The Death of War

Chapter 40

Helaena and Baela have an encounter, Visenya gets involved. Daemon tried to talk to his oldest daughter. I hope you guys like it 🥰

Helaena took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She loved her children but they could drive her a bit crazy. Maelor was one and ten and was insistent on being Aemond's squire. He also wanted to travel to the free cities once he was older just like his cousin Joffrey. While Jaehaerys was happy with his books and paintings. Rhaenyra had gifted him a set of paints from Essos and her oldest son spent most of his time painting. Jaehaera was not as shy as she had been a few years before and had no trouble making friends. It made Helaena happy to see how her children had flourished, and how loved they were. Jace was the best husband and father, even the her three eldest children. He did not treat them any differently than he did Harwin. Her youngest boy was as sweet and lovable as his father. Some days she still could not believe this was her life, how different things had turned out. Sometimes she woke up thinking that this was all a dream and that things how turned out the way they were supposed to in the beginning. Then, her husband would hug her and kiss her and the fear would pass.

"I knew it was you." She closed her eyes and sighed before turning to look at Baela. Even after all these years the other woman still did not like her. The only difference was that Helaena now knew why, Baela was in love with Jace. "We have not seen each other in years. I wanted to congratulate you on your son."

"Thank you," Her voice was a bit hesitant, she knew Baela had not sought her out to be pleasant.

"And do not worry, I am sure all the weight will come off with time." Helaena tensed, she should have known her cousin would find a way to insult her. Helaena knew Baela was lying, she had already lost the weight she gained when she was with child. She had lost even more weight than after Maelor's birth, Jace kept telling her how she needed to eat more. "If not, I am sure your maids can tighten your corset a bit more."

"What is it that you want?"

"You do not have to be so annoyed, I am just trying to help you." Helaena resisted the urge to roll her eyes, just wanting the woman to get to the point. "I mean, you would not want your husband to take a mistress would you?"

"If you are referring to the fact that you kissed Jace, I am aware. He told me." Surprise flickered in Baela's eyes. "He was horrified and very upset about it. Before you try to lie and tell me it was he who kissed you or how he responded to the kiss, do not bother. Everyone in the castle knows you kissed him and were soundly rejected."

"I was not rejected!" Baela glared at her. "Everyone in the castle is lying, it will not be long before Jace takes a mistress. You will never be able to satisfy him."

Years before Helaena had been shy and quiet, she spent most of her time hiding in her own head and did everything possible to please those around her. She had even stayed away from Jace, refusing to marry him for years because he had believed Baela's words. But it was as Rhaenyra said, she was a princess, a dragon rider, a Targaryen and people owed her respect. She was not the same girl she had been years before and she was not going to allow Baela to make her feel less.

"My husband loves me, he does not need another because I give him everything he desires." She narrowed her eyes. "Unlike your husband, I hear, who has taken more lovers since being wed to you than ever before."

She did not see the slap coming and at first, did not feel the sting. It took her mind a few seconds to catch up to what had happened. She touched her cheek before turning to look at Baela.

"You will never speak to me that way again!"

Baela let out an undignified squeal as she was pushed and fell to the ground. Both Helaena and Baela's eyes widened when they realized Visenya stood there, she had been the one to push her sister. The little girl gave Baela a look that promised blood.