章節 27: Jaehaerys and Alysanne
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103 AC - Alicent Hightower
As Alicent woke up, she could immediately sense the radiant presence of the sunlight, its warm glow enhancing the opulence of her surroundings. With squinted eyes, she instinctively shielded herself by placing her hand around her eyes, embracing the brightness that poured in. Gradually, a soothing sensation enveloped her skin as the sun's rays affectionately bathed her, infusing her with a comforting warmth. The chamber itself surpassed any elegance she had ever encountered, transcending even the grandeur of her parents' chamber in her home. Its lavishness exceeded her expectations, immersing her in a world of unparalleled luxury.
It has been two years since Alicent arrived in King's Landing, and during this time, she has resided in Red Keep. Despite the considerable duration, Alicent's experience within the majestic fortress continues to evoke a sense of novelty, almost as if she had just set foot in its grand premises. The Red Keep's ambiance, characterized by a refreshing and invigorating air, coupled with the enchanting symphony of the nearby waves, provides Alicent with an incomparable serenity. This breathtaking scenery, which she never had the pleasure of encountering back in her hometown, consistently leaves her awe-struck and grateful for the unique beauty surrounding her.
Despite being the daughter of Lord Hightower, Alicent often observed that her abode lacked the same grandeur as the Red Keep. The inherent beauty that graced the Red Keep seemed to elude her humble home – her bedchamber, though not devoid of comfort, paled in comparison to the luxurious chambers found within the Red Keep's walls. Alicent couldn't help but notice that the accommodations of her fellow household members were hardly distinguishable from her own. Whether it was the chamber of the respected Master At Arms or that of an esteemed servant, their surroundings shared a striking resemblance to her own modest dwelling. It seemed that despite her noble lineage, Alicent's standing within the household failed to manifest in the opulence of her chamber.
Alicent walked up to the balcony of her chamber; it wasn't anything fancy, but it was still much better than her own chamber that had no balcony, and even if it did, her home didn't have anything beautiful to look at around it.
I wonder where the Prince is? Alicent, with her dreamy eyes gazing into the distance, couldn't help but feel her heart flutter with anticipation at the mere thought of him. As the daughter of the Hand of the King, she yearned for a chance to connect with Prince Aenar, yet fate had withheld any meaningful conversation between them. Despite her privileged position, Alicent encountered limited opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue with either Prince Aenar or Princess Rhaenyra, leaving her longing for more interaction with them.
From what Alicent understood, Prince Daemon often flew with his son to Dragonstone and stayed there for months. Alicent didn't know why, and her father refused to elaborate. Her father could get quite angry whenever Alicent asked about the prince.
Alicent briefly wondered if she could ask her big brother to ask Prince Daemon for a spar. She could use that opportunity to have a talk with Prince Aenar; they could become friends and watch as Alicent's brother defeats Prince Daemon.
While Alicent only heard words on Prince Daemon's abilities with a blade, Alicent had seen her brother with a blade; she doubted anyone could defeat him, not even Ser Ryam Redwyne was stronger than her brother, despite his reputation as the strongest Kingsguard in history until now, some even said that despite his old age, Ser Ryam was a better swordsman than Prince Daemon.
Alicent's thoughts went to Prince Aenar once again, imagining each other walking together; she briefly wondered if her brother could then start training Aenar after he defeats Prince Daemon. Alicent knew that would have made it easier to talk with him daily.
Alicent was abruptly brought back to reality when she heard a sudden knock on the door. Curiosity filled her eyes as she swiftly turned towards the sound, only to find the door opening before her very eyes. To her utter delight, it was her beloved big brother standing there, his familiar face radiating warmth and affection. A rush of joy washed over her, and in an instant, a smile adorned her face, knowing deep down that her brother would never be able to resist her requests when she greeted him with such a heartfelt expression.
