Violent Tides - Chapter 6: Laena Velaryon
Laena Velaryon returns to Westeros after three years in Essos along with her newborn daughters.
Six Moons Later
Since he woke up that morning, Laenor Velaryon had become the happiest man in Westeros, and the reason was because his sister was finally returning home after three years in Essos.
Although, Laena was not returning permanently, only coming back to Westeros to present her newborn twins, her daughters, Baela and Rhaena Targaryen to the court before returning to Pentos.
Laena wrote to her brother and parents with her intention to visit, having missed her home and family, these feelings increasing after her daughters were born. She wanted her daughters to know their homeland, not wanting them to view their family as strangers.
The most notable thing to many was that Daemon had refused to join his wife and daughters on the trip, stating that he had important business to attend to and could not spare the time. No one believed this excuse, but it was the only one given.
While the Velaryons did not care whether Daemon came or not, Viserys and Rhaenyra were both saddened by the news.
The court gossiped about this of course, talking about the rift between the Targaryens and what could have caused it. In their minds it had to be serious if Daemon married without permission and was willing to have his family travel alone just so he would not have to return to King's Landing to present his daughters himself.
Today was the day that Laena was to arrive, she was coming by ship as she was bringing infants with her and did not think she could travel such a distance with them on top of Vhagar.
Laenor had risen before the sun and had already gotten ready for the day, and it had taken everything within him to not travel to the docks and wait there for his sister like an overexcited puppy.
“Come now, we have to go. Why is it taking you so long to finish?” Laenor whined as he stood next to the door, his foot bouncing up and down, showing his impatience.
Rhaenyra eyed her husband through the mirror of her vanity. “Telling me to hurry up is not going to make me finish any faster.”
Laenor rolled his eyes. “Well I wish it did, I don't want to miss them.”
“Laenor, Laena and her daughters are going to be here for the next week and then we all will be going to Driftmark and staying there for an additional three weeks. I don’t think being late to greet her will cause you to never see her again,” Rhaenyra stated.
Laenor sighed. “I know, but I just, I have missed her, Rhae. It has been over three years and Laena is finally coming back, it feels like a dream.”
Rhaenyra stared at Laenor sympathetically, knowing just how much the man missed his older sister. Rhaenyra did not understand their bond, not being anywhere near as close to her own siblings as Laenor is to Laena, but she could understand missing someone after they have been gone for years.
Although she did worry about how Laenor would react when Laena eventually returned to Pentos, to Daemon.
She too missed her cousin, lamenting that she could not travel to Driftmark to see her, or that Laena could not come to King's Landing as they were oft to do in their youth.
Laena had been her next closest friend after Alicent, the one who comforted her through every loss and betrayal she had experienced in her life, a mesmerizing presence who always knew just what to say to make her feel better.
Perhaps that is why Rhaenyra had found it difficult to feel envious of Laena's marriage to her uncle, knowing that such emotion would have blossomed if Daemon had chosen any other woman. Instead, Rhaenyra found herself longing for both of them, even with the poor way that Daemon had left things between them nefore absconding to Driftmark.
“At least you're ready to go, Aelora,” Laenor said, smiling as Rhaenyra rolled her eyes and called him an ass under her breath.
Aelora sat at the edge of Rhaenyra and Laenor’s bed, she was wearing a sapphire blue dress with grey trimming and her silver curls were left to run down her back.
Aelora smiled at her father. “Yes, I really want to meet Aunt Laena and the babies! I want to make a good first impres-impression!”
Laenor laughed at how serious Aelora was and lifted her into his arms. “You will, and she will love you, little one.”
After a few more minutes, Rhaenyra had finished readying herself and the trio went to the nursery to retrieve Jacaerys. Like his sister and father, Jacaerys was also wearing Velaryon colors, his outfit consisted of a sea green tunic, brown trousers, and a blue cap on his head.
Soon, the four entered the Great Hall after their presence was announced to the crowd. Viserys sat on the Iron Throne while his wife, children, Rhaenys, Corlys, and Vaemond stood at its base, Alicent and her children stood on the left as the Velaryons stood on the right.
Aelora quickly made her way over to the Queen, her uncles, and her aunt, laughing when Aemond immediately hugged her and when Aegon tried to pull him off her, saying that he was being annoying.
