Gael

Biodata

Background / History

Gael first appears at Daemon Blackfyre's welcoming feast in the Red Keep. Though shy, she shows him kindness by offering him a pastry and repeatedly steals glances at the newly accepted member of the royal family. She later gives him violets and other small gifts, establishing an affectionate connection with him. 13 14

She accompanies Queen Alysanne to Moon Gate Keep following the Arryn tragedy. Concerned by Daemon's unease in the grieving Vale, she gives him calming grass and a charm before they part. 25 26

On the eve of Daemon's royal progress, Gael gives him a sachet embroidered with Glutton and asks him to write to her every full moon. 29

Her attachment to Daemon eventually leads her to claim Dreamfyre and accompany him around the Seven Kingdoms. After their return, their families approve their marriage, and the couple wed in an Old Valyrian blood-and-fire ceremony on Dragonstone. Gael subsequently helps establish their household and support the population of Daemon's new domain on the Crab Claw Peninsula. 31 122 151 191 193 194

Childhood and the “Child of Winter”

Gael is Jaehaerys and Alysanne's youngest daughter. Her epithet is associated with the account that she was born on a snowy night in the winter of 80 AC; another explanation links it to the end of Alysanne's childbearing years. Before bonding with Dreamfyre, she is remembered as timid even around unfamiliar nobles, and Vaegon recalls that she had not dared ride a horse quickly. 14 109 147

When her parents initially raise the subject of marriage, she says that she wants more time with them, mentioning the Red Keep's gardens and the young dragons in the Dragonpit. Alysanne persuades Jaehaerys to wait because Gael is still young. 28

Health and Prospective Motherhood

Gael has been physically frail since childhood. Alys Rivers begins tending to her during the royal progress after joining the party at Harrenhal, maintaining a regimen that includes warmth and carefully prepared medicines. By the time Gael is living at Dragon's Roost Port, this treatment has continued for nearly two years. 206 213

Although her condition improves enough for her to patrol on Dreamfyre and manage refugee resettlement, Alys advises her to wait another year before attempting to have children. Her treatment includes daily restorative medicine and time near Dreamfyre. Gael initially objects, believing herself sufficiently recovered, but accepts the delay after Daemon explains that her safety matters more to him than having an heir. 213

Alys also prescribes a calming draught when Gael experiences fluctuating moods and wakes with a start during the night. Her desire for a child remains strong, but both Alys and Daemon continue to insist that she wait. 214

On reuniting with Daemon in King's Landing before the Iron Islands campaign, Gael reports that Alys believes another year of treatment will allow her to have a child safely. This remains an expectation rather than an announced pregnancy. 245

Appearance

Gael is a slight young woman with silver hair and pale violet eyes. She is often dressed in soft-colored gowns, notably sky-blue or pink, though she later wears practical riding clothes while traveling with Daemon. 29 31 36

• Pale violet eyes that can become notably cold when she is angered. 31 32
• Long silver hair, usually loose or tied back with a ribbon while traveling. 36 44
• A delicate build; Daemon notes that she reaches only his chest. 29
• Commonly associated with sky-blue clothing and Dreamfyre's pale blue-and-gold scales. 31 34
• Later frequently wears pale-purple gowns, including dresses embroidered with Dreamfyre along their skirts or hems. 217 241 245
• Wears red wedding garments during her marriage ceremony on Dragonstone. 191
• On one occasion wears a dark-green riding outfit selected by Lia Osgrey, accompanied by an emerald-studded shortsword engraved with a small likeness of Dreamfyre. 234

Personality

Gael is initially timid and easily flustered around Daemon, often blushing when their relationship is noticed or discussed. Her affection is expressed through quiet gestures: flowers, charms, calming herbs, and requests for letters. 13 23 26 29 33

Beneath this gentleness, she is courageous and fiercely protective. When Daemon vanishes after being taken to Silk Street, she secretly enters the Dragonpit and flies Dreamfyre to find him. Her fear for him turns into a chilling fury toward Daemon Targaryen, strong enough to make Dreamfyre threaten him with dragonfire. 31 33

