⋆⭒˚.⋆

The children's laughter was like music to her ears, a psaltery chirping in joyous melodies. Naelle loved children, their gawky running over the humid sands and the silly games they made her play. It would be dreadfully boring and lonely without Vaenna and Maekar. Thus she was glad to be a sister, she would not have it any other way.

Even when Maekar made her chance after him until her dress tore, Naelle didn't get mad. It would irritate her the million times she had to scold Vaenna not to steal cakes that did not belong to her, yet later Naelle would give half her cake to her sister. The twins as was the custom was on a rampage throughout the beach, running and falling against the sand because it was fun and harmless. Prince Aemond was on their wheels, the same age as the lawless duo but a bit of a runt in comparison.

In an abrupt movement, Maekar threw himself down and his knees dug the sand, the prince who was just behind trips on the obstacle. They both fall over each other and laugh, at least her brother did, Naelle could not be sure of the moody Targaryen. Aemond did push the other and made a run for it and Maekar went after, it was all a game. Just a children's game.

For once Naelle did not tell them to stop, she raised her voice to remind them to be more careful. Their nameday wasn't everyday, Vaenna and Maekar ought to enjoy it.

It was planned over a moon that the Nartaelos would visit the beach as a family. The twins yelled out their rule when Vanarr inquired what they would like to do for such a special occasion. Biscuits and slices of apples had been prepared that morning for their day out, the older Nartaelos sibling reached out but Dusca insisted on carrying the basket. The efforts were futile though, just as they made it to mother's chambers, Naelle had that sinking feeling that something wasn't right.

She knocked, she always did, then Naelle entered with the maid on her heels and lowering her head to pay respects. Inside mother tried on necklaces, propping the lustrous materious on her neck just enough to see how it would complement the red dress. The hesitation had been such that Naelle forgot to greet Aerea, instead she frowned.

"Good morning, Nūmio."

Naelle had shaken her head ever so slightly and neared her mother in a trot.

"Good morning, mother. Are you almost ready?"

"Oh my love, your father was called upon to a meeting. Gods know when he'll leave..."

The woman didn't look away from the mirror as she delivered the news. She watched for what felt like an eternity, Aerea fixing a white curl of hair and she listened to the sound of Dusca's fingers straining around the vines of the basket. Again the girl frowned.

"B-but... we're still going?"

"I'm afraid not," she kept twirling her hair. Then Aerea handed the rest of the jewelry to Sassa, who stood beside the princess like a statue until duty called. "My presence is needed elsewhere, we'll have supper together. Alright?"

Her presence had been requested by Lady Crakehall to break their fast with other noble married ladies. There was nothing more thrilling to Princess Aerea than making an appearance, preserving her status. She gave a kiss to the crown of Naelle's head, and left with a necklace with angular beads of gold and matching pearls.

As a result, Naelle was commissioned to inform the twins of the bad news. It broke her heart, she glanced warily at Dusca. The maid gave her a smile and a pat in her cheek but even she went on with her day without acknowledging the tears in Naelle's eyes. She swallowed the sadness and set route to her siblings bedroom; however Ser Goswin intersected her path.

"Lady Naelle, is everything prepared to go?"

She stopped, looked at his face in diligence. No one had informed the knight, an idea was born.

"Ser Goswin. There has been a change of plans, it seems. Would you mind fetching the twins while I deal with the issue?"

The knight bowed. It was almost too easy if it weren't for the sweat stinking to her palms. Rushing through the halls, Naelle wasted no time to invite a couple of guests. Helaena and Aemond were playing on a carpet, they had already eaten with their mother who had retired to her chambers. All it took was shaking off the handmaiden, and the three of them were free. To Naelle's distaste, they bumped into the eldest prince and she had to invite him along out of courtesy.

When the group got to the gathering place, Ser Goswin knitted his brows. As dutiful and sweetly as she managed, Naelle was quick to offer an explanation. The message her mother had given her to pass along and a vial of lies, small lies, nothing the Father wouldn't forgive.

They would meet us later, she had said. The biggest lie uttered out of Naelle's lips, it shocked her how easy dishonesty came to her and she felt heinous. She had walked fast so no one would notice how the height of her actions pinched her skin like a thousand swords and her breath hitched. Unworthy. Deceiver. A hand, shy and purposeful, slithered inside her own and held it. Naelle looked over to Helaena, the girl unable to wipe the concern off her face root and branch, forced a smile.

