Love beneath the Snow

𝔭𝔯𝔬𝔩𝔬𝔤𝔲𝔢

𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔨𝔢𝔢𝔭, 𝔨𝔦𝔫𝔤'𝔰 𝔩𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔦𝔫𝔤

— VALIRA BARATHEON WAS BORN UNDER THE BANNER OF THE STAG, HER LIFE BEGINNING IN THE ECHOING HALLS OF THE RED KEEP. As the only trueborn daughter of King Robert Baratheon and Queen Cersei Lannister, Valira held a unique position at court—one that blended the tempestuous spirit of the Baratheons with the cunning intellect of the Lannisters.

From the moment she was born, Valira was the apple of her father's eye. King Robert, known for his boisterous laughter and love of battle, found a softness in his heart whenever he looked at his daughter. She had inherited his black hair and striking blue eyes, features that stood out among her golden-haired siblings. Robert would often swing her onto his shoulders, proclaiming proudly to anyone who would listen, "Look at my girl, my Valira. She's got the heart of a lion and the spirit of a storm!"

Cersei, for her part, adored her daughter fiercely. Valira was a living reminder of the early days of her marriage to Robert, a time when there was still hope for love between them. Cersei would spend hours brushing Valira's dark hair, telling her stories of their Lannister ancestors and the power of their bloodline. "You are strong, my daughter," she would say with a tender smile. "You have both the blood of lions and stags. You are destined for greatness."

Valira's childhood was filled with love and laughter, a rarity within the cold walls of the Red Keep. Her parents, despite their complicated marriage, found common ground in their affection for her. Robert would take her riding through the Kingswood, showing her how to hunt and track, while Cersei would teach her the subtleties of courtly life—the importance of alliances, the power of a well-placed word. Valira learned early on how to navigate the complexities of the court, blending her father's straightforward honesty with her mother's keen insight into human nature.

Growing up in the Red Keep, Valira developed a sharp wit and a keen intelligence that set her apart. She could hold her own in conversations with the most seasoned courtiers, often surprising them with her perceptive comments and quick thinking. She inherited Robert's love for adventure, often sneaking out to the training yard to practice swordplay with the guards or exploring the hidden passages of the castle. Her laughter was a familiar sound in the courtyards of the Red Keep, as she raced down the halls with her siblings, her dark hair flying behind her like a banner in the wind.

Valira's relationship with her siblings was strong, particularly with Tommen and Myrcella. They often played together in the gardens or spent hours in the library, sharing stories and dreams of the future. Even Joffrey, whose cruel streak was well-known, had a softer side when it came to Valira. She had a way of calming him that few others did, her gentle words and unwavering confidence often smoothing over his rages. "Valira always knows best," Joffrey would mutter, a reluctant smile on his lips, as she guided him away from trouble.

At court, Valira was known for her beauty as much as her wit. She had her mother's delicate features, but with the bold, striking looks of her father's house. Her blue eyes were a startling contrast to her black hair, making her a captivating presence in any room. Many suitors sought her favor, drawn to her charm and intelligence, but Valira was not easily impressed. She had inherited her father's straightforwardness, and she would not be wooed by mere flattery or titles.

Despite her favored status at court, Valira was not blind to the politics that surrounded her family. She understood the tension between her parents, the unspoken words and the lingering glances. She knew her mother's ambitions for her children, and her father's growing weariness with the burdens of kingship. But Valira loved them both dearly, refusing to take sides. She saw the best in each of them: her father's courage and strength, her mother's intelligence and resilience. She was determined to be a bridge between them, a unifying force that could hold her family together.

Valira's unique position at court allowed her a level of freedom that few women of her status enjoyed. She was both a Baratheon and a Lannister, a blend of power and cunning, strength and beauty. Her father's pride and her mother's ambition gave her a confidence that was rare in a young woman of her station. She moved through the court with grace and assurance, her head held high, her eyes always observing, always learning.

As she grew older, Valira began to understand the expectations placed upon her. She was not just a beloved daughter; she was a potential alliance, a valuable piece in the game of thrones. Her parents, despite their differences, both sought to use her to further their own ambitions. But Valira, with her father's stubbornness and her mother's cleverness, was determined to forge her own path. She would not be a pawn in anyone's game, not even her parents'.

She loved them dearly, but she was her own person—a true Baratheon, with all the fierce independence that came with the name. She had the intelligence to see through the schemes of the court, the beauty to captivate anyone who met her, and the wit to hold her own in any conversation. Valira Baratheon was a force to be reckoned with, a storm in her own right, ready to make her mark on the world.

A/N:
I hope you will love this story as much as I do. I've never written anything before, so this is my first time and english is not my first language. This story has been on my mind for a while and just last week I decided to start writing it. I'd love to know what you all think but please don't leave mean and rude comments.
Also Valira's name is pronounced Vah-LEE-rah. I hope that helps:)
Love you all!