𝑾𝑨𝑹 𝑶𝑭 𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑺 ˖*°࿐
𝟎𝟑. where fire and sea meet
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

𓆩⟡𓆪

126 A.C

VALAENA DIDN'T LIKE SAILING. It was something that made her uncomfortable, nervous. She didn't know why exactly: maybe because she never was on a boat before, or because the way it moved with the waves made her stomach turn, the nausea clouding her mind. Or maybe because where they were headed was to a funeral: she never interacted with Laena, only knowing her as Corlys and Rhaenys' daughter who married her uncle Daemon and left Westeros. But because her sister Rhaenyra was married to Laenor, Laena's brother, the entire family had to attend it. In Driftmark.

Valaena could feel the nausea in her throat, making her close her eyes as she prayed to not throw up. She had to hold it together. The little girl held strongly onto the railing of the ship, trying to maintain balance as another wave rocked against it. She could already see the silhouette of the castle from there, relief flowing her veins to the idea of arriving soon.

– Valaena. – Her mother's voice made her turn around, her eyes flashing with worry as she looked at her youngest daughter. – Step away from the railing, how many times must I tell you it's dangerous? – Her stern voice made Valaena swallow. Her mother could be scary when she was mad, and she was lucky it was not directed to her most of the time. She nodded, blinking the tears that clouded her vision.

The blonde girl tried to move away from the edge, but the harsh movement of the water made her lose her balance. She kept one of her hands on the railing to not fall, even as her mother raised her voice. The fear as she looked into the vast ocean clawed her veins, a small whimper leaving her lips.

She did not like ships at all.

Her head turned frantically from side to side ignoring her mother's calling, her eyes finding the figure of her older brother. She doubted for a few seconds, nibbling on her bottom lip before she darted to him, her small feet flying across the deck.

Aegon jumped as something collided against him, blinking slightly as he furrowed his brows, anger flooding him as he prepared to scream at whoever dared to disturb him. But his gaze softened as he looked down, the figure of his baby sister circling and clinging to his torso as she hid her face, her body shaking as she cried silently.

– Valaena, what's wrong? – He asked, trying to separate her from him to look her in the eyes. But the young girl refused to, her arms circling him tighter. – Did someone do something to you? – His voice turning darker as his eyes roamed the ship, committed to finding the person responsible for his sister's tears.

– I'm scared of the ship, Aegon. – Her voice cracked, muffled by her brother's coat. Aegon brushed the hair out of her face, putting his hand on her shoulder as he squeezed lightly.

– Of the ship? You have no reason to be afraid of it, sister. It's secure and the captain will make sure we arrive safely. – He said, trying to calm her, shaking his head at her. Valaena then looked up to him, fear in her eyes.

– What if the monster of the sea decides to get angry and attacks us?

– The monster- of the sea? What are you talking about, Valaena?

– Helaena mentioned it in one of the books. That if the sea monster is angry and sees a ship sailing, it might attack it, destroy it, and bring it with it to the bottom of the ocean. I don't want to drown, Aegon! – She explained in tears, burying her head into his chest once more as she cried.

Aegon tried not to laugh, a small smile edged onto his face as he placed his cup on the table. He weirdly put his arms around her, delivering small pats against her head to try to console her. Why didn't she go to someone else? He was not the greatest at this. He was not good at this at all.

– Valaena, how many times must I tell you to not listen to Helaena? It's only a story, and it is not real. Sea monsters do not exist. And the creatures that do live in the ocean will definitely not attack us for sailing to Driftmark. – She slowly pulled her head out of his embrace, tears drying on her rosy cheeks.

– Do you promise? – Valaena whispered, her brother smiling slightly down at her as his hands unconsciously brushed the hair off her face.

– Yes, I promise. Nothing will ever hurt you while your big brother is still here. – He said, his chest puffing as she smiled, before he picked her up into his arms, rocking her slightly to calm her.

Aegon wasn't naturally so calm or responsive. Most of the time trying to prank everyone and blaming his brother or drown in his own cups. But Valaena was definitely his weak spot, the moment she was born captivating him completely.

He ignored his mother's gaze, focusing on his baby sister's calmed face, her eyes closed as the fear and nervousness left her body, feeling protected in her brother's embrace. Aegon opted to ignore everyone's curious eyes as they looked at the prince holding his sister, (an uncommon act from him) and focused on rocking Valaena from side to side as they made their way to Driftmark, where Laena's funeral would take place.

