Chapter Text
It was a not-so-open secret that Targaryens could all carry children. The Faith of the Seven weren't fans of it, of course, but Targaryens were the blood of the dragon, and dragons don't care for the human concept of gender. The only thing that mattered to a dragon was blood, and fire.
That's what Viserys reminded himself of as he stood before the court and announced the betrothal. Rhaenyra had suggested Helaena, but that would not solve the issue of succession.
"My son, Prince Aegon of House Targaryen, shall be wed to the eldest child of my heir, Prince Jacaerys of House Velaryon."
The room filled with gasps and whispers. Both his daughter and wife had stared at him in shock, eyes wide as their mouths fell open. Rhaenyra recovered herself quickest, turning to her husband, but it was Alicent who spoke up.
"Your grace, you cannot be serious?!" Alicent shrieked, hands wringing in front of her.
"I am," Viserys smiled at her, nodding his head softly, "Our son will be an excellent king consort, and help to carry on the traditions and customs of House Targaryen."
Rhaenyra cleared her throat. Viserys turned his head to his daughter. She smiled at him, tightly, bowing her head, "Ser Laenor and I are overjoyed at your decision, your grace." Viserys grinned.
That settled that. There was nothing that could disrupt the unity of his family now. All would be well.
"You expect me to stand by and let you turn our son into a broodmare for Rhaenyra's bastard?!" Alicent lost it the moment they were alone. Eyes alight with fire. She screamed at him well in to the night, "The High Septon will never accept it! They'll have only more bastards!"
Viserys forgave her the rage, but not the words. "Would you say the same of Daemon's daughter?!" He snapped at her. "The Ladies Baela? And Rhaena? Did you not think it odd that sisters could be born six months apart hmm? Did you think the High Septon was unaware of this, when he proclaimed their births nine years ago?"
At this, her eyes fluttered. Her chest rose with heavy breaths, head shaking. "I had not... realized."
"Daemon carried one, the Lady Laena the other. I do not know which," Viserys gestured out, smiling softly, "I imagine Rhaenys has sworn the few on Driftmark who do know to silence."
"But how... I know that the Targaryen men can... but Laena is still a woman, surely she could not-"
"Dragons do not care for our obsession with the physical sex of a body," Viserys waved a hand as he settled heavily in his chair, "Now, let this matter rest, wife, Aegon will marry Jacaerys. He will bear him children, or Jacaerys will bear his." Viserys threw his hands up, laughing, "They can decide that amongst themselves I think, when they are older."