𝔼𝕌𝕄---
The Colosseum is the amphitheater of Valyria, built in the center of the empire. The Colosseum was there during the early days of Old Valyria, one of the only structures standing mostly intact after the Doom. Upon Empress Rhaenyra's retaking of the peninsula, the Colosseum was repaired, and even improved, seating at least 500,000 people.
It is the epicenter of entertainment and celebrations in Valyria, used for gladiatorial contests, all gladiators are volunteers, and public spectacles including animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas of stories from Essos and beyond the Narrow Sea.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕎𝔼𝕊𝕋𝔼ℝℕ 𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕃𝔼𝕐---
Before the Doom of Valyria, the nation had been seperated into three islands, three seperate but united cities. The names of those cities have since been lost to time, but when Empress Rhaenyra reclaimed the home of her ancestors, the Fourteen Flames of Valyria breathed life back into the Peninsula.
The western island of Valyria was one of the more prominent examples of this. From what could be gathered, it had been home to a reletively small city, nothing grand like the main island. The western island was more of a large valley, according to Empress Rhaenyra, who compared it to the Vale of Arryn, the home of her late mother, Queen Aemma Arryn. It was a vast landscape of emerald green grass stretching miles, filled with the newly returned flora and fauna that had been extinct for 200 years. It was truly a beautiful sight, and was so dubbed 'The Western Valley'.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔻ℝ𝔸𝔾𝕆ℕ 𝔾ℝ𝕆𝕌ℕ𝔻𝕊---
One of Empress Rhaenyra's very first decrees was "No dragon shall be chained in my empire ever again. For a dragon is not a slave or a mindless beast."
And so, the dragon grounds were created. Or rather, the western island of the fractured peninsula was introduced to the dragons, who took to the land and made their homes in the ruins of buildings and homes. One part of the Western Valley, where the former city once stood, now nothing more than ruins, was reserved for the dragons, who made their nests in the remains of the buildings and homes. The dragons keep to their new home, only leaving to hunt in the valley. The majestic creatures of the Valyrian's have always been clever, intelligent beings thanks to the bonds to their riders, so they knew what animals to hunt and which not to hunt.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔻ℝ𝔸𝔾𝕆ℕ 𝕂𝔼𝔼ℙ𝔼ℝ𝕊---
In the Valyrian Empire, the Dragon Keeper is a revered and esteemed position tasked with the care and stewardship of the empire's majestic dragons. Empress Rhaenyra, in her wisdom and compassion, has banned the chaining of dragons, recognizing their innate power and intelligence. Instead, the Dragon Keeper forms a bond of mutual respect and trust with these legendary creatures, nurturing them and ensuring their well-being. With a deep understanding of dragon behavior and physiology, the Dragon Keeper oversees their feeding, grooming, and training, fostering a harmonious relationship between dragons and humans. Through their dedication and expertise, the Dragon Keeper plays a vital role in upholding the legacy and majesty of the dragons, safeguarding them as symbols of the empire's strength and sovereignty.
The Dragon Keepers reside in a rebuilt keep just before the entrance to the grounds. The keep is nothing grand or spectacular compared to the Blood Bastion or the Palace of Dragons, but it was large and home to the Dragon Keepers.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕆ℝ𝔻𝔼ℝ 𝕆𝔽 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔽𝕆𝕌ℝ𝕋𝔼𝔼ℕ---
The Doom of Old Valyria did not come to the end of its traditions or stories. Many priests and members of long-forgotten houses managed to escape with their lives, living to tell the tales of the Valyrians, documenting their traditions, religion, rituals, and such in ancient tomes and books, which were then hidden and preserved. Upon Empress Rhaenyra's retaking of the Valyrian peninsula, hundreds of Valyrian Priests, or descendants of Valyrians, came forward with those ancient tomes filled with history and information thought to be long lost.
To ensure the continuation and protection of their ways, Empress Rhaenyra enacted the Order of the Fourteen, the heralds of the Valyrian Religion.
Hierarchy:
- High Valyrian Priest/ess: The highest religious authority in Valyrian religion, responsible for interpreting religious texts, leading ceremonies, and providing spiritual guidance to the people.
- Priest: These individuals would lead religious ceremonies, offer prayers and sacrifices, and provide spiritual guidance to the general populace. They may serve under the direction of higher-ranking religious officials or operate independently within their communities.
- Oracle of Flames: Trained by the Red Priests of R'hollor, Oracles are gifted with the ability to interpret visions and prophecies, particularly those related to fire and the fate of Valyria.
- Archbishop: Leaders of major religious centers or regions within Valyria, tasked with overseeing the clergy and spiritual education in their respective domains. They are also the overseers of the schools and people's education. Archbishops are principals/Deans.
- Bishop: Subordinate to archbishops, bishops are responsible for the administration of local churches, the supervision of scholars, and the spiritual well-being of their congregations. They are the main teachers of the schools and academies and also overseers of healers of the Healers Guild.
- Scholars of the Flame: Dedicated to understanding the Valyrian religion's ancient texts, myths, and rituals, scholars and theologians undertake a rigorous study. These individuals are also entrusted with the education of the civilian populace and royal children, imparting knowledge in religion, history, philosophy, and more. Under the auspices of the Order, they operate schools and academies, fostering intellectual and spiritual growth, with the aim of cultivating a thriving and enlightened Valyrian society.
- Magus: Masters of magic, the Magus' are adept in the ancient Valyrian Magic. They usually help the Oracles with their visions, uphold the vegitation of the land, pray before the volcanos to keep them calm. (Basically mages but not OP)
- Acolyte: Trainees or junior members of the priesthood, learning the rituals, practices, and teachings of the Valyrian religion under the guidance of more experienced clergy.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔹𝕃𝔸ℂ𝕂 𝕎𝔸𝕃𝕃 𝕆𝔽 𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸---
Some would point out similarities between the Wall of Westeros and the Black Wall of Valyria, but the latter is different. Forged from dragonfire, sorcery, and dragon glass, the Black Wall stands as high as the Wall of Westeros but is nearly impenetrable, it surrounds and protects the Empire of Valyria, encircling the peninsula, protecting from any threats from across the Narrow Sea, and any Essosi threats. With an appearance of warped darkness, the Black Wall intimidates all who gaze upon it.
---𝔸𝕃𝕃𝕀𝔸ℕℂ𝔼𝕊---
- The Free Cities: Upon her empire's early days, Empress Rhaenyra created an alliance with the Free Cities of Essos, establishing trading with them in exchange for Dragon Glass and volcanic soil (which proved to provide incredibly fruitful vegetables and fruits).
- The Faceless Men: Early on in her campaign, after taking Volantis, Rhaenyra Aureliās traveled to Braavos and got into contact with the infamous assassins, the Faceless Men.
- The Vale of Arryn: Her late mothers home and her extended family, Empress Rhaenyra kept a steady and consistant communication with the Arryn's. Empress Rhaenyra officially made an alliance with her Arryn kin once she conquered the former Slave Cities and began the reconstruction of Valyria, trading food and supplies.
- The North of Westeros: The Starks of the North were the first of the Seven Kingdoms to kneel to Empress Rhaenyra when she was a maiden, being named the Heir to the Iron Throne. Starks are known for their honor, and despite her disinheritance, they did not forget their vows or friendship with Empress Rhaenyra. They were the second Westeros alliance she made, giving them food and materials in exchange for lumber.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 ℝ𝔼𝔻 𝕃𝔼𝔾𝕀𝕆ℕ---
Founded by Daemon Emberlith to protect the Realm of Valyria (including Dragon's Bay, Volantis, Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen).
Comprised mostly of the Unsullied bought by Empress Rhaenyra, over 100,000 men, and the many fighters from the Former Slave Cities and all around Essos, also 50,000 men and women. The Red Legion would round up over 350,000 men and women who would give their lives to protect Valyria and the Empress who set them free.
The Red Legion was divided evenly into three divisions: the Red Legion of Mantarys, the Valyrian City Guard, and the Palace Guard.
The Red Legion of Mantarys has the sole purpose of protecting Valyria from any threat coming from Essos, they are the soldiers and military. The Valyrian City Guard's purpose is to keep order within the city and protect the civilians, they are the enforcers and officers. The Palace Guard's purpose is to protect the Royal Family, they are the bodyguards and protectors.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 ℝ𝕆𝕐𝔸𝕃 𝔽𝔸𝕄𝕀𝕃𝕀𝔼𝕊 𝕆𝔽 𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸----
𝓗𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓐𝓾𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓲ā𝓼 - Ruling Family of Valyria 🩶🔵🟡👑
The ruling family of Valyria, House Aureliās was the first Valyrians to step foot in Old Valyria since the Doom, and they were the ones to lift the curse and bring dragons back to the land. The name 'Aureliās' meaning 'The Golden One' or 'Radiant', was adopted by Empress Rhaenyra when she began her campaign, abandoning the Targaryen name and the very family who abandoned her. The colors of House Aureliās were blue, silver, and gold; blue being an homage to her Arryn mother, silver being associated with wealth, grace, and elegance, and gold to honor her dragon, Syrax the Golden Lady. "Fire and Silver" are the words of House Aureliās, they signify legacy, resilience, and strength.