𓆩⟡𓆪

Valaena soon would realize she did not like funerals. Maybe it was because she wasn't really attached to Laena like her cousins were. But the entire atmosphere was tensed, especially between her family: her brother Aegon as soon as they stepped into the balcony, quickly found the drinking table, swallowing the entire cup in one go; her mother and Sir Criston stayed close to her father, while Otto stood, a frown on his face as his eyes scanned the area, which Valaena avoid.

She found herself sitting next to her sister who was busy studying insects who made Valaena move a bit to the side. She did not like insects, especially spiders. Helaena was dear to her, always happy to hear her thoughts and dreams, the soft tune of her voice lulling her to sleep some nights. In contrast to her brother Aegon, she didn't mind how she sometimes spoke in riddles, or how most of the time she seemed to be in her own world. Valaena loved her sister dearly, finding her the only person that would never judge her. And that, in their family, was starting to become rare.

– We have nothing in common. – Aegon's voice came from behind her.

– She's our sister. – Aemond next to him commented, his gaze focused on Helaena. Valaena always thought his brother's gaze was a bit too intimate to her sister. But she never commented on it.

– You marry her then. – The older brother protested, another new cup already in his hand.

– I would perform my duty, if mother had only betrothed us. – Valaena turned her head back, furrowing her gaze. – If only. It would strengthen the family. Keep our Valyrian blood pure.

– You are disgusting, brother. – She murmured, shaking her head as she took a leaf from Helaena's hair.

– She's an idiot. – Aegon pointed out, rolling his eyes as the youngest sibling narrowed her eyes at him.

– She's your future queen. Show some respect, Aegon. – Valaena snapped.

– We actually do have one thing in common. – He smiled in Aemond's direction before his eyes caught one of the maids passing by. – We both fancy creatures with very long legs.

Valaena gasped, a scowl forming in her face as she looked at her older brother: she sometimes wondered why he acted that way, why he said such crude things. She knows her brother Aegon, her older brother who always read her stories for bed, who always took her to ride Sunfyre when she begged him, who always pìcked her up onto his shoulders to climb up the highest tree of the Red Keep.

As both her brothers bickered, she smiled slightly at Helaena, her ears catching her light mumbles before she went quiet. Valaena sighed, lifting herself as she looked around until her gaze found her cousins, Baela and Rhaena sitting on one of the benches.

Valaena bit her lip as she pondered: should she go to them? They just lost her mother. Surely they probably already hear a million sorrys, but has anyone asked them how they are? Valaena wouldn't know what she would feel if she lost her mother.

Her eyes wandered to her, her red hair waving slightly with the wind. Her mother's face was again in that scowl she always started to have around Rhaenyra. Her mother was beautiful, surely, but with her features always tense, Valaena missed the kind smiles she always gave her.

She blinked, smoothing her dress before she made her way slowly to her cousins. As their eyes noticed her presence, Valaena gulped, clenching her hands as she breathed in. She could do this. She had to for them.

– Hello. – She said softly, a small smile on her lips as she stepped closer to them. – I wanted to ask you both how are you doing?

Baela just scoffed, looking away from her. But Rhaena blinked rapidly, the question seemingly catching her off guard.

– How- how are we doing? – She muttered. Valaena's heart broke a bit. How was it possible nobody asked them that question?

– Yes. I know you probably have heard more than a thousand "i'm sorry" throughout the day. But- you just lost your own mother. I wouldn't know how to- how to deal with that. – She stammered as Baela's gaze turned again to her, squinting her eyes.

– It's- it's been hard. – Rhaena murmured, her eyes falling to the floor as she swallowed. – It was as if she was gone from one second to the other. I just wish we had more time with her.

Her sister grabbed her hand in comfort and Valaena felt tears in her eyes. She didn't stop as her hand reached and landed on the sister's joined hands, squeezing slightly.

– I know we are not as close, and we probably don't know each other very well. But- but we are family. And family is what matters. I really am sorry for the loss of your mother. From what I heard, she seemed like a lovely woman, kind, and beautiful inside and out. – Rhaena smiled, jumping from the bench as she hugged Valaena tightly, whispering a soft thank you.

Valaena's eyes turned to Baela, softening as a small smile sat on her lips, the hand in hers squeezing hers lightly. Valaena smiled as well. At least she could say she had two new friends.

