Daerla
My cousin is dead, I was never that close with Laena so I don't feel her loss as much as the rest of the family.
Laena isn't the only one we're mourning. Harwin's brother and father passed away and Harwin is in a delicate state. He's stood beside me, a hand curled around my waist.
Naerys, Rhaena and Daemos are stood infront of us, watching as Laena's uncle gives some speech. The whole thing is awkward. Daemon and Rhaenyra can't keep their eyes off each other, the only thing that could make it more obvious is if they took off their clothes and started fucking each other right here and now.
The ceremony ends and Laena is dropped into the ocean, the Velaryon way of death.
"Naerys," I grab onto my son's shoulder as he's about to make his way over to the buffet table. "Go and send your condolences to the girls."
"But-" he argues but Harwin quickly quietens him.
"Don't argue with your mother," he says. "Go." Naerys goes and he takes Daemos with him. Rhaena stays stood with us.
"Why do Rhaena and I have the same name?" She asks as she looks up at Harwin and I. We both look at eachother, trying to come up with an answer.
"I think Daemon copied your name," I finally say. "You were named Rhaena first and he really liked your name so he stole it." Rhaena looks a bit confused but she shrugs before going and joining her brothers.
"Good save," Harwin says and I turn to face him.
"I don't know what you're talking about," i reply with a grin.
"Daemon," I shout as I jump out of the tree and run towards my older brother.
"What?" He replies as he walks towards the castle. I fall into step beside him.
"Viserys is going to bring me a doll back from Kings Landing and he said i need to think of a name, but i have no ideas!" I moan. "What would you name your doll?"
"Daerla," he sighs. "I don't have time for this."
"Please, Daemon," I reply and I stick my bottom lip out for good measure. His face softens.
"Well," he thinks. "I've always thought that I would name my first daughter 'Rhaena'."
"Why?" I ask.
"Because it means 'Queen'," he says before walking away.
Ok. So i did steal the name from Daemon. But he stole it back when he named Rhaena the younger the same thing as Rhaena the older.
"I've heard of some swimming holes, in the hills," Harwin says in my ear and my eyebrow perks up.
"Oh yes?" I say with a smile.
"Fancy joining me," he offers his hand and I take it.
It takes about an hour to reach the swimming hole, I'm dripping with sweat so I instantly take off my dress before jumping up. Harwin watches me with a smile reserved only for me.
He takes off his clothes and joins me. His arms link around my body, pulling me in.
"I thought I lost you," he kisses my neck. "You almost died and I didn't protect you. I won't let you down again." I kiss him on the lips.
"I want another baby," I say and his smile drops.
"You just lost one," he says. "We are still grieving."
"I've lost two children, Harwin," I say. "But we also have 3 children who are bright and beautiful and who find the world fascinating and they look like you. It's worth the risk for me. I never wanted to go through that, but the light at the end is worth it."
"You are incredible," he whispers and he moves the wet hair off my shoulder. "Everyday I fall more in love with you." My cheeks turn red.
"Can I tell you a story?" I say.
"Of course," he replies.
"When I first moved to the castle, I made a friend name Becki," I begin. "She was completely in love with this young solider called Harwin Strong. She would always gush over you and told me how handsome you were. Together we would walk through the training grounds just so that she could point you out to me. She said she would marry you. But then I decided I liked you as well. You started talking to me and I fell in love. Becki got jealous and she slept with Daemon to punish me. So I slept with you and told her all about it. She left court soon after."
"You are the devil," he says with a laugh. "I am married to the world's biggest devil."
"I love you," I say. "I loved you then and I love you now."
~
"My Princess," a guard says as Harwin and I enter the castle. "Come quick."
I look at Harwin before he takes my hand and pulls me after the guard. We walk into the hall where everyone is gathered.
I instantly see my children, Naerys face is bloody and beaten, Daemos has a bruise blossoming. I run over and crouch before him.
"My boy," I say as I put my hands on his shoulder. "Who did this?"
"He did," Naerys points towards Aemond who's eye has been completely sliced. A hand goes to cover my mouth. What happened? Who sliced this boys eye?
"Naerys-" I say in fear.
"I didn't do it," Naerys says in a way that tells me he's trying to comfort me. "It was Lucerys." Lucerys? He's only a boy. I find Lucerys stood by Rhaenyra. I give her a nod, showing that I am on her side. I look over at Rhaena who is crying in Harwin's arms, he gives me a look. This is bad. This is really bad.
Before I realise what's happening Alicent is charging towards us with a blade.
"An eye for an eye," she says with tears rolling down her face. I remember the girl she was. The girl she used to be. I miss that girl.
I'm instantly standing in front of Lucerys and Jacaerys as Harwin stands in front of our children. Rhaenyra walks towards Alicent.
I don't hear what they are saying. I only see Alicent finally step back, slicing Rhaenyra's wrist.
Lucerys and Jacaerys run towards their mother. Rhaena is instantly in my arms, crying. I pick her up, brushing her hair with my hand.
"It's alright," I say, trying to be comforting. Alicent has lost the plot, i know that. But then i see Aemond's eye. If that happened to any of my children I would also want payment for it. Alicent isn't a bad person. She's only a mother who wants whats best for her children.
~
Several days later we stand as Rhaenyra and Daemon get married. I won't be naive and say I didn't see this coming. I did. For years I've seen this coming. I've seen the way the two of them looked at eachother.
But I'm not mad. I'm happy that they have found eachother. I hope their marriage is as safe and loving as mine is.
Harwin holds my hand and I look at him with a smile. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world.