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FROM THE ASHES
38. Foreign Lands

   It was early morning and Daena found herself walking down the empty hallways with her children

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   It was early morning and Daena found herself walking down the empty hallways with her children. Visenya, now three years old, skipped ahead of her mother. Jaeherys remained at his mother's side, grasping her hand.

The young princess carried an apple, taking small bites of it as they made their way to the gardens.

Daena spent many mornings after leaving Aegon's chambers with her children in the gardens. They'd play before they were sent for their lessons and Daena to spar with Daemion and Aemond, not that she ever attended.

    Jaehaerys pulled from his mother and quickly followed after his twin sister, his giggles echoing through the hallways.

    Daena laughed as she watched the children chase each other. "Visenya, wait for your brother!" She told her daughter, who stopped walking upon her mother's order.

"Come on, Jaehaerys!" Visenya called out, her brother tailing behind her.

As she whipped around the corner, the girl collided with the legs of an unknown person. She stumbled back but didn't fall. She slowly raised her head to look up and see it was Aemond.

"Father!" Visenya exclaimed, smiling happily as the man lifted her from the ground, "We're going to the gardens! Are you coming?"

    Aemond turned to Daena, sending Jaehaerys a small smile as she stood obediently beside his mother. "It is up to your mother, Visenya," He eyed Daena curiously and watched as she began to smile.

"You know my answer is always yes," She reminded him, knowing he had joined them on many occasions.

     Visenya would insist on Aemond showing her how to use a sword. She and Jaehaerys would listen to hours of the prince recalling stories of their ancestors and their dragons.

    It was amusing when most mornings, Aemond happened to cross their path as they made their way to the gardens. She could tell it was intentional but didn't care.

   She knew the twins enjoyed their time with Aemond and despite everything, Aemond was still her husband.

    It wasn't long before they arrived at the gardens and Daena took her seat at the table placed out for her by the servants.

See Erryk and another knight of the kingsguard stood nearby, having been appointed the children's sworn protectors.

As the twins ran to play, Aemond moved toward Daena. He watched how her head was lowered, a part of her looking disappointed. "Why must you let him spoil your mood?" He complained, earning a small sigh from the girl as he grabbed her hand, "It's barely after dawn and he's already upset you. Why do you even deal with it? It's not like you're married."

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