“Wow! You look so pretty, Helaena,” Aelora exclaimed as she took in the emerald dress that her aunt was wearing.
She had wanted to reach out and touch the braids that Helaena’s hair was styled into, but knew that Helaena would not appreciate it the action.
Helaena played with her fingers, her cheeks burning from Aelora’s praise and attention. “Thank you, Lora.”
Before she knew it, Rhaenyra came over and pulled Aelora away so they could stand with her Velaryon family, Aelora pouted, wanting to stay with her uncles and aunt, but did not complain and she immediately greeted her grandparents and then her great uncle Vaemond.
Aelora did not know how to feel whenever she was around her grandfather’s younger brother.
On the one hand, she did not think Vaemond hated her, the man treated her kindly and would smile at her a few times and gave her sweets whenever they met. But she could not shake the feeling that he was also disappointed in her, as if she were failing in some way. There was also the way Vaemond acted around Jacaerys that bothered her.
Aelora was used to the people around her looking at her brother strangely, she saw it with the very nobles in the room, with the Queen, with Criston, with Lyonel Strong, and with Rhaenys and Corlys.
But the way Vaemond looked at Jacaerys unnerved the young princess. Vaemond looked at her brother as if he were a plague, an affront to his very being, as if Jacaerys would be better off dead.
And the way Vaemond acted around Rhaenyra and Laenor was not much better. He treated Rhaenyra the same way as Jacaerys, only holding himself back from saying how he truly felt because of the woman’s position as princess and heir. Laenor did not get this same treatment, often having to endure Vaemond’s backhanded compliments, pointed looks, and being treated as lesser than by the older Velaryon.
Aelora just hoped that Laena and her daughters would be enough to keep everyone from fighting with each other even more.
~X~
Laena Velaryon felt tired as she walked through the familiar halls of the Red Keep with her infant daughters in her arms.
Baela and Rhaena immediately became the apples of her eye the moment she held them for the first time, and it was for them that she was doing this for.
It would be best to ingratiate them to the King. To not let anyone say anything unbecoming of them, they are the blood of the dragon. Laena thought.
She hoped Viserys would find himself enamored by the twins, that he would feel kindlier about them then he did Daemon at the moment.
Laena looked at her daughters, both awake and calm, as if they could sense the anxiety that was hidden beneath their mother's surface. The two were wrapped in black and red blankets, denoting the house of their father.
Despite looking more like her, Laena could see the traits they shared with Daemon; Baela had Daemon's high forehead, the same dark purple eyes, and his smile. Rhaena also Daemon's eyes, along with his ears.
The Velaryon took a deep breath as she waited for the stewards to open the doors of the Great Hall and announce her and her daughters’ presence.
“Presenting Lady Laena Velaryon, wife to Prince Daemon Targaryen, brother of the King, and their daughters, Ladies Baela and Rhaena Targaryen.”
Laena walked forward with her head held high, staring directly at the Iron Throne as the crowd stared at her, whispers broke out as the people took in Laena and the twin.
“Lady Laena. It has been sometime since we last had your presence in King's Landing, I welcome you back with open arms,” Viserys declared from his place on the throne.
Laena bowed. “I humbly thank you for your hospitality, Your Grace.”
Viserys waved this off with a scoff and a smile. “No need, Lady Laena, we are family. Now, I believe that I have some nieces to meet.”
The crowd cheered as it became clear that the King would not shun his nieces regardless of the fallout between him and Daemon. Laena smiled as she walked to the base of the throne, meeting the King halfway.
“This is Baela, the elder,” Laena said while looking at the baby in her left arm before looking at the one in her left. “And this is Rhaena, the younger.”
Viserys' eyes took on shine after hearing that one of the twins was named after their father, Baelon the Brave. He then took Baela into his arms. “Aye, she's a pretty one, they both are, just like their mother.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Laena said simply.
Viserys then waved over his family so they too could meet the twins and Laena did not have time to react, when Laenor, ignoring all courtly etiquette and decorum, swept her and Rhaena into his arms.
“Laena! I missed you so much!” Laenor spoke unto the top of her head.
