Aelinor Penrose was no Targaryen. Her eyes were the purple of the dragon riders of old, but her other half came from the Stormlands. Her marriage to her cousin Prince Aerys Targaryen was no more than a calculated effort to appease the Stormlanders, namely the Marcher lords, while maintaining the Targaryen blood somewhat pure. The union of King Daeron, the Second of His Name, with Princess Myriah Martell of Dorne was still as controversial now as the day when they said their vows before the Seven. At least, it was controversial in certain parts of the realm.
All of this was to say that Aelinor held no delusions about her marriage. She knew that there was no love between her and her husband. The songs of courtly romance were not to be her songs.
She just did not anticipate how lacking of love it was going to be.
Her husband was a bookish man. He preferred the company of books over other people. If there was one virtue to her marriage, then it was the fact that her husband would never be unfaithful to her.
Aelinor did not realize that Aerys would also fail to be faithful to her.
He never slept in the same bed as her. The only time they had lain in bed together was the night of their wedding. And that was only because he was unable to sneak out. Even so, he never once touched her. If not for the fact that Aerys kept no lovers around, be they men or women, then Aelinor would worry that she was the problem.
The first two years of their marriage followed as such. Aelinor resided in the Red Keep, living a comfortable but lonely existence. She never imagined that she would be trapped in such a loveless marriage. The looks of pity everyone at court gave her only made her feel worse.
Her mother-in-law, now Queen Myriah, was one of the few sympathetic ears that she had in court. It was strange for her, a Stormlander, to turn to a Dornish princess of all people for comfort, but these were the times that she lived in.
When that was not enough, Aelinor then turned to her religion for aid. While her husband was buried in his books, Aelinor was often praying at the newly built Great Sept of Baelor. The septas there knew the reason for her constant visits and would often pray alongside her, hoping that her marriage would bear fruit one day.
As the second son, and with the crown prince already having a healthy heir of his own, there was little reason or need for Aerys to have children of his own. Not that it'd stopped Aerys' youngest sibling Prince Maekar from already having a son of his own. Aerys held no desire to hold any formal lands to call his own, preferring the comforts of the Red Keep, so even if he had any sons or daughters they would inherit nothing other than his Targaryen name. Aelinor knew that she was selfish for wanting to bring a child that would be one of many, for the Targaryens were abundant, and so they would receive nothing of value. But she wanted to be a mother. She wanted a legacy of her own, no matter how small. She would never step outside of her marriage, not having the courage to do such a thing, so she could only pray to the Seven, namely the Mother, to grant her wish one day.
It was in the middle of the year 190 AC that something almost miraculous happened. She would always remember the night, for it was a clear one. The moon seemed to shine almost unnaturally bright that night, or perhaps she was glamorizing it.
Aelinor was already resting inside her chamber, alone, when she was awoken by the sound of her door opening.
Startled and barely awake, Aelinor feared for the worst as she sat up, that there was an intruder. She had her own guards, and while they were no Kingsguard they were able. But in her half-sleep state, she forgot all about them.
Aelinor's fear only lasted for a moment as her eyes adjusted to the darkness permeating the room.
"Aerys."
Aelinor never expected to see her husband in the middle of the night. She almost never saw him during the day either as typically he was starting to have his meals in the library by himself unless the king called for him.
Aerys was still wearing his usual milky white doublet with the gold dragon patterns.
In the darkness, Aelinor took stock of him. He was no great warrior like either Prince Baelor or Prince Maekar, nor did he have their more impressive physiques. To be frank, her husband was far from the handsome man that maids would dream of, his body more spindly than robust. He had the typical Targaryen features, but they did not enhance his looks any.
Normally, Aelinor would never have such thoughts about her husband, knowing that she was meant to be dutiful to him. But a combination of having her sleep interrupted as well as Aerys' behavior toward her was making her thoughts be more candid.
"Husband, what do you want?" Now that she was starting to regain her bearings, Aelinor spoke. She did not bother to adjust her robes. It was not as though her husband was interested, and even if he were they were supposed to be husband and wife.
Aerys did not answer her.
It was only after he got closer to the bed that Aelinor began to realize that something was wrong. For Aerys' eyes were almost glazed.