– I'm very sorry, my princess. – A voice broke the moment, Rhaena stepping back as Jacaerys' figure stood on Baela's side, not daring to look up. Valaena grimaced slightly: her relationship with the eldest Velaryon was not at their best. They were great friends, sure. But Jace tended to follow her brothers into anything, mostly Aegon. And he tended to ignore Valaena, sometimes missing their walk around the gardens to make mischief with Aegon. And the worst of all: he still hadn't said sorry. He still hadn't apologized for hurting her with his jokes, for ignoring her the moment her brother decided to take him under his wing. He had not said a thing.

And that hurt. Of course it hurt. Yes, they were young, and it probably was only a joke and Jace did not even notice. But Valaena did. She already didn't have many friends at the Red Keep. So to have Jace always made it bearable. And him slowly forgetting her, made her feel like the painting hanging around the castle she stared at, somehow feeling reassured by their company.

– Thank you, Jace. – Baela said to him. Valaena watched as he stepped forwards, grabbing the Targaryen's hand in his as he smiled weirdly. Valaena furrowed her brows.

She catched Princess Rhaenys making her way up to them. She cleared her throat, catching Jace's attention, his eyes widening slightly as his mouth parted to speak. But Valaena beat him to it.

– I should go, princess. My mother is probably looking for me. I will see you for supper. Jacaerys. – She finished, turning around, her head turning back as the Velaryon boy called her name, following her.

But before he could catch her, Valaena stumbled into someone, their arms grabbing her to steady her. Her gaze rose to meet her step-sister Rhaenyra, smiling softly at her.

– Hello there. Are you okay? – She asked her as she crouched to her level, her hands caressing her arms.

– I apologize, – she bowed her head in embarrassment – I was not looking where I was going. – She heard Rhaenyra laugh slightly.

– Do not worry, little one. It is normal with so many people one might find herself bumping into someone. – She sighed before she looked at the girl in front of her again, her eyes roaming Valaena's face with a soft gaze. – What is on your mind, sweet child?

Valaena's heart swelled at that, swallowing the urge to cry: it was not her funeral, why was she crying?

– I'm just- I'm sorry for Baela and Rhaena. Losing their mother must- it has to be horrible for them. – She murmured, fidgeting with her dress.

Rhaenyra swallowed, her eyes lifting slightly as she catched Daemon's gaze on them, moving away the moment he noticed her. The woman shook her head before one of her hands cupped the girl's face.

– It is okay to feel sad for them. And it is also okay to cry, even if you did not know the person who is gone personally. I myself only saw my cousin from time to time. But that does not make me feel less heartbroken about it. – Her fingers caressed her cheek with warmth. – Valaena, nobody here will judge you for your tears if you feel like crying. You are one and ten, cry if you want to.

Rhaenyra's words seemed to make it: Valaena felt it all break, crumbling into pieces as she let the tears flew down her cheeks, a small sob escaping her mouth as she clutched her step-sister's gown. She didn't think of the eyes of the others on them, of her mother's glare on her back as Rhaenyra brought her forward, hiding her teary face into her chest, her arms circling her in a tight embrace.

She felt Rhanerya rub her back, calming her until she could not feel more tears. She slowly stepped away, smiling at the woman as she dried her face with her fingers.

– Feel better? – Valaena nodded. – I'm glad. I must go on now, but I am very happy to see you, Valaena, and relieved that I could have been of help. – Rhaenyra squeezed her shoulder before she stood up, winking to her before she made her way.

The smaller girl's gaze followed her figure, until a grasp on her arm made her look up to the face of her mother, a death glare on her eyes. Valaena swallowed.

– Did I or did I not tell you to not speak to her? – Her mother whispered, her fingers grasping the wrist tightly. – Go to your chambers, now, Valaena. before you decide to disobey me again.

Valaena nodded rapidly, ignoring the burning gaze on her back as she stumbled her way up the steps into the castle, escaping to the safety of her room where she could burrow herself in her books and stories, escaping to one of her favorite worlds.

𓆩⟡𓆪

It was probably in the middle of the night when Valaena woke up, scrunching her eyes as she sat on her bed. She blinked, furrowing her brows as she heard footsteps outside her chambers. Who was awake at this ungodly hour?

She jumped to the floor, her nightgown flowing around her as she stepped quietly into the hallway, catching ahead the bounce of a light on the wall.

She slowly crept through the hallway, her feet stopping as she heard voices, her heart stopping when screams followed.

– Come at me again and I'll feed you to my dragon! – Her brother Aemond grunted before he pushed Jacaerys harshly to the floor. Valaena's eyes roamed the scene, catching Lucerys' scared face, Baela and Rhaena not far behind.