Gael is also empathetic toward vulnerable people. Her anger at Mysaria gives way to compassion after learning of the girl's past, and she purchases Mysaria's freedom to make her a maid. She later expresses pity for enslaved laborers on Tidehead Island and for the bastard girls of Maris Sept. 32 41 46

Her concern extends to the emotional consequences of violence. At House Mertyns's castle, she asks that a young child be taken away from the sight of executed criminals, warning that witnessing such things could leave a lasting scar. At Dragon's Roost Port, she helps reassure displaced women, children, refugees from Tyrosh, and formerly enslaved people. 114 194

Bonding with Dreamfyre and traveling with Daemon make her noticeably more assertive, a change recognized by both Vaegon and Baelon. Nevertheless, she remains inexperienced in some political matters during the progress, assuming that Daemon and their dragons will be sufficient to discourage Dornish interference. Later, she shows greater awareness of local politics when discussing Bartimos Celtigar's pledge of support for Daemon's domain. 102 109 147 199

Gael values family closeness and finds partings difficult. Her wish not to live too far from home contributes to Daemon's choice of the Crab Claw Peninsula, and she is saddened when Vaegon returns to the Citadel and the family prepares to disperse again. She looks forward to inviting their relatives to the couple's completed castle. 193 207 245

Her growing confidence also appears in playful competition and affectionate teasing. She challenges Daemon to an archery contest despite her imperfect technique, and after their betrothal jokingly insists that, as his aunt, she should protect him. 67 151

Abilities & Skills

Dreamfyre Bond and Dragonriding

Dreamfyre accepts Gael despite having gone without a rider since Rhaena's death. Gael rides the dragon independently, carries passengers, and uses her in both travel and war. 31 33 34

• Secretly flies Dreamfyre from King's Landing to pursue Daemon during his royal progress. 34 36
• Carries Mysaria with her during the journey through the Crownlands. 34 37
• Provides aerial cover for Daemon's party during their response to the Wildling threat in the Crabb Lands. 37
• Remains behind with Dreamfyre to defend the Crabb Lands while Daemon attacks Whispering Castle. 39
• Uses precise dragonfire to cut off retreating Wildlings during the relief of Moon Gate Keep. 50
• Carries Alys Rivers on Dreamfyre when the party leaves Harrenhal for Riverrun. 60
• Helps burn the Ironborn longships during the defense of Seagard, attacking their means of escape while Daemon strikes the besiegers. 73
• Flies out to meet the returning Joint Fleet and lands Dreamfyre on an open section of the Blackfyre's deck. 180
• Conducts patrols on Dreamfyre while living at Dragon's Roost Port. 213

Resolve Under Pressure

Gael becomes more confident during the royal progress, insisting on accompanying Daemon into danger and offering reassurance when he doubts his ability to lead the followers gathering around him. 36 37

• Defies King Jaehaerys's wishes by leaving King's Landing on Dreamfyre. 34
• Supports Daemon's claim to command the Vale's allied army at Heart's Home. 49
• Remains at Daemon's side after the liberation of Moon Gate Keep, reminding him that his strength comes from the people who trust him. 50
• Accepts responsibility at home during Daemon's campaigns, first when Alysanne asks her to oversee matters in King's Landing and later when she helps oversee livelihoods at Dragon's Roost Port during his absence. 160 241

Administration and Refugee Welfare

As Daemon's wife, Gael takes an active role in the development of Dragon's Roost Port rather than remaining solely a ceremonial presence. She assists refugee resettlement, reassures vulnerable newcomers, and regularly inspects the salt-tolerant rye terraces. 194 213 215

During Daemon's expedition to the Summer Isles, she helps oversee the population's livelihoods. On his return, she reports that the inhabitants have land and homes and that the rye harvest is sufficient to feed the port for half a year, with grain remaining for seed. Daemon's reports from Rickard also note her frequent visits to inspect the crops. 241

