Chapter Text
Chapter 1
23 AC.
Maegor Targaryen was not one to give himself over to feelings of tenderness and happiness. His mother was not a tender and loving person by nature, but he was aware that she loved him and did everything to make sure he was secure in his position. That was the reason why they were in the Red Keep instead of Dragonstone, his mother had insisted they came and showed their faces on such a momentous occasion. He did not understand what was so important about his brother having a child, it was a daughter so she was not special. He was still the heir after Aenys and a daughter would not change that, no matter what other people said.
“Maegor,” His father smiled when he saw him, appearing happy to be near him. The man clapped his shoulder with a strong hand. “I am so happy you are here.”
“Yes, mother insisted.” His father frowned at his words and Maegor did not miss the warning look his mother gave him.“I heard Aenys had a daughter, I hope she and Alyssa are well.”
His father seemed to forget his small slip. “Yes, they are both quite well. Come, you should meet your niece. I am sure you will love her.”
Maegor was surprised when he was led to the nursery instead of his good sister’s chambers, he had been sure that the babe would be with Alyssa. He stayed quiet as his father led him closer to the crib where a small babe with silver hair slept peacefully. He had to admit the babe was kind of adorable, but he did not understand what all the fuss was about, mostbabes were adorable. He heard that his father cried the first time he held the small child. He should have known his father would adore her, not only was she his first grandchild, but she was also the daughter of his father’s favorite son. Maegor had always known that his father loved Aenys above anyone else, he was the son of his beloved wife Rhaenys and the only memory left of her.
Maegor understood that his father had loved Rhaenys to distraction, but that did not excuse his father’s lack of attention. Maegor was the stronger out of the two brothers and the better warrior, still, his father barely looked his way while Aenys received all the compliments and attention. While he was used to it that did not mean that he was happy about it. Nowthere was a small girl who he would have to compete against for his father’s attention, like one person was not enough.
“Aegon,” His mother’s strong voice took Maegor’s attention from the sleeping babe. His mother appeared to have something on her mind. “I wish to speak with you.”
His father had trouble looking away from the small child before finally looking at his mother and nodding. Maegor watched as they both went to the balcony while he stayed inside the nursery. Even while not moving closer to where they were he could still hear them clearly.
“Aegon,” his mother began speaking, her voice steady but laced with urgency, “we must discuss the betrothal of our son to Rhaena. It would strengthen our ties with House Velaryon and secure our bloodline.”
His father sighed and Maegor could tell he was considering her words. “Visenya, while I understand the political advantages, I am not convinced this is the right course of action. Rhaena is just a babe, and we cannot force a union based solely on alliances.”
Maegor moved a little to the side, so he could see them and saw his mother’s expression turn fierce. “Do not underestimate the importance of such a match, Aegon. Rhaena is a princess and the only child of the heir to the throne. A union with her would bolster our claim and bring our house even closer. We cannot afford to ignore the significance of this alliance.”
“A significant alliance, perhaps,” his father replied, his tone measured. “But at what cost? Maegor is still a child himself, and I do not wish to see him burdened by the expectations of a marriage before he is ready. There are other ways to forge alliances without binding him to Rhaena so soon.”
His mother stepped closer, her eyes blazing with intensity. “You would have him remain unbetrothed while the realm swirls with uncertainty? How long do you think we can delay these decisions? Our enemies are watching, waiting for any sign of weakness. The strength of our house lies in our blood, and we must secure it.”
His father rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of his crown pressing down on him. “And what of Rhaena’s happiness? She deserves the chance to choose her own path, to marry for love rather than duty. You know as well as I do that forced unions can breed resentment and strife.”
His mother’s expression became harsh, but her resolve remained steadfast. “I understand your concerns, Aegon, but we are safeguarding the future of our family and the realm. A marriage to Rhaena would mean a powerful ally at our side, and that is a luxury we cannot afford to overlook.”
His father gazed out over the sprawling city of King’s Landing. “What if Maegor does not want this union? What if he has feelings for someone else? We cannot dictate his heart, no matter how much we might wish to steer the course of his life.”