- Empress Rhaenyra Aureliās, 37 namedays old, Empress of Valyria, Mantarys, Dragon's Bay, the Three Sisters, and the Smoking Sea, the First of Her Name, conqueror of the Slaver Cities, the Liberator of Slaves, the Dragonlord of the West, the Flameheart, the Bringer of the Silver Age, the Azor Ahai, and Protector of Valyria, rider of Syrax (formerly Targaryen, daughter of King Viserys)
- Emperor Harwin Strong Aureliās, 43 namedays old, Emperor of Valyria, Mantarys, Dragon's Bay, the Three Sisters, and the Smoking Sea (formerly Strong, son of Lord Lyonel Strong)
- Princess Aemma Aureliās, 12 namedays old, her Royal Eminence the Crown Princess of Valyria, heir to the Obsidian Throne, rider of Vermithor (daughter of Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin)
- Prince Jacaerys Aureliās, 12 namedays old, his Royal Excellency the Prince of Meereen, rider of Vermax (son of Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin)
- Princess Daenerys Aureliās, 10 namedays old, her Royal Highness the Princess of Yunkai, rider of Moonfyre (daughter of Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin)
- Prince Lucerys Aureliās, 8 and a half namedays old, his Royal Highness the Prince of Astapor and the Pearl of Valyria, rider of Arrax (son of Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin)
- Princess Naerys Aureliās, 8 and a half namedays old, her Royal Highness the Princess of Volantis and the Gem of Valyria, rider of Silverwing (daughter of Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin)
- Prince Arthur and Vael Aureliās, 6 namedays old, their Roya Highnesses the Prince of Elyria and Tolos, riders of Tyraxes and Sheepstealer (sons of Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin)
- Prince Aemon and Princess Visenya Aureliās, 3 namedays old, their Royal Highnesses, riders of Dreamfyre and Maraxes (son and daughter of Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin)
- Princess Maenora Aureliās, 8 moons old, her Royal Highness, rider of Morghul (daughter of Empress Rhaenyra and Emperor Harwin)
𐋅Ꝋ𐌵𐌔𐌄 𐌄𐌌𐌁𐌄𐌓𐌋𐌉𐌕𐋅 - Bastions of Mantarys 🩶🔴⚔️
House Emberlith, Bastions of Mantarys, operators of the Black Wall of Valyria, and protectors of Valyria. The name 'Emberlith' combines 'ember', meaning fire, with 'lith' meaning stone, signifying a resilient and strong family, ones who are unmoving, the name was adopted by the uncle of Empress Rhaenyra, Bastion Prince Daemon after he disowned his kingly brother and joined nis nieces campaign. The Emberlith's house colors are red and silver; red is an homage to Caraxes the Blood Wyrm, as well as the courage, passion, sacrifice, and blood of House Emberlith, and silver meaning the Emberlith's loyalty to House Aureliās and sophistication. House Emberlith's house words "Here We Stand, Unyeliding" signify a house that is resolute, steadfast, and unshakeable in its convictions. They are proud of their heritage, determined in their pursuits, and unafraid to face whatever trials may come their way.
- Bastion Prince Daemon Emberlith, 47 namedays old, his Grace the Bastion Prince of Mantarys, General of the Red Legion, rider of Caraxes (formerly Targaryen, brother of King Viserys)
- Princess Saeranera Emberlith, 16 namedays old, her Royal Highness the heir of Mantarys, Commander of the Red Legion, rider of Nagho, Andar, and Soarmes (formerly Targaryen, daughter of Prince Daemon Emberlith)
- Prince Baelon Emberlith, 4 namedays old, his Royal Highness, rider of Tyraxes (son of Daemon Emberlith and Laena Seafyre)
- Prince Maekar Emberlith, newborn (son of Daemon Emberlith and Laena Seafyre)
𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐲𝐫𝐞 - Nautical Wardens of Dragon's Bay 🩶🟢🌊
The Nautical Wardens of the Sea and Dragons Bay, hailing from the Isle of Cedars, House Seafyre is of both fire and sea salt. The name 'Seafyre' is self-explanatory, sea and fire. The Seafyre's are the Wardens of the Sea, the Navy force of Valyria, and the greatest nautical military in the world, with over 40,000 ships at their disposal, made of ironwood with Valyrian Steel reinforcements. Around the time of Empress Rhaenyra's conquest of Yunkai, the former Valeryons left Westeros and swore allegiance to their cousin, taking on the name Seafyre. The House's colors are aquamarine and silver; aquamarine symbolizes tranquility, calmness, and serenity. Aquamarine is also linked to communication and emotional balance. Silver signifies their allegiance to House Aureliās and it's often seen as a symbol of wisdom, sophistication, and prosperity. Silver can also represent intuition and inner reflection. The words of House Seafyre "In Fire We Rise, By Sea We Rule" reflect a combination of resilience, strength, and dominance, both in overcoming challenges ("In Fire We Rise") and in asserting their authority over the seas ("By Sea We Rule").
- Nautical Prince Corlys Seafyre, his Grace the Warden of the Sea, Master of Ships (formerly Velaryon, Lord of Driftmark)
- Nautical Princess Rhaenys Seafyre, her Grace the Warden of the Sea, Second Advisor of the Queen, rider of Meleys (formerly Targaryen-Velaryon, Lady of Driftmark)
- Princess Laena Seafyre, 34 namedays old, herRoyal Highness the heir to Dragon's Bay and Isle of Cedars, rider of Vhagar (formerly Velaryon, wife of Daemon Emberlith)
- Prince Laenor Seafyre, 34 namedays old, his Royal Highness, rider of Seasmoke (formerly Velaryon)
- Prince Addam Seafyre, 30 namedays old, Senior Sailor of Seafyre Fleet (Corlys Bastard)
- Princess Rhaena and Baela Seafyre, 9 namedays old, their Royal Highnesses the Storms Calm and the Bold, riders of Moondancer and Morning
House Saanys - Castellans of Volantis 🟠👂
- Princess Saera Saanys, 60 namedays old, Lady of House Saanys, Mistress of Whispers, owner of the Valyria Brothels (formerly Targaryen, daughter of King Jaehaerys)
- Lords Lazenno and Norros, 63 namedays old, husbands of Saera Saanys, Lords of House Saanys
- Princess Tynaera Saanys, 25 namedays old, Captain of the Valyria Guard, rider of Quicksilver (daughter of Saera Saanys)
- Prince Aerys Saanys, 22 namedays old, Member of the Valyria Guard,
- Princess Rhaella Saanys, 20 namedays old, Member of the Healers Guild (daughter of Saera Saanys)
- Prince Baelar Saanys, 18 namedays old, rider of Tessarion
- Prince Vaelor Saanys, 17 namedays old, member of the Valyria Guard, rider of Margoth (son of Saera Saanys)
House Vysaris - Castellans of Yunkai and Founder of the Healing Guild 🟣❤️🩹
- Princess Vissera Vysaris, 50 namedays old, Lady of House Vysaris, Mistress of Healing, Head Healer of the Guild (formerly Targaryen, daughter of King Jaehaerys)
- Lord Daararro Faeninar, 55 namedays old, Lord of House Vysaris, husband of Vissera Vysaris
- Prince Aeravon Vysaris, 32 namedays old, Dragon Keeper (son of Vissera Vysaris)
- Prince Talaerys Vysaris, 30 namedays old, member of the Palace Guard, rider of Sunfyre (son of Vissera Vysaris)
- PrincessVysehnae Vysaris, 25 namedays old, Dragon Keeper (daughter of Vissera Vysaris)
- Princess Galaerys Vysaris, 20 namedays old, member of the Red Legion (son of Vissera Vysaris)
- Princess Rhaenyx Vysaris, 10 namedays old, rider of Shrykos (son of Vissera Vysaris)
House Maegarys - Castellans of Astapor 🟡👮♀️
- Princess Gael Maegarys, 37 namedays old, Lady of House Maegarys, Mistress of Laws, teacher of the royal children (formerly Targaryen, daughter of King Jaehaerys)
- Lord Adaryros Ormelar, 40 namedays old, Lord of House Maegarys, husband of Gael Maegarys
- Princess Jaenya Maegarys, 20 namedays old, assistant Dragon Keeper, caretaker of the Royal children (daughter of Gael Maegarys)
- Princess Vaelys Maegarys, 15 namedays old, caretaker of the Royal children, rider of Terrax (daughter of Gael Maegarys)
- Princess Alaella Maegarys, 8 namedays old, rider of Grey Ghost (daughter of Gael Maegarys)
House Celtigar - Treasurers of Valyria 💰
- Lord Bartimos Celtigar, Lord Tresurer and Master of Coin of Empress Rhaenyra
- Lady Marley Celtigar, Mistress of Coin
- Clement Celtigar, 17 namedays old (son of Bartimos and Marley Celtigar)
- Arthor Celtigar, 15 namedays old, assistant Dragon Keeper (son of Bartimos and Marley Celtigar)
- Kaela Celtigar, infant (daughter of Bartimos and Marley Celtigar)
House Rogare - Allies/Cousins of Valyria
- Lord Lysandro Rogare, Lord of House Rogare, First Magister of Lys, Head of the Rogare Bank
- Lady Karlota Rogare, Lady of House Rogare
- Prince Drazenko Rogare, Lysandro's brother, Prince Consort of Dorne, married to Princess Aliandra Martell, ruling Princess of Dorne
- Prince Trystane Martell, 16 namedays old, Heir to the Sunspear
- Princess Lyralla Martell, 8 namedays old
- Prince Simon Martell, 5 namedays old
- Lysaro and Larra Rogare, 13 namedays old, twins and heirs of House Rogare
- Fredo Rogare, 11 namedays old
- Drako Rogare, 10 namedays old
- Moredo Rogare, 8 namedays old
- Lysara Rogare, 7 namedays old
- Roggerio Rogare, 6 namedays old
- Lotho Rogare, 4 namedays old
- Marra Rogare, 2 namedays old
