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High Tide was lit by the brilliant flashes of lightning dancing in the sky, as her white walls were pelted with heavy rainfall. Within her walls, one could hear the screams of Princess Rhaenyra as she gave birth to another child, just over a year after the birth of Princess Alyssa.
Prince Jacaerys would be turning three within a few scarce months with Princess Alyssa's birthday following only 3 months later. Both were being cared for by their grandparents, Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys, as their father, Ser Laenor, supported her in the birthing room.
Unfortunately King Viserys, Queen Alicent and their children had stayed behind in the Red Keep, believing that Princess Rhaenyra would be able to return to give birth. But a storm had halted their ship, and the little one was quite excited to emerge during the storm.
Bouncing Alyssa in her arms, Rhaenys stood by the window and was witness to the spectacle as the sea calmed and the storm abated within moments, bringing forth the slightest hint of the sun. "Corlys," Rhaenys whispered, awed by the spectacle.
Her husband joined her, curious smto see what had his wife so shocked, only to be shocked as well. "The storm . . . I have never seen one stop so suddenly," Corlys admitted. Alyssa giggled, curling close to her grandmother peer over her shoulder.
Sat on the floor, Jacaerys stared back, smiling happily. "He's here," Jace said, climbing to his feet as Alyssa nodded.
"'Uke!" She cried in delight as the door was opened by a guard. The maid bowed, hair in complete dissaray and panting heavily.
"The Princess . . . the babe . . . a boy . . . both healthy," The maid gasped.
Rhaenys and Corlys stared at their grandchildren who were looking back at them expectantly. Genuinly confused as to how the children had known, they picked then up and carried then to the birthing room where they were greeted by a slightly frazzled looking Laenor, an exhausted Rhaenyra, and a babe swaddled in Velaryon blue-green silk cradled within his fathers arms.
Dmiling, Laenor held out his arms so the four could look, "Father, Mother. Alyssa, Jacaerys. I would like to introduce you to the future Lord of the Tides, the Heir to Driftmark and High Tide, Lucerys Velaryon, blessed by the storms and the tides themselves."
"What?" Rhaenys asked, eyes going wide as Laenor gently manuevered a little arm out of the swaddle, revealing a birthmark in the shape of Caraxes, the God of the Seas, Water, and Storms, mark. 4 stars facing the cardinal directions with a singular star in the center and ancient rune across the pale center of the star.
Corlys glanced down to Jacaerys, who hair barely hid his own crown shaped sigil with the rune for Justice upon the center and the runes for king on the sides, just as Rhaenys glanced to Alyssa, whose mark was weirwood branches along her collarbone that formed a circle at the hollow of her throat with rune for peace inside said circle alongside a feather and torch.
"Laenor," Rhaenys began, gaze sharp but worried. "Why do all three of your children have birthmarks in the shape of the sigils of Arrax, Tyraxes, and Caraxes?"
Two sets of eyes stared widely at her, nervous. Rhaenyra shifted, wincing at the pain as Laenor looled around the room so he wouldn't meet the eyes of his parents.
"Laenor."
Laenor's gaze snapped to Corlys at his tone, a fire gathering in their depths. "You forced us to seek out other methods for I to give Rhaenyra trueborn children. We found a method and now you have three heirs for grandchildren. That is all you need to know. I will be taking mt children now, they need to get to know their new brother, if you would excuse us."
His clear dismissal hurt but they put down his children and left, unsure of what to do, except send a letter to the King and his family to inform them of the new birth.
In King's Landing, within the Red Keep, Queen Alicent and her children were forced to listen to King Viserys read the letter aloud.
'Dear Cousin,
You will be most disappointed to hear that Rhaenyra was unable to give birth in the Red Keep, but she gave birth during one of the worst storms Driftmark has likely ever seen. When her son was born the sky calmed, the rain stopped, and the tides receded and everything was peaceful as if there had never been a storm in the first place.
We are delighted to send word of the birth of Prince Lucerys Velaryon, Heir to Driftmark, and future Lord of the Tides. Born with the Velaryon locks, eyes, and skin, we can only wait for his skills at sailing to emerge like his brother and sister's skills did.
Rhaenyra and the children are all doing well. She has spoke of the ease she has felt here on Driftmark and have told her that our home will always be open for her, no matter the circunstances. We are unsure of when she will return but it will likely be upon dragon back so I, Rhaenys, shall go as well so they don't have to carry two toddlers at once.
The Targaryen-Velaryon grows ever larger with the births of Prince Lucerys and the previous births of Lady Baela and Lady Rhaena.
Congratulations cousin on earning another grandchild.
Yours in blood, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Lord Velaryon'
The absolute joy the man expressed at the ketter had the Queen picking at her nails, even as her children just watched or ate, content to ignore their father as he did them. She hated Princess Rhaenyra for birthing yet another child with the Valyrian features, but she did not understand the tidings it brought.