Aelinor never had a chance to question her husband on this as without a word he began to push her back on the bed as he hovered over her.
"Aerys-"
Aelinor's words were cut off as Aerys started to kiss her.
Her eyes widened as she felt her husband's lips over her own.
It was not their first kiss, for they had kissed during their wedding ceremony. But that had been no more than a simple pressing of their lips together. There was no passion. No love.
The complete opposite of now.
It was rough, and yet she welcomed it all the same.
That night the two would share more kisses, and Aelinor would no longer be a mere maid.
She had many questions, but when she awoke the next morning feeling more sore and tired than she had ever felt before, Aerys was no longer in bed with her. He had left as abruptly as he had arrived.
In the following days, while feeling pleased about what had happened, Aelinor would also be left feeling confused. It was only after King Daeron summoned her to his solar that Aelinor would finally understand what had happened.
Aerys was present, and it was the first time that Aelinor was seeing him so angry.
Other than her husband and the king, the other one present inside was the nine year old Shiera. The little girl, wearing her usual blue dress, was looking sheepish as Aerys glared down at her.
The sight of the young girl made Aelinor uncomfortable, but she ignored it in favor of bowing before the king.
King Daeron looked relieved when he saw her walk in.
After a quick greeting, the king began to explain the situation to her, namely the "prank" that the young girl had pulled on her half-nephew. Apparently the girl had concocted something of a "love potion," which she had the bright idea to give Aerys because she found him boring.
Shiera had never expected for her creation to work so well.
So as it turned out, all it took for Aerys to finally consummate their marriage was the work of dark magic.
Aelinor wanted to cry.
Shiera was punished for her prank, and Aerys never spoke of that night ever again.
Even Aelinor, after feeling initially elated about that night, was now consumed with sorrow and turned more toward the Faith for guidance.
She had heard the rumors surrounding Shiera's mother, the last of King Aegon IV's mistresses. That she had been some sort of witch from Essos. Now she felt those rumors were justified if the little girl was capable of concocting such a heinous potion.
Aelinor almost gave into her despair, except that it was not long after that the maesters in the Red Keep confirmed that she was pregnant after she began to notice changes in her body.
This second realization, that her one night with her so-called husband had resulted in a child, brought her to tears, only now she was crying from happiness. The fact that her child was born from a dark potion did not enter her mind, for she was too excited.
She eagerly revealed the news to the rest of the family. Needless to say, most of them were stunned. After all, the bookish Aerys had never shown any interest in her. Only the king and Aerys knew the truth of their one night together, but they never spoke of it. Neither did Shiera, who despite her punishment looked oddly smug after she heard the news of Aelinor's pregnancy.
Some in court whispered that the child she was carrying was a bastard, not truly believing that Aerys would finally share his bed with her.
Aelinor did not care. She was happy.
The moons would pass, and her belly would grow. Aelinor made sure to follow the instructions of the maesters to the letter, wanting to not waste what was possibly her one chance at motherhood.
Aerys would express little interest in this as well, but Aelinor did not much care for her husband's presence at this point.
As she reached her final term, a surprising visitor arrived at the Red Keep.
Princess Elaena Targaryen. She was the last surviving child of King Aegon III. A woman whose beauty seemed to only grow with age. She typically resided in the Red Keep with her husband, the Master of Coin. But over the past year, she had left to the Parchments after giving birth to her second child with her current husband.
Her beauty was no different today as she joined Aelinor in the godswood for a tea party between them.
The Targaryen princess brought a purple bundle with her, but she did not bring any attention to it as they drank together.
"Your cousin has been overjoyed to hear of your pregnancy, you know," she said, a small smile flickering on her beautiful face.
"I have been hearing of it nonstop," Aelinor responded.
"You know how Ronnel can be. Besides, for the first time in history, a Targaryen prince or princess will carry the blood of a Penrose. I'm sure you understand how honored he must be."
Of course. Elaena's children with Aelinor's cousin were Penroses, not Targaryens. Aelinor's child would be recognized as a legitimate Targaryen.
"Since we're practically family in more ways than one, I wanted you to have this."
Elaena gestured to the item wrapped in purple cloth.
Aelinor was intrigued. "What is it, princess?"
"Why don't you take a look for yourself."
