Chapter Text
Visenya Targaryen, second born daughter of Viserys Targaryen and Aemma Arryn.
Only one year younger than her sister, Rhaenyra, the princess was said to be only close enough with her father growing up, even though he enjoyed sharing his stories and reading to his daughters. As for her mother, princess Visenya could always be found by her mother’s side throughout her failed pregnancies. It was written that the princess spent so much time with her mother that she became acquaintance with the act of birth.
Princess Visenya was the rider of Balexion, who she shared a cradle with, having been chosen by no other than her uncle Daemon Targaryen - it was said that the egg was found still in Old Valyria and never gave any signs of hatching.
While her sister was called “the Realms Delight”, the common folk seemed to have decided on calling Visenya “The Dragon Wrath” duo to the boiling blood that ran through her veins and temper that could burn a hole through anyone’s soul. This however didn’t mean that the Princess wasn’t loved - she was the Realm’s Delight in her own way. She cared about all the people equally yet she didn’t allow anyone to put her down.
Visenya looked through the window in her mother’s chambers. Everything looked so serene.
“What are you looking at, my dear?” her mother asked, adjusting yet again in her chair.
“At the skies…”
“I do not like when you fly… But you can if you miss it”
Visenya sat in front of her mother, holding her hand “I am quite enjoying the company at the moment” she said with the fondest of smiles.
“You need to leave this room. You have been here for so long, you deserve to have some fun. Why don’t you go to your father?”
“I do not wish to be reminded of the failure I am, mother.”
“You are no such thing!” Aemma scolded her daughter “You are a blessing of the Gods my sweet child”
“Father doesn’t believe that. I should have been born a boy, not a girl.”
“Please do not torment yourself like this. Your father and I both love you so much. You are my little warrior”
Visenya smiled at her mother, it amazed her how her father always looked at her as a disappointment because she did not want what he said she should want, yet her mother always made her feel like she was the most precious person in the world.
It was no secret that she loved her mother above anything else.
“I’ll go for a walk for a bit. Many Lords have arrived for the Tourney. I must collect my thoughts before I speak about how foolish it is to have men fight for fun.” she giggled
The halls were quiet for once this week. She didn’t remember the last time she felt happy. she was terrified of losing her mother; with every pregnancy and loss she became weaker. It was impossible for Visenya to see her father’s side. Was it so important to have a male heir that her mother’s - no, his wife’s - health was just a meaningless detail?
“Princess” a voice came from behind her, making her turn.
“Ser Harrold”
“You have a visit” he spoke as he lead the way “he arrived early and went straight to the throne room”
“Has the king been alerted?”
“No Princess, he demanded that you’d be called first and brought to him”
The big door of the throne room opened, revealing Daemon sitting on the Iron Throne “Gods be good…” the guard muttered.
“It’s alright sir, you may leave”
“ I didn’t know you’d be here Uncle”
“I heard that it’s being held a tournament in my honor”
“It’s for the heir” Visenya stopped
“Exactly” Daemon rose from the Throne and made his way to the princess.
“Not if you’re beheaded” she spoke in common tongue
As Daemon opened his arms, Visenya ran towards him holding him close “I’ve missed you uncle. Promise you’ll stay longer this time”
He saw her look up at him and smiled “Anything for you little dragon” he kissed the top of her head “I brought you something”
Her eyes widened as he held a necklace between his fingers “It’s Valyrian steel” he hummed in agreement “Just like Dark Sister and my sword”
“Turn around”
His fingers touched her skin, along her neck and to the back, clasping it together. It was odd, Visenya thought, how much Daemon made her feel. She was no fool, for she knew that the butterflies forming in her tummy and the light headed feeling she had around him weren’t the ones a niece had for her uncle. That was not what Rhaenyra felt for Daemon.
“ Beautiful” he whispered near her ear.
He too was no fool. It was weird. The way she made him feel like himself. He didn’t have to pretend to be good when he wanted to do something bad, he wasn’t feared or laughed at by her, he was looked at with admiration. Pure admiration and respect. They spent hours talking every time he was around the keep. He remembered the day she was born, Viserys was too scared to take her flying and Daemon was too much of a stubborn barely teen to take no as an answer. And that’s how Visenya’s first flight was on Caraxes back, being held by a distracted boy.
“How is your mother?”
“Are you asking out of concern for her or for the throne?”
“You insult me” he smirked while leading her out “out of concern for you”
Her face fell. She didn’t want to admit what was going through her head. Something was telling her her mother wouldn’t survive another loss.
So Visenya simply told him she felt tired. Daemon knew what was going through his little dragon’s mind, it was easy to read how she was hurting. Instead of pushing it, he began to tell her about all the things he has seen abroad and all his adventures.He would do anything for that smile.
