**Velaryon's Pride**

Part 4

The wind whipped through Jacaerys's hair as he stood at the helm of his ship, gazing out at the horizon. Baela stood beside him, her long silver hair streaming behind her like a banner. They were bound for Driftmark, the ancestral home of the Velaryons, where Jacaerys would introduce her to his family. As they approached the island, Baela's eyes widened in wonder. Driftmark was a place of rugged beauty, with rocky shores and windswept trees. The air was thick with the smell of salt and seaweed, and the sound of seagulls filled the air. Jacaerys smiled, proud to show her his home. "It's not like King's Landing, is it?" he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. Baela laughed, her eyes shining with delight. "No, it's not," she said. "But I think I like it better." Jacaerys's heart swelled with pride as he took her hand, leading her down to the dock. His family was waiting for them, a mixture of curiosity and suspicion etched on their faces. His mother, Lady Rhaenys, greeted Baela warmly, her eyes assessing the Targaryen princess. "Welcome, Baela," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "We've heard a great deal about you." Baela smiled, her poise and confidence on full display. "The pleasure is mine, Lady Rhaenys," she said, her voice husky. As they made their way to the manor house, Jacaerys's siblings, Addam and Vaela, clustered around Baela, bombarding her with questions about her life in King's Landing. Jacaerys watched, a warm smile on his face, as Baela effortlessly charmed his family. Over dinner, Baela proved herself to be a witty and engaging guest, regaling the Velaryons with stories of life at court. Jacaerys's family was enchanted, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at having her by his side. As the night wore on, Jacaerys took Baela on a tour of the estate, showing her the wind-swept beaches and the ancient trees that had stood watch over the Velaryons for generations. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of crickets provided a soothing background hum. Baela walked close to him, her hand brushing against his as they strolled. Jacaerys could feel the tension between them building, like a gathering storm. As they reached the top of a small hill, Jacaerys turned to her, his eyes burning with desire. "I'm glad you came here with me," he said, his voice low and husky. Baela smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm glad I did too," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Jacaerys's heart skipped a beat as he looked at her, his emotions heightened. He knew that he wanted her, that he wanted to explore the feelings that were growing between them. But for now, he was content to simply be with her, to bask in the warmth of her presence. As they stood there, under the starry sky, he knew that he would do anything to make her happy, to keep her by his side. The night air was filled with possibility, and Jacaerys knew that their love was just beginning to unfold.