Laena laughed as she returned the hug. “Honestly, Laenor, you’re so clingy. You really could not live without me around?”
Laenor stepped back. “Of course not.”
Laena once again laughed at her younger brother's seriousness.
“Baa!”
Laena looked down and a softer smile graced her lips. “It seems that Rhaena doesn’t want to be left out. Here Laenor, this your niece, Rhaena.”
Laenor grinned as he took Rhaena from her mother’s arms, holding her gently as if she could break were he not careful. “Hello there little one. I’m your Uncle Laenor.”
Rhaena just stared at her uncle, wiggling her arms around as Laenor whispered softly to her.
“Laena,” Rhaenys said, pulling her daughter into her arms. “It has been too long.”
Corlys wrapped his arms around both of them. “Your mother is right; it has been too long since we've all been together.”
Laena had to keep herself from crying, her emotions overwhelming her as she reunited with her family. “Mother, father…”
Rhaenyra, who had been standing back with Aelora and Jacaerys, walked over to the Velaryons after a few moments. “Cousin, it is good to see you again. I must congratulate you on the birth of your daughters, children are a blessing I too have discovered.”
Laena pulled herself out of her parents' embrace and gave Rhaenyra a quick hug. “Thank you, cousin. And I must say motherhood suits you.”
Rhaenyra smiled and looked at her own children. “I must introduce you to your niece and nephew; This is Aelora and this is Jacaerys.”
“Greetings, Aunt Laena,” Aelora said with a curtsy but did not look Laena in the eye and was uncharacteristically quiet.
Aelora had heard stories from her grandparents, father, and even her mother about Laena Velaryon. Many of which included comments about how similar she and Laena were, both in appearance and personality.
Aelora was nervous, afraid of not living up to the legend she had heard of for most of her life, afraid that she would do something that would cause Laena to dislike her and cause her parents and grandparents to be disappointed in her.
Laena noticed her niece’s nervousness and bent down to her level. “It’s nice to meet you, Aelora. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Aelora quickly looked up. “You have?”
Laena noddedl “Of course! Your father has told me all about how kind, courageous, and special you are. He even told me about how much you like dragons.”
“No, I love dragons!” Aelora exclaimed, her shyness leaving her the longer she spoke to her aunt.
“Do you know the dragon that I ride?” Laena asked.
Aelora’s eyes lit up as she spoke of the knowledge she had. “You ride Vhagar! The biggest dragon in the entire world!”
Laena chuckled. “Yes, I do. Would you like to meet her?”
Aelora’s jaw dropped, and she looked at Laena like the woman just told her greatest thing she had ever heard in her short life. Aelora then immediately turned to face her mother, grabbing the skirt of her dress, and giving her a pleading look.
Rhaenyra laughed and playfully covered her daughter's eyes with one of her hands. “You do not have to look at me like that, Lora. As long as your Aunt Laena is with you, I am fine with you meeting Vhagar.”
“Yay!” Aelora cheered, excited at the prospect of seeing the largest dragon alive, the young princess was even thinking of a way to convince her aunt to let her ride with her on Vhagar.
Laena laughed before leaning over to look at the child in Rhaenyra’s arms, and she rubbed one of Jacaerys’ cheeks with her finger. “Hello there, little Jace.”
Laena laughed again when Jacaerys began babbling after he grabbed her hand, refusing to let go.
“My nephew is a cute one, isn’t he?” Laena said aloud.
“He is,” Rhaenyra replied, inwardly feeling relieved that Laena was not looking at her and her son the way the other Velaryons did.
Although she supposed that Laenor must have discussed Jacaerys with his sister in the many letters the Velaryon siblings wrote to each other.
“Your Grace, it is good to see you again,” Rhaenyra turned her head and saw Laena greeting Alicent, the Queen having made way over along with her siblings while she was distracted.
“You as well, Lady Laena. Congratulations, your daughters are very heavenly.” Alicent said in return. The Queen then looked to her children, “And these are your nephews and niece; Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron.”
Rhaenyra rolled her eyes at this display, accusing the Queen of copying her and interfering in their moment under her breath.
“Greetings, Aunt Laena,” Aegon and Helaena stiffly replied.
“HI!” Aemond yelled, vigorously waving his hands at the woman, cause Laena to laugh.