---ℕ𝕆𝕋𝔸𝔹𝕃𝔼 𝔽𝕀𝔾𝕌ℝ𝔼𝕊---
- Ser Harrold Westerling, Captain of the Palace of Dragons Guard, a close companion of the Royal Family
- Ser Mara, (former sellsword/slave of Yunkai, saved Empress Rhaenyra's life), Commander of the Palace of Dragons Guard, close companion to the Royal Family
- Archbishop Prince Vaegon (Great Uncle of Empress Rhaenyra, teacher of the royal children, and Master of Trade)
- Archbishop Gerardys, main Healer/doctor and teacher of the royal family
- Grand Dragon Keeper Aegel (Head of the Dragon Keeper Order, close friends of the royal family)
- Melisandre, Red Priestess of R'hollor (In the service of House Aureliās, the house where the Azor Ahai will come)
- The Faceless Men (In the service of House Aureliās through pact by Rhaenyra)
---𝔼𝕄ℙℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊 ℝℍ𝔸𝔼ℕ𝕐ℝ𝔸'𝕊 𝕀𝕄ℙ𝔼ℝ𝕀𝔸𝕃 ℂ𝕆𝕌ℕℂ𝕀𝕃---
- Empress Rhaenyra Aureliās
- Emperor Hawrin Aureliās
- First Advisor of the Empress, Siroreah Eranorlan (former slave of Yunkai, helped in the conquest of the city)
- Second Advisor of the Empress, Nautical Princess Rhaenys Seafyre
- High Valyrian Priest Maehalon
- Master of Trade, Prince Vaegon
- Mistress of Healing, Princess Vissera Vysaris
- Master of Ships, Nautical Prince Corlys Seafyre
- Master of Food, Lord Vararo Irriris
- Mistress of Laws, Princess Gael Maegarys
- Master of Coin and Lord Treasurer, Lord Bartimos Celtigar
- Mistress of Whispers, Princess Saera Saarys
- Bastion Prince of Mantarys, Prince Daemon Emberlith
- Lord Commander of the Palace Guard, Harrold Westerling
- Liaison of the Red Priests, Melisandre
- Spy of Empress Rhaenyra, the Faceless Man Aemar
Notes:
EDIT (4/8/2024): There was a glitch or something, and this chapter was overwritten by chapter one. Luckily I had posted it on Wattpad, so nothing was lost. I'm gonna have to be careful going forward with posting the next chapter.
No specific dates bc im too tired to pay attention to those
Images provided by Bing Image Creator, srsly that cite saved my life
Chapter 4: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔐𝔞𝔨𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔬𝔣 𝔞𝔫 𝔈𝔪𝔭𝔦𝔯𝔢, 𝔓𝔱. 2
Summary:
"Compared to Westeros, Valyria was by far more rich, beautiful, and prosperous than the Seven Kingdoms."
-Written by High Maester Utherd, High Valyrian Priest Gaelan, and Herboligist Laklem
Notes:
YALL OMG I JUST CANT STOP 😭😭😭
I came across this cite called "World Anvil", a world building cite and omg ive been using the shit outta it on the side and this happened 😭
(EDIT 2/25 - Guys i am actually fuckng tempted to make a separate like... fucking encyclopedia about all the lore I came up, or more like the lore me and ChatGPT came up with 😂😭 how would you guys think of that? I already updated "The Making of an Empire" chapers several times so im very empted)
(EDIT 9/7/24 - Added the Merling King because i'm a masochist)
Chapter Text
---ℙ𝔼ℕ𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕌𝕃𝔸 𝕆𝔽 𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸---
After Empress Rhaenyra retook Valyria, there would probably be a time of repair and restoration. The once-great city would be reclaimed and rebuilt in an attempt to recapture its former splendor as the Valyrian Empire's capital. Even yet, the city could still be scarred by the Doom, with ruins and traces of its previous grandeur acting as a melancholic reminder of the terrible history of the empire. With its volcanic terrain, rich soil, and advantageous placement at the epicenter of Essos, the Valyrian Peninsula continues to be the empire's core. As the political and economic center of the empire, the peninsula maintains its natural riches and economic potential despite the destruction caused by the Doom.
---𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸'𝕊 ℝ𝔼𝔹𝕆ℝℕ 𝔼ℂ𝕆𝕊𝕐𝕊𝕋𝔼𝕄---
The Valyrian Peninsula was mostly destroyed by the Doom's catastrophic events, leaving the region dead and desolate for ages. But with the Fourteen Gods' favor and the return of Empress Rhaenyra, the vegetation starts to thrive once more. Arid regions blossom with colorful vegetation, while barren plains give way to lush woods. The area is reclaimed by trees, bushes, and grasses, which offer a home and food for a wide range of creatures.
There's been a surge of magical energy in Valyria since the Fourteen Gods' blessings returned. Long dormant after the Doom, ancient charms and enchantments start to stir again, lending the surroundings an air of mystery and magic. Legendary animals like dragons, griffins, and shadow cats could resurface in the wild, their existence testifying to the revitalized state of the country.
- Biodiversity: A wide variety of plants and animals may be found in Valyria's restored ecology, with both common and uncommon species flourishing in their newfound abundance. Thought to be extinct, native flora and animals may reappear from secret havens, and new species that were not previously known in Valyria may move there attracted by the region's magical powers and bountiful terrain.
- Aquatic Life: The coastal waters surrounding Valyria teem with life, as marine ecosystems rebound from the devastation wrought by the Doom. Coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and kelp forests provide habitat for a myriad of aquatic species, including fish, crustaceans, and marine mammals. Valyrian sailors and fishermen benefit from the bounty of the sea, harvesting its riches to sustain their communities and trade with distant lands.
- Cultural Adaptations: The resurgence of vegetation and wildlife in Valyria has profound cultural implications for its inhabitants. Farmers and herders now cultivate fertile fields and pastures, reaping bountiful harvests and tending to thriving herds of livestock. Hunters and gatherers venture into the wilderness in search of game and forage, while artisans and craftsmen draw inspiration from the natural world in their creative endeavors.
---𝔼ℂ𝕆𝕊𝕐𝕊𝕋𝔼𝕄 ℂ𝕐ℂ𝕃𝔼𝕊---
The ecological cycles of the Valyrian Empire experience a drastic shift during the Doom of Valyria, a cataclysmic catastrophe that is followed by the retaking of Valyria by Empress Rhaenyra, with the help of the Fourteen Gods.The ecological cycles of the Valyrian Empire experience a drastic shift during the Doom of Valyria, a cataclysmic catastrophe that is followed by the retaking of Valyria by Empress Rhaenyra, with the help of the Fourteen Gods.
- Water Cycle: The water cycle is essential to maintaining life and forming Valyria's terrain. Under the warmth of the sun, water from rivers, lakes, and seas evaporates, creating clouds that move inland on prevailing winds. Rain replenishes rivers and aquifers, supports plant and animal life, and nourishes the earth when clouds condense and precipitation falls. The hydrological cycle is facilitated by surface runoff and groundwater recharge, which guarantees that ecosystems and people living in Valyria will always have access to freshwater.
- Predator-Prey Dynamics: Predator-prey dynamics regulate population sizes and maintain ecological balance within Valyria's ecosystems. Predators such as dragons, griffins, and shadow cats regulate prey populations by consuming herbivores and preventing overgrazing and habitat degradation. In turn, prey species adapt to predation pressure through behavioral, morphological, and reproductive strategies, ensuring their survival in the face of predation. These interactions create a complex web of relationships that sustain biodiversity and ecosystem stability in Valyria.
- Succession: The slow process by which ecosystems experience changes in species composition and structure over time is referred to as ecological succession. Primary succession in Valyria begins with the reclaiming of land after the Doom, when pioneer species like lichens and mosses settle arid areas and start to build soil and organic matter. More intricate plant communities emerge with time, as trees, grasses, and shrubs take hold and change the surrounding environment. After ecosystems recover from shocks like wildfires, floods, or human activity, secondary succession takes place, which results in the restoration of ecosystem function and biodiversity.
---𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸'𝕊 ℂ𝕃𝕀𝕄𝔸𝕋𝔼---
The climate of the Valyrian Empire post-Doom, but after Empress Rhaenyra retook Valyria and the Fourteen Gods blessed the land, would undergo significant changes.
The region's volcanic activity would continue to influence Valyria's climate even with the gods' favor. Seismic activity and periodic eruptions would continue to happen, producing rich volcanic soil that is home to luxuriant flora but also presenting a continual threat to the empire's citizens. With time, Valyria's climate would settle into a temperate zone with pleasant temperatures, consistent rainfall, and rich soil. With warm summers, moderate winters, and plenty of rainfall to support agriculture and maintain the ecology, the area would experience different seasons.
