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CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN
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AENORA TAPPED THE TIPS OF HER fingers against the chairs arm rest as she waited for Rhaenyra. The air around her felt cold and still. She wasn't in a state of panic, nor fear. But, she was restless.

Aenora purposefully delayed making amends with her little sister. With Rhaenyra she was always honest, even if the truth wasn't something either of them wanted to hear. Like, Laenas funeral when Aenora protected Aegon rather than Lucerys, Aenora explained to Rhaenyra that she wasn't going to allow her brother to be punished for something that was simple fact. Rhaenyra understood, still hurt by the decision though.

Rhaenyra always knew when something was bothering Aenora, and when Aenoras emotions started to consume her, Rhaenyra was the first to notice. At one point, Rhaenyra begged Aenora to let her help her. After that, Rhaenyra realized there wasn't much she could do and that she had children she needed to tend to, along with helping Daemon tend to theirs. Though, Rhaenyra continuously prayed to whatever Gods would listen to release her sister from the heavy burdens she carried.

As soon as Aenora heard the stone doors open, she stood up.

Aenora smiled softly, "Nyra."

The two sisters looked at each other for a moment, analyzing one another.

Rhaenyra could still see the young teenager within Aenoras eyes, yet she looked so different. More like their mother. Aenora wore her hair the same way Aemma did, but instead of the light pinks, blues, and purple dresses she once wore, she wore a black dress with blue highlights. Rhaenyra could see both of who her sister once was and who she is now.

Nothing changed about Rhaenyras perspective on Aenora, she was still absolutely beautiful to her.

To Aenora, Rhaenyra would always be her little sister. Someone whom she'd protect with her life.

Age made no difference, in Aenoras eyes Rhaenyra was perfect. She too had grown to look much like Aemma. The child Aenora knew so well was still there just mature now. The swollen belly she carried show it even more.

Rhaenyra walked to the chair across from her sister without saying a word. To be quite honest, she didn't know what to say.

Aenora fidgeted with her fingers thinking. Rhaenyra waited patiently, giving her sister the time she needed to speak.

"I've apologized to Daemon. I've apologized to my children. I've even apologized to Lydia and Emely," Aenora looked at Rhaenyra. "But, you're the one I don't know how to apologize to."

"You don't need to apologize to me, Nora." Rhaenyra stated. "All our lives we went through everything together because we were children. But we got older. Don't apologize for something you couldn't control."

Even though, Aenora felt like she should've been able to control her emotions, she knew she couldn't. She didn't know how to.

"You're right in some sense, but I am sorry for not being there for you. You're my sister, I should've been." Aenora told her sister, sincerity clear in her voice.

Rhaenyra reached for Aenoras hand and smiled.

Aenora had made peace with her family, or most anyways. Daemian had yet to speak to her, still. But she knew she had to give him time to come to her, and she was okay with waiting. She had her sister once again, and that was enough for the moment.

"You have wonderful sons, Nyra. Surprisingly, I spoke to them before you." Aenora chuckled.

Rhaenyras smile faltered a little, she had remembered something she didn't want to. Aenora quickly took notice of this and out of curiosity she tilted her head.

"What is it?" She questioned.

Rhaenyra cleared her throat, "Vaemond Velaryon."

The last time Aenora saw or even thought of Vaemond Velaryon was at Laenas funeral. She remembered what he said, not directly to but about, her sister or more so her nephews. Aenora could guess why he has her sister so distraught.

Rhaenyra continued, "He means to contest Jaces' claim to Driftmark, since Lord Corlys was wounded in an ambush and his health seems to be failing him. Both Vaemond and Rhaenys have flown to court. I am to go back to King's Landing within a few days."

Aenora didn't know what to make of the predicament. It was so obvious that Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffery were not Laenors sons to Aenora -and to anyone with eyes. And when Laenor decided to disappear the night of Laenas funeral it made it even more clear. But, for the years he had spent with Rhaenyra, he did in fact claim the boys as his own. As did Lord Corlys, who still claims them to be his grandsons.

"Does Rhaenys plan to back Vaemond?" Aenora asked.

"Daemon doesn't think she will," Rhaenyra replied.

"Neither do I. She may have a different perspective on things, but I doubt she'd allow Vaemond to take Dirftmark. Especially while Laenas children live. Suggest a marriage between Rhaena and Jace." Aenora said.

Rhaenyras eyebrows furrowed, "Why not Baela?"

Aenora smirked, "Rhaenys was robbed of the throne, she was robbed of being a queen. I highly doubt she'll deny her granddaughter of the same."

"You plan to wed Max to Baela? I thought you believed in letting them choose who it is they're to marry on their own?" Rhaenyra questioned.

"I am, to an extent. At some point, marriage for princesses, prince's, lords, and lady's is more than just about love. It's political. At a young age Max knew he had a duty, he is my heir. There's no reason he'd fight it. Both Baela and Rhaena are beautiful lady's just as their mother was. I'm sure they're just as intelligent as well," Aenora explained.

"I see no reason for Rhaenys to oppose," Rhaenyra nodded.

"She is as any of us, sister. She'd rather see her own blood thrive," Aenora said.

"I suppose we'll all be traveling to King's Landing together then?" Rhaenyra smiled.

"That is what I just implied, isn't it?" Aenora joked, causing her sister to chuckle. "I think the change of scenery would do me well."

"That and seeing father?" Rhaenyra gave a comforting half smile.

"That too," Aenora nodded.

"But, while we're on the topic of marriage, what of Luke?" Rhaenyra looked at her sister with a playful and implying smile.

Aenora laughed, "Well, Aeva is still infatuated with Aemond. She told me they've been writing to each other even after all of these years, which Daemon isn't too happy about. But, there is Rhaenys and Daena. And by the time I'm queen I'll probably have six more."

Rhaenyra rose her eyebrows, "Mother and father should've named you Alysanne."

"Blame father, he wed me to Daemon." Aenora shrugged.

"I can't blame him, you and Daemon were meant for one another. Your children are the best parts of both of you," Rhaenyra said. "Though, I do think Luke and Aedith are very fond of one another. Rhaenys enjoys her independence."

"Then it is settled. I will suggest a marriage between Max and Baela to Rhaenys, then I will speak to Daemon about Daena and Luke." Aenora looked to her sister for confirmation.

"And I will suggest a marriage between Jace and Rhaena," Rhaenyra agreed.

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AUTHORS NOTE

okay i think i fixed my problem. anyways, Max + Baela, Jace + Rhaena, & Luke + Aedith how are we feeling?
thoughts?

also, reminder to go drink water and have a goodnight/day!