"Gwayne, good morrow," Alicent quickly greeted her big brother as she hurriedly approached him, her eyes shining joyfully and her arms outstretched for a warm embrace. Overwhelmed by happiness upon seeing her, Gwayne eagerly reciprocated the hug, tightly wrapping his arms around her petite frame. Gwayne gently leaned in and kissed Alicent's rosy cheek tenderly.
"Good morrow, Alicent; Father is breaking his fast. We should join him," His words were filled with warmth.
As soon as they left the chamber, Alicent looked around and noticed no one was paying attention to them. Alicent wished their chambers were closer to those of the Royal Family; she knew if that were the case, she could play the 'Save the maiden' game and easily grab Prince Aenar's attention; that would be the perfect opportunity to have a long talk with him, and perhaps become friends.
Alicent's thoughts went to what her brother told her; when her brother had noticed how much Alicent loved her new chamber, he had warned her that whenever Prince Viserys became King, there was a chance he might decide to make Prince Daemon 'Hand of the King' which would result in them returning back home.
Alicent frowned at the idea of ever returning back to her home; her mother visited The Red Keep enough times, so Alicent didn't really miss her much. Alicent didn't want to return home. Why would she? Her home looked nothing like the Red Keep. Everything was better in the Red Keep.
As soon as they walked through the corridor, Alicent looked around them and was relieved to see no one was walking around them.
"Brother, have you fought with Prince Daemon yet?" Alicent questioned, knowing her brother was never someone to step down from a fight, especially when the fight is with someone like Prince Daemon. Alicent watched closely, expecting a smile full of pride on her brother's face.
"I will today, my sister. Prince Daemon will give a show in the Training yard, and he has accepted fighting knights, including me," Her brother said eagerly, with a look of excitement in his eyes.
Perfect, Alicent thought, knowing that having this piece of information made the situation much easier for her. She understood that her brother needed a little encouragement. "Do you think you will win?" Alicent asked, her eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation as she eagerly awaited her brother's response. However, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment when she noticed her brother hesitantly answering, leading her to furrow her brow in slight frustration.
"Alicent, Prince Daemon is seen as one of the strongest swordsmen in the Realm," her brother reminded Alicent, who fought the urge to roll her eyes; she already knew that, but Alicent quickly smiled sweetly, the same smile her big brother always adored.
"Can you beat him for me?" Alicent requested with the sweetest smile she could muster, her face as bright as a star. Alicent expected her brother to promise her that he would win right away. Instead, even her biggest smile didn't seem to give her brother enough determination.
"If you win, I will tell Joana about you," Alicent promised, her eyes sparkling with mischievous; the mere mention of Joana's name caused her brother to smile, something Alicent liked to exploit quite often. It was easy to convince him to do something the moment Alicent brought up 'Joana.' Joana was the older sister of one of Alicent's friends. She was beautiful, and her brother often talked about her, saying she was a vision of beauty.
"You promise?"
"Everything for you, Gwayne," Alicent promised with a mischievous smile. Her brother's face quickly filled with determination, and she promised Alicent that he would win against Prince Daemon. Alicent smiled in triumph, knowing she could have a chance to talk with Prince Aenar during the fight.
.
When they entered their father's lavishly decorated chamber, the devoted servants swiftly appeared, bearing trays laden with a delectable feast. Alicent wore an unwavering smile that radiated both her appreciation and excitement. Though her father was perceptive enough to notice her consistent cheerfulness, he chose to remain silent on the matter, content to observe her happiness unfold before him. While impatiently awaiting the arrival of the sumptuous dishes, Alicent's observant gaze wandered toward her father, who sat immersed in a stack of meticulously organized papers sprawled across his exquisitely carved desk. Oblivious to her presence, he appeared wholly engrossed in his engrossing readings, utterly disregarding her presence in the room.
"Father, what are you doing today?" She asked. A slight furrow formed on her brow as she gazed into his eyes, noticing the faint traces of irritation lingering within his gaze. However, to her surprise, the irritation swiftly faded away, replaced by a sense of composure as he inhaled deeply, collecting his thoughts. Seeking solace in a refreshing summer beverage, he delicately raised a glass filled with iced lemonade infused with a subtle touch of honey, its sweet aroma blending seamlessly with the warm atmosphere.
