“Where are you injured?”
“Please, my Queen, allow me to finish my examination,” the Maester gently requested.
…
Alicent saw that Elaena was not only clear eyed, but did not seem to be in any discernable pain despite what occurred.
With matters in hand, she went to check on Aegon.
Back up the stairs she dismissed the servant and took Aegon to her room and shut the door.
“What happened,” she asked as she lowered herself to look him in the eye.
“She took my toy.
I’m prince and she stole it; she can’t do that.
I didn’t push Elee, I didn’t!”
Alicent slapped her son.
“You idiot child, you do not push.
If anyone, anyone at all, including your father, asks you what happened you will say she fell on her own.
You will not admit to pushing anyone.
And you will not push her or anyone else again.”
Aegon began crying loudly and Alicent put her hand over his mouth to silence him.
“Be silent for once in your Gods cursed life!
Why must you scream so?”
Aegon kicked and flailed, yet at his age he had little ability to free himself.
Alicent held him firmly, ensuring he stayed quiet and finally he exhausted himself.
“Remember, tell no one that you pushed her.
If you do, sister Elee will not be allowed to play with you anymore.”
That, finally caused his childish brain to listen.
He nodded solemnly and promised and Alicent let out a sigh of relief.
Tears welled in her eyes.
She shouldn’t have struck her child.
That was her temper getting the better of her.
She washed her face and went to check on Aegon, then she would have to check on Elaena.
There was always something, and almost no time to rest.
…
Viserys had sent for Elaena so that he could admonish his daughter to be more careful.
Children would be children, but trying to run down a narrow staircase ahead of a maidservant was foolish.
It could have been far worse given the unfortunate circumstance where her haste had caused the servant to fall atop of her after they fell down the stairs.
It was a minor miracle that somehow the maid had not been seriously injured as well.
As it was quite literally the first time, he or Alicent had ever had to discipline her, they felt her injuries were sufficient penalty.
Mellos had said outside of the small bruise on the arm and her sprained ankle she was unharmed. Find the original chapter at g.com.
No sign of concussion or damage to her head.
He chose to speak with her in the room where he had the model of Old Valeria.
A knock on the door announced Ser Erryk Cargyll of the Kingsguard, or maybe Ser Arryk, he never could tell them apart.
He was carrying Elaena who’s featured were placid but he could tell she was annoyed at being carried.
“Thank you, ser, I can find a seat myself,” she said with a hint of ice in her courtesies.
She hopped over to a chair and sat down.
“Thank you, ser,” Viserys said and gestured to wait outside.
After the Kingsguard left, Viserys stood up and circled the large diorama.
“The Valyrian capital was built into a volcano, much like Dragonstone.
The dragonlords, the highest of the nobility, lived here, closest to the source of their magic and power,” he said as gestured toward the central part of miniature city his stonemasons had carved based on his instructions.
Elaena looked at it with appreciation.
“The detail is very fine, and you have draconic figures as well.”
“Ah, you noticed.
I am quite proud of them.
This entire civilization was once the seat of power that was unrivaled in the world.
And yet, one day it was gone in a blink of an eye.
The stonemasons did fine work, they were careful, and exacting in their efforts.
They were not careless, had they been there would be flaws and the impressive site before you would be diminished.”
“Yes, father.
I know I erred.
I promise to me far more careful in the future.”
“You know it was not just yourself you injured?”
She cocked her head, “I understood that Marya was not hurt in the fall.”
Viserys shook his head, “The Maester said she has no serious injury, but that does not mean she did not feel pain from the fall.
Not only that, but the panic and terror of falling and fear she would be punished for your injury would weigh heavily on her.
Many nobles feel the servants are beneath their notice and that their lives are unimportant, this is not true.
They are, of course, less important, but they are what allows us to live our lives.”
“Yes, father.”
“I know you meant the girl, what was her name again?”
“Marya.”
“Ah yes, I know you didn’t mean Marya any harm, but negligence is an evil, if lesser than maliciousness.
In the future I expect you to be more careful and not to rush about needlessly.”
“I will not.”
“Good, now are you in pain?
I can have the Maester prepare you a small dose of dreamwine to help you sleep if it hurts.”
“That will not be necessary, it is not burdensome and I will sleep just fine.
Viserys smiled at his little daughter’s audacity.
“I believe the Grand Maester knows best, but of course if it is not needed you do not have to take it.”
His daughter nodded again.
“Tell me, Elaena, are you excited for the tournament?”
Her blue eyes looked to be considering something before answering.
“I am pleased to attend and represent the family, father.
Some of the event’s appeal to me, and I hope that there are no serious injuries or death.
I enjoy the entertainment provided greatly, the juggling of knives and fire eating I find quite fascinating.”
The tournament was to be a grand event, with higher than usual prizes.
It was to be a twin celebration of Rhaenyra’s marriage to Laenor as well as his fifth wedding anniversary to his Alicent.
By combining the two celebration he could unify his family and hopefully end the divisiveness that had overcome his house lately.
“Excellent.
Excellent.
Even though you erred, I am proud of you today.
I heard you even apologized to the maidservant and kept an even bearing when you were examined.
You did not speak ill of her or reject what I have told you in this conversation.
Throughout life mistakes will be made, it is how we respond and react to them that determines whether we repeat them or not.
You are a credit to the name Targaryen and I love you, Elaena.”
She smiled.
“You have my love as well, father.
Thank you for the kind words, I do try to represent the family as best I can.”
Viserys dismissed her and sat back looking at the diorama.
He saw another section that could use some tweaks.
The entire area on the eastern side could also be expanded.
What he had spoken to his daughter was true, she had comported herself very well after the fall.
Now if only Rhaenyra could be more like her younger sister!
A few minutes later his wife, Alicent, joined him.
She looked lovely as always, but had a concerned look on her face.
“How did it go?” She asked.
He embraced her.
“I told you I wasn’t going to be too hard on her.
She’s a dutiful child, and listened intently.”
Alicent looked at him searchingly and then nodded.
“Yes, she is.”
…