Red Keep ― Upper battlements…

"Mazēdan drōmon Ābrāzmā Baelā vumbiarzȳ. (Take the egg to Lady Baela's room.)" Jaehaerys gave instructions in High Valyrian. "Dijemiot hannēliks lōtūljās rūssyt. (And see to it that it's placed in the warming chamber for the baby.)"

"Sīrgō, dārilaros ñuhys. (At once, my prince.)" The Dragonkeepers obeyed and left, carrying the brazier to the prince's room.

Because his cousin-wife Baela was due to give birth at any moment, Jaehaerys personally took it upon himself to retrieve a dragon egg from the Dragonpit for their unborn child. Following the tradition of House Targaryen, he chose a platinum white egg adorned with bright golden swirls to be placed beside his soon-to-arrive child's cradle. As rumors circulated among the nobles at court, speculation ran rife on the gender of the impending progeny. Some confidently predicted the birth of a son to propagate the royal line, while others pondered the possibility that a daughter might be on the way. Before the Dance, neither Jaehaerys nor Baela had attached much importance to the gender of their firstborn child.

But that was then.

Now…

Jaehaerys looked tired. The emotional toll of loss weighed heavily on him, leaving him physically drained, mentally burdened, and emotionally burned out. The deaths of his brothers Daeron and Viserys and his cousin Lucerys haunted him; why they were gone, yet he was still here, breathing. Every decision weighed heavily on him as he started second-guessing himself. Despite his grief, he couldn't shake the deep sense of guilt and responsibility for not being able to protect those he cared about. Jaehaerys believed he could have done more for Daeron, Viserys, and Lucerys. He oversaw the whole operation to subdue the other Caltrop-aligned regions and bring them back to the fold. He made the call. And now, he lost a cousin and another brother. Now, left to grapple with his thoughts in solitude, Jaehaerys found himself isolated and lost in contemplation.

"The last time I saw a Targaryen prince this depressed was the day after Queen Aemma's funeral."

Jaehaerys quickly looked over his shoulder and spotted Rhaenys Targaryen and Corlys Velaryon making their way in. The Sea Snake, now walking without a cane, gently guided his wife in her wheelchair. Rhaenys had already awoken from her coma since the Battle of Rook's Rest, and even though she no longer had Meleys by her side and would never walk again, she continued to offer counsel and guidance to those who sought her wisdom. Rhaenys' sharp mind had not wavered. "Princess Rhaenys. Lord Corlys," he acknowledged their presence.

"Brooding was never your forte, Prince Jaehaerys," Corlys commented. "It's almost unbecoming."

Is that supposed to make me feel better, Lord Corlys? "There's nothing you could say or do that I haven't done to myself…"

"That's enough of that now. You are too hard on yourself, lad. There was nothing you could have done for either of them."

"Instead of dwelling on what may or might not have been," Rhaenys advised, "look inside yourself and ask whether or not the sacrifices made along the path you've chosen to walk were necessary to protect those beyond your understanding."

"Princess," Jaehaerys spoke, "Viserys, Daeron, Luke… they were my responsibility. I was in command when we chose to act without my father's approval. I made the call." He sighed, shaking his head. "How can I call myself heir to the Iron Throne if I can't even protect my own family?"

"You've done more than most beyond your years. Accept your failings, Jaehaerys; failure can be harsh, yet it can serve as a valuable lesson for growth and self-improvement – but do not let it govern your life. The more you keep your emotions bottled up inside, the more you'll only end up hurting yourself and pushing others away. It's okay not always to have everything figured out, to make mistakes, and to ask for help when needed. Remember that growth and learning come from facing challenges and setbacks."

"How? I was hoping there would be another way without the need for more violence and bloodshed. But when I killed Hugh Hammer and Ulf White, after what they did to Viserys and Luke… I… I enjoyed it. I wanted to make them pay. I… wanted them both to suffer. And by doing so, I gave in to my worst impulses. Don't you see? I felt myself slipping. Justice and vengeance are too easily intertwined. Where does justice end and revenge begin? How much more will it take before we can't tell one apart from the other? The thought of it, what I've done… it shames me."

