Doomed from the beginning

33. Sniches End Up In Ditches

During her time adjusting to Dorne and its freedoms, Visaemya often flew on Tessarion, sometimes taking Rhaenor with her. When he wasn't busy playing with Edmyre, he would join her in the skies. The bond between Rhaenor and Edmyre had grown strong since the knight's arrival in King's Landing, and Visaemya was grateful her son had someone he could rely on when she wasn't around.

She spent at least two hours each day with Tessarion, whether flying or simply lying beside her dragon on the ground, recounting stories from her childhood. These moments also helped her improve her High Valyrian. Back in King's Landing, Rhaenyra had been the only person she used the language with. Since they were children, they had spoken it to cause mischief, ensuring no one around them could understand their plans.

Visaemya had also brought with her the egg Tessarion had laid the night Rhaenor was born. The dragon often curled around it, but the egg showed no signs of hatching. Visaemya considered teaching Rhaenor High Valyrian herself but decided to wait until he had settled in Dorne—a process that seemed to be happening quickly.

Her relationship with Quoren also deepened. He took her to new places, introduced her to new foods, and shared new experiences. She still practiced archery with Edmyre, though swordplay had lost its appeal. She preferred the precision of her bow and arrow.

After a week of Quoren showing her around Dorne, with Rhaenor often perched on Edmyre's shoulders trailing behind, Visaemya began to genuinely trust and take interest in her new husband. Months passed, and Dorne started to feel like a home. The first time she laid with Quoren was when she realized this was her home now, she felt safe in it, it finally was time to settle, let the fear go away.

Afterward, she explained to Quoren her hesitation about having another child so soon. She wanted time to fully adjust to Dorne before considering pregnancy. He was understanding, and she drank moontea to prevent conception.

Soon, a raven arrived from King's Landing with news: Rhaenyra was expecting another child. Visaemya shared the news with Quoren, her excitement palpable. He suggested they visit once the babe was born, but Visaemya proposed an alternative, they would go when Rhaenyra was close to her due date, so she could be there for the birth. Quoren agreed, wanting only to make her happy.

One morning, after spending time with Tessarion, Visaemya returned to her chambers to prepare for a bath before seeing Rhaenor. A knock on the door interrupted her. Talia, one of the maids who had become a trusted companion, entered with a worried expression, one Visaemya didn't immediately notice.

"Hello, Talia. I was just about to—"
"Princess, something has happened to Rhaenor."

Visaemya froze, the life draining from her body as she turned to face the maid. She hurried toward the door, Talia guiding her to Rhaenor's chambers. When they arrived, she found her son sitting on Edmyre's lap, his eyes bloodshot as the knight tried to comfort him.

Visaemya knelt before Rhaenor, checking the hand he cradled with his right hand. His wrist was swollen and bruised. She cupped his cheeks gently.
"Are you alright?" she asked, forcing her voice to remain calm despite the panic rising within her.

"It hurts, Mommy," Rhaenor cried, crawling into her lap.

She held him tightly, resting her head on top of his as he buried his face in her chest. "Let's have the maester take a look at it. He'll be gentle and tell us if there's anything wrong."

Rhaenor nodded, allowing Visaemya to carry him to the table where the maester had laid out his instruments. The boy sat cross-legged, his left arm extended to the maester while his right clung to Visaemya's arm. She held him close as the maester examined the twisted wrist, applying a cold herbal mixture before bandaging it and securing it with wooden splints to keep it immobile.

Once the maester finished, Visaemya carried Rhaenor to the balcony, thanking the maester and the maids who had stayed with him. She stood by the railing, Rhaenor resting his head on her shoulder, his arm wrapped around her.

"Do you want to tell me how you hurt yourself?" she asked softly.

"Only if you promise not to be mad at Eddy," Rhaenor said, using the nickname he had given Edmyre.

Visaemya glanced back into the room, where Edmyre stood waiting.

"Well, I'm sure if Edmyre broke your wrist, it was an accident. But if it wasn't, then I'll certainly be mad at him."

Rhaenor giggled before explaining. "He didn't break it. We were playing outside, and he didn't see when I fell because i was playing hide and seek with him."

"Oh, then I'm not mad at him. It was an accident. But both of you need to be more careful next time you play," Visaemya said, kissing the top of his head.