The Northern Kingdom

Chapter 1 - Valyria

In the northern kingdom, a beautiful princess named Emmy lived a life of luxury and wonder. Her long, white-blonde hair cascaded down her back like a river of Silver, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with curiosity. As the only heir to the throne, Emmy was the center of attention for her parents, Queen Jessica Windsor Valyria and King Jeffery Windsor Valyria. However, the lack of a male heir weighed heavily on the king's mind, and the constant rumors and whispers of weakness eroded his confidence.

Queen Jessica, determined to produce a male successor, endured eight heartbreaking miscarriages, each one a crushing blow to her hopes. The strain of these losses took a toll on her body and mind, making her fearful of childbirth. Yet, despite these challenges, her bond with Emmy grew stronger with each passing day.

On Emmy's thirteenth birthday, she was summoned to her mother's chambers, wearing a lovely blue nightgown and her hair braided into two neat braids. She hurried through the palace, her feet bare and her heart racing with excitement. The palace was a grand sight, with gold and brown hues adorning the walls and floors. Although the lighting was dim, the vibrant paintings that lined the corridors seemed to radiate warmth and joy, illuminating Emmy's path.

As she entered her mother's chambers, Emmy was met with a sight that filled her with concern. Queen Jessica sat on a plush couch, her face pale and clammy, her hair damp with sweat. Her skin glistened in the soft light, and her enormous belly seemed ready to burst at any moment. Emmy's worry was evident as she approached her mother.

"Is there anything I can get for you, Mother?" Emmy asked, her voice laced with concern.

Queen Jessica smiled weakly and motioned for Emmy to come closer. "No, sweetie, I need to talk to you about something important. Guard! Please fetch a chair for the princess and leave us alone."

The guard hastened to comply, placing a delicate chair beside Emmy and swiftly departing, leaving the two alone. Emmy sensed that this conversation was crucial, and her mother's serious expression only added to her curiosity.

Emmy gazed at her mother, who forced a smile despite her evident distress. She sat down in the chair bought for her, her eyes fixed on her mother's pale face. "Are you excited for tomorrow, princess..." Emmy's smile grew wider, but she shook her head, her pigtails swaying gently. "You know, being thirteen is a lot of responsibility. You're now grown... you need to know things. Being the only heir to the throne..."

Emmy's face turned serious, her eyes wide with anticipation. "Yes, mother, what should I know..." Jessica grasped her daughter's hand, her grip tight. "First, I want you to know that the burden of being a woman is very hard. I apologize in advance for what this world will do to you. There's something you must know. I come from the East, you know this... In the East, there's something we believe in. We call them Dreamers. Not everyone is born with this ability, only three every year. Something about Eastern blood gives them this ability..."

Emmy's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but her mother's words spilled out in a rush, leaving her breathless. "Mother, why are you telling me all this?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion. Her mother hushed her, continuing, "Don't question, listen! I believe in this, and if you're going to get married, you need to believe in it too. People believe you could be the one to rule the four kingdoms someday! You need to believe as well..."

Emmy's smile faltered, her eyes clouding with fear. "Married?" she whispered, her voice trembling. Her mother's grip on her hand tightened. "I am sorry I couldn't end this. Your father doesn't believe the same as me. He believes in a King ruling. Your father believes it's time you get married..." Emmy's face fell, her eyes welling up with tears. "Mommy, I don't want to be married..."

Jessica's face grew strict, her eyes flashing with a hint of desperation. "You must... this is what it means to be thirteen..." Emmy yanked her hand away, standing up, her eyes blazing with defiance. "I hate you for this, mother!" Jessica clutched her stomach, her face contorted in pain. "Emmy, please, you will understand when you're older..."