Chapter Text
RACHEL
For Rachael, death was five minutes of pure agony as she lay bleeding out in her kitchen.
She fought to breathe, choking on her very own blood. She never saw him coming up behind her. Though, she felt him as he wrapped his hand in her braids, holding her head up to place his knife against her neck and slit her throat.
The last thing she saw was the girl she thought was her best friend standing in the doorway watching.
Her death was agony, but her awakening was not. She lies on her back, letting her senses come back. Under one of her hands, she could feel coarse sand, it was digging into her t-shirt. She could faintly smell sea salt and pine trees.
As she heard and smelled her surroundings, her sight returned. Blinking, she comes to a starry sky above. Her eyes filled with tears as her body began to ache all over. Feeling as if she were getting stabbed all over again.
“Beautiful aren’t they?”
The soft voice startles her, causing her eyes to roam around frantically until she’s greeted by the sight of a dark skin woman in all black sitting cross-legged bedside Rachel’s rigid body. The woman looked familiar, but she couldn’t place her. Her hair was a disarray of curls surrounding her face.
Rachel’s eyes trailed down to the ankh necklace. Her eyes widened.
Seeing her reaction, the woman, no, Death, smiled sadly, squeezing Rachel’s other hand.
“Don’t worry, this is just temporary. Soon you won’t be here any longer.”
Rachel’s eyebrows furrow at Death’s words.
She swallows, building up the courage, and speaks, “What? Why?”
“Because this wasn’t supposed to happen. You were supposed to live a long life, my little âme. You weren’t supposed to be guided to the Sunless Lands for three millennia. Your path was leading to my brother's and now…” Death sighs, using her free hand to run over her face in frustration.
“It’s all gone to hell.”
Rachael merely blinks, not understanding what Death was going on about.
“If I could, I would let you rest, but I have a feeling you don’t want to go yet, do you? Not when you can feel your other half there? Yearning for one another.”
As she says that, Rachel is filled with an overbearing feeling of pain, loss, loneliness, and rage. She lets out a gasp, free hand clutching at her chest. “It can’t be me! And tell whoever my other half is to calm the fuck down!”
Death hums, standing, using the hand that was holding Rachel’s to pull her to her feet effortlessly. “It indeed is you, my sweet girl.”
Death lets go of her hand and brings both to grasp her face, caressing her cheek. She stares deeply into Rachel’s eyes.
“I won’t send you back to your current time, but I can send you back. Or to another world perhaps, since he’s going to join the Sunless Lands even quicker now that you’re gone. The possibilities.” Death says.
“Do you still like dragons?” Death asks as Rachel stares at her in bewilderment. “ I remember you were quite obsessed with them since you were a child.”
“I-Yes, I did.”
Death smiles, “Great! I know exactly where you’re going then!” She shifts into a stunning, pale-skinned woman. Delicate facial features, with iliac eyes, and long silver-gold hair in braids.
Death gently takes Rachel in her arms, caressing her back, and she whispers, “I shall guide you to this new world, my sweet, but from the moment of your birth and forward you are welcome to create your own path as Rhaegar Velaryon.”
RHAEGAR I
She found herself waking and opening her eyes again. Though this time she was no longer Rachel. She clutched her head, squeezing her eyes shut as the memories assaulted her brain. She was now Rhaegar Velaryon, the beloved firstborn and legitimate daughter of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ser Laenor Velaryon.
Once the throbbing headache and memory assault ended, she crawled out of bed and made her way over to the mirror that was looming in the corner of the room. The reflection showed a child, around the age of six, clutching a dragon scale in her hand. She glanced down at the scale in amazement before looking back up at the mirror.
She was Rhaegar Velaryon. Not only that, but she was a child who currently had two loving parents and grandparents. Something she didn't experience in her past life.
From Rhaegar's memories, Rhaenyra and Laenor adored their daughter. Hell, the entire realm did. She had two younger brothers, Jacaerys, and Lucerys. They were extremely close and absolutely cherished each other. But they didn’t look like her, and Rhaegar had her suspicions but didn’t care to question her parents.
Seeing Rhaenyra's love for her children made Rachel’s heart yearn. Her parents never expressed anything but disdain and hatred toward her. She lived twenty years, wondering what she did wrong for her parents to hate her so.