The land of Valyria would acquire a distinct and mystical flavor from the magical blessings of the Fourteen Gods, which would increase the soil's fertility, encourage the growth of unusual flora, and draw magical beings and animals to the area. Strong magical forces that pervade the area would have an impact on the environment, resulting in a sense of mystery and wonder. The climate of Valyria would also be influenced by its closeness to the sea; coastal districts would have greater humidity levels and milder temperatures than interior ones. There will be prosperous port cities dotting the coastline, teeming with marine trade and commerce.
---𝔽𝕃𝕆ℝ𝔸 𝔸ℕ𝔻 𝔽𝔸𝕌ℕ𝔸 𝕆𝔽 𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸---
---𝔽𝕃𝕆ℝ𝔸---
Following the Doom, many species of flora and fauna were driven to extinction, or migrated to Essos. However, with the Doom listing and the Fourteen Gods' blessing which brought life back to the Peninsula, those different species returned.
- Valyrian Orchids: These rare and exotic flowers are prized for their beauty and fragrance, cultivated in imperial gardens and traded as luxury commodities across Essos. Valyrian Orchids come in a variety of colors and patterns, each more stunning than the last, and are often used in perfumes, potions, and decorative arrangements.
- Dragontrees: Native to the Valyrian Peninsula, these towering trees are characterized by their distinctive red leaves and fire-resistant bark. Legends say that dragontrees were once favored nesting sites for dragons, and their wood is prized for its durability and resistance to fire. Dragontrees are often harvested for timber, used in shipbuilding, construction, and the crafting of valuable artifacts.
- Obsidian Blossoms: These delicate flowers bloom amidst the volcanic landscapes of Valyria, their petals shimmering with iridescent hues of black, purple, and crimson. Obsidian Blossoms are associated with magical properties and are often used in alchemical potions and rituals, believed to imbue their users with protection and strength.
- Blood Oranges (Citrus × sinensis): Imported from Dorne, blood oranges thrive in the fertile soils and Mediterranean climate of the Valyrian Peninsula. Known for their crimson-colored flesh and sweet-tart flavor, blood oranges are a popular fruit among the nobility and commoners alike, enjoyed fresh or pressed into juice.
- Moonflower Vine (Real World): A climbing vine species native to tropical climates, known for its large, white flowers that bloom at night and emit a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. The Moonflower Vine is often cultivated for its ornamental value and used in traditional medicine for its sedative properties.
- Blood Trees: The Blood Tree holds deep symbolic significance in Valyrian culture, representing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Its crimson leaves symbolize the blood of sacrifice and renewal, while its sturdy trunk and roots signify strength and resilience. The tree is revered as a living embodiment of the divine power of the Valyrian gods, a conduit through which their blessings flow into the world.
- Firebloom: A rare and exotic flower native to the volcanic soils of the Valyrian Peninsula, the Valyrian Firebloom is known for its vibrant red petals and fiery fragrance. It is said that the flower blooms only in the wake of volcanic eruptions, symbolizing the resilience and vitality of the land.
- Valyrian Sunflower (Helianthus valyriensis): A sun-loving perennial with golden-yellow blooms, the Valyrian Sunflower is cultivated for its edible seeds and oil. It thrives in the warm, sunny climate of the Valyrian Peninsula, brightening fields and gardens with its cheerful flowers.
- Braavosi Bloodrose: A rare and mysterious flower said to bloom only under the light of a full moon, the Braavosi Bloodrose is prized for its deep red petals and intoxicating scent. It is often associated with love and romance, and is considered a symbol of passion and desire.
---𝔽𝔸𝕌ℕ𝔸---
- Dragons: With the return of Valyria's glory, dragons once again soar through the skies of the empire, their majestic forms casting shadows over the reclaimed lands. These powerful creatures, symbolic of Valyrian might, serve as both awe-inspiring guardians and fearsome weapons of war. They mainly keep to the Dragon Grounds, formerly one of Old Valyria's destroyed cities, but it was repurposed to be the home and nesting grounds for the dragons.
- Obsidianback Tortoise: A massive reptilian creature with a shell as hard as obsidian, the Obsidianback Tortoise inhabits the rocky cliffs and coastal shores of Valyria. With its armored carapace and powerful jaws, this ancient species feeds on seaweed and kelp, basking in the warm glow of the volcanic sun as it surveys its domain.
- Volcanic Salamander: A small amphibian adapted to the extreme heat and toxic gases of Valyria's volcanic vents, the Volcanic Salamander possesses a unique ability to withstand intense temperatures and sulfuric fumes. With its vibrant red skin and flickering tongue, this resilient creature scavenges for insects and small prey amidst the volcanic rocks and ash.
- Lava Serpent: A serpentine creature of immense size and power, the Lava Serpent dwells deep within the molten core of Valyria's volcanoes, emerging only to wreak havoc on the surface world. With scales as hard as obsidian and breath that ignites everything it touches, this mythical beast is both feared and revered by the people of Valyria.
- Flame-tailed Fox: With silver fur and a bushy tail tipped with glowing embers, the Flame-tailed Fox is an iconic species of Valyrian wildlife. These agile hunters roam the foothills and grasslands of Valyria, hunting rodents and small mammals under the cover of darkness.
- Emberback Boar: These robust creatures are distinguished by their charred, blackened hides and tusks adorned with smoldering embers. They forage for roots and tubers in the scorched earth of Valyria's volcanic landscapes, their resilient nature a testament to the enduring spirit of the land.
- Ashen Elk: A large herbivore with fur the color of ash and antlers resembling twisted branches, the Ashen Elk roams the forests and plains of Valyria in search of tender shoots and foliage. With its keen sense of smell and sharp hooves, this elusive creature evades predators and human hunters alike, blending seamlessly into its volcanic surroundings.
- Pyrehound: A faithful companion to the people of Valyria, the Pyrehound is a canine creature with fur as red as smoldering embers. Known for its loyalty and ferocity in battle, it is often trained as a guardian and protector of homes and hearths.
- Shadow Cats: Stealthy and elusive predators native to the forests of Valyria, shadow cats are renowned for their sleek black fur and piercing yellow eyes. These solitary hunters stalk their prey with unmatched agility and cunning, blending seamlessly into the shadows of the forest canopy.
- Fireblossom Viper: A venomous snake with scales that mimic the vibrant colors of Valyria's blooming flora, the Fireblossom Viper is both beautiful and deadly. It hunts by ambushing prey near flowering plants, using its camouflage to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings before striking with lightning speed. Despite its reputation as a fearsome predator, the Fireblossom Viper plays an important role in controlling pest populations and maintaining ecological balance in Valyria's wilderness.
- Cattle: These docile herbivores, with hides patterned in swirling shades of red and orange, graze on the lush grasslands surrounding Valyria's rivers and lakes. These moltenhide-like Cattle are valued for their rich milk and robust stature, which makes them ideal for plowing fields and pulling carts.
- Sunbird: Resembling a phoenix with brilliant plumage of red, gold, and orange, the Valyrian Sunbird is a majestic bird known for its association with fire and rebirth. It is often seen soaring high above the volcanic landscapes of Valyria, its melodious song heralding the dawn of a new day.
- Sunhawks: These majestic birds of prey have iridescent plumage that glimmers like molten gold in the sunlight. With razor-sharp talons and keen eyesight, they soar high above the valley, hunting smaller creatures and basking in the warm rays of the sun.
- Sablehoofs: Sablehoofs are sturdy, sure-footed equines native to Valyria, known for their sleek black coats and fiery red mane and tail. These intelligent and loyal creatures are prized by Valyrian riders for their speed, endurance, and resilience in battle.
- Valyrian Stallion: These majestic horses are prized for their strength, speed, and beauty, with coats of shimmering silver and platinum that gleam like moonlight. Valyrian Stallions are the preferred mounts of knights and warriors across the empire, their loyalty and grace unmatched by any other breed.
- Lavabats: These nocturnal creatures soar through the skies of Valyria on wings of leathery membrane, their bodies insulated against the intense heat of the volcanic vents that dot the landscape. Lavabats feed on insects and small mammals, using echolocation to navigate the darkness and locate their prey.
- Embermoth: Fluttering through the air on wings of flame, the Embermoth is a luminous insect that feeds on the nectar of volcanic flowers. Its iridescent wings shimmer with hues of orange and gold, casting a warm glow in the twilight hours of dusk.
- Flamecrest Deer: These elegant herbivores are distinguished by their fiery orange fur and antlers adorned with shimmering crystals that glint in the sunlight. They graze on the lush grasses and vegetation of the valley, their presence symbolizing the rebirth and vitality of the land.
- Red Hare: These nimble creatures hop among the plains of the Western Valley, their fur a fierys red that stands out against landscape. With large, expressive eyes and long, twitching ears, they are a common sight in the valleys and foothills of Valyria.
- Magmahide Bison: Massive, lumbering beasts with thick hides that are impervious to heat and flame. They graze on the rugged slopes of the Western Valley, where geysers of molten lava bubble and steam.
- Sootscale Sheep: Hardy domesticated animals with wool the color of soot and eyes that gleam with an otherworldly light. They graze on the fertile pastures of Valyria, their wool prized for its softness and warmth.
