A Valyrian Heart

Chapter Twenty-Two

The next day, Baela Targaryen, Daughter of Daemon and Laena, princess of Westeros was set to marry the future king ( it was a possibility ) of the Seven kingdoms. Baela hardly slept that night, she tossed and turned on her bed, keeping her eyes strained in her window. She watched with horror as the moonlight that seeped through her curtains slowly gave way to the rays of sunlight, she was never a fan of mornings, and now she had a better reason to hate them. ' This was the day she would be selling herself away for her Father's greedy motives '

' It should have been Rhaena ' she finds herself thinking much to her displeasure. Her sister would have handled this situation with grace, she would have accepted their father's decision and prepared to devote herself fully to Aegon. Rhaena would do anything to please Daemon, to have his attention on her longer than a fleeting second. Baela was nothing like her sister however, and sometimes she wished she was. Rhaena wasn't in love, she didn't know the freedom riding a dragon through the skies of Westeros brought, she was a bird who adored the golden cages she was kept in.

Baela tucks her hand under the pillow and traces a finger over the hilt of her dagger, a gift from Aemond. And at that moment she pondered how easy it would be to end this all. ' No ' that was much too cowardly, and Baela was anything but that. It is just politics, this marriage, the alliance, just business and it had nothing to do with her feelings. But there was no doubt that this marriage would affect her in more ways that she would like. She wasn't the Queen, that title would be Haelana's and Baela didn't covet it, but as the wife of Aegon, who was likely to inherit the throne, she would draw more attention than before, the expectations for her to act a certain way, be more Ladylike. Rhaena, be just like Rhaena.

The doors of her chambers are pushed open and footsteps echo as they move towards her. Baela doesn't bother turning to see who it was. " My Lady " A maid " It is time to get up "

" Why so early?"

" The ceremony will be held as early as possible, guests have already arrived late last night. I was asked to help you get ready "

Daemon, why was he in such a rush? Was he afraid she might do something if he didn't push her into the hands of a man as soon as possible? The thought only soured her mood further. She hates him sometimes, most times. He had changed a lot since the death of her mother. He was less ambitious then, cared about himself much less and actually played the role of a father. Rhaenyra hadn't been good for him, she'd only made him more ambitious, willing to do anything to get what he wanted.

Baela rose from the bed reluctantly. She eyed the palace maid, one of the multiple women she had seen messing around with Aegon, just great. The girl placed the items she had brought on the table beside Baela's bed, the princess doesn't even glance at the wedding dress as she walks towards the bathroom with the maid tagging closely behind her. Everything is a blur from there, she is bathed, her skin preened with all kinds of oil and perfumes, her hair is braided and pieces of gold are used as decorations.

Her wedding dress is a flowing, floor-length gown that is fitted at the waist, with a full skirt and sweeping train, crafted from rich materials. Intricate embroidery and beading resemble dragon scales, while delicate silver or gold thread creates veins-like patterns. A glittering belt shaped like a dragon's claw or Targaryen sigil cinches at the waist. The dress is a deep, fiery red, Baela would have preferred green. The attire is beautiful and she looks stunning, the real definition of the princess of Westeros.

But this was nothing like her, she looks so different than her usual self in the mirror. She realises with horror that she was already changing to sooth her Father's desire. As the maid places a crown, made of fine resin and painted to match that of Viserys, Baela feels dread and anger burning inside her. There was a double meaning behind this whole thing, perhaps Queen Aliscent was trying to appease Daemon with this special treatment, showing that Baela would be the Queen if Aegon was allowed the Throne. Hypocrites!