"The usual, the King is being more absent on his duties, and so it falls in my hands to lead the Realm," Otto answered, his voice tinged with a hint of restraint, his gaze intentionally avoiding any direct contact with his daughter or son, possibly concealing deeper emotions.
"Isn't the Queen helping you?" Alicent questioned, her voice filled with concern and understanding. She was well aware of the current state of affairs in the realm ever since King Jaehaerys had fallen ill. It had been a year since that fateful day in the Throne Room when the King had unexpectedly lost consciousness. Since then, Queen Alysanne had taken on the burden of governance, tirelessly shouldering the responsibilities that were once shared between her and the ailing king. Alicent knew that Queen Alysanne had diligently fulfilled her duties as a regent, ruling in her husband's name in his absence, all while harboring the hope that the King would eventually recover. The Queen's tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to the kingdom's well-being had earned her the respect and admiration of both the courtiers and the common folk. Despite the weight on her shoulders, she carried herself with grace and poise, upholding the standards of leadership that were expected from the royal family.
"Indeed," Otto answered with a tightened jaw and a simmering bitterness evident in his voice. Alicent, observing the tense movement of her father's clenched teeth, noticed how close he seemed to be to his breaking point. Puzzled by this display, she couldn't help but ponder the underlying reasons for his discontent. After all, Queen Alysanne was universally adored and admired by all. Given her father's position, Alicent assumed he would embrace the opportunity to collaborate with someone so well-loved and esteemed.
Breaking their fast was spent in a comfortable yet somehow solemn silence, filled with the anticipation of what was to come. The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room as Alicent and her family sat around the table.
Each one lost in their own thoughts; they savored their meal with a shared understanding that this moment was sacred. As the last morsel was finished, Alicent's father rose up gracefully from his seat. Slowly, he made his way towards the bookshelf, his steps purposeful and deliberate. With practiced ease, he reached out and selected a book from his impressive collection, its spine worn from years of use. Locking eyes with Alicent. Extending his hand, he presented her with the carefully chosen book.
"The King needs company; be a good daughter and read this to him," Although her father's words were masked as a request, Alicent astutely perceived the undertone of authority, recognizing it as more akin to a command. With this realization, Alicent remained silent momentarily, her mind swiftly engrossed in contemplation as she carefully deliberated on the perfect words to articulate her thoughts.
"What if the Queen is there?" Alicent questioned carefully, her voice filled with a hint of anticipation and trepidation. With grace and poise, she gracefully rose from her seat elegantly. As she stood, she instinctively reached for a wet napkin to delicately cleanse her face, ensuring her impeccable appearance remained flawless. Balancing the book in her other hand, she felt a surge of excitement and nervous energy coursing through her veins.
"The Queen is with Prince Aenar," Otto said dismissively, his tone conveying his frustration and disapproval of the situation. Alicent, fully aware of her father's rigorous expectations, simply nodded in acknowledgment, opting not to speak and further provoke his displeasure. She instinctively understood that defying him would only worsen his already sour mood. Without uttering a single word, she swiftly pivoted on her heels and departed, silencing any possibility of argument or confrontation.
The King, I will talk to the King! Alicent thought, her mind swirling with a mixture of dread and anticipation. She couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation, unsure if she was truly prepared for this meeting. Although she had caught glimpses of the King from a distance, their interactions had always been limited to mere observations. Now, the prospect of being alone with him in the same chamber was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.
The absence of the Queen, who typically accompanied the King during such encounters, offered some solace to Alicent. It provided a glimmer of reassurance amidst the overwhelming emotions swirling within her. She took a deep breath, attempting to swallow down the lingering dread that threatened to consume her.
In moments like these, Alicent reminded herself of her lineage and the proud heritage of House Hightower. They were a family that had long held immense influence and power. Their reputation and wealth were unparalleled, serving as a constant reminder that no one could reach as high as they do.
