Chapter 35 Return to the keep.

Ser Harrold Westerling made a respectful bow before King Viserys and Rhaenyra before leaving the king's chamber to fulfill the task assigned to him. As he departed, the roar of the dragon echoed again from outside, this time closer than before. The sound seemed to shake the very foundations of the castle, and Viserys couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and fear as he listened to it.

~

Valarissa, who had let her dragon Qyraxis stay by the sea cliff, had already started to make her way toward Kingslanding city on foot. However, she didn't have to walk for long, as Ser Harrold Westerling, who took the carriage to the pits, saw the dragons leaving the city and soon followed behind in the direction that the dragons flew. He soon spotted the figure of Valarissa walking towards the City and soon came towards her.

"Princess" Ser Harrold Westerling greeted.

"Thank you for your hard work, Ser Harrold Westerling," Valarissa expressed her gratitude, appreciating the convenience of the carriage.

Once Valarissa was inside the carriage, Ser Harrold Westerling informed her about the king's summons and orders. While she was slightly confused about why her father was so anxious, she attributed it to his excitement to see her dragon. However, Valarissa wasn't in a hurry, as she asked the coachman to go towards the warehouse building that she had bought and instructed her men to fix.

Valarissa wanted to make use of this time to fill the warehouse with grains and other necessary items, preparing for the official start of her various projects the next day. Despite Ser Harrold Westerling's initial reluctance, he had to accept due to Valarissa's strong and determined attitude.

As the carriages passed through the crowded streets, heading straight to the prepared warehouse area, Valarissa observed many places where her people were recruiting workers. Nodding in satisfaction he continued on her carrage, soon reaching her destination, she saw two rows of large rectangular buildings that showed signs of recent renovations and patchwork.

Valarissa carefully organized and inspected her warehouse buildings, ensuring that everything was in order. Before, she brought out grains, vegetables, spices, and eggs that she had cultivated within her jade space over the past few days.

Coming out from one building to another she soon entered to the next building, as soon as she opened its door to reveal a cellar transformed with ice blocks on all sides, creating a chilling atmosphere. Inside, she retrieved enough meat and milk, strategically stored to keep them fresh.

Having secured ample supplies to feed all of King's Landing for three weeks and more than enough to support the recruited workers, Valarissa returned to the carriage. She could sense Ser Harrold Westerling's impatience and promptly set off toward the Red Keep.

The carriage swiftly carried Valarissa to the Red Keep. Ser Harrold Westerling promptly escorted her to the king's chamber, where the guards recognized her and willingly opened the door.

As Valarissa entered, Ser Harrold remained outside. Inside the room, her father, the maester, and her sister wore expressions of worry, confusion, and curiosity as they stared at her.

"Is something wrong? Why are you all staring at me like that?" Valarissa asked, bewildered, unaware of the letter Daemon had sent from Dragonstone while she was unconsious.

Ignoring Valarissa, Viserys instructed, "Maester Mellos, check her, make sure she's not hurt." For the next few minutes, her father and sister restricted her movements while the maester ensured she was in good condition.

"The Princess is fine; she only has minor injuries and burns, nothing serious or life-threatening," reported the maester.

Valarissa, standing up with annoyance, asked, "Can someone explain what this is all about?" She hadn't expected her uncle to inform her father about her accident, deeming it a perilous or straight stupid move seeking death.

Viserys and Rhaenyra remained silent. Viserys handed the scroll to Valarissa. As she read it, the maester bowed and left the room.

Once the maester exited, Viserys dropped his regal demeanor, embracing his daughter like a concerned father. "I was truly worried about you. How could you leave King's Landing like that without informing anyone? You could have been killed!" He spoke softly, his eyes brimming with tears.

She glanced at her father, then at her hesitant sister who stood aside wanting to join in but didn't know how, Valarissa smile as she spoke, "Come here, sister." Her voice was soft but firm. Reluctantly, Rhaenyra joined the hug, and for a moment, they stood there—father, daughter, and daughter—united in love and concern. Yet, even in their embrace, Valarissa sensed that the tension lingered.

Breaking away from the hug, she acknowledged her father's concern but shook her head at his last words. "You worry too much, Father. Uncle would never kill me. At least, he isn't so cold-blooded for that. For now, at least, he hasn't become that ruthless."

"But the scroll...?" Valarissa interrupted her father, steering away from the deeper discussion about her accident in Dragonstone. She was wary of him discovering the true extent of her injuries, knowing he wouldn't easily forgive her uncle once aware. Additionally, it would lead to explanations about her rapid healing, newfound abilities, and more.

Without hesitation, she waved the scroll as she spoke, "Father, we both know Uncle Daemon's personality. He revels in making you annoyed or angry; it's his purpose in life. Don't you think it's better if I just keep this between us? Consider it another of Uncle's silly pranks."

Casually disregarding the scroll's contents, she reassured, "Besides, look at me now—in good shape and healthy."

"But, Valarissa, your life and death is not a joke he can casually make up. This time, Uncle has gone too far," Rhaenyra stepped forward, saying seriously, while her father nodded in agreement.

"Oh, sister, leave it. It's just a harmless little prank, and aren't the two of you forgetting something more important?" Valarissa added.

Seeing Valarissa alright, both Viserys and Rhaenyra put away their worries. But upon hearing Valarissa's reminder, they feigned ignorance, with Rhaenyra saying, "Oh! What might that be? I don't think I missed something. Have you missed something important, Father?"

Viserys smirked, "No, I don't think I am forgetting something. Maybe Valarissa is tired and needs rest."

"Damn! Don't play with me. I know both of you know exactly what I'm talking about," Valarissa said, annoyed, as she wasn't given an opportunity to show off by the two, father and daughter.

## Note:

I apologize for the delay in posting a new chapter. I am currently occupied with preparations for a PSC exam on the 20th, leaving me with limited time for writing. Rest assured, I will resume regular posting after the exam. If you have any concerns about chapters 32-36, please feel free to provide feedback, and I will consider revisions after the exam. Thank you for your understanding.