Prince Baelor Targaryen is the fourth child and thirdborn son of King Rhaegar II and Queen Rhaenys. He is the rider of the mercurial dragon Aegorax -- a scarlet beast with flecks of shimmering silver -- and a former Master of Laws on the Small Council of his brother, King Aegon VII.
While still young, he has proven himself as a talented knight and tested commander having participated in numerous conflicts atop his winged companion. He is wed to Aemma Arryn, and has fathered three children from the union - Jacaerys, Saera, and Alysanne Targaryen.
He is an uncle to the current Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Daeron III.
Appearance and Character[]
Just like the rest of his kin, Prince Baelor has silver-blonde hair that falls upon his shoulders and gentle violet eyes from the Valyrian ancestry within House Targaryen. He possesses a square jawline, high cheekbones and thick dark eyebrows. The Prince stands at 5'10 making him one of the shortest of his kin, and maintains an athletic figure due to a strict fitness regimen. He is a firm believer in the Code of Chivalry, thus Baelor oft displays himself purely and frequently washes - stating that a true knight must be cleanly as well as godly.
He is known to be a serious knight - and does not shy away from an opportunity to prove his worth to those around him. After taking part in various conflicts during The Bleeding such as the Razing of the Red Temple and the Black Prophet's Rebellion, Baelor now strives for a more diplomatic approach in regards to relations, so that the Kingdom he cherishes and it's people might have time to recover after such devastating years in recent memory.
Such a change of heart has placed him in line with Visenya's Wings since the end of The Bleeding, becoming one of her more prominent supporters -- whereas before he had remained neutral in most of his sisters' differences of opinion. By no means however does he consider himself a pacifist by aligning himself so openly with his half-sister, and he will dutifully draw his blade when the time inevitably comes again.
Outside the battlefield, Baelor displays himself modestly - never one for extravagant jewelry or exotic tastes that do not warrant a measurable occasion for such things. Instead, he typically maintains solidity in his attire and dressings with his House's colours -- and even a dash of Arryn influence at certain gatherings. However such modesty is disregarded in times of conflict, and upon donning his gilded plate the Prince shines as if a knight from a fairy tale. Some would perhaps consider accusing Baelor of his casual modesty merely being a facade for this more lavish and excessive appearance -- but he would quickly state that such a display is merely to reveal himself to the enemy commander so that they might meet upon the field with ease.
History[]
Childhood[]
Baelor was born upon Dragonstone in the Second Moon of 415 AC, making him the fourth child from the union of the then Prince of Dragonstone Rhaegar II and his sister-wife Princess Rhaenys who held Summerhall. Unlike his two brothers before him Aegon and Aerion, a dragon egg would be placed within his cradle as a babe - an exacting decision on behalf of the Black Queen Visaera Targaryen, who no doubt intended the elder siblings to tame more mature dragons upon coming of age. The egg would hatch seven months later in the Ninth Moon of 415, bringing the dragon Aegorax into the world.
In his early youth, Baelor would prove to be a curious and enthusiastic child, always eager for what laid before him whether it be laborious or otherwise. He found great comfort in the presence of his elder siblings -- particularly in that of his sister Rhaenyra, whom would go on to teach him the basic teachings of swordplay as she underwent her own lessons in the craft. He would display an innate talent in the art of the blade during their private sessions as well as those with a more experienced trainer that began in earnest in 422 AC, however Baelor could never replicate his elder sister's oppressive and intimidating grandeur that would fill a room with her presence. Through time, he felt himself distancing himself from her through not of fear but of discomfort in her ferocity that he could not possess.
He would find solace in this lacking not through other pursuits, but other methods. It would be his half-sister Visenya Silvermoon that would inspire him to follow his own path to Knighthood - telling him tales of True Knights such as that of Aemon the Dragonknight, and Galladon of Morne with his legendary sword, the Just Maid. Baelor would prove to be inspired by the promises of chivalry and their codes, thus continuing his intentions to become a Knight - although later he would remove himself from his private lessons with Rhaenyra, and instead seek elsewhere for lessons on the blade. He would find them in Ser Arlan Waters of the Kingsguard, although his teachings would come few and far between due to his duties as a sworn brother.
Outside of his siblings, there would be those of Baelor's own age with whom he enjoyed company with. Arthur Hightower -- the son of Leyton Lightsteel and Aelora Velaryon -- had been a constant within the Royal Court of King's Landing after the murder of his father during the Tournament of Summerhall, at the hand of the Sword of the Morning Aemon Dayne. A frequent target for Baelor's brother Aerion and his bullying, Baelor himself would often intervene to defend the boy resulting in both of their beatings. The two would become quick friends in the face of impunity, and would both go on to squire under Knights of the Kingsguard, although to varying degrees of success in learning.
