Blooming tragic

Chapter 9

A decade had elapsed since Otto's exile from the castle. Visenya had dispatched numerous letters to her father, imploring him to permit her return, and he ultimately acquiesced several months ago following the birth of her daughter. She was convinced that continued seclusion with Otto would lead to her descent into madness.

Three children have been born in the past decade. The first pregnancy, among the three, was exemplary, and the labor of Elinor was remarkably uncomplicated. In contrast, the labor with the second child, Ceryse, was excruciating. The third child, Laenora, entered the world in a peaceful manner. First, there is Elinor Hightower, who strongly exhibits the Hightower genes and possesses a quiet demeanor that has unsettled some individuals. Second, Ceryse Hightower, who embodies Targaryen traits and revels in being the center of attention. Lastly, there is Laenora Hightower, who displays darker characteristics yet is the sweetest of the infants.

Visenya held a profound affection for her children; however, as her daughters matured and blossomed into striking young women, the inevitability of their prospective marriages filled her with trepidation. Unbeknownst to her, this prospect was a source of delight for Otto, who had already taken the initiative to arrange betrothals for her two eldest daughters. Viserra is to wed Aegon, while Alyssa is to unite with Dalton Greyjoy. Otto harbored a fervent desire for Viserra to ascend to the throne above all else. In secrecy, he had been providing her with instruction on how to fulfill her role as a queen to the best of her abilities.

Visenya was profoundly pleased to return to King's Landing and even more so to have the opportunity to meet the sons of Rhaenyra. Viserys encouraged Visenya to bring her children along, and she willingly complied. Furthermore, she was greatly delighted to learn that Rhaenyra was expecting a child. Over the years, she and Rhaenyra had cultivated a closer relationship through the exchange of correspondence. In contrast, her relationship with Alicent had become strained. Visenya found herself increasingly exasperated with Alicent for adhering to her father's every directive with unwavering obedience.

Visenya visited Rhaenyra shortly after her arrival, accompanied by her daughters.

"Nyra, it is a pleasure to see you; I have missed you greatly," greeted Visenya warmly.

"Vi, I have missed you even more," replied Rhaenyra as she embraced her.

The two women subsequently introduced their children to each other, and Jacaerys and Eleana displayed an endearing camaraderie. They then encouraged the children to play together before bidding each other farewell.

Visenya, consumed by a profound sense of dread, approached Alicent. As they gazed at one another, each sensed the gradual distance growing between them. They were no longer the young girls who had cherished one another so deeply; they were no longer Visenya Targaryen and Alicent Hightower. Instead, they now identified as Visenya Hightower and Queen Alicent. Both had entered into their marriages out of a sense of duty, and both found themselves pregnant as a result of that obligation. They understood that they could never return to their former selves. In acknowledging this reality, they each mourned the individuals they once were, both in solitude and in shared remembrance.

They found themselves at a loss for words to greet one another. They felt deep self-reproach for this inability, yet perhaps it was ultimately for the best. The once-celebrated friendship between Visenya and Alicent had deteriorated. They scarcely exchanged letters. Visenya had hoped that upon their reunion, everything would revert to its former state, and they would sit together in the garden where they had played as children, reading a book that the septa had gifted them. Visenya loathed to acknowledge her misjudgment, but the individual standing before her was not the kind-hearted, joyful Alicent she had bid farewell to; rather, she exhibited rudeness toward her sister and her nephews. Initially, Visenya believed this behavior to be a misunderstanding, as Alicent would never display such cruelty, particularly to Rhaenyra. However, when Visenya addressed the issue in a letter, Alicent's response was, "I have not done anything wrong except tell the truth." Visenya chose not to reply, and that correspondence marked the last exchange between them. Although Visenya wished to hold Alicent accountable for the dissolution of their friendship, she ultimately recognized that both bore responsibility. They had grown up and it didn't just change their bodies but their minds and who they were. So a silent pleasantry was exchanged and they both went their separate ways.

Viserys had summoned her, along with her three youngest daughters whom he had yet to meet. As she entered her father's chamber, she observed him engaged in his usual pastime of sculpting his model of ancient Valyria.

"Good morrow, Father," Visenya greeted with a smile, placing Ceryse upon the floor.

"Greetings, Visenya. Who might these three young ladies be?" inquired Viserys.

"The eldest is Elinor, the toddler is Ceryse, and the one cradled in my arms is baby Laenora," Visenya elucidated. She often seized any opportunity to discuss her children, typically elaborating at length, yet she was aware that her father would not be particularly interested in such matters.

"At least one of them possesses Targaryen features," remarked Viserys curtly. Visenya felt a pang of sorrow; she had long struggled for her father's approval. While none of Rhaenyra's offspring bore Targaryen traits, her own children were judged harshly by him. Rhaenyra's children were deemed bastards, yet Visenya's offspring incessantly faced criticism in comparison. It was clear to her that her father would never appreciate either her or her children.

"Yes, well, it appears the Hightower genes, are quite dominant, as many of my children possess darker hair. However, several of my children do indeed exhibit Targaryen features, such as Viserra, Eleana, and Aemma," Visenya continued, somewhat aimlessly. She had never observed Rhaenyra attempting to justify the appearances of her own children.

"One of your daughters is named Aemma; does she remind you of your mother? I would like to meet her at once," insisted Viserys.

"Father, you were aware that I have a daughter named Aemma. She is approximately ten years old and, indeed, she does remind me of Mother. I will arrange for one of the guards to fetch her. Is there anything else, Father?" replied Visenya.

Her father nodded and bid her farewell.