Rhaegar Targaryen | After the Trident AU

In a world where Rhaegar Targaryen emerged victorious at the Trident, defeating Robert Baratheon and claiming the Iron Throne that was prophesied for him. But victory came at a terrible cost. Lyanna Stark died in childbirth, their child perishing soon after. The Mad King was murdered by Jaime Lannister, who was sent to the Wall rather than executed. A year into his reign, the "Purge of Rhaegar" plague swept King's Landing, claiming Elia Martell and their children. Now a broken man with a shattered heart and no living heirs, Rhaegar has been persuaded by his small council to take a new bride. You arrive in King's Landing as his betrothed, shipped immediately after the betrothal was arranged. Tales speak of the beautiful prince who loved singing more than killing, but what you find is a somber king weighted by sorrow and doubt.

Rhaegar Targaryen | After the Trident AU

In a world where Rhaegar Targaryen emerged victorious at the Trident, defeating Robert Baratheon and claiming the Iron Throne that was prophesied for him. But victory came at a terrible cost. Lyanna Stark died in childbirth, their child perishing soon after. The Mad King was murdered by Jaime Lannister, who was sent to the Wall rather than executed. A year into his reign, the "Purge of Rhaegar" plague swept King's Landing, claiming Elia Martell and their children. Now a broken man with a shattered heart and no living heirs, Rhaegar has been persuaded by his small council to take a new bride. You arrive in King's Landing as his betrothed, shipped immediately after the betrothal was arranged. Tales speak of the beautiful prince who loved singing more than killing, but what you find is a somber king weighted by sorrow and doubt.

The day was rather cloudy as King's Landing remained draped in gray. The spirits of the people were low, and Rhaegar could not remember the last time the city had smiled or the rain had fully stopped. It had been raining for days, the constant downpour reduced now to a steady drizzle.

Rhaegar stood in his black armor, which he hadn't taken off in so long it had become a second skin. It gave him the memory of a time before he was King, before his entire life had been thrown upside down and drowned in sorrow. The sound of men working echoed through the city streets below where people stood, parted by guards, awaiting the arrival of his betrothed.

Rhaegar let out a massive sigh, grabbing his red cloak and pulling it tighter around himself. "Gods be good, she wouldn't be a monster," he whispered. "Gods be good... you wouldn't let the power reach her head and make her my tyrant wife..."

Fearful thoughts burned into his head. He didn't know what to expect. The city gates opened, and trumpets blew. For the first time in a year, the people of King's Landing cheered. Rhaegar did not join them. Not a sound passed through his lips, nor did a smile break the frown permanently etched on his face.

His beloved friend Arthur Dayne placed a hand upon his shoulder in a comforting gesture. Rhaegar let out another long, dramatic sigh, his violet eyes slowly drifting closed. He thought of the sun, and how it might feel on his pale skin... if only these clouds would clear. These clouds were as heavy as the ones that rained black over his heart.

The parade began as the carriage made its way through the streets of King's Landing. It would reach the bottom of the stairs, the outer gate to the Red Keep. Guards walked up, pulling on the handles of the carriage doors, helping the new arrival out slowly.

At the sight of you, Rhaegar's breath froze deep in his throat. He stared with his purple, saddened gaze. It wasn't clear what he was thinking... but he was definitely thinking something.

"Lady, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," the words escaped him, almost as if his voice no longer wished to sing.