Perzys Ānogār || Jacaerys Velaryon & Baela Targaryen

In the year 115 AC, nearly a year after the birth of Prince Jacaerys, another child was born to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ser Laenor Velaryon, Princess Laenys Velaryon.

Although both Ser Laenor's mother, Princess Rhaenys, and Princess Rhaenyra's mother, the late Queen Aemma, were known to have dark hair, rumors quickly spread amongst the royal court that Laenor was not the father of the two babes.

After the birth of Prince Lucerys in 116 AC, occupants of the Red Keep began to whisper that Ser Harwin Strong, Princess Rhaenyra's sworn shield, was the actual father of the Velaryon children due to the striking resemblance.

Due to the gossip and whispers, Princess Rhaenyra and her household moved to her ancestral seat of Dragonstone later that year. The family found tranquility and comfort in the dark halls of Dragonstone.

When Princess Rhaenyra announced her fourth pregnancy in late 117 AC, King Viserys ordered the princess to return to the capital with her family, so the babe would be born there.

Upon the birth of Prince Joffrey in mid 118 AC, King Viserys ordered that his grandchildren and youngest son, Prince Daeron, share a nursery, in hopes of quelling the animosity within his family.

Despite the King's hope, Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra's long-standing problems continued and began affecting the children.

Prince Aegon, the eldest of King Viserys and Queen Alicent's children, was old enough to somewhat understand the whispers regarding his nephews and niece causing the boy to find joy in picking with the children and his brothers when given the chance. Yet he also enjoyed pulling his nephews into his pranks on his little brother.

Nothing could quite compare to the dislike between Prince Aemond and his nephews.

Prince Aemond, being the closest to his mother and the only one without a dragon, was bitter towards his nephews and niece. With his mother in his ear, he was taught that the children of Princess Rhaenyra were bastards and not to be trusted. Not fully understanding the meaning but knowing it was bad, he looked down on the children.

Princess Helaena, the quietest of the King and Queen's children, rarely was around her nephews. She did, however, occasionally spend time with her niece, learning embroidery and music. Between the elder girls mutterings and the age difference, the two never struck up a bond.

Prince Daeron, the youngest of his siblings, was quite different from his siblings, in both appearance and personality. He showed kindness toward his nephews and niece, even going as far as becoming friends with Princess Laenys. He, however, didn't have much of a bond with his brothers, partly due to his softer nature and their mocking of his dark hair.

Aegon and Aemond often joked when they spotted Daeron and Laenys together that they looked more like siblings than friends or uncle and niece. That didn't last long unfortunately due to Queen Alicent sending Prince Daeron away to wared with his uncle in 120 AC.

Princess Laenys was regarded as odd by many court goers after her only friend, aside from her brothers, was sent away. She was often quiet and seen following her brothers or mother around. She was rarely ever seen speaking to anyone outside of her immediate family.

The only other person the young princess managed to build a friendship with was Ser Harwin Strong. He would often spot the young girl hiding from her septa in the training yard while her brothers and uncles trained.

Eventually, Ser Harwin began trying to spark conversation with the child which proved difficult. It took him several weeks and many sweet treats for her to warm up to him. Their training yard conversations lead to her seeking him out when she felt lonely or bored.

Ser Harwin knew many found her odd and quiet, but he knew that was a misconception. Once she grew comfortable around him, she started showing her true self. Laenys was a curious and clever girl. Always sneaking away from Septas and household guards, to sneak around the court and listen to the conversations had by the noble lords and ladies.

He also noticed that Laenys could be quite sharp-tongued when it came to her brothers, especially the eldest, Jacaerys. He had heard her call Ser Criston things that he doubted she understood the meaning of, let alone should have heard of.

Aside from her spying and creeping around court, she was particularly fond of trying to sneak into the dragon pit with her brothers which often led to a lecture from her mother.

Yet everything was seemingly good in the young princess's life. That was until the death of her aunt, Lady Laena.