Chapter 7 Conversation
"I'm here, Father," she reassured him softly. "I'm alive and well."
The king nodded, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "Thank the gods," he whispered, his voice filled with relief. "I couldn't bear to lose you too, my dear."
Valarissa's heart swelled with love for her father. Despite his flaws and the weight of his responsibilities, he had always been there for her. She knew that his love for them was unwavering, and she cherished that bond between them.
As they sat down together, the king began to ask about her health, his concern evident in his every word. Valarissa assured him that she was feeling much better, thanks to the maesters' care.
After regaining control over his tumultuous emotions, Viserys composed himself and they both settled into their seats, facing each other.
Valarissa broke the silence, speaking up, "I heard that your considering naming sister Rhaenyra as the heir to the throne."
"Yes I have thought of this but I am not willing choose between your uncle and you sister, I have faith in both of them . Both are suitable for the Seven Kingdoms and lead the people effectively at tej same time both have thier own flaws" Viserys replied.
"The why don't you name Uncle Deamon heirs and marry Rhaenyra to him" Valarissa asked as this was the best way to avoid many future troubles.
"What foolishness are spouting my daughter not to mention Deamon alredy have a wife " Viserys Replied.
"A marriage in which both hate each other and refused to Consummate the marriage with, this would free both my uncle and his wife of thier burdens and I think Rhaenyra do have special fondness to uncle while it can't called love but it could become one in time " Valarissa persuvaded.
"You know too much for a child of ten names days, you know " Veserys said not commenting on what his daughter just said .
"What can I do I guess I'm genius ?" Valarissa said with a smile.
Valarissa knew her father didn't want to talk about it anymore so she inquired, "Wasn't Rhaenyra informed that I woke up? I thought she would be the first to come."
"She was exhausted, having listen into the council meeting, I believed it was best for her to rest," Viserys explained.
Valarissa gazed at her father, who appeared to be masking his grief with happiness. "How are you, father? You don't have to put on a brave face for me. I understand the pain of losing someone you care about, just as you lost your wife and I lost my mother. I know what you're going through," she said.
Viserys sighed, his eyes filled with a mixture of relief and sadness. "I appreciate your understanding, Valarissa. It has been a difficult time for me, losing your mother and then facing the uncertainty of your condition. But seeing you awake and well brings me a sense of hope and joy that I cannot fully express."
Valarissa reached out and gently placed her hand on her father's, offering him a comforting touch. "I'm here now, father. We will face whatever challenges come our way together. You don't have to bear the weight of the world alone."
"After all we are a family"
A small smile tugged at the corners of Viserys' lips as he squeezed his daughter's hand. "Thank you, my dear"
Viserys listened intently to his daughter's words, his heart aching at the mention of her mother's death. He could see the pain in her eyes, the confusion and longing for answers. It was a wound that still hadn't fully healed for either of them.
"I understand, my dear," Viserys replied softly, his voice filled with empathy. "Losing your mother was a tragedy that none of us were prepared for. It's natural to feel lost and confused in the aftermath. But remember, your not alone as I'm always there for you... always."
Valarissa nodded, appreciating her father's support. She knew she could rely on him, even in the darkest of times.
Observing her father, she spoke earnestly, "Father, I am aware that we are indeed a family, and although the passing of mother has deeply shaken me, it has also brought me a new clarity to me. I have come to realize something that I have consistently overlooked in this harsh world, where individuals constantly strive for influence, power, wealth, greed and honour. I now understand that none of these things hold true importance, not even our dragons, when compared to the significance of our own family."
Viserys was surprised to see his usually mischievous and lively daughter speaking so maturely.
"You speak like a grown-up, you should take a break for the day," Viserys remarked as he got up.
Just as he was about to depart, Valarissa called out to him. "Father, tomorrow I would like to have a private conversation with you, and I hope you will listen to me with an open mind," Valarissa said earnestly.
"Alright, now you should get some rest," he responded as he exited the room.
Viserys couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and concern at his daughter's request. Valarissa had always been a spirited and mischievous child, full of energy and laughter. Her sudden maturity and seriousness caught him off guard, leaving him wondering what could have prompted such a change.
As he made his way down the hallway, Viserys couldn't shake off the feeling that something important was about to be revealed. He found himself replaying Valarissa's words in his mind, her earnestness and determination shining through. It was clear that she had something on her mind, something she felt compelled to share with him.
The thought of having a private conversation with his daughter both excited and worried Viserys. He cherished their bond and had always encouraged open communication between them, but he couldn't help but wonder what could have led Valarissa to request such a serious discussion. Was she facing a problem? Did she need his guidance or support?
As he entered his own chambers, Viserys settled into a chair, his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of his daughter. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her newfound maturity, admiring the way she had expressed herself with such poise and clarity, but it had also saddened him as this change was intiated by the recent sad experiences.