Chapter 1: Introduction

Summary:

Aeonar Targaryen, prince, dragonrider, and heir to the Iron Throne, had it all growing up: family, friends, wealth, and a dragon. As he sought to prove himself, his network of spies uncovered secrets throughout the realm. Betrayed by those he trusted, Aeonar sets out alone to make his mark on the world, earning the title "the Young Dragon." Will he triumph, or fall victim to his family's curse?

Author's Note: Imagine if Viserys and Aemma had a surviving son before Rhaenyra—how would House Targaryen's fate unfold in the House of the Dragon era? With the HBO timeline unspecified, characters may be adjusted in age or alignment for consistency. Some will be drawn from "Flight of the young dragons." Join me as I explore this Targaryen original character for the first time in my fanfiction journey..

About a century ago, our ancestors invaded Westeros, seeking to unify the squabbling kingdoms under one nation, one realm, one king. Those who submitted to Aegon Targaryen kept their lands and titles; those who resisted were crushed. Soon, six of the seven kingdoms fell, and the Iron Throne was forged from the swords of our enemies.

Yet, King Maegor's brutal reign plunged the realm into turmoil. The Faith condemned our traditions, and rebellion threatened our rule. It took the wisdom of my great-grandfather, King Jaehaerys the Conciliator, to restore peace and prosperity.

Under the Doctrine of Exceptionalism, House Targaryen enjoyed decades of peace, which is how my story begins. Pay attention, and you may understand what shaped me into who I am today.

Cast:

- Michael Carter portrays King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, the venerable ruler whose nearly six-decade reign is celebrated for peace and progress. Known as "Jaehaerys the Conciliator," he constructed the kingsroad, implemented unified laws, and quelled the Faith Militant uprising. After losing his sons Aemon and Baelon, Jaehaerys calls for a Great Council to determine the kingdom's future.

- Viggo Mortensen takes on the role of Prince Baelon Targaryen, Jaehaerys's fourth-born son and dragonrider. Following the death of his brother Aemon, Baelon inherits Dragonstone and claims Vhagar, a last remaining dragon from the conquest era. Despite becoming Hand of the King, Baelon tragically succumbs to appendicitis shortly thereafter.

- Paddy Considine embodies King Viserys I Targaryen, son of Prince Baelon and Princess Alyssa. Focused on family and his grandfather's legacy, Viserys emerges as a key contender for the throne after Jaehaerys's passing.

- Sian Brooke portrays Queen Aemma Arryn, Viserys's first wife from House Arryn of the Vale. As a half-Targaryen, Aemma strives to uphold the royal bloodline despite enduring multiple miscarriages and stillbirths in her quest to provide an heir.

- Alexander Skarsgård embodies Prince Aeonar Targaryen, eldest son of Viserys Targaryen and Aemma Arryn. A dedicated protector of the Targaryen dynasty, Aeonar commands a vast spy network that instills both respect and fear. Driven by ambition and eager to prove himself, he rises to the small council as Master of Whisperers. A dragonrider like his family, Aeonar claims Vaelor, the swiftest dragon in the Seven Kingdoms.

- Lino Facioli portrays a young Prince Aeonar Targaryen.

- Emma D'Arcy portrays Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Viserys and Aemma's strong-willed daughter known as "the Realm's Delight." With a fierce loyalty to her family, Rhaenyra is protective of her uncle and brother. A dragonrider herself, she commands Syrax, a young she-dragon.

- Milly Alcock portrays a young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

- Matt Smith portrays Prince Daemon Targaryen, Viserys's charismatic and unpredictable younger brother, and Commander of the City Watch of King's Landing. Armed with Dark Sister, a Valyrian steel sword, Daemon rides Caraxes, the formidable Blood Wyrm dragon.

- Rhys Ifans embodies Ser Otto Hightower, a knight from Oldtown and influential Hand of the King. Ambitious and domineering, Ser Otto clashes with other powerful figures in the realm, including Lord Corlys and Prince Daemon.

- Olivia Cooke portrays Alicent Hightower, daughter of Ser Otto Hightower and a close friend of the royal family, developing a strong bond with Princess Rhaenyra and a romantic relationship with Prince Aeonar Targaryen.

- Emily Carey portrays a young Alicent Hightower.

- Steve Toussaint embodies Lord Corlys Velaryon, also known as "the Sea Snake," Master of Driftmark, Master of Ships, and Lord Admiral of the Royal Fleet. Married to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, he is a renowned explorer celebrated for nine voyages across the Narrow Sea, amassing great wealth and power rivaling the Lannisters. Corlys is a shrewd and pragmatic figure who, while often differing with Viserys, remains fiercely loyal to House Targaryen.

- Eve Best portrays Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, daughter of Prince Aemon Targaryen and Viserys's cousin. Married to Lord Corlys Velaryon, she is the mother of Laena and Leanor. Despite being a candidate to succeed King Jaehaerys, Rhaenys was overlooked due to her gender, earning her the title "the Queen Who Never Was." A skilled political player and dragonrider, Rhaenys commands the dragon Meleys.