The White Queen

Chapter 13

Heir's Apartments, The Red Keep, King's Landing: Late 113 AC

Aelinor walked around her son's nursery, rocking him to sleep as she sung a lullaby Aemma had sung for her, Rhaenyra, and Daena.

"Where the North wind meets the sea
There's a river full of memory
Sleep, my darling, safe and sound
For in this river, all is found
In her waters, deep and true
Lie the answers and a path for you
Dive down deep into her sound
But not too far or you'll be drowned
Yes, she will sing to those who'll hear
And in her song, all magic flows
But can you brave what you most fear?
Can you face what the river knows?
Where the North wind meets the sea
There's a mother full of memory
Come, my darling, homeward bound
When all is lost, then all is found"

The Targaryen princess finished singing. Jace was already fast asleep and she smiled at him, every fiber of her being filled with adoration for her precious boy.

Vermax watched her from his perch next to Jace's crib. The little hatchling was growing quickly, already the size of a large dog. He was Jace's favorite playmate, other than Daena and Tessarion.

I can't wait to introduce you to your cousins. Aelinor thought. There was a knock on the door and seventeen year old Alys Royce, the new betrothed of Harwin Strong, the Heir of Harrenhall, stood in the doorway. They would get married once she turned nineteen. "Princess Laena and Prince Daemon wish to meet the prince, Aelinor."

"Thank you, Alys. You have the day off to spend with Harwin." Aelinor nodded. Alys gave her a bright smile and curtsied before leaving. Laenor, Laena, and Daemon entered the room. Laena was two months pregnant already.

"I just got him to sleep so if you wake him up..." Aelinor warned, sitting down as she held Jace in her arms. "Don't worry, sister. We won't wake up him." Laena promised.

Aelinor carefully handed her Jace. Jace barely stirred as he was transferred to his aunt's arms. Vermax let out a low growl, watching his rider with diligence. "He looks like you, Laenor. Let Otto try and paint him as a bastard when he is your doppelgänger." Laena said, smiling at her brother.

Daemon held out his hand for Jace and this time, Jace stirred. He giggled happily as he was placed in the Rogue Prince's arms, taking one of Daemon's offered fingers in his little hand. Daemon grinned. "Iksā iā drēje Targārien dārilaros."

Jace let out a laugh, full of purity and warmth. Daemon smiled broadly back at her son, his smile full of unconditional love, loyalty, and warmth.

Aelinor felt something in her heart stir as realization hit her as she watched the scene. I love him. the Targaryen princess realized. And he is not mine.

Nor am I his.

Notes:
High Valyrian

Iksā iā drēje Targārien dārilaros — You are a true Targaryen prince