- Obsidianhorn Ram: These rugged creatures traverse the rocky slopes and craggy peaks of Valyrian mountains, their horns gleaming with a metallic sheen that reflects the light of the sun and moon. The Obsidianhorn Ram is prized for its resilient wool, which is spun into fine textiles and prized for its strength and durability.
- Sable Owl: A nocturnal bird of prey with striking black plumage and piercing red eyes, the sable owl is revered as a symbol of wisdom and foresight. Valyrian scholars and seers often seek the guidance of sable owls in matters of prophecy and divination.
- Crystal Butterfly: Delicate and ethereal creatures with translucent wings, crystal butterflies are native to the crystalline forests of Valyria. They flit through the air like living jewels, their iridescent wings catching the light and casting prismatic reflections.
---ℕ𝔸𝕋𝕌ℝ𝔸𝕃 ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕆𝕌ℝℂ𝔼𝕊 𝕆𝔽 𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸---
The Valyrian Peninsula is known for its volcanic terrain, which has created rich, fertile soil that is perfect for farming. Soil derived by volcanic eruptions is rich in important nutrients that facilitate the growth of diverse crops, such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals. The population of the empire is maintained by this agricultural abundance, which also boosts the empire's economy. The obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glass valued for its durability and sharpness, is another abundant resource on the Peninsula. The highly prized material valyrian obsidian, also referred to as "dragon glass," is used in jewelry, weapons, and magical objects. The Valyrian Peninsula's volcanic activity has also produced priceless reserves of precious metals and gemstones, including as copper, silver, gold, and a variety of gemstones.
---𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸'𝕊 𝔾ℝ𝔼𝔸𝕋 𝔼ℂ𝕆ℕ𝕆𝕄𝕐---
The Valyrian Empire's economy boasts several advantages over that of Westeros. Firstly, its control over valuable resources such as volcanic soil, obsidian, and treasures from conquered territories provides a steady stream of wealth and prosperity. The empire's extensive trade networks, facilitated by alliances with powerful city-states like Volantis, Pentos, and Braavos, allow it to access lucrative markets across Essos, further bolstering its economic dominance.
Additionally, the Valyrian Empire's cultural and intellectual capital, rooted in its rich heritage of magic, art, and scholarship, enhances its economic superiority. Skilled craftsmen, artisans, and scholars produce exquisite works of art, magical artifacts, and technological innovations that are in high demand both within the empire and beyond. This combination of natural resources, strategic alliances, and cultural prestige cements the Valyrian Empire's position as an economic powerhouse in the known world, surpassing the economic capabilities of Westeros.
---𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸'𝕊 𝕄𝕆ℕ𝔸ℝℂℍ𝕐 𝕊𝕋ℝ𝕌ℂ𝕋𝕌ℝ𝔼---
- Empress/Emperor: The supreme ruler of the Valyrian Empire, holding absolute authority over all aspects of governance, military, and religious affairs. At the pinnacle of the hierarchy is the ruler, who holds the title of Empress if female or Emperor if male. The Empress/Emperor is the supreme authority in the empire, holding significant political, military, and symbolic power.
- Consort: The spouse of the Empress/Emperor, who may hold significant influence and power within the empire. May have specific duties and responsibilities, such as overseeing social welfare programs, cultural initiatives, or diplomatic affairs.
- Imperial Council: This council consists of advisors, ministers, officials, and most trusted allies appointed by the Empress/Emperor to assist in governing the empire. The council includes positions such as the First and Second Advisors of the Empress/Emperor, Master/Mistress of Coin, Master/Mistress of Laws, Master/Mistress of Whisperers, Master/Mistress of Healing, Master/Mistress of Trade, Master/Mistress of Ships, Master/Mistress of War, Bastion Prince of Mantarys, Lord Commander of the Palace Guard, Liaison of the Red Priests, and Spy of Empress Rhaenyra, each responsible for overseeing specific aspects of administration.
- Noble Houses: Beneath the Empress/Emperor and regional governors are the noble houses of the empire. These houses hold hereditary titles and lands, and they play a significant role in local governance and administration. They may also provide military support to the empire in times of war.
- The Order of the Fourteen: The Doom of Old Valyria did not come to the end of its traditions or stories. Many priests and members of long-forgotten houses managed to escape with their lives, living to tell the tales of the Valyrians, documenting their traditions, religion, rituals, and such in ancient tomes and books, which were then hidden and preserved. Upon Empress Rhaenyra's retaking of the Valyrian peninsula, hundreds of Valyrian Priests, or descendants of Valyrians, came forward with those ancient tomes filled with history and information thought to be long lost. To ensure the continuation and protection of their ways, Empress Rhaenyra enacted the Order of the Fourteen, the heralds of the Valyrian Religion.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔻𝕀𝕍𝔼ℝ𝕊𝔼 ℂ𝕌𝕃𝕋𝕀ℝ𝔼 𝕆𝔽 𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸---
The culture of the Valyrian Empire, with citizens who were formerly slaves from Yunkai, Astapor, and Meereen, would likely be rich, diverse, and deeply influenced by their shared history of emancipation and the leadership of their Empress.
The people who would make up the Valyrian Empire would come from Yunkai, Astapor, Meereen, and maybe other places. As a result, the cultures, dialects, and customs would be diverse. A lively and dynamic culture would result from this variety, with influences from all around Essos influencing daily living, food, fashion, art, and architecture. The empire would place a high importance on knowledge and education in accordance with New Valyrian ideals. There would be many schools, libraries, and academies, providing chances for people to seek education and intellectual development.
After being set free from the bonds of slavery, the people of the Valyrian Empire would take an active role in politics and public life. They would want to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of the entire empire in addition to feeling a great sense of ownership over their neighborhoods. There may be opportunities for public engagement in decision-making processes through local assemblies and councils. The Valyrian Empire's people would enjoy a cultural renaissance after they were freed from the bonds of servitude, with theater, music, literature, and other forms of artistic expression thriving all over the empire. They would create works that reflect their shared history and identity, drawing inspiration from their rich cultural traditions as artists, authors, musicians, and performers. In Valyrian civilization, equality and freedom would be highly valued concepts, and each citizen's rights and dignity would be zealously upheld. Regardless of origin or position, the empire would work to establish a culture in which everyone is treated with decency and respect.
---𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸: 𝔸 ℂ𝕀𝕋𝕐 𝕆𝔽 ℝ𝕀ℂℍ𝔼𝕊---
After capturing the erstwhile slave towns of Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen, the Valyrian Empire would be in possession of an enormous amount of wealth and resources. These former slave cities would have been part of the Valyrian Empire's new territory when it conquered Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen. Located along the shore of Slaver's Bay, these cities would provide access to ports, trade routes, and productive agricultural regions, positioning them as both strategic outposts and economic centers within the empire.
Perched atop an area rich in minerals, especially obsidian, and volcanic soil is the Valyrian Empire. In addition to producing rich ground for farming, this volcanic activity also produces precious materials like obsidian, which is highly valued for its usage in jewelry, weapons, and magical devices. The empire has a substantial economic edge in trade and commerce due to its control over these resources. A plethora of treasures, including priceless metals, diamonds, artwork, and other priceless items, have been discovered during the capture of the erstwhile Slaver Cities. The Valyrian Empire uses this war booty to fill its coffers, strengthening its reserves and giving it money for investments and growth.
The Valyrian Empire's alliances with powerful city-states such as Dorne, Volantis, Pentos, and Braavos further enhance its economic and military strength. These alliances facilitate trade, diplomacy, and military cooperation, allowing the empire to leverage the resources and support of its allies to achieve its objectives and maintain its dominance in the region.
---𝕆ℂℂ𝕌ℙ𝔸𝕋𝕀𝕆ℕ𝕊 𝔸ℕ𝔻 𝕁𝕆𝔹𝕊---
In the Valyrian Empire, with a commitment to gender equality and the absence of prejudice or discrimination, individuals have the opportunity to pursue a wide range of jobs and occupations based on their skills, interests, and ambitions.
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Craftspeople and Artisans: Skilled craftsmen and artisans play a crucial role in the economy of the Valyrian Empire, producing a wide variety of goods including weapons, armor, jewelry, textiles, pottery, and artwork. These artisans may work independently or as part of guilds and workshops, honing their craft and producing high-quality goods prized throughout the empire and beyond.
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Merchants and Traders: Merchants and traders are responsible for facilitating commerce and trade within the Valyrian Empire and with other regions of Essos and Westeros. They may operate caravans, ships, or trading posts, buying and selling goods, negotiating contracts, and establishing lucrative trade routes that contribute to the prosperity of the empire.
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Farmers and Agricultural Workers: Agriculture forms the backbone of the economy in the Valyrian Empire, with farmers and agricultural workers responsible for cultivating crops, tending livestock, and harvesting food to feed the populace. They may work on large estates owned by noble houses or independently owned farms, utilizing advanced irrigation techniques and magical methods to maximize productivity.
- Healers and Physicians: Healers, physicians, and medical practitioners provide healthcare and medical treatment to the populace, treating injuries, illnesses, and ailments. They may work in hospitals, clinics, and apothecaries, using herbs, potions, and magical remedies to heal the sick and injured. The Healers Guild, led by House Vysaris, may oversee the training and certification of healers and physicians, ensuring the quality and integrity of medical care across the empire.
