VALAERIE

Chapter 2

Alysanne and Jaehaerys turned to see a girl standing before them. Valaerie walked closer, causing the couple to step back cautiously, with Jaehaerys instinctively preparing to defend his wife. Valaerie noticed their guarded reactions and couldn't blame them; she was unknown to them. Sighing softly, she pulled back the hood that obscured her face.

The couple was taken aback to see a girl with distinct Valyrian features—features so unique and rare that only those with the blood of Old Valyria possessed them.

"Who are you?! How did you get here?" Jaehaerys demanded, his hand hovering near his sword. Valaerie studied the man for a moment, then shifted her gaze to Alysanne, her eyes briefly flickering to the slight swell of her belly—barely noticeable, yet she knew Alysanne was pregnant.

Alysanne suddenly recognized something in the girl's eyes. She cautiously approached, trying to get a clearer look. It dawned on her, and she whispered with disbelief, "Val... Valaerie." Her recognition brought a smile to Valaerie's face. The woman remembered her; someone recognized her.

"Greetings, Your Grace. It's a pleasure to see you," Valaerie greeted formally. Jaehaerys was still taken aback by the girl's identity. Alysanne couldn't contain her emotions and hurriedly embraced Valaerie, despite Jaehaerys's initial reaction. His hesitation did little to prevent the heartfelt embrace.

Alysanne's eyes filled with tears as she held the girl in front of her, reminded of Rhaena. "It's really you... I could never forget those eyes," she sobbed softly. Valaerie chuckled softly; it seemed everyone always noticed her eyes.

Alysanne had visited her many times and had always praised the beauty of her eyes, expressing a wish that one of her own children might inherit them. Jaehaerys, who had not recognized Valaerie, still remained uncertain.

"Alysanne... Come here," Jaehaerys cautiously urged, but Alysanne shook her head firmly.

"It is her... It's my beautiful niece," she insisted, examining Valaerie closely, searching for any scars or marks. To her surprise, there were none except for a scar on the side of Valaerie's neck—the exact burn that Aerea had.

Valaerie touched the scar gently. Out of everything, it was the one thing that hadn't faded, a reminder that she was a survivor. "Out of everything, this is the one that didn't truly heal," Valaerie whispered.

Alysanne couldn't hold back her tears upon hearing Valaerie's words. She hugged the girl again, whispering, "You're here now..."

"Have you visited your mother? She's in Harrenhal. She would be overjoyed to see you," Alysanne said, prompting a smile from Valaerie.

"I—" Valaerie began, but their conversation was interrupted by someone entering the room. They turned to see Aemon Targaryen, and Valaerie was struck by how tall he had become.

"Mother, Father, I..." Aemon started, then faltered upon seeing Valaerie and Alysanne. He didn't recognize the girl, although she clearly bore Targaryen features. Aemon frowned, unsure why his mother was crying and why Jaehaerys seemed puzzled.

"Aemon... You must meet your—" Alysanne began, but Jaehaerys cut her off.

"I think it's better if we hear what our son has to say," Jaehaerys said, changing the subject abruptly. Valaerie smirked, amused by Aemon's reaction.

Alysanne scowled at her husband's interruption, clearly wanting to continue their conversation about Valaerie.

"I better get going. I need to see my Mother, Your Grace," Valaerie suddenly announced, causing everyone to turn towards her in surprise.

"But... You've only just arrived," Alysanne began, unsure of what to say, but Valaerie smiled gently.

"I'll stop by once Prince Aemon is finished, right King Jaehaerys?" Valaerie turned to Jaehaerys, who remained silent. Stepping back, she returned to the balcony and looked up, searching for her dragon. With a whistle that echoed, even the birds seemed to respond. Soon, an enormous black dragon emerged from the clouds.