The baby girl was found in the gods wood. Her tiny body wrapped in a thin swaddling cloth, clinging to her delicate skin. Though her features were unmistakably not of their lineage, the king and queen took her in as one of their own. They named her...
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(word count: 1293)
"What's so funny?" Helaena asked, concerned. "Oh, it's just..." Visera paused, trying to contain her laughter. "It's just that I never really knew him. He was always just...a man that lived in the other room. Sometimes I'd hear him arguing with Mother, and other times he'd be shouting at the servants. But I never really...I never really got to know him." She paused with a sigh. "And now I never will."
It was no secret all Alicents children wanted their father to actually be their father. When Visera and Helaena was younger they would pray to the gods together, praying for Viserys to notice they existed. For once, for even just a moment. But he never did. And now, with his death, Alicent knew that it would never happen.
Alicent's heart broke for her eldest daughter. She knew how much Visera longed for her father's affection, for him to look at her the way he did Rhaenyra. It was clear that she was the apple of his eye, and everyone knew it. But the Queen also knew that Visera was strong. Stronger than she had ever given her credit for. She could see it in the way she held herself, in the way she spoke. Even now, in the midst of this tragedy, there was an air of resilience about her that Alicent found both admirable and frightening.
Helaena, on the other hand, seemed to be taking it harder. She was always the gentle one, the one who cared for everyone else's feelings. She was the peacemaker, the one who tried to smooth things over whenever there was an argument. And now, with their father gone, Alicent could see the pain etched deeply into her features. It hurt the Queen to watch her youngest daughter suffer like this.
"It's not fair, Mother." Visera whispered, her voice barely audible. "He never paid us any mind. Not really. But yet my heart aches for his absence?" She looked up at her mother, her eyes filled with confusion and pain. "Why is it that I feel this way?"
Alicent sighed deeply, wrapping her arms around her eldest daughter. "I don't have all the answers, my love. But I do know that losing someone we care about, even if they weren't always there for us, can hurt just as much."
Footsteps approached the room, Aemond halted as he saw the saddened look on each of their faces. "I heard..." He trailed off, unsure of how to continue. Alicent nodded, gesturing for him to sit beside Visera. He did so, hesitantly.
"It's true," Alicent said softly. "Your father is gone." Aemond let out a quiet chuckle, grabbing his wife's hand. "It's not funny," Helaena snapped. "He was our father." Aemond looked at her, surprised by her tone. "I know he wasn't the best father, but he was still ours." Helaena paused, wiping a tear from her eye. "I just wish he'd tried harder. I wish he'd loved us more."
Visera felt a pang in her chest hearing her sister's words. She looked over at Aemond, wondering how he must feel in this moment. He seemed to be struggling with his emotions as well, his eye darting between Helaena and herself. The red-haired girl placed a hand on his knee, a way of saying. "I'm sorry, Aemond, I know this must be just as hard for you as it is for us."
He looked at her, his eyes still filled with confusion. "But...you hated him," he said, his voice barely audible. "You always said he was a cunt, he was the one who sent you to the Lannisters." Alicent felt her stomach clench at his words. Helaena gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "Aemond!" she cried, her voice harsh. Visera nodded. " That is true husband, but it is also true that he was our father, and now he is gone." She paused, trying to find the right words. "Even if he wasn't the best father, or the most loving husband, he was still our blood."
There was a long silence as they each processed the weight of those words. Finally, Aemond spoke up. "I apologize." he said, his voice hoarse. "I didn't mean to make things worse." Visera reached out and squeezed his hand. "It's alright, Aemond."
Though their conversation was over, one last question remained. " Who is to tell Rhaenyra?"
The weight of the question hung in the air, unspoken but palpable. It was a task none of them relished, for it meant confronting the truth about their father's death, and the repercussions it would have on the entire realm. Alicent, as the Queen Regent, had the duty to inform Rhaenyra. But that wasn't her intentions, if she were to tell Rhaenyra she'd be crowned.
Visera and Aemond exchanged glances, the realization dawning on them both that this was a decision that would shape the course of their lives, and the Seven Kingdoms, for years to come. They had all grown up together, bound by blood and circumstance, and now they must face the harsh reality of their new roles. They knew their mother and grandsire was to put Aegon on the Iron throne. " We must find your brothers before anything is decided."
"But where would they be?" Helaena asked, her voice quiet. Alicent left the room, soon returning with Ser Criston Cole.
" Aemond?" His hand slowly left Visera's swollen stomach as he stood.
"Yes mother."
Aemond turned to Ser Criston Cole, his expression grave. "Ser, we must find my sons immediately. The news of our father's death cannot remain secret for long. The stability of the realm hangs in the balance." Alicent said worried for their safety.
"I understand, your grace." Ser Criston Cole replied, nodding solemnly. "I will leave immediately and begin searching for the princes at once." He bowed his head briefly, Aemond raised his hand. " I have some ideas as to where my brothers are, I will accompany you."
Aemond turned back to his siblings. Visera slowly rose. " My love, it too dangerous." "Do not fret my dear rose, I will bring back our brothers." He placed a hand on her stomach. "I must go." Aemond insisted. "My brothers need me. Besides, you are with child, it would be better if you stayed here where you can be safe." His words were firm but gentle.
Helaena, who had been silently watching the exchange, now spoke up. "And what of Rhaenyra, Mother? Who will tell her what has happened?" She looked at Alicent, her expression pleading. "She has a right to know."
Alicent sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping. " Your father had spoke to me last night of a dream, a dream of Aegon being crowned." She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Rhaenyra must be told, but not until we are ready. We must ensure that Aegon is securely on the throne first." She looked at her children, her gaze hardening. "I will send word to Rhaenyra, but we must be prepared for whatever consequences may come. And war will come."
Visera nodded, her expression grim. "I understand." She turned to her husband. "Be careful, Aemond. Bring our brothers home safe." He nodded, then leaned in to kiss her before following Ser Criston Cole out of the room.
(authors note)
i love this family so much, Aemond and Visera are my favorites, but prepare yourselfs for all the chapters after this one. thank you, for all the love on this book I never expected it to blow up this much. thank you for reading i hope you enjoyed it bc I enjoyed writing it!!!! I hop you have a great day or night!!!
