Chapter 22: The North Remembers, The Dragon Embraces
The year 133 AC passed into 134 AC, a year of continued growth and quiet consolidation under King Raegon I. The realm hummed with the rhythm of commerce and construction. Dragon's Rest on the Stepstones rose higher, a granite fist clinching the Narrow Sea. Prince Aegon's new seat in the Reach became a vibrant hub of activity, its fields fruitful, its docks busy. And within the Red Keep, the Targaryen family, now bound by fresh vows, began to fulfill Raegon's grand vision: the birth of a new generation.
Seeds of the Future: The New Generation
The Red Keep echoed with the joyful cries of newborns. Princess Baela presented Prince Jacaerys with a healthy son, Prince Jaehaerys, strengthening the direct line of succession. Soon after, Lady Lyra Royce, now residing at Prince Aegon's flourishing new seat, gave birth to a daughter, Princess Valaena, bringing a new branch to the Dragon's family tree. At Harrenhal, Lady Catelyn Tully welcomed a robust son, Prince Harrold, the first Targaryen-Tully of that ancient, cursed keep. And in their new Crownlands stronghold, Princess Helaena gave Prince Aelor a daughter, Princess Saera, cementing the union between their two powerful lines. These precious lives were the living proof of Raegon's success, tiny dragons born into a unified realm, destined to be untouched by the civil war that plagued the old history.
The Wolf and the Dragon: A Deepening Bond
Throughout the year, Lord Cregan Stark had remained in King's Landing. His duties often brought him to court, but a deeper reason rooted him there. He and Princess Visenya, now nineteen, found themselves gravitating towards each other with an unspoken understanding. They would spend hours in the castle's godswood, its ancient weirwood a stark contrast to the southern greenery, talking of the North, of honor, of duties, and of the weight of their families' histories. Visenya, with her sharp mind and spirited nature, found Cregan's quiet strength and unyielding honesty a refreshing change from the often-frivolous court. Cregan, in turn, was captivated by her keen intellect and the unexpected fire that lay beneath her royal demeanor. Their bond grew, a slow, steady bloom in the heart of the capital.
One crisp autumn evening, Visenya sought out her father, King Raegon, in his solar. "Father," she began, her voice steady despite her racing heart, "Lord Cregan speaks of returning North soon. My duties... my future..." She trailed off, her gaze meeting his. "I... I find him to be a man of great honor, Father. And wisdom beyond his years." She spoke not of love, not yet, but of a profound respect, of a rare connection she felt.
Raegon, who had observed their quiet courtship with subtle amusement and shrewd calculation, simply nodded. "I have noted your regard for him, Visenya. And I have noted his for you. Cregan Stark is a man of rare integrity, a loyal bannerman, and a leader of his people. A strong bond with the North is paramount for the future I envision." He paused, his gaze thoughtful. "If your hearts are truly aligned, then the political advantages are merely a fortunate consequence. The Targaryen Congress has already approved of such strong matches. The North will indeed remember this."
Rhaella and the Rose: A Reach Connection
While Visenya's path unfolded, Princess Rhaella, also nineteen, began to be considered for her own union. During a royal visit to Highgarden, King Raegon carefully arranged for her to meet Lord Leo Tyrell, the young, amiable, and strikingly handsome Lord Paramount of the Reach. Lord Tyrell, known for his chivalry and his love of tourneys and song, immediately found himself charmed by Princess Rhaella's gentle grace and quick wit. While no formal betrothal was made, the seeds of a powerful alliance, binding the Crown to the vast, fertile lands of the Reach, were firmly planted.
The Betrothal and the Winter Wedding
Not long after Visenya's conversation with her father, the betrothal of Princess Visenya Targaryen to Lord Cregan Stark was formally announced. The news resonated throughout the Seven Kingdoms. It was a union that shocked some traditionalists but was celebrated by many as a powerful symbol of the realm's newfound unity.
The marriage itself took place during the depths of winter, reflecting the customs of the North. While some ceremonies were held in King's Landing, the true, solemn vows were exchanged beneath the ancient weirwood tree in the godswood of Winterfell, under the watchful, silent eyes of the Old Gods. Visenya, wrapped in white furs and a cloak sewn with the direwolf sigil, looked breathtaking as she stood beside her new husband. The Targaryen dragons, Vhagar, Caraxes, and Alduin, soared overhead, their roars echoing through the snowy peaks, a blend of ice and fire, ancient magic and new power, sealing a bond that would secure the North for generations, all in preparation for the true winter that Raegon had foretold.
Ages at 134 AC (End of Chapter):
* King Raegon I: 41 years old.
* Queen Rhaenyra: 37 years old.
* Prince Jacaerys (Raegon's son): 21 years old (Married to Princess Baela, Lord of Dragonstone, father of Prince Jaehaerys).
* Prince Aelor (Raegon's son): 21 years old (Married to Princess Helaena, Lord of Dragon's Rise, father of Princess Saera).
* Princess Visenya (Raegon's daughter): 19 years old (Married to Lord Cregan Stark, Lady of Winterfell).
* Princess Rhaella (Raegon's daughter): 19 years old (Met Lord Leo Tyrell).
* Prince Aenar (Raegon's son): 13 years old.
* Princess Daenys (Raegon's daughter): 13 years old.
* Prince Aegon (King Raegon's full brother, Aemma's son): 23 years old (Master of Ships, Lord of his new seat, married to Lady Lyra Royce, father of Princess Valaena).
* Prince Aegor (Queen Alicent's eldest son): 22 years old (Master of Laws, married to Lady Catelyn Tully, Lord of Harrenhal, father of Prince Harrold).
* Princess Helaena (Queen Alicent's daughter): 21 years old (Married to Prince Aelor, Lady of Dragon's Rise, mother of Princess Saera).
* Prince Aemond (Queen Alicent's son): 19 years old (Married to Lady Jocelyn Baratheon).
* Princess Baela Targaryen (Daemon's daughter): 18 years old (Married to Prince Jacaerys, mother of Prince Jaehaerys).
* Lady Rhaena Targaryen (Daemon's daughter): 18 years old (Married to Ser Daeron Velaryon, securing Driftmark).