Yet another blessed child to aid the Blacks and the future of House Targaryen.
Prince Lucerys Velaryon, Second of His Name, Heir to Driftmark, Future Lord of the Tides, Stormborn, Undrowned, the Sea Dragon, the Sailor, the Red Star, had been born.
King Viserys had called his Small Council, his daughter Rhaenyra, her husbands, the Velaryon family, his wife, and his sons. He announced that, as he had never announced an heir after disinheriting Rhaenyra, they were to show him why they should be the heir and eventual ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.
Otto went first, advacating for Aegon. "Aegon is your firstborn son, Your Grace. I believe the people would feel more assured if a son ascended the throne as we are in tumultous times. Perhaps in the future a Queen will rule, but I do not believe now is the time for change."
Alicent agreed, advicating for Aegon. "I agree with ny Father, your Hand, husband. Aegon has also been married by the faith to Halaena in the ways of the Targaryens and now has an heir himself. Jahaerys."
Tyland Lannister, Maester Orwyle, and Jasper Wylde all advocated for Aegon.
Rickon advocated for Rhaenyra. "Your Grace. My wife rebuilt the North, making us stronger than ever. Her farmers on Dragonstone taught ours to raise and shear sheep, and then make the wool into warm, thick clothes. And in winter their meat provides."
"Her dragons created caves to nest in and discovered iron depots within, allowing us to trade in iron and weapons. Our trade with the Vale, the Stormlands, Driftmark, the Embar Glass Isles, and Dragonstone has given us the supplies to prepare for winter."
"In 118, when we had settled she had fishermen sent to the North to test something. We learned there were plenty of clams, and fish for us, and now the sea provides as our woods do."
Laenor advocated for Rhaenyra. "My wife has helped repare the rift between your family, Your Grace, and mine. She has created the fleet of the Fourteen Flames led by Ser Vaemond Velaryon, my uncle, on the ship, Arrax that now patrols Dragonstones waters. She created the army of the Second Sons, giving second sons something to fight for. They now patrol Dragonstone and protect the people from traders and others who would do them harm."
Daemon advocated for Rhaenyra. "Your Grace, Rhaenyra has taken control of the Stepstones, or as we have renamed them, the Embar Glass Isles, because of their abundance of sea glass. This opened trade with Dorne themselves, who quite adore the shards. Almost every isle has a barrack or castle, a garrison to defend it, and a fleet to patrol the waters."
"Dragonstone is now the center of trade for the Vale, the Stormlands, the North, Driftmark, and the Isles. We want for nothing. We have enough coin to last us many years. The Seven Kindoms would prosper under her rule. And any man who decided that it wasn't her place to rule would face Dark sister and I. As well as our husbands, and their families and lands. No one would think to attack us if Rhaenyra ruled."
Corlys Velaryon advocated for Rhaenyra. "Princess Rhaenyra has repared the slight you dealt to us when you married a daughter from a second son without giving any others a chance. She has given my brother a place as fleet commander, my daughter is an ambassador for Rhaenyra in Pentos and Essos. My son is now her prince consort and would rule as King Consort beside her. Our trade has expanded because of her. What has your son done in the years he's been your supposed heir?"
Rhaenys advocated for Rhaenyra. "Your Queen spoke of how the succession has been secured because of Aegons single son, Jaeharys I believe. But Rhaenyra has 16 children. And if she became Queen all would be her line of succession until her eldest, Baelon had children. She has brought back the dwindling numbers of the Targaryen family, as well as the dragons."
"19 dragons currently rest on Dragonstone, and each has a rider. There is Syrax, Caraxes, and Seasmoke. There is Morghul, Shrykos, Āeksion, Ānogar, Moondancer, and Morning. Tyvaros, Meraxes, Tyraxes, Tessarion, Cloudjumper, Vermax, and Arrax. 3 of her children have claimed Vermithor, Silverwing, and Grey Ghost."
"Your family, Your Grace, has two dragons. Sunfyre, an adolescent who is barely larger than a carruage despite his age and Dreamfyre whose rider. I doubt would ever fight in a war."
Laena advocated for Rhaenyra. "Your grace, Rhaenyra has fone something no other woman has. She has allowed her daughters, alongside her sons, to learn to fight. Each is well versed in sword fighting alongside their prefferred weapon and all hold Valyrian weapons."
"Dorne has been brought into the fold because of Rhaenyra and likely would not respond well to Aegon who does not seem to have . . . the delicacy needed to speak with them."
Lyman Beesbury advocated for Rhaenyra. "Your Grace, I have served you well and Rhaenyra has done incredible work. The crown recieves more coin from the North, the Vale, the Stormalnds, and Driftmark, than every other land. It is because of her the crown is so well off. I believe that it is time for change. Princess Rhaenys was passed over because we weren't ready, but now . . . Now Rhaenyra is ready."
Viserys, who had gone pale hearing everything his daughter had done, especially after he learned of her children and their dragons, looked to Aegon. "And you, Aegon? What is your wish?"
