⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧
SERENADE OF SEA AND FLAME
prologue.

─── ⋆⋅ ✧ ⋅⋆ ───

110 AC

"You are pregnant, Princess," the Maester informed Rhaenrya. When she heard those words, she did not know how to react. That was the plan all along, to give birth to her and Laenor's child, and then engage with other people more suitable to their liking. All she could do was go pray in the Grand Sept for a safe, and easy pregnancy. When she informed her husband, he was greatly pleased they were finally able to accomplish their duty. He always made sure she was comfortable and safe, even wishing for her not to ride on her dragon Syrax.

King Viserys, father of Rhaenrya, was filled with joy to know he'd soon be a grandsire. He made sure his daughter was heavily guarded and protected at all times.

When she went into labor, Laenor insisted to be in the room with his wife. He stayed by her beside, never letting go of his cousin's hand as the midwives surrounded them. Rhaenrya was drenched in sweat, letting out screams of pain and frustration every time she pushed.

"And push!" A midwife said.

Rhaenrya, being quickly tempered under pressure, roared, "I am trying to, you cunt!" Her voice shaky and weak.

"She . . . she did not mean that, forgive her," Laenor chuckled nervously. He squeezed her hand. "You're doing great, Nrya. Just one more push."

She turned her head to him. "I . . . I can't," she began to sob. "I can't do it!"

"You can, you are one of the strongest women I've ever met," he whispered to her. "You are a dragon."

She lightly nodded and took a deep breath. She gritted her teeth and began to push one last time. Rhaenrya screamed so loudly, it seemed that earth beneath them began to shake, or was that her dragon?

After pushing the infant out, the sound of crying filled the room. Rhaenrya threw her head back against the pillow and sighed in relief. "You did it, you did it!" Laenor kissed her forehead.

"A girl, Princess," a midwife smiled.

Rhaenrya could barely get her words out, "h-healthy?"

"As healthy as ever!"

The midwives wiped the baby and wrapped it in cloth before handing her to Rhaenrya. The princess could feel her heart swell with love as she held her daughter against her chest. "She's beautiful," Laenor whispered. "Like her mother."

"What is her name?" One of the midwives asked.

Rhaenrya assumed Laenor would want the honor of naming their child, but instead, he said softly, "please, you deserve to name her."

Before Nrya's mother passed, she always wanted a sister and for mother to name the baby Visenya, her favorite Targaryen woman in history. Now that she had a daughter of her own, she could name the babe whatever she liked. Once she looked into the baby's big, dark brown eyes, Rhaenrya knew she needed a name fierce, yet sweet and gentle. A smile crept up her lips as she said softly, "Visella."

She handed Laenor their daughter. "Our sweet, beautiful Visella," he grinned, looking down at her. The baby had her father's skin, eyes, and curls, but her hair was brown, not silver. They figured it came from the Summer Islander genes within Laenor's side of the family. Nonetheless, they loved their daughter with all their heart.

Viserys arrived, running into the room. His new wife, Alicent Hightower, followed in after him. In her arms was their third newborn boy, Aemond, who was born a couple of days prior. "My daughter," Viserys said as he walked over to the bed, giving her a hug and kiss. "I do hope the labor went smoothly."

"I do believe I called a midwife a cunt." Rhaenrya said. "Oh" was all Viserys could say before lightly chuckling. Nrya then apologized to the poor woman she insulted.

"Would you like to meet your granddaughter?"Laenor placed the babe in his arms. "Ah, a beautiful girl," he whispered, as he lightly bounced. Alicent made a face when she heard the word "girl." Alicent's father, Otto, greatly opposes the idea of Rhaenrya being Viserys' heir to the Iron Throne. The thought of Otto's surprised face of finding out Rhaenrya's heir is also a girl made her slightly smile.

"Congratulations, stepdaughter," Alicent said softly. "What is her name?"

Rhaenrya's smile dropped as she looked into Alicent's eyes. Years ago, before the death of her mother, Nrya and Alicent were once friends. The closest of friends. They were always seen together, giggling and gossiping. No one ever would have thought their friendship would come to an end. It all fell apart once Viserys announced Alicent to be his new wife, revealing Alicent sneaking into the King's chambers and speaking with him behind Rhaenrya's back. Ever since then, it only grew worse.

"Visella," Rhaenrya answered plainly. "Visella Velaryon, my heir." She smiled with pride.

"Wonderful!" Viserys smiled. "She will be raised alongside our children." Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond. Rhaenrya didn't see much of an issue with that, only because children are born innocent.

Alicent quickly smiled when her husband looked at her. "Yes, wonderful, husband." Everyone could see through her fake smile, everyone but Viserys.

Once Rhaenrya was able to finally leave the bed, she strapped baby Visella to her chest and rode Syrax. The common people cheered as the realm's delight flew above them with her new baby. Laenor, of course, encouraged the flying as they are both dragon riders. One day, their daughter will have a dragon of her own to fly. Viserys, though, was weary and anxious. Rhaenrya would always laugh and remind her father that his mother, Alyssa, did the same thing when he was only nine days old, and with his younger brother, Daemon.

Over the years that followed, Rhaenrya gave birth to two other children, sons. Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon. The two boys appeared to look awfully similar to Ser Harwin Strong. Rumors began to spread throughout the castle about the legitimacy of Laenor's sons, likely being started by the Hightowers and whoever secretly followed them.

Rhaenrya's children grew up with Alicent's just as Viserys wanted. The boys liked to be around Aegon, viewing him as a big brother. Aegon only appeared to truly enjoy their company when it involved picking on his younger brother, Aemond. Visella, at first, enjoyed being around Aegon, until they grew older. He began to change and become more distasteful as the years passed by.

Visella adored her sweet aunt Helaena. Although she was often quiet and would speak in confusing riddles, Laena was kind and gentle. During their lessons with the Septa, Helaena loved to bring along her bug collection, showing it to Ella. Some days, they like to go find more insects to add to the collection. Alicent and the Septa despised those activities, but only allowed it since Helaena was a special case.

Visella had the strongest relationship with Aemond. Ever since they were infants, they loved to be around each other. They were always seen together, her arm wrapped in his. One moment, you'd find them strolling around the castle gardens. The next, you'll see them reading together in the library. Their favorite thing to do is hang out in the godswood, or sneak into the kitchens to eat cakes. She was the only true friend Aemond had. Visella never treated him different because he didn't have a dragon like Aegon did.

Rhaenrya and Alicent always secretly kept their eyes on the two children, seeing themselves in their children's friendship. At times, it pained to see them happy, reminding them they were once happy together as well.