When Visenya Velaryon was born paler than the winter snows barely six moons after the wedding of Rhaenyra and Laenor, the whispers started there. Bastard. No matter how hard Rhaenyra tried to claim she was Laenor's daughter, her resemblance to Daemo...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Visenya watched Luke and Ellyn walk through the courtyard from one of the balconies that overlooked it. They both seemed to be smiling, a pleasant sight to Visenya's eyes. Her hands cradled the small bump that was forming. By the end of the year, there would be a marriage and a new Targaryen heir. Hopefully, her son would see his uncle's wedding even if he didn't remember it.
"Princess, you look tired," Brella said from beside her.
"I'm nearing four moons pregnant and my arousal is also through the roof. Sleep isn't in abundance, Brella," Visenya smiled, twisting the rings on her fingers. At least Aemond was taking it in stride.
"You haven't stopped watching them, Visenya. They seem to be fine."
"I want him happy and I know that look on her face. She's scared and she's young. She shouldn't be forced to worry about marriage and children. I wish this world were kinder to women. At fourteen they should be discovering themselves, having fun, making mistakes, and learning from them."
"You seem content," Brella added
"I found happiness in a shit situation. I'm very excited to have Aemond's children but I will not be defined by motherhood. They will not decide my worth. I am more than just a concubine."
Brella smiled. "Damn right, you are."
That's when Visenya noticed Brella's Dress. It was red, and now that she thought about it, Brella almost always wore red. "Brella, have you always worn red?"
Brella smiled. "Only since Red became the declaration of the rightful queen of Westeros."
Visenya wanted to hide her smile but Brella's declaration made it hard. "So red has become a declaration now? I thought it was only Black or Green."
"The small folk garnished the alliance - with my help. You're kind with your donations and you're a kind person."
"Funding a new orphanage being built might have something to do with that. I don't want people to think I'm doing it just for appearances, I genuinely care. I know what it feels like when you don't belong. They aren't afforded the luxury of wealth. What about you and the staff, Brella? What are your thoughts?"
Brella looked at her with a grin. "I think that the prolonged presence of Daeron has the serving girls losing their minds."
Visenya rose a brow. "I was asking about the conditions of their living arrangements, not their hearts."
"Both are important. Prince Daeron is becoming a looker. Isn't he your age?"
"I think he's a year younger because he's three years younger than Aemond. Don't tell me you have a crush on my brother, Brella."
Brella shrugged. "He's very attractive."
"He's fifteen!" Visenya laughed.
"And I'm seventeen! That's barely a difference. I can dream. I know as a serving girl it would never happen, you do not need to snap at me for having impure thoughts. You are so snippy, Visenya. One of my favorite things about you."
