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The sky is warm as I wake. My eyes flutter open, the familiar surroundings of my bedchamber slowly come into focus. When I shift my weight, my side hurts. I feel the stitches holding me together as though I am a rag doll with stuffing trying to leak out. I wince as I begin to sit up, hauling myself against the headboard and groaning as my mind racing as the events of the past days come flooding back. The clash of dragon claws, the cries of names and High Valyrian, the feeling of anguish and fear- it had all been a blur of chaos and bloodshed, and the memory of it still sends a shiver down my spine.
I close my eyes, willing my racing heart to slow as I take a deep breath, steadying breath. The sound of a soft shuffle near the doorway suddenly catches my attention, and my eyes snap open. Turning my head, and my breath catches in my throat as I recognize the curious faces of my young niece and nephew peeking cautiously into the room.
"Jaehaerys? Jaehaera?" I call to them, my voice raspy with disuse. They slowly enter the room with caution, hands behind their backs. "What are you two doing here?" I ask them, my hands coming to fold themselves in my lap. Jaehaera's arms come out from behind her and there's a beautiful little red flower clutched carefully in her small hands. "Beautiful flower. But that did not answer my question." I tell them both before I pat the bed for them to get up on. They happily hope up onto the mattress before fighting of who gets to sit in my lap first.
Jaehaera reaches out her arm, gifting me the flower. "For you."
I take the flower from her hand. "For me? Thank you." I kiss her forehead as she comes to sit beside me and Jaehaerysdoes the same. "Where are your nannies? Or your mother?"
"Mother said we could come see you. The flower is to make you feel better."
I muster a weak smile, touched by her gentle compassion. "Thank you, poppet," I tell her as I kiss the top of her head. "That's very kind of you, sweet girl."
Jaehaera carefully places the bloom on the beside table, her gaze fitting nervously between me and the bandages she can see that are wrapped around my torso up to my chest. Jaehaerys, ever the brave one, moves closer, his brow furrowed.
"Are you in pain? Our nannies said you were hurt, but that you would feel better soon."
I reach out and gently ruffle his long hair, offering him a reassuring smile. "I am, however your mother is right, I will be okay." The young boy nods, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. Jaehaera, emboldened by her brother's example, traces her little finger on the intricate embroidery on the bed covers.
"When will you be able to play with us again?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
My heart swells with affection for my niece and nephew. "Soon, my darling. I promise." I wince as another twinge of pain shoots through my side, and their faces immediately fall with worry.
"Do you need more sleep?" Jaehaerys asks, his brow creasing with concern.
I muster a reassuring smile. "I have rested enough for today. Now, why don't you tell me about your day? I would love to hear all about it." they both launch into an animated retelling of their adventures and what they've learned. For now, I allow myself to be swept up in the innocent wonder and boundless energy of Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, their laughter and stories a much-needed reprieve from the heavy burden of my thoughts. In their company, I can almost forget the pain that had brought me to this point.