Practical and Household Skills

• Basic archery: Practices with a small wooden bow and challenges Daemon to compete. Her stance initially needs correction, but her next shot improves after his guidance; she is not presented as an accomplished archer. 67
• Food preparation: Makes honey cakes for Daemon, his companions, and departing relatives. Mysaria and Johanna also teach her to prepare jerky. 119 152 160
• Needlework: Gives Daemon an embroidered sachet and later makes him a cloak embroidered with Glutton's likeness. 29 151
• Herbal knowledge: Begins learning to identify herbs from Alys Rivers while living at Dragon's Roost Port. 241
• Care for companions: Brings food, medicinal broth, and supplies to Daemon and his followers during their travels and campaigns. 52 81 119 210

Power Progression

Relationships

• Daemon Blackfyre Targaryen — Her nephew under his accepted Targaryen identity. Their relationship develops from shy affection into mutual reliance; she pursues him on Dreamfyre, travels with him, and fights beside him in the Vale. He crowns her Queen of Love and Beauty at Highgarden and again at the royal anniversary tourney. They become betrothed with her parents' approval and marry on Dragonstone. As his wife, she helps support their developing domain, while he insists that her health take priority over their wish for a child. 25 29 32 36 50 105 148 151 191 213
• Dreamfyre — Her dragon. Dreamfyre accepts Gael after a long period without a rider and mirrors her anger when Daemon is missing. Their bond becomes central to Gael's growing independence, military participation, and later patrol duties. Alys Rivers recommends that Gael spend time near Dreamfyre as part of her health regimen. 31 33 34 73 213
• Mysaria — Gael frees Mysaria from the Pleasure Hall and makes her her maid. The two become close companions, with Mysaria accompanying her on Dreamfyre and protecting her from unwanted attention. Mysaria later attends Gael at Dragon's Roost Port, helps her in the kitchen, and shows concern for her health. 32 34 45 119 213
• King Jaehaerys I Targaryen — Her father. He is angered and frightened by her unauthorized flight from King's Landing, though his reaction reflects concern for his youngest daughter. He later proposes her marriage to Daemon, announces their intended wedding, and officiates at the ceremony. Afterward, he reminds Daemon that Gael has been frail since childhood and must be carefully looked after. 34 151 191 206
• Queen Alysanne Targaryen — Her mother. Alysanne defends Gael's impulsive search for Daemon while acknowledging that bringing Alicent into the Dragonpit was reckless. She supports Gael's marriage, joins the couple's hands at their betrothal, and gives Gael a silver ring inherited from her grandmother during the wedding celebrations. Their affection remains strong after Gael leaves to establish her own household. 33 151 189 206
• Rhaenys Targaryen — Her niece. Rhaenys recognizes Gael's bond with Dreamfyre and frequently teases her over her closeness with Daemon. She later helps with the couple's wedding preparations. 41 42 43 191
• Alicent Hightower — A trusted companion who joins Gael's search for Daemon and helps her during her first encounter with Dreamfyre. She also facilitates Gael and her companions' later visit to Daemon's room before the marriage agreement. 31 33 151
• Alys Rivers — A traveling companion, healer, and later instructor in herbal identification. Alys rides with Gael after leaving Harrenhal and treats her weak constitution over an extended period. She is firm about delaying pregnancy until Gael's health improves, despite the princess's impatience. 60 213 214 241
• Johanna Swann — A personal maid and close companion who joins Mysaria in attending Gael. She teaches Gael food preparation, accompanies her on inspections, and assists during her medical care. 119 185 213 215
• Brienne of Tarth and Lia Osgrey — Gael's personal guards. They protect her rooms and accompany her during activities around Dragon's Roost Port. Lia also selects a riding outfit for her. 151 185 210 213 234
• Vaegon Targaryen — Her elder brother. Gael seeks his attention and approval when they reunite at the Citadel, proudly telling him that she has ridden Dreamfyre. His surprise acknowledges how much she has changed. She is later distressed by his return to the Citadel. 106 109 207
• Baelon Targaryen — Her elder brother. He recognizes the depth of her feelings for Daemon and points out the courage she has developed for his sake. During the wedding celebrations, he jokingly threatens to punish Daemon if he mistreats her. 147 189
• Grey Ghost — Gael accepts the timid dragon into the household, prepares gifts for him, and shares her living space with him after marriage. He sometimes sleeps at the couple's feet. 123 180 218

