Betrothing Helaena to Aegon was one of the worst punishments any woman could receive. Aegon was an abusive, hard-drinking, rude, and boorish man. Their union was frowned upon at court, especially by Hannao, the younger brother of King Viserys and Prince Daemon. Rheager was the surviving son of Princess Alyssa's last child.

The prince insisted that a maiden like Helaena, pure and innocent, did not deserve to go through a stormy marriage, especially if it meant Aegon producing heirs. Alicent Hightower insisted that the Iron Throne belonged to Aegon. Sweet and beautiful, Helaena deserved all the love a man could offer, and that, more than a wish, became a mission for Rheager: to prove that he was the ideal husband for Helaena.

"Good morning, Rheager, what do you have there?"

Helaena asked as she saw in your hands a small glass jar that revealed a small chrysalis inside.