Before the union of Rhaenyra with Ser Laenor Velaryon, an event etched forever in memory took place when Daemon claimed Rhaenyra's innocence in the hidden corners of a brothel, planting a seed of life within the princess rightful to the Iron Throne...
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Freedom is a kiss But the prince hides his face From dreams in the mist
The morning after Rhaella and Aemond's adventure into town was as expected. The maids walked into Rhaella's chambers to find the bloodied gown on the ground and the princess lying nude in her oversized bed. Rather than question the blood of the gown, they burned it.
Before dawn, the maids escorted the princess to bathe the previous night's grime from her delicate skin. Like Akira, the girls who Rhaella recalled to be Dorothy and Cecilia used unorthodox methods to wash the dirt from her hair and body.
"My, my, princess!" Dorothy chirped. "I haven't a clue how you managed to get this dirty while cooped up here, but color me impressed!"
Cecilia swatted at her daughter with a wet rag. "That is no way to speak to a princess, child! Mind your manners, girl."
"It's quite alright, Cecilia. I enjoy the casual nature of Dorothy. I look forward to our short interactions. It is one of few things that give me peace of mind," Rhaella beamed.
With a big smile, Dorothy moistened the young princess's hair while Cecilia scrubbed every inch of the girl. The two maids looked at each other with hesitation before the younger woman cleared her throat to speak.
"Uh, Princess Rhaella? I know this may be an inappropriate time, but we would like to give our condolences for what happened to your servant. We heard from a few knights guarding the Great Hall...."
She swallowed her angst and weakly smiled at Dorothy. "I appreciate your kind words," she breathed." I believe some people are too pure for this world. Their hearts are more prominent than any home, with eyes brighter than the sun. My Akira taught me to be kind, forgiving, and patient and to forgive those who have wronged me."
"She sounds like a lovely woman. My heart aches at her death. It's such a tragedy," Cecilia cooed.
Rhaella nodded. "Indeed. However, as much as I wish to forgive the Queen for taking action and Aemond for allowing it, I mustn't pity myself or others. Instead, I shall weep for the dead and bring joy to the living!" she remarked.
"A wonderful philosophy, princess! Now, have you any plans for today? A little birdie told me of a hot spring outside of King's Landing down north! Despite being a beautiful sight, the water is scalding hot. Few visitors have ever withstood more than a few seconds at most of the heat. Still, I recommend visiting it for the view," the older woman chirped.
Smiling to herself, the young princess agreed. "Perhaps I will! I shall dress for exploration, girls. Have one of the stable men prepare me a horse and written directions."
"Will do, your majesty!" The two maids said in unison.
As Rhaella stood from the water, she draped herself with a robe and walked into her chambers. Expectedly, the maids wiped the girl clean of dripping water and dressed her in a simple woolen dress without designs or patterns as before. They claimed it would be suitable for blending in with commoners.