***
After a long flight on Balexion with Rhaenyra on Syrax, the sister went to the council meeting. Their father had agreed on allowing us to be there to understand more about the realms politics.
“My daughters,” he smiled widely. He was happier than usual, having dreamt about having a boy soon.
“We apologize for being late,” Visenya said, quickly going to her place by the wine.
“It’s quite alright. Continue Otto”.
The Hand continued “It was an unprecedented roundup of criminals of every ilk. Your brother made a public show of it, meting out the summary judgments himself. I'm told they needed a two-horse cart to haul away the resulting dismemberments when it was done.”
“Gods be good” The King exhales.
“The Prince cannot be allowed to act with this kind of unchecked impunity”
The doors opened and Daemon walked in “Brother”
“Daemon. You’re late”
“Princesses” he greeted us, smiling smugly.
Otto was trouble, they both knew it. He despised Daemon with the utmost hatred and would do anything to put him down in the king’s eyes. How Visenya hated that man …
“Carry on. You were saying something about my impunity.” he smirked.
“You are to explain your doings with the City Watch. Your new "gold cloaks" made quite the impression last night, didn't they?”
“Did they?” the smugness was clear and it enticed the Hand even more
“The City Watch is not a sword to be wielded at your whim. They're an extension of the crown.”
“The Watch was enforcing the crown's laws. Wouldn't you agree, Lord Strong?”
“My Prince, I don't think... Making a public spectacle of wanton brutality is hardly in line with our laws.”
“Nobles from every corner of the realm have been descending upon King's Landing for my brother's tourney. Do you want them mugged, raped, murdered?”
Silence fell for a minute and Visenya went to fill Daemon’s cup with wine. He smiled at her.
“We installed Prince Daemon as commander to promote law and order.” the Hand pressed.
“The criminal element should fear the City Watch.” Lord Corlys chimed.
“Thank you for your support, Lord Corlys.”
“If only the Prince would show the same devotion to his lady wife as he does his work, Your Grace. You've not been seen in the Vale or at Runestone for quite some time.”
The mention of his wife made Visenya’s blood burn and freeze. She had grown to hate how he was forced to wed a woman he did not wish to wed. She liked to have his full attention and a wife would change that. He would have to be with her, have children with her and eventually forget all about her and Rhaenyra. Not that she would ever truly consider her sister in these thoughts… She always had a better bond with Daemon, everyone knew it. They were inseparable every time he was in King’s Landing.
Of course it helped to know that he didn’t even care to consummate his marriage.
“I think my bronze bitch is happier for my absence.” Daemon laughed out
“Lady Rhea is your wife; a good and honorable lady of the Vale”
“In the Vale, men are said to fսck sheep instead of women. I can assure you, the sheep are prettier.”
Visenya didn’t mean to but she laughed. Louder than she should have, not that it was a laughing matter. It was the way Daemon said it. Maybe she felt jealous… Everyone in the room looked at the princess shocked, only Daemon smiled “Sorry”.
“You made a vow before the Seven to honor your wife in marriage.”
“Well, I'd gladly give Lady Rhea to you, Lord Hightower, if you're in want of a woman to warm your bed. Your own lady wife passed away recently.” Otto raised from his chair in anger “Did she not? Perhaps you aren't ready to move on just yet”
“You know how my brother makes sport of provoking you. Must you indulge him?” the King intervened, wishing to end this ridiculous conversation.
“My apologies, Your Grace.”
“You may all leave”
Soon after everyone left, it was only the younger girl and Daemon.
“The sheep are prettier?” She asked laughing
“They are”
“And that sounds like something you should say? In front of the council?”
He rose from his chair and walked towards her, and exhaled sharply “My brother is a fool”.
His hands came to cup her face forcing her to look at him “10 years he’s been king, yet he refuses to see the ones truly loyal to him and the ones that aren’t”
“You mean Otto Hightower”
He nodded.
“You cannot let him get to you. He knows you won’t let him have his way, he fears you”
“I do not wish to be feared but I’d gladly kill him”
“You look too happy for a man who just said he’d kill someone”
“Murder grows on you, Visenya”
“I need to go see my mother. The Tournament starts tomorrow and I have a feeling she will have the babe soon”
He nodded before letting go of her.
“Mother, may I?”
“Come in”
Princess Visenya walked in and spotted father sitting next to her mother “I can come another time if-”
“No, stay” Queen Aemma patted the place next to her “how was your day? I see you have followed my advice not to stay here all day”
“I went flying with Nyra and then had the council meeting.”
“I’ve been here for a while” her father chimed in.