She longed for a mother's embrace.
She looks at her reflection a little longer before coming to the conclusion that there was nothing she could do right now. She died and woke up in Rhaegar's body. Remembering Death’s words, the original Rhaegar must have died.
As well, at least brain-wise. In her original world, a female Rhaegar didn't exist in the Targaryen dynasty. Were there any other Rhaegars, except for Aerys II's son? She frowns, thinking and coming up with nothing.
It’s not like it matters, Targaryens didn't exist. They were mere book characters created by a brilliant man. Though, she couldn't run around claiming everyone was a book character. They'd think she was mad as a hatter or claim witchcraft and seek her execution.
She holds up the tiny pump hand holding the dragon scale. It was from her mother's dragon, Syrax. Rhaegar currently didn't have a dragon, which was a tragedy, but she was sure her dragon was out there, waiting for her.
Rachel doesn’t know if she can pull off the whole faking that she’s a ten-year-old, but it’s not like anyone can do anything about it.
“I can’t believe this,” she mumbles, touching her face as she continues staring in the mirror. Death was real, and she tossed her into a fictional world because she didn’t want her brother to be lonely. And apparently, killed himself from the vibe she was getting.
The lilac eyes stare back at her. “I suppose it's time to let the name Rachel go and live by Rhaegar." She doesn’t feel anything as she tries to stop associating herself with the name Rachel and become better acquainted with the name Rhaegar. It would do her no good to have someone call her name, and she ignores it.
She takes a deep breath, trying to piece together her ridiculous family tree and making sure to remember names to faces. “My name is Princess Rhaegar Velaryon. My parents are Princess Rhaenyra and Laenor. I have three little brothers, Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey. My grandparents are King Viserys, Princess Rhaenys, and Lord Corlys. Aegon, Aemond, and Helaena Targaryen are my two uncles and aunt. The dragon pit is full of the family dragon-”
Rhaegar’s speech is cut off as the door opens. A maesters and knight, who look really familiar, stand in the doorway gaping at her. Whatever the maester had in his hands had fallen to the ground.
“By the Faith, she’s awake! Get Princess Rhaenyra and the King, Ser Erryk!” The Knight she deems Ser Erryk doesn’t waste a second and disappears from the door.
“Princess, how are you feeling? Do you know who I am?” The Maester steps over his mess, rushing over to her. He checks her over, mumbling to himself.
It takes Rhaegar to place a name on the face. “You’re Maester Gerardys.”
“Indeed I am. Princess, we thought you were gone. You were out for nearly a moon.” He guides her back to the bed, sitting her down. “Now, tell me how are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. When I woke up, my head was hurting, but it’s gone now. My mouth is a bit dry, though.” Maester Gerardy stares at her puzzled before grabbing the pitcher and filling the cup. He hands it to Rhaegar.
She drinks from the cup before spitting it out. “What is this? Is this wine? You’re giving wine to ten-year-olds?! Where’s the water?!”
“Princess, are you sure you’re alright? You love wine.” Maester Gerardy looks a bit frightened from Rhaegar's outburst.
“That’s a da-” she’s cut off as a stampede of children runs into the room.
"RHAEGAR!"
"RHAEGAR, YOU'RE FINALLY AWAKE!"
"I told you she wasn't going to die, Aegon!"
Four children swarmed her, pulling her into hugs.
Ser Criston stares at Rhaegar in barely-contained loathing as he greets her.
"Princess Rhaegar, it’s nice to see you are awake. We didn’t know if you were going to make it to the next moon.”
Helaena was a bit hesitant to hug Rhaegar, she chose to stand to the side until the boys had their fill of hugging the life out of Rhaegar.
When it’s her turn, she gently takes Rhaegar's hands, staring into her eyes. “Are you our salvation?” She asked nearly a whisper, causing the older to struggle to hear the question barely.
Rhaegar didn’t answer, but Helaena must have seen something she liked because her sober expression broke out into a wide smile as she threw herself into Rhaegar’s arms.
"I am glad you're awake, cousins. I’ve been waiting for you," Helaena exclaimed.
Lucerys frowned before squeezing himself in between the two girls, wrapping his tiny arms around his sister.
