The Rise Of A Dragon - Chapter 1: Visenya With A Cock

Warning Implications of r*** at the end of chapter

----- Will be used to indicate this

266 AC, The Red Keep, King’s Landing

Rhaella could not stop the smile that formed on her face as she entered the Keep’s nursery.

By her side was her seven-year-old son, Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, she had brought him with her for his first meeting with his younger sister, Aerea.

It had been a year since she had given birth to her second child and many precautions were taken to ensure that Aerea would live past the cradle, including not having Rhaegar meet Aerea until it was sure that she would not die.

Another precaution was the guards posted both inside and outside the nursery, a rotation of them were ordered to constantly watch over the babe. While this annoyed her, being unable to be alone with her own child, Rhaella understood after the several miscarriages they had so far why her husband would make this decree.

Speaking of her husband, the smile on Rhaella’s face died when she saw Aerys standing in the middle of the room holding Aerea in his arms.

“Why are you here?” Aerys said, his face scrunching upwards as he turned and saw his wife and son.

“I have brought Rhaegar to finally meet his sister.” Rhaella answered plainly.

Aerys tightened his hold on Aerea, “And you are sure this is wise? Aerea is fragile, the last thing we need is Rhaegar hurting her.”

It took everything within her to not visibly react to Aerys’ claim, especially when Rhaegar flinched under his father’s glare and turned his head to the ground. Her anger grew as she watched Aerys continue to dote on their daughter, even more so when she remembered when Aerea was born.

Aerea’s birth was much easier than her older brother’s, although this was not a hard feat to accomplish since Rhaegar was born during the tragedy at Summerhall, coming into this world as members of their family left it in the most terrible of ways.

It took less than three hours for Aerea to be born, and the room was silent. Rhaella fearing the worst, asked the Grand Maester what was wrong with her child.

Pycelle looked up from the newborn infant, his face paler than usual as he tried to hide his fear. “Your daughter lives, Your Grace. But I regret to inform you that she is of both sexes.”

Despite this information, Rhaella loved Aerea from the moment she was placed in her arms. Aerea’s eyes were still blurry at the time, not yet the purplish blue that they would later become but Rhaella could see that Aerea’s hair was a dark shade of silver instead of silver gold like herself, Aerys, and Rhaegar.

In contrast when Aerys was informed of his daughter’s birth and disfigurement, he furiously stormed into the room and raged at her, blaming his sister-wife.

“What have you done?!” Aerys screamed.

“I have done nothing, husband. She is your daughter, and there is nothing wrong with her.” Rhaella stated, defying her brother-husband for the first time since they were forcibly wed.

Aerys let out a bitter laugh, “Nothing wrong with her? She is a freak! I can already hear the realm laughing at me, oh the things they would say, ‘Did you hear about the King’s daughter? His Visenya with a cock?’ This will be my legacy for all of time!”

Rhaella held Aerea closer as Aerys’ screams caused her to start crying. “Our daughter will live a tough life because of this, it is not about you.”

Aerys glared at his wife, “What should stop me from ending this farce before it even begins and bash that abomination’s head against a wall?”

Rhaella held his gaze, “Besides the fact that you would forever be cursed as a Kinslayer?”

Aerys said nothing, immediately leaving the room, the door thundering shut behind him.

For the next few days, Rhaella refused to let her newborn daughter leave her sight afraid that the child would die prematurely, or Aerys would decide that he did not care if he was cursed and condemned, and give in to his desire to see their daughter dead.

Five days later, Rhaella had been sitting in front of Aerea’s crib when Aerys had burst into the room. His hair was disheveled, his clothes hastily thrown, there were dark circles under his eyes, and he was out of breath as though he had run all the way there.

“Husband?” Rhaella asked, angling herself so that her body was hiding Aerea from Aerys’ line of sight.

Aerys walked over to the cradle and lifted Aerea out of it. The newborn began giggling when Aerys slowly dragged a finger against the side of her face.

“Hello there, little one.” Aerys whispered, a manic grin growing on his face.

Aerys then turned to his wife, “How is she?”

Rhaella was thrown by her husband’s change regarding their daughter, “Alysanne is doing well. Grand Maester Pycelle and the wet nurses believe that she is healthy and will live.”

“Alysanne?” Aerys scoffed, “No, she will not be named after that shrill of a woman. Her name will be Aerea.”

Rhaella looked aghast at the name, Aerea was forever remembered as Targaryen who rode Balerion the Black Dread all the way to Old Valyria only to return with horrible aliments and dying a long and painful death. Meanwhile Alysanne was known as the Good Queen, having the longest reign out of any Queen Consort, and was also known for her good nature and intelligence.