Adolescence[]
In the Eleventh Moon of 424 AC, Prince Baelor Targaryen would become a Dragon Rider to Aegorax -- the beast that had hatched within his cradle beside him nine years prior. It proved to be a drawn out affair despite their previous time together, as Aegorax was a rather mercurial and moody creature. The young Prince would stay within the Dragonpit for four days, and three nights before the dragon allowed Baelor to mount him, before taking flight late into the evening and returning the following morning.
Flights would become a frequent pastime for Baelor in the months that followed -- entranced and overjoyed by this new addition into his daily life and routine. But despite such excitement, he managed to maintain strictness in his lessons, and continued to strive towards his overall objective of becoming a True Knight.
A feat which requires much discipline, and furthermore much ability - and although he may have possessed such ability with a blade to make him worthy of knighthood, to become one so true required much more than to be able to swing a sword. It would be in 427 AC during the Blue Winter, where such an opportunity would arise. Prince Baelor frequently wrote to Visenya Silvermoon during her stay in Braavos across the Narrow Sea, and spoke of the sufferings of the smallfolk within the Crownlands that he had witnessed - and his desire to help in some way. Seeing this as a reason to return home to Westeros, Visenya suggested a tour of the Vale, where alongside Baelor they could offer aid and relief to those who need it. The Prince would jump at the opportunity, and with his father's permission and small guard to accompany his journey, Baelor would meet his half-sister in Gulltown where they would begin their efforts. In recognition for the Prince's generosity and desire for helping, Visenya bestowed him a gift -- a Valyrian Steel link that formerly belonged to her mother Selenya Targaryen and the Learned Prince before her, Jacaerys Targaryen.
Ultimately it would be this journey into the Vale of Arryn that would lead Prince Baelor to several influential figures in his adolescence -- including but not limited to his future wife Aemma Arryn and her brother, the future Lord Godric Arryn, as well as the famed White Raven with whom Baelor would later squire under, Lord Brynden Corbray. He would also share the company with Robar Baratheon -- the Heir to Storm's End who had been squiring under Osric for the past two years. The pair would go on to become fast friends, having shared many similar interests and ideals. Such an impression was made between the young Aemma and Baelor however, that Princess Saera Targaryen -- the then Lady of the Eyrie -- would have them betrothed upon the Prince's return to King's Landing -- acting upon the wishes of the late Black Queen Visaera, who even in death impacted the realm with her rule.
Only half a year later Prince Baelor would return to the Vale to undergo squireship under Lord Brynden Corbray, after having been in awe of the former Kingsguard's presence during his previous visit. After securing tutelage, Baelor would return to King's Landing briefly to bear witness to the union of his elder siblings Prince Aegon and Princess Rhaenyra in what would be come to be known as the grand celebration of the Springtide Tourney. After this his squireship would begin in earnest upon returning to the Vale once more.
Adulthood[]
For four years Baelor would mentor under the White Raven, learning his forms and hearing his tales of his time in the Kingsguard, Maekar's Rainbow Guard, and the Winged Knights of the Vale. He would only ever occasionally return to the Crownlands, to attend such events as the Silver Wedding -- where he would go on to lose in the final tilt of the joust to his brother Aerion. Shortly after completing his time in Heart's Home, the betrothal between him and Aemma Arryn would come due and the two would be wed upon the Fourth Moon of that year before the Gates of the Moon. Following the modest ceremony, the pair would depart the Vale together and move to King's Landing to be with the rest of Baelor's kin.
The following year in 433 AC would mark a formative and impactful year in Baelor's life, as the Second Hammer Uprising was in swing and other conflicts emerged throughout Westeros. Aemma had found herself with child as zealous members of the reformed Faith Militant gathered within King's Landing, and sought to dispense their own wills upon the city -- believing that the Gregarious One was in fact murdered by agents of the Red God, and had not passed naturally. Mobs began to form, and Poor Fellows filled the streets lead them to march throughout Flea Bottom and raid it's Red Temple -- killing all that stood in their path that could not fight nor flee, and setting the temple itself aflame. Quickly the blaze would threaten other quarters of the city as the culprits began tearing people from their homes and holding mock trials on the Seven's behalf, killing all those deemed guilty of worshiping the Lord of Light. Baelor would aid in the quelling of these riots that persisted for five straight days, working alongside the efforts made by the Small Council as well as Ser Desmond Oakheart and directing Goldcloaks throughout the city.
Participating in the dissolvement of the riots gave Baelor a taste of the harsh reality of such conflicts, that inevitably left countless innocents dead or dying in the streets. Although it pained him to do so, the brutality of such things could not be ignored. So when word came that Lady Alannys Harlaw had been killed at the hands of Loren Greyjoy in the later months of 433 AC, Baelor urged his father to allow him to aid in the Crown forces efforts upon the Iron Isles, and swiftly put down the insurrection brought forth by the Black Prophet. The Prince would leave upon the morrow after recieving word from King Rhaegar II, leaving his pregnant wife behind. There he would fight alongside Lord Aeron Greyjoy and Lord Theon Harlaw in the Battle of Lordsport, which is said to have been a deciding battle that's victory shifted the momentum of the Rebellion. It would be a bloody conflict which found many foes standing before the Prince and his comrades, but perhaps most prominently would be the one Karlin Orkmont, who even in defeat refused to surrender his blade - resulting in his swift death.
