A Kingdom Of Dragons And Secrets

Chapter three: White Lilly

THE WRITING SORTA GOES SMALL AT THE END I DONT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT IM SO SORRY PLS ENJOY❤️
As she concluded her speech, tears glistened in Athena's eyes, mingling with the gentle rain that began to fall, a testament to the depth of her love and the enormity of her loss.

As the last words of the funeral ceremony echoed across the lake, Athena felt a sense of closure wash over her. The rain, which had started as a gentle drizzle, now fell in earnest, casting a somber veil over the gathering. The castle staff stood silently, heads bowed in respect, as Athena placed a single white lily on the water's surface, watching as it floated away, a symbol of her mother's eternal spirit. Turning to face her father, King Darian, Athena saw a rare vulnerability in his eyes. He had always been a stoic and formidable figure, but in that moment, he seemed smaller somehow, as if the weight of his loss had finally caught up to him. Without a word, Athena reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently in a silent gesture of support.

Together, father and daughter stood by the lake, the rain soaking through their mourning attire, but neither of them seemed to notice. In that moment, they were united in their grief, bound by the memory of the woman they had both loved so deeply. As the last of the mourners began to disperse, Athena felt a sense of resolve settle over her. She may have lost her mother, but she would not lose herself in despair. With Rhaegar in her arms, she vowed to be the protector and guide that her mother had been to her, to ensure that he grew up knowing the love and strength that had always surrounded him.

Once back in her chambers she thought about her father, Meer days before she had blamed him for her mother's death, she could never tell if he truly loved her, Athena didn't even know he loved her or her brother. I had the maids draw a warm bath for both Rhaegar and I, my choice of oil tonight, since I wanted to bathe with my brother in hopes to soothe him to sleep was some wild lavender, I always find baths to be relaxing, the first few times I used this method to settle my small brother I was so worried the water would be to hot, but he never whined or cried he just laid there on my bare chest, lulled by my heartbeat. I undress and dismiss my ladies, the bath is full, and the room smells like a lavender field, for the first time today my shoulders fall from my ears, and I let out a sigh. I walk over to my bed in the middle of the wall and scoop up the little prince from the pile of pillows keeping him in one spot. I seem to think he knows when its time for a bath, he's so calm and squishy, stepping into the bath and sinking into the water very slowly as to not startle Rhaegar I let out a sigh of relief, its so quiet, its calming having him on my chest, mayhaps the water feels as though he is back in mothers' belly, safe and warm.

Soft coos and splashes of tiny feet turn into tiny snores, I call in Mayrina to take him from me and dress him, I wash my hair and rinse of getting dressed and placing Rhaegar in his bed ensuring he is warm and tucked in, I climb into bed myself and dismiss Mayrina to do the same. Athenas dreams came and went, dreams of leaving Myrthos, taking her dragon and brother and flying to a place where all that mattered is that they were together, she knew it could never be so she was of age to be wed, either to a lord or some duke, though now days most lords are men, while a small amount of the realms dukes happen to be women, It didn't matter to her, if she were to marry a duke she would have to bear children from a man closest in relation to her, most of the realm a century ago would say those babes would be bastards, but no one has yet to petition them at the council. If I were sent across the border to the north or south of Myrthos I would take my brother, I am heir to the throne but keeping him safe is in the kingdoms best interest, my father clearly holds no regard for him or I, I have scarcely seen him since the queens funeral.

The months went by, and my routine maintained the same slow pace as each day before, my father visits my chambers, we attend the council meetings together, we visit the lake, and yet no words are ever spoken to me, its as if he is no longer a father, only the king. The tiny prince had grown, now he babbles and claps, enjoying a bath together comes with a mouthful of water from his squirming arms playing with the suds of soap on the waters surface. Feeding him evolved to soft foods with his bottle he quite like to suck on or my apple or berries after I have taken a bite... I just let him have it after that. Small whisps of cloud white hair came through, he would make a fine prince. Days become dull and I began to grow restless being inside the castle walls all the time to I decided to take a few days of leave, I took ser James, placed my brother in a small sling upon his shoulder told my father we would be back within the moons turn at the end of the week. I would go by dragon, ser James would go by horse to the woods just a day's ride away from the castle. Flying above the clouds felt freeing, I had no responsibilities no burdens just me and the clouds, and Hera of course. She felt warm against me as we rode in silence. Athena found peace in her books, and thoughts she was a dreamer she cared for the histories and flowers, which is exactly what she would find herself doing as they set up there sleeping arrangements. Ser James was in a small tent next to mine and Rhaegar's, I had Hera close by, if needed I can take my brother and flee, she's also good at starting the fire to cook dinner.