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Scholars and Sages: Scholars and sages are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, studying various disciplines including history, philosophy, theology, magic, and the natural sciences. They may work as academics, researchers, librarians, or educators, sharing their expertise and insights with students, fellow scholars, and the wider community.
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Priests and Priestesses: Priests and priestesses serve as spiritual leaders and intermediaries between mortals and the divine, presiding over religious ceremonies, offering guidance and counsel to the faithful, and interpreting the will of the gods. They may work in temples, shrines, or monasteries dedicated to the worship of the Valyrian gods or the Lord of Light, providing spiritual support and comfort to worshipers.
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Soldiers and Warriors: Soldiers and warriors form the military backbone of the Valyrian Empire, defending its borders, enforcing its laws, and safeguarding its interests against external threats. They may serve in the Red Legion or other military units, receiving training in combat, tactics, and strategy to prepare them for the rigors of warfare.
- Sailors and Mariners: Given the empire's maritime heritage and extensive coastline, sailors and mariners play a crucial role in trade, transportation, and naval defense. They crew merchant vessels, fishing boats, and warships, braving the seas to explore distant lands and protect the empire's interests.
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Entertainers and Performers: Entertainers and performers bring joy, laughter, and artistic expression to the people of the Valyrian Empire, showcasing their talents in various forms of entertainment including music, dance, theater, storytelling, and acrobatics. They may perform in taverns, theaters, market squares, or at festivals and celebrations, entertaining audiences of all ages.
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Brothel Workers: Brothels provide a place of entertainment and companionship for those seeking pleasure and intimacy. Workers in brothels, such as courtesans, attendants, and bards, provide companionship, conversation, and entertainment to clients. Brothels, like those owned by Princess Saera, Lady of House Saanys, operate under regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of workers and patrons.
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Artists and Creatives: Artists and creatives express themselves through various forms of artistic expression, including painting, sculpture, poetry, literature, and music. They may work independently or as part of artistic collectives, creating works of beauty and inspiration that enrich the cultural life of the empire and preserve its artistic heritage for future generations.
- Laborers and Servants: Laborers, servants, and domestic workers perform essential tasks and duties in households, estates, and businesses across the empire. They may work as cooks, cleaners, gardeners, and caretakers, providing support and assistance to their employers and contributing to the smooth functioning of daily life.
---ℂ𝕌ℝℝ𝔼ℕℂ𝕐---
- Valyrian Dragons (Gold Coins): The primary currency of the Valyrian Empire could be the Valyrian Dragons, gold coins minted in the likeness of dragons, reflecting the empire's cultural affinity for these mythical creatures. These coins would be of high purity and serve as the standard medium of exchange for large transactions and international trade.
- Dragonstones (Silver Coins): Dragonstones could be the secondary currency, silver coins of lesser value compared to Valyrian Dragons. They would feature engravings or symbols associated with the Valyrian Empire, such as dragons, flames, or Valyrian glyphs. Dragonstones would circulate widely in everyday transactions within the empire, serving as the common currency for smaller purchases and wages.
- Obsidian Tokens (Copper Coins): Given the Valyrian Empire's abundance of obsidian, copper coins known as Obsidian Tokens could be used as the smallest denomination of currency. These coins would be of lower value but still widely accepted for minor transactions, such as buying food, goods, or services in local markets.
---𝕋ℝ𝔸𝔻𝔼---
The Valyrian Empire would have created maritime trade routes linking its core domains with distant nations across Essos and beyond, given its proximity to both the Summer Sea and the Jade Sea. These maritime channels would enable the interchange of products between Valyria and her trading partners by facilitating the transit of goods, commodities, and resources. Taking control of Astapor, Yunkai, Meereen, and other towns situated on the shoreline of Slaver's Bay would furnish the Valyrian Empire with advantageously situated coastal cities and ports. These ports act as essential centers for maritime trade, acting as places where products are loaded and unloaded from ships, customs charges are gathered, and traders do business with one another.
The Valyrian Empire used inland river commerce routes in addition to sea trade to move products and commodities between its main holdings and the cities it had acquired along the rivers of Slaver's Bay. Rivers like the Rhoyne and the Skahazadhan would be crucial commercial routes, facilitating the movement of commodities by barges and riverboats. Caravan routes, or land-based commerce routes, would link the central provinces of the Valyrian Empire with outlying areas of Essos. These routes cross plains, mountains, and deserts to make it easier for caravans of traders, merchants, and pack animals to move goods. Along these caravan routes, major destinations where products are purchased, sold, and traded would be cities like Volantis, Pentos, and Braavos. It is likely that merchant guilds and trading firms, which supervise business dealings, broker trade agreements, and guarantee the efficient operation of the empire's trade network, organized and controlled commerce inside the Valyrian Empire. These groups may fight with one another for control of profitable trade routes and marketplaces since they have enormous economic sway.
---𝔼𝕏ℙ𝕆ℝ𝕋𝕊---
- Valyrian Steel: The Valyrian Empire may export Valyrian steel weapons and armor, renowned for their superior quality and magical properties, to wealthy clients and elite warriors across the world.
- Art and Culture: The Valyrian Empire's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions may be exported in the form of art, literature, music, and theater, enriching the cultural tapestry of its allies and trading partners.
- Military Services: The Red Legion, the main military force of the Valyrian Empire, may offer its services as mercenaries or peacekeepers to allied regions in exchange for tribute, trade concessions, or strategic alliances.
- Volcanic Resources: The Valyrian Empire's most valuable export is its volcanic resources, including obsidian, volcanic soil, and other minerals extracted from the Valyrian Peninsula. These resources are highly prized for their utility in weaponry, construction, agriculture, and magical arts, making them sought after by nations across Essos and beyond.
---𝕀𝕄ℙ𝕆ℝ𝕋𝕊---
- Luxury Goods: The Valyrian Empire imports a wide array of luxury goods, including fine textiles, perfumes, jewelry, and artwork, from its allies and trading partners. These luxury items are highly sought after by the elite and nobility of Valyria, serving as symbols of wealth and prestige.
- Foodstuffs: Despite the fertile volcanic soil of the Valyrian Peninsula, the empire may still need to import certain foodstuffs to supplement its agricultural production. Grains, fruits, vegetables, and other food items may be imported from allied regions such as Dorne and the Free Cities to ensure a diverse and plentiful food supply for the populace.
- Timber: The Valyrian Empire, with its vast urban centers and expansive territories, requires a steady supply of timber for construction, shipbuilding, and other purposes. Timber may be imported from forested regions such as the North of Westeros and the forests of the Free Cities to meet the empire's needs.
- Metal Ores: While the Valyrian Peninsula is rich in mineral resources such as obsidian, it may still need to import metal ores such as iron, copper, and tin for manufacturing, smithing, and construction. Metal ores may be sourced from allied regions with abundant mineral deposits, such as the mountains of Dorne or the mines of Pentos.
- Exotic Goods: The Valyrian Empire imports exotic goods and commodities from distant lands, including spices, rare herbs, medicinal plants, and exotic animals. These goods are prized for their rarity, novelty, and potential economic value, and they may be sourced from trading partners across Essos and beyond.
---𝔼𝔻𝕌ℂ𝔸𝕋𝕀𝕆ℕ---
Every city and territory that the Valyrian Empire conquers is home to public schools where kids get an all-encompassing education in reading, arithmetic, science, history, geography, languages, and the arts. The imperial government funds these schools, which are accessible to all citizens regardless of their financial situation. Believing in the inherent value and potential of every person, regardless of origin, gender, or social rank, is one of the central tenets of the Valyrian Empire. Thus, access to education is given to children at an early age and is seen as a basic right for all individuals.
In the Valyrian Empire, reading, writing, and numeracy are valued as fundamental abilities that allow people to interact with written materials, take part in society, and make wise judgments. In-depth teaching in reading, writing, and math is provided to students, creating the groundwork for future academic success and lifetime learning. Students in the Valyrian Empire learn about the rich cultural legacy and history of their culture, including the accomplishments of the Valyrian Freehold, the conquests of the Dragonlords, and the legacy of the Valyrian gods, in addition to fundamental reading and numeracy abilities. The citizens' ties to the empire are strengthened by this cultural education, which instills in them a feeling of pride and identity.
Children may have the chance to seek specialized instruction in particular subjects as they advance through their schooling, including magic, martial arts, crafts, or academic endeavors. These specialized courses aim to develop each student's unique abilities and interests while preparing them for future employment and social responsibilities. The Valyrian Empire's educational system emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities highly. The educational system is open and friendly to people from all origins and cultures, in line with the ideals of the Valyrian Empire. In order to promote a sense of harmony and collaboration throughout society, students are taught to accept variety, appreciate differences, and work together with others.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕃𝔸𝕎'𝕊 𝕆𝔽 𝕍𝔸𝕃𝕐ℝ𝕀𝔸---
- Abolition of Slavery: Slavery is strictly prohibited within the Valyrian Empire. Any individual found engaging in or facilitating the practice of slavery will face severe penalties, including imprisonment or exile.
- Equality Under the Law: All citizens of the Valyrian Empire are equal before the law, regardless of their social status, wealth, or background. Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or any other characteristic is illegal and punishable by law.