Story Role / Major Arcs

Silk Street and Dreamfyre's Acceptance

After Daemon is taken to Silk Street by Daemon Targaryen, Gael cannot find him and secretly enters the Dragonpit with Alicent. Dreamfyre accepts the pair, allowing them to fly to the city and confront Daemon Targaryen. 31 33

At the Pleasure Hall, Gael initially believes Daemon betrayed her with Mysaria. Once Mysaria explains her past, Gael's fury becomes compassion; she buys Mysaria's freedom and assigns the cost to Daemon Targaryen. 32

Royal Progress

Gael defies the king's orders by flying Dreamfyre after Daemon as he begins his progress through the Seven Kingdoms. She catches him at Rosby, then continues alongside him through Maidenpool, the Crabb Lands, Tidehead Island, Crab Island, and Gulltown. 34 35 36 41 44 46

During the journey, she comforts Daemon as the number of young men following him grows and he fears repeating the failures of his previous life. 36

After the Vale campaign, she continues with the party into the Riverlands. At Lord Harroway's Town, stories about Harrenhal frighten both her and Mysaria; Daemon comforts them by explaining the human decisions and wars behind the castle's tragedies. After leaving Harrenhal, Gael carries Alys Rivers on Dreamfyre as the party heads toward Riverrun. 54 60

At Seagard, Gael joins Daemon and Daemon Targaryen in relieving the Ironborn assault. Following Daemon's orders, she helps burn the raiders' longships while his followers block their retreat. Later, as Daemon Targaryen prepares to return to King's Landing, she sends letters home with him and suggests that the other travelers also write to their families. 73 78

The journey takes her through Winterfell, the North, and the Westerlands before the party reaches the Reach. At Highgarden, she scolds Daemon for facing the Tyrell bastards' conspiracy alone. He crowns her Queen of Love and Beauty with a golden rose crown and takes her flying above Rose Field on Glutton. 84 87 94 99 105

At the Citadel, she reunites with Vaegon and proudly announces that she has become Dreamfyre's rider. The progress continues through the Stormlands before the party returns to King's Landing, where Gael rushes into Alysanne's arms and assures her that Daemon and her companions have cared for her well. 109 114 115 119 122

Crabb Lands and the Vale Campaign

Gael assists Daemon's party during the Wildling attacks in the Crabb Lands, using Dreamfyre for cover while also helping care for the injured. 37 38

When Daemon attacks Whispering Castle, he leaves Gael behind to protect the civilians and wounded with Dreamfyre. She accepts the responsibility despite wanting to remain with him. 39

At Heart's Home and Moon Gate Keep, Gael supports Daemon's leadership of the Vale army. Dreamfyre's dragonfire helps break the Wildling siege, and Gael later stands with Daemon after the victory. 49 50

Royal Tourney and Betrothal

After returning to the Red Keep, Gael continues to bring Daemon food and seek time with him despite his growing official responsibilities. Baelon later speaks privately with Daemon about her feelings, emphasizing the change from the timid girl of her childhood to someone willing to confront Daemon Targaryen, ride after Daemon, and share his concerns. 128 147

At the royal anniversary tourney, Gael supports Daemon with honey cakes and anxious encouragement. After winning, he kneels before her, crowns her Queen of Love and Beauty, and promises to remain at her side. Her parents and relatives openly celebrate the gesture. 148

Jaehaerys and Alysanne subsequently ask Daemon whether he will marry Gael. He agrees, and Jaehaerys announces that the wedding will take place the following year. Alysanne places their hands together, and the couple promise to protect and care for each other. 151

The Stepstones Campaign and Homecoming

When the Joint Fleet departs for the Stepstones under Baelon, Gael remains in King's Landing. Alysanne asks her to oversee matters there, while Gael gives Daemon a charm and supplies honey cakes for both him and Daemon Targaryen. Daemon promises to return and marry her according to Old Valyrian traditions. 160

She continues to send letters and honey cakes during the campaign. Before the fleet's return, she writes about their planned betrothal and wedding celebrations and the gifts she has prepared for Grey Ghost. When the victorious ships enter Blackwater Bay, she flies out on Dreamfyre to greet Daemon aboard the Blackfyre, bringing warm honey cakes. 175 180