His mother stepped closer to his father, her voice lowering to a softer, more intimate tone. “You know the world we live in, Aegon. Every choice we make has consequences. We must act as rulers, not just as parents. If we do not guide our children, others will shape their destinies in ways we cannot anticipate.”
His father’s gaze remained fixed on the horizon, where the sun dipped low, casting a golden hue across the sky. “I do not wish to see my granddaughter’s future dictated by political machinations alone. She should have a say in her own life. We must find a balance between duty and desire.”
His mother sighed, frustration and concern mingling in her expression. “Then let us seek counsel from Maegor. But know this, the realm is unforgiving. If we do not act decisively, we risk losing everything we have fought to build.”
His father turned to her, his expression softening as he reached for her hand. “I understand your passion, Visenya. You always have the interests of our family at heart. But I will not force our son and my granddaughter into a marriage they do not want. We may yet find an alternative that does not sacrifice their happiness.”
His mother regarded his father for a moment, weighing his words. “Very well, Aegon, but remember, the time for indecision is fleeting. Our enemies do not wait, and neither should we.”
Maegor was annoyed, not only because his mother had decided that he should be betrothed to a babe, but also because his father had rejected the proposal so soundly. His father had not thought about his happiness, but Rhaena’s. It was another thing that showed him how low he was in his father’s affections.
Maegor Targaryen (11 years old.)
Rhaena Targaryen (4 days old.)
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The grand hall of the Red Keep echoed with a tense silence as Queen Visenya paced back and forth, her expression stormy. The flickering torches cast shadows on the walls, mirroring the turmoil within her. She had never been one to shy away from confrontation, but the rejection of her proposal to betroth her son, Maegor, to Rhaena, weighed heavily on her mind.
As she moved, the heavy doors creaked open, and Maegor entered the hall, his youthful curiosity evident in his gaze.“Mother?” he called, noticing her agitation. “What troubles you?”
Visenya halted her pacing, turning to face him, her jaw tight. “It is your father’s stubbornness, Maegor. He refuses to see the necessity of securing our bloodline through a union with Rhaena.”
Her son frowned, crossing his arms. “But why marry Rhaena? She is just a babe. I do not even know her.”
Visenya’s expression softened slightly at her son’s innocence, but her resolve remained firm. “Rhaena is not just a child; she is the only surviving heir of Aenys. Many will consider her a rightful claimant to the throne. Marrying her would not only solidify our family’s power but also strengthen your claim in the eyes of the realm.”
“Is that all it is to you? Politics?” Maegor asked, a hint of frustration in his voice. “I thought you wanted me to marry someone I could love, not just for some advantage.”
Visenya stepped closer, kneeling to meet his gaze, her tone earnest. “Maegor, love is a luxury we cannot always afford. The realm is fraught with danger, and alliances are often what keep us safe. As the son of the king, your decisions carry weight far beyond your personal feelings. We must think of the future of House Targaryen and our legacy.”
“But she is so much younger than me,” he protested, a frown creasing his brow. “I do not want to marry someone I can’teven talk to. I want to choose my own path.”
Visenya remained steadfast, her voice firm yet nurturing. “I understand your concerns, my son. But think of this, Rhaena may be young now, but she will grow into her role. A union with her would send a message to the realm that we are united, that we are strong, and that we will protect our lineage at all costs. Many would rally behind you if you were to marry the only heir of Aenys.”
Maegor’s expression shifted from frustration to contemplation. “But what if I do not want to be king? What if I want to pursue my own dreams?”
Visenya shook her head, standing tall once more. “You are the prince, Maegor. You do not have the luxury of choosing whether or not to be king. Your duty is to the realm, and as your mother, it is my responsibility to prepare you for that role. We must secure our future, and a betrothal to Rhaena is a step toward that security.”
“Is that what it all comes down to? Security?” Maegor asked, his voice quieting. “What if I want to be happy, too?”