"Jaehaerys, listen to me," Rhaenys spoke gently but firmly. "What you say may be but one of many reasons for the original cause of the war. Or was it when a child no younger than four was beheaded after being ripped from his mother's arms? Or when Aemond killed Daeron… or when Luke took Aemond's eye? When wronged, younger men will wish to punish, to avenge. Soon, they will not even remember what began the war in the first place. We've long since teetered to the point where none of it matters. When the desire to kill and burn takes hold, then reasoning is forgotten. There is no war so hateful to the gods as a war between kin and no war so bloody as a war between dragons. Every reprisal is itself an act of aggression, and every act of aggression triggers immediate reprisal. This urge for revenge and justice intertwines, and the lines get blurry the more we feed our anger before we lose more than what we have gained. It's a cycle, you see, one which will threaten to swallow us whole until it's too late. You're a smart boy, Jaehaerys. If we forget the lessons of the past, then we are destined to repeat them, as most men have forgotten since Maegor the Cruel."

"Your father," Corlys interjected, "when he was younger than you are now, was much worse when Queen Aemma passed twenty years ago. The lesson he did not learn was to not hold on to past grudges and allow deep wounds to heal. It consumed most of his life until your brother died. If you continue down this path, one way or another, you'll meet the same fate as him."

Jaehaerys paid close attention to Corlys' and Rhaenys' words. Gradually, he pondered his actions during the Second Battle at Tumbleton and the anxiety of one day being compared to his father, King Aeonar, who was increasingly being known as 'Aeonar the Deceiver.' The thought of succumbing to Targaryen madness was terrifying, and even more dreadful was the realization that the potential existed, regardless of whether a Targaryen was born from pure Valyrian blood or by intermarriage. "I'm not my father," he shook his head.

"Not yet, no, but the potential is there for greatness or madness. It has been since our two houses fled Valyria. House Velaryon might not have been one of the dragonlords, but we knew the price to be paid. His Grace did as well. In a way, you remind me of him when he was younger."

"What do you mean?"

"When I was Master of Ships during your grandfather's reign, Aeonar was, at the time, the youngest member of the small council. He was the Master of Whisperers and the court's Lord Confessor, tasked with gathering intelligence reports and making the crown's spy network into what it is since Queen Tyanna of the Tower established the office. We never took him seriously at first, mostly because we thought he was inexperienced, but he was the crown prince. He soon proved us wrong with how efficient he was at his work. Your father had grand plans and was very ambitious for his age. He and the king didn't always agree on methods or how to properly lay the foundations for such plans. However, one day, before his sixteenth nameday, he confided in me that he feared House Targaryen would one day lose its edge and took great pains trying to preserve it."

"Why was he afraid?"

"The realm had known only 60 years of relative peace and stability under King Jaehaerys's reign. None of us had ever known war or real hardship. His Grace believed many in and outside the court believed House Targaryen had grown soft and complacent. It wasn't until a year later that the Triarchy made its move into the Stepstones that your father laid his plans in motion. However, when the tournament was held in preparation for the arrival of what we believed to be another son, your father… he… gave up. He stopped trying."

"Your grandmother, Queen Aemma Arryn, died on the birthing bed. Your father, Rhaenyra, and Viserys all loved her dearly," Rhaenys explained. "When she died, it was as if a part of your father had died that day, too. For twenty years, His Grace never forgave your grandfather. He was cold and ruthless, and his methods grew more calculating as the years progressed… even with your mother trying to reconcile father and son for the family's sake. It was a deep wound that His Grace refused to let heal. By the time your father was finally able to forgive, it was already too late. The damage had been done."

I remember now. The sudden change in behavior, before grandfather's… the last supper.

