𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 68 We have a choice to make.

Vaerla, only 13 years old but already showing the curiosity and sharpness of her family, was wandering through the courtyard when she noticed a young woman standing with a little boy. The woman appeared nervous but smiled gently as she held the child's hand.

With her natural curiosity, Vaerla made her way over to them, her small feet quick as she approached. "Hello!" she greeted with a bright, youthful energy. "I haven't seen you before. Who are you?"

The woman looked down at Vaerla, a kind smile appearing on her face. "Hello there, I'm Seri," she said softly. "And this is Maevon." The little boy peeked out from behind Seri's skirts, his big eyes shy but curious.

Vaerla crouched down to the boy's level, giving him a soft smile. "Hi, Maevon. I'm Vaerla," she said sweetly, her tone gentle. "How old are you?"

Maevon blinked up at her, not saying anything, still clinging to his mother. Vaerla smiled wider, used to little children being shy at first.

Standing up, she turned her attention back to Seri. "Are you new here? I haven't seen you around before." There was an innocent curiosity in her voice, like a young girl eager to learn more about a new person.

Seri hesitated for a moment, her smile dimming slightly before she nodded. "Yes, I'm new here. I'm Daemon's wife," she said quietly, though there was a hint of nervousness.

Vaerla's eyes widened in surprise. "You're Uncle Daemon's wife? I didn't know he got married again." She tilted her head, her face still full of that youthful wonder. "What house are you from?"

Seri looked down for a moment, seeming unsure of how to answer. Daemon's words echoed in her mind, reminding her not to reveal too much about her origins. "I... don't belong to a noble house," she said softly. "I come from far away."

Vaerla's forehead crinkled in confusion. "No noble house? But who's your family, then?" Her innocent question was more out of curiosity than anything else, but she could sense the unease in Seri's response.

"Well... it's complicated," Seri said with a gentle laugh, trying to divert the conversation. "But it's nice to meet you, Princess Vaerla."

Vaerla's youthful curiosity was still strong, but she decided not to push any further. "It's nice to meet you too, Seri," she said brightly, giving another smile to Maevon. "And Maevon is really cute!"

Seri's smile returned, more genuine this time. "Thank you. He can be a handful, but he's a sweet boy."

Vaerla giggled. "If you ever need help, you can find me! I can show you around if you like."

Seri looked touched by Vaerla's offer. "Thank you, Princess. That's very kind of you."

With a quick nod and a bright grin, Vaerla bid them goodbye, her young mind already swirling with thoughts about this mysterious new arrival. As she skipped away, she couldn't help but glance back, still intrigued by Seri and the little boy who had Daemon's unmistakable features.

Something about the encounter made Vaerla feel like there were secrets yet to be uncovered, but for now, she would simply keep her curiosity in check—at least until the next time they met.

With the evening drawing in, Alicent stood in front of the fire, her servants gently assisting her as she changed out of her gown and into sleepwear. When she was dressed, she nodded gently to them. With a quiet "thank you," she brushed them off. After the maids went, the room became quieter and Alicent spent a little time by herself thinking.

Just as she was about to sit down, she heard the door creak open. She turned, her face brightening as she saw Aegon and Rhaenyra entering the room together. But the usual warmth in their eyes was missing, replaced instead with worry. Alicent's brows furrowed as she stepped toward them.