The White Queen

Chapter 11

Dragonstone Castle, Drgaonstone Island: Late 113 AC

Two months after Jacaerys—who had been quickly nicknamed Jace—was born, they decided to present him to the royal court. Aemma flew back with Daena a few days ahead of them.

Jace's egg—a gorgeous dragon egg from Talyrax's first batch of eggs, colored forest green and bronze— had already hatched into a dragon Aelinor had named Vermax. "A cradle egg hatching like his mother." Laenor had teased gently.

"And like his aunts." Aelinor reminded Laenor. Rhaenyra had recently given birth barely a month ago to twin girls, Princess Aliandra Nymeros Martell, the future Princess of Dorne, and Princess Aelia Nymeros Martell, whom if things went right, would marry Jace to further bind Dorne to the kingdoms.

Aelinor readjusted the straps of the harness strapping Jace to her chest, muttering spells under her breath to make sure it wouldn't fall off. Talyrax rumbled, walking over. Sixteen years old and the size of a twenty five year old dragon, and growing every day. "Talyrax." Aelinor cooed as the white she dragon approached her. " This is my son, Jace. He is to be protected."

Talyrax rumbled, peering curiously down at Jace. Jace giggled up at her, smiling. Talyrax let out a purring noise. Baby Vermax chirped from his spot on Aelinor's shoulder. Carefully, she placed him in the carrier bag so he could stay with his bonded. Jace, like her, would know every breath, every day, bonded with a dragon until he died. A rare treasure that currently only three others—herself and her sisters, knew

She mounted Talyrax, strapping herself into. She smiled down at Jace who cooed. This would be his first flight. "Sōvegon, Talyrax!". Talyrax roared and took off, climbing the sky and shooting through clouds until she evened out. Seasmoke roared from nearby, emerging from a nearby cloud and falling in flight next to her. Jace laughed and cooed the entire flight, grabbing a nearby clouds.

It was a two hour flight for the two dragons and they landed in the Dragonpit. Jace was still laughing in delight and Aelinor shared a smile with her husband. She spotted Arryk and stood straight. "A litter is waiting for you, Princess." Arryk informed her.

"Thank you, Ser." Aelinor said and got into the litter. Crowds lined the streets and Aelinor lifted one of the drapes, letting her son be seen by the crowds before dropping it. The litter made it to the Red Keep.

It was a quick walk to the Iron Throne room. "Princess Aelinor Targaryen, Heiress of the Iron Throne and Princess of Dragonstone and Ser Laenor Velayron, Prince Consort of House Targaryen, Heir of Driftmark!" the announcer declared.

Aelinor walked ramrod straight, holding her son close. Viserys sat on the Iron Throne, Aemma stood next to him, one year old Daena no where in sight.

Most likely in her nursery.

Aelinor stopped in front of the Iron Throne, holding out her son. "Father, I present to you, my firstborn and heir, Prince Jacaerys Targaryen!"

And the court roared in support.

Notes:
Sōvegon — Flight