Jaehaerys pondered over the detailed account given by Rhaenys and Corlys about his father's past, a part of his life that Jaehaerys himself had not been told. Was it possible that Aeonar's actions were not solely a result of his own choices but rather a culmination of events and influences that had shaped him over the years? He grasped the sensitivity surrounding his grandmother, Queen Aemma Arryn, a topic Aeonar was unwilling to discuss. Delving into Aeonar's past would've opened old wounds and caused more harm than good. So, out of respect for his father's privacy, Jaehaerys consciously decided to let the past remain buried and leave the matter alone. He began to see a different side of his father that he had never known. He saw a man who had been haunted by his past, tormented by his own demons, and driven to madness in a harsh, cruel, and unforgiving world. However, as Jaehaerys continued listening to Corlys recounting his personal history with Aeonar before his ascension to the Iron Throne and before his descent into madness, he couldn't help but wonder if there was still even a trace of the man he once knew as a child hidden beneath that dark, authoritarian, and ruthless persona to ascertain if there was perhaps a way to redeem him. He knew it would be a delicate and challenging task, but he had to try for his mother's sake. Father, I think I now understand you a bit more and what made you into the man you've become. "My lord, princess… Could you tell me more about my grandmother? What was she like?"

From start to finish, both Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen took the time to explain the history of his paternal grandmother to Jaehaerys meticulously: what Aemma was like, how she was as queen and a mother, the alliances she's made as Viserys's consort, the personal struggles she faced. As they spoke, Jaehaerys listened intently, his mind racing with new insights and perspectives to better understand the side of his father, which he initially didn't know about. For years, Jaehaerys had struggled to understand Aeonar's actions and motivations, often feeling distant and disconnected from him. But as he absorbed the wealth of information about his grandmother, he began to see his father in a new light. He realized there was much more to his father than he had previously understood. He began to see him not just as a king but as a flawed and complex man with his own fears, struggles, and hardships who couldn't get past them.

Red Keep ― Throne room…

Jaehaerys had learned much from Corlys and Rhaenys and had ample time to contemplate their advice. He understood that mistakes were inevitable, and a leader must be willing to make difficult choices and sacrifices – such as the decision to use a doppelganger to stand in for Ser Simon Strong at Harrenhal, allowing the imposter to be killed by Aemond while safeguarding the real Ser Simon safe at court. Most importantly, Jaehaerys had come to terms with forgiving himself. Although the deaths of his brothers and cousin were undeniably tragic, he understood that he was not to blame and chose not to dwell on the past. Viserys, Daeron, and Lucerys willingly offered their help, but they died while protecting one another.

Glancing up at one of the statue pillars, Jaehaerys' eyes fixed on the one with the likeness of his late grandfather, King Viserys I. Despite the weight of his responsibilities, he kept a serene and composed demeanor, reminiscing about his cherished memories with his grandfather. Delving into the intricate history between King Viserys and Aeonar, Jaehaerys devised numerous strategies to redeem his father. Understanding the underlying reasons behind Aeonar's actions, Jaehaerys' once faint glimmer of hope that the man who had once been his father would eventually resurface was renewed.

Grandfather, to think that what happened between you and father all those years ago stemmed from a difficult choice about grandmother… I can't even imagine the conflict you must've been going through back then. You didn't want to do it, but a choice had to be made. And father, to hold such resentment, hatred, and cast blame towards the man who loved you unconditionally, knowing that things are beyond our control. We all make mistakes. It's what makes us human. But suppose we continue to let old wounds fester in our hearts without addressing them, refusing to let them heal. In that case, we risk losing ourselves―and becoming what we are not. Now that I know what made you the man you are, I will try once more to make you see reason. Mother believed there was good in you, but it's breaking her heart to see you like this.

"You look much calmer than you were before. More… at peace with yourself."

Jaehaerys's attention was caught as his ears picked up on a familiar yet feminine with a foreign accent. He turned to see Mysaria making her way into the throne room. The fact that she had managed to slip past the household guards and enter the Red Keep without detection mystified him, but her presence was no coincidence. It was clear to Jaehaerys that Mysaria had a purpose for being there. "I'll not ask how you got in undetected, Mysaria, but you normally wouldn't be this bold unless you had a reason for it," he said.

"Would you have believed otherwise?" Mysaria countered.

"No. That would be hypocrisy. A complete contradiction."

