Chapter 8: Sincere

                                    

                                          
YEAR 128 AC
"Mother, look at this flower!" Ceryssa showed Daena a small purple flower in her hands that she managed to pick up while walking in the gardens earlier that day. "Isn't it beautiful?"
"It is, darling." Daena smiled at her daughter. Her little girl's excitement over such simple things made the Lady very happy. The more she looked at Ceryssa, the more she reminded her of Helaena when she was little: a sweet, almost angelic child, innocent and kind. Daena truly valued it, as she always told herself that her daughter was everything she could've been as well, had her life taken a different turn. 
Alicent was seated next to them, observing them.
"I always knew you would be a good mother, Daena. I could see how much you loved and cherished my children... I am afraid, I wasn't as good of a mother for them." The dark-haired woman said quietly. Daena could her genuine sorrow in her voice as she spoke. 
The Lady took the Queen by her hand, giving her an encouraging smile.
"You were, and you are, a mother to me. The best one I could ever ask for. Years have passed, yet my daughterly love for you hasn't changed. I missed you dearly during my time in Casterly Rock."
Alicent squeezed Daena's hand slightly, a warm smile growing on her face as well.
"Only the Seven knows how much I missed you, Daena, but it shouldn't stand in the way of you... Do not get me wrong, child, I was very content to hear of your return, but you are so young. You are but one-and-twenty, you should be wed again. You deserve happiness, dear."
Daena sighed: she could see this topic arising in the future, but not that soon. Trying to act very humble, but truly not having the intention of actually acting so, she responded:
"I cannot think of a different marriage while in my soul I am still grieving over the death of my lord-husband. When my sorrows let me go, I might consider marrying again."
The Queen nodded.
"Forgive me, child, for having rushed you. I should've been more considerate. Take as much time as you need. You must have truly loved Lord Jason."
Daena said nothing to it, for she neither wanted to lie nor tell the truth, as both would be upsetting to Alicent. Ever since she left Lannisport, she was fighting the feeling of guilt growing in her soul. However, she told herself, she shouldn't blame herself for wanting her freedom back. Being confined in the golden cage of Casterly Rock, with no one but a few mere servants by her side, she was coming to realize that her life, actual life, was over. Jason's passing became a second chance for her, and nobody could blame her for taking advantage of it. On the other hand, there was a thought that laid on her shoulders, like the heaviest of burdens. Because of her selfishness, her children were deprived of their father. Daena knew: that truly was the guilt she would have to live with till her very last day. She knew her husband's life wasn't promised, had she even called the maesters on time, but if her children were to ever find out about Daena's part in their father's death, she wouldn't dare look them in the eyes. 
"Ceryssa and Lancel should spend more time with Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor. I hope, one day they will become as close to each other as you and Aegon." Alicent broke the silence that took over the chambers for a brief moment. 
Daena smiled again, looking at Ceryssa and Lancel playing together by the fireplace. 
"That would truly be a blessing, Your Grace." The young woman said softly.
* * *
Daena visited the Dragonpit quite often lately, as she hated the time she spent away from her dragon. She grew very attached to Vermithor, visiting her vicious pet as often as she could. That was one of those days when she would leave the castle for some time, flying and then feeding her beast. The dragon, despite its furious nature, was quite obedient to Daena: they were truly the match made by gods. A bronze dragon was his rider's loyal friend and protector, as they conquered the skies together.