Obliging her, Aelinor reached over for the bundle. Whatever was underneath the cloth was heavier than she expected.
After unwrapping the purple cloth and revealing what was inside, Aelinor's eyes widened as she took in the sight of the dragon egg that seemed to stare back at her. The dragon egg had a stony shell color with streaks of gold. It was identical to Elaena's hair.
It was also her most prized possession.
"Princess, I-I don't know what to s-say," Aelinor stumbled over her words.
Elaena chuckled, her expression that of contentment. "You don't have to say anything. The egg never hatched for me unfortunately, and at my age I think it's about time that I passed it on. Who better than your child? I hear even Maekar's child received an egg to be placed in his cradle. Why not yours?"
Aelinor was too dumbfounded to give a proper response.
The dragon egg was cold and made of stone, and the odds of it ever hatching were zero. But still, it was a great honor for her unborn child to receive a dragon egg. It was nothing more than a symbol, but a powerful symbol nonetheless. It meant that Elaena recognized her child as a legitimate Targaryen. After enduring the constant whispers in court that she had stepped outside the bounds of her marriage, Aelinor could not be more thankful.
Needless to say, Aelinor would treasure the gift and have it prepared for her unborn child. Thankfully King Daeron had a cradle custom made for her child. Another honor. No doubt the king's way of making up for the rumors that were being spread about her in his court.
The other notable visitor during this time was Shiera. In fact, the little girl visited her the most often. Aelinor was still frightened by her, something which only seemed to amuse the girl.
Shiera would often giggle when she came to visit her, saying that the child was also hers because of her potion.
If not for the fact that she was acknowledged as a legitimate child of the previous king, then Aelinor would have struck the girl for her words.
This child was going to be hers, not Shiera's. To suggest otherwise was an insult.
Despite telling her as such, Shiera only giggled and would continue to visit her often during her pregnancy.
Several new septas were called in to the Red Keep to keep her company, namely the other bastard children of the previous king: Lily, Alysanne, Willow, and Rosey. While technically also legitimized, their vows to the Faith meant that they had given up their previous name and claims.
Aelinor welcomed the pious women and their friendship, finding comfort in their presence.
The last month of her pregnancy was the worst, as Aelinor was bedridden for most of it. And yet, even as the day of her child's birth came, as pain filled her very being, Aelinor did not regret any of it.
Funnily enough, Aelinor gave birth during another clear night where the moon once more shone brightly overhead.
Aelinor struggled for hours during the birth. She did not know it at the time, but it was later said that when her child let out his first cries into the world a bright red star was seen hurling through the night sky.
"It's a boy!"
"A healthy boy indeed. Hear his lungs."
"Another prince for the realm. The gods be good."
Aelinor heard many voices around her, but she was too weak to fully register them.
Still, despite how weak she felt, Aelinor still made the maesters give her child to her. It was only after the child was in her arms, crying but alive, that Aelinor realized that she had given birth to a son.
A true heir for her so-called husband.
Aelinor could see the streaks of white on the child's head. No doubt about it. He would be a true Targaryen. Those who tried to destroy her reputation would be silenced when they saw her child's features.
But that could come later. In that moment, sweating and exhausted, Aelinor felt profound peace. She was finally a mother.
---
King Daeron was happy to hear that he was a grandfather yet again. His third grandson in a row. He felt content.
The child's cries were said to be powerful, showing that he was born strong and healthy. Daeron was joyful as he stepped into the chamber where mother and son were resting after the birth. At this moment, the troubles plaguing the realm mattered little, for his family had just gained another member.
The king was not alone. His whole family was with him, which included Aerys. His second son had been completely absent during Aelinor's pregnancy, but he was not going to allow his son to miss the night of his child's birth.
The surprising guest was Shiera. Daeron had noticed that his half-sister seemed to have some sort of fascination with Aelinor's unborn child. He did not fully understand why, but he did not want to push her away either. There was already tension between him and some of his other half-siblings. He did not want to add the young Shiera to that list. Despite her awful prank, Daeron could tell that she meant well.
Or so he hoped.
His son Baelor laughed as he slapped Aerys on the back, much to the latter's annoyance.
"Haha! Would you look at that! You're a father starting today, brother. I don't think you can spend all your time in the library anymore."