"You think you know me, Silver Dragon, but I know you better than you know yourself. I have been watching you for quite some time now. The common folk still care for their prince, but they live in fear of your father, the king. Countless women and children are too terrified even to set foot outside. But recently, there has been a sudden appearance of an old man on the streets, spreading madness and hysteria, preying on the vulnerable minds. The less fortunate need a haven for what's to come, a champion to advocate on their behalf."

Jaehaerys paid close attention to Mysaria's words, sensing her clear intention to ask something of him. He could see it in her eyes, the way her body leaned towards him ever so slightly as if trying to bridge the gap between them. "You've been in contact with Farrier, haven't you?" he suspected.

Despite her efforts to maintain a composed facade, Mysaria's face showed a hint of surprise when Jaehaerys uncovered the truth. As per the arrangement between the White Worm's spy network and the Blacks, they had agreed to coordinate their efforts against the Caltrops and, if possible, have both sides avoid stepping on each other's toes. However, with King Aeonar's erratic behavior, escalating brutality, and overall descent into madness, Mysaria's undercover agents expressed their apprehensions. The realization that Jaehaerys had quickly figured out how she managed to slip past the household guards and sneak into the Red Keep undetected did catch her off guard to some extent. For a fleeting moment, Mysaria felt concerned for her own safety. Yet, unlike Aeonar, Jaehaerys did not give off a malevolent aura; instead, his presence felt soothing.

"Surprised? You're not the only one who can play the game of thrones, Mysaria," Jaehaerys observed. "And, unlike you and my father, I don't need a spy network to learn people's motives." He maintained his posture, his arms folded behind his back. "So, what is it that you want? What price would you set?"

Mysaria looked at the young prince. "A place at your father's court," she stated.

"Hm. That's a pretty tall order. Given everything that's happened, I thought you would consider leaving Westeros."

"And yet, my agents tell me you've shown mercy to those who surrender. I'm not often surprised. How fortunate those men are to be given a second chance. I doubt the king would have been as forgiving."

"He isn't. He's… more afflicted than any of us had thought possible. My grandmother's death, knowing at the last minute why King Viserys did what he did, and losing two of his sons have driven him to madness. Madness and greatness, Mysaria, are two sides of the same coin. Every time a new Targaryen is born, the gods flip a coin, and the world holds its breath to see how it will land. Many of us have had to carry plenty of emotional baggage; others, I assure you, have learned to mask it well enough to where it can't be seen on the surface. We don't normally see it until it's too late."

"You would still defend the king knowing what he's done wrong?"

"I know he has done terrible things. I'm not blind to that, but he is still my father. Whatever crimes he may or may not have committed in this life, he will answer for them. However, in light of… recent clues, I cannot help but think that maybe there is still another chance for peace without the need for further violence."

"It's not that simple―"

"Nothing ever is, Mysaria. But without making our fair share of mistakes, we can't learn from them if we're to grow. And if we can't learn from them, all that remains is a vicious cycle that repeats itself," Jaehaerys looked her in the eyes. "What would you have done if our roles were reversed?"

Mysaria looked into Jaehaerys's eyes. "It's a moot point until real changes can be made," she admitted her doubts. "But I know the movements of those who still linger. That is worth more than gold to you now. I want to punish those who use and discard innocent people for their own pleasures, as I was once a slave to be used. But more than that, I know the struggles of the smallfolk of King's Landing better than anyone else. They will be ruled either by darkness incarnate or by the bastard pretender. And only one of you dragonlords has shown yourself to be merciful."

"Well, I hope you don't confuse mercy for weakness. Wouldn't you say?" Forgiveness takes time and progress. It doesn't happen overnight and must be earned based on the person.

The negotiations between Jaehaerys Targaryen and Mysaria were intense. Both sides looked to reach a compromise, with Mysaria advocating for the eradication of child labor, exploitation, and prostitution in King's Landing. At the same time, Jaehaerys sought to end the Dance of the Dragons and reunify his fractured family. As the talks continued, both noticed Aegon the Younger and Jacaerys Velaryon unexpectedly entering the throne room. With more people involved, it seemed like the conversation was about to take a different turn. However, before anyone could speak, a servant rushed into the throne room, signaling that more questions would arise.

"My prince!" Dyana panted.

"What is it?" Jaehaerys implored.

