The Blue Princess ☆☽ Aemond Targaryen

CHAPTER TWO

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ

"In the quiet corners of our hearts, we often search for the solace of familiar faces, hoping they will shield us from the cold world, if only for a while."

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ

❀ 116 AC ❀

Naerys, was accompanied by Ser Criston Cole, a trusted member of the Kingsguard. Her mother, Alicent, had requested that Criston escort her to her father's chambers, as she was still too young to be walking on her own around the Red Keep. Naerys had eagerly set out that day, hoping to rekindle the bond she once shared with her father. Clutched tightly to her chest was a book, a treasured gift from her brother Aemond on her fifth nameday. It was a beautiful volume filled with illustrations of flowers from all over Westeros, a reminder of the times Viserys had read to her.

The knight walked beside her with a steady, reassuring presence. They approached the door to Viserys's chambers, where two Kingsguard were stationed. Ser Criston exchanged a nod with them and then gently guided Naerys forward.

One of the guards opened the door and announced her presence. "Your Grace, Princess Naerys."

Stepping into the room, her heart swelled with anticipation, only to falter as her eyes fell upon the scene before her. Viserys was seated in his favorite armchair by the window, bathed in the soft light that highlighted the silver in his hair and the deep lines of fatigue on his face. Surrounding him were Jace and Luke, Rhaenyra's young sons, their faces alight with fascination as Viserys read to them.

Naerys felt a pang of sadness as the warm, intimate scene struck her deeply. The affection father showed to his grandsons made her feel like an outsider.

Jacaerys, noticed his aunt's arrival and looked up with a bright smile. "Naerys! Are you here to join us?"

Lucerys echoed his brother's enthusiasm, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Yes, come sit with us! Grandsire's stories are always so exciting."

Naerys managed a faint, strained smile. "Hello, Jace. Luke. It's nice to see you both." She then turned to her father with a touch of uncertainty. "Father," she said softly, her voice carrying a hopeful lilt. "I brought the book Aemond gave me for my nameday. I thought we could read it together, like we used to." Her tone wavered, betraying her sense of being overlooked.

Viserys looked up, his weary eyes briefly meeting hers before shifting back to Jace and Luke. His smile was kind but preoccupied. "Oh, Naerys, we've already read that one. I'm in the middle of a story with Jace and Luke right now. Perhaps we can share another book some other time."

Jacaerys looked up with a hopeful grin, patting the space beside him on the floor. "There's room here if you'd like to join us, Naerys. Grandsire could read to you, too." His enthusiasm was genuine, clearly eager to include his aunt in their cherished time with Viserys.

Naerys shook her head gently, her cheeks warming with a blush of embarrassment. "No, it's fine. I wouldn't want to interrupt. I suppose I could come back another time." Though her nephews had been excited to share some time with her, it was clear that her father just wanted to be with his grandsons.

She took a step back, her heart heavy with unspoken words. "Goodbye, Father," she said in a soft, discouraged voice. Turning to her nephews, she managed a small, wistful smile. "Enjoy your story."