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SERENADE OF SEA AND FLAME
Chapter Eight, Farewell

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"Mother," Visella begged. "Please, I don't want to marry him!"

"I know, my sweet," she said softly. "But my father—" she loudly groaned as a sharp pain hit her while the maester stitched her wrist.

"You will scar," the maester said. "But the wound will heal. Valyrian steel cuts clean."

She nodded before continuing, "My father . . . he will not take no for an answer. We must go through with it."

Luke and Jace got up from their chairs, hugging their big sister. Ser Laenor walked in, "Gods, is everyone alright?"

"Thank you, maester," Rhaenrya told the old man. "You may leave us." She turned to the boys, "you as well."

"Yes, mother." Jace took Luke's hand and led him out of the room.

Laenor gave his daughter a hug. "I heard." He said. "The betrothal."

"Something me and the Queen can both agree we don't want," Rhaenrya sighed. "And my father wants her present in Kingslanding with the Greens, as a ward." It made her sick saying it out loud.

"I should have been there, last night," he said, his voice trembling.

"That should be our house words," mother poorly joked.

"I have fought dreadful enemies, but I could not defend my dear sister, far from home and in agony. I couldn't defend you either."

Rhaenrya sighed softly. "Sit down." The both of them took a chair in front of her. "Aemond, our daughter's future husband, called our sons bastards."

Laenor's heart broke in front of them. "I remember, before our marriage, I had self doubts." He looked out the window. "I remember thinking, how could I possibly give you a child? But I did."

He looked at his daughter and placed his hand on top of hers. "When you were born, I promised to myself that I would love you unconditionally, and the boys." His smile turned to a frown. "But I believe I failed as a father. Tending more to my squires and sailors than my own children. I hate the gods for making me the way I am."

Visella shook her head, "no, I do not." She smiled. "I wouldn't ask for any other father in this world."

"You've done the best you could," Rhaenrya told her husband, chiming in. "You're a good, honorable man with a good heart. Believe me, it's a rare thing." She gave him a warm smile. "And for that, I am grateful the gods brought us together and I do have love for you." They all hugged before Rhaenrya asked her daughter to go and meet up with the boys. She found them with Baela and Rhaena.

Rhaena was still upset about Vhagar. "He stole her from me," she cried to her oldest cousin. "Vhagar was meant for me!"

Ella hugged her, "I know Rhaena, I know. You must know something though." She looked into her eyes. "A dragon doesn't belong to anyone, the dragon also makes a choice. I know you do not want to hear it, but Aemond proved himself to Vhagar."

Rhaena sniffled. "It's not fair . . ."

"It isn't," Visella agreed. "But you will claim a dragon, cousin. Believe me."

Jace muttered, "I can't believe you have to marry him."

"When are you leaving for Kingslanding?" Luke asked.

Visella groaned, "I am to leave with the King and Queen when they depart from here, which is tomorrow . . ."

"Tomorrow?!" The children asked in unison. Luke held her hand, "no!"

"I'm afraid I must, Luke." She kissed his head. "I am to go to Kingslanding as a ward until I marry Aemond. As the heir to mother, I must perform my duty," she sighed, "whether I like it or not."

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Visella was the last to aboard the boat. The maids had already gathered her things, and soon the rest of her belongings will be shipped from Dragonstone. She said her goodbyes to Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys, who informed her that all she must do is send a raven if troubled. Baela and Rhaena were devastated to see their cousin they just met leave. Although she did not know her uncle Daemon well, he told her to be strong, like a dragon, and never fear what comes next.

Now, it was time to say her farewells to her immediate family.

"Don't go . . ." Luke sniffled. "I won't let them take you!" He hugged her tightly.

"I know, my little dragon," she said weakly. "But we can always exchange letters by raven, wouldn't that be fun?"

"We thought the same with Ser Harwin," murmured Jace sadly. "And now he's . . . he . . ."Tears fell down his cheeks.

"Yes, but, Visella will be under good protection," Rhaenrya reminded him, messing with his hair. "The Greens may be full of surprises, but not even they are capable of kinslaying, t'is the worst slaying of all. She will not be harmed."

Laenor stayed silent, grief written all over his face. She looked up at him, "father?" She didn't understand her father's expression, he looked as if it was the last time they'll ever see each other again.

He exhaled, "Visella." He dug into his pocket, pulling out a silver necklace with blue gems. "My sweet daughter, I have this for you."

"Father, it's beautiful," Visella gasped. She turned around, lifting up her hair as he clasped the necklace around her neck. "Thank you."

"So I'll always be with you," Laenor smiled, hugging her. "No matter where I am, or you."

Rhaenrya wiped her tears, "I will have many gifts shipped to you from Dragonstone." Baby Joffrey babbled as she held him. Visella gave her brother a kiss on the forehead.

"All I have is this," said Luke, holding out his toy horse. "So you won't forget me."

"I'd never forget you," she told him. Visella also looked at Jace, "any of you." The whole family had a group hug, until Visella was called to aboard the ship.

As the ship sailed away, Visella's family waved, shouting at the top of their lungs that they loved her. Syrax and Seasmoke shrieked in song, also saying their goodbyes as they soared in the sky.

(a/n) Another short chapter, but the next should be published by tonight! Thank you all so much for the support and taking time out of your day to read my story <3 Let's just say poor Visella is going to be heartbroken next chapter 💔 if you caught the subtle hint I gave in this chapter, you'll know why😭