Marriage on Dragonstone

The wedding celebrations include heirlooms and gifts from the couple's relatives. Alysanne gives Gael a silver ring passed down from her grandmother, and Daemon publicly places a small gold crown set with rubies on her head while pledging his protection. 189 190

On Dragonstone, Jaehaerys officiates at an ancient blood-and-fire ceremony. Gael and Daemon cut their lips, mark one another's foreheads with blood, drink wedding wine, and clasp their bleeding palms while exchanging vows. Gael names Dreamfyre and Dragonstone's sacred black stone as witnesses to her promise never to part from him. Glutton, Dreamfyre, and Grey Ghost circle above the ceremony. 191

Afterward, Daemon leads Gael into the Dragonpit and selects a black crystal with a natural dragon pattern, promising to carve it into a necklace for her. She promises to wear it always. 191

Building Dragon's Roost Port

Gael welcomes Daemon's choice of the Crab Claw Peninsula as his fief, expressing confidence that he can transform the wilderness into a garden. Her wish to remain relatively near their family is one consideration in his decision. 193

At Dragon's Roost Port, she works with Mysaria, Johanna, and the rest of the household to reassure refugees and formerly enslaved people. She follows the progress of drainage works and food supplies and participates in receiving Bartimos Celtigar's support for the new princely domain. 194 196 199

Her responsibilities grow to include refugee resettlement, the welfare of the inhabitants, and inspections of the rye terraces. She accompanies Daemon in the port's public life and welcomes him back from operations against nearby raiders, while continuing her own treatment under Alys Rivers. 213 215 216 222

When Daemon sails for the Summer Isles, she remains at the port. On his return, she reports a successful rye harvest and improvements in housing and landholding. The couple then inspect their castle under construction, including its goldenheart beams and black-stone walls. 234 241

Family Care and the Coming Iron Islands Campaign

Following Aemma's loss of her child, Daemon asks Gael to return to the Red Keep. She arrives with Alys Rivers, who provides medicines and instructions for Aemma's recovery. Gael later shares in the family's sadness as Vaegon and other relatives prepare to leave King's Landing again. 205 207

Before Daemon departs Dragon's Roost Port to prepare for war against the Iron Islands, Gael urges him to take his medicines and avoid overwork. He promises that they will return together after the campaign and see their completed castle. 242

Gael subsequently travels to King's Landing by ship and carriage, reuniting with Daemon at the Red Keep. She tells him that her health continues to improve and expresses hope that they will be able to have a child after another year. They again discuss finishing their castle and inviting the whole family to visit. 245

Notable Quotes

“Put this on his tab. Consider it... interest on what he owes you.” 32

“But you have me.” 50

“Haven't you been protecting me all along? I'm your aunt, you know. I should be the one protecting you from now on, my Little Daemon.” 151

“I, Gael Targaryen of the Targaryen lineage, with my dragon Dreamfyre as my witness, and the sacred black stone of our family's Dragonstone as my oath, shall follow Daemon Blackfyre Targaryen throughout this life. Through storm and rain, through danger and hardship, we shall never part.” 191

“All right. I'll wear it always, until we both become Dragonstone's black stone too.” 191

Trivia

• Dreamfyre had reportedly been without a rider since Rhaena's death before accepting Gael. 31 33
• Gael's first flight on Dreamfyre occurs because she is searching for Daemon, not because she intended to claim a dragon. 31 33
• Her concern for Daemon is strong enough that even Daemon Blackfyre finds her calm anger frightening. 31
• She is crowned Queen of Love and Beauty by Daemon both at Highgarden and at the royal anniversary tourney. 105 148
• She deliberately makes extra honey cakes for Daemon Targaryen before the Stepstones campaign, reasoning that even a troublemaker needs a full stomach to fight. 160
• She requests a secret passage between the bedroom and Daemon's private study in their temporary residence at Dragon's Roost Port so that she can conveniently visit him at night. 214
• Her emerald-studded shortsword comes from gifts presented by Racallio and is specially engraved with Dreamfyre's likeness; possession of the weapon does not establish that she is a trained swordswoman. 234