Rhaella Targaryen had never been sure of much in her life. Unsure of her heritage, unsure of who she was, etc. But there was one thing or person that she was sure of was Aegon. Aegon treated the girl like a person rather than a piece of porcelain th...
RHAELLA'S HEART POUNDED with excitement as she hurriedly made her way to her father's chambers. She had finally mastered the sentence she had been practicing in High Valyrian, and she couldn't wait to share her accomplishment with him. Rhaella always had the urge to impress her Father, to show him she was worthy. She longed for his praise and approval. Rhaella wanted to make her Father proud, proud like he was of her older sister Rhaenyra. The words of high Valerianr danced on her tongue, ready to be spoken.
With a burst of enthusiasm,the small princess pushed open the heavy doors and stepped into the opulent room. Her father, King Viserys, sat at his desk, engrossed in conversation with Otto Hightower. But young Rhaella was to excited to pay mind to her father's conversation and interrupted him "Father," she began, her voice filled with anticipation, "I learned the sentence you wanted me to memorize in High Valyrian!"
Rhaellas smile quickly faded when she saw the dismissive look on her father's face.
Viserys glanced up briefly, his attention still fixed on Otto. "Not now, Rhaella," he said curtly. "I'm busy. It is not becoming of a young lady to interrupt her King. Go play with your dolls or attend your Mother."
Her heart sank as her father's words hung in the air. She felt a lump forming in her throat, fighting back tears as she coughed up a weak apology. "Your right Father I am sorry to interrupt."
"What was that?" Viserys said to the girl "Speak up daughter"
The girl was to embarrassed to reply and with a heavy heart, she turned and hurriedly left the room, the disappointment weighing on her young shoulders.
As Rhaella ran down the corridor, with tears streaming down her pale face, a familiar figure caught her eye. It was Ser Criston Cole, one of her mother's trusted guards. Rhaella had always found the man kind and understanding. He had often let Rhaella attend her brothers training sessions in secret when her mother would not let her.
Ser Criston approached her, concern etched on his face. "Princess, what is the matter?" he asked gently, his voice filled with empathy.
Between sobs, Rhaella managed to choke out the words, "Father... he... he didn't want to hear... what I learned." "I was so excited to show him" the little girl drowned which broke the knights heart.
Seeing Rhaella sad was the most heartbreaking thing, anyone would agree. The girls wide doe eyes filled with sadness and her little nose turned red. It could shatter anyone with at least a ounce of parental instincts heart. Including Ser Criston Cole himself.
The man's eyes softened, and he knelt down to her level. "I'm sorry, Rhaella," he said, his voice soothing the princess. "But don't let that discourage you. Show me what you've learned. I'm sure it's impressive."
Rhaella wiped away her tears, taking a deep breath. She mustered up the courage and began reciting the sentence she had practiced tirelessly. As the words flowed from her lips, Ser Criston listened attentively, his eyes filled with pride.
"That's incredible, Rhaella," he said, a warm smile gracing his face. "You have a natural talent for languages," Ser Criston praised, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "Your father may not have recognized it at this moment, but I see it right now."
"Do you mean it Ser?" Rhaella felt her frown lift up. The man had a sincerity in his voice that Rhaella couldn't help but believe.
"Yes princess, that is quite impressive of someone your age. You are very bright."
Rhaella smiled. The girl was content to know that her effort did not infact go unnoticed. Rhaella felt a renewed sense of confidence and determination. "Thank you, Ser Criston," she replied, a smile breaking through her tears. "Your support means the world to me."
Ser Criston stood up and offered her a reassuring hand. "You're welcome, Rhaella," he said kindly. "Remember, never let anyone's dismissal diminish your worth. Your talents are unique and special."
Rhaella hugged the man, wrapping her short arms around him. Rhaella thought the man had to be a angel that god sent. That's why he was their solider, that's it. Ser Criston Cole must be her guardian angel. She was sure of it. God had sent him to look after her. That's why he was so nice to her. She wondered if her mother to knew that Ser Criston was their angel. She would have to ask than.
The little girls hug took Criston by surprise he couldn't remember the last time he was hugged. It might as well been a decade ago but none the less he hugged the girl back. Maybe one day he'd have a daughter of his own? He sure hoped she would be like Rhaella. He thought the girl was far to kind hearted to be a Targaryen. She didn't seem to possess any of the traits her mother or her siblings had. Rhaella had a warmth to her, a warmth that no one at the red-keep had.
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AS THE MOONLIGHT FILTERED through the window, casting a gentle glow on the luxurious room, Rhaella sat on a cushioned stool while her mother, Alicent, carefully braided her long, red hair. The rhythmic motion of the comb through her hair was soothing, creating a serene atmosphere while also making Rhaella a bit sleepy.
In the quietude of the moment, Rhaella's curiosity got the better of her. With a soft voice, she looked up at her mother and asked, "Mother, did you know that Ser Criston Cole is my guardian angel?"
Alicent paused for a moment, her hands stilling in the strands of Rhaella's hair. She looked down at her daughter, a tender smile gracing her lips and let out a slight giggle. "Oh, my sweet Rhaella," she said, her voice filled with warmth and affection. "Ser Criston is a noble knight, but he is no angel. He is a man of flesh and blood, just like you and me."
Alicent found her daughters innocence adorable but also very entertaining. Only Rhaella would come up with such a idea. The girls way of thinking interested Alicent. Rhaella was always coming up with silly ideas and story's, she was a dreamer.
Rhaella's brows furrowed in confusion as she processed her mother's words. "But... but he seems so... ethereal, so otherworldly. The way he speaks and carries himself, it's as if he possesses a divine presence."
Alicent tried to hold back her laughter at her only eleven year old daughter. She didn't want Rhaella to think she was making fun of her, no not at all. Alicent only found it humorous how at such a young age the girl spoke with such a vocabulary. "Ella do you know what those words even mean?"
"Of course I do Mother" Rhaella said in as obvious manner.
Alicent gently resumed braiding Rhaella's hair, her fingers deftly weaving the strands together. "Very well my dear, sometimes people possess qualities that make them seem extraordinary. Ser Criston is undoubtedly remarkable, but he is not an angel. He is simply a person who has touched your heart and inspired you I'm sure."
Rhaella pondered her mother's words, her gaze fixed on a distant point beyond the room. She didn't believe her mother. Ser Criston was her guardian angel, there was no doubt about it. Mother was wrong and nothing could change her mind. Ser Criston had become a beacon of hope and encouragement in her life, someone she now looked up to and admired.
Alicent, sensing her daughter's thoughts, continued with a gentle reassurance. "It's not uncommon to find individuals who inspire us, or we look up to. They may not have wings or halos, but their impact on our lives can be profound."
Rhaella shook her head "No Mother you are mistaken he must be"
The red head was stubborn and did not budge. That was one thing she got from Alicent.
"Well you must be right than Princess" Alicent playfully rolled her eyes at the girl. She decided to let her daughter win this one. There was no need to have her grow up to fast, she could stay in her childish fantasies for a bit longer.
