The Widowed Queen

Beginning with the births of Prince Aerion and Princess Maddalaena Targaryen, the story traces their youth and the early years of their marriage before the crown is ever worn. When King Aerion II is killed, the Iron Throne passes to his twelve-year-old son, Rhaegon. Queen Maddalaena, having reigned for only ten years, assumes the role of regent amid her grief. In a court where loyalty is uncertain and treachery hides behind courtesy, she must defend her son's claim and preserve the realm, even as loss and betrayal threaten to undo them both.