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CHAPTER SIXTEEN
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THREE YEARS AGO, AEVA WAS BORN
to Aenora and Daemon. And almost a year before that, Rhaemax and Jaelyx. Their two sons were now four years of age. And their daughter, three years of age. The children have grown so much since their father last seen them. Aenora had written him and told him of their growth, and everything that came with.

The only thing that upset Aenora was that none of her children knew their father, only what she's told them and what he's written to them.

And as for Daemon, he missed his family dearly. Every day it became harder and harder for him stay in the Stepstones, away from them. He did not know what his children were like, other than what Aenora would write. He felt terrible that he wasn't there when they learned to walk or talk. He knew they probably didn't speak that well considering they were still young, but just hearing their voices for the first time.

Aenora watched as Rhaemax chased Jaelyx through the hall, while Aeva was holding her mothers hand as they walked. She was on her way to the feasting hall for her half-brothers celebration. Though Aenora didn't care for Aegons mother, she had nothing against him.

When she entered the hall, many eyes landed on her and her children, much to Alicents dismay.

Viserys smiled at his eldest as she walked up to him.

"My eldest daughter, Aenora!" Viserys announced. "And my grandchildren, Rhaemax, Jaelyx, and Aeva!"

People surrounded the Princess and her three children. Admiring them and praising them. Alicent stood to the side with her father, annoyed. She had previously asked Viserys to tell Aenora not to bring her children, but he told her that was an absurd request. After all, they were all family.

"Your children are absolutely adorable!" Aenora heard from one of the Ladies.

"Thank you," Aenora smiled at the woman.

Viserys passed Aegon to his sister, who welcomed him into her arms. She smiled at the little boy. When she glanced at his mother, the Queen, she held an angry look. Aenora didn't really care how Alicent looked at her, she'd never say anything directly to her.

"Hello there, little Aegon." Aenora said.

Aegon gave his sister a small wave and smile. He didn't talk much, to anyone. He only made gestures and faces. Unlike Aegon, her children loved to talk and move. She often had a hard time keeping them together. She was lucky to have Lydia and Emely to keep an eye on them.

"Mama," Aeva pulled on Aenora's dress, causing people to laugh.

Aeva had become jealous of Aegon and wanted her mothers attention, which Aenora thought was cute but funny. Aeva did this to any child other than her brothers.

Aenora gave Aegon back to Viserys and picked up her daughter. "Oh, sweet girl." Aenora smiled at the girl.

Aeva laid her head against her mothers shoulders as she looked at Aegon, as if she was letting him know she was hers.

"Your Grace, I bring urgent knews from the Stepstones." One of Viserys messengers said, making Aenora move towards them. "The Crabfeeder as dug in for siege on Bloodstone while his men sabotage our fleet under the cover of dark"

Viserys sighed, "Not today, Tyland.

Aenora gave her father a look. She understood this was an important day for his son, but the Stepstones were also important, in her mind.

"The matter of the Stepstones is regrettably urgent." Tyland argued.

"It's been three years. It can wait another three days." Viserys said before walking away.

The Princess was left in disbelief. He had promised her he'd do everything to help Daemon and Corlys. But Viserys made it seem like a party was more important than his promise to her.

Aenora rolled her eyes before gathering her children to leave. She took them to where she knew Rhaenyra was. The garden.

Rhaenyra was sitting beneath the tree, reading with Samwell serenading her.

Aenora couldn't help but laugh at the sight. So this was what Rhaenyra preferred to do rather than join the party. Though, Aenora seen why she'd rather be here than there. Aegons party was dull, nothing more than high lords and ladies kissing the Kings feet.

Rhaemax and Jaelyx ran to their aunt, making her smile. Rhaenyra enjoyed watching them, as well as Aeva, grow. She also enjoyed watching Aenora raise them, she was made to be a mother.

"What're you two doing?" Rhaenyra asked the boys.

Aenora and Aeva went to sit next to her, underneath the large tree.

"Nothing," Rhaemax said as laughed and took Jaelyx's hand. The two began to once again chase each other around the garden.

Aeva sat in between the two sisters and leaned against Rhaenyra to look at her book.

"Hello, Aeva." Rhaenyra said in Valyrian.

"Hello," Aeva smiled.

Rhaenyra grinned before looking at Aenora. "How was the party?"

"Like any of fathers parties. Lots of food and lots of lords and ladies surrounding him, gushing about his new son. These little ones and I only stayed for a moment, after one of fathers messengers came and told him there was troubles in the Stepstones."

"You're worried about Daemon aren't you?"

"Very."

Rhaenyra took Aenoras hand and held it. "I'm sure he's fine, Nora."

"Yes, I'm sure as well. I just,.. I just don't like that his life is at risk everyday while his children are here and don't even know who he is." Aenora spoke as she looked to her boys, who were running and laughing.

"Daemon would tell you the same as I. It could be worse. He could be dead." Rhaenyra stated, blatantly.

Aenora laughed at her statement, not because it was funny, but because it was the truth. Everything could be so much worse, but fortunately for her it wasn't. Her children still had a father and a family. That was all Aenora wanted.

Samwell's singing quickly stopped, "Your Grace."

Aenora looked over her shoulder to see Alicent.

"Did I say to stop?" Rhaenyra said. She also knew who had walked into the garden. "From the beginning." Rhaenyra did not bother to look up.

"Aenora, Rhaenyra?" Alicent spoke as she rubbed her very pregnant belly.

"Yes, my Queen?" Aenora and Rhaenyra mocked her.

"Both of your presences are wanted in the outer courtyard. The royal hunt readies to depart." Alicent said.

"I've decided to remain here and read instead."

Aenora shifted Aeva so that she was on her lap."And I just do not wish to go."

"You may go, Samwell." Alicent excused the man.

Though, Rhaenyra had other plans for the man.
"You are to stay by order of the Princess."

"The Queen commands you to leave the Godswood at once."

Aenora hid her smile in her daughters shoulder. She wanted to laugh but she thought it inappropriate to teach her child to laugh in these situations.

Samwell quickly left at the Queens command, only irritating Rhaenyra.

"The King wishes for the both of you to join us," Alicent was talking more to Rhaenyra than to Aenora. She missed her friend.

"The King has much to celebrate. He does not need either of us." Rhaenyra said, still looking down at her book.

The only way Aenora was going to go was if Rhaenyra did. She could not tolerate being that close to Alicent without the consonant of her sister.

"He wants for us all to be together. And perhaps the hunt could be... fun." Alicent tried to smile.

"Is it the King's command?"

"Yes, but, it—"

"Then at once You Grace." Rhaenyra closed her book and stood up.

"It needn't be. None of this needs to be this way in truth, Rhaenyra." Alicent said.

"Come along Max, Alex." Rhaenyra called for the boys.

Aenora rolled her eyes as she followed Rhaenyra with Aeva on her hip. She kept eye contact with Alicent as she walked passed her.

Both sisters and children reluctantly walked to the outer courtyard to depart for the King'swood. Aenora ordered for another carriage to be brought. There was no way in the Seven Hells that she was going to sit for hours with Alicent.

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AUTHORS NOTE
I'm so sleepy guys. I went to sleep at 10 and woke up at 11, I slept too much. Also, y'all dunno my name, so hi I'm Lyndsey. But what do y'all wanna see in the coming chapters? Thoughts?