𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 || Aemond Targaryen

Chapter Sixteen

There she was, my mother, Princess Rhaenys, standing beneath the Godswood tree in the royal garden. The sight of her after two long years stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me. I walked towards her with deliberate grace, determined not to betray the storm inside. Despite my efforts, I felt like the girl who had been abandoned by both her parents.

"Mother," I called out, my voice carefully controlled.

She turned, her expression a mix of relief and uncertainty. "Lyanna," she said softly, taking a step forward.

I stopped a few paces from her, my composure cracking just enough to let my anger seep through. "You've been gone for two years," I began, my tone icy. "No letters, no word. Nothing."

Rhaenys' eyes widened in surprise and hurt. "I wrote to you, Lyanna. I sent letters, countless letters. I received nothing in return."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. "I wrote to you too, Mother. For moons. I never heard back. I thought you had abandoned me, just like Father."

Her face fell, and she shook her head. "I would never abandon you, Lyanna. There must be some mistake. Someone has intercepted our letters."

"Who would do such a thing?" I demanded, my voice rising with frustration. "Who would want to keep us apart?"

Rhaenys sighed deeply, her gaze shifting to the Godswood tree. "There are many who would benefit from driving a wedge between us. The court is full of intrigue and deception."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the rage that simmered just beneath the surface. "Why didn't you come sooner? Why didn't you come to see me when you received nothing?"

"I was... occupied," she admitted, her voice tinged with guilt. "Your father's war efforts, taking Baela as a ward... It's no excuse, I know. But I thought you were well cared for here, surrounded by family."

"Family?" I laughed bitterly. "Do you know what it's like here? The Greens and the Blacks, always at each other's throats. I have been caught in the middle of their schemes and manipulations."

Rhaenys stepped closer, reaching out to touch my arm. "Lyanna, I'm here now. We will sort this out together. I will not leave you again."

I looked into her eyes, searching for sincerity. There was a part of me that wanted to believe her, to forgive her. But the wounds of the past two years were deep. "I don't know if I can trust you," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her eyes filled with tears. "I understand. But please, give me a chance to make it right."

Before I could respond, the sound of footsteps approached. I turned to see Ser Rickard standing at a respectful distance, his expression unreadable.

"Princess, your presence is requested in the council chambers," he said, bowing slightly.

I nodded, turning back to my mother. "We will talk later," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Rhaenys nodded, wiping a tear from her cheek. "Of course."

As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the unresolved tension between us. There was so much to say, so many questions left unanswered. But for now, I had to focus on the immediate concerns of the court and the impending arrival of my nephews.

The politics of King's Landing waited for no one, not even for the broken bonds between a mother and daughter.

As I turned to leave the garden, the sight of two familiar figures caught my eye. Rhaena and Princess Rhaenyra were entering the garden, making their way towards Rhaenys. My heart swelled with gratitude at the sight of my niece, Rhaena, after so much time apart.