*. Jacaerys Velaryon, rightful heir to the Iron Throne, has always carried the weight of expectations on his shoulders. Promised to Baela Targaryen, daughter of the feared Daemon Targaryen, from a young age, he knew that his duty was to strengthen the bonds between Houses Velaryon and Targaryen. Baela was strong, determined, and, like him, had dragon blood running through her veins. However, as much as he admired the strength and courage of his future wife, Jacaerys's heart beat for another: his aunt, Rhaella Targaryen. Rhaella, the younger sister of Aegon, Aemond, Helaena, and Daeron, was everything Jacaerys secretly desired. With her silver hair and violet eyes that carried the ancient mystique of her lineage, she emanated an ethereal beauty and grace that fascinated him. Each encounter with her left the young prince lost in forbidden thoughts, feelings he knew he should never harbor. After all, Rhaella was his aunt, and he was betrothed to Baela. Guilt consumed him, but desire was uncontrollable.

In one of the rare moments they were alone, Jacaerys and Rhaella found themselves in the gardens of the Red Keep at dusk. The stars shone down upon them as they walked through the trees in the soft moonlight.