“It's nice to meet you all,” Laena said kindly to the children.
Due to her father quitting his position as Master of Ships and going to war in the Stepstones along with her and Daemon’s marriage, Laena had not officially met any of the Queen’s children.
Viserys smiled greatly as he walked over to them, still holding Rhaena in his arms. “It gladdens me to see us all being a family, although I wish Daemon were here to join us.”
“I apologize on Daemon’s behalf, Your Grace. He had business to attend to that prevented him from following the girls and I here.” Laena said with a sugary sweet smile, silently cursing Daemon in her head for putting her in this position.
She tried repeatedly to get Daemon to return to King’s Landing with her, to be by her side as they presented their daughters to the King, but he refused.
Daemon stated that he was still angry at Viserys for choosing the Hightowers over him, his own flesh and blood brother, along with Viserys trying to punish him for marrying her.
And while she accepted these reasons, deep down Laena could not help but feel that the real reason Daemon did not want to return was because he was afraid. Afraid that had pushed things too far with Viserys and that he would not be accepted back by the royal family, and seeing that they have all continued on with their lives without him.
Viserys’ smile dimmed a bit. “No it is fine, I understand. I only wish he were here to accept the dragon eggs I have given to your daughters.”
Laena blinked, unsure if she heard the man correctly. “Excuse me, Your Grace. Dragon eggs?”
Viserys smiled again, “You heard correctly, my lady, although the eggs are not here. Since you will be travelling to Driftmark a week from now, I have told the dragonkeepers on Dragonstone to expect your arrival. My nieces shall have eggs to put in the cradles.”
A pin dropping could be heard through the Great Hall with how silent the room became at the news.
“I-Thank you, Your Grace. Words do not describe the honor you have given my daughters,” Laena choked out.
Daemon really should be here right now.
Lyonel Strong, the King’s Hand broke away from where the other members of the Small Council stood, trying to get the King to reconsider his decree. “Your Grace, are you sure this is a wise decision? No offense to Lady Laena but her daughters are not of your line, they-”
Viserys waved him off. “Not of my line? They are my nieces! We are the House of the Dragon, and all Targaryens deserve a dragon of their own.”
Lyonel could see that Viserys would not be persuaded away from this decision. Despite typically being an agreeable and compromising man, Viserys had moments when he could be greatly stubborn, refusing to listen to the advice of others and choosing to stick with his choices, no matter how they were received.
Laena did not show any emotion as the people in the room began to look at her daughters differently from when they first entered the hall. She could see the hungry gleams in their eyes, like sharks smelling blood in the water and waiting to pounce on their prey.
Once again, the great game had changed due to the whims of the King, and only time would tell the effects this decision had on the game of thrones.
~X~
Laena did not expect to enter her room and see her parents and brother sitting and waiting for her as she returned from putting Baela and Rhaena down to sleep in the nursery.
“Did you all decided to have a party in my room and not invite me?” Laena japed, but her smile left her face when she saw her family’s expressions.
Laenor looked awkwardly between her and their parents, Corlys was grinning widely and looked like his name’s day came early, and Rhaenys was serious, her jaw clenched as she looked at her daughter.
“Laena, we have to talk about what happened in court-” Rhaenys said.
“Oh, let it go, Rhaenys. This is a good thing now we have even more dragonriders in our family,” Corlys cut in, continuing the conversation the two were having before Laena arrived.
“That is exactly the point. Don’t you remember the backlash we received when my grandmother convinced the Old King that Laena and Laenor should have dragon eggs when they were born? Or when Seasmoke hatched for Laenor? Or when Laena claimed Vhagar?” Rhaenys retorted.
Just like with the Hand earlier, they were those in court who believed that Laena and Laenor should not have become dragonriders when Baelon was chosen as Prince of Dragonstone after the death of their grandfather, Aemon. It was even worse because Laena and Laenor belonged to House Velaryon and them having dragons was seen as Corlys having dragons, of him becoming more powerful than he ever had before.
This caused further issues because Jaehareys made it clear afterwards that no other person that married into the Targaryen family would have their children become dragonriders, giving the impression that the royal family was showing clear favoritism towards the Velaryons.
