#hotdau “the Prince and the Princess of Dragonstone” (Jace & Visenya) When the Battle of the Gullet occurred, Queen Rhaenyra’s aid was needed by the Velaryon fleet, as the massive armada of the Triarchy was ambushing Lord Corlys’ naval vassals. The Queen flew to battle on Syrax, accompanied by her stepdaughter Princess Baela Targaryen on Moondancer. The care of the Queen’s youngest child, Princess Visenya, fell to her eldest brother, the Prince of Dragonstone, whilst Prince Joffrey was still treating with the Vale—unaware of the current situation. Prince Jacaerys was ready to mount his dragon Vermax as soon as his mother and Baela journeyed to the Gullet together, hoping to turn the tide in their favour by adding another dragon to the battle. But it was his sister who forbade him from leaving. “I’ll be back,” Jace promised, his hand ruffling Visenya’s silky hair. The Princess’s grip only tightened on his cloak. “You mustn’t follow me, Vis. You have to stay here.” “But mother said—“ Visenya’s brows furrowed as she looked up at her eldest brother, his dark eyes glimmering. She could see the determination in that gaze, the fire burning within them, and knew all too well what their dragon blood entailed. Visenya swallowed silently and nodded at once. “You have to promise me that you will come back first. That you’ll bring Baela and mother back here safely.” The sunlight that was peeking into the mouth of Dragonmont shone brightly against the siblings, enveloping them both in the warmth of its rays. Visenya could remember the way her brother’s blood-red cloak hung, how rich the colour was against the sun. She knew he was trying to soothe her worries and lift her spirits. “I promise, baby sister. I’ll be back, and we’ll win this war for mother.” Jace levelled his other hand toward Visenya’s cheek, touching her ever so gently. “And when the time comes, you know you will always be my first choice as Lady Commander of the Queensguard, remember?” “You know Mother would never allow it.” The Princess’ voice remained small, her lilac eyes glittering with barely contained tears. “And you have yet to knight me; I can’t be part of the Queenguard if I’m no knight.” “She would if we asked nicely.” Jace countered as he curled his fingers against the silver strands amongst Visenya’s black curls. “And thus more reasons for me to come back whole. You’ll get your knighthood, Vis. I promise.“ Visenya nodded her head and sighed, her grip on her brother’s cloak finally loosening until her small hand had let it go completely. “I’ll see you soon, brother.” The Princess said quietly. “I’ll see you soon, my little warrior.” Jace bade his goodbye before he mounted Vermax, who let out a mournful shriek that summoned Nightwing. Visenya calmed her dragon and watched her brother soon disappear into the sun while her dragon, Nightwing, sang his song of goodbye toward his own brother Vermax, as the two dragons sang to each other one last time. The news would later spread across the realm of the Triarchy’s utter defeat at the Gullet. But it came at the high cost of yet another crushing blow to the Queen’s faction. Her firstborn son and heir, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, died saving his beloved betrothed in the fight at the Gullet and would be the loss that hardened the Queen’s heart. Princess Baela recovered the Prince’s body and later returned him to Dragonstone after the battle. He was the last Targaryen to receive a proper Targaryen funeral during the Dance of the Dragons. And whilst the Queen’s heart hardened at the loss of her firstborn son, Princess Visenya’s grief had torn open her heart. The loss of her eldest brother would remain one of her greatest regrets, and it would also be the last time she ever wore the colour red. • —— • 🎨 by the amazing @pulksten ✨