So why would he not want our daughter to have such a name? Rhaella thought.

Aerys saw the expression on Rhaella’s face and scowled at her, “I have graciously allowed you to name our son after you, so I will have a daughter named after me.”

Rhaella wanted to say that Rhaegar was not named after herself and that their daughter would technically be named after the daughter of Rhaena, Queen of the East and West and Aegon the Uncrowned but smartly kept this comment to herself.

Aerys returned his gaze to Aerea, “You are the one my dreams told me about, my little Aerea. My promised princess.”

Aerys never mentioned this dream again, but Rhaella could sometimes see a gleam in his eyes whenever he looked at Aerea. Whatever Aerys saw in dreams had drastically changed how he viewed his daughter, causing him to grow an almost obsessive love for the child.

Now a year later, Aerys’ love for Aerea had not once wavered and Rhaella could see him treating her better than he did his firstborn son. Still Rhaella could not forget how he acted on that day nor the crude nickname he had given Aerea.

Visenya with a cock...

Aerys loudly screaming this had led to this title spreading across the realm, she could hear plenty of nobles, servants, and peasants alike whispering this to themselves as they mocked her daughter. Although the whispers had quieted somewhat once Aerys showed his newfound love for Aerea, it still did not stop the mocking and the japes.

“I am sure it will be fine, husband. You and I will both be here; Rhaegar will not be able to hurt Aerea. Don’t you think a brother should know their sister?” Rhaella spoke softly, placing her hands on Rhaegar’s shoulders.

Aerys breathed heavily through his nostrils, but relented and stood in front of his son, crouching down so the boy could see his sister for the first time.

“Wow...” Rhaegar muttered as he took in his younger sister’s appearance. “Hello, I’m your older brother, Rhaegar.”

 Aerea wiggled in her father’s grasp, grabbing onto to Rhaegar’s hand and babbling, “Gar! Gar!”

Rhaegar smiled, “Yes, that’s me, Rhaegar.”

To an outside observer, the four could be mistaken for a happy and normal family, instead of people forced by others to be together.

After about an hour, Rhaella and Rhaegar left the nursery, the Queen deciding to walk her son back to his room.

“What do you think of your sister, Rhaegar?” Rhaella asked.

Rhaegar looked up at his mother, “I like her, I’m glad she's different, it makes things better.”

“Rhaegar!” Rhaella exclaimed, shocked that Rhaegar is happy about Aerea’s affliction.

“I just mean I am glad that I will not have to marry Aerea like father spoke of before.” Rhaegar muttered, feeling chastised by how his mother was looking at him.

Rhaella let out a small sigh, she could not deny that she too was happy that her children would not have to endure the same fate as her; forced to marry a sibling they did not love. She could remember the look on her face when Pycelle claimed that her unborn child would be a girl.

“Aye, that is great news, a future Valyrian Queen for my heir.” Aerys grinned.

At least if Aerea was a normal girl, I am sure that she and Rhaegar would actually love each other. Unlike Aerys and I... Rhaella thought darkly, reminded of all the times Aerys made it clear how he truly felt about her.

Rhaella brought her hand up and combed her fingers through Rhaegar’s long, straight hair. “I know, Rhaegar, but you cannot speak of your sister in such a manner. Her life will be difficult, and we need to be there for her to lean on.”

“I know mother, I won’t say that again. I want to protect Aerea too.” Rhaegar replied.

Rhaella smiled and pressed a kiss on his head once they reached his chambers. “I know you will, my silver prince.”

Rhaegar gave his mother a quick hug and ran into his room.

Rhaella sighed once she was alone, still feeling the weight of her earlier emotions on her shoulders. As she thought back to what happened in the nursery all she could hope for was that Aerys would eventually grow bored with Aerea and focus his attention elsewhere.

It was a terrible thing to wish that your husband would ignore your child but, Rhaella knew that nothing good came from having Aerys Targaryen's gaze on you.

~X~

Aerys sat boredly in the small council chamber, tuning out Lord Qarlton Chelsted, his Maester of Coin, as he gave his annual report on the Crown’s finances. While the King knew the importance of this report, he, and everyone else knew how tedious it could be as well.

The second he saw that Chelsted was finished, Aerys jumped to his feet, schooling his features so that no one could see how excited he was to leave. “This meeting is now adjourned.”

“I would like to add one last thing, Your Grace.” Aerys looked to his left and saw that it was his Hand who had spoken.