"It's Lady Baela! She… She…"

"She's what?"

"She's begun her labors! The baby is coming!"

Chapter End

Author's Note: Well, I figured it was time to bring back Rhaenys and Corlys for a little "one-on-one" with Jaehaerys, who's morale appeared to be rather low. They told him that it was okay to make mistakes and to not be too hard on himself; there was nothing he could've done to protect Viserys or Lucerys. Also, Corlys brought up how similar Jaehaerys and Aeonar were once before Queen Aemma's death, which led to Jaehaerys asking questions about his grandmother. Maybe it gave him some insight on what she was like and what made his father go down the path he's on. Do you guys actually think Aeonar could be redeemed? And what's this? Baela is due to give birth. That means a new Targaryen is going to be born? Care to guess the gender and name? Find out next time.

Dr. Delta 9: This is good stuff, keep going

Dante 101: How many chapters left until the end?

―Not really sure

What is Aenoar going to do next after the God's Eye?

―Can't spoil anything

Will there be more Targaryens surviving after the Dance than in canon?

―Can't spoil anything

How would this AU affect the events of Game of Thrones?

―The Targaryen madness would be detected much earlier instead of waiting for Baelor the Blessed and the Targaryen dragon's decline would still happen, but at a slower rate

Will there be in an a epilogue in the style of Martin's Fire & Blood?

―I'll try, but I can't promise anything

uNknoWn- Unit: My best guess is that Aeonar can definitely redeem himself, not in the eyes of the public, since they've already considered him as "The Deceiver" but he can become the man he once was to his family. Unless Aeonar makes an apology to his people, saying that the damage he has caused can never be repaired but he promises to be better than before, or he'll abdicate his throne to Jaehaerys, there's many outcomes but I'm crossing fingers for a much better ending to House Targaryen and Aeonar's story. It may even come full circle from the beginning of the whole story where Aeonar is the narraator, which would indicate a plausibly optimistic ending.

I could totally see Aeonar going back to his senses in a near-death situation, as him and Vaelor plummets down in the Gods Eye. In that moment, he'll have flashbacks of his past, even seeing his mother, father and two sons before being pulled back up by his dragon who is severely injured but still in shape(I don't want Vaelor to die!)

Questions

Will we get another chapter featuring the return of the Cannibal? It's been a while since he appeared in the story, and his presence is surely terrifying.

―Maybe

How is Alicent doing right now, does she also have faith that Aeonar has a chance of redeeming himself?

―Imagine Alicent isn't doing so well right now given everything that's happened

Does Aemma know how to fight by any chance, like to defend herself if she's ever on her own, because I'm pretty sure that Aegon Waters shitty act clearly acted as a sort of motivation for her to defend herself if ever needed?

How far is Aeonar to Harrenhal right now and Daemon and Caraxes?

―Aeonar and Vaelor are already too far ahead; Daemon and Caraxes are still trying to catch up. Vaelor's simply too fast.

With how organized the blacks are, the riots and the attack on Dragon Pit will be controlled much better than in the books?

―Considering how they caught wind of the Shepherd earlier, those that remain in King's Landing will hurry themselves to prepare before it happens

romanomichael391: I really do like these filler arcs being added, It gives a lot more humanity and realism to the characters, it gives them life. The struggles and hardships that Jae is facing especially in his own mind were nice to see. I truthfully dont believe Aeonar can be redeemed, atleast, not in the eyes of the realm, he has simply done too much to be redeemed in the classical way, but I do think that this story will have a bitter-sweet ending. Aeonar will always be remembered by westeros as 'The Deceiver' a tyrant mad king second only to Maegor the Cruel, but I do believe that Aeonar will realize his mistakes and the horrors that he has committed in the name of his madness, a brief light in the darkness of his clouded mind of madness, which would make Aeonar take the role of a martyr (at least in the eyes of the reader), perhaps acting as a madman trying to kill Jaehaerys in dragon combat with no intentions of ever winning which would lead to his and his dragon's death, truly making history remember him as tyrannical madman so that Jaehaerys can be remembered as a greater king than his father, much like how the Lords of Realm bent the knee to Jaehaerys I because they already witnessed, and felt the horror and cruelty of Maegor.

