What If Rhaenyra Married For Love in House of the Dragon?

Описание: WHAT IF RHAENYRA MARRIED HARWIN STRONG? Let’s explore the possibilities that might have been.


Imagine one single choice reshaping the fate of an entire kingdom. In the official version of events from House of the Dragon, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen is wed to Laenor Velaryon—uniting two Valyrian bloodlines and pushing the realm toward a brutal civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. But what if things went differently? What if King Viserys allowed Rhaenyra to follow her heart and marry Ser Harwin “Breakbones” Strong?
Could this “love match” prevent the realm from tearing itself apart, or would a different tragedy unfold? In this alternate history, we’ll see how Harwin’s bond with Rhaenyra changes alliances, shakes up the royal court, and sets the stage for a Dance that might burn just as fiercely.

[SECTION 1: THE POINT OF DIVERGENCE]
Our story begins around 113 AC, when scandal engulfs the Red Keep. Rhaenyra is rumored to have snuck off in the dead of night with her rogue uncle, Prince Daemon. In the standard timeline, King Viserys tries to quiet the gossip and preserve Rhaenyra’s status by promising her to Laenor Velaryon, sealing an alliance with House Velaryon and its mighty fleet.
Here, Viserys takes a different path. He knows Rhaenyra is unhappy with being forcibly wed for political reasons. He’s also aware she shares a warm friendship—some say deeper feelings—with Ser Harwin Strong, the eldest son of Lyonel Strong (the King’s Hand). Harwin is no minor knight: he’s heir to the vast (and supposedly cursed) castle of Harrenhal and is famed for his physical prowess.
So, in a tense meeting of the small council, with Queen Alicent observing in shock, Viserys proclaims that Princess Rhaenyra will marry Harwin Strong rather than Laenor Velaryon. Lord Corlys Velaryon, offended and furious, storms off to Driftmark, feeling that his house has been snubbed. Alicent warns that alienating the Velaryons is a dire move for the realm, but the King insists: he’s looking after his daughter’s happiness.
Most at court are stunned. Even Lyonel Strong had recommended the Velaryon match out of pure logic. But Viserys overrules everyone, hoping a genuine bond between Rhaenyra and Harwin can steady the royal succession and keep his beloved daughter content.

[SECTION 2: THE WEDDING OF RHAENYRA AND HARWIN]
A few moons later, King’s Landing hosts a smaller, less extravagant wedding than what was planned with the Velaryons. Rhaenyra arrives in black and red finery, while Harwin wears the colors of House Strong. There’s obvious warmth between them: smiles that aren’t just for show. Yet, the atmosphere is uneasy. Lord Corlys is absent, and tensions swirl among those who worry that spurning House Velaryon’s fleet is a risky move.
During the wedding feast, we see Queen Alicent standing off to the side in her trademark green. Ser Criston Cole—once close to Rhaenyra—stands with a stormy look in his eyes. Some say Criston once proposed that Rhaenyra forsake her claim and run away with him, but she refused. Now, watching her wed someone else, he can’t hide his bitterness.
In a fit of anger, Criston challenges Harwin to a “friendly” spar in the middle of the hall. Swords clash in front of horrified onlookers. Criston’s skill is legendary, but Harwin’s nickname “Breakbones” isn’t for nothing—he’s a force of nature. The brawl ends when Harwin knocks Criston’s blade aside, nearly caving in the Kingsguard’s helmet before King Viserys roars for them to stop. Criston walks away humiliated, edging closer to Queen Alicent’s circle—what people will soon call the “Green” faction.
Meanwhile, Rhaenyra and Harwin end the night in each other’s arms, uniting House Targaryen and House Strong in a way nobody expected. King Viserys, watching from the throne, hopes he’s done the right thing. But the rift with House Velaryon grows.

[SECTION 3: EARLY MARRIED LIFE & SHIFTING ALLIANCES]
In the months after the wedding, there’s a surprising calm around Rhaenyra. She’s openly fond of Harwin, and that genuine affection is something rare in royal marriages. When she becomes pregnant, the court waits anxiously to see if the child will have Velaryon-like silver hair—but in this alternate timeline, no one expects that anymore.
Sure enough, in 115 AC, Rhaenyra bears a son named Jacaerys. Dark-haired and strong-lunged, the baby is obviously Harwin’s, and King Viserys holds the boy proudly, placing a dragon egg in his cradle. Rhaenyra soon has two more sons—Lucerys and Joffrey. Unlike the original timeline, there’s no widespread gossip that these children are bastards. Everyone knows Harwin is the father.
Still, not everyone is pleased. Queen Alicent and her supporters mutter that House Velaryon’s
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