Ser Tywin Lannister, heir to Casterly Rock, was a tall, slender, and broad-shouldered man with short blond hair and pale green eyes. His handsome face was completely emotionless as he stared at his King, standing still and silent, waiting for Aerys to give him permission to speak.

Aerys pursed his lips and then sighed, slightly annoyed that his escape had been ruined. “Speak, Tywin. Say what you need us to know.”

Tywin’s face remained unchanged, “I have received the news that my lady wife, Joanna, had given birth earlier in the day to twins.”

Aerys froze, his ears ringing for a moment as the other men on his council began to congratulate Tywin. It was not until Lord Symond Staunton, his Master of Laws, asked a question that caused Aerys to focus again on what was going on in the room.

“What are their names, Lord Tywin?”

“My firstborn is a girl, Cersei. My second born is my son and heir, Jaime.” Tywin answered and Aerys could swear he saw a light flicker in his friend's eyes as Tywin spoke of his newborn children.

Aerys then forced a smile on his own face, “Congratulation, old friend. Twins are a great blessing for you and Lady Joanna to be given.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” Tywin replied.

“I shall have a present sent to them for the next names day; both their weight in gold and they should visit court once they are old enough to travel.” Aerys proclaimed, digging his fingers into his tights to keep himself from exploding.

Tywin bowed his head, “You honor me, Your Grace.”

Aerys waved this off, “It is nothing, a friend of mine deserves great things for his children.”

“I must also request to be given leave for a couple of moons so that I may spend time with my wife and newborn children.” Tywin added.

“It is already given.” Aerys said plainly.

Lucerys Velaryon, his Master of Ships, leaned forward in his chair, “If that is the case, perhaps we should discuss what to do while the Lord Hand is in the Westerlands? To get your input on matters before you leave?”

And soon the other Small Council members began asking Tywin what they should do while he was gone.

How dare they?! Aerys roared in his head, watching as Tywin skillfully answered every question asked of him. He was the King and yet they all looked to Tywin for the answers, acting as if it was the son of Lord Tytos who sat the Iron Throne instead of himself.

And so, Aerys was forced to sit at the head of the table as Tywin was holding his place and was blessed by the Gods with perfect little lions of his own.

~X~

Rhaella once again found herself within the Keep's nursery. She sat in a chair watching as her daughter crawled on the floor in front of her.

“The Hand of the King, Lord Tywin Lannister, Your Grace.” One of the Knights bellowed from the hallway.

“Let him in.” Rhaella said softly.

The door opened and Tywin entered, bowing his head once he was standing in front of the Queen. “Good afternoon, Your Grace.”

Rhaella smiled, “Lord Tywin. It is good to see you again."

“You as well, my Queen. I have come to tell you the news; my wife has given birth to twins.” Tywin spoke.

Rhaella’s eyes widened and her smile grew, “Truly? That is wonderful news, my Lord. Congratulations on this great blessing.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” Tywin said, but Rhaella could see the shine in his eyes when he mentioned his wife and new children.

Tywin then reached into his pocket, pulling out a letter and handing it to the Queen. “Joanna had sent this to me. She wanted me to give it to you, Your Grace.”

Rhaella took the letter into her hand and placed it on her lap. “Thank you, my lord.”

Tywin nodded his head and turned his attention to Aerea.

The infant had crawled towards him as he and the Queen were talking and had tried to climb his legs. Aerea giggled every time she would try to climb the man's legs only to fall on her behind.

“It seems my daughter has become quite taken with you, my lord.” Rhaella said amused, watching the scene before her.

Tywin continued to stare at the princess, standing straight as a rod while the infant continued to act as if he were a tree.

“You can carry her if you want.” Rhaella said softly, chuckling to herself when she saw the incredulous look on his face.

Tywin stared at Aerea for a few more seconds before bending down to lift the princess into his arms. Aerea immediately reached upwards and placed her hands in Tywin’s hair, messing up his combed back strands and causing them to fly up in different directions.

Rhaella choked back the laughter that boomed in her chest, it was the first time that she had ever seen the Lannister look unkempt and disheveled.

“I suppose all infants are like this?” Tywin said giving Aerea a blank stare which the infant more than happily returned, both staring into the others’ eyes, refusing to back down.

“You should get used to it now, especially since you will soon be returning to Casterly Rock.” Rhaella said, laughing as she watched the proud lion get into a staring contest with her one-year-old daughter.

Tywin hummed in response, Aerea giggled and rested her head on Tywin’s shoulder, copying the man and humming as well.

The Hand had not been around children all that often, only seeing Rhaegar when he was younger in passing and he avoided his youngest brother Gerion for the first few years of his life once he learned that their father, Tytos, had taken Gerion’s wet nurse as his mistress.