- Protection of Rights: The rights and freedoms of citizens are protected by law. This includes the right to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. Any infringement upon these rights by the government or individuals is prohibited.
- Justice and Punishment: The legal system of the Valyrian Empire ensures that justice is served swiftly and impartially. Crimes such as murder, theft, treason, and corruption are punishable by law, with penalties ranging from fines and imprisonment to exile or execution, depending on the severity of the offense.
- Trade and Commerce: Trade and commerce are regulated by law to ensure fairness, transparency, and competition in the marketplace. Fraud, monopolies, and unfair business practices are prohibited.
- Fair Justice System: The Valyrian legal system is based on principles of fairness, impartiality, and due process. Judges and magistrates are appointed based on merit and are expected to administer justice without bias or favoritism.
- Education and Knowledge: The Valyrian Empire places a high value on education and intellectual pursuits. Access to education is guaranteed for all citizens, and the pursuit of knowledge is encouraged as a means of personal enrichment and societal advancement.
- Punishment for Treason: Treason against the Valyrian Empire, including acts of rebellion, espionage, or conspiracy against the state, is considered a grave offense punishable by death or exile.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 ℝ𝔼𝕃𝕀𝔾𝕀𝕆ℕ 𝕆𝔽 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔽𝕆𝕌ℝ𝕋𝔼𝔼ℕ 𝔽𝕃𝔸𝕄𝔼𝕊---
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔽𝕆𝕌ℝ𝕋𝔼𝔼ℕ 𝔾𝕆𝔻𝕊---
- Arrax - Ruler of Gods, Law, and Order: Arrax is the supreme deity in the Valyrian pantheon, revered as the ruler of gods and the embodiment of law, order, justice, governance, and strength. As the sovereign of the divine realm, Arrax governs over the affairs of gods and mortals alike, ensuring balance and harmony in the world.
- Aegarax - Creator of Dragons and Keeper of Creatures: Aegarax is the god of all creatures that walk, run, swim, or fly. He is credited with creating the first dragon, revered as the most majestic and powerful of all creatures. Aegarax is celebrated as the guardian of the natural world, responsible for maintaining the balance between predator and prey, predator and man.
- Balerion - God of Death and the Underworld: Balerion is the god of death and the underworld, presiding over the realm of the afterlife. He is feared and respected as the harbinger of mortality, guiding the souls of the departed to their final resting place and overseeing the cycle of life and death.
- Caraxes and Meraxes - Twin Deities of Sea and Sky: Caraxes and Meraxes are twin deities, each ruling over a domain of nature. Caraxes is the god of the sea, while Meraxes is the goddess of the sky. Together, they represent the elemental forces of water and air, symbolizing the duality and interconnectedness of the natural world.
- Gaelithox - God of Fire and Celestial Bodies: Gaelithox is the god of fire, stars, moon, sun, and the dawn, revered as the celestial artisan who crafted the heavens and kindled the flames of creation. He is a rival of Meraxes, symbolizing the eternal struggle between light and darkness, day and night.
- Meleys - Goddess of Love and Fertility: Meleys is the goddess of love and fertility, worshipped as the patroness of romantic unions, childbirth, and the bountiful harvest. She is invoked by lovers seeking blessings for their relationships and by expectant mothers seeking protection for their unborn children.
- Shrykos - Goddess of Beginnings and Endings: Shrykos is the goddess of beginnings, endings, transitions, and doorways. She presides over the threshold between life and death, guiding souls through the passage of time and ushering in new beginnings.
- Syrax - God of Wine and Festivities: Syrax is the god of wine, fruitfulness, parties, festivals, madness, chaos, drunkenness, vegetation, and ecstasy. He is celebrated as the life of the party, the bringer of joy and merriment, and the patron of revelry and celebration.
- Tessarion - Goddess of Music, Arts, and Knowledge: Tessarion is the goddess of music, arts, knowledge, healing, plague, prophecy, poetry, beauty, and archery. She is revered as the muse of inspiration, the font of wisdom, and the protector of creative endeavors.
- Tyraxes - Goddess of Reason and Warfare: Tyraxes is the goddess of reason, wisdom, intelligence, skill, peace, warfare, and battle strategy. She embodies the virtues of intellect and cunning, guiding warriors through the chaos of conflict with clarity and foresight.
- Vermax - God of Boundaries and Communication: Vermax is the god of boundaries, travel, communication, trade, language, and writing. He is revered as the guardian of borders and frontiers, the patron of diplomats and merchants, and the keeper of knowledge and lore.
- Vermithor - God of Smiths and Artisans: Vermithor is the god of smiths, crafts, and artisans, revered as the master craftsman who shapes the raw materials of the earth into works of beauty and utility. He is worshipped by craftsmen and artisans seeking inspiration and skill in their work.
- Vhagar - Goddess of War and Valor: Vhagar is the goddess of war, revered as the embodiment of martial prowess, valor, and heroism on the battlefield. She inspires warriors to acts of bravery and sacrifice, leading them to victory in the name of the empire.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕄𝕐𝕋ℍ𝕆𝕃𝕆𝔾𝕐 𝕆𝔽 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔽𝕃𝔸𝕄𝔼𝕊---
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕋𝔼ℕ𝔸ℕ𝕋𝕊 𝕆𝔽 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔽𝕀ℝ𝔼---
In contrast to the Faith of the Seven, the predominant religion of Westeros and the Andals, the religion of the Valyrian Empire stands out for its acceptance and forgiveness toward all. Centered around the worship of the Valyrian gods, including Balerion, Vhagar, Meraxes, and Syrax, followers seek favor through prayers, sacrifices, and rituals. Unlike the Faith of the Seven, which emphasizes a structured hierarchy and adherence to a single set of moral codes, the Valyrian faith celebrates diversity and individuality, embracing queerness and love for all. Magic and sorcery are integral aspects of the religion, with practitioners revered as intermediaries between mortals and the divine. Dragons are revered as sacred creatures, symbols of strength, wisdom, and protection. Ancestor worship fosters a sense of continuity and connection with the past, while the belief in the immortality of the soul provides solace and reassurance in the face of mortality. Universal love and acceptance, justice and mercy, unity and loyalty, and the sacredness of life are core tenets that guide followers in their spiritual journey within the Valyrian faith.
- Reverence for the Valyrian Deities: The religion of the Valyrian Empire centers around the worship of the Valyrian gods, including Balerion, Vhagar, Meraxes, and Syrax. Followers believe in the existence of these deities and seek their favor through prayers, sacrifices, and rituals.
- Harmony with Nature: The religion of the Valyrian Empire may emphasize the importance of living in harmony with nature and the natural world. Followers may be encouraged to steward the land, protect the environment, and cultivate a deep reverence for the natural elements and cycles of life.
- Embrace of Magic and Sorcery: The religion of the Valyrian Empire acknowledges the existence and legitimacy of magic, viewing it as a divine gift bestowed upon select individuals by the Valyrian gods. Practitioners of magic, known as sorcerers or mages, are revered as intermediaries between mortals and the divine, wielding their powers to shape the world according to the will of the gods. Magical artifacts, spells, and incantations are integral components of religious rituals and ceremonies.
- Sacredness of Dragons: Dragons are revered as sacred creatures, believed to be manifestations of the gods' power and will. They are viewed as symbols of strength, wisdom, and protection, and their presence is considered auspicious and divine.
- Honoring Ancestors: Ancestor worship is an integral part of the faith, with followers paying homage to their forebears and seeking guidance and blessings from their spirits. Ancestral shrines and rituals are common practices, fostering a sense of continuity and connection with the past.
- Embrace of Queerness: Queerness is celebrated and affirmed within the Valyrian religion, with LGBTQ+ individuals fully embraced as valued members of the community. Love is seen as a powerful force that transcends gender and sexual identity, bringing people together in profound and transformative ways.
- Universal Love and Acceptance: At the heart of the Valyrian faith is the belief in universal love and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status. Followers of the Valyrian religion are taught to embrace diversity and celebrate the unique identities and experiences of every person.
- Justice and Mercy: The faith teaches the importance of justice and mercy, urging followers to act with fairness, compassion, and integrity in their dealings with others. The gods are believed to favor those who uphold righteousness and virtue, while condemning those who perpetrate injustice and cruelty.
- Unity and Loyalty: Unity and loyalty to the empire and its rulers are emphasized as virtues, with followers encouraged to prioritize the common good and the welfare of the community above personal ambition or self-interest. Loyalty to the Emperor or Empress is seen as a sacred duty, and dissent or rebellion is viewed as a betrayal of divine order
- Immortality of the Soul: Followers of the Valyrian faith believe in the immortality of the soul, teaching that death is not the end but a transition to the afterlife. Souls are believed to journey to the realm of the gods, where they are judged and reunited with their ancestors.
---𝕎𝕆ℝ𝕊ℍ𝕀ℙ𝕀ℕ𝔾 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔾𝕆𝔻𝕊---
In the diverse tapestry of religious practices within the Valyrian Empire, three prominent faiths stand out: the Religion of the Fourteen Flames, the worship of the Lord of Light, and the Merling King. Unlike the structured hierarchy and singular devotion of the Faith of the Seven, which dominates the religious landscape of Westeros and the Andals, these Valyrian faiths offer a different perspective on worship.