– What are you doing, Aemond! – She spoke up, walking up behind his brother, who smirked slightly in her direction.

– Why, haven't you heard, sister? I claimed a new dragon! – Valaena felt her mouth open, her eyes widening.

– A-A dragon?

– It is my mother's dragon! He stole Vhagar from me! – Rhaena screamed with tears in her eyes. Valaena looked from her to his brother. Did he really claim Vhagar?

– Well you were too slow, as always. Maybe next time Lord Strong can help you with it. – Aemond tauntered. Valaena's gaze snapped to him, her heart hammering in her chest. That was too far.

– Aemond! – She scolded him.

Lucerys screamed, going for Aemond to push him, but being as short as he was, he easily stopped him, grabbing him from the neck.

– You will die screaming in flames just as your father did! – Aemond continued. Valaena had to do something, Luke's eyes widening her way.

– Aemond, stop it! You're hurting him! – She grabbed his arm, pulling her way. But maybe her brother didn't think, didn't realize. He growled, tearing his arm from her grasp with force, pushing Valaena into the wall, her forehead smashing into the stone.

The world then began to sway, her ears ringing slightly as her body met the cold floor. Valaena furrowed her brows as she slowly sat down, her name being called far away. Who was calling her?

Her hand crept to her hurting forehead, wincing slightly as it made contact. She closed her eyes as the pain spread through her body, feeling her heart stop as her palm came red in blood. She was bleeding. Aemond made her bleed.

She could still hear faint voices behind her, screams echoing before footsteps came behind her, a pair of hands grabbing her from the floor and turning her around.

– My princess, my princess. Let me see. – Ser Harrold spoke, carefully grabbing her bloody hand as he inspected the wound. – Gods be good. – He murmured before he scooped her into his arms, grabbing Aemond's hand and turning around. It was definitely going to be a long night.

𓆩⟡𓆪

– How could you allow such a thing to happen? – King Viserys scolded the guard, and all the family gathered into the space. – I will have answers.

Valaena was standed next to Aemond being tended by one of the maesters. She just wanted to go to bed, feeling her eyelids flutter from exhaustion. It clearly was not what she expected when she got out of bed.

Did Aemond really claim Vhagar? Clearly she doubted it. Vhagar was one of the biggest dragons alive, the last living dragon from the Conquest. Her brother wasn't the biggest around here to be honest.

But still, as she looked at him, almost falling out of the chair where he was sitting, she saw the look of his eyes– well, of his eye: determination. Aemond had suffered from their older brother Aegon since he was born and didn't share the same hobbies. And when Jace and Luke were born, it only got worse.

So maybe, maybe it did happen. Valaena swallowed, biting her lip as the adults before her bickered around. She really needed that sleep.

– It will heal, will it not, maester? – Her mother asked, fear in her eyes. Valaena felt her hands grab her shoulders, one of them squeezing hard.

– The flesh will heal. But the eye is lost, Your Grace.

Her mother stepped away, going behind her to where Aegon was standing, a yawn leaving his mouth.

– Where were you? – Alicent demanded, grabbing his oldest son's arm.

– Me? – Valaena winced as their mother slapped him in the face, swallowing silently. – Ow! What was that for?

– That was nothing for what your brother and sister suffered while you were drowning in your cups, you fool. – She snapped as she looked him deadly into his eyes. Aegon swallowed, his eyes finding Valaena's for a short second.

It was no mystery her mother could... become a bit violent from time to time. Especially as Aegon started to grow up: Valaena still remembered the first time he got slapped in the face, tears swelling in her eyes as she tried to stop her mother, tried to persuade her by blaming someone else for Aegon's mistakes.

She fortunately, did never receive punishment from her, only a mere spectator as her mother screamed to the others. But she swallowed as her eyes found her grandfather behind them, his eyes already on her. She never said she didn't receive a punishment from Hightower. She just didn't specify from which.

– What is the meaning of this? – Lord Corlys entering through the doors caught her attention, the Sea Snake entering with his wife next to him, Rhaenys walking to her granddaughter's side, inspecting their faces.

– What happened? – At the same time, Rhanerya appeared through another door, followed closely by Daemon. Of course she was with Daemon. – Jace? Luke! – The mother ran to her children, crouching down to the floor as she grabbed her youngest face. – Show me. Show me. Who did this?