It was difficult to feel bad when Vaenna, Maekar and Aemond chased each other in a fit of laughter. Practically impossible to feel guilty when Maekar strayed away to where Aegon was near the water and joined him in the cerebral task of tossing rocks at the waves. A bizarre competition began between the two in which they attempted to defeat an unstoppable force, Aegon's frustration was palpable by the floppy throws and the princess' laugh made Naelle glance down.

She laid her head on Naelle's lap and the hairs sprinkled in an ethereal white halo that contrasted against the blue dress. The corner of her mouth drew up.

"I think Vaenna is upset with Aemond." Helaena said.

The other shook her head, unsure of how long she had been staring.

"What makes you think so?"

"Watch."

Vaenna was entranced by the sand, observing the grains slipping from one hand to the other. Not far away, Aemond hesitated, shifting his weight between his two feet. In lieu of his efforts to move towards the girl sitting on the rough sand, Aemond chose to otherwise join his brother and Maekar. Peculiar indeed.

"He also told me about a fight..." Helaena added while fussing with a broken shell.

The Nartaelos' girl scoffed to the air above. "And here I was thinking you possessed supernatural abilities and a keen eye for human behavior."

"I am perceptive."

"Surely," Naelle grabbed the white shell out of her reach, raising it above both their heads. "Then how come you could not find a better charm? There's thousands of sea shells on this beach. "

"Hey! Don't you dare dis my shell."

"I could find you another..."

Helaena left the comfort of her position and perched most of her body over the other girl in hopes of getting her possession back in safety. A bit old and a lot taller, Naelle laughed at the attempt.

"I'm quite content with my broken shell!"

"Alright, alright, princess."

Helaena retreated within herself the moment she got hold of the relic, her eyes turned to it , unfocused and irises visibly dilated. Reaching out, Naelle reframed from touching the other girl.

"Fury lives over broken vessels."

Helaena twirled the coral material in her palms, her fingertips traced the place of fracture. The silver princess glowered at her suddenly, shedding the eerie aura about what was just spoken. She was used to brushing off these moments, the Court itself would direct weird looks at the princess and ignore out of context quotes.

"What did Aemond tell you?"

Naelle decided to continue the previous conversation but she didn't perceive the other any differently. Ever. Helaena quickly glanced at the group, certain they wouldn't come running and interrupt their whispering she neared.

"You have to promise not to tell."

She nodded but it wasn't enough.

"Say it."

"I promise."

"And not to get mad."

Naelle frowned, wrinkling her nose in distaste and confusion. What could possibly be so scandalous Naelle had to keep secret and not get mad about?

"Say it."

"Helaena," she warned. The tone of her voice translating her displeasure at the situation.

"Fine!" Helaena checked again. "Vaenna is sneaking out again."

Naelle jerked but the silver princess took hold of her hand and shoulder, forcing her to stay seated. Shushing her, Helaena glanced at the group. The boys were still throwing rocks.

"Don't."

"I made no promise to be calm!" The Nartaelos girl whispered back.

"But you did promise not to tell!"

Naelle relented, caging a growl to the back of her throat, she held out a hand to indicate the other could continue. Her lilac eyes set on the youngest sister, stern and deliberate on how to deal with the unruly spirit. In the beginning of the year Vaenna had found secret passages by chance, built in the foundations of the Red Keep and since then she had been leaving. Hours on end the family or even servants wouldn't see her anywhere and their parents became hysterical. Until a knight caught Vaenna in the act and dragged her to mother.

"She has been coming to the beach to train with sticks."

"Of course she has," Naelle chuckled.

"Aemond caught her, and apparently left crying when he warned her not to go out on her own. He wasn't generous with details, so I'm not certain of what he said."

"She's four and hates to be told what to do."

"Vaenna isn't quick to anger, maybe a bit...challenging."

Naelle scoffed and the princess grasped her arm to caution her to keep it down. "A bit?" She looked down at the hand holding then back at Helaena when she giggled between them, she masked it into Naelle's shoulder.

"She's four."

"And she won't be forever. That's what worries me, Helaena."

"What would you propose? Tell your mother?"

No, out of the question. Naelle shook her head, reminded of the last time and how loud their mother screamed. Things were thrown inside that room but the eldest could not unlatch the lock, no matter how much she pushed and kicked the door. Instead Naelle called for harmony so that her mother would listen to reason and be lenient to a child that knew no better.

"Of course not," Naelle uttered under her breath, head casted down in defeat. "I just wished I could have her understand the danger she's putting herself in..."

"Just... talk to her, I suppose."

The dark haired girl shot her an incredulous look, chin supported on her shoulder. Helaena verged on with a hint of mischief. The other girl tensed as their foreheads linked but she would not look away or pull back, even when everything within screamed at her otherwise.