“And now this backlash will be on Baela and Rhaena once again,” Rhaenys finished, growing more frustrated.
On the one hand, she was happy that her granddaughters would bond with dragons, but also angry that her cousin once again made things harder for own family with his whims and fancies.
Laena stood next to Rhaenys and held one of her hands. “Mother I understand how you feel, I too was thinking this when the King made his decree but there is nothing we can do. And if there was, I would not deny my daughters their birthright, they are Targaryens, they deserve nothing less.”
Rhaenys sighed knowing that her daughter was right, but she still could not stop thinking of the trouble this would cause, especially since this decree was made in public and there were those who still spoke of Daemon’s constant disrespect to the King along with his desire for power.
“See, Rhaenys, it not an issue. We have dealt with this before, and we shall do this again. Let anyone try to speak ill of my granddaughters; I'll kill them,” Corlys said, still grinning from ear to ear.
Rhaenys rolled her eyes at this, ignoring her children's laughter at her annoyed expression. She sometimes felt that arguing with her husband was like trying to fight a wall; no matter what you did, the wall would not budge and would continue as is.
~X~
The Next Day
Aelora bounced on her feet as she followed her father and Aunt Laena up the beaten path that led to the back of the Dragonpit, where the tunnels of each cave let out.
Once they finally reached the end of the path that is when Aelora saw her, Vhagar, the last dragon to have seen the conquest, the former mount of Queen Visenya and Prince Baelon Targaryen, and the oldest and strongest dragon alive.
Vhagar almost eclipsed the Dragonpit in sheer size, her scales, horns, wings, and spinal crest were all a bronze greenish color, and her eyes were bright green.
“Vhagar, my beautiful girl,” Laena greeted her mount in High Valyrian.
Vhagar’s head lifted slightly as she turned in the direction of her rider, a low rumble was heard from the dragon as the trio moved closer.
“Wow…” Aelora said in astonishment, while she knew that Vhagar was the largest dragon just seeing the massive scale of the beast made this fact feel like an understatement.
“Be careful, Aelora. Vhagar hasn’t seen you before, so she might not be very… friendly,” Laenor said, pulling his daughter back when she tried to move closer to the old dragon.
Laena scoffed at this. “Vhagar isn’t going to hurt Aelora as long I’m here. And even if I wasn’t, Vhagar definitely wouldn’t see a toddler as a threat to herself.”
“You don’t know that, Vhagar might decide that Aelora would make the perfect bite-sized snack!” Laenor argued.
“An incredibly minuscule snack,” Laena muttered, smiling as Laenor heard this and glared at her.
Laena then pulled Aelora out of Laenor's grasp, ignore his shout of indignation and walked back to Vhagar. The she-dragon stared at the two as they stood in front of her face.
“Vhagar, this is my niece, Aelora. She has been dying to meet you, so behave yourself,” Laena said playfully, chuckling when Vhagar blew air at them, as if insulted by the idea of her not knowing how to act.
“Hello, Vhagar. I’m Aelora,” Aelora greeted the dragon.
Vhagar stared at the girl and pushed her snout against her. Aelora giggled when she felt the warm heat beneath Vhagar’s scales and tried to hug the dragon’s snout. Aelora had hung off Vhagar when the dragon lifted her head a few more feet off the ground.
“It seems Vhagar has made a new friend,” Laena commented as she and Laenor watched the scene in front of them.
Laenor groaned as he watched his daughter crawl and then sit atop of Vhagar’s snout, laughing and chatting with the dragon without a care in the world. “I don’t know how I’m going to handle when she inevitably rides a dragon of her own.”
“I imagine you would faint the first time she rides. Scared for her safety like a mother hen,” Laena smirked.
Laenor rolled his eyes and continued to watch Aelora as she bonded with Vhagar. Laenor could not help but feel that Aelora was growing up far too quickly.
It felt like yesterday when he held his newborn daughter in his arms for the first time. She was so small then, barely fitting within both of his hands and now she was a toddler, exploring the world with such a kind innocence that it sometimes hurt too much to watch.
Laena placed her head against her brother’s shoulder. “You’re a good father, ‘Nor.”
Laenor let a depreciating laugh. “You truly think so?”
