Chapter 14: Arrival of the Velaryons

The funeral held for Baelon was a somber and subdued affair. In the evening, the entire Targaryen family gathered in the dragonpits, where Prince Baelon's body was placed on a pyre. Daemon performed the final honors, commanding Caraxes to burn the prince's body with a powerful "Dracarys." This was a traditional Valyrian funeral, reserved only for the princes of blood or members of the Kingsguard who had performed great deeds.

After the funeral, Baelon and Alyssa were informed that all the lords of the realm would soon be arriving. The heir to the throne was dead, and the lords needed to pledge their loyalty to the new heir. The only question was who King Jaehaerys would choose.

Now, the Red Keep was abuzz with preparations for the arrival of the lords. The banners of House Targaryen were unfurled, and the halls were scrubbed clean. Servants hurried to and fro, ensuring everything was in perfect order. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and the whispers of courtly intrigue.

In the port of King's Landing, Viserys waited with Baelon, Alyssa, and Rhaenyra. Aemma had chosen to remain in the castle, and Baelon was clueless as to where his father, Daemon, was.

"Father, why are we waiting in the port?" Rhaenyra asked, growing listless and tugging at her father's sleeve.

"We are waiting to meet your aunt Rhaenys," Viserys replied, his eyes scanning the horizon.

"Auntie Rhaenys?" Alyssa echoed, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes, she and the Velaryons are arriving today."

'That explains the extra security and grand reception,' thought Baelon, noting the significant escort accompanying them. Ser Steffon, Ser Harrold Westerling, Grand Maester Elysar, and Lord Albin Massey were all present, a testament to the importance of the guests they awaited. No other lord would receive such a distinguished welcome.

"Where is Kepa?" Alyssa asked, using the Valyrian term for father.

Viserys grinned, a twinkle in his eye. "Daemon... let's say he's doing Daemon things."

'Message received. He's likely up to something reckless,' Baelon thought with a sigh.

"Is that them?" Alyssa pointed to a distant group of ships moving in tight formation, their sails billowing in the wind.

As they watched the approaching vessels, Baelon noticed something flying above them. "Wait, is that Caraxes?"

"No, it's the Red Queen, Meleys," Viserys said, his tone one of awe.

"She kind of looks like Caraxes, but her neck is not as long," Baelon observed.

"Is Caraxes bigger, or Meleys?" Alyssa asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Meleys is bigger," Viserys explained, "She is also faster and more experienced."

"But Uncle Daemon is better, right?" Rhaenyra asked innocently.

"Of course," Viserys replied, though Baelon detected a note of hesitation in his voice.

Roar

From behind them, another dragon's roar echoed in challenge. Baelon didn't need to look back to recognize Caraxes's distinct roar.

Daemon, atop his dragon, flew towards Meleys, circling her. Meleys roared back, rising into the air. Baelon, Alyssa, and Rhaenyra watched in awe as the dragons engaged in a graceful aerial dance. While Alyssa and Rhaenyra were mesmerized by their elegance, Viserys and Baelon focused more on Caraxes's combat potential. Soon, the two dragons flew past the port, and left to the Dragons pit to land.

Meanwhile, the ships drew closer to the port. While most of the ships slowed their approach, the lead ship surged ahead, disdaining to row in like the others. The crowd held its breath, fearing the ship would smash against the stone wall of the mole. Baelon spotted a black man with braided ebony hair standing confidently at the helm. His posture exuded pride and skill. With a swift maneuver, he spun the helm, causing the ship to pivot gracefully into the wind. The sail slid down the mast, and the ship came to a smooth stop mere meters from the mooring, rocking gently in the waves generated by its passage.

The crowd exhaled in relief, and then burst into cheers, the sudden commotion causing seagulls to take flight. Standing tall at the bow, Lord Corlys Velaryon surveyed the scene with a satisfied smile. Beside Corlys, their children, Laena and Laenor, looked out eagerly, their eyes wide with wonder at the grand reception awaiting them.

"Remember, be on your best behavior," Viserys reminded his children softly as the Velaryons disembarked.

Baelon, Alyssa, and Rhaenyra stood straight, ready to greet their esteemed guests. As the Velaryons approached, Viserys stepped forward, offering a warm welcome.

"Lord Corlys, welcome to King's Landing," he said, bowing respectfully.

"Thank you, Prince Viserys," Corlys replied, his voice deep and commanding. "It is an honor to be here."

Laena and Laenor trailed behind their father, gazing around with wide eyes. Laena, slightly older, looked every inch the dignified young lady, while Laenor seemed more curious and eager.

"This is Laena and Laenor, my children," Corlys introduced, placing a hand on each of their shoulders.

