CHAPTER THIRTY
❛a time for celebration.❜

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EARLY 130 AC ⸻ Dragonstone ⸻

THE GREAT Sept bustled with activity as nobles from across the Seven Kingdoms gathered for a momentous occasion. In the front row, Basalia stood with her hand resting on her swollen belly, her eyes fixed on where Rhaenyra would soon be crowned.

Soon, Rhaenyra Targaryen appeared at the entrance of the sept. She walked slowly down the aisle, her purple eyes scanning the faces of those gathered. When her gaze fell on Basalia and Jahaena, she offered them a small, reassuring smile.

As Rhaenyra reached the dais, she turned to face the High Septon. Her face was a mask of determination and pride, betraying none of the exhaustion and grief that Basalia knew she must be feeling.

The High Septon began the ceremony, his voice carrying clearly through the hushed sept. Basalia found herself holding her breath as the crown was lifted.

"I now proclaim Rhaenyra of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm," the High Septon's voice rang out, clear and strong. As the crown settled on Rhaenyra's brow, he added, "Long may she reign!"

"Long may she reign!" The cry echoed through the sept. Basalia and Jahaena's voices joined the chorus, their eyes shining with joy.

The ceremony concluded, and the assembled nobles began to file out of the sept for the feast that would follow. Basalia and Jahaena lingered, waiting for the crowd to thin before making their way to the exit.

"I can't believe how calm she looked," Jahaena mused as they walked. "If it were me up there, I'd have been shaking like a leaf."

Basalia chuckled. "That's why she's the queen and we're not. But don't sell yourself short, Jahaena. You've shown incredible strength through all of this."

Jahaena blushed at the compliment. "I've had good examples to follow," she said, bumping her shoulder affectionately against Basalia's.

As they stepped out into the sunlight, Basalia squinted against the brightness. "Speaking of strength, how are you holding up? All this standing can't be easy in your condition."

Basalia rubbed her belly absently. "I'm alright. The little one's been surprisingly calm today. Maybe they know it's an important occasion."

Jahaena's eyes lit up. "Oh! Did you feel that? I saw your dress move!"

"Seems I spoke too soon," Basalia laughed. "Here, give me your hand."

She guided Jahaena's hand to a spot on her belly just as another kick came. Jahaena's face broke into a wide grin. "Oh, Basalia... that's amazing. Have you and Jacaerys chosen a name yet?"

Basalia shook her head. "Not yet. We've discussed a few options, but nothing feels quite right yet."

"Well, whatever you choose, I'm sure it will be perfect," Jahaena said. Her expression grew a bit wistful. "I hope I'll be back in time to meet them."

Basalia's brow furrowed. "Back in time? Jahaena, what do you mean?"

Jahaena took a deep breath, as if steeling herself. "I... I've made a decision, Basalia. I'm going to leave King's Landing for a while. Travel, see the world beyond Westeros."

Basalia's eyes widened in surprise. "Leave? But... why? And why now?"

"I've been thinking about it for a while," Jahaena admitted. "With the war over, I feel like... like I need to find out who I am beyond all this conflict. Does that make sense?"

Basalia was quiet for a moment, processing this unexpected news. Finally, she pulled Jahaena into a tight embrace. "Of course it makes sense," she said softly. "I'll miss you terribly, but I understand."

Jahaena returned the hug, careful of Basalia's bump. "I'll miss you too. But I promise I'll write, and I'll be back before you know it."

As they parted, Basalia wiped away a stray tear. "You'd better. This little one is going to need their Cousin Jahaena to tell them stories of your adventures."

Jahaena laughed, her own eyes glistening. "It's a deal. Now, shall we head to the feast? I hear the kitchens have outdone themselves."

Arm in arm, the cousins made their way towards the Red Keep, where the celebration of Rhaenyra's coronation was about to begin.

⸻

As night fell, the Great Hall of the Red Keep came alive with music, laughter, and the soft glow of countless candles. The coronation feast was in full swing, a rare moment of joy and celebration after the long, bitter war.

At the center of the hall, Basalia and Jacaerys swayed gently to the music. Jacaerys held his wife carefully, mindful of her swollen belly.

"Are you sure you're not too tired?" Jacaerys asked, his voice low and tender.