"She's four." She repeated a third and final time, clarifying tone, the simplest and most obvious of answers. "How bad can it be?"

She considered, eyes dropping and hazy. If that wasn't the absolute end unvarnished truth, above gods and scriptures even. Vaenna wasn't some wild animal to crack a whip and command, she was a child, her sister, an equal one of these days. She was glad to be a sister, it brought her such happiness.

And if she could not be of service what was the point in her station? They deserved a chance for mistakes, to learn from them and they would only do so when shown.

Despite herself, Naelle laughed and dared to peep at the princess' soft eyes. She tilted her head and joined in her humor.

"Now," Helaena got to her feet, attempting to pull the other along. "I believe you haven't enjoyed the celebration to its fullest."

Naelle shook her head. "Helaena."

"No, no, no complaints."

The smile on the princess' lips was bright and she encouraged Naelle by pulling on her wrists delicately, and only one pull was demanded. They sprinted slatternly, sand showering over their hairs, Helaena covered her eyes leaving the lady to guide their way towards the waves. Ser Goswin was caught amidst the sandstorm withdrawing yet with a deliberate grin.

Upon reaching the edge of the cold water, Helaena yelped. She meant to back down but from one side Naelle pulled her in and she wasn't counting on Aemond pushing her from behind. A wave struck Naelle, engulfing the two in. In face of defeat, the silver princess gasped and began kicking water to the culprits. Soon the whole party was in on it, Ser Goswin's calls for peace were to no avail as the children kept playing in the sea. At first they attacked each other with nobbut dribbles of water, then Vaenna tripped and was overrun to shore.

Naelle fell beside her sister and splashed her fingers on the drenched sands. Her little brother came rushing, hugging her side and telling her about some rock he had seen, Naelle curled her arm around him and smiled.

"Sweet thing," she started but it was left unheard due to the laughter around them. Naella lifted her head rhythmically with the ripple of the waves and drew circles on Maekar's back as he spoke over his twin.

A faint note made itself known at the distance. Like a sunrise, Naelle glanced around trying to figure out why her heart was racing and her eyes surprisingly found Aegon who was about to submerge the youngest Targaryen. He stopped the action, spotting something in the horizon and his face fell.

More like a threat.

Naelle looked over her shoulder, in the direction of the Red Keep and her screaming mother, skirts in tight fist and gaining ground. Two handmaidens ran behind her but could not keep up with the raging woman. The eldest of the Naertaelos children shot up and straightened her back. Before anyone could ask what was going on, Aerea was admonishing Ser Goswin and the awful things she threw at his face echoed throughout the beach.

Aerea turned to them, smoke coming out of her nose and teeth bore. Having already picked her sibling up, Naelle placed herself between them and their mother and didn't dare to gaze up.

⋆⭒˚.⋆

The room was in chaos, small knick-knacks scattered the grounds and were lost under furniture. In the midst of her anger, Aerea walked back and forth cursing and flipping any object unlucky enough to cross her.

Now Naelle was the unfortunate child locked inside the room and to the other side of the door there was only silence. She was to plead her case, alone and shaky and nailed to a chair Naelle did not dare to leave.

"You put Maekar and Vaenna in danger! They are young and inconsequential but you! I had come to think that at your age you would be more sensible!"

Naelle was six, sometimes the fact slipped the dragoness' mind, she was only two years the twin's elder. Yet she was to blame for all because she was the first born. She should know better.

"And to drag the King's children to your mess as well! Ugh," the mother grasped a brush, Naelle tensed, perhaps preparing to bolt out of the seat. However, Aerea's slim, lovely fingers flexed on the handle and nothing more. "What were you thinking?!"

The twins, she was thinking about the twins. Naelle lowered her head.

"How am I to put my trust in you? When you do this, you selfish child."

The mother turned away, waving her hand in disdain of Naelle. In a small voice, and perhaps because the blonde woman had her back finally to her, Naelle whispered:

"Ser Goswin was with us. I don't un-understand why you are so upset, mother."

"You disobeyed me!"

It was final, set in stone that her mother's argument was more substantial than anything Naelle had to say. Thus she didn't not utter another word the rest of the time. Not even when Aerea forbade her to go to the dragonpit during the next fortnight. She wouldn't miss much anyway, Davanthor was yet to show any interest in bonding with her. Naelle wouldn't not become a rider anytime soon.

As of now she wasn't remotely keened on the idea. Instead, she just kept glancing towards the door. In yearn, praying someone would knock. Someone would come and save her.

