Asten, Vaelarr, Rhaenerys, Malaenarr, Elaerys, Lucaelon, Alymera, Jaerevon, Lucaerion, Vysera, Daenessa and Haelyra stood before a body that was wrapped up in cloth.

Vaelarr took in a deep breath, his shoulders trembling. His eyes were red from crying.

Rhaenerys placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. He closed his eyes.

Elaerys sniffled and she rested her head on Malaenarr's shoulder. He rubbed her back.

Asten lowered his head.

There was a chittering growl and he looked over at Darkwing who stood on top of a nearby hill.

Vaelarr took a deep breath and he looked at his dragon.

"Dracarys!" He said. Darkwing stared at him for a moment before she walked forward and she looked back at the body.

She drew her head back before she blew her flames at the body.

Haelyra lowered her head, closing her eyes.

"Goodbye... Mother," she whispered.

The day turned to night and Vaelarr stood by the window in the council room. He stared out the window at the star-filled sky.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before he let it out. Asten walked over to him.

"My king?" He said quietly.

Vaelarr didn't answer at first but he glanced at the man out the corner of his eye. "Speak."

Asten inhaled, "I know... that it has only been a couple of hours, but you must move forward. For the sake of the kingdom and your family."

Vaelarr narrowed his eyes, "my mother... has just passed, Asten. Am I not allowed to grieve alongside my family?!"

"M-my king, I never said that-!" Asten exclaimed. Vaelarr spun around to fully face him, his eyes blazing with barely contained rage.

"Then what, pray tell, were you implying?" He growled, leaning close to his Hand, "go on. I'm listening."

Asten stared at him before he looked down at his feet.

"I... apologize, my king," he said, "I did not mean to overstep."

Vaelarr stared at him coldly before he scoffed, turning away. "Leave me."

Asten stared at his feet, "...my king." He walked out of the council room. He walked past Rhaenerys who watched him before she walked over to Vaelarr.

"Love?" She said softly. Vaelarr looked at her and she saw tears rolling down his cheeks.

Her eyes saddened and she walked over to him. She wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. He buried his face into her shoulder, silent sobs wracking his body.

"I don't want to lose anyone else, Rhaenerys," he whimpered, "I can't." "You won't," she said firmly, "our House is strong. You and I both know this. But you are grieving. We all are. But we will get through this. Together."

Vaelarr nodded weakly and he exhaled shakily as he rested his head on his wife's shoulder.

"I love you. I don't know where I'd be without you," he said softly.

"I love you to the fullest," she said, kissing his forehead. She looked at the starlit sky.

Haelyra walked through the town, donning a cloak. She had made sure to sneak through the castle's secret entrances in order to leave.

She took a deep breath and she looked at her hands. They were trembling.

She gripped the hood of her cloak as she continued to walk. She walked past unsuspecting people as she walked to the door of a bar.

She pushed open the door. There were very few people around but she paid little notice as she walked over to a chair. She sighed as she sat down and buried her face into her hands.

"What can I do for you, stranger?" The bartender asked. He had porcelain skin, dark brown eyes and black hair. "A bottle of your finest wine," she replied, dropping a small pouch of coins in front of him.

He blinked before he took the pouch and turned to pick up a bottle of wine. He set down the bottle and a cup in front of Haelyra.

"It's on the house... lady Haelyra," he murmured, lowering his voice. She chuckled, "never thought you'd actually remember me, Norrick."

"I only remember you because of the first time we met," Norrick chuckled, "you were only a teenager when you first visited this place. You're lucky my boss didn't catch you."

"And you're lucky that neither my parents nor my brothers found out," she huffed as she downed the cup. Then she felt tears begin to fall. She sniffled and exhaled sharply.

Norrick gave her a tissue. "I heard about Queen Saelerys' passing. I'm sorry for your loss."

Haelyra shook her head, "you know... she was an amazing queen and a wonderful mother; never raised a hand to me or my brothers. And she was so thrilled to see Vaelarr and Lucaelon's children. I feel like I failed her. I couldn't...," the rest of the words were caught in her throat and she sobbed hard.

Norrick placed a hand over hers. "You didn't fail her," he said, "even if you didn't have any children, I know she still loved you. Her love will always be part of your heart and your memory."

Haelyra nodded weakly. She took a breath and let it out before she wiped the tears away from her face with the tissue. She sighed and rubbed her face.

"I'm... sorry you have to see me like this," she apologized. "No need to apologize, milady," Norrick replied, "it's not the first time I've heard the woes of other patrons; you're not the only one."

Haelyra chuckled slightly, "well, aren't I lucky." Norrick smiled softly.

"If you'd like to stay the night, I have a room set up," he said. She looked around for a moment. She had a feeling the bar was going to close in a bit. And she only had to make the short trip back to the castle before her lady-in-waiting, Sanya Greystark, found out.

She looked back at Norrick, "okay."

She got up and walked around the counter. Norrick led her to the break room where there was a bed and a bathroom nearby.

Haelyra sat down on the bed.

"I'll leave you to sleep then," Norrick said with a chuckle. He turned to leave but Haelyra grabbed his wrist.

"Wait," she said, making him look back at her. "I... I don't want to be alone right now. Please?" She looked up at him.

Norrick stared at her before he took a breath and let it out. He sat down and looked at her.

"What are you planning?" He asked. She chuckled slightly, "me? Planning? I'm not planning anything."

He frowned, "you're drunk, Haelyra."

"Nnnooo, I'm not," she drawled but Norrick could clearly see the heat on her face.

He frowned deeper but before he could say anything, Haelyra kissed him. He froze in surprise and he quickly pulled away.

"Haelyra... we can't," he said. She grabbed his shirt, "Norrick... please. I just... I need this. I know it's wrong but... please."

He stared at her sadly. He slowly and gently cupped her face into his hands. She looked up at him tearfully.

His eyes softened. He slowly leaned in and kissed her. She slowly kissed him back and she wrapped her arms around his waist.

They knew it was wrong and it was going to hurt and land them in a heap of trouble but for once, they pushed past the point of no return.