𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 | ʰᵒᵘˢᵉ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ᵈʳᵃᵍᵒⁿ

009. the weight of duty

Visenya and Helaena knelt before the grand table in Helaena's bedchamber, their gazes fixed upon the caged insects that adorned its surface. Often, they would sit in tranquil silence, with Helaena's delicate hands occasionally lifting the tiny creatures from their confines to study them more closely. Though Visenya was uncertain of the purpose her presence served during such moments, she did not voice her preference to spend her time polishing swords or sparring with Hal. Instead, she found solace in the serene quietude between them and an unspoken joy in observing her aunt's fascination with the insects.

"This one has stopped moving. Isn't that strange?" Helaena's soft voice broke the stillness, her words carrying an eerie undertone. Visenya's gaze shifted to her aunt, noting the sorrowful expression that crossed Helaena's face as she sighed.

"It is likely asleep," Visenya offered gently, unwilling to burden Helaena with the knowledge of the insect's demise. "Come, we shall search the garden for more." Rising from the cold floor, Visenya extended her hand to Helaena, who accepted it with a slight nod.

Guiding Helaena toward the doorway, Visenya's steps were halted as she suddenly collided with Queen Alicent, who appeared on the threshold, her presence both unexpected and commanding.

"I beg your pardon, Your Grace," Visenya murmured, bowing her head with sincere respect.

"There is no need," Alicent replied, her voice tinged with an unusual softness. Since their exchange on the ship back to King's Landing, Alicent had found herself feeling an unexpected pity for the girl before her. In Visenya, she saw a reflection of her younger self—a frightened child on the brink of losing her innocence, her childhood slipping through her fingers. Alicent hesitated, her words catching in her throat as she struggled to voice her thoughts. "I thought you might join me in the sept this morning," she finally managed, her tone carrying an air of forced composure.

Visenya, taken aback by the offer, glanced towards Helaena, assuming the queen's invitation was intended for her daughter.

"I?" Visenya questioned, her surprise evident in her tone, as she wondered what had prompted this unexpected gesture of hospitality.

"You and Helaena both," Alicent clarified, though her voice betrayed quiet anxiety as she awaited their response. Visenya looked back at Helaena, who stood silent and still, her gaze fixed on the stone floor.

"I want to stay here," Helaena murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, her reluctance evident in every word.

"As you wish," Alicent conceded, her gaze shifting to Visenya, her eyes betraying a loneliness that tugged at Visenya's heart. "And you?" she asked, her words barely more than a breath.

Caught between her loyalty to Helaena and the queen's unexpected request, Visenya felt a pang of guilt. She had already planned to accompany Helaena to the gardens. Her mind raced with uncertainty, seeking guidance in her aunt's gaze, which met hers with a small, approving nod.

Visenya offered a faint, guilty smile, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision, before finally parting her lips to speak. "Yes, Your Grace," she replied softly, her voice carrying the burden of the choice she had made...

Visenya followed Alicent through the Grand Sept, her footsteps echoing softly against the cold stone floor. The solemn grandeur of the sacred space was unfamiliar to her, for she had never been taught the ways of the Seven, nor had she ever prayed to them. Rhaenyra had not guided her daughter in the rites of faith, and Visenya had never felt the need to seek them out on her own. It wasn't that she doubted the existence of the gods; rather, she questioned why anyone would choose to pray to those who presided over such a cruel and unforgiving world.