Visenya Targaryen

Chapter Nine

I couldn't stop laughing or smiling as I sat with Jacaerys, Rhaenyra, and Daemon. I leaned back in my chair and smiled as Rhaenyra held her stomach and looked at Daemon. " How does it feel?" I asked, catching her attention. " How does what feel?" ," Carrying a babe.". Rhaenyra smiled, " It feels wonderful. Unfortunately, there are negatives to carrying a babe. However, I think it's all worth it.".

" I hope I get to have a babe one day." I smiled, drinking some of my tea. Rhaenyra gave me a surprised look. " I thought you didn't want a babe. You always wished to be a warrior.". " You think my mother will let that happen?" I asked with a sigh. " I guess not. The Queen has always been strict on her children.". " You mean Visenya and Aegon. Yet Aegon needs more than a strict parent. I can say that much, " Daemon spat.

" I suspect you know about the tournament?", " Of course, my father keeps us informed about everything.". " It means I'll be wed off to a man by the turn of the moon.". I began figiting with a ring on my finger. " So if I wished to carry a babe or not, it will happen soon wether I like it or not.". " You are still young, Visenya. You are the youngest of your siblings. You will be the last to marry.". " Aemond will be the last to marry. Mother will find him a bride after I am wed. She has informed me as much.".

" Surley, she wouldn't really let a tournament choose your future husband?" Jace asked." She would. Our house needs allies. Aegon is already wed to Heleana and has two children. Heleana is carrying her third babe as we speak. She needs to marry me off to a wealthy house. One who can strengthen our bonds to help our future Queen and King."  I gave a soft smile to Jace.

" Winning a tournament doesn't mean the man will suit you. The king needs to speak to him, discuss a marriage agreement with the Lord of the House, and decide whether or not his son suits his daughter.". " My father is old and ill. He cares little of this business, Jacaerys. It is up to my mother to make these arrangements, and no Lords wish to speak to the Queen when they want the King to strengthen their deals.".

I shook my head and sighed. " My apologies, I ruined our tea.", " There is nothing to apologise for Visenya. You are still a girl, and you are scared.". " I find comfort in you, both of you." I glanced between Rhaenyra and Daemon. " My mother and father showed me I was of little importance to them at a young age, and I always knew I could speak to either of you when I needed guidance or help.".

" We are honoured you feel such comfort from us Visenya. However, you are not our daughter. We have no say in whom you marry or how your husband is to be decided.". Daemon spoke softly. " I know. Prehaps I needed to speak my mind in a safe space.". Rhaenyra smiled. " You can always speak to us, Visenya, and we will do our best to guide you on the right path.".

I smiled and glanced out the window. I realized it was almost time for dinner. " My apologies, I've kept you all much longer than I intended." ," Will you be joining us at court tomorrow?" Jace asked quickly as I stood from my seat. " Of course, Lord Vaemond questioning Lucerys claim is outrageous. You all have my full support." " That means so much, Visenya. " Rhaenyra smiled at me." I shall leave you be for the night. Thank you for letting me join you." I smiled before making my leave.

I made my way through the halls of the castle to retire to my chambers for a while before dinner. " Princess Visenya?" I turned my head slightly, seeing Lord Vaemond walking towards me with a smile. " Lord Vaemond, my apologies. I never came to see you arrive this morning.". " No apologies necessary, princess. I'm sure you were lost in your studies or duties. I just so happened to see you walk by and thought it would be polite to pay my respects to the youngest princess of the realm.".

I smiled. "Thank you, Lord Vaemond. Do you have everything you need for court in the morrow?", " Of course, I wouldn't fight for my birth right without a positive argument. Will you be joining court yourself?" Lord Vaemond asked, his brows softly knit together. " Of course, I've been joining court proceedings for a few years now. The King and Queen wish for me to learn firsthand.".

" Of course, the King and Queen must make sure their children are well educated when it comes to serving the realm. I hear the King has planned a tournament for your name day.". " Yes, I will be seven and ten. Father thinks it's time I find a husband, and the tournament would be a good place to start.". " He is right. Seeing mens skills is essential when choosing a husband, especially for a princess.".

I nodded. " Of course.", " I will be joining in on the tournament myself.". I blinked my eyes a few times as his statement sank in, " I beg your pardon?" " Yes, you see. Once I claim the Driftwood Throne, I will be asking for a bride so I can have an heir to my throne after my passing.". " You are so sure the King will pass on his grandsons birthright to the Driftwood throne so easily?", " I have been informed the King will not be sitting the throne for court tomorrow. It will be the Queen and the Hand of the King.".

" You are twice my age if not older, Lord Vaemond. Do you think it is apparent to put your name in for my hand in marriage?". " I do, you see I believe house Targaryen has a debt to pay to house Velaryon. One your elder sister promised to uphold and did not pay.". I gave Lord Vaemond a puzzled look. " You mean her sons?" " Of course. My nephew Ser Laenor did not father those sons. Therefore, the title of Lord of the Tides falls to me when my brother passes. Thus, I need a bride to pass on the Velaryon line, and I intend to make the house Targaryen pay their debt with a bride.".

I stepped back as Lord Vaemond stepped forward, an uncomfortable feeling washing over me as he gave me a weird smile. " I look forward to court tomorrow. Prehaps I can escort you for a walk after this mess of succession is dealt with?". Lord Vaemond grabbed my hand and held it up, kissing my knuckles before looking up at me with another creepy smile. " I will take your silence as a yes princess. Have pleasant dreams." He bowed before walking the way he came.

I rushed to Aemonds chambers, closing his door behind me as he stood from his seat in worry. " What's happened?". He asked, grabbing my arms, I looked back at his door in a panic. " I just need you right now.". " You are trembling Visenya. Tell me what has happened to make you feel such fear.". " Lord Vaemond," I mumbled. " He stopped me in the halls. He was speaking of court and his then he-.".

" What has he done?". " He said he has put his name forward for my hand in marriage. He demands a Targaryen bride for our sisters failure to bring Velaryon heirs.". Aemonds face hardened, and his grip on my arms tightened in a protective manner. " He will not touch you, Visenya. I will not allow it.". Aemond pulled me into a protective hug, resting my head against his chest as he softly ran his hand down my back to calm me down.

" I was so frightened by his words that I froze in place. I looked like a fool.". " You are no fool, Visenya. You could take his head easily. You are twice as skilled as that idiot of a Lord.". " Please stay with me tonight." ," Of course, " Aemond smiled, his large hand stroking my cheek gently. " You know I'll never let anything happen to you, sister. You are mine.".