"A pleasure to meet you," Viserys said, smiling at the children. "These are Baelon, Alyssa, and Rhaenyra."

"Hello," Alyssa greeted cheerfully, while Rhaenyra gave a polite nod and Baelon offered a respectful bow.

"Hello," Laena and Laenor replied in unison, their manners impeccable. 

"Do you like dragons?" asked Rhaenyra.

"I love them," Laenor smiled. The children began talking excitedly about dragons.

With the introductions complete, the procession shifted to the dragonspit, where they saw the two dragons in the open, slightly wary towards to each other. Caraxes made shrill noises while he entered the caves of the dragonpit, to which Meleys ignored him, like a queen.

On the grass, a beautiful woman with purple eyes, and black hair loving traced her hand across Meleys. When she heard the carriage carrying everyone come, she looked back at the procession.

Baelon held his breath when he glance at Rhaenys. She had the typical Targaryen features; high cheekbones,a sharp, elegant jawline, and a proud, regal demeanor. "Viserys," she greeted coldly, "It is good to see you again."

"Cousin Rhaenys," Viserys replied, "It has been a while."

Turning to the children, Rhaenys's stern expression softened. "And these must be your little ones."

"Yes, this is Baelon, Alyssa, and Rhaenyra," Viserys introduced, beaming with pride.

Rhaenys knelt to meet the children at eye level. "It is a pleasure to meet you all. I hope you will come to love our dragons as much as we do."

Baelon could only stutter out an intelligent "umm." Baelon felt like he could get lost by just staring into her eyes. Luckily, Alyssa covered for him.

"Thank you, Auntie Rhaenys," Alyssa said, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Auntie, Meleys is very beautiful," said Rhaenyra.

"Thank you my dear. Meleys is the pride of my life. If only she was not as lazy as the other dragons."

Laenor slightly nudged Baelon,"Baelon, I can see you looking at my mother. Do you want to ask something?"

Hearing his words, all the children and Rhaenys looked towards him, wanting to hear his doubt.

"It's nothing really," said Baelon.

"It's okay, my mother is very nice," said Laena.

'It doesn't matter how nice she is. I can't say that she's really pretty, can I?' thought Baelon.

He looked around, desperate to think of something. Then, he noticed Meleys laying lazily on the grass. 

"Isn't Meleys going to go underground like the other dragons?" asked Baelon.

"Meleys is a bit unique. She prefers the plains compared to the caves." said Rhaenys.

"It's true," said Laenor,"Meleys always flies over the skies of Driftmark rather than staying in one place."

With their curiosity satisfied, Baelon praised his quick thinking. "Come along children, lets head to the Red Keep now."

After the Velaryons went ahead, Daemon spoke, "I must warn you. Be cautious around the Velaryons. They are our allies, but alliances can be fragile."

Baelon nodded, understanding the underlying tension that often accompanied political alliances. Alyssa, on the other hand, seemed more focused on the dragons than the politics, while Rhaenyra listened intently to her uncle's advice and took it to heart.

As they reached the castle gates, the grandeur of the Red Keep loomed before them, its towers bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. The courtyard was bustling with activity, servants and guards preparing for the influx of guests.

Inside the Great Hall, the small council members awaited the arrival of the Velaryons. Grand Maester Runciter, Ser Ryam Redwyne, Lord Corbray, and others stood ready to greet them.

"Welcome, Lord Corlys, Princess Rhaenys," Grand Maester Runciter said, stepping forward with a courteous bow.

"Thank you, Grand Maester," Corlys replied, his gaze sweeping the room.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Lord Corbray said, gesturing towards the grand table set for the evening meal.

As the group settled in, the atmosphere grew more relaxed, though an undercurrent of tension remained. The conversation flowed, touching on various topics from the state of the realm to the recent events that had brought them all together.

"What news from Driftmark?" Ser Ryam Redwyne asked, his keen eyes on Corlys.

"Driftmark thrives," Corlys replied. "Our ships continue to patrol the Narrow Sea, ensuring safe passage for our traders."

"And how fares Dragonstone?" Lord Corbray inquired, turning to Daemon.

"Dragonstone is as it always has been," Daemon replied with a hint of pride. "A fortress of our blood, guarding the approach to the capital."

Throughout the meal, Baelon observed the interactions between the adults, noting the subtle power dynamics at play. He listened intently, absorbing the political nuances that would one day be his to navigate.

As the evening drew to a close, the guests were shown to their chambers, and the children were sent to bed. Baelon lay awake for a long time, his mind racing with thoughts of dragons and politics, of alliances and rivalries.

Outside, the night was calm, the stars twinkling above the Red Keep. The city of King's Landing slept, unaware of the momentous decisions that would soon be made within its walls. The arrival of the Velaryons marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would shape the future of the realm.