𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 - 𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔

45

It was Maegor's first nameday. The boy looked so much like his mother — with her spirited attitude and shimmering silver locks.

Daenaera had chosen a striking black-and-red gown, adorned with a golden dragon brooch. The Blacks had arranged a grand feast, with many lords and ladies of the Seven Kingdoms in attendance. Daenaera stood beside Rhaenyra and her twin sons, Aegon and Viserys. The twins took well to Maegor, the three playing together and even attempting lessons side by side.

⸻

The feast was well underway when Selene, Daenaera's handmaiden, approached.

"Princess, Maegor is crying for you," she said softly. "He needs only to be held."

Daenaera gathered her son into her arms, and Ser Erryk bowed as he approached.

"My Princess," he began, "a man has come ashore claiming to know you. He wishes to see you."

Daenaera's eyes widened with surprise, but she nodded and rose.

"Princess, shall I take Maegor with me?" Selene asked.

"No, Selene. I think Maegor would like some fresh air," Daenaera replied, stepping out from the room — and the castle.

⸻

Near the shore, a ship bobbed gently. Not just any ship — a Viking longship. The silver-haired princess knitted her brows, then smiled as she saw Hvitserk leap ashore.

"Daenaera," Hvitserk said with a pleased smile, stepping forward. "What a great pleasure to see you again."

"You act as if you didn't come here yourself," Daenaera scoffed playfully.

"I thought to pay you a short visit. Uncle Rollo wished to see us," Hvitserk whispered, glancing back toward the ship.

"Us?" Daenaera repeated, hugging Maegor tighter.

"Me and another Viking, dear sister. Is that...?" His voice faltered as he glanced at the boy. Daenaera smiled.

"Hvitserk, this is Maegor. Maegor, this is your uncle," Daenaera introduced, watching her son furrow his blonde brows.

"Kepus?"
(Uncle?) Maegor asked, looking up at his mother.
"Iksos ziry really issa kepus?"
(Is he really my uncle?)

"What did he say?" Hvitserk asked, puzzled.

"He asked if you are really his uncle," Daenaera explained.

"I am," Hvitserk said, smiling warmly. "He looks exactly like you. May I hug you?"

Maegor glanced at his mother's encouraging smile and nodded.

As Hvitserk embraced the boy, Maegor reached out to play with his long braids.

"I like your braids," Maegor said. "You look handsome."

Hvitserk beamed at the compliment as Daenaera looked on, smiling.

"Du vet at han savner deg, ikke sant?"
(You know he misses you, right?) Hvitserk whispered in their shared tongue.

"Handlingen hans viste meg noe annet."
(His actions showed me differently.) Daenaera replied quietly.

Hvitserk nodded and gently placed the boy down beside her on the sand.

"I will miss you, little prince," he murmured, kissing Maegor's head.

"When will I see you again?" Maegor asked, a shy smile lighting his cheeks.

"I don't know. But I will try to visit," Hvitserk answered.

He lifted his gaze to Daenaera.

"Dae—"

"Farewell, Hvitserk," she whispered as Maegor clung to her.

"Farewell, sister," he murmured, stepping back onto the ship.

As the Viking longship sailed away, Daenaera carried Maegor back inside.

⸻

Meanwhile, back home, Ivar paced as his elder brother returned.

"Hvitserk, he is my son. He has my eyes... What have I done?" Ivar murmured.

"You, my brother, destroyed your life. I don't think she'll ever forgive you," Hvitserk replied bluntly.

Ivar's gaze dropped. Daenaera was dragon's blood — stubborn, proud, and fiercely independent. He hoped, against all odds, she might find it in herself to forgive him. Maegor was his firstborn son, his rightful heir — healthy, strong, and unmistakably Targaryen.

"He's so big already... and I haven't been there for him. He doesn't even know me..." Ivar's voice trailed off, haunted by lost time.

"You have to try to speak with Daenaera," Hvitserk suggested.

Ivar snarled. "You're the only person she talks to."

Hvitserk rolled his eyes, grinning. "It's not like she knows many others."

⸻

When Daenaera returned to the feast, Rhaenyra approached her gently.

"Is everything alright?" she asked.

Daenaera nodded. "It was Hvitserk. He's visiting Uncle Rollo and thought to see us as well."

She kissed Maegor's temple, and the boy whispered in her ear.

"Mommy, can I go play with my cousins?"

"Of course, sweet boy. Go on."

Daenaera called for a servant. "Selene, escort the prince to his cousins."

Selene nodded and led Maegor toward his brothers.