"I'm so glad you're awake, sister! We've missed you so much, especially Uncle Aegon and Aemond!" Five-year-old Lucerys grinned up at her. He looked like a freaking cherub. She didn't resist the urge to reach down and pinch her baby brother's cheeks. He giggled, burying his face into her stomach.
"We thought you were never going to wake up," Aemond speaks up as he looks away from glaring at Lucerys.
"Wake up? What happened?" She questions, befuddled.
The two older boys, Aegon and Jacaerys, exchanged a glance before Jacaerys steps forward, taking her free hand. Helaena had shuffled back, standing beside Aemond.
"Rhae, someone poisoned your tea," Aegon says, giving her a hesitant smile. Shuffling his feet in place before Helaena shoves him forward.
"You've been asleep for nearly a moon! Everyone was scared you weren’t going to wake up. Mother and Father believe it was an assassination attempt." Jacaerys says, tears in his eyes.
Who in the seven hells tried to kill her? She was about to ask if Viserys had found the culprit when the sound of shouts and running was heard from the opened door. Sir Erryk had reappeared.
She looked away from Jacaerys as Rhaenyra and Laenor entered. Rhaegar openly gasped as she took in her mother. She looked exactly like the form Death had shifted into. Her father, Laenor, was equally stunning.
"Rhaegar!" both parents exclaimed at once, gracefully running towards her as the children moved out of the way.
The ten-year-old found herself smothered between her parents, wrapped in their loving embrace. The inner child of hers was ecstatic, causing her to wrap her arms around each parent's waist. With her eyes closed, she allowed herself to be loved.
"My sweet girl." Rhaenyra reached down, caressing Rhaegar’s cheek before placing a series of kisses on her forehead and cheeks.
Rhaegar remembers how Rhaenyra did the same to fourteen-year-old Lucerys, unknowingly saying goodbye to him.
"You're finally awake, my darling daughter." Laenor places a kiss on her head. One of his hands reached down, intertwining their hands.
"I'm ok, I swear it," she says, squeezing her father's hand.
"Aegon, could you send Ser Criston to retrieve the King?" Rhaenyra asks her half-brother, her eyes refusing to leave her daughter.
"Of course…" Aegon seems reluctant. It was obvious he wanted to stay with the others.
"We'll go with you!" Helaena says, grabbing Aemond's and Aegon's hands. She gives the family a small smile before dragging her protesting brothers from the room and closing the door behind them.
“Maester Gerardy, how is she?” Rhaenyra questions once her siblings are out of sight. Jacaerys and Lucerys join their parents, hugging Rhaegar.
“When I arrived, she was up and walking. I’ve checked her over, she is in good health. She needs to eat to regain the weight she’s lost. And make sure she takes to recover her senses. They can come and go.”
“Thank you, Maester Gerardy’s, you may go.” He bows before leaving the room, Ser Erryk closes the door behind him.
“We must find the culprit who did this to my daughter. Laenor, we almost lost her.” Rhaenyra says, tightening her hold on Rhaegar.
"We both know who could find them," Laenor says, looking at Rhaenyra over their children's heads.
It’s obvious to Rhaegar who they’re talking about. "Uncle Daemon will find them and serve their head from their body," Rhaegar says, surprising both of them.
Laenor raises an eyebrow, "Should I be concerned with how you know what your uncle would do to them?"
Rhaegar grins, "We both know you'd join him, Father."
"I should be the one joining Uncle Daemon! I want to be the one that cuts the fucker that tried to kill my sister! It's my duty to protect my sister, and I failed." Jacaerys suddenly exclaims, pulling away.
"Jacaerys Velaryon! Cease this at once!" Laenor says as Rhaenyra stares at Jace, stupefied.
"My son, you're only seven. A child. No one knew that someone was poisoning Rhaegar's tea. Not me, not your mother, not Daemon, and certainly not you." He places a hand on Jace's shoulder.
From the look on his face, Jace didn't believe him.
"Next time, I'll remove their head from their shoulders myself."
Rhaenyra tuts, "There won't be a next time, my son. Father has assured it. For now, I want to continue smothering my only girl in love."
