A Dragon's Song

Farewells

As Rhaenyra and her family prepared to leave King's Landing, Naerys stood silently, watching them make their final arrangements. Rhaenyra approached her, a tentative smile on her face.

"Naerys," Rhaenyra began, her voice tinged with sincerity, "I want to apologize for the way I treated you when we were young. I was cruel, and I regret the pain I caused you."

Naerys felt a rush of emotions as she listened to her sister's apology. Memories she had long suppressed surfaced, memories of the incidents that had defined her childhood. Rhaenyra had made up stories, accusing Naerys of things she hadn't done, and Viserys had always believed her. She remembered being pushed down stone stairs and Rhaenyra's whispering campaign that had driven her friends away. These memories had shaped Naerys's view of her sister, leaving a lingering bitterness.

But standing here now, seeing the genuine regret in Rhaenyra's eyes, Naerys felt a strange sense of relief. Her sister was acknowledging her past mistakes and seeking forgiveness.

"Thank you, Rhaenyra," Naerys said softly, "I appreciate your apology. It means a lot to me."

Rhaenyra nodded, a weight seeming to lift from her shoulders. "I will be back," she promised, her voice firm. "I have unfinished business with Alicent."

Naerys nodded, understanding the complexities of their family's politics. "Farewell, Rhaenyra. Travel safely."

Turning to her uncle Daemon, Naerys offered a respectful nod. "Uncle, may your journey be swift and safe."

Daemon regarded her with a curious gaze, his lips curling into a slight smile. "Naerys, tell me, how many seven-pointed stars are there in the Red Keep?"

The question caught Naerys off guard, but she quickly composed herself, understanding the implication behind his words. "I haven't counted," she replied carefully, "but I assure you, Uncle, I have not betrayed my Valyrian blood."

Daemon's expression was inscrutable as he continued, "Have you forgotten the blood that courses through your veins, the legacy of Old Valyria?"

Naerys met his gaze steadily, her voice firm. "Aegon the Conqueror was crowned under the Seven. It is important to uphold the traditions of Westeros, which we are foreign to. But rest assured, I will always be loyal to my Valyrian blood above all."

Daemon studied her for a moment, as if weighing her words. "You speak like a diplomat," he finally said, a hint of amusement in his tone.

"I speak as one who knows the importance of balance," Naerys replied. "Our heritage is our strength, but we must also understand the land we rule."

A flicker of approval crossed Daemon's face before he nodded. "Very well, Naerys. But remember, blood calls to blood."

With that, he turned to join Rhaenyra and their children, leaving Naerys to ponder his words. The weight of her dual heritage was ever-present, a reminder of the delicate line she walked between the past and the present.

As Rhaenyra's children gathered, Naerys found herself speaking with Jacaerys. The young prince had a lively spirit, and their conversation quickly turned light-hearted.

"Do you remember dancing with Helaena the other night?" Naerys teased, recalling the memory fondly.

Jacaerys chuckled, a playful glint in his eye. "Of course, though I think she led more than I did."

Naerys laughed, the tension of the day easing as they shared the moment. After their conversation, she couldn't help but think that Rhaenyra had done a good job raising her children. Jacaerys seemed a man of good nature, and Naerys watched as Rhaenyra casually stroked Joffrey's hair, a gesture of maternal affection.

Naerys had never known what it was like to feel such parental love. She thought about how Alicent treated her own children, not often offering comfort or warmth. These thoughts lingered in her mind as she watched Rhaenyra's family depart, reflecting on the different experiences they all had growing up.

As Naerys watched Rhaenyra's family disappear from view, she lingered a moment longer on the balcony, contemplating what kind of mother she might one day become. The thought of having children, raising them in the volatile world of Westeros, filled her with both hope and apprehension. She wanted to be a loving mother, one who would offer her children the warmth and guidance she herself had rarely experienced.

With a sigh, she turned away and headed back inside the Red Keep. Her thoughts drifted to Helaena, who had recently given birth to twins, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. Naerys had always admired Helaena's gentle nature, and she was curious to see how she was adjusting to motherhood.

Navigating the winding corridors of the castle, Naerys made her way to Helaena's chambers. The guards at the door nodded as she approached, stepping aside to allow her entry.

Inside, the room was filled with the soft coos and occasional cries of the twins. Helaena was seated by the window, gently rocking Jaehaera in her arms while Jaehaerys lay peacefully in a cradle nearby. The sight was both serene and chaotic, the reality of caring for newborns evident in the dark circles under Helaena's eyes.

Naerys approached quietly, not wanting to disturb the tranquil scene. "Helaena," she said softly, a warm smile on her lips.

Helaena looked up, her face lighting up at the sight of her cousin. "Naerys, it's so good to see you," she replied, her voice a mixture of exhaustion and happiness. "Please, come sit."

Naerys took a seat beside her, glancing at the tiny bundle in Helaena's arms. "They're beautiful," she said, reaching out to gently touch Jaehaera's tiny hand.

Helaena smiled, a mother's pride evident in her expression. "They are, aren't they? It's incredible how much they change your life."

Naerys nodded, watching as Helaena carefully laid Jaehaera back in her cradle. "I've been thinking about what it would be like to be a mother," Naerys confessed, her voice thoughtful. "Watching Rhaenyra with her children made me realize how important it is to create a loving home."

Helaena leaned back in her chair, her eyes softening as she looked at Naerys. "You'll make a wonderful mother, Naerys. You have so much love to give."

Naerys felt a warm flush of gratitude at Helaena's words. "Thank you, Helaena. That means a lot coming from you."

They sat together in companionable silence for a moment, watching the twins sleep peacefully. Naerys felt a sense of peace settle over her, the chaos of the past few days momentarily forgotten.

As she prepared to leave, she gave Helaena a gentle hug. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I'm here for you."

Helaena smiled, squeezing Naerys's hand. "Thank you, Naerys. I appreciate it more than you know."

With a final glance at the sleeping twins, Naerys left Helaena's chambers.