Basalia smiled up at him, her eyes shining. "I'm fine, truly. It feels good to celebrate something for once."

As they turned, Basalia caught sight of Jahaena and Baela near the edge of the dance floor. The two women stood close together, their heads bent in conversation. Jahaena laughed at something Baela said, her hand resting lightly on Baela's arm. The look they shared was unmistakable – one of deep affection.

"Look," Basalia murmured, nodding in their direction. "They seem so happy together."

Jacaerys followed her gaze and smiled. "Indeed. It's good to see them enjoying themselves after everything we've been through."

Basalia hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Jahaena told me earlier that she's planning to leave King's Landing. She wants to travel, to see the world beyond Westeros."

Jacaerys's eyes widened in surprise. "Leave? I had no idea she was considering that."

"I was surprised too," Basalia admitted. "But I can understand her desire to find herself outside of all this."

Jacaerys nodded slowly, his gaze drifting back to Jahaena and Baela. After a moment, he mused, "You know, I wouldn't be surprised if Baela decided to go with her. They've grown quite close, and Baela's always had an adventurous spirit."

"You might be right. I'll miss them terribly if they both go, but I'm happy they've found each other. They both deserve some joy after everything we've been through."

"It's a big step," Jacaerys agreed, "but I think it could be good for both of them. A chance to see the world without the weight of war and expectations on their shoulders."

Basalia nodded, leaning into Jacaerys's embrace. "It seems like everything is changing so fast," she murmured.

Jacaerys placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Change isn't always bad," he reminded her softly. "Look at us."

Basalia smiled, her hand resting on her swollen belly.

Across the room, Aurelia stood in deep conversation with Lord Corlys Velaryon. The old Sea Snake listened intently as Aurelia spoke, nodding occasionally.

As the dance ended, Basalia noticed Aurelia excusing herself from Corlys and making her way towards the high table where Queen Rhaenyra sat. Curious, Basalia tugged gently on Jacaerys's sleeve.

"Let's get some air," she suggested, guiding them towards a spot where they could observe Aurelia's approach to the queen.

Aurelia reached the high table and bowed deeply before Rhaenyra. Though they couldn't hear the conversation over the music and chatter, they could see Aurelia speaking earnestly, her hands moving in small, excited gestures. Rhaenyra listened attentively, her expression thoughtful.

After a few moments, Rhaenyra smiled and nodded, reaching out to clasp Aurelia's hand. Relief and joy washed over Aurelia's face as she bowed once more before turning away from the high table.

Aurelia's eyes scanned the room, lighting up when she spotted Basalia and Jacaerys. She hurried over to them, her face flushed with excitement.

"Basalia, Jace," she greeted them breathlessly. "I have news!"

"We saw you speaking with the queen," Jacaerys said. "Is everything alright?"

Aurelia nodded enthusiastically. "More than alright. I've just received Her Grace's permission to go to Driftmark. Lord Corlys has offered me a position there, to help with the rebuilding and administration."

Basalia's eyes widened in surprise. "Driftmark? Oh, Aurelia, that's wonderful news!"

"But you'll be leaving us," Jacaerys added, his tone a mix of happiness for his friend and sadness at the impending departure.

"It's not goodbye forever," Aurelia assured them. "Driftmark isn't so far, and I'll visit often. I just... I feel like this is something I need to do. A chance to make a real difference."

Basalia pulled Aurelia into a warm embrace. "We're so proud of you, Aurelia. Driftmark is lucky to have you."

As they parted, Aurelia's eyes darted around the room. "Have you seen Jahaena? I want to tell her too."

"Last I saw, she was by the dance floor with Baela," Basalia said, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

Aurelia thanked them and hurried off in search of Jahaena.

Basalia's eyes then swept across the crowded hall. She spotted Rosyn standing alone near one of the great windows, her gaze fixed on the starry night sky. There was a wistful look on her face that tugged at Basalia's heart.

"Jace," she murmured to her husband, "I think I should check on Rosyn. Would you mind finding Joffrey? I haven't seen him in a while."

Jacaerys nodded, placing a quick kiss on her cheek. "Of course. I'll make sure he's not getting into any mischief." With a reassuring smile, he disappeared into the crowd in search of his younger brother.

