The Unfolding of History: What If Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laena Velaryon Had Mated During the Dance of Dragons?

Imagine a different timeline, where the infamous Battle of the Summerhall never occurred. If King Viserys I Targaryen had married Lady Laena Velaryon instead, the Dance of Dragons, which almost tore Westeros apart, might never have erupted. This hypothetical union between Rhaenyra Targaryen's claim and Laena Velaryon's bloodline could have altered the fate of the Targaryen dynasty and the realm as a whole. Let's explore how this union might have played out in Westeros.

Advantages of Marrying Lady Laena Velaryon

Lady Laena Velaryon, the daughter of House Velaryon, was a formidable figure in her own right. Her heritage was rich with noble blood, as she was the granddaughter of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and daughter of Corlys Velaryon. Moreover, Laena Velaryon was a renowned dragonrider, claiming the largest dragon in the world, Vhagar.

The marriage of Laena Velaryon to King Viserys I Targaryen would have brought together the noble Houses of Velaryon and Targaryen. This union would have united the realm under a common cause, solidifying the Targaryens' hold on the Iron Throne and reinforcing the bloodline of the Targaryen dynasty with Velaryon blood.

Consequences and Potential Outcomes

If this marriage had taken place, Rhaenyra Targaryen would likely have remained the heir to the Iron Throne, recognized by her father as the rightful successor. Assuming the union resulted in two daughters, Princess Baela Targaryen and Princess Rhaena Targaryen, and one son, Prince Baelon Targaryen, the resulting heir structure might have looked different.

Heir Structure

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen: The eldest and designated heir to the Iron Throne, she would have held the title of Princess of Dragonstone. Prince Baelon Targaryen: The designated spare, given his valued role in ensuring the line's continuation. Princess Baela Targaryen and Princess Rhaena Targaryen: Her younger sisters, they might have been espoused to other Highborn lords, with Princess Baela potentially marrying her brother, Prince Baelon, to maintain the Targaryen bloodline.

After King Viserys I’s Death

Upon King Viserys I's passing, Queen Laena Velaryon, as a widow, would have been accorded high honor at court. Her children, including Princess Baela and Princess Rhaena, would retain their high ranking within the royal family. Dowager Queen Laena Velaryon would not seek to supplant her stepdaughter, Rhaenyra, as the rightful heir. This would ensure a smoother succession and a more united Targaryen dynasty.

The Royal Family After Marriage

With this hypothetical marriage, the three key taboos in Westerosi society could have been avoided or reinterpreted:

Necrophilia: King Viserys would not have married a deceased woman, eliminating this taboo. Bigamy: While polygamous marriages were not common, the marriage of Laena Velaryon to King Viserys I would have followed the norms of the time, avoiding the issue of bigamy. Lesbianism: The marriage of Lady Laena to a male monarch would have prevented any issues related to same-sex relationships.

Conclusion

The marriage of King Viserys I Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon would have had profound effects on the hypothetical history of Westeros. It would have united the noble houses and families, avoided key societal taboos, and ensured a more stable succession for the Targaryen dynasty. This hypothetical scenario brings to light the complexities and potential outcomes that could have shaped the world of Westeros.