𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐬 𝐕𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧

𝐢𝐳𝐮𝐥𝐚

⸻
Astraea "Lily" Targaryen

Three days had passed after saving the young prince, and I often forgot how nice it was to have some company. It feels rewarding to be seen and heard after such a long time of independence.

Lucerys informed me of what's been happening back home. After his grandsire had passed, a new king had been crowned, and this news was not only devastating to them but reeks of shame in doing such treacherous actions, especially without regard towards her mother.

He is also to be betrothed to a girl named Rhaena. The kid had become like a little brother to me, I can tell that his mother raised him right, and that has the purest heart I have ever come to know.

Until today, when he almost burnt down my kitchen.

"Lucerys! I do not care if you're the prince of the highest—where did you say you were from?"

"Dr-Dragon—"

"Doesn't Matter. What in the gods happened here?! My poor pan." I placed a hand on my forehead, looking at my burnt favorite pan.

"And my teapot too?! That was a rare collection, gods. Look, kid, I'm very fond of you, but we have to get you back to your mother—"

"Happy Birthday Lily."

"Wh-What?" I turned around and saw him holding a small muffin and a nervous smile.

"I apologize for the scene I caused, but I was looking around the other day and saw a framed picture of you and Gloria on your birthday. Thought I'd make you something, but that didn't turn out as I expected."

"I understand if you don't—" I couldn't form the right words of appreciation, so instead, I hugged Lucerys.

So much had happened the last week and year, and after Gloria died, I stopped caring about my birthday.

As I've grown older, there's this constant feeling of shame and embarrassment playing with my life, making me their puppet, reminding me that I'm a product of regret.

What is there to be a child? If I'm embarrassed to live with such a cost.

He returned the hug and replied, "Thank you for being like an older sister to me."

I closed my eyes and smiled before breaking the hug, "I even forgot it was my birthday. So much has happened, and I never thought I'd be saving a prince who almost burnt my house."

He nudged my shoulder and replied, "You're still not going to let that go?"

I wiped a tear from my face, still surprised by his small gesture. "Never. While we're at it, let's start planning your way back home. I don't want your mother to worry anymore. She sounds quite scary, to be honest."

Lucerys lets out a small laugh, "Trust me, she's far from that. My mother never raised or laid a hand between me and my brothers. I admire her courage and having put faith in me, even when I don't believe in myself."