Rhaegar smiles as Rhaenyra kisses everyone, Laenor included, on the cheek. She seemed pleased and Rhaegar hopes that with her presence here, that happiness stays since she knows her mother's original demise. Losing all her children, throne, father, and husband… It wasn't fair, and she'd be damned if it happened again.
Rhaegar Velaryon will rewrite history, saving House Targaryen.
It's been about four weeks since she became Rhaegar Velaryon. She found herself easily falling into this new life, though she still had slip-ups from her past life. Her brothers were the kindest and gentlest boys she knew. Her uncles were a bit more unruly, but they were still sweethearts.
Bringing her small stones, books, and flowers and spending time with her. Aemond, Lucerys, and Helaena love to sit with her and allow her to read to them. Teaching them High Valyrian was a favorite activity of hers.
Aemond and Lucerys struggled a bit, but she found herself not minding as she helped them. These two were absolute spitfires, especially Aemond. He didn't hesitate to share his opinion, mouthing off, biting, and spitting at anyone who displeased him. He reminded her of a rabid dog that was cornered. Though this was what she saw he pulled with others, he came to her calm and collected as ever. Often hesitates but wastes no time crawling into her bed at night for comfort and warmth. It was obvious he was starving for a simple hug.
However, Lucerys' fire was in his eyes, but he had hidden it very well. He always finds a way to be near her. Wrapping himself in her embrace. It was obvious she was his favorite sibling. He didn't say anything to the people whispering in the courtyard, constantly calling him and Jacaerys "Strong bastards" nor did he speak up about Criston Cole's treatment during sword training.
Seeing a grown man belittle and humiliate two children made her blood boil as she watched. All of this was happening and no one said anything. How is it that a knight could stand there constantly bullying children without suffering the consequences?
Her grandsire, Viserys, was…he wasn't the best, but she couldn't fault him since he was literally withering away before her eyes. His parenting, on the other hand? It fucking sucked.
It was obvious he preferred Rhaenyra and her children, which she was included in, but Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond were his children as well. She could see how much it hurt them to see him blatantly ignore them and their requests.
Viserys easily could've united his family and prevented so much animosity between them.
She was pissed and everyone in the Keep could see it. Which led her to be escorted to Viserys as he was sculpting. He was sitting silently, fiddling with one of his cravings.
"Your Grace, Princess Rhaegar," the knight bowed as Viserys waved him off.
"Thank you, you may leave."
She sits in a chair across from him, watching him through irked lilac eyes.
"My dear Rhaegar… it appears that I have done something that has made you terribly upset with me. Will you ease this poor man's pain and tell me what I have done to receive your anger?" Viserys questions, looking devastated.
"Why do you ignore your children?"
Viserys looks dumbfounded. "I don't understand, my dear. Rhaenyra-"
Rhaegar decides to just say fuck it and explode.
"That's the problem, grandsire! Uncle Aegon, Aemond, and Aunt Helaena are your children as well! But you're always ignoring them! I love you, grandsire, but you are an awful parent. It's so obvious to everyone that you favor my mother and siblings over your own. I can tell Mother doesn't care much for them either. And it hurts to see them become upset when they just want to see their father. Or receive lavish gifts as you do me, Jacaerys, and Lucerys."
She angrily wipes the tears that managed to slip from her eyes. Seeing Aemond burst into tears after failing numerous times to see Viserys was incredibly heartbreaking. He refused to speak for the rest of the day. That's what set her off. She's been fuming in silent anger since.
"And then that stupid knight, Ser Criston, is always going out of his way to humiliate my brothers. He's not training them. He's full of shit, clearly holds resentment toward my mother, and is extending it to my brothers. They will never be proper warriors with him."
Viserys is silent as his granddaughter seethes, pacing around the room.
"It seems I have failed tremendously as a father, grandfather, and king. I shall find a way to remedy these mistakes. Starting with my sons and daughter. I know it will not be repaired overnight, but I will heed your words, my dear. For the children's training, I shall remove Ser Cole and place Ser Strong in his place. That sound better?" Viserys states as Rhaegar pauses.
"Just like that, grandsire?" she was suspicious, he didn't even put up a fight as she lashed out.
"When have I ever denied my precious granddaughter?" Viserys questioned as she strode forward and threw her arms around his neck. He chuckles, returning the hug.