Aerys merely glared at him.
His beloved wife shushed him. "Mind your voice, Baelor. Can't you see that they're resting?"
His unnamed grandson seemed to stir in his mother's arms but otherwise remained sleeping.
Baelor looked apologetic. "Apologies, mother. My excitement got the better of me."
Maekar looked somewhat curious as he glanced at Aerys. "Well, brother? What do you plan to name your son? You never told us if you had a name prepared for him."
Aerys looked at the sleeping child in Aelinor's arms, his face contemplative. For a moment, Daeron feared that his son did not have a name prepared. But what he said next was either an omen of the days to come or a prayer.
"Aenys. Aenys Targaryen."
Aenys?
Baelor raised an eyebrow at this. "Aenys? Brother, are you sure about that?"
"Yes."
"But the last-"
"King Baelor was a pious man who cared more for the gods than ruling." Aerys continued to look down at his sleeping son. "Tell me, are you him, brother?"
Aerys' words silenced his eldest son.
"Names are not important." Those were Aerys' parting words as he left the chamber without looking back.
Shiera watched him go with glee. "He's funny."
Rhaegel seemed to agree as he nodded.
Daeron just sighed. Sometimes he wondered why Aerys was the way that he was.
At least, by naming the child, Aerys had officially recognized him as his own. There would be no conflict about that.
Daeron could only hope that the peace would continue.
And so, in the year of 191 AC, Prince Aenys Targaryen, son of Prince Aerys Targaryen and Lady Aelinor Penrose, was born.
History would forever be changed for it.
---
Aelinor never expected her husband to give their son a name. She had been prepared to ask the king for recommendations given how uninvolved Aerys had been during the pregnancy.
Aenys. It was not the name that she would have chosen, but despite that she would respect her husband's wishes.
Aelinor did not allow a wet nurse to feed her child. She could do that on her own.
The egg that she had received from Princess Elaena was placed in the cradle where Aenys rested.
Shiera's visits became more frequent. Aelinor would often find her staring down at her child in his cradle with such intensity that it frightened her. She often had to chase her out of the room. It became so frightening for her that she considered asking the king to intervene. She did not want the daughter of a witch to be anywhere near her child.
Despite Aelinor's hostility, Shiera just laughed it off and would continue to seek out her child, much to her growing annoyance.
Another visitor was Queen Myriah who was happy to hold her new grandson in her arms.
"Oh my." She cooed as she stared into Aenys' lilac colored eyes. It had only been a few months since his birth, but he was already large and strong. "Your grandfather says that you look a lot like his uncle when he was born. I wonder, are you going to be another Dragonknight for your cousin?"
Aenys did not answer her. Instead, her son just giggled. To Aelinor, it was the most beautiful sound in the world.
The queen seemed elated by the response. "Such a beautiful child. You look nothing like me, though. It almost seems like there is not a drop of Martell blood in you."
Aelinor did not know what to say to that, so she chose to remain quiet.
With Aenys' clear Targaryen features, the accusations that she had stepped outside of her marriage to have a child had been silenced. But instead, another round of gossip struck the court. Out of the three grandsons of the king currently born, Aenys was the only one with the striking Valyrian features that made house Targaryen stand out. Prince Valarr had brown hair with a streak of silver-gold running through it. His eyes were blue rather than purple. He clearly took after his mother more. Then there was Prince Daeron, the son of Prince Maekar. The infant had sandy brown hair with no hint of silver.
With tensions already rampant between King Daeron and his other relatives, Aelinor hoped that her son's features did not become a source of conflict in the future.
Truly, all she wished for was a long and peaceful life with her son. Hopefully that was not too much to ask for.
However, that night, after the queen left and she put her son to sleep in his cradle with his dragon egg, Aelinor did not imagine that when she awoke the next morning she would find something otherworldly resting in the cradle with her sleeping son.
Sometime during the night, the dragon egg, which had turned to stone long ago, had hatched with life. From inside emerged something Aelinor never thought that she would see: a baby dragon.
And it was resting right on top of her son. When she approached the cradle, the baby dragon's head turned to her, staring at her with curiosity.
It really was a dragon.
There was only one sensible thing for Aelinor to do in this situation.
She screamed.