VALAERIE

Chapter 5

In Morrow, Valaerie found solace strolling along the seaside, watching her dragon soar with Dreamfyre and Silverwing. Their graceful flight brought a smile to her face. She heard footsteps nearby but didn't turn until a familiar voice called her name.

"Valaerie," Jocelyn greeted warmly as Valaerie turned to acknowledge her.

"Greetings, Jocelyn," Valaerie replied with a smile. She noticed Jocelyn was alone, her husband absent.

"Aemon and Baelon are training, while the Queen and your mother are having tea," Jocelyn informed her as they walked away from the shore and found a spot on the grass to sit.

"I wanted to congratulate you on your wedding, and I apologize for my mother's and my absence," Valaerie said sincerely, offering her hand to help Jocelyn settle on the grass.

Jocelyn was struck by the coldness of Valaerie's hand but found it oddly comforting. "It's alright, Queen Alysanne understood. I imagine gatherings aren't something you're accustomed to," Jocelyn remarked gently.

"No, not at all... I've never been one for gatherings," Valaerie admitted. Jocelyn studied Valaerie for a moment, captivated by her striking electric violet eyes.

"I truly admire your eyes. Queen Alysanne always speaks of how beautiful they are," Jocelyn commented, earning a smile from Valaerie.

"Yes, she does," Valaerie chuckled softly.

"Well... If I ever have a child, I hope they inherit those beautiful eyes," Jocelyn said warmly, causing Valaerie to laugh again. It was a sentiment she had heard often.

Jocelyn watched Valaerie laugh, struck once more by her beauty and grace.

She truly is beautiful.

"Do you want to hear a secret?" Valaerie asked, catching Jocelyn's interest. Jocelyn nodded eagerly.

"I don't mean to alarm you, but do you believe in dragondreams or visions?" Valaerie inquired, her tone serious. Jocelyn hesitated, considering the question. After all she had seen, she nodded slowly.

"Well... I had a brief vision. You will have a beautiful daughter with lilac eyes," Valaerie revealed, speaking with certainty, having seen it the first time she laid eyes on Jocelyn and Aemon.

Jocelyn was taken aback but found herself believing the young woman. "Like your eyes?" she asked hopefully.

"A different shade, but similar," Valaerie replied, and they both chuckled softly. Valaerie cherished this moment, having a candid conversation with someone outside her usual circle.

Valaerie appreciated Jocelyn's tactfulness. Unlike others, Jocelyn didn't pry into Valaerie's past but focused on the present.

Now they turned to talk about Aemon.

"Aemon is a devoted husband... always fulfilling his duties, protecting the realm, and striving for the family's well-being," Jocelyn shared with Valaerie, who listened politely, though her interest was mild.

"He's cautious," Valaerie mentioned casually. "We spoke briefly last night when he found me on the balcony."

"Really?" Jocelyn's face lit up at the mention of Aemon.

"Yes... He even suggested that my mother and I move to King's Landing, but I declined," Valaerie explained. She noticed Jocelyn grimace at her response.

"Why not?" Jocelyn inquired curiously.

"Well... I'm not exactly a socialite, and I'm sure my mother feels the same. Besides, it would cause quite a stir if people found out I'm alive," Valaerie elaborated with a wry smile.