𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 ||Aegon Targaryen||

11. „Your mother is dead."

After dinner with Cregan and her brothers, Alysanne felt a warm sense of gratitude for the evening and the time spent together. Aegon was absent, but present were Helaena, Daeron, her brothers, Cregan, her grandfather, Alicent, Baela, Rhaena, Rhaenys, and Corlys. The grand hall was filled with laughter and joy.

Throughout the evening, they engaged in playful antics, secretly tossing food and making new friends. Alysanne grew more comfortable with Cregan, realizing he wasn't as bad as she had initially thought. Perhaps their marriage wouldn’t be as dreadful as she had feared.

The whole hall echoed with laughter, even Rhaena and Baela joined in the mirth. Alysanne was glad to see them happy. Daeron and Cregan mostly talked, finding common ground in their discussions. Meanwhile, Helaena and Alysanne shared their own conversation. Helaena was delighted to talk about her insect friends without feeling embarrassed.

Her brothers, along with Rhaena and Baela, joked and played around as well. Her grandfather watched them with a smile, pleased that everyone was getting along. However, Alicent wore a worried expression, concerned about the whereabouts of her two missing sons.

When dinner ended, everyone retired to their chambers. Cregan offered to walk Alysanne to her room, using the opportunity to share a few more laughs. As they approached her door, they found Ser Harrold standing guard.

“So, I wasn’t so bad today?” Alysanne asked proudly with a smile.

“No, you were impressive,” Cregan replied. Ser Harrold smiled, knowing well that Alysanne was a capable fighter, having learned from him, Daemon, and from watching Criston and Aemond.

“As you can see, I know how to defend myself,” Alysanne said, nudging Cregan playfully.

Cregan snorted. “You’re still only seven years old, kid,” he teased, pinching her cheek.

“Almost eight,” she corrected, to which he rolled his eyes.

“Good night, little one,” he said, extending his hand. Instead of taking it, Alysanne flew into his arms. Cregan was surprised but hugged her back.

“Good night, snowman,” Alysanne said before entering her room and closing the door. Cregan stayed until he was sure she was safe, as he had promised her mother. He nodded to Ser Harrold, who returned the gesture, and then headed to his own chambers.

Inside her room, Alysanne changed into her nightgown after a quick bath. Her room was simple but cozy, with a toilet, a large bed, a sofa, an armchair, and her own paintings adorning the walls.

In the center of the room was a large painting of a dragon, black as night with red eyes, its scales shimmering in the sunlight. The dragon flew happily over a city. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought the dragon was larger than Balerion the Black Dread. She had drawn it almost two months ago, naming it Vhadar after Vhagar. This picture was the centerpiece of her room, larger than the others.

Alysanne lay down on her bed, covering herself with a warm blanket. She slowly fell asleep, reflecting on the day's events and feeling a sense of contentment she hadn't felt in a long time.

__________________________________

Alysanne didn’t know what time it was when someone entered her room quietly, walking on tiptoe. Despite the deep darkness, she heard them immediately. A sliver of moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on the largest painting on her wall, a black dragon with red eyes.

The footsteps grew closer, and Alysanne sat up in bed, her senses alert. As the sound approached, she silently slipped out of bed, standing by its edge. Her heart pounded in her chest as she reached for the Dark Sister, her trusted blade, lying within arm’s reach. She gripped its hilt tightly, ready to defend herself.