93 AC – Moon of Renewal
Legacy and the Weight of the Crown
This episode marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Targaryen family. With Aegon now crowned as the Prince of Dragonstone and Baelon appointed as the Master of Laws, the family begins to take on their new responsibilities. As tensions rise with political maneuverings, the arrival of Laena's new dragon adds both hope and further complexity to the future of the Targaryens. The episode focuses on decisions that will shape the course of the family and the realm.
Family and Power
The king, now older and more reflective, calls a family gathering. The family and members of the Small Council assemble in Dragonstone's grand hall. The mood is solemn, but the discussions that follow are filled with weighty decisions.
Baelon, having recently returned from the war, now serves as the Master of Laws. He's no longer the carefree prince but a man who feels the burden of governance. His role is pivotal, and his eyes are on the future.
Aegon, at only five years old and newly crowned as Crown Prince, feels the immense weight of his new responsibility. Under the mentorship of Ryam Redwyne, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Aegon begins to understand what it truly means to carry the Targaryen legacy.
King Jaehaerys, wise yet weary, addresses his family with a grave tone. He knows that the future of House Targaryen depends on the decisions they make today. The king stresses the importance of securing strong alliances and preserving the unity of the realm, with marriages taking center stage in the discussions.
Marriages and Alliances
The conversation naturally turns to the topic of marriage alliances. With the Targaryens still reeling from the recent tragedies, securing strong ties for the future is essential. Potential matches are discussed for Aegon and other members of the family.
Aegon is eyed as the future king, and several suitors are proposed, each bringing with them advantages in terms of alliances, power, and influence. His future marriage will have immense political weight, and the weight of that decision hangs over him.
The king is divided between two names: Gael Targaryen, Aegon's aunt, and Laena Velaryon, his cousin. Both matchups would bring strength to the Targaryen name, but each carries its own set of complexities.
Baelon and Rhaenys, both aware of the growing tensions within their family and the realm, agree that the marriage discussions are not just about love, but about the future security of the Targaryen dynasty.
The New DragonLaena's new dragon, now only a few days old, has already formed a strong bond with her. The creature, whitish as the moon with eyes red as fire, has already shown its power. Despite being born just days ago, the dragon is already displaying exceptional strength and intelligence.
The dragon is named Lunaryon, by Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen, symbolizing the union of the Velaryon and Targaryen bloodlines. Lunaryon's connection to Laena is deep and immediate — a force that could play a significant role in future struggles.
The Crown Prince's Resolve
During a pivotal moment in the gathering, Aegon stands before his family and Small Council. His eyes are steady, and his voice is calm, but the resolve in his words is unmistakable. Though still only five years old, Aegon speaks of visions of division and war that haunt him, urging the need for unity to secure the realm's future.
As Aegon finishes speaking, the distant roar of Caraxes, the dragon of the now-deceased Aemon, echoes through the halls. The sound reverberates across Dragonstone, a haunting reminder of the power of dragons and the fire that will shape their future. It signals that the time for preparation is over; the Targaryens must wield their strength with purpose.
King Jaehaerys nods in approval, recognizing the growth and maturity in his grandson. After much deliberation, the king decides that Aegon will remain in Dragonstone for his training until he turns 10. During this time, under the watchful eye of Ryam Redwyne, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, as well as his mother and sister, Aegon will learn the intricacies of ruling. At the age of 10, Aegon will travel to King's Landing to join the Small Council and formally begin his training as Crown Prince.
In the midst of this moment of reflection, King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne come to a difficult decision. They recognize that Laena Velaryon, having bonded with a dragon so quickly and intensely, can no longer be seen as a mere girl. The powerful connection between Laena and her dragon Lunaryon solidifies the bond between House Velaryon and House Targaryen. However, the queen fears the consequences of a dragonrider falling outside of the Targaryen bloodline, especially in an era where dragons are the greatest power in Westeros.
To preserve House Targaryen's dominance and to unite their bloodlines, Aegon and Laena are formally betrothed. It is a union forged not out of love, but necessity — the future of the realm, and the Targaryen dynasty, demands it.
Aegon and Laena will remain betrothed until they are older, their future marriage intended to strengthen both houses. In time, the descendants of this union will merge with the bloodline of Baelon through either Viserys or Daemon, further consolidating the Targaryen and Velaryon power.
This betrothal is a symbol of the realm's fragile unity — a political marriage designed to secure the Targaryen future. And though Aegon and Laena are but children, the weight of their destinies is already being placed upon their shoulders.