Upon returning to King's Landing in the beginning of the following year he would not only be welcomed home by his wife Aemma, but also by their newborn baby boy Jacaerys.
It would be in 435 AC a shift would occur within the inner court of King's Landing, and the appointment of Aerys Velaryon as King Aegon VII's Hand would leave a vacancy within the Small Council in the form of the Master of Laws position. After much thought and self-reflection, as a man of one and twenty he would petition for the role believing that he must do all within his power to ensure the events that occurred outside the Red Temple in Flea Bottom not be replicated. Having begun to form a reputation as a justly figure and capable individual from his actions during The Bleeding, Aerys Velaryon himself would vouch for Baelor's integrity and ability to replace him as Master of Laws. So it would be done that Prince Baelor filled the role on the Small Council, and poured much of his time over the next few months becoming familiar with it's duties, and organizing the Goldcloaks.
Following the Gulltown Massacre and receiving word of her brother Osric's passing, Aemma would leave King's Landing with Jacaerys to return to the Vale -- hoping to alleviate some of the pain her kin and herself were feeling from both the loss of Osric and Saera. During this time Baelor would spend cementing himself in the various routines and duties of being the Master of Laws, becoming comfortable in the role. Despite this however, he would go on to take the time and leave the city for days -- and the occasional week - on end, flying to the Gates of the Moon to be with his family.
After one such trip and having returned to King's Landing for a time, a letter brought by raven would reveal to him that his wife found herself with his child once more. In hearing this, Baelor's ventures to the Vale acquired much more frequency as her due date grow nearer - ultimately settling himself in to stay by her eighth month of the pregnancy.
She would go on to give birth to a beautiful baby girl in the early moons of 436 AC, whom they would name Saera in honour of the memory of Aemma's mother -- and ultimately the one who would arrange their union several years ago. Following the delivery, Godric would briefly display a moment that could only be described as clarity -- a former look at his old self prior to his own loss. The moment would quickly dissipate over the following days and once the mother and babe were deemed fit for travel, Baelor's family returned to King's Landing where they have lived and stayed ever since.
Recent Events[]
Baelor would travel to Oldtown for the union of Arthur Hightower and his sister, Naerys Targaryen. During the celebrations Criston Lannister and Aelyx Sunderland would quarrel, resulting in the two requesting a duel. The Prince would oblige, allowing for the bout to occur three days after the wedding. Arthur was not pleased with the Master of Laws' ruling, causing a divide to form between the two childhood friends. Ultimately the Prince would attempt to mend the wounds with a letter to the newlywed couple, but the damage had been done.
Upon Aegon's death, Baelor was devastated but ultimately pledge to take Visenya's side. Not a surprising move to those who understood the politics in court. He went to the Vale to garner Godric Arryn's support, unknowingly bridging the way to a marriage alliance that would be the backbone of Visenya's plans. He went to Casterly Rock for the Wedding of Desmond Oakheart and Shaera Lannister, although it was to find Aerion Targaryen.
Some months later, with the passing of his brother, the King, Baelor found himself supporting the rule of his nephew Daeron in a Great Council. As part of his nephew's regency, Baelor helped rule for a short time, until Criston Lannister arrived at King's Landing with an army behind him. Following the Lannister's apprehension of some of the regents, Baelor took to the skies atop Aegorax and set fire to some of the Lannister forces.
Following a brief parlay, the matter was settled, though the Queen Regent made the decision to remove Baelor from the Small Council and temporarily remove him from court. Since then, Baelor has been at the Eyrie with his family.
Family[]
King Rhaegar II Targaryen (387 - 435)
- w. Selenya Targaryen (381 - 408)
- Queen Visenya Silvermoon (b. 408)
- m. Queen Rhaenys Targaryen (b. 387)
- Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (b. 408)
- King Aegon VII Targaryen (b. 411)
- m. Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (b. 408)
- Prince Viserys Targaryen (b. 431)
- m. Queen Visenya Silvermoon (b. 408)
- Prince Daeron Targaryen (b. 431)
- Princess Elaena Targaryen (b. 433)
- Prince Valerion Targaryen (b. 436)
- m. Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (b. 408)
- Prince Aerion Targaryen (b. 412)
- Prince Baelor Targaryen (b. 415)
- m. Aemma Arryn (b. 415)
- Prince Jacaerys Targaryen (b. 433)
- Princess |Saera Targaryen (b. 436)
- Princess Alysanne Targaryen (b. 439)
- m. Aemma Arryn (b. 415)
- Prince Daemon Targaryen (b. 416)
- Princess Naerys Targaryen (b. 418)