Not even the Dragons, Alicent thought with pride as her confident strides echoed through the grand corridors of the castle. After navigating the intertwining passageways for what seemed like an eternity, she finally arrived at the grand entrance of the King's chambers. The resolute faces of the vigilant Kingsguard offered no resistance as they recognized Alicent and graciously granted her access.
Alicent, feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement, mustered all her inner strength and took a deep breath to calm herself before proceeding. Taking note of the moment's importance, she put on her best smile, which was meant to convey warmth and confidence. With a firm grip on the cold iron handle, Alicent exerted just the right amount of force to open the door, careful not to cause any unnecessary noise. As the door swung open, revealing the King's quarters before her, Alicent felt a surge of anticipation run through her veins.
Once she crossed the threshold and stepped inside, Alicent couldn't help but be captivated by the grandeur and opulence of the room. Her eyes eagerly scanned the surroundings, taking in every detail with awe. The sight of silver platers glistening on display, showcasing the finest delicacies fit for a king, caught her attention. The royal chairs, upholstered in luxurious fabric, looked so inviting and comfortable, giving off an air of prestige and importance.
However, Alicent's gaze was immediately drawn to the large square window that stood proudly on the far side of the room. Through it, sunlight poured in, casting a warm glow on everything it touched. The window provided a breathtaking view of the outside world, but its grandeur was slightly obscured by the billowing silver curtains. Shimmering in the sunlight, these curtains seemed to dance and sparkle like precious gems, casting beautiful patterns of light and shadow throughout the room. The combination of the vibrant scenery outside and the radiant curtains created an ambiance that was both enchanting and regal.
Alicent, with graceful steps, approached the embroidered curtains that adorned the window, her slender fingers gently grasping the fabric to draw it aside. As the curtains parted, like unveiling a hidden treasure, a breathtaking panorama unveiled itself before Alicent's eyes. The sight was so captivating that it momentarily caught her breath. With tender curiosity, she reached out and caressed the luxurious material of the curtains, marveling at its velvety texture. The fabric felt so delicately smooth against her hands as if it possessed an ethereal quality that could easily flow through her grasp like liquid silk. Alicent couldn't help but imagine herself sleeping in this chamber, enjoying the beauty and power of being Queen. The thought brought a smile to her face.
"W-who's there?" The voice broke Alicent out of her thoughts; her eyes quickly turned to look at her left, only now she remembered the reason she came to the King's Chamber.
Alicent's eyes, filled with both anticipation and concern, slowly shifted towards the grandeur of the King's bed, where she had not laid eyes upon the King. The absence of his presence had prolonged her worry, knowing all too well that the King's frail health had consumed him for some time.
However, as her gaze fell upon him, a jolt of profound shock coursed through her veins, threatening to escape in an audible gasp. Every ounce of her being battled to exert self-control, but it was an arduous task, for what lay before Alicent was not the formidable figure of a mighty King but rather the frail and withered visage of an elderly man, reduced to a mere shell of his former self as if being consumed by the clutches of an unforgiving ailment.
With his face almost devoid of color, resembling a ghostly specter, and his long white hair cascading like a waterfall of snow, the King appeared unbearably fatigued. Alicent pondered whether he possessed the strength to walk unaided, for his eyes appeared only partially open as if struggling to stay awake, and his bewildered expression left her questioning if he even recognized her presence within his chamber.
With a clear of her throat, Alicent, adorned in an elegant gown of royal blue silk, spoke with courtesy, her tone carefully modulated to reflect respect. "Your Grace," she began, a slight pause emphasizing her deference, "I'm here to bring you the book, 'The Dragons of Valyria." As she slowly approached his regal bed, her footsteps barely audible, the sound of her voice caused the old King, adorned in royal robes of gold and crimson, to turn his lined face towards her, his weary eyes displaying a mix of surprise and confusion, an unspoken question dancing within their depths.