Regardless, I will not fail my children the way my joke of a father failed my siblings and I, even if it means I must get a little... uncomfortable. Tywin thought to himself.

~X~

---------

Aerys released a loud grunt as he spilled his seed into the woman underneath him, he ignored her whimpering as he let go of her hands and rolled off and onto the other side of his bed.

“Get out.” Aerys said sharply once he caught his breath.

The woman next to him flinched and moved as quickly as she could to get out of the bed and put on her discarded clothes. Aerys watched coldly as he saw the scratches, bruises, and bites that he had left behind on her pale skin in his rush to reach his peek, disappear as she covered herself.

All the while, the woman said nothing, not even looking back once she was done, almost running to the door, and closing it behind her.

Aerys let out a sigh once he was alone and started thinking about how this encounter came to be. The woman was one of the kitchen servants responsible for bringing food to his room when requested, she was not even one of his mistresses, but he could not wait long enough to summon one of them and needed something to take his anger out on in that moment.

When she entered his room, Aerys stared at her for a few seconds before telling her to remove her clothes and get on his bed. The maid flinched, but did as she was told, saying nothing as she took off her clothes, not even when he took her as roughly as he did.

After all who was a lowly servant, a worthless peasant, to deny their King?

The only reason Aerys slept with her was because of her passing resemblance to Joanna Lannister, he wanted to imagine that it was his friend’s wife that he was fucking, but everything about the servant girl was all wrong.

Her hair was dirty blonde instead of the golden yellow sun that shined upon Joanna’s head, her eyes were a disgusting mud brown instead of lush green, her nose slightly larger than Joanna’s dainty one, and her skin pale as milk, lacking the healthy tan color that all those from the West possessed. Most egregiously, the servant was not curvy, shaped like a willowy tree branch, not having the voluptuous figure that Joanna was known for.

The second Aerys heard that Joanna had given birth to twins, all he felt was hatred towards his oldest friend, envious of Tywin for having what he had always wanted.

It should have been me that gave Joanna those golden twins, not Tywin! Aerys screamed in his mind.

Aerys was not sure if he loved the woman, but he knew he desired her. Contrary to the few rumors that circulated around court, Aerys was never able to get Joanna to be his; he was a prince at the time, the heir apparent, and yet Joanna rebuffed his advances each time.

“I will only give my maidenhead to my lord husband, Your Grace. And even then, I will only sleep with him, I refuse to be anyone’s mistress, not even yours.” Joanna told him shortly before the one-year anniversary of his father, Jaehaerys II’s, ascension to the Iron Throne, after he had accosted her again about becoming his mistress, and not just any mistress but his main and head mistress.

Aerys had always thought that it would only be a matter of time, that he would surely wear her down and Joanna would give in and be his, but then Tywin announced that he and Joanna were betrothed, that they would soon marry. He does not remember the entirety of the wedding, but does Aerys remember getting drunk and not so jokingly lamenting that the tradition of the first night was banned.

He had become King the previous year and if it were not for Alysanne Targaryen over a century prior getting the right of first night banned, Aerys would have been able to have Joanna, would have been able to taste and enjoy her before giving Tywin whatever remained.

It was these dark thoughts that led him to take ‘liberties’ during the bedding ritual when he and the other men were disrobing the bride.

Aerys ran his hands along the curves of Joanna’s body, groping and pulling at the flesh he could never again touch, he ignored how the other lords looked at him, how Joanna looked at him as he did so, he was the King, and he could do whatever he wanted.

All except take the woman I have always wanted for myself...

The next day, Aerys saw the glare that Tywin had given him, and Aerys assumed that Joanna or one of the other lords had told him about what had occurred during the bedding.

Aerys returned the glare, but Tywin did nothing more than this, he did not say or do anything, going on about his business as Hand. It was absolutely maddening, he was the King, a man of Old Valyria, a descendant of dragonriders and yet here he was, jealous over Tywin Lannister.

Tywin who was seen as the more capable and respected leader, Tywin who had married a woman of his choosing instead of having one forced upon him by others, Tywin who had two healthy children instead of experiencing multiple miscarriages after the birth of only one child. Tywin, whose children were undoubtedly healthy and beautiful, who would not be looked down upon like his own daughter would be.

He never thought that when he made Tywin his Hand that he would have to live in the man’s shadow, he never thought that Tywin would be better than him.

“No more! I refuse to be Tywin's puppet King! I will show him who is truly the better man!” Aerys growled, thinking of all the ways to tear down the proud lion from his throne.