115 AC - Kings Landing - Third Person POV
The Red Keep lay quiet under a moonless sky, its stone corridors hushed save for the distant clink of goldcloak armor. In Rhaenyra's chambers, high in Maegor's Holdfast, candlelight cast a warm glow, mingling with the scent of lavender and the soft breaths of new life. Rhaenyra reclined in a canopied bed, her silver hair loose, her violet eyes weary but radiant as she cradled her newborn son, Perseus Velaryon. Barely a day old, the boy bore the unmistakable Targaryen coloring—pale skin, silver hair, and eyes hinting at violet—securing his place as Laenor's heir in the court's eyes, though his true father's identity remained a closely guarded secret.
A faint shimmer stirred in the corner, and under a *Disillusionment Charm*, Aemma Arryn, Visenya Targaryen, King Domonic Augustus, Queen Daenerys Augustus, Queen Missandei Augustus, and the children—Julius, Alexander, and Hazel—apparated into the room. Domonic, cloaked in black, his Elder Wand concealed, cast *Muffliato* and *Notice-Me-Not* charms, cloaking their presence in a soft hum of magic. As the charms settled, the group shed their invisibility, their faces alight with joy.
Rhaenyra's smile bloomed, her voice a whisper of relief. "You're here. I hoped you'd come." She adjusted Perseus in her arms, her voice tender. "This is Perseus, my son."
Domonic approached, his eyes softening as he gazed at his secret son, a truth veiled from the world. His voice was warm, low. "He's perfect, Rhaenyra. A dragon's heart, like his mother's." He brushed a finger against Perseus's tiny hand, his smile tinged with quiet pride. "Perseus Velaryon—a strong name for a stronger boy."
Daenerys, her red gown faintly, leaned closer, her voice gentle. "He's beautiful, Rhaenyra. Those eyes hold fire—yours, and… someone's spirit." She glanced at Domonic, her smile knowing, and Rhaenyra's cheeks warmed, her voice soft. "Thank you, Dany."
Missandei, her green dress rustling, kissed Rhaenyra's forehead. "A new branch for your lineage, Rhaenyra. Perseus will grow mighty, I sense it." She touched the boy's cheek, her voice melodic. "Welcome, little dragon."
Aemma, her blue robe soft in the candlelight, sat beside Rhaenyra, her eyes glistening. "My darling girl, you've done so well. He's a wonder—your son, my grandson." She stroked Rhaenyra's hair, her voice proud. "You're stronger than I ever dreamed."
Visenya, ten, with silver hair and a spark of defiance in her violet eyes, hovered near Aemma, her voice awed. "He's so small, Rhaenyra. Will he claim a dragon like Syrax?" Rhaenyra chuckled, her voice teasing. "One day, Visenya. For now, he's conquering naps."
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The children approached with a mix of excitement and care. Alexander, fifteen, with Daenerys's violet eyes and a quiet grace, stepped forward first, a carved wooden dragon in his hands, his voice shy. "Aunt Rhaenyra, I made this for Perseus. Do you think he'll like it?" His dark hair fell over his eyes as he offered the toy, and Rhaenyra's smile warmed, her voice kind. "It's beautiful, Alex. He'll treasure it. Thank you." Alexander placed it beside the cradle, his voice soft. "Stay safe, Perseus."
Julius, fourteen, bold and dark-haired like Domonic, leaned over, his training sword tucked at his belt, his voice confident but gentle. "He's got the Targaryen look, Aunt Rhaenyra. Can I hold him?" Rhaenyra laughed, her voice playful. "Yes, Come, Julius. Sit here." She guided Perseus into his arms, Julius's eyes widening as the boy stirred. "He's light! Look, Hazel, he's got your nose!" He grinned, his voice proud, cradling Perseus like a seasoned brother.
Hazel, thirteen, with Missandei's curls and a mischievous glint, pushed past Julius, her voice bossy. "Move over, Jules, you're hogging him! I'm his favorite sister, right, Perseus?" She sat beside Julius, her hands deft as Rhaenyra placed Perseus in her lap. "Oh, he's adorable! I'm gonna teach you to climb trees, little dragon." her voice conspiratorial. "We'll sneak sweets when Mama's not looking, deal?" Perseus gurgled, and Hazel gasped, her voice delighted. "He agrees, Papa!"
Visenya, eager to join, squeezed between Hazel and Alexander, her voice teasing. "You're all crowding him! I'm his Aunt, I get first rights." She touched Perseus's hand, her voice softening. "You're gonna be fierce, little nephew. I'll show you how to swing a sword."