"Who are you, my dear?" The old king's voice, filled with weariness and raspiness, posed the question to Alicent. With his eyes only halfway open, he gazed at her with a mix of curiosity and confusion as though straining to summon memories of her face from the recesses of his aging mind. It was as if trying to recognize her.
"Lady Alicent Hightower, your grace," Alicent gracefully replied, her voice laced with respect as her smile remained unwavering on her countenance. Jaehaerys, lying motionless on his bed, showed no visible response to her words, deep in thought. With a subtle hand gesture, he quietly beckoned her to take a seat beside him.
"Can you read the book for me, my dear?" The King asked gently, his voice filled with a touch of fatigue. Expressing his request with genuine care, he looked towards Alicent with eyes weary yet hopeful. A warm smile graced her lips. She gracefully settled herself onto a cushioned chair, positioned strategically beside the King's bed, offering comfort and ease. Observing the King's tired posture, she noticed how he leaned his head backward, seeking solace against the plushness of the soft pillow.
"Of course, your grace," Alicent graciously accepted the opportunity without a moment's hesitation, her heart filled with deep reverence for the old king who had bestowed upon her the privilege to read in his presence. She carefully positioned the book upon her lap, delicately tracing the cover. Taking a moment to compose herself, Alicent cleared her throat, preparing to read. With a voice that exuded both tenderness and allure, her every word floated effortlessly through the air. In response to her melodious recitation, the monarch hummed in blissful harmony.
.
.
After an hour of immersing herself in the captivating words of the book, Alicent gently closed its pages, her attention stolen away by the sight of the King's closed eyes. A surge of intrigue washed over her, filling her mind with questions and uncertainties. Should she quietly retreat from the chamber? The weight of the decision hung in the air, causing her to hesitate momentarily, her hand hovering above the armrest. Yet, as if sensing her intentions, the elderly King stirred, his languid movements betraying the slumber that had held him captive. Gradually, his eyes parted, revealing a gaze that seemed to pierce through her very being, rendering her motionless in his profound scrutiny.
Alicent was frozen in place, feeling a rush of uncertainty and confusion overwhelm her. She stood there, her mind racing, desperately contemplating her next move. Time seemed to stand still as she observed the old King's aged face, his eyes gradually widening with a mixture of emotions. A wave of recognition washed over her as she noticed the faint glimmer of familiarity in those weary eyes. Yet within that recognition, there was also a swirling concoction of both sadness and happiness, contrasting emotions that filled the depths of the King's gaze.
"Saera, you have returned!" Jaehaerys exclaimed with a mixture of relief and overwhelming emotions. His voice cracked, betraying the depth of his feelings, as tears began to well up in his eyes, brimming with unshed happiness and possibly a touch of sorrow. Alicent had an instinctual urge to intervene and say 'No,' but upon second thought, she wisely chose to stifle her initial response. Recognizing the delicate state of the King's health, she understood that refraining from her intended remark would ultimately serve his well-being.
"I-I have returned, father." Her voice sounded softer than usual. At the sight of his daughter's presence, Jaehaerys felt an indescribable mixture of joy and relief overwhelm him. Tears welled in his old, weary eyes, tracing a path down his weathered cheeks. Unable to contain his emotions any longer, he stretched out his trembling hands, reaching out to touch Alicent to reaffirm her tangible presence. Alicent placed her delicate hand into his trembling grasp. Their hands connected, causing more tears to cascade down Jaehaery's lined face.
"Aly will be so Happy!" Jaehaerys said with his old voice, yet his voice sounded genuinely cheerful to Alicent, who noticed that his voice sounded more energetic and not as tired as it used to sound an hour ago. The vibrant timbre of his words resonated with a newfound energy, indicating a sudden surge of joy within Jaehaerys. Before Alicent could utter a word, the door swung open abruptly, without a single knock or warning, bringing an unexpected interruption to their conversation.
