Twin Flames: The Queen Who Never Was
Chapter I – The Red Queen of Driftmark
POV: Aenarion
Driftmark smelled of salt and legacy.
High Tide stood proud against the sea, banners of House Velaryon snapping in the wind. Beside me, Daenerys was quiet — composed in a way only I could recognize as anticipation.
We had come to meet the woman history had nearly crowned.
Rhaenys Targaryen — the Queen Who Never Was.
She received us in a solar overlooking the Narrow Sea. Silver hair streaked with age, violet eyes sharp as drawn steel. Power did not cling to her like flame.
It coiled like a patient dragon.
"So," she began smoothly, "the ghosts of Old Valyria walk again."
"Not ghosts," Daenerys replied gently. "Survivors."
Rhaenys studied us with unnerving precision. Not in awe. Not in fear.
In assessment.
"You woke too early," she said to us.
It was not a question.
I inclined my head. "Yes."
Her lips curved faintly. "Then you are either a blessing… or a warning."
Outside, Meleys screamed across the sky, answering something only dragons could hear.
Rhaenys' gaze sharpened.
"They remember you."
"They remember fire," I corrected softly.
"And which will you bring to my family?" she asked.
Daenerys stepped beside me, fingers brushing mine — unseen beneath silk sleeves.
"Whichever keeps it alive."
Rhaenys did not smile.
But for the first time, she nodded.
Chapter II – Words Sharper Than Swords
POV: Daenerys
Rhaenys dismissed the attendants.
Only the four of us remained — Aenarion, myself, Rhaenys, and the sound of the sea.
"You love him," she said plainly.
Not accusing.
Not scandalized.
Observing.
I did not bother denying it.
"Yes."
"And he you?"
"He does."
Her gaze flicked to Aenarion, measuring the truth in his stillness.
Rhaenys exhaled slowly.
"Do you know why I was never queen?"
"Because men feared a woman on the throne," I answered.
She shook her head slightly.
"No. Because men feared change."
Silence lingered.
"If you two are what the prophecy claims," she continued, "you represent change greater than any crown."
She stepped closer, voice lowering.
"Be careful. The realm will tolerate dragons. It will not tolerate gods."
I felt Aenarion's quiet amusement brush my thoughts.
We are neither, he murmured privately.
We are something worse, I replied.
Rhaenys' eyes softened — just slightly.
"Come to King's Landing," she said at last. "Let the court see you. Better to face their fear openly than let it fester in shadow."
Chapter III – The Road to King's Landing
POV: Aenarion
We did not fly.
That was deliberate.
If we arrived wreathed in fire, the city would tremble before hearing a single word.
Instead, we sailed with the Velaryon fleet toward King's Landing.
Daenerys stood at the prow, sea wind tangling her hair.
"Salt doesn't weaken us," she said softly, half amused.
"No," I agreed. "But it unsettles them that it does not."
Below deck, whispers already spread.
Ancient Targaryens.
Fire made flesh.
Rhaenys joined us as the Red Keep came into view — crimson against gray sky.
"You will be watched," she warned.
"I expect nothing less," I replied.
Her gaze lingered on our joined hands.
"Then do not hide."
Daenerys squeezed my fingers.
"We never have."
Chapter IV – The Red Keep
POV: Rhaenys Targaryen
The court fell silent when they entered the throne room.
Viserys I Targaryen sat the Iron Throne, fragile but resolute.
Rhaenyra stood at his side.
Daemon leaned against a pillar, eyes sharp with interest.
The twins did not bow deeply.
They inclined their heads — respectful, not submissive.
A calculated choice.
The room felt warmer simply by their presence.
Viserys cleared his throat. "You honor us by coming."
Aenarion's expression was calm. "We honor blood, Your Grace."
Daenerys' gaze moved across the court — Greens, Blacks, lords weighing advantage.
Rhaenys watched carefully.
Fear flickered in some faces.
Curiosity in others.
But no one could deny it.
The dragons in the Dragonpit were roaring again.
Answering something older than the throne they faced.
Chapter V – The Queen Who Almost Was
POV: Daenerys
Later, Rhaenys found me alone in the gardens of the Red Keep.
The scent of roses could not quite mask the tension coiling through the city.
"You love him without doubt," she observed quietly.
"Yes."
"Then understand this."
She turned to face me fully.
"Love is strength. But in this city, it is also vulnerability."
In another life, I would have dismissed that.
Now, I listened.
"They will try to use it," she continued. "Divide you. Provoke him through you. Or you through him."
"They will fail," I said calmly.
Rhaenys studied my face — and for a moment, I saw the younger woman she once was. The queen she might have been.
"Good," she murmured.
Footsteps approached. Aenarion.
He did not interrupt.
He simply stood beside me.
Rhaenys' lips curved faintly.
"Very well, Twin Flames," she said. "Let King's Landing look upon you."
In the distance, the bells of the city rang.
The court would begin its games soon.
But this time, the board held two pieces no one understood.
And even the Queen Who Never Was
Watched them with cautious hope.