⋆⭒˚.⋆

The castle had been wrapped in haste, servants paced around without a second glance to the little lady, something she wasn't used to experiencing. There was always some greeting, at least a nod and a smile.

However, the Realm's Delight was blessing the land with her first born child. It was a time of uneasiness and joy, the people going in and out of the room were dedicated, focused on the task to deliver and to help their princess. Unfortunately for Vaenna, they were also very adamant to keep her away. Like everyone else wandering around that wing, she was curious. Not to meet the heir to the throne but with the haste. She wanted to know what all the fuss was about, and she would. Vaenna just needed an opening, a single distraction would grant her the entrance to the answer she so desperately needed.

Vaenna had overheard her sister and Helaena talking about child bearing, more so since the queen was pregnant too. The young princess worried. Other times she was thrilled and impatient. And Vaenna just wanted to know more but no one would provide her the information. Whenever she would press for answers, the adults deemed her too young, too immature. A servant burst through the big door, in lieu of its outmoded construction it did not creak but the height prevented it from closing all the way as the woman pushed and rushed to fetch something.

Perhaps too eager to know, Vaenna rushed from the shadows to entrenched the lair. She tried to close the door behind, to no avail. Regardless the task was forgotten as the ambience set in, screams echoed. Screams filled her ears, awful and hoarse. Furrowning, Vaenna was lured by the sound and step after step she neared the end of a hollowed stone wall anchored by twin columns. She touched the final gray column, cool to the touch it sent a shiver up her back and she noticed the princess' quarters to the left were wide open but a red curtain fazed her vision. She reached out without much hesitation, yet her hand shook when all she had to do was yank the drape and look.

A high pitched scream made her withdraw, Vaenna held both hands against her chest and walked backwards. What was going on inside that room? Did she really want to know? As her bravado got lost for a few seconds, someone gripped her shoulder, jumping back Vaenna could not contain the yelp that escaped her. The servant kicked her out, bestowning the responsibility to escort the lady to her family to a guard. Anyone really.

What relief she felt rushing when it was her sister they found first. Vaenna dashed scooting over to her sister's side, she hid her head under her arm as the guard made certain to announce her transgressions. The embroidery material fell from Naelle's steady hands.

"Lady Vaenna was found wandering the princess' quarters."

Naelle glanced under her arm but the little girl simply veered against her skirts, covering her face with the soft fabric. "The princess?"

"Princess Rhaenyra, lady."

"Oh," there was surprise in her tone, not a bunch to be candid.

"I wasn't wandering, I knew where I was going." Vaenna protested, muffled.

She heard a snort from afar followed by a short apology, her sister didn't miss a beat though. "Thank you for bringing her."

Vaenna peered from the yellow skirt watching as the guard bowed and left. Safe, the girl let go of her sister and slid down, playing with the cracks of the stone floor.

"Vaenna?"

She did not answer.

"Vaenna, at least get off the floor. Sit on the carpet instead." Naelle offered.

The request was ignored and upon realizing, the elder smoothed out the dark hairs on the crown of Vaenna's head, she shook off the hand. She set her palms on her lap, the elder, and a sound of rumination leaves her throat. Like a river running backwards, she shouldn't be able to piece anything together. However, Naelle often did.

"Very well," started Naelle in a whisper, "It must be upsetting, all the agitation today..." A beat passed, holding for some type of reaction. Vaenna gave her sister no such thing, so she continued. "I assure you all is well, you mustn't worry."

The girl looked up, big ghostly eyes appealing to the elder. Did she really want to know?

"Is Rhaenyra okay?"

Her voice came so quiet and scared, Vaenna regretted speaking at all. The other never thought about fizzling out the tremble of fear on her sister's tone. Of course, if Naelle could have embraced her siblings and shield them away from all harm, she would. With no hesitation. But she never shamed them from feeling.

"Oh sweet thing," she cooed. "She will be, it's all part of life."

"But she was screaming, I heard."

The elder opened her arms and Vaenna jumped to meet them. One tiny hand grabbed at the bodice, the dress was cottony and pretty and homely. The sleeves were long and well adjusted to limbs, the yellow fabric ended at the elbows where she noticed a cream chemise that would extend past the wrists. Yet now the shirt was rolled away to reveal the gentle finger that comforted Vaenna. The collar was rectangular and it had pearls all around it, how uncomfortable it must be when Naelle leaned back on a chair, if she ever did. Scrunching her nose, Vaenna considered how complicated women's attire was.

Everything was so complicated.

"She's bringing life into the world. It's a battle in itself, bruising, yes, but very rewarding. Rhaenyra is a fighter, she'll endure."