Alicent quickly stood up, her heart pounding in her chest, as she desperately prided her hands away from the firm grip of the King's hands. Sensing urgency, she turned around in haste, only to be met with the piercing gaze of Queen Alysanne. The Queen's eyes, devoid of any visible emotion, held an evaluating intensity as they locked onto Alicent's own. Just as Alicent's mind raced to formulate an excuse to escape the Queen's scrutiny, a commanding voice emerged from behind her. The King broke the tense silence with his authoritative tone, further adding to the pressure mounting on Alicent's shoulders.
"Seara, where did you go?" Jaehaerys asked with an evident trace of desperation in his voice, his vocal cords betraying his emotions once more. The ominous atmosphere in the room thickened as Alicent, too, sensed a foreboding sensation creeping over her, causing an involuntary shiver to run down her spine. The Queen's eyes, initially widening momentarily, transformed into a fierce gaze that held an unparalleled intensity, locking onto Alicent in a way she had never experienced before.
As fear consumed her, Alicent's entire being quivered uncontrollably, her very core reverberating with an overwhelming sense of dread. Desperate to defend herself or perhaps find solace through an apology, Alicent parted her trembling lips. Still, her attempt to speak was immediately silenced as the Queen's voice sliced through the solemn silence, sharp and commanding like Valyrian Steel.
"Lady Alicent, you are free to go," The Queen said emotionlessly, her voice devoid of any warmth or empathy. Alicent, however, could discern the underlying message - this was not a mere suggestion but a direct command that she dared not disobey. As relief washed over her, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude toward the Queen for not condemning her to the dreadful punishment that awaited those who deceived the King.
The penalty for such a betrayal in the kingdom was barbaric - the offender's tongue would be ruthlessly severed with searing hot knives, forever silencing their deceitful words.
Stifling her inner turmoil, Alicent remained silent, her lips sealed tightly shut. With a heavy heart and slightly bruised dignity, she obediently lowered her head. She made her way out of the chamber, forgoing any farewell or retort that might further compound her predicament.
Alysanne Targaryen
"Jae, how are you feeling today?" Alysanne questioned with genuine concern, her gentle touch comforting against his worn, age-etched features as she sat by his bedside. Despite the countless disagreements they had weathered over the years, there was an unwavering depth of affection in Jae's gaze as he opened his eyes fully, meeting hers. It was love.
"Saera, my love, our daughter has returned," he spoke softly, a resounding mix of relief and overwhelming joy coloring his weathered voice. In that fleeting moment, as he uttered those words, a youthful vigor seemed to ignite within him, momentarily transforming him into a younger version of himself. Alysanne, deeply moved by his heartfelt declaration, couldn't help but close her eyes, allowing the weight of bittersweet regret to settle in her chest. It felt as though someone had just reached into her being and gently squeezed her heart, stirring up a flood of emotions tied to their daughter's absence and the years lost to separation.
As regret filled her voice, she uttered the words that shattered Jae's smile and left him in shock - "She wasn't Saera, my love." The weight of these words pressed upon Jae's heart as he tried to process the revelation. Alysanne, unable to contain her resentment, infused her voice with venom as she added, "She was Alicent Hightower." At that moment, Alysanne couldn't help but ponder why she hadn't punished the young girl, considering her lie. Deep down, she understood that her own youth and naivety, only ten-name days old, might have played a role in her decision.
Once Alysanne said the name, Jae's smile faltered before it disappeared completely, his eyes red from crying and filled with a mix of sadness and confusion. Alysanne, sensing his emotional pain, reached out and gently grasped his trembling hand, holding it tightly as a comforting gesture. At that moment, a profound silence engulfed them both as if time stood still. The only audible sounds were the soft melodies of two little birds perched on the iron railing encircling the balcony, their delicate chirping providing a bittersweet soundtrack to this deeply intimate moment between Alysanne and Jae.
