Chapter 10 Conversation (2)

"Remember these words, sister. As long as you uphold your commitment and refrain from creating any situations that may plunge the kingdom into chaos, I will stand by your side and face any adversity as a united family," Valarissa vowed sincerely.

Valarissa's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their meaning. Rhaenyra understood the gravity of the situation that her sister was hinting at. The path to the iron throne was not an easy one, especially for a woman. The challenges she would face would be unlike any other, as she would be breaking the long-standing tradition of male rulers.

The responsibility that came with the iron throne was immense. Rhaenyra would not only have to govern the kingdom wisely and justly, but she would also have to navigate the treacherous waters of politics and power. She would have to make difficult decisions that would impact not only herself but also her family, her subordinates, and the entire realm.

Rhaenyra's expression of gratitude towards her sister was genuine, as she uttered the words "Thank you, sister." Valarissa, on the other hand, emphasized that such words were unnecessary within a family, highlighting her sincere intentions. She recognized the immense burden of the Iron Throne, a responsibility she herself did not desire.

Nevertheless, Valarissa had unwavering support to assist Rhaenyra in ascending the throne to the best of her abilities.

However, she was clear that if Rhaenyra continued to display irresponsibility, as demonstrated in the series even after all her assistance, Valarissa would withdraw her support and try her best to ensure the continuation of her family and damage to the dragon population.

The series portrays Otto Hightower as an ambitious man and a villain, while Alicent is depicted as a friend and mother whose actions were influenced by Otto and other lords at first, later leading her to embrace the role of a villain for the sake of her children life. It is evident that Rhaenyra's own actions played a part in the chaos that unfolded in the future. She actively contributed many opportunities for the lord's to take advantage of in the king's absence, caused by his illness, which ultimately led to a civil war in the kingdom, despite her father's intentions of passing the throne to her. Rhaenyra's numerous affairs and the birth of illegitimate children, widely known to all, did not sway her from maintaining a resolute and unapologetic demeanor. It is solely due to her father's love that she was not disowned long ago.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that various circumstances contributed to the eventual outcome.

Rhaenyra's upbringing in a patriarchal society, where women were often overlooked for positions of power, undoubtedly shaped her behavior and choices. The constant pressure to prove herself and assert her claim to the throne may have fueled her reckless actions and defiance of societal norms. Additionally, the influence of her friend who became her new mother, Alicent, and her father's advisors, that is Otto Hightower, cannot be ignored. Their manipulation and guidance undoubtedly played a significant role in Rhaenyra's decisions and the subsequent consequences.

Furthermore, the complex political landscape of the Seven Kingdoms cannot be overlooked. The ambitions and power struggles of various noble houses, each vying for their own interests, added fuel to the fire. Rhaenyra's claim to the throne was not universally accepted, and many lords and houses saw an opportunity to advance their own agendas by supporting rival claimants. The resulting civil war was not solely the result of Rhaenyra's actions but rather a culmination of long-standing tensions and rivalries, so Placing sole blame on Rhaenyra for all the wrongs that occurred would be unfair.

Breaking free from her thoughts, she shifted her gaze towards her sister. Recalling the delicate situation between her sister and father, she understood that she needed to take action.

She was aware that it would be a challenging task, but she was determined to try. As the old saying goes, where there is a will, there is a way.

"Sister Rhaenyra, I understand that you haven't had a proper conversation with father since mother's funeral, and you may even harbor some anger towards him for what transpired. However, I want to remind you that just like we lost our mother, he too lost his wife.

The pain he carries is greater than ours, as he regrets the choices he made, mourns the loss of his wife, and faces the pressures from the iron throne. While we can express our emotions through anger and sadness, he must remain strong and composed for the stability of the realm. He has to suppress his emotions, unable to express them properly," Valarissa spoke with compassion.

"Why are you telling me this, sister? What is it that you want to say?" Rhaenyra inquired.

"I don't want you to have regrets later on. I implore you to spend more time with father, have conversations with him, get to know him better, and provide solace to his wounded heart. Above all, support him through his darkest hours, just as he would do for us," Valarissa reminded her sister.

Rhaenyra remained silent, offering no response. She observed Valarissa, who was now drying her damp body with a cloth. "You may not be aware of this, sister, but he doesn't need me to comfort him," Rhaenyra stated with profound meaning.

"I have heard and understand your sentiments, but our father has just lost someone very dear to him. Knowing that he was the cause of that loss doesn't make it any easier for him, and there is a significant void in his heart. While I won't deny that Alicents father , The hand Otto Hightower may have other intentions, Alicent, I know her just as I know you, sister. Deep down, you should also know her. She is not the person you are trying to perceive her to be.

As for father, Alicent is a kind-hearted individual who could potentially provide him with some relief or support. Tell me, is it wrong for father to seek solace in his darkest hours when his own family doesn't understand him, when his own daughter ignore him, his own brother cutting him with his word's ?" Valarissa asked Rhaenyra earnestly.

Her words were sincere as he really thought that Alicent possessed a rare ability to empathize deeply with others, to understand their pain and offer solace in times of distress. Valarissa believed that Alicent's presence could potentially bring a sense of peace and understanding to this father's troubled heart.