The Religion of the Fourteen Flames, rooted in the reverence for the volcanic chain that defines the Valyrian landscape, embraces a philosophy of freedom and inclusivity, allowing followers to worship any deity of their choosing within the pantheon of the Fourteen Flames. This open-minded approach to spirituality fosters a sense of unity and acceptance among believers, transcending the boundaries of social status or lineage.
In contrast, the worship of the Lord of Light, with its emphasis on fire, prophecy, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness, appeals to those who seek divine intervention and guidance in the face of adversity. While both faiths offer pathways to spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment, they differ in their theological doctrines and ritual practices, reflecting the rich diversity of religious expression within the Valyrian Empire.
Among sailors, traders, and coastal dwellers, the worship of the Merling King, a revered sea-god, is deeply ingrained. This deity symbolizes the profound bond between the people of Esso and Valyria with the sea. He embodies their hopes, fears, and deep respect for the vast and unpredictable waters that shape their lives, fortunes, and destinies. The Merling King serves as a reminder of the intricate and often awe-inspiring relationship between humanity and the sea.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔽𝕆𝕌ℝ𝕋𝔼𝔼ℕ 𝔾𝕆𝔻𝕊---
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Rituals and Offerings: Worshipers of the Fourteen Gods participate in rituals and ceremonies to honor and appease the gods. Offerings of food, drink, incense, and prayers are made at temples and shrines dedicated to each deity. These rituals may include festivals, processions, and sacrifices, intended to invoke the favor and blessings of the gods.
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Divine Intercession: Followers believe that the gods can intercede in mortal affairs, granting blessings, protection, and guidance to those who worship them faithfully. They may seek the aid of specific gods for particular purposes, such as invoking Balerion for success in smithing or praying to Meraxes for bountiful harvests.
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Mythology and Lore: The worship of the Fourteen Gods is accompanied by a rich mythology and lore, with tales of divine feats, epic battles, and heroic deeds recounted in sacred texts and oral traditions. These stories serve to inspire and instruct worshipers, reinforcing the values and beliefs of the faith.
- Festivals and Holy Days: The worship of the Fourteen is celebrated through a calendar of festivals and holy days that mark significant events in the religious calendar. These festivals may honor specific gods or goddesses, commemorate historical events, or celebrate the changing seasons and cycles of nature. Festivals often involve elaborate ceremonies, feasts, and processions, with worshipers gathering to pay homage to the gods and seek their blessings.
- Temple Complexes and Shrines: Throughout the Valyrian Empire, temple complexes and shrines dedicated to the Fourteen Gods are scattered across the landscape. These sacred sites serve as centers of worship and pilgrimage, attracting devout followers who come to offer prayers, sacrifices, and offerings to the gods in exchange for blessings, protection, and divine favor.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕃𝕆ℝ𝔻 𝕆𝔽 𝕃𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋---
- Monotheistic Beliefs: Followers of the Lord of Light worship a single deity, often referred to as R'hllor or the Lord of Light. This deity is associated with fire, light, life, and creation, and is believed to be engaged in a cosmic struggle against darkness and evil.
- Fire Worship: Worshipers of the Lord of Light revere fire as a sacred symbol of divine power and enlightenment. They believe that fire possesses purifying and transformative properties, capable of cleansing sin and revealing truth. Ceremonies often involve the lighting of fires and the use of flames in rituals and prayers.
- Prophecy and Vision: Followers of the Lord of Light believe in the importance of prophecy and divination, interpreting signs and omens as messages from their deity. They may have priests and priestesses who possess the gift of foresight, offering guidance and counsel to the faithful based on their visions and revelations.
- Red Temples: Temples dedicated to the Lord of Light, known as Red Temples, serve as centers of worship and spiritual instruction for followers of the faith. These temples are adorned with red banners, torches, and sacred symbols, and may be staffed by clergy who oversee religious ceremonies and administer to the needs of the faithful.
---𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕄𝔼ℝ𝕃𝕀ℕ𝔾 𝕂𝕀ℕ𝔾—
- Sea Offerings: Sailors and traders make regular offerings to the Merling King to ensure safe voyages and bountiful catches. Offerings might include precious seashells, rare fish, and even small trinkets of gold or silver cast into the sea.
- Rituals: Key rituals include sea-bound ceremonies where priests and devotees gather on the shores or on ships to perform rites, sing hymns, and cast blessings into the ocean.
- Festivals: Major festivals are held during the full moon, believed to be the time when the Merling King is most active. These festivals include elaborate feasts, maritime processions, and ceremonial dances on the beaches.
Chapter 5: Characters
Summary:
Not Part 2, sorry!! But I really wanted to post this!!
What the characters look like. Most of them are portrayed in my head by the actors of the show so I would encourage you to do the same.
DISCLAIMER: All credit for the images goes to Bing Image Creator, that site is responsible for these images and I do not claim I made them <3
Notes:
My Tumblr
My Deviantart
TikTok @echosvaultDon't worry I am working on part 2, but its gonna be as long at part 1 so it's gonna take some time, a few weeks at most. in the mean time, please go check out my tumblr, deviantart, and tiktok! It would mean a lot if you checked them out. I'll post status updates there
Chapter Text
---HOUSE AURELIAS---
- Empress Rhaenyra Aureliās
This is what she would wear during the first half of the story, the clothing is inspired by Ancient Rome and Egypt, because it looks nice. (Portrayed by Emma D'Arcy) - Emperor Harwin Strong Aureliās
What a handsome man. <3 (Portrayed by Ryan Corr) - Princess Aemma and Prince Jacaerys Aureliās
(Portrayed by Payton Lepinski and Christian Convery) - Princess Daenerys Aureliās
(Portrayed by Tinsley Price) - Prince Lucerys and Princess Naerys Aureliās
(Portrayed by Harvey Sadler and Miriam Spumpkin) - Prince Arthur and Vael Aureliās
(Portrayed by Mason Shea Joyce and Oscar Eskinazi) - Prince Aemon and Princess Visenya Aureliās
- Princess Maenora Aureliās
---HOUSE EMBERLITH---
- Prince Daemon Emberlith
(Portrayed by Matt Smith) - Princess Saeranera Alysanne Emberlith
(Portrayed by Sadie Stanley)- Prince Baelon Emberlith
- Prince Maekar Emberlith
---HOUSE SEAFYRE---
- Prince Corlys Seafyre
(Portrayed by Idris Elba) - Princess Rhaenys Seafyre
(Portrayed by Morfydd Clark) - Princess Laena and Prince Laenor Seafyre
(Portrayed by Angel Coulby and John Macmillan) - Princess Baela and Rhaena Seafyre
(Portrayed by Aria Goodson and Quinn Copeland)
---OTHER CHARACTERS---
- Princess Saera Saanys
(Portrayed by Emma Mackey) - Princess Vissera Vysaris
(Portrayed by Katie McGrath) - Princess Gael Maegarys
(Portrayed by Daisy Ridley) - Archbishop Prince Vaegon
(Portrayed by Jared Harris)
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ALadywithabrain on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 01:44AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 02:00AM UTC
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ForceSmuggler on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 02:34AM UTC
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A black cat (Guest) on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 03:35AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 03:37AM UTC
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hiii (Guest) on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 04:36AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 04:50AM UTC
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Willowsby on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 08:02AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 03:03PM UTC
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Willowsby on Chapter 3 Tue 02 Apr 2024 03:41AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Tue 02 Apr 2024 03:58AM UTC
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Shewholovesfanfiction1 on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 09:47AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 03:01PM UTC
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hiii (Guest) on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 10:34AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 03:01PM UTC
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Ewina on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 04:50PM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 04:53PM UTC
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Ewina on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 05:01PM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 05:02PM UTC
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Kagaruki on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 06:21PM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 06:25PM UTC
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Kierra (Guest) on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 08:49PM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Tue 02 Apr 2024 12:20AM UTC
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Gabvyliz on Chapter 3 Mon 01 Apr 2024 11:24PM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Tue 02 Apr 2024 12:21AM UTC
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meese on Chapter 3 Tue 25 Jun 2024 07:11AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Tue 25 Jun 2024 07:12AM UTC
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IntoThineHands on Chapter 3 Sat 19 Oct 2024 12:30PM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 3 Tue 22 Oct 2024 07:38PM UTC
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Wresltgal on Chapter 1 Mon 01 Apr 2024 01:24AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 1 Mon 01 Apr 2024 01:25AM UTC
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Eriszun (Guest) on Chapter 1 Mon 01 Apr 2024 01:56AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 1 Mon 01 Apr 2024 02:00AM UTC
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LuciaDelaEstrellaSantin on Chapter 1 Mon 01 Apr 2024 02:14AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 1 Mon 01 Apr 2024 02:16AM UTC
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Cassisins on Chapter 1 Mon 01 Apr 2024 05:09AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 1 Mon 01 Apr 2024 05:10AM UTC
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Moi (Astrx7) on Chapter 1 Tue 02 Apr 2024 09:24AM UTC
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EchosLibrary on Chapter 1 Tue 02 Apr 2024 01:03PM UTC
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ShiranaiAtsune on Chapter 1 Tue 02 Apr 2024 01:26PM UTC
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Winterwolf50 on Chapter 1 Wed 03 Apr 2024 03:24AM UTC
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