C.E.W: So Jaehaerys is opening up about his guilt over the deaths of Daeron, Viserys and Lucerys to Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys of all people. Now Jaehaerys has a better understanding of his father, and what set him down the path of madness. Aeonar once the promising heir to the Iron Throne, and now a tyrannical bloodthirsty mad king.

Even if Aeonar can be redeemed, his reign already marked with great... negativity to say the least. Aeonar if come to his senses will feel great shame, failing to keep his promises to his mother, father, great-grandfather. Nearly killing his own son Aegon at the Gullet, and shutting his family out including his own wife Alicent. Aeonar even if he survives the war, might just abdicate in favor of Jaehaerys who'd be far better as a peacetime king than Aeonar could be.

Jaehaerys and Baela's child is coming, if boy or girl, or both. For boy, Daeron named after Jaehaerys' youngest brother who was brave and willing to protect his family no matter the odds and who Baela greatly respected. Laena, named after Baela's mother who rode Vhagar, and who Jaehaerys held great respect for that he even made a model of her for Baela prior the Driftmark succession hearing before the war.

Questions:

Do people of King's Landing still respect Prince Jaehaerys?

―Yes

What value does Simon Strong and his grandsons hold to Jaehaerys?

―Humanitarian and slight political

How far are Cregan Stark and his army from the capital? Is he north or south of Moat Cailin?

―One month; Winterfell is a far away distance from there to King's Landing

What's the status of Helaena's daughter Jaehaera?

―As well as any four year old girl under captivity can be; she's terrified

rogerlopez99: This was a really great chapter, I really love the scene with Jaehaerys talking to both Corlys and Rhaneys, how Jae feels responsible for the death of Luke and Visery but they knew the risk, love that Rhanenys says that failure is part of life and they should learn from there mistake, like that they talk about Queen Aemma and King Viserys how her death broke Aeonar and he burns his bridges with his father, and when he wanted to connected with his father after so many years he died, the guilt and Daeron death broke Aeonar.

The scene with Jae and Mysaria was they both have different goals, Mysaria wants to end child labor, exploitations and prostitutions, while Jae wants to end the Dance of the dragons, and looks like Baela is about to give birth. I think she will give birth to a girl, don't know the name but a girl, reason because since Jae is the heir of the Iron throne him having a daughter would be like (similar to canon where Visery was king and his heir was Rhaenyra)

I don't think Aeonar could be redeemed he is now called the deceiver and his action during the war caused lots of problems hell he almost killed Aegon during that one battle and most of Corlys soldiers, he will be remember was Aeonar the Deceivers
question

1. Just curious how many filler chapters are left before the battle of the gods eyes

―Maybe just one or two more

2. Is Cregan Stark still marching to King Landing, or has he made it

―Not yet - Winterfell is rather far compared to the other northern houses near Moat Caitlin

3. What is the status of Helaena Targaryen and her daughter Jaehaera, and has anyone of the blacks visited her

randomdude24: I'm surprised you got another chapter out so quickly and made it centered around Jay. Haven't seen much of him since Tumbleton and how he feels about everything. Learning about how his father became this man, it gives new perspective on learning from the past.

As history says it, those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it, Jay seems like the only person who can really bring this madness to end. While I would like to see Aeonar come back, I think he's beyond redemption, only way I can see even a chance is some near death experience like Daveth went through or that experience makes him worse who knows with mad Targaryen's.

I am looking forward to the next chapter, love to see what child Jay will have or more.

Questions,

I'm sure history will put blame on numerous people for the dance. But who will ultimately carry most of the blame?

―House Targaryen, regardless of which house instigated what - they're the only ones with dragons

What will history say about the Caltrops and their supporters? The entire premise is that Viserys named Aegon his heir, but his claim is weak at best, he's a bastard with no real qualities of a king, on top of being criminal.

―A rogue group of power-hungry madmen hell-bent on getting close to the Iron Throne

Probably should've asked this a while back, but who did you base Jay off of?

―Henry II with an ever so slight bit of Edward III mixed in