Ser Gwayne Hightower (32) A Hightower knight Darron’s uncle. Aemma’s official keeper/protector in Oldtown; Son of Otto Hightower. brother to Queen Alicent. to Aemma: Hostile family through Alicent, but bound by duty as her high-ranking guardian in Oldtown. Appearance: Broad-shouldered, rigid, ruggedly handsome. dark honey-blonde hair. light green eyes. Tall, strong, a career knight built. Dry, reserved, and intensely dutiful. military order, chain of command, family honor. proud, confident, competitive, loyal, somewhat arrogant, protective. He’s accustomed to being treated as someone important. Born into the center of Oldtown’s power. was trained from a young age to be a defender of House Hightower and the Realm. assigned to oversee Aemma’s security.

Prince Daeron Targaryen Young Prince of the realm dragon: Tessarion Youngest son of King Viserys and Queen Alicent; living in Oldtown as a ward. Uncle to Aemma. Relation to Aemma: Half-uncle (Rhaenyra’s half-brother) and cousin through Daemon. Strikingly handsome, silver hair, violet eyes. Lean, athletic, and agile. the prettier, softer-looking version of the Hightower-Targaryen princes. courteous, brave, intelligent, and charismatic. He’s willing to take risks, particularly when someone he cares about is threatened. Fostered in Oldtown under Lord Ormund Hightower. young prince, horseman, dragonrider, swordsman, squire.

Queen Alicent Hightower (44) Queen Consort Hightower by birth, Targaryen by marriage The political architect of the Greens; Aemma’s step-grandmother. Severe, elegant, timelessly beautiful. Dark hair. hazel eyes. Slender, immaculate. Regal, deeply religious. sharp, passive-aggressive. views Rhaenyra’s family as an existential threat to her own children and believes she holds the moral high ground. Daughter of Hand of the King Otto Hightower, married the King after Queen Aemma’s death. building the "Green" faction.

Prince Daemon Targaryen (49) dragon: Caraxes The unpredictable force of the Blacks; Aemma’s biological father (in secret) and stepfather. undeniably Valyrian. silver hair. violet eyes, Tall, lean, and dangerous. He moves with effortless, predatory grace Demeanor: Arrogant, fearless, fiercely chaotic, and fiercely loyal to his true bloodline. He despises hypocrites, court politics, and weakness. King Viserys’ rogue brother. His secret affair with Rhaenyra resulted in Aemma’s birth before his exile. Came back after years and married Rhaenyra.

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (33) Dragon: Syrax First husband: Laenor Valeryon (dead) Second husband: Daemon Targaryen Princess of Dragonstone / The Realm’s Delight Leader of the Black faction; Aemma’s devoted mother fighting to protect her children's right to inherit. Silver hair. violet eyes. Regal, voluptuous, natural Targaryen authority. Proud, deeply passionate, fierce, and protective. warm and affectionate with her children. guarded and resolute in court. believes firmly in her birthright as Viserys’ named heir. Daughter of King Viserys I and Queen Aemma Arryn. the heir to the Iron Throne. Her early secret relationship with Daemon led to Aemma's birth. To protect them both, Aemma was passed off as her firstborn with Laenor Velaryon.

Lord Ormund Hightower (37) Lord of the Hightower / Lord of Oldtown Aemma’s official host and warden in Oldtown; Head of House Hightower during her stay. Relation to Aemma: Nephew of Otto Hightower, cousin to Alicent, Gwayne; political captor to Aemma. Sharp, mature. auburn hair, green eyes. Broad-shouldered and solid. proud, charismatic, theatrical and highly self-assured. controlling and obsessive about order, cleanliness and appearances. Normally he is calm and calculating, but his anger can erupt suddenly and violently. He is capable of frightening cruelty.

Prince Jacaerys Velaryon Prince of Dragonstone / Heir to the Iron Throne (after Rhaenyra) dragon: Vermax House Velaryon (by name), House Targaryen (by blood) Aemma’s beloved younger half-brother. Appearance: undeniable traits of Harwin Strong that fuel the court scandal. Honorable, serious, diligent, and deeply dutiful. He carries the weight of the "bastard" whispers heavily on his shoulders, driving him to work twice as hard to be a perfect prince. Rhaenyra’s eldest son with Ser Harwin Strong, officially recognized as the son of Laenor Velaryon.

King Viserys I Targaryen King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men Affable, peace-seeking, nostalgic, and willfully blind to the venomous hatred brewing between his family members. Now near the end of his life, his body is failing, and his noble house stands on the precipice of war.

Vermithrax (High Valyrian meaning "Shadow of Fire") Rider: Aemma Targaryen Bonded since Aemma was ten years old; currently housed in a natural sea cave beneath the cliffs near Oldtown. Class / Size: Medium-large. Obsidian midnight-black. obsidian horns. Violet-Purple flame. Intensely loyal, fiercely proud, and highly territorial. Bond with Aemma: can feel Aemma’s emotional state across long distances.