“I know so. I’m your older sister, that means I’m always right,” Laena said matter-of-factly.
Laenor playfully bumped his shoulder against Laena’s.
This is what has been missing from my life. It’s honestly a miracle that I lasted this long without Laena. Laenor thought to himself.
“Can we ride Vhagar together?!” Aelora shouted, her head peaking over the Vhagar’s snout.
“Yes!”
“No!”
Laena and Laenor yelled, respectively.
Laenor quickly turned to his sister. “Laena! You cannot just-”
“Oh, c’mon, Laenor! I have been riding Vhagar for years and Aelora has ridden with you and Rhaenyra on your dragons, so this will not be a new experience. Trust me, she will be safe with me,” Laena objected.
In the end Laenor relented and Laena had taken Aelora into the sky on Vhagar.
To Aelora, riding on Vhagar was an entirely unique experience to riding on Syrax or Seasmoke. The old dragon was not as fast or agile as the other two, but she was sturdier, able to fly to much greater heights.
Her large stature allowed her to completely shadow the ground beneath her in darkness, sending animals and humans alike running from her frightening form. The use of Vhagar’s wings was strong enough to send gusts of wind in every direction, alerting others of the dragon’s presence before you even saw her.
It made Aelora wonder if the dragon within her own egg would grow to Vhagar’s size, to be just as powerful, if her future dragon would become just as renowned and forever a fixture in their family’s legacy.
I’ll be the greatest dragonrider ever! I’ll be remembered forever as a great dragonlord and Queen! Aelora thought as she, Laenor, and Laena rode back to the Red Keep.
~X~
Six Days Later
Laena sighed as she stared at the endless horizon aboard one of her father’s many ships, heading towards Dragonstone.
Despite the excitement her family members felt about obtaining dragon eggs for Baela and Rhaena from the island, Laena could not stop thinking about the dinner held last night for her and her daughters’ departure from King's Landing.
Laena smiled as she sat at the large table with her family, although the dinner was in her name, Laena felt comfortable just watching everyone interact with each other than joining in on the various conversations.
Aegon, Helaena, and Aelora had pushed their chairs together as they talked and ate their food. Aegon wildly waved his hands as he spoke animatedly, whatever he said causing Aelora to burst into loud giggles. Helaena looked confused before saying something that led to Aegon becoming disgusted and Aelora laughing even harder than she did before.
Corlys, Rhaenys, and Vaemond seemed to be having fun as well, each one of them had small smiles on their faces as they talked.
The one in the best mood was the King, Viserys grinned widely as he too watched the members of their family while to talked with Rhaenyra and Laenor.
It was during her watching that Laena noticed the Queen was the only one in the room not enjoying the meal.
Alicent quietly ate her food, her gaze never leaving the doors and her expression completely passive.
Laena does not know what compelled her to speak to the Queen, but before she knew it, she had already stood up and made her way to the other side of the table where the other woman sat.
Alicent was surprised as Laena approached her. “Lady Laena.”
Laena smiled gently. “May I sit, Your Grace?”
“Of course,” Alicent replied, waving her hand to the empty chair next to her.
Laena gracefully sat down, not a hair out of place or a movement wasted, and Alicent could not deny the jealousy that crept up at how effortlessly Laena did so, how naturally it came to her.
“I must thank you for the hospitality you have shown my daughters and I during our stay here,” Laena said.
Alicent forced a smile. “There is no need to thank me, Lady Laena. We are family, it is expected that we treat each other with respect.”
“Still, I thank you. You have made the transition to my return most welcoming. I hope that as my daughters grow older, they can spend more time with their cousins,” Laena replied.
Alicent hid the surprise she felt at the statement, seeing that Laena was being genuine. But the small amount of hope that threatened to bubble was immediately squashed as she remembered who Laena's husband was.
As if Daemon Targaryen would ever allow those of his blood to spend a second longer than necessary with those he believes are beneath him. Alicent thought bitterly, knowing how the prince feels about her, her father, and her children.
It made Alicent wonder why Laena would bother making a promise she surely could not keep, not when she and the Velaryons were on Rhaenyra’s side.
