THE PRICE OF UNITY

𝘉𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘧 𝘈𝘯 𝘌𝘯𝘥

Jacaerys needed a bride. It was as simple as that. Every king needed an heir, his mother had told him, and without an heir, his reign would be vulnerable. If Jacaerys were to die suddenly, the crown would pass to Lucaerion, but a king needed a child of his own blood, someone to secure the Targaryen legacy and hold the Iron Throne against any pretenders.

That was why Lucaerion now found himself flying on Terrae's back, the wind whipping through his hair as they soared toward Storm's End. His mission was clear: to secure House Baratheon's support for Jacaerys and, if possible, to find a suitable bride for the newly crowned king. Thankfully, Storm's End was not far from King's Landing.

Jacaerys himself had been the first choice as envoy, but after he had slain Lady Fell and Lords Caswell and Merryweather for refusing to bend the knee to him, Alicent feared that his temper might lead to further bloodshed if Lord Borros Baratheon did not offer his support. Jacaerys had always been quick to anger, a trait that Lucaerion both admired and resented. So, instead, Lucaerion was chosen as the envoy—calmer, more calculating, better suited to diplomacy than his foolish elder brother.

Lucaerion hated this about Jacaerys, this violent indulgence that often made him wonder why their mother had crowned him king. Jacaerys was known for holding grudges, a trait that had only intensified after Aegon had taken his eye. Despite Jacaerys's claims that he had gained something far greater in return, his thirst for revenge had not diminished. Lucaerion couldn't understand why his mother had placed the crown on his brother's head, knowing full well his tendencies. The only redeeming quality, in Lucaerion's eyes, was Jacaerys's loyalty to his family.

Jacaerys would often praise Lucaerion's intelligence, though he was not above mocking him occasionally. It was no secret that Jaehaerys was Jacaerys's favorite. Jacaerys had personally chosen an egg for him, parading the boy around and presenting him with blades that their mother would immediately confiscate. Jaehaerys adored Jacaerys in return, much to Lucaerion's dismay, as he often felt overshadowed. Jacaerys even spent time with the youngest of their siblings, Baelon and Viserys II, whenever he was not indulging in pleasures or flying on his beloved Vhagar. He seemed to find amusement in their innocence, as if he had never possessed it himself.

As Lucaerion flew, his thoughts lingered on these memories, the sky around him growing darker as storm clouds began to gather. It had been a long time since he had last flown on Terrae's back, and he marveled at the size and power of his dragon, now as large as Seasmoke. Despite the whispers and jests that claimed Terrae was his only friend, Lucaerion took pride in their bond, finding solace in the dragon's strength and loyalty. Terrae was a part of him, a reflection of the quiet determination that he carried within.

'A storm is coming,' he noted, feeling the winds grow stronger, the air heavy with the promise of rain. Lucaerion sighed, casting a glance at the looming tower of Storm's End that drew closer with each passing moment. He knew this mission was crucial—House Baratheon's support could tip the balance of power in the war to come. Failure was not an option.

I will burn this place to the ground if they refuse. Lucaerion silently swore to himself, though he knew such thoughts were extreme. But the fear of the Stormlands falling into Rhaenyra's grasp gnawed at him. It was perhaps one thing he and Jacaerys shared: a deep, unrelenting hatred for the other side.

As Terrae landed in the courtyard of Storm's End, the guards scattered, giving the dragon plenty of room to descend without causing damage. Lucaerion dismounted swiftly, his hand gently caressing Terrae's head before turning to face the towering doors of the castle. Six guards stood before him, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and fear.

"I am Prince Lucaerion Targaryen." he said impatiently, his voice carrying the authority of his station. "I bring a message to Lord Borros from the King."