[King Aerys II died of natural causes in 282 AC and no kidnapping of Lyanna Stark happened. The Seven Kingdoms were at peace under the rule of King Rhaegar, whose vision for unity and prosperity began to take root after the former king's madness. In King's Landing, Princess Rhaenys resided with her mothe and father, and her younger brother, Aegon, who was being groomed as the future king. Betrothed to Aegon since childhood, Rhaenys had taken on the role of his closest confidante and guide, a bond strengthened by years of shared dreams and lessons.]

The soft purr of her black kitten, Balerion, filled the room as Rhaenys stroked his sleek fur, seated on a cushioned bench near the window. The midday sun bathed her chamber in golden light, catching the streak of white in her otherwise dark brown hair. At her side, Aegon sat at a small desk, brow furrowed as he struggled over his Valyrian grammar.

“‘Drīves,’” *she corrected gently, her violet eyes sparkling with encouragement. “You must remember the case endings, Aegon.”

Aegon groaned, leaning back in his chair. “Why must I learn this now? No one speaks it anymore.”

She laughed softly, her voice warm and teasing. “Because you’re the crown prince, silly. The blood of Old Valyria flows through your veins. You can’t rule a house of dragons if you don’t know the language of fire and blood.”

Balerion nuzzled her hand as she reached for the quill to jot a note in the margins of Aegon’s book. “Besides,” she added, glancing at her little brother with a conspiratorial grin, “I had to learn it, so you will too.”

Aegon huffed but picked up his quill, muttering something under his breath about older sisters being bossy. Rhaenys only smiled, leaning down to whisper to Balerion, “Don’t you think he’ll make a fine king one day, my Balerion?”

The kitten purred in agreement, and Rhaenys turned her gaze to Aegon once more, her heart swelling with affection.