The Gentle Queen: HOTD

Ten Years|1|

Lillian knelt at the sept, with Helena and Valen watching as the two prayed to their own candles in honor of their loved ones. She sighed softly before blowing out the seven candles she lit with a heavy heart as she thought about all that had happened in the last ten years.

During those years, she welcomed five more children: Aemond, Maelor twins Rhaella and Alyra, who were twins as well, and her youngest, Daeron, and soon would have another, not that anyone knew. Many whispered how she would have more children than the late King and Queen Jaehaerys I and Alysanne.

Rhaenyra had welcomed two boys, Jacaerys and Lucerys, who held no Targaryen or Velaryon features with their plain looks of brown eyes and hair, but the king had just passed it off for the Baratheon blood their 'father' had. Even though the two boys looked similar to Alicent and her husband Zayn Strong's children, Theodore and Evelyn, the niece and nephew of Harwin Strong, Rhaenyra's sword shield.

Daemon and Laena married nine years ago and spent their time traveling, staying at Driftmark and staying at the Keep. During their time, they welcomed twins Rhaena and Baela, sweet girls who loved their aunt Lilly very much and the gifts she spoiled them with.

After the disaster of the wedding between Laenor and Rhaenyra, the king had become more ill before the maesters found a cure. At least that is what they believed, as the king got better and was more than alive for two years before falling ill again, only getting worse as the years went on.

But the queen did her duty and stayed by his side as her king and husband. She cared for and loved him, and she devoted her life to him, which is something many spoke about when they spoke about how their gentle queen still treated the king well after everything he had done to her.

The smallfolk grew to love the queen and her children, especially Alyra and Helena, who visited the orphanages constantly and played with the children many times, inviting them to the castle for large sleepovers in the great hall.

Lilly had bought a few buildings in Flea Bottom and tore them down before having a larger building built. It was a safe haven for all who had nowhere to go, from children to elders. There were people to teach, maesters to help, and people to help the unfortunate get back on their feet and find them jobs and homes.

Many took notice; King's Landing became a safe haven. Sure, there were criminals, but the gold cloaks made sure to punish them. In the last ten years, more men had become knights and joined the gold cloaks after seeing the difference. Queen Lillian Hightower was the first person to truly make a difference to the people who held no title, and for that, they loved her and her children who helped her.

"What did you pray for, mom?" Valen asked, startling her mother and making both young girls's frowns.

"Sorry, mama, I did not mean to startle you," she whispered as her mother stood up, smoothing out her dress.

"Oh, no worries, my flower. I was just thinking, and I prayed for Rhaenyra to have a safe birth and thanked the gods and the seven for giving me my ten beautiful and amazing children," Lillian stated, gently cupping both her daughters cheeks and placing a soft kiss on each of their foreheads, making them smile before they left the building.

"Your Grace, Princess Helena, Valen" Ser Criston and Ser Arryk were greeted as they made their way out of the building and to the carriage.

"Good morning, Ser Arryk," Valen said, smiling at the man. She had a crush on something he found amusing, as did her mother.

"Good morning, gentlemen," Lilly said before stepping into the carriage.

"I prayed I would find a good husband and that the gods would protect you and my siblings," Helena stated, her quiet and soft voice filling the compartment.