– They attacked me! – Aemond shouted from his seat, Valaena flinching at his tone.

– He attacked Baela! – Luke said.

– And Valaena! – Jace followed, his eyes making his way up to the youngest Targaryen. Valaena's eyes widened, her cheeks reddening at his intense gaze, looking away quickly. – And he broke Luke's nose too!

–  He stole my mother's dragon! – Rhaena continued, as the others started to scream. Valaena winced at the loudness in the room, her eyes closing from the exhaustion. She didn't pay attention as the others tried to win the fight, claiming what the other did.

– Silence! – Her father yelled then, causing everyone to stop talking.

– He called us bastards. – Jace whispered, catching Valaena's eyes, who swallowed lightly. It was no secret her sister's sons looked nothing like their dad, and a close... appearance to the Commander of the City Watch. She knew her mother despite them, but Valaena never really had a reason to not be friends with them. They were family after all.

– Aemond... – Visrerys addressed his youngest son. – I will have the truth of what happened. Now.

– What else is there to hear? – Her mother chirped, Valaena already dreading this. She knew how this would end, how her mother would become. She cowered slightly behind the chair. – Your son has been maimed, your daughter as well. Her son is responsible.

– It was a regrettable accident. – Rhaenyra stood, defending Luke. Valaena blinked, knowing her mother was not there, she didn't see Aemond pushing her to the wall.

– Accident? – Alicent said, her gaze fixing on the princess. – The Prince Lucerys brought a blade to the ambush. He meant to kill my son and hurt my daughter at the same time.

– Mother– Valaena tried to argue, her mother's burning gaze making her shut up.

– It was my sons who were attacked and forced to defend themselves. Vile insults were levied against them. – The room seemed to get deadly quiet. Everyone knew how precious Rhaenyra was to the king, and by that his grandsons.

– What insults? – Viserys demanded.

– The legitimacy of my sons' birth was put loudly to question. – Valaena catched Aegon's gaze as he swallowed. This will not end well.

– What?

– He called us bastards. –Jace admitted, his gaze wondering to the blonde girl once again, who looked away, the guilt crawling up her throat. Why didn't she say anything?

– My sons are in line to inherit the Iron Throne, Your Grace. This is the highest of treasons. – Rhaenyra stopped for a second, gazing up to Valaena before blinking, returning to the king. – Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we might learn where he heard such slanders.

– Over an insult? – Her mother argued. – My son has lost an eye. My daughter will carry a scar on her forehead for her entire lifetime. – Valaena rolled her eyes. That was a bit dramatic.

– You tell me, boy. Where did you hear this lie? – Viserys questioned Aemond

Alicent: The insult was training yard bluster. The lot of boys. It was nothing.

– Aemond... I asked you a question. – Valaena tenses, feeling the nerves creeping up her body as Aemond refuses to answer. As the adults keep talking, she briefly makes eye contact with him

– Aemond, please. – She whispers, carefully stepping closer to him, begging him with her eyes. – You won't get punish as hard and it will all be forgotten next week. Please admit it.

– I have nothing to admit, dear sister. – He whispers sharply at her. – It is the truth and you know it. Stop pretending they're your friends when their blood is tarnish. – He leans to her, a dark smile picking through one of mouth's corners. – All of this because you seemed to like one of them, hmm?

Valaena's gaze flick to Jace for a second, him already looking at her, scrunching his eyes as he flicks between her and Aemond.

– I will admit it when you do, sister. After all, honesty is something you always have valued, is it not? – He mocks her, relishing the way she crouches back.

– Aemond...look at me. – The moment gets interrupted as the attention focuses back on Aemond once again. –  Your king demands an answer. Who spoke these lies to you?

Aemond lifts his gaze from the floor, staring at his father before looking at Valaena from the corner of his eye before flipping to their mother. Valaena can feel her shoulders go stiff with the tension that is growing in her body, closing her hands in small fists to stop them from shaking. This was the moment. This was the time for make things right.

– It was Aegon. – Aemond finally mutters. Valaena feels her heart stop, tears in the corners of her eyes as Aemond doesn't even bother to look at her. She averts her gaze to her mother, who looks at her for a second before doing the same.

– Me? – Their older brother shrieks, looking at his younger siblings.

– And you, boy? Where did you hear such calumnies? – Aegon stands dumbfounded as he opens and closes his mouth trying to come up with something. Aegon! Tell me the truth of it! – The king yells, making the tears in Valaena's eyes spring.

