The Realm's Angel

Chapter 7

   (Sorry this was late! Forgot today was Sunday. Anyways, another time skip! I hope y'all will enjoy this)!

   Two years have passed since Viserys announced his marriage to Alicent. They were now married and had a child, a son named Aegon, and Alicent was currently heavily pregnant with their second child together. Jahaenya was now 9-years-old, and Lucius was 13. Aegon had just turned 2-years-old, and to honor him, a hunt was assembled. Many people expected that Rhaenyra would no longer be the heir, since Aegon was Viserys' firstborn son. However, Viserys never announced anything.

   Jahaenya and Lucius were gathered in a room filled with many people all fawning over Aegon. There was food on the table, with the two already having grabbed plates. "The moment a boy is born, all the attention shifts to him." Lucius muttered, causing Jahaenya to chuckle. Eventually, Viserys began wondering where Rhaenyra went, so Alicent went to look for her. Ever since the marriage, Rhaenyra hadn't been talking to Alicent as much, and their friendship began to cease. Jahaenya and Lucius' friendship never did, and they became closer than ever.

   Eventually, Alicent returned with Rhaenyra, and they were on their way to the hunt in the Kingswood. Lucius sat in the carriage where Viserys, Alicent, Aegon, Rhaenyra, Jahaenya, and a few handmaidens were. They hit a bump in the road, and everyone shuffled around in their seats. Lucius diverted his attention to his sister, and became worried. "Should you be traveling in such condition?" Rhaenyra asked as Alicent regained her posture. "The maester said that being out in nature would do me well." Alicent replied. "Well, you will be with your own child sooner than late. And eventually you will too Jahaenya, and make me a proud grandsire." Viserys spoke to the two girls. 

   Both Rhaenyra and Jahaenya looked at their father in confusion. They were both a little hesitant on having children, with Rhaenyra being more against it while the latter was still a little confused. Ever since the death of her mother, Jahaenya never knew if she wanted to go through that. She entertained the idea of having children, she was just scared of the outcome. "It's not so bad. The days are long, but Aegon came quickly and without fuss." Alicent tried to reassure. An awkwardness filled the air, since that comment brought a terrible reminder of Queen Aemma and her senseless death, along with the struggles she endured. Jahaenya knew she was trying to reassure them, but she couldn't help but think negatively, especially because all pregnancies are different.

   "You should ride out with me today. Join in the chase." Viserys said to Rhaenyra, breaking the silence. "I'd rather not. The boars squeal like children when they're being slaughtered. I find it discomforting." Rhaenyra responded. For a moment, Jahaenya wondered why her father didn't offer her to ride with them, but she realized that her father saw her as a young child. She was a young child, but not a baby like how Viserys treated her. "It's a hunt, Rhaenyra. How would you like to participate?" He asked. "I'm not sure why I must." Rhaenyra said. "Because you are my daughter, the princess. And you have duties." Viserys spoke. "As I am ceaselessly reminded." Rhaenyra mumbled. She eventually repeated herself louder after Viserys asked.

   "You wouldn't need to be reminded if you ever attended to them." He scolded. "No one's here for me." Rhaenyra responded. Another awkward silence filled the air. She wasn't wrong. Nobody cared to see either of the princesses. The only focus was on Aegon, who was the king's unconfirmed new heir. They eventually arrived at the Kingswood to an excited crowd. The carriage opened and Viserys was the first one out. Lucius excused himself and rushed to Alicent's side, helping her leave the carriage. He didn't care if that wasn't what he was supposed to do. All he was worried about was his sister and did not want her to injure herself. 

   Eventually, Jahaenya and Lucius made their way inside of a large tent, where people were bustling about. A throne was set for Viserys. They sat with Alicent and a few other ladies of the realm, including Lynesse, Alicent and Lucius' aunt who was married to their uncle Hobert, Otto's older brother. They sat there, not wanting to engage in conversation with anyone but were forced to listen to the ladies talking. They were currently talking about the ongoing war happening on the Stepstones that Daemon and Lord Corlys were taking part in. "Lady Johanna was reported to have been abducted when one of Lord Swann's ships sailed through the Stepstones." Lady Ceira Lannister shared, garnering the attention of Lucius and Jahaenya. "What will happen to Lady Johanna?" Alicent asked in concern. "She's to be sold to a pillow house in the Free Cities. If you believe the rumors." Lady Ceira answered. 

   Their conversation paused as someone new joined them. Larys Strong, the youngest son of their Master of Law, Lord Lyonel Strong. "I fear the Gods did not make me for hunting. Might I sit with you, my ladies?" Larys politely asked. He was born with a clubfoot, which was why he wasn't able to hunt like everyone else. Alicent allowed him to sit, and introduced him to the others. Jahaenya fixed up a chair for him, which made all the ladies look at her with surprise, since usually servants are the ones who do that. Jahaenya was just not a fan of asking servants to do things for her when she could do it herself, so she was always independent. It's what made her different. She looked at everyone around her, making sure nobody was giving Larys mocking and judgmental glances, since people can be cruel to others who are different.

   "Don't worry, I wasn't made for hunting either. I find it such a bore." Lucius muttered to Larys, causing the three to chuckle. "My Lord husband says that no king has even been able to tame the Stepstones for long. It's an inhospitable place suited only for savages." Lady Lynesse spoke. "Perhaps the princess can give us some insight." Lady Ceira said. Jahaenya looked up, thinking she was being acknowledged. In reality, Rhaenyra had walked in, which gave her relief knowing she didn't have to speak. "I'm not sure how I could. I've never been to the Stepstones." Rhaenyra said. "Your dear uncle is the great mind behind this war. Is he not?" Lady Ceira spoke again. "I wouldn't know. I've not spoken to Daemon in years." Rhaenyra responded. "Since you supplanted him as heir." Lady Ceira sneered.

   "And what is it that you are trying to say, Lady Ceira? That my sister doesn't deserve to be heir? Daemon is busy being a warrior and thoroughly succeeding in combat. My sister will make a great queen." Jahaenya snapped, which caused everyone to look at her in surprise. "Daemon made his choice, Lady Ceira. The princess was more suited to the role." Alicent added, taking the attention away from Jahaenya. "He's made a mess and the king must put an end to it. Send fleets and men and clear out the Triarchy for good." Lady Joselyn Redwyne voiced. "But The Crown is not at war." Rhaenyra countered. "The Crown is at war, princess. Though your father refuses to admit it, we've been dragged into it by your uncle and the Sea Snake." Lady Joselyn voiced. "And how have you served the realm of late, Lady Redwyne, by eating cake?" Rhaenyra snapped.

   Jahaenya burst out laughing after hearing that, feeling the ladies' glares on her. Lucius clamped his lips together to prevent himself from laughing while Larys sat there, awkwardly eating a cookie. Rhaenyra eventually walked away, and Jahaenya tried to contain herself. Lucius snickered as the two made eye contact, which became awkward for the ladies, but they didn't care.

   (Damn Jahaenya has no chill! I hope y'all enjoyed this! See you soon)!