The death of Lady Laena Velaryon had came a great shock to the realm, who died during childbirth to her third child. Laena had married Daemon shortly after the wedding of her brother to Rhaenyra, and gave birth to twin girls, Baela and Rhaena before they left for Pentos.

Maekar, Alicent and their children set sail for Driftmark, later to be joined by King Viserys, Rhaenyra and her children. As soon as they arrived the family offered their condolences to Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys, and then Baela and Rhaena, before coming face to face with Daemon for the first time in years.

"You look well, nephew," Daemon smiled slightly at Maekar. "I did say family life suits you. Moira and Rhaegar have gotten so big. And who's this little devil?" He referred to Visenya, who sat on her father's hip.

"This is Visenya, she's four," Maekar grinned proudly. Visenya had followed Maekar and Aegon for her looks. Silvery Targaryen coloured hair and violet eyes.

Visenya, being a shy and introverted child around new people, felt nervous and overwhelmed by the presence of her great-uncle. As Daemon directed his attention towards her, she instinctively hid her face in her father's shoulder, peeking out only slightly to observe the unfamiliar figure before her. Her tiny hands tightly gripped onto her father's clothing, seeking comfort and reassurance.

Maekar, understanding his daughter's shyness, gently stroked her back to soothe her nerves. "It's alright, my sweet Visenya," he whispered softly. "Uncle Daemon is family, just like us. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Visenya timidly glanced up at her father, her violet eyes reflecting a mix of uncertainty and curiosity. With a small nod, she summoned the courage to look back at Daemon, though her gaze remained cautious and reserved. Her lips curled into a shy smile, but she quickly averted her eyes, feeling self-conscious under the scrutiny of the room.

Daemon, recognising Visenya's shyness, decided to take a step back, giving her the space she needed to feel more comfortable. He spoke in a gentle tone, "It's wonderful to finally meet you, Visenya. I can see why your father is so proud of you. You have the Targaryen beauty in you."

Visenya's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, a mixture of bashfulness and appreciation. She clung tighter to her father, finding solace in his presence. However, the compliment from Daemon did manage to bring a small sparkle to her eyes, a sign that his words had touched her in some way.

As the conversation continued, Visenya gradually began to relax, observing the interactions between her family members and taking in the new surroundings. Although still reserved, she started to show glimpses of her true nature, occasionally whispering a few words to her father or shyly smiling at her siblings.

It wasn't long later that the funeral for Lady Laena began, and the Targaryen family and other noble families alike gathered on the coast of Driftmark as the stone coffin carrying Laena sat on a platform above them with ropes attached to pull the coffin into the sea. Maekar stood next to Alicent, holding Visenya with his free hand placed on Rhaegar's shoulder. Alicent gently held Aegon and Baelon and Moira stood between them, holding Baelon's hand. Princess Aliandra opted to attend the funeral out of respect for the realm.

"We join today at the Salt of the Sea," Ser Vaemomd began the ceremony in High Valyrian as knights worked on attaching the ropes to the coffin. "To commit the Lady Laena of House Velaryon to the eternal waters, the dominion of the Merling King, where he will guard her for all the days to come," Maekar looked across the way to Lord Corlys, then to Rhaenys who held one of her granddaughters close. "As she sets to sea on her final voyage, the Lady Laena leaves two true-born daughters on the shore, though their mother will not return from her voyage, they will remain bound together in blood."

Maekar looked from the Velaryon family to Ser Otto, who was reinstated as Hand of the King per Maekar's request. Both men nodded at each other, whatever bad blood that was between them before Maekar's marriage to Alicent seemingly washed away.

"Salt courses through Velaryon blood," Ser Vaemomd continued. "Ours runs thick. Ours run true," he glared at Rhaenyra and her children. "And ours must never thin," all heads snapped up and in the direction of Daemon as he began laughing to himself. Suddenly the ropes were pulled until tension began pulling the stone coffin. Ser Vaemomd continued until the coffin broke the surface of the ocean, and Laena began to sink to the ocean floor like her ancestors before her.

—————

"Are you alright?" Maekar asked Alicent once the ceremony was over and the gathered families were led to a small balcony for refreshments.

"I'm just in shock," Alicent admitted, leaning her head on her husband's shoulder. "To sacrifice her life to Vhagar's flame so she and the babe wouldn't be in more pain is something I couldn't even dream of doing," Alicent's eyes found her group of children conversing quietly amongst themselves with their grandfather Viserys. Aegon was chatting away quietly to his bride-to-be, Aliandra. Rhaegar, Baelon, Moira and Viserys occasionally joining the conversation with embarrassing stories about their brother/grandson.

"I know," he placed a comforting kiss to her hairline as he hugged her close to him. "You are a wonderful mother, my love, the matriarch and the pillar of strength in our family," Alicent smiled, sipping her wine as she looked at her children.

They were growing up too fast for her liking.

Aegon and Baelon were twelve, and Aegon was already betrothed to marry the Princess Aliandra of Dorne. Both were skilled in their sword fighting capabilities and excelled in their studies.

Moira and Rhaegar were ten. The twins, all though wrong in the eyes of many but not to House Targaryen, had deep rooted feelings for each other and Maekar or Alicent believed it wasn't long before they come to them asking for their permission to marry one another.

Visenya was their baby. The four year old had both her parents wrapped around her finger more than they would admit. She refused to do her curtesy lessons, her history lessons, her basic numerical and letter lessons with the Septa, wanting her mother to teach her. And then she wanted to pick up a sword and ride a dragon, which Maekar accepted without a second thought.

As Maekar held Alicent close, he couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and concern for their children. The weight of their family's legacy rested on their young shoulders.

"I can't believe how quickly they're growing," Maekar mused, his eyes never leaving their children. "It feels like just yesterday they were babies, and now they're on the cusp of adulthood."

Alicent nodded, a wistful smile on her face. "They have inherited the best of both of us, my love. They are strong, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. But they will face their own trials, just as we did."

Maekar's gaze lingered on Rhaegar and Moira, noticing the secret glances they exchanged. "I can see the bond between our youngest twins growing stronger every day," he said softly. "Perhaps it won't be long before they approach us about their feelings for one another."

Alicent sighed, her expression a mix of worry and understanding. "It's a delicate situation, Maekar. We must tread carefully. We want nothing more than their happiness, but we must consider the implications for the realm."

Maekar nodded, his thoughts already racing with the possibilities. "We will guide them, Alicent."

As they watched their children enjoy the festivities, Maekar couldn't help but feel a surge of hope for the future.

"We have raised remarkable children," Maekar said, his voice filled with pride.

Alicent leaned her head against his chest, a contented smile on her face. "Yes, my love," and with that, they stood on the balcony, basking in the warmth.

"Look," Alicent whispered. Maekar turned her head to see Rhaenyra talking to Jacaerys. The mother looked around panicked before facing her son again.

"Suspicious," Maeker agreed. The clanking of armour caught their attention, Alicent taking her head off of her husband's chest, both turning to face Ser Criston.

"Lyonel Strong's son's been staring at you since the moment we arrived, Your Grace," Ser Criston whispered. "Unabashedly."

"It is only a look of pride, Ser Criston," Alicent reassured him. "Larys is the new Lord of Harrenhal."