– We know, Father. Everyone knows. – He whispers. – Just look at them.

Valaena blinks the tears, her vision blurry as she feels betrayed by her family, blocking out her father's voice. Why did they hate each other so badly? Yes, Jace and Luke were bastards, but they certainly weren't the only ones. And it certainly does not make them different. Both of them even have dragons!

– That is insufficient. Aemond has been damaged, permanently, and Valaena nearly as well, My King. "Good will" cannot make them whole again. – Her mother tries to reason, her eyes filled with tears.

– I know, Alicent, but I cannot restore his eye.

– No, because it's been taken.

– What would you have me do? – The king asks, sighing. Valaena feels a sudden dread as her mother's gaze turns to Luke. No.

– There is a debt to be paid. I shall have one of her son's eyes in return. – Valaena gasps, stepping forward. This was going too far.

– My dear wife.

– He is your son, Viserys. Your blood. – She whispers, swallowing the tears.

– Do not... allow your temper to guide your judgment.

– If the King will not seek justice, the Queen will. Ser Criston... bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon. – Valaena thinks her mother has lot her mind.

– Mother! You cannot do that! – She whispers, grabbing her arm in an attempt to stop her.

– He can choose which eye to keep, a privilege he did not grant my son. – Alicent continues, ignoring the pleas in her daughter's eyes.

– You will do no such thing. Stay your hand. – Viserys commands Ser Criston.

– No, you are sworn to me! – Her mother yells, a crazy look on her eyes that makes fear crawl on Valaena's body.

– As your protector, my Queen.

– Alicent, this matter... is finished. Do you understand? – Alicent doesn't answer, her eyes finding Valaena, drifting up to her scar. – And let it be known: anyone whose tongue dares to question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra's sons should have it removed.

– Thank you, Father. – Rhaenyra says, before giving them her back and focusing on her children. Valaena just breaths slightly, blinking as her mother starts to move in the direction of her husband. She widens her eyes as she grabs the blade, turning around and marching towards Rhaenyra.

– Alicent!

– Mother no! – Valaena yells, going to stop her mother by grasping the back of her dress. But she doesn't stop, coming face to face with Rhaenyra as she grabs her arms.

– You've gone too far. – Rhaenyra says, her gaze flickering to Valaena's flickering gaze with her hand wrapped around her mother's clothes.

– I? What have I done but what was expected of me? Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law. – Alicent exclaims with a teary voice. – While you flout all to do as you please.

Alicent, let her go! – Valaena hears her father from behind, still trying to pull harder.

– Where is duty? Where is sacrifice? It's trampled under your pretty foot again. And now you take my son's eye, and to even that, you feel entitled. – She stops for a second. – Even your dearest sister's skin that you so preciously touch. You had to also take her away from me too!

Both Rhaenyra and Valaena stop at that sentence. Take her from her mother? Valaena just stares, confusion written in her features as Rhaenyra's face fills with surprise for mere seconds before anger dominates.

– Exhausting, wasn't it? Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness. – She gets closer. – But now they see you as you are. Even sweet Valaena. – She whispers, right before Alicent pushes, the blade slashing through Rhaenyra's arm, blood pouring out of the injury.

– Rhaenyra! – Valaena screams, letting go of her grasp as she hurries to her, tears flowing down her rosy cheeks as she grabs the Targaryen's skirt in her hands. She trembles, closing her eyes with force as she tries not to let any sound out. Her own mother had done this. Her dear mother.

She feels a hand caressing her hair, her eyes opening to look at Rhaenyra's soft smile at her, pulling her closer.

– It's alright, sweet thing. I'm okay. – She whispers, caressing her warmly before Valaena pulls herself closer, burying her face in her dress. She feels someone hug her from behind, smaller hands that she identifies as Luke's go around her waist, separating herself to let him have space.

Valaena looks from the corner of her eye at another figure making its way to them, her uncle Daemon. He positions himself to her side and Rhaenyra's, his eyes resting on her before his free hand lands softly on her head, his fingers caressing her blonde hair.

– Do not mourn me, Mother. – Valaena winces, turning around as she eyes her mother's teary gaze on her, the blade forgotten on the floor. – It was a fair exchange. – Aemond then looks at her, a small sneer gracing his face a second before its gone. – I may have lost an eye... but I gained a dragon.

Valaena swallows, her heart thumping in her chest as she suddenly realizes her family has just divided itself into two. And one thing she knows for certain: she doesn't know on which side she is on.