The children hovered around Perseus, their chatter lively. Alexander hummed a Braavosi lullaby, his voice soothing, while Julius mimicked a dragon's roar, earning a giggle from Visenya. "Not too loud, Jules!" she hissed, her voice playful. Hazel, her voice firm. "He's gonna be the best-dressed baby in Westeros." Visenya rolled her eyes, her voice teasing. "He's a dragon, Hazel, not a doll!" The four laughed, their bond tight, Perseus the center of their affection.
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As the children fussed over Perseus, the adults gathered around Rhaenyra's bed, their voices hushed to let the boy rest. Aemma clasped Rhaenyra's hand, her voice tender. "How are you faring, my dragon? Was the birth difficult?"
Rhaenyra's smile was weary, her voice honest. "It was long, Mother, but worth every pain. Laenor's been a shield—playing the proud father, keeping the court's eyes off the truth." Her gaze flicked to Domonic, her voice softening. "I wish the world could know, but… I'm grateful for him, for all of you."
Domonic's voice was steady, his hand on Ace's hilt, his eyes meeting hers. "You're a queen in heart, Rhaenyra. Perseus is proof of your courage. We'll guard him, always." His words carried a vow, and Rhaenyra nodded, her voice thick. "I trust you, Dom. Thank you."
Daenerys's voice was warm, her hand on Rhaenyra's shoulder. "The court's tongues wag, but they'll never touch him, Rhaenyra. He's Velaryon to them, Targaryen to us, and loved beyond all. How's Alicent taken the news?" Her tone held a trace of curiosity, recalling past rivalries.
Rhaenyra's smile was fond, her voice steady. "Alicent's been a sister to me, Dany. She adores Perseus, calls him her grandson, though I see questions in her eyes. She asks nothing, bless her. Her sons—Aegon, Aemond, Daeron—are already plotting to teach him mischief." She paused, her voice quieter. "I just pray the whispers stay silent."
Missandei's voice was fierce, her eyes alight. "Let them whisper, Rhaenyra. Paradis rose above lies, and so will Perseus. He's born of fire and magic—he'll forge his own way, with you and us at his side." She glanced at the children, her voice softening. "Look at them. He's got an army already."
Aemma's voice was thoughtful, her eyes on Perseus. "He's a thread, isn't he? Tying Westeros, stepstones, Paradis… a child of secrets, but of love most of all." She looked at Domonic, her voice probing. "Will you be part of his life, Dom? He should know his… roots."
Domonic's smile was subtle, his voice calm. "As much as Rhaenyra permits, Aemma. Portkeys make it simple, charms keep it safe. He'll grow with Julius, Alex, Hazel, Visenya—and us—without the court's gaze." Rhaenyra's eyes glistened, her voice soft. "That's all I could ask."
Daenerys's tone turned playful, her eyes twinkling. "And when he's older, shall we teach him a spell, Rhaenyra? Or a spark of flame?" She flicked her fingers, embers dancing, and Rhaenyra laughed, her voice light. "Let him walk first, Dany. But… yes, I want him to know your world."
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As midnight loomed, Perseus yawned, and Rhaenyra eased him into his cradle, her voice a murmur. "Sleep, my little dragon." The children groaned, Julius's voice loud. "Already? He's too fun, Aunt Rhaenyra!" Alexander's voice was softer, his hand lingering on the cradle. "Can we visit tomorrow?" Hazel pouted, her voice bossy. "He needs my stories!" Visenya chimed in, her voice firm. "And my sword lessons!" Rhaenyra smiled, her voice warm. "Soon, my loves. Perseus will need you all."
Domonic scooped up Hazel, his voice gentle. "Time to go, mischief." He turned to Rhaenyra, his voice sincere. "You've given us a miracle, Rhaenyra. We're yours, always." Daenerys hugged her, her voice a whisper. "Rest, sister. You're never alone." Missandei's embrace was fierce, her voice firm. "Paradis stands with you." Aemma kissed her forehead, her voice thick. "My brave girl." Visenya hugged her tightly, her voice fierce. "I'll guard him, Rhaenyra."
Julius bowed to Perseus, his voice solemn. "Grow bold, Brother." Alexander tucked his dragon beside the cradle, his voice shy. "For you, Perseus." Hazel leaned in, whispering, "Dream of adventures, little dragon." Visenya touched his hand, her voice soft. "Be strong, brother."
Domonic recast the *Disillusionment Charm*, and the group vanished, apparating to Uruk with a soft pop. Rhaenyra sat by Perseus's cradle, her heart full, the muffliato's hum fading. She whispered, "You're loved, my son, more than kings or thrones."