Black Prince and Green Prince

Chapter 1: A New Prince

119 AC

The Red Keep was abuzz with anticipation as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the Princess of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne, endured the final stages of labor. The grandeur of the castle, with its towering stone walls and intricate tapestries, seemed to hold its breath in solidarity with the woman within its heart, laboring to bring forth a new Targaryen prince. Her husband, Ser Laenor Velaryon, held her hand tightly, his knuckles white with the tension of helpless worry.

"You're doing wonderfully, Rhaenyra," Laenor whispered, his voice a blend of encouragement and fear. The birthing chamber was filled with the sounds of her labor, the midwives bustling around with practiced efficiency, and the flicker of candles casting long shadows on the walls.

Outside the room, the royal family and their closest kin waited in tense anticipation. Five-year-old Princess Aemma Velaryon and four-year-old Prince Jacaerys Velaryon sat with their grandparents: King Viserys Targaryen, Lord Corlys Velaryon, and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. The children's innocent chatter contrasted with the adults' anxious silence.

Queen Alicent Hightower, the king's second wife, stood slightly apart with her children: twelve-year-old Prince Aegon Targaryen, ten-year-old Princess Helaena Targaryen, six-year-old Prince Aemond Targaryen, and four-year-old Prince Daeron Targaryen. Alicent's expression was carefully composed, her eyes betraying a flicker of concern as they flitted towards the closed door of the birthing chamber.

Minutes stretched into an eternity before the door creaked open, and Ser Laenor emerged, a broad smile on his exhausted face. "It's a boy," he announced, his voice ringing with joy and relief.

The waiting family members surged forward, eager to meet the newest addition to House Targaryen. As they entered the room, they found Rhaenyra lying back against the pillows, cradling a small bundle. Her face was flushed but radiant with maternal pride.

"Everyone, meet Lucerys," Rhaenyra said softly, uncovering the baby's face. The infant's dark hair was a striking contrast to the Targaryen silver, mirroring that of his older siblings.

King Viserys stepped forward, his face alight with grandfatherly pride. "He is beautiful, Rhaenyra," he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "A strong name for a strong boy."

Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys approached next, their expressions a mix of joy and curiosity. "Another grandson to carry on our legacy," Corlys said with a smile. Rhaenys nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

In the background, Queen Alicent watched closely, her keen eyes noting the dark hair of the newborn. Her lips pressed into a thin line, a thought she kept to herself. Once again, Rhaenyra had given birth to a child whose features raised whispered questions in the halls of the Red Keep.

Amid the joyful introductions, young Prince Aemond was particularly curious. He climbed onto the bed, determined to get a closer look at his new nephew. As he peered down at Lucerys, the baby opened his eyes, revealing the unmistakable purple of House Targaryen.

Aemond's own violet eyes locked onto Lucerys's, and an immediate bond seemed to form. "Hello, Lucerys," Aemond whispered, his voice filled with wonder. He reached out a tentative finger, and Lucerys's tiny hand grasped it firmly.

Queen Alicent, watching the exchange, moved quickly to retrieve her son. "Come along, Aemond," she said gently but firmly, taking his hand and guiding him away from the bed. "It's time to let them rest."

Reluctantly, Aemond allowed himself to be led away, casting one last look over his shoulder at the baby. Alicent gathered her other children, and they left the room, leaving the Velaryon and Targaryen families to their private joy.

Princess Aemma and Prince Jacaerys eagerly approached the bed, their eyes wide with excitement. "Can we see him, Mother?" Aemma asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and awe.

"Of course, my loves," Rhaenyra replied, smiling warmly. She shifted slightly to give them a better view of their new brother. "This is Lucerys. He will look up to you both as he grows."

The children gazed at the baby with fascination, their small hands reaching out to touch him gently. "He's so small," Jacaerys remarked, his voice full of the innocence of youth.

King Viserys watched the scene with a contented smile, his heart swelling with pride. Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys stood nearby, their expressions reflecting their own deep affection for their expanding family.

"This is a blessed day," Viserys declared, his voice strong with emotion. "A new prince of the realm, born to our beloved Rhaenyra. May he grow strong and wise, and may his life be long and full of joy."

As the family gathered around the bed, sharing their love and hopes for Lucerys, the shadow of uncertainty and political intrigue lingered at the edges of their happiness. In the Red Keep, every birth, every alliance, and every whisper carried weight. Yet, in this moment, the joy of new life momentarily eclipsed the ever-present machinations of the court.

The night wore on, and as the family members slowly began to disperse, Rhaenyra and Laenor were left alone with their newborn son. Rhaenyra leaned her head against Laenor's shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

"We are blessed," Laenor said softly, his eyes fixed on Lucerys. "He will be loved and protected, always."

Rhaenyra nodded, her exhaustion mingling with profound happiness. "Yes, he will be," she agreed, her voice filled with determination.