“Happiness can be found within duty, my son. It is a balance we all must learn to navigate. Understand that I do this not just for our family’s sake, but for you as well. We must be wise in our choices, and marrying Rhaena would be a strategic decision in an unpredictable world.” Visenya’s heart ached at his words, and she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "My son, love is a sentiment that can be both a glorious gift and a perilous burden. When I think of my love for your father, it stirs within me a bittersweet ache. My heart soared with the possibility of our union, yet it was tempered by the knowledge that his affections lay with Rhaenys. Love, my son, is not always a straightforward path; it can twist and turn, leading us to unforeseen heartaches. You must understand that love can be a double-edged sword. It can inspire great deeds and forge unbreakable bonds, but it can also breed jealousy, resentment, and despair. My love for Aegon was profound, yet it was entwined with the sting of unrequited affection. I reveled in his victories, but at times, I felt the shadow of Rhaenys looming over me, a reminder of what I could not possess. As you navigate your own heart, remember that love can bring both light and darkness. It can elevate you, but it can also ensnare you in its complexities. Cherish those you hold dear, but guard your heart, for it is a treasure that can be easily wounded.”
Maegor nodded slowly, though uncertainty lingered in his eyes. “I will think about it, Mother.”
Visenya smiled softly, pride shining through her concern. “In time, you will come to know Rhaena. And when you do, you may find that she is not just an ally, but a partner who can stand by your side. For now, focus on your training and your responsibilities as a prince. I will continue to advocate for this union, and I hope you will come to see its importance.”
Visenya watched as her son departed, leaving her alone in the hall, the weight of her choices heavy upon her. She knew the path ahead was fraught with challenges, but for the sake of her family and the realm, she would fight for their future, even if it meant navigating the complex waters of duty and desire.
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Maegor had been training all day, he enjoyed fighting with the knights of the Kingsguard. He knew he was a good fighter. He was even better than many knights older than he was, he could not wait to participate in a tourney. The knight he had been practicing with stopped mid-swing and bowed, making Maegor turn as he saw his father moving closer to him.
"My son," His father’s voice was steady, “I was hoping we could talk.”
Maegor frowned as he handed the sword to the knight and turned to face his father fully. “What about?”
His father gave him a hesitant look. “I have not seen you in over a year.”
“That was your decision.” Maegor would not bow down to his father or pretend his father’s abandonment had not hurt him. “I need to take a bath.”
“Maegor, I know I have hurt you.” His father stepped in his way when Maegor attempted to leave. “But Aenys needed me, I could not just leave him. You have your mother, Maegor only has me.”
Maegor rolled his eyes. “You do not have to pretend, I have always known that Aenys was your favorite and now also Rhaena.”
His father blinked a few times. “I see the hurt in your eyes, and it weighs heavily upon my heart. It is true that Aenys and Rhaena are often at my side, but I assure you, my affection for you is unwavering. Each of you holds a place in my heart, unique and irreplaceable.”
Maegor snorted. “You are right, I do not need you or this weak attempt to make me feel better.”
His father kneeled and met his gaze, his tone softening. "I understand that it may seem as if I favor them, but you must know that every ruler bears the weight of duty. Aenys has a gentle spirit, one that draws many to him, while Rhaena is just a babe. But do not mistake this for a lack of closeness between us. You are strong, fierce, and destined for greatness. Your path may differ, but it is just as important.”
Maegor took a step back. “Again, I do not need you to make me feel better.”
Aegon placed a hand on his shoulder. "I want you to forge your own legacy, my son. Embrace your strengths, and know that my love for you is steadfast. There is room in my heart for each of you, and I hope in time, you will see that you are not in competition with your siblings, but rather part of a tapestry that weaves our family together.”
“I do not need to compete with Aenys or anyone else.” Maegor shrugged off his father’s hand. “I am not the one who needs you there to hold my hand, that is your other son.”
Maegor had grown up with only his mother to support him. He knew that he could not count on anyone but himself. He would find his own way and he would forge an empire without his father’s help.
Maegor Targaryen