The Dragon Queen

CHAPTER 9

Rhealys and Alicent enter the Sept. Candles lighting burning everywhere.

"It's only been half a year since my mother died and already they tried to marry my father off and replace me as heir. I know those men and how they plot in that secret council when I'm being sent away" Rhaelys says.

"You cannot worry about the matters of lords and kings Rhaelys." Alicent says.

"I'm heir I should worry."Rhaelys says.

"What if your father were to remarry?"

Rhealys looks away from Alicent. It's not that she does not want her father to remarry, she just does not want to replace her mother. She knows that her father will have to remarry.

"Your father loves you. " alicent told her softly.

"He hasn't spoken to me. He treats me me like a chore the child he never wanted. He never told me he loved me."

"He chose you for his heir"

"He didn't choose me he spurns Daemon and would name Rheanyra heir if he could."

Alicent lights a candle and kneels on the ground. She looks to Rhaelys.

"Kneel with me."

Rhaelys moves to kneel next to her.

"I find this as way to be with my mother here in the quiet of the Sept  I feel close to her . I know it sounds foolish."

"I don't think it's foolish." Alicent sends her a glance

"I don't " Rhaelys reassures her.

"Good. Because I thought you might try."

"I.."

"If not for me than perhaps for them."

Rhaelys lights a candle and folds her hands together.

"What do I say?" she asks not know what to do next.

"Whatever you wish. It's only for you and the gods to know."

Rhealys closes her eyes.

'I miss you mother. I don't know how to continue in this world without you. Rhaenyra and I miss you. We have decided to mend our bond and I've been trying. Father has named me his heir. And I felt myself wishing that you were there to see it. I need you muna, more than I can put to words. I'm trying to be strong for father and Rhaenyra but im only  a child,  a child that needs her mother.' Rhealys says in her mind praying.

She opens her eyes and tears start falling from her eyes.

"I want him to see me. They way he always saw Rhaenyra, as his little girl and more. I want him to see that I need him as well. I want him to love me"

Alicent places her hand on Rhaelys's arm giving her a comforting squeeze.

"Mine own father does not know the language of girls either. When i wish to talk with him I know that I must make the effort "

Rhaelys places her on on top of Alicent's.

"Thank you"

                                             **********
The two Targaryen Princesses were sitting in the gardens reminiscing their mother.

"Remember when mother caught us stealing lemon cakes from the kitchen."Rhaelys said laughing.

"She wouldn't  let us have any dessert for a week but father always snuck me pieces." Rhaenyra answered. Rhaelys did not know anything about their father sneaking any food for her.

"Really? He never gave me any." Rhaelys said furrowing her eyebrows.

"Oh. I thought he did."

"It's no matter."says Rhaelys pushing the subject down.

"How about when you claimed verimithor?"Rhaelys starts laughing.

"I thought she would die right then and there. She was furious that I had gone on my own. But I caught a slight smile on her face when she thought I wasn't looking."

The smiles start fading from their faces.

"I miss her."Rhaenyra states.

"I do to. She was our rock, but now we have each other." Rhaelys looks at her sister.

"Forever?"

"And ever."

                                               ********

The small Targaryen family were seated infront of each other eating their supper. The air was tense between them. Rhaelys started to eat slowly on her vegetables.

"We haven't spoken much, since..."

"..mother died."Rhaelys finished.

"A regret of mine. We should be free to speak our minds to one another."

"You could say whatever you'd like, you are the king."

Rhaelys and Rhaenyra smiles looking at their father. Viserys huffed into the smile.

"I loved your mother very much."

Rhaelys nods her head,"As did we."

Rhaelys took another bite of her food. They all sat in silence. Rhaenyra decides to break it," Ser Harrold provided a fine field if tourney knights."

"Oh"

"But in questioning them Rhaenyra discovered that  Ser Criston was the only man among them with true battle experience."says Rhaelys.

Viserys looks at her and smiles softly.

"He will make a fine knight of the Kingsguard"

Rhaelys takes a sip of her goblet.

"Today at...small council.."Rhaenyra starts.

"Pay it no mind." Viserys says.

"I thought I might have some insight but..."

Viserys cuts her off. "Your young... you will learn."

Rhaelys looks at Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra stood up and left. Rhaelys swallows the food in her mouth.

"At the small council meeting today I spoke out of turn."

"You didn't."

"Have I done something to offend you in some way?"

"No. " says Viserys refusing to look at her.

"Father look at me." Rhaelys demanded. Viserys turned to look at her.

"What do you see?"

Viserys's face holds a look of confusion.

"When you look at me, what do you see? A mistake, a chore ,what?"

"Rhaelys.." He starts.

"No answer. Please."

Viserys looks at her sadly.

"I see your mother. I see the woman I loved. The woman I sent to her grave. It hurts to look at you Rhaelys."

"It hurts me to. To look at myself. To wonder why my father hates me."

"I do not hate you Rhaelys, your my daughter and I love you."

"You have a funny way of showing it. I need you. I need you, more than you could imagine. I need your guidance,your wisdom. I need my father. I wants us to build a bond with on another. Your the only father I will ever have. So please let me in."

"Okay." Viserys nods his head.

"I do, you know, love you. I'm proud of the girl I see infront of me. The only regret I have is not being there to witness it. From now on I will be there for you, every step of the way. I promise."

His words brought a slight smile to her face.