Villain's Savior

Chapter 1: The Awakening

Aria Chan had always been different, a fact her family never let her forget. Born into a world that prized academic achievement above all, she had chosen the unlikely paths of martial arts, fencing, and the subtle art of politics, skillfully maneuvering her way through her world's small battles with a natural elegance. Her love for the sword and her quick-wittedness were a source of pride to her, but to her family, they were nothing more than distractions. Often bullied at home for choosing skill over studies, Aria found solace only in her hard-won prowess and the world she escaped to in books.

Her favorite escape was the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. The tangled lives of the Targaryens fascinated her—their beauty, power, and the tragedies that marked each generation. She'd spent countless nights immersed in the tales of dragons and silver-haired royalty. And there was one character she loved most, a character others dismissed as the villain: Aemond Targaryen. She understood him, his need for validation, his desire to be something more, someone capable of commanding his own destiny despite the coldness around him. She felt his pain and his dreams, and despite herself, she wished she could reach across the pages, pull him from his world, and give him the compassion he so lacked.

One evening, after winning a hard-fought fencing match, her opponent—the boy she had just bested—pushed her in anger. Tumbling down the hard, cold stairs, Aria felt her world slipping away. The pain was intense, but only for a moment, before a heavy darkness settled in. She knew it was over. And in that final silence, a voice whispered to her, both foreign and deeply familiar: "Now you can save your villain and mold his life into a beautiful canvas if you like, as he is waiting for you, Aria."

And then everything went black.

When she opened her eyes again, she was swaddled in silk and lace, surrounded by the warmth of candlelight and the scent of lavender. She was no longer that girl from the past life. She was now Aria Velaryon, a newborn babe cradled in the arms of Rhaenys Targaryen, the fierce Queen Who Never Was, and Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake himself. Her first name was given to her for her fiery nature, her strength, and her willfulness, traits that reminded Rhaenys and Corlys of the audacious warrior Aria had once read about.

Growing up as the youngest Velaryon was a life she had never imagined—Laenor and Laena, her much older siblings, adored her, while Rhaenys and Corlys spoiled her, amazed by her tenacity and skill in everything she did. She was sharp-witted, full of ambition, and quick to learn, often choosing to study the art of war and weaponry instead of sewing and singing as was expected of noble daughters. She threw herself into her training, her natural athleticism and competitive spirit earning her a reputation as a troublemaker who could match, even best, boys her age. Like her uncle Daemon, Aria was known for her adventurous, slightly notorious streak—a Velaryon with the heart of a dragon.

The memory of her old life had slowly faded as the years went by, becoming a distant, half-forgotten dream. She couldn't quite recall the reason for her fascination with Aemond Targaryen or why she felt so drawn to him. All that remained was a fierce loyalty and a deep, almost motherly sense of protection for him—qualities she couldn't explain but didn't question. As she grew, she bent herself to this new world, her past life slipping away until she was no longer a stranger in Westeros but simply Aria, the youngest, wild-hearted Velaryon.

At twelve years old, Aria was known for her skill with the blade and her unshakable confidence. It was no surprise when she set her sights on the grand tourney held by the Targaryens, a tournament traditionally open only to young male warriors across Westeros. Determined to prove herself, she cut her hair short, bound her chest, and disguised herself as a boy to enter the competition. With fierce concentration and nimble movements, she bested her opponents one by one, from lords' sons to seasoned squires. The audience cheered for the mysterious young warrior as she progressed, skillfully eliminating each rival with the grace and speed of a born fighter.

And then came her final match—the one that would pit her against Prince Aemond Targaryen. As she stepped into the arena, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the sands, her heart beat faster. Aemond stood opposite her, tall and intense, his piercing gaze never wavering. She felt an inexplicable fondness for him, but she steeled herself, focusing on the task at hand. When the fight began, Aemond fought with calculated precision, each of his moves controlled and forceful. But Aria was quicker, dodging and weaving, her movements fluid and unpredictable. Their swords clashed in a flurry of sparks, and after a long, hard-fought duel, Aria emerged victorious.

The crowd roared, celebrating the unknown victor who had bested even the Targaryen prince. Aemond himself looked at her in a mix of disbelief and grudging admiration, his brow furrowed as he studied his mysterious opponent. Standing before the court, sweat and dust on her brow, she felt a rush of exhilaration. This was what she was meant to do; this was who she was meant to be.

King Viserys rose from his seat, intrigued by the mystery surrounding this skilled young warrior. "You have won well, young one," he announced, his voice carrying across the grounds. "As victor, you are entitled to a wish. We will hold a ball for the winner and their you can say you wish, and it shall be granted."

Aria grinned, her violet eyes gleaming with mischief. She straightened, then made a dramatic show of removing her helmet and letting her hair fall free, revealing her true identity. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said with a confident smirk. "But you may want to address me as 'niece' instead."

The crowd gasped in shock, whispers filling the air as realization dawned on those gathered. The victorious warrior was not a young lordling or a squire but the audacious, unstoppable Aria Velaryon. King Viserys looked stunned, his eyes widening as he took in the revelation, while Aemond stared at her, his own surprise mingled with something new—an admiration he hadn't felt before.

"Hello, uncle... I mean, Your Majesty," Aria added with a playful, exaggerated curtsy, enjoying every moment of their astonishment.

And with that, the chapter closed, leaving the audience in disbelief and awe, and Aria, the unexpected Velaryon warrior, triumphant in her daring, proud to be exactly who she was in the world she was meant for.