Although Alicent noticed from the corner of her eye that Rhaenyra was staring at them. The princess had a glare on her face, looking at Alicent as if she was stealing Laena's attention, like a child who puts down a toy and becomes angry when someone else starts playing with them.
“I would like that as well, Lady Laena,” Alicent replied, her smile growing wider.
Laena was not sure what caused this new change in the Queen but decided not to question it.
“Let us go to bed, Aemma,” Viserys spoke aloud, interrupting the women's conversation.
The room became deathly quiet as everyone looked between the King and Queen.
A small blush appeared on Alicent’s face, embarrassed by her husband's slip and the way the others were looking at her, either with pity or perverse glee.
“That's Ali!” Aelora exclaimed.
“What?” Viserys said confused, stopping in place as he had not waiting for Alicent to speak, already making his way to the door.
“You called her Aemma, that’s not her name, it’s Ali. It’s rude to get people’s name’s wrong, grandpapa,” Aelora clarified, not understanding that one does not speak to their King in such a fashion.
“Aelora! You cannot speak to your grandfather like that!” Rhaenyra scolded, quickly standing and making her way to her daughter.
Aelora scrunched her face. “But you and grandmother told me it’s wrong to forget people’s names! So grandpapa should know better!”
Laenor choked on his drink, letting out a harsh cough. Rhaenyra, Rhaenys, Vaemond, and Laena's eyes all widened and Corlys had to cover his mouth to keep himself from laughing.
Rhaenyra shook herself out of her stupor and grabbed Aelora by the arm and pulling her out of seat. “Aelora! Apologize to your grandfather!”
“But-"
Viserys cleared his throat. “Its alright, Rhaenyra. Aelora is right, that was rude of me. I am sorry.”
“You have to apologize,” Aelora stated.
“I did, I apologized just now, Aelora," Viserys blinked.
Aelora crossed her arms and glared at her grandfather. “Not to me! To Ali! She's the one who’s name you forgot.”
It was strange to say the least, watching a three year old girl reprimand her grandfather because he was being disrespectful to his much younger wife.
Viserys looked at Alicent and gave a mumbled apology. “I-I apologize, Alicent.”
Alicent stared at the table instead of her husband. “It is forgiven, husband.”
Viserys immediately turned on his heel and left the room, wanting to leave the embarrassing situation behind him.
After a few moments, Alicent had said her regards to the others and left the room with Aegon and Helaena.
As she walked past she looked at Aelora, but continued on her way instead of saying anything when she saw Rhaenyra was now standing behind the girl. Rhaenyra stared furiously at her, as if wanting to burn her with her eyes.
“Well, that was certainly eventful,” Laenor remarked once the door shut behind the Queen and her children.
Laena could barely hold back a snort as she watched her brother soon slump in his chair, heavily weighed down by the glares of both his wife and their mother.
Rhaenyra then turned her attention to Aelora. “Come along, Aelora. You and I need to have a talk about your behavior.”
Aelora pouted angrily but did as she was told, jumping off her chair and walking ahead of her parents as they left the hall.
Laenor wasn’t wrong, this was a strange thing to watch. Laena thought to herself.
Laena groaned as she continued to think not of Aelora or Viserys, but Alicent.
She knew that most people assumed she hated Alicent, that she was jealous of the Hightower woman for stealing the position of Queen Consort from her, but she was not.
Deep down inside the darkest parts of her soul, Laena was glad that Alicent was Queen because it meant that she was not. Unlike Alicent, who was forced to marry and then bed a sick and dying King who was clearly still in love with his first wife, and was seen as nothing more than a broodmare who birthed his spares, Laena had a more freeing existence.
I hate feeling like this, happily watching another woman suffer because I am thankful that it is her and not me in that position.
It was the main reason that why she wanted to speak with Alicent and befriend her. A way to assuage the terrible guilt she felt in her heart.
As she was distracted, Laenor had approached his sister. “Laena, we’ve made land. It’s time to disembark.”
Laena forced herself to smile. “Thank you, brother.”
Laenor watched as his sister walked past him, trying to figure out what was bothering her as he knew that her smile was fake.
But he let this go, knowing that if it was truly important that Laena would tell him once they were alone.
I hope she tells me soon so I can help her. I don't want this visit to be marred with bad feelings. Laenor thought.