Basalia made her way through the throng of celebrants, one hand resting protectively on her swollen belly. As she approached, Rosyn turned to her with a small smile, though her eyes held a hint of sadness.

"It's quite a view, isn't it?" Rosyn said, gesturing to the sprawling cityscape of King's Landing below. "But it's not home."

Basalia stood beside her friend, understanding dawning as she took in Rosyn's expression. "You're leaving," she said softly. It wasn't a question.

Rosyn nodded. "The North needs me. After everything that's happened... I need to be there."

"When do you go?" Basalia asked, reaching out to squeeze Rosyn's hand.

"At first light," Rosyn replied. "I didn't want to dampen the celebrations with long goodbyes."

The two women stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the feast a distant backdrop to their quiet companionship.

"Promise you'll write?" Basalia finally said, her voice thick with emotion.

"Every moon," Rosyn assured her. "And you must tell me all about this little one when they arrive." She placed a gentle hand on Basalia's belly.

Basalia pulled Rosyn into a warm embrace, mindful of her condition. "The North is lucky to have you," she said. "But don't forget, you'll always have a home here too."

⸻

As the celebrations continued above, Basalia quietly slipped away from the festivities. Her footsteps echoed off the stone walls as she made her way down to the dungeons, one hand resting protectively over her swollen belly. She paused before a particular cell, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

Inside, Lyria sat huddled in a corner, her once-fine clothes now tattered and dirty. As Basalia came into view, Lyria's head snapped up, her eyes wide.

"Have you come to gloat?" Lyria's voice was hoarse but still carried a hint of her former pride.

Basalia shook her head, her expression softening. "No, Lyria. I've come to... apologize."

Confusion flickered across Lyria's face. "Apologize? For what?"

"For Aemond," Basalia said softly, her voice filled with genuine sorrow. "I'm so sorry, Lyria. I know how much you loved him."

Lyria's eyes welled with tears, her defenses crumbling at the mention of Aemond's name. "He was everything to me," she whispered, her hand unconsciously moving to rest on her own stomach.

The gesture didn't go unnoticed by Basalia. Her eyes widened in realization. "Lyria, are you...?"

Lyria met Basalia's gaze, a mix of fear and defiance in her eyes. "Yes," she admitted quietly. "I'm carrying Aemond's child."

Basalia felt her heart constrict with a surge of emotions – sympathy, shock. "Oh, Lyria," she breathed.

"This child is all I have left of him," Lyria said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Basalia moved closer to the cell, her own hand cradling her belly. "Look. e grew up together, Lyria. We were like sisters. I understand now, more than ever, what it means to love someone so deeply that you'd do anything for them – or for their child."

Lyria looked up, meeting Basalia's gaze. "Then why are you here? To take away the last thing I have?"

Basalia shook her head emphatically. "No, never. I'm here because I've spoken with the Queen. You're to be released, on the condition that you never return to King's Landing or attempt to challenge the throne. But now, knowing this... we need to ensure your safety and the safety of your child."

Lyria stared at Basalia in disbelief. "Why? After everything that's happened... why show mercy?"

"Because I believe in second chances," Basalia said, her voice firm but kind. "And because despite everything, I still remember the girl who was my sister in all but blood. Now, we're both mothers – or soon will be. This changes everything."

Tears flowed freely down Lyria's cheeks. "I... I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," Basalia replied. "But listen carefully, Lyria. This is your only chance. If you ever return or plot against the Queen, there will be no mercy next time. Not for you, and not for your child."

Lyria nodded slowly, understanding Basalia's words.

"I think... I think you should join Alicent and Helaena," Basalia suggested gently. "They could use your support, and you all loved Aemond. Perhaps together, you can find some peace and raise this child away from the dangers of court."

At this, the guards came to escort Lyria away. And as they gave each other one final look—an unspoken acknowledgment of all that had passed between them, of the childhood they had shared and the new lives they were now both enduring.

"Goodbye, Lyria," Basalia whispered as her once-sister was led away. "May you and your child find safety and happiness."

As Lyria disappeared from view, Basalia placed both hands on her belly, feeling a kick from within.

Life would go on, she realized. New beginnings would arise from the ashes of war. Even if it was goodbye for now, she knew that in the next life, would come a hello.

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