A/N Another update! Let me know what you think.
A daughter had followed that day.
A radiant little thing that I'd named Visenya. With beauty and grace, she held the vibrant eyes of her mother and pale skin like her twin brother. Nestled in my arms by the fire, Visenya rested peacefully sound as I held her close to my chest. It'd been weeks since the birth and yet I still fell under a mesmerising spell whenever I looked at both of my children. For some reason a part of me couldn't believe that they're right here in front of me.
"Are you ready?" asked Mother as she came to stand by my side; holding Aegon in her arms. I nodded before slowly standing.
Heading toward the grand double doors of the bedroom, I stood and turned to see it all one last time. Who knows how long it will be until I see this place again. I want to soak in every last detail and every last memory I've made in this room. Looking upon the tall windows, the canopy bed and the open balcony, my eyes flickered two and fro. Finally.
It's time to go home.
Receiving a letter by raven, we'd been given clear instruction to return home immediately. It's the only letter I've received from Rhaegar since the night he'd left for his unknown cause. I felt relief that I'd finally be returning to Kingslanding, but I felt a pang in my heart as I know it won't be the same. I can sense it. A great change has happened, and I fear what I'll discover.
Heading out onto the main courtyard, Lord Gaunt and the other soldiers sat on their horses to escort us to the beach. Getting into the stationed carriage along with Mother, our luggage had already been packed and sent to the awaiting ship. Jostling forward a little as we began to move, it was only a few short minutes until we made it to the very bottom of the cliff.
Stepping out, sulphur and salt hit my nose. The smell didn't bother me anymore. I've become so used to it during these long months. Walking along the soft wet sand, it was quiet except for the sloshing of the water and howl of occasional waves of wind. Waiting not far out is a row boat and then the ship a little further; its sails coloured black with the insignia of house Targaryen showing proudly.
"Princess, my Queen" addressed Lord Gaunt "I wish you good fortune and safe travel for the journey home"
I nodded "Thank you. You've been most kind and generous during our stay. Perhaps one day we'll meet again in the near future"
"I looked forward to the day" he said before bowing.
Walking the rest of the way out, we boarded the small boat and I made sure to tuck the fur pelt closer to Visenya. She's so fragile and small. I worry about every little thing that might happen. The protectiveness of a mother I suppose. Rowing to the main ship, we were soon on deck with a handful of the scurry crew and some soldiers.
Heading down into the cabin below, this where we all staid for the remainder of the journey. Neither Mother nor I spoke many words to each other. A tenseness had formed between us and it was caused by the unknown of what's to come. I've still been kept in the dark, despite having been summoned home. There came a point when I'd left the subject alone all together. I know it'll only be a matter of time before I discover it all for myself.
They'll be no more hiding after that.
There'll be no more lies.
Travelling with good winds and smooth seas, it took us just under a two weeks to journey from Dragonstone to the large flourishing port of Kingslanding. Immediately the weather felt a little warmer and the surroundings a little livelier. I can already hear the bustling of the people outside and I'd yet to emerge from the cabin.
A knock sounded on the wooden door "Your grace, we've docked. A carriage is waiting for you" announced a man from the other side.
"Are you ready?" asked Mother.
"No" I replied honestly "But I have no other choice"
Holding Aegon closely, we made our way up the small wooden steps to reach the top deck. Heading down the ramp, I could see some common folk all stopping to stare at us. Some waved or shouted, and some stood silent or bowed. I could hear them all gossiping. It's the first time anyone outside of a handful of people on Dragonstone have ever seen my children. They'll both be the talk of the Capitol and the Seven Kingdoms for months; as it always is when it comes to royalty.
As informed, there's a luxurious carriage drawn by two black horses. I couldn't help but notice the three golden members of the Kingsguard waiting for us as well, including Sir Barristan Selmy. He held open the door with a friendly smile and I stepped up inside. Travelling along a little further, a few more others shouted from outside as they saw us heading toward the castle.
When we arrived outside, the first think I noticed when exiting the carriage is that there was no one there to greet us "Where is everyone?" I asked Barristan.
"His grace is busy with many important duties. Although he is very eager to see the children"
"Surely he can't be too eager if he's not here to welcome us home" I replied with slight venom in my words, but it was by no means directed toward Barristan. None of this is his fault. He's a good man "Where is he?"
"In the throne room, your grace" Barristan lowered his eyes.
I nodded "I don't want to wait. I want to see him now" I said before leaving to make my way into the castle walls.
Walking down the familiar corridors and pathways, I felt slightly uncomfortable as passing nobles stopped to bow to me along with the servants. The Kingsguard followed behind me and when I stood outside of the double doors of the closed throne room, I could faintly hear the commotion coming from inside. The stationed guards bowed before slowly opening the doors to reveal the crowed of people and familiar interior.
It suddenly became quiet, like death had taken over the room. All eyes turned to stare at me as I stepped forward with a click of my shoes. What I was expecting to see was my Father, slouched on the Iron Throne as all around him kept their fearful gaze lowered. I expected Fathers withered voice, wrinkled face and gloomy attitude – but that isn't what I saw.
I understood now.
The world finally made sense. My dreams made sense. The secrets and lies all made sense. Perhaps I should have seen it coming. Perhaps I should have known from the very start. All those conversations we'd talked about. All those important details that I happened to overlook. I was too taken over by my emotions to see clearly what was right in front of me, but now I could – because there was no mistaking the man who now sat on the Iron Throne.
The King.
My husband.
Rhaegar Targaryen.
THE END
