The Queen Who Never Was: Princess Rhaenys Targaryen
A Targaryen Princess
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen was the youngest sister of King Aegon I Targaryen, the first Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. Her father, Prince Aemon Targaryen, was the eldest son of King Aegon the Conqueror and Queen Visenya Targaryen. Her mother, Lady Jocelyn Baratheon, was the eldest daughter of Lord Orys Baratheon, the Hand of the King.
An Uncrowned Queen
Rhaenys was considered a potential heir to the Iron Throne, as her elder brother Aegon had no male heirs. However, the tradition of male primogeniture prevailed, and Aegon's younger brother, Jaehaerys, was chosen as his heir. Despite this, Rhaenys remained a beloved and respected figure in the realm. She was known as the "Queen Who Never Was" due to her uncle's decision to pass her over in favor of his brother.
Marriage to Corlys Velaryon
Princess Rhaenys married Lord Corlys Velaryon, the Master of Ships and Lord of Driftmark. Their marriage was a political alliance that strengthened the bonds between the Targaryen and Velaryon families. Corlys was a wealthy and powerful lord, and their union brought prosperity and stability to the realm.
The Sack of King's Landing
Tragically, Rhaenys Targaryen met her untimely demise during the Sack of King's Landing. She was brutally murdered by the forces of King Aegon II Targaryen, who had seized the throne after the death of his father, King Viserys I Targaryen. Her death was a devastating loss for both the Targaryen and Velaryon families.
Legacy
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen may have never become queen, but her legacy lives on as a symbol of the strength and resilience of women in a patriarchal society. Her story serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs faced by female rulers throughout history.
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