Chapter Four

383 9 0
                                    



Nine months had passed since the joyous union of Princess Visenya and Lord Brandon Blackwood, but now Dragonstone was consumed by an air of heaviness and sorrow. The time had come for Visenya to give birth, but the joy was quickly overshadowed by the impending darkness of a difficult delivery.
In the birthing room, the midwife's words echoed with grave concern. "Princess Visenya may not make it," she whispered to Queen Rhaenyra and Lord Brandon Blackwood. "And the baby's chances are slim as well."
Lord Brandon's face contorted with anguish. "What about our child?" he implored, his voice thick with fear.
The midwife's expression reflected the somber reality of the situation. "I fear the same outcome for the baby, my lord."
Rhaenyra entered the room, her heart heavy with trepidation as she beheld her daughter lying in the bed, her body weakened and bloodied. Approaching Visenya, she sought to provide comfort and strength in her final moments.
"Visenya, my dear," Rhaenyra murmured, her voice filled with love and reassurance. "You're doing well. You're strong."
Visenya stirred, her eyes fluttering open as the effects of the milk of the poppy waned. She looked into her mother's eyes, her voice fragile yet filled with conviction. "Mother, if I do not survive... promise me that you will care for my child."
Rhaenyra's eyes brimmed with tears as she grasped Visenya's hand. "I promise you, my sweet Visenya. I will love and protect your baby with all my heart."
As the time came for Visenya to push once more, a profound sense of determination filled the room. With every ounce of her fading strength, she pushed with all her might. And in that moment, a cry pierced the air.
The midwife announced, her voice trembling with both sadness and relief, "It's a girl."
Visenya's weary eyes met her newborn daughter, and a bittersweet smile graced her lips. She whispered words of love and adoration, knowing her time was drawing to a close. With her final breath, she closed her eyes and passed away, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow.
The midwife gently took the baby from Visenya's arms, a palpable sense of grief permeating the room. Queen Rhaenyra shed a tear as she kissed her daughter's forehead, a farewell to her eldest child and the heir who would never fulfill her destiny.
The midwife's voice trembled as she spoke to Rhaenyra. "Your Grace, I'm afraid something is amiss with the baby as well."
Heartbroken, Rhaenyra nodded, her voice choked with anguish. "Another loss... my precious grandchild."

Amidst the grieving, life continued to move forward. Jacaerys Velaryon found solace in the love and support of his family, as they mourned the loss of Princess Visenya and her baby. Together, they vowed to honor their memory and carry on their legacy.
In the days that followed, the realm mourned the tragic deaths of Princess Visenya and her baby. The news reached far and wide, spreading waves of sadness and sympathy throughout the Seven Kingdoms. The people, united in their grief, paid their respects to the fallen princess and her child, for their loss was felt by all.
A grand funeral was held to commemorate Visenya's passing and celebrate her life. The Dragonstone castle was adorned with black banners, and the courtyard overflowed with mourners from near and far. Nobles, smallfolk, and even those from distant lands gathered to bid farewell to the departed souls.
Under the watchful eyes of dragons, the bodies of Visenya and her baby were cremated by dragon fire, their spirits released to the heavens. The flames danced and roared, consuming the mortal remains of the princess and her child, forever intertwining their souls with the ancient magic of House Targaryen.
The grief-stricken family and their loyal subjects stood in somber silence, offering prayers and remembrances for Visenya and her baby. Tears were shed freely, and the weight of the loss was palpable in the air.
Lord Brandon Blackwood, devastated by the unimaginable loss of his wife and child, struggled to find solace. He collapsed under the weight of his grief, his body succumbing to the overwhelming sorrow. His pain echoed the collective anguish felt by Jacerys and Lucerys, who mourned the loss of their beloved sister and niece.
Queen Rhaenyra, burdened by the weight of her own sorrow, remained steadfast in her duty as a mother and a ruler. She held her sons close, offering them comfort and support, even as her own heart bled from the double tragedy that had befallen their family.
Days turned into weeks, and the kingdom slowly emerged from the depths of mourning. The people continued their daily lives, but the memory of Visenya and her baby lingered in their hearts, a reminder of the fragility of life and the inevitability of loss.
In the wake of the tragedy, the line of succession underwent a significant alteration. Queen Rhaenyra, in a solemn ceremony witnessed by the lords and ladies of the realm, named her second oldest child, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, as the Prince of Dragonstone. He was now the heir to the iron throne.
, shouldering the responsibility of carrying forward the Targaryen legacy.
As the newly appointed Prince of Dragonstone, Jacaerys found himself shouldering a weighty burden. Yet, he drew strength from the love and support of his family, vowing to honor his sister's memory and fulfill his duty with unwavering determination.
In a bittersweet turn of events, Jacerys Velaryon found solace in the arms of his cousin, Baela Targaryen. They forged a bond, united by their shared grief and their determination to move forward. Their marriage served as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness, as Baela became the Princess of Dragonstone, standing by Jacaerys  side.
Though the loss of Princess Visenya and her baby left a void in the hearts of those who loved them, life pressed on. The realm began to heal, slowly mending the wounds left by tragedy. And in the face of adversity, House Targaryen, with its rich history and resilience, stood strong, ready to face whatever challenges.

A  Different Dance Where stories live. Discover now