“I was talking with uncle Daemon. He’s competing tomorrow. I also got him to promise we’d practice sword fighting and we’d fly”
“Of course Daemon is competing. At least he’ll keep himself busy”
“Someone has to represent House Targaryen, father. Besides, no one can beat Daemon” It was normal for the princess to speak so highly and proudly of her uncle. Yet her father seemed to be uncertain about Daemon ever being around his younger daughter.
“I do hope Daemon stays for a while. He seems to be the only one who can keep you away from this room.”
“Careful mother, I’ll think you do not wish for my company.” the girl giggled at her mother.
“You know I love having you and your sister with me. But only I am confined to these walls. You are young. Go to bed sweet thing”
“Goodnight then”
The Princess then walked to her chambers, happy about the interaction between her uncle and the Hand. She loved how he made everyone eat up their words. Especially Otto Hightower and his shitty attitude.
In the next morning Visenya was dressed in a pearl dress with some red embroidery, as her father requested. She always liked to dress in her house colors, but apparently the bird of a new child calls for something light. Her front pieces were braided with a red lace going in between them.
She made her way to her sister's room, she wore a purple dress and her hair was up.
Before going to the Tournay, they had to see their mother. The maester believed that the child would be born that way, which was later confirmed.
“Good morrow mother” they said in unisound.
“My sweet girls…” her face was contorted in discomfort “look how pretty you both look”
“Visenya is not wearing any black!” Rhaenyra exclaimed “and only a little red. Father finally got to her” she laughed as her mother did.
“Very funny Nyra… I like wearing our houses’ colors”
“I know, I know” her sister hugged her laughing.
“How are you feeling mother?”
“I am alright. I'm a little uncomfortable, but it’s quite normal at this stage of the pregnancy.”
The girls moved towards her mother and gave her a long kiss “We’ll come as soon as father let us” Rhaenyra assured her mother.
“Have fun girls”
“I’ll come when you go into labor. I do not want you to be alone with only maids and the Maester” Visenya promised and the Queen knew she would. Nothing could stop Visenya from being with her mother; and not many would risk making the princess angry.
Their father was already sitting in their box, along with the Velaryons and the Lord Hand and his daughter.
They sat in their seats - Alicent, Rhaenyra, Visenya, Laenor and Laena were seated by this order on the bottom level.
“Be welcome!” the King starts “I know many of you have traveled long leagues to be at these games. But I promise, you will not be disappointed. And this great day has been made more auspicious by the news... that I am happy to share: Queen Aemma has begun her labors!” Everyone cheers “May the luck of the Seven shine upon all combatants!”
Visenya turns around to see her father “Is it true? Has mother begun her labors?”
“Yes, my girl”
“I should go see her…” she stumbles her words
“The Maesters say it will be a while until she is close to having the babe. Stay a little longer and then we shall both go. How does that sound?” He tried reasoning with his daughter.
“It’s alright I guess” Visenya turned her attention back to the Tourney in front of her.
“A mystery knight?” Rhaenyra asks.
“No, a Cole, of the Stormlands” Alicent replies.
A man with the Baratheon sigil rides towards the box.
“I would humbly ask for the favor of “The Queen Who Never Was”.”
Princess Rhaenys rises from her seat and grabs her favor “Good fortune to you cousin”
“I would gladly take it if I thought I needed it”
As the Princess seats back down, Lord Corlys says “You could have his tongue for that”
The Princess desmises it but Princess Visenya joins the conversation “Don’t worry Princess, he’s going to lose either way” They laughed with the young girl “the other knight has a better dexterity”
“Do you still train, cousin?” Laenor asked her.
“Every chance I got. I will be the strongest fighter in the Seven Kingdoms”
Princess Visenya and Ser Laenor were the closest of friends, they told each other everything and never judged the other. Being a Targaryen meant that everyone only wanted to be in your good graces in order to get something, real friends was an unrealistic topic. Except for the Velaryon Twins and the younger princess.
While Princess Rhaenyra gossiped with her friend, the next fighter was called.
“Prince Daemon of House Targaryen, Prince of the City, will now choose his first opponent!”
Everyone cheered for the Prince, especially a young princess who even got up to clap at her uncle. As his opponent he chose Ser Gwayne Hightower of Oldtown, eldest son of the Hand of the King.
To anger the Hand even more, Visenya turned to her cousins “Five dragons on Daemon”.
The fight was over quickly. It was without a doubt that the Prince held a better chance at winning any of these men, he was trained since a child by the best of the knights, including his parents.
He made his way on his horse to the box and Princess Visenya rose from her seat and walked towards the Prince.
“Well done uncle. You have successfully annoyed the Hand”
He chuckled and replied in the common tongue “I do my best little dragon”. He glanced around the box and added “Now, I’m fairly certain I can win these games Princess Visenya. Having your favor would assure I am correct”
She walked to her seat taking hold of her father, not before receiving a disapproving look from her father. She slid the favor down “Good luck, Uncle”
“Thank you my little dragon”
Just as Daemon won the fight against Ser Criston Cole, someone called the King and urged him to follow. Princess Visenya noticed it and rose from her seat, follow the men towards her mother’s chambers. She hoped it was simply her baby brother having been born, but deep down she felt like it wasn’t.
