Long Live / HOTD

10 // Driftmark

It wasn't long before the king and queen received news of Princess Laena's death. Laena was the daughter of Princess Rhaenys and her husband Lord Corlys. She's also the twin sister of Prince Laenor, Rhaenyra's husband. Valyria and her family had made their way to driftmark for the young woman's funeral. Valyria didn't know her well since they had a huge age difference but she knew of how carefree and loving the woman was. When Rhaenys would visit or when Valyria would spend time with Laenor they both loved talking about how amazing the girl was. How she had claimed the biggest dragon known to man.

Valyria stood at her mother's side and leaned into her. Alicent's arm wrapped around her made her feel safe and protected. Aegon was at Valyria's other side. While Alicent's arm was wrapped around the girl's body, Aegon was holding onto his sister's hand trying to bring her comfort. The three families were standing at the front of the funeral listening to the man, Laenor and Laena's uncle, in front of them speak in High Valyrian.

Valyria understood everything that was being said, Aemond and herself had asked to be taught Valyrian since it was part of their heritage and they picked it up quicker than Aegon had. Aegon, Alicent, and Otto Hightower, the new hand of the king, along with Rhaenyra's children were the only ones who couldn't understand what was being said.

Daemon had laughed at the man's words speaking of Velaryon blood causing everyone to look his way. Valyria rolled her eyes. Daemon had always been the unserious one. This is why he was unfit to rule, her mother had said. She had spoken to her sister Rhaenyra who spoke of him whether it was good or bad it didn't matter, she just wanted the truth.

After everyone separated, Valyria had wandered off from her mother's side to give her condolences to her cousins Rhaena and Baela. Both girls were upset from losing their mother and Valyria knew if she was in their place she would feel just as empty inside.

"I'm truly sorry for your loss." Valyria's saddened eyes met the twin's. They were heartbroken, the parent who loved and took care of them was gone now. Valyria leaned down and wrapped her arms around the two girls in a big hug.

Baela and Rhaena held their cousin and cried into her shoulders. The three girls were never close since they didn't see each other often but Valyria always treated them kindly.

"I just wish she were here." Rhaena cried softly. Rhaena was like Aemond, dragonless.

"If there was anything we can do. Please don't hesitate to tell us." Valyria held on tighter to both girls. They wanted to ask if she could bring their mother back but they knew it was no use being angry with someone who had no fault in their mother's death. The twins stayed silent but gave a weak smile to Valyria after she pulled away from them.

Valyria's eyes met Rhaenyra's and she happily walked over to her sister. She hadn't seen her in a short amount of time but she still missed her dearly. "Sister." She hugged Rhaenyra tightly.

"Hello Valyria. How are you?" She asked looking down at the younger girl.

"Im fine. I just wish we had come to see one another under better circumstances." Valyria sighed. She knew Rhaenyra's husband was close with his sister and couldn't imagine ever losing one of her own siblings.

"I as well dear sister. I'm sure Jace and Luke will be happy to see you again. They miss you dearly." Rhaenyra smiled fondly at the Princess. She felt stares on her and her eyes looked around to meet those of Alicent and Cole whose gazes were focused the two sisters. "How about we talk later? I must go pay my respects now."

Valyria nodded. If anyone needed someone it was Laena's family. "I wish your husband and his parents well. This is not a loss anyone should have to suffer." Rhaenyra leaned down and softly kissed the top of her sister's head before excusing herself. Valyria hadn't payed any attention to her mother and Cole who were following the elder Princess' moves. Instead she went and found her brothers and other sister.