NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Bond of Blood
Chapter 5: The Bond of Blood
Date: May 15, 103 AC
Location: Red Keep, King's Landing
Age: 2 years and 4 months
The warm spring sun streamed through the stained glass windows of the Red Keep's royal solar. King Viserys I Targaryen stood by a gilded table, his youngest child, Baelon, perched on his arm. The boy's silver-white hair shimmered like molten moonlight, and his violet eyes sparkled with curiosity. Today was a significant day for the young prince, for his father was introducing him to someone important—his elder sister, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
"Come, my son," Viserys said gently, motioning toward the open doors. "It is time you meet your sister."
Baelon tilted his head, the faintest hint of a smile gracing his lips. Though only two years old, his intellect far surpassed his age, and he understood the importance of family bonds. A part of him felt an inexplicable relief at the thought of having a sibling, a connection that resonated deeply within his soul.
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Meeting the Realm's Delight
Rhaenyra was seated on a cushioned bench in the gardens, a book resting on her lap. At six years old, she was already a striking figure, with her Targaryen features shining brightly. She glanced up as her father approached, her expression shifting from curiosity to surprise as she saw the small boy in his arms.
"Rhaenyra," Viserys said warmly, "this is your brother, Baelon."
Baelon studied her intently, his gaze calm and discerning. "Sister," he said softly, his voice carrying a surprising gravity for a child his age.
Rhaenyra's surprise gave way to delight. She set her book aside and slid off the bench, approaching cautiously. "So, you are the one everyone talks about," she said with a teasing smile. "The perfect little prince."
Baelon blinked, momentarily unsure how to respond to the playful remark. Then, to everyone's surprise, he chuckled—a sound so light and pure that it drew an even brighter smile from Rhaenyra.
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Building the Bond
The two siblings spent the rest of the afternoon together, walking through the gardens under the watchful eyes of their father and caretakers. Baelon, despite his reserved nature, found himself drawn to Rhaenyra's vibrant personality. She, in turn, was fascinated by her younger brother's intelligence and poise.
"Do you like dragons?" Rhaenyra asked, crouching down to his level.
Baelon's eyes lit up. "I want to ride one someday."
Rhaenyra grinned. "Then you must come to the Dragonpit with me. I will show you Syrax."
Baelon nodded solemnly, his small hand reaching out to grasp hers. "I would like that, sister."
From that day onward, a bond began to grow between them—a bond of blood and shared destiny.
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Reflections of the Past
Later that evening, as Baelon lay in his bed, he reflected on the events of the day. The presence of Rhaenyra stirred a long-buried memory from his past life. He had no siblings as Harry Potter, only friends who became family. Yet here, in this new life, he had been given a sister, and the thought filled him with a quiet sense of gratitude.
"A family," he murmured to himself, his small hand clutching the pendant he wore—a dragon forged of Valyrian steel. "Perhaps this world is not so different after all."
As he drifted into sleep, Baelon dreamed of dragons soaring through the skies, their roars echoing like thunder. And amidst them all, he saw himself and Rhaenyra, side by side, their destinies intertwined.
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A Father's Pride
Viserys watched the exchange between his children with pride. Baelon, though young, had already begun to bring a quiet strength to their family, and Rhaenyra seemed happier than she had been in months.
Turning to Ser Otto Hightower, his Hand of the King, Viserys said, "They will be great together, Otto. Mark my words. Together, they will lead House Targaryen into a bright future."
Otto, ever the pragmatist, merely inclined his head, though a glint of calculation shone in his eyes. "Let us hope so, Your Grace."
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