She could hear the screams of the Queen and stood outside her door for a second, listening.
“What's happening?” her father asked.
“The infant is in breech, Your Grace. All attempts to turn the babe have failed.
“Well, do something for her!”
“We've given her as much milk of the poppy as we can without risking the child. Your Queen is a strong woman. She's fighting with all her might, but it may not be enough. “No!” the Queen scream.
“Aemma. Aemma... I'm here” he tried to assure her.
“Help me Viserys, help me” she begged and that’s when her daughter walked in.
“Mother!” she kneeled down at her mother's side, holding her hand.
“Your grace” the maister called and her father walked towards him.
“My sweet girl” her mother whispered and it hit her like a brick. It felt like a goodbye
“You’ll be fine, mother, they’ll help you” Visenya said with tears bursting from her eyes.
“During a difficult birth, it sometimes becomes necessary for the father... to make an impossible choice.”
“Well, speak it.”
“To sacrifice one... or to lose them both. There is a chance that we can save the child. A technique is taught at the Citadel, which involves cutting directly into the womb to free the infant. But the resulting blood loss...
“Seven Hells, Mellos”
“You cannot father!” the Princess stood by their side, listening to such a stupid suggestion.
“You can save the child?”
“We must either act now or leave it with the gods.”
“Do it” he said.
“No!” the princess screamed again.
“Hold her” The king said to a guard
The guard held the Princess tightly, she tried to get out of his hold but he was too strong. She screamed and screamed at her father and the guards but no one cared. No one would choose the sake of the Queen rather than the order of the King.
“Viserys” the Queen pleads.
“They're going to bring the babe out now.I love you.
“Ooh. What is happening?” she panics when other guards hold her arms and legs apart. She glances up and seems to finally notice how the princess is being held.
“No, it's all right.”
“No... what is happening? Viserys, what... “
“No, it's all right.”
“Wh-what are you doing?”
“Don't be scared.”
“What is happening? Visenya…”
“Don't be scared. They're going to bring the babe out”
“Mother! Father please stop! Someone stop him!” The tears were floating from the princess’ eyes.
“No! No! No!”
“I'm making the first incision.” Mellos says, cutting the Queen's womb as she screams louder.
Her screams and her daughter’s were so intense that the people could hear it. “Congratulations, Your Grace. You have a son”
The sound of the crying baby felt like a curse on Visenya's ears. She was destroyed, and then, the guard finally let her go.
“It's a boy?”
“A new heir, Your Grace. Had you and the Queen chosen a name?
“Baelon.”
“NO! NO! MOTHER!” she sat on the bed, blood covering her dress and hands “Mother, please…” her face fell on top of her mothers.
The cries stopped and the Maester rushed to the boy. There was nothing to be done. The boy had lived for 5 minutes before succumbing to his death.
Visenya closed her mother's eyes and kissed the top of her head.
“Visenya” her father said with tears in his eyes.
“I hate you…” she whispered
“Vis-”
“I HATE YOU!” she walked towards him and started hitting him with all her strength “YOU KILLED HER! ALL BECAUSE YOU WANTED A BOY! You’re a monster” she hissed and ran out of the room.
The Princess ran through the Keep, her father trailing after her until she saw her family - the Velaryons stood there with a crying Rhaenyra. She stopped and looked at her sister, who ran to her father.
The pain of losing her mother was driving her insane. She wished she could kill her father instead. Once again, she was the mistake - the girl who should have been a boy. she stumbled and started running again, her name being called from behind her but she didn’t care. she didn’t even know where she was going until she bumped into someone.
“Daemon” she cried out and hugged him for dear life, hoping to know it was just a nightmare. But it wasn’t. He was real and if that hug was real then so was her mother’s death.
“I’m here, little dragon. I’m here” he assured her, holding her in his arms.
After a few moments of silence, she finally looked at him “He killed her… He chose the baby over her…”
“Calm down, try to breath”
“I can’t! I can’t!”
“Visenya” her father’s voice came from behind her once again and she buried her face in her uncle’s arms “Please Visenya… I-”
“You what? You killed my mother!” she didn’t even bother looking at him “She spent years trying to give you a son and you killed her!”
“Please”
“Leave me alone” she cried out, losing the strength in her legs and almost falling to the floor if it wasn’t for Daemon.
“Give her time brother” Daemon said as he picked her up and carried her to her chambers. He would sit there the entire night as she cried into his arms and was kept awake with all sorts of horrible nightmares.