Aegon hesitated, glancing between his own mother and grandfather before his eyes flickered to Rhaenyra. "I advocate for Princess Rhaenyra, Your Grace. She will sit the Iron Throne better than I ever could."
At his side Alicent paled dramatically, as Otto turned red. Aemond eyed his brother with confusion, but Haelaena, she looked satisfied, and relieved.
"Rhaenyra?"
"I advocate for myself, Your Grace. My husbands, my good-family, and Lord Beesbury have given you all why I should rule."
Viserys nodded, and slowly climbed to his feet. "I will make my announcent on the morrow. For now, I rest and think."
Once the king had left, and everyone else had left, leaving Alicent and Otto with her sons, Otto whirled on Aegon. "She will kill you! Do you not understand, you fool! The Princess will order Daemon to bring her heads to her jsut to make sure you could never rule. She will kill your son and your daughter."
"If Rhaenyra wanted your sons dead, she'd have had them killed years ago before she was disinherited," Daenon drawled, emerging from the shadows with two strangers at his side.
The one to his right had black, curly hair streaked with silver-gold, and dark, purple eyes that seemed to glow in the low light of the throne room. He wore red, black and gold armor over his riding leathers, with a longsword at his waist.
The one to his left had braided silver hair and pale lilac eyes that screamed amusement, his dark skin contrasting his companions paler skin. His armors were predominently gold and black with red braces on his armes over his rider leathers. He wore a longsword at his hip with a ruby cut in the shape of a tear drip resting on the pommel.
"Ah, yes. I guess you were nver introduced. Our sons, Baelon Targaryen, heir to Dragonstone, and Aemon Targaryen, Heir to the Embar Glass Isles.
Alicent paled further as the door was swung open and Rhaenyra, Rickon and Laenor swept inside with 14 more children, guards, and horrifingly, 18 Direwolves. Some stood as tall as horses or ponies while some weren't much bigger than dogs.
"I apoligize, Queen Alicent. I believed you all would have left to see to other things. I had hoped to show ny children the famed Iron Throne," Rhaenyra stated. The little girls at her side, who were twins so alike it was impossible to tell them apart were squinting at the throne before one spoke up.
"It's ugly, Muña. When you sit in it you should add cushions."
"Father has yet to make his decision Aemma. We do not know if I will sit the throne."
"The King would be dumb not to choose you."
"Alyssa," Rhaenyra warned.
The twin ti the meft grinned and chirped, " I'm Alyssa, Muña."
"Yeah. How could you confuse us?"
Rhaenyra sighed, though it was fond, and rest her hands on their braided hair. "If you continue switching places, I'll punish both of you."
Both girls backed down with a chorused, "Yes Muña. We're sorry, Muña."
Alicent watched as the oldest girl, at least she assumed, passed her mother to join her father and her brothers it seemed. She nearly recoiled when she saw the shaved side of her head, with all of her silver-gold hair braided into a single, thick braid.
The girl was closely followed by a curly white haired, lanky yoing man who seemed to be the same age as her. He seemed nervous, indigo eyes darting around and taking everything in.
Baelon smiled, leaning down slightly to press a kiss against his sister-wife's lips, murmuring a greeting.
With horror, Alicent watched as he did the same to Lucerys before he pulled them close so they could talk.
None of Rhaenyra's family seemed bothered by the heathens, but her family all looked horrified, or confused in Aegons case.
Aegons suddenly stepped forward calling for his sisters attention. Rhaenyra looked at him cooly, thoughts hidden beneath a mask.
"I wish to know what shall happen if you ascend the Iron Throne. Where will we go?"
"I have heard Prince Aemond is a skilled swordsman. If he wished he could squire beneath any of the Kingsguard, or ny own personal guard. And if he rose through the ranks, I see no readon for him not to become the leader of the Second Sons of Dragonstone."
"Prince Daeron, who must still be fostering in Hightower, could stay if he wished. There are rumors he is training to be a Maester, yes? Then he would be welcome as Dragonstones Maester should he ever wish. And if he chooses a different path, I am sure I will find a position for him."
"But I am unsure as to where to place you, Aegon. My son, Baelon, would be my cupbearer so I cannot offer you that position. And I doubt you'd want any other. Do you have any ideas?"
"Larys Strong has been officially titled the Master of Whispers. I admit the position is interesting."
"Then it would be yours. If you proved yourself capable of holding it. And Halaena. Wherever you wish to go, I will grant you."
"The keep is my home," Halaena murnured, feebly.
"And your home it would stay. Your mother could return to Oldtown or stay. It eould be her choice."
They all noticed how she said nothing of Otto.
Aegon hoped Viserys chose her. He didn't want to be King, he never had.
Rhaenyra hoped Viserys chose her. The Hightowers were destroying the realm. She would fix it an dleave it stronger than ever for her son and his.