The reason for this trip is because I wanted Rhaegar to come to the lake in the forest, father said he once found mother in nothing but her chemise swimming by some rocks in the early days of their betrothal, he had only ever spoke of that moment with a smile on his face, I think it was the only time he ever really loved or even looked at his wife. I made an effort to bid goodnight to ser James early that night, I wanted to rise early in the morn to catch the lake in the sunrise. Rhaegar was especially calm and rather... floppy that night, I think the sounds of the trees and the breeze soothed him, my favorite time of the night was when he would almost fall asleep, he was quite cuddly at bedtime. He never knew my womb and yet I felt more like his mother than his sister, his so innocent, he didn't ask to be born its my job to protect him to love him, to teach him about his mother. My mother.

The soft soil was cold against my feet, the air was warm the sun hadn't fully risen yet but I as we got closer to the lake the soil began to warm up, the lake was surrounded by beautiful trees, the clear water still and sparkling, I could see some rocks littered around the edge of the water. It was breathtaking cool water enveloped my feet as we stepped in I felt close to mother as it went to my knees, hips, start of my chest, touching Rhargars small feet he cooed at the fish around us reaching for them As we waded further into the lake, Rhaegar's laughter filled the air as he splashed around, completely captivated by the beauty and serenity of the place. I couldn't help but smile at his joy, feeling a sense of peace wash over me as well.

I guided Rhaegar towards the rocks at the edge of the lake, sitting down and letting the water gently lap around us. I told him stories of our mother, painting a picture of the woman she was and the love she had for us. Rhaegar listened intently, his eyes wide with wonder as he soaked in every word. The sun began to rise higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the lake and the surrounding forest. It was a moment of pure bliss, feeling closer to our mother than ever before as we shared this special place together "my small love, I promise to love you no matter what, and your mother would do the same... she was beautiful you know you look so much like her in certain lights" . As we eventually made our way back to the shore, Rhaegar clung to my hand, his trust and love for me evident in every touch. I knew in that moment that I would do anything to protect and cherish him, just as our mother would have wanted. And three nights later as we walked back to the castle, I was thinking of the memory of our time at the lake in the forest would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bond between a sister and her precious brother. I remember the ripples of water around my fingers as they moved through the water, I remember in that moment how the water rippled at mother's funeral and the maester gave the opening speech for his queen. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to bid farewell to her grace Queen Helaena, the queen was a woman of grace, kindness, and compassion. Her untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of all who knew her, especially her daughter, the Princess Athena. Her graces dedication to her people was unmatched. She ruled with wisdom and kindness, always putting the needs of her kingdom above her own desires. Her loss is not only a tragedy for her family, but for the entire realm. As we mourn the passing of our queen, we must also celebrate the life she created. Princess Athena, a shining beacon of hope and resilience, is now tasked with carrying on her mother's legacy. Though young, she possesses the same strength and determination as her mother, and I have no doubt that she will continue to lead with grace and compassion. During this sorrow, we must also remember the arrival of a new life. Princess Athena's brother, the new prince Rhaegar who may not have had the opportunity to know his mother, but he will forever carry her love in his heart. Let us welcome him into this world with open arms, knowing that Queen Helaena's spirit lives on in him. As we lay her soul to rest, let us remember the impact she had on all our lives. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come. May she rest in peace with the gods, reunited with her mother and all those who have gone before her. May the light of your love shine brightly in the hearts of your children forevermore and may the gods give you rest".