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Aelora Velaryon stood in stark contrast to her brothers, who bore the dark hair and deep-set eyes. Instead, she was a mirror of her mother, Princess Rhaenyra, with cascading silver locks and enchanting lilac eyes that sparkled like amethysts. This resemblance, however, did not endear her to Queen Alicent. The queen regarded Aelora with a mixture of disdain and jealousy, for the girl's likeness to Rhaenyra served as a haunting reminder of their shared youth and the rivalries that had since unfurled between them.
Yet, Aelora's uncles held a different sentiment. Aegon, the eldest, was particularly taken by her beauty. Like a loyal pup, he trailed behind her, his words spilling forth in a torrent as she remained soft-spoken and serene. Aemond, his younger brother, was equally captivated but far more reserved, his shy glances betraying a fervent interest. He observed her every move, his heart fluttering with unspoken admiration.
Jacaerys, Aelora's brother, cherished her deeply, perhaps too deeply. Born merely a year before her, he often found himself overwhelmed by his affection. The absence of a hatching dragon egg weighed heavily on Aelora's spirit, casting a shadow over her youthful exuberance. Aemond, however, felt a strange relief at this misfortune, pondering whether this might create a space for him to draw closer to her. Aelora's ethereal beauty had spread like wildfire across the realm, and though she was still a child, suitors were already vying for her hand. Each time Rhaenyra declined a proposal, Jacaerys silently rejoiced.
"My daughter is still a child; she has not yet blossomed," Rhaenyra would assert, her voice filled with maternal protectiveness. Jacaerys longed to voice his true feelings and declare, "Betroth her to me," but fear of his mother's wrath silenced him.
Aelora was a gentle soul, embodying the sweetness of her lineage as the beloved child of Rhaenyra and Laenor. In Aegon's mind, she was more than a niece; she was the object of his admiration, though he dared not speak of it. Even Ser Harwin Strong, a steadfast protector and the biological father of Aelora, found himself doting on his only daughter.
Tragedy, however, cast a long shadow over their lives. The death of Laena Velaryon, Aelora's aunt, would forever haunt them. It was the same night Aemond had usurped Vhagar, an act that ignited chaos. Aelora, blissfully unaware, had been asleep while her brothers and cousins clashed with Aemond. When a maid roused her, she emerged into a scene steeped in violence. The sight of Lucerys, bloodied and hurt, sent a chill through her as she stood beside her brothers, confusion clouding her mind.
