The Mysterious FATE of Princess Aerea Targaryen and the Daenaera Velaryon Connection

Princess Aerea Targaryen's disappearance and subsequent horrific fate following her ride on Balerion the Black Dread remains one of the most enigmatic and chilling events in the realm. This article delves deep into the possible reasons and circumstances surrounding her mysterious journey and eventual demise. We will explore the historical context, the events leading up to her departure, and the possible destinations that could have accounted for her whereabouts and the gruesome aftermath.

Historical Context and Unexplained Disappearance

The fate of Princess Aerea Targaryen is a tale both tragic and haunting, intertwined with the powerful dragon Balerion. After a harrowing journey spanning over a year, Aerea returned to King's Landing in a condition that was nearly unrecognizable—severely ill, emaciated, and visibly ravaged. Her clothes were tattered, her hair matted, and her eyes bloodshot. After collapsing, she was placed under quarantine and passed away within three days from a mysterious fever. Her skin was described as flushed, red, and burning hot, with painful abnormalities beneath the surface. Her eyes were said to have burst like boiled eggs, a gruesome and terrifying end to her ordeal.

Theories and Speculations

The official narrative attributed Aerea's death to a fever, but the truth, as suggested by Grand Maester Barth, is far more disturbing and dark. Barth, in his written accounts, detailed the most grotesque and horrific encounter of his career. He described Aerea's skin as burning hot, with entities moving and twisting beneath it, causing immense pain. Barth and the others agreed to withhold the full truth, leaving the mystery and horror to seep into the annals of history.

The Final Quest and the Black Dread

To understand the events surrounding Aerea's mysterious journey, we must first examine the circumstances leading up to her disappearance. Aitere had a significant falling out with her mother, and Rhaena Targaryen was fiercely protective, preventing Aerea from entering the Red Keep. Seeking to escape her mother's shadow, Aerea embarked on a perilous journey, deliberately choosing a distant location where her mother Rhaena and her mount, Dreamfyre, could not easily find her. This decision led her to the Black Dread, a mythical and terrifying ship rumored to conjure the darkest of existed.

The Black Dread brought Aerea to a distant and isolated location, a choice among several dangerous and unforgiving places. Options included the Valyrian Peninsula, Sothoryos, and Asshai, each known for their malevolence and danger. The Valyrian Peninsula and Sothoryos held their own horrors, but the Valyrian Peninsula was so desolate and cursed that no one could return, making it an unlikely choice. Sothoryos, despite its dangers, was ruled out due to the spellbinding and mystical nature of Aerea's illness. Asshai, the realm of dark magics, was a place not to be trifled with, and yet Aerea's fate was more akin to a magical curse than a natural disaster.

Theories on the Destinations

Several theories have emerged regarding the possible destinations where Aerea could have ended up:

Valyrian Peninsula - This Peninsula was known for its desolation and malevolent curses, making it a harsh and unforgiving place. However, no records exist of someone returning from the Valyrian Peninsula, making it less likely for Aerea's survival. Sothoryos - The island of Sothoryos was known for its terrifying landscapes and rumors of dark creatures. The horrors faced by Aerea, however, were more aligned with magical elements, possibly causing her to avoid this location. Asshai - Asshai was a realm where dark and foul magic were freely practiced. The city of Stygia, commonly referred to as the "Corpse City," was a place of dread and fear even for those trained in shadow magic. Aitere's fate could have been influenced by the dark arts and creatures that dwelt there, potentially leading to her supernatural suffering. Balerion’s Realm - Speculations also point towards Balerion, the renowned dragon, who might have had ties to Asshai or held it hostage by dark magic. The interaction between a dragon and dark forces was not unheard of, and the mysterious nature of Balerion's realm could have been the reason for Aerea's horrifying transformation.

Conclusion

The mystery surrounding Princess Aerea Targaryen’s fate remains as perplexing and haunting as it was in her time. Theories and speculations about her final destination, while speculative, offer a glimpse into the vast and treacherous landscapes of Westeros and Essos. Whether her journey took her to the unyielding Valyrian Peninsula, the haunting Sothoryos, the dark and corrupt Asshai, or the realm of Balerion, Aerea’s story continues to captivate and terrify alike.