"She never returned any of your letters," Jae said, already knowing the answer; Alysanne chose to keep silent and closed her eyes, replaying every written word she had poured into each letter. With a heavy heart, she had hoped her daughter would finally break the silence and return during the Council two years ago, where the fate of their family was being determined. It didn't matter what her reasons would have been – a longing for reconciliation, a heartfelt apology, or simply the desire to reconnect – Alysanne yearned to see her daughter's face, to hear her voice, even if it was just one more time. The mere thought of embracing her, caressing her cheek, and reminiscing about their cherished memories brought tears to Alysanne's closed eyes. Yet, to her profound sorrow, her daughter never appeared, leaving a void that only grew wider with each passing day. Despite the constant ache in her heart, Alysanne bravely carried on, clinging to the hope that someday, somewhere, their paths would cross again.
Three bastard sons came and claimed to be Saera's bastards; they had kneeled in front of Alysanne and Jaehaerys. They had come to press their claims; when asked about Saera, one of them said their mother had her own empire back at Volantis. Alysanne knew the three of them weren't lying; two of them had similar facial structures to Saera, and the third one looked very similar to Jaehaerys when he had been young; the three of them left Westeros after the Council.
Feeling a mix of emotions, Jae mustered the courage to face the inevitable truth as he took a deep breath, his head nestled against the pillow's softness. With a heavy heart, he turned his gaze towards Alysanne, his eyes filled with profound sadness. Gathering every ounce of strength he possessed, Jae drew in another deep breath before finally uttering the words that he knew would bring immense pain. "She will never return to us," Jae's voice quivered, betraying the trembling emotions that consumed him. As his words hung in the air, infused with heart-wrenching sorrow, Jae summoned all his physical strength to sit up from the comfort of the bed, the warm blanket slipping off his shoulders as he leaned tenderly, kissing his wife's hand gently.
"I'm sorry, Alysanne. I can never forgive myself for my mistakes and the promise I broke," Jae whispered, his voice filled with remorse and regret. The pain he carried was evident, reflected in the shimmering vulnerability of his eyes. Despite his efforts to remain composed, his emotions threatened to overwhelm him. At that moment, Alysanne bent down, gently pressing her lips to her husband's hand. This tender, affectionate gesture conveyed her unwavering love and compassion.
She knew it was too late now; the past was written, and the ink was dry. Alysanne saw no reason to be angry for things that she couldn't change, something no one could change; there was no point, and she didn't want the time her husband had left in this world to be spent with Alysanne berating him for every mistake he did, it wouldn't achieve anything, it wouldn't bring back Saera, it wouldn't bring back anyone, all that was in the past now and Alysanne knew there was no point in her being angry with Jaehaerys.
"I made mistakes, too; we all did. I don't want you to think about the darkness behind us," Alysanne whispered gently as she leaned in and tenderly kissed his hand again. Jae's gaze met hers, and at that moment, his eyes widened fully, reflecting an overwhelming affection and adoration for her.
"How is our family? How are Rhaenyra and Aenar?" Jae questioned, his voice sounding more like his younger self. Alysanne smiled sweetly, happy to tell him everything about them.
After five hours of Alysanne telling him everything about Rhaenyra and Aenar, Jae smiled with relief, his hand holding hers tightly.
"Alysanne," Jae suddenly spoke with a hint of sudden seriousness, his voice carrying a sense of anticipation and concern for the future, "one day, Aenar will be old enough to choose the lady or princess he loves," Locking eyes with Alysanne, his gaze filled with both honesty and a touch of apprehension, Jae conveyed the weightiness of this impending choice that their great-grandson would eventually face.
"When the time comes for him to choose, promise me that you will approve of his choice, I made that mistake, and I don't want that mistake to be made again. He will marry whoever he loves and he will live a long and happy life; promise me that, same for Rhaenyra." Jae earnestly expressed that his weakened state of health and advanced age did not diminish the strength and authority in his voice, reminiscent of the vibrant and commanding presence he possessed during his youth, akin to a true King over the realm of Westeros.
"I promise, Aenar and Rhaenyra will be happy, our family will be united once again, all of them," Alysanne promised. Jae looked relieved before leaning forward and sharing a hug; at that moment, both Alysanne and Jaehaerys were happy.
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