"It seems awful."

Naelle chuckled. "I hear it is."

She wanted to ask even at the likelihood of being turned away. Eyes searched around empty space, she didn't know how to phrase it. Was it really worth knowing?

"How?"

Her sister made a face, not understanding.

"How does it... How is she..." How do I ask the right question?

"Ah," said Naelle. She laughed a little to herself and Vaenna felt offended, was it that ridiculous of a question? "I'm not quite sure, I hear things."

"You're lying!"

"No, no, really. I hear things but it's just tittle-tattle."

"Tittle-tattle?"

"Rumors, it's from listening in to the grown-ups. No one ever told me either."

Vaenna deflated, shoulders dropping on her sister's hold. So, we're together in idiocy, it seemed. The older sister noticed and squeezed Vaenna affectionately.

"Hey, I promise when they tell me, I will tell you."

"You promise?"

"Of course."

The younger girl untangled away from Naelle, clammy tiny hands pulling at the sleeves. On the floor the embroidery hoop was prostrated, loose ends of wool sticking out in bands of red and blue. Vaenna picked the hoop up and spinned it around to glance at the half finished embroidery flowers. She held it out and Naelle smiled, thanking her sister as she put the work away for later on the divan.

Vaenna frowned, she expected the older girl to tell her a bit about the embroidery work, the colors, the technique, like usual. Yet Naelle had put it aside and was facing her with a debate behind her gem-like eyes.

"Vaenna," she started. "I've noticed you've been estranged from Prince Aemond." She stared at the other strangely, so Naelle corrected herself. "Distant."

Ah. Vaenna averted her gaze down, pretended not to understand just yet. The occurrence had piled bewilderment within her, Vaenna wasn't fixed on what exactly had made her mad. Only that it hurt her feelings.

"Mandia." Sister. She nudged their knees against one another. "You can always talk to me. You know."

But she didn't know. The words lacked and Vaenna once again could not pick up the right ones to express what had happened a moon over.

"Has the prince been mean to you?"

"No." It was true."He told the truth."

There was no ill intent, Aemond had only said the truth. Nothing hurt more than. Her sister's eye twitched and she at last reached out to hold Vaenna's hand, the tears began gathering and she tried to dry them away. As she did, more water glazed over her eyes and it was only a matter of time before it spilled.

"What did he say?"

Her lip trembled, and she reprimanded herself. "That I was a lady."

Naelle flinched, it was a minute gesture but noticeable all the same.

"What..." She mumbled, thinking carefully how to proceed. "What's so wrong with that?"

Everything. In itself it dictated how to behave, how to dress, how to talk, how to eat, how to be! Vaenna couldn't simply be the way she wanted due to attributes she had no control over. She was a girl, therefore a prisoner of mankind.

"I don't want to."

"Why not?"

"Because they get to play knights and bandits, and be in the mud, and ride on a horse with stupid rules! It's not fair!"

"But Vaenna..."

"And I also want to! I want to be a knight too, why can't I?"

"You are a lady..."

She cut Naelle off again with a sigh of exasperation. She waved her hands in the air as if the anger would be self explanatory. In turn, her sister tried to calm her. It made Vaenna madder; she didn't understand, how could she? Naelle thrived in Court, she was polite and proper. The worst thing she ever done was take to the beach.

"I don't want to! I don't want to! If I am, am I not their friend?"

"Of course you are." Naelle tried.

"Then why can't I play with them? Why can't I be the knight instead?"

The older girl paused, she blinked a few times contemplating on her own accord. Then like an engine, it all clicked into place. Naelle's eyebrows rose and her demeanor softened towards the situation.

"You're right." It came in a whisper. Vaenna glared at her sideways, suspicious of the sudden change. "Our station is at times unjust, we want things everyone tells us to be wrong." She paused, brushing a hair behind Vaenna's ear. "You are a lady, it's an incorrigible fact."

The young girl whined, tried to push the other away but Naelle didn't let her.

"You are also a daughter, a sister and a friend. You are feral and good and clever. I find your friendship with the princes wonderful... but some ideas don't die out painlessly. Many still believe a woman could not sit the throne, you understand?" Hesitant, Vaenna nodded. "Sometimes you have to spell it out."

"It sounds hard."

"Yes, well," Naelle clicked her tongue, huddling Vaenna's hand. "I suppose that's the burden of a woman."

NOTES

hey <3 it's been a while. you are probably wondering how i got into this situation. well, i've been lazy, uninspired and tired. anyways 

i don't know how to write children talking, i'm sorry. enjoy!!