KING'S LANDING
King's Landing had not changed; it still wore that disappointingly verdant hue. The blasted Seven seemed to loom over her at every turn.
In the corners and corridors, she saw the ghost of Aemond and herself, stealing glances and entwining their fingers. The courtyard that once held fond memories, now felt like a prison of vexation.
Their journey to the capital had been by boat, leaving their dragons behind. Given that their purpose was solely to secure Luke's claim, only Shouta accompanied her. The rest of her entourage remained under the capable supervision of Emica and Sunniva.
"I would say it's nice to be home, but I scarcely recognize it," Rhaenyra remarked, surveying the changes that had transformed her childhood haven. "Join us, Hira, so we may address the matter of your exile."
Hira brushed past Rhaenyra and Daemon, deliberately ignoring Rhaenyra's outstretched hands. Being in the capital irked her. There were too many painful memories here.
"There are far better pursuits than a king's decree," she replied, ascending the stairs with a singular purpose.
Though she had buried thoughts of Aemond deep in the recesses of her mind, a debt still lingered, one owed to Helaena. After all, Helaena was her favourite companion, aside from her Lengii kin.
Hira pushed open the door to the nursery, a sense of warmth washing over her as she caught sight of Helaena. The sight of her cousin brought a rush of nostalgia, the memories of simpler times flooding her mind. Helaena, who was meticulously embroidering a delicate spider, sat surrounded by her children.
"Helaena," Hira greeted, a genuine smile breaking across her face. "Is there a child here named after me?"
Helaena looked up, her eyes brightening with recognition. "Hira! You're back!" She rose from her seat, her embroidery forgotten as she rushed to embrace her.
Hira hugged her tightly, breathing in the familiar scent of lavender and honey that seemed to cling to Helaena. Her cousin had grown taller, though not as tall as Hira, who remained a foot longer. Helaena's slender frame was still graceful, but there was a weariness about her that hadn't been there before.
"Sweet cousin, the tighter you squeeze, the less air I have to breathe," Hira playfully gasped.
"I've missed you!" Helaena exclaimed, her eyes shining with joy. "I knew you'd return."
Helaena led her to the sofa, where the children were playing. The twins, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, along with little Maelor, were a delightful sight, bearing a striking resemblance to both their mother and father.
"They're stunning, Hel. You must be a proud mother," Hira said, gently brushing her fingers through Jaehaerys' hair as she smiled down at the boy. "I've missed you all so much. It feels like an eternity, and now you have three little ones!"
"Will you stay for long?" Helaena asked, her voice tinged with hope.
Hira shook her head. "We plan to stay only for the proceedings." Helaena's expression deflated at the news. Hira reached out to pat her hand, offering reassurance. "But that's why I'll cherish every moment with you and the children before I leave."
They spent the morning reminiscing, with Helaena sharing tales of court life, the births of the twins, and Maelor. Hira spoke of the new Lengii kin who had taken residence in Dragonstone, careful not to mention the fleet or the soldiers stationed there.
"You'd love my aunt Sunniva," Hira said, deftly braiding Jaehaera's hair into tiny plaits while her brother played with a wooden dragon at her side. Helaena had little Maelor resting in her lap. "She's a real force of nature; even Daemon is a bit afraid of her."
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The Passion of a Thousand Suns | Aemond Targaryen
Fanfiction❛❛ Aemond yearned for her, that much she knew. It was a pity duty held a crown over her head, for Hira would have gladly fallen into his desire. ❜❜ - Hira, known to the Seven Kingdoms as Daemon's bastard daughter. In Leng, a Princess, a daughter of...
