There she was, my mother, Princess Rhaenys, standing beneath the Godswood tree in the royal garden. The sight of her after two long years stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me. I walked towards her with deliberate grace, determined not to betray the storm inside. Despite my efforts, I felt like the girl who had been abandoned by both her parents.

"Mother," I called out, my voice carefully controlled.

She turned, her expression a mix of relief and uncertainty. "Lyanna," she said softly, taking a step forward.

I stopped a few paces from her, my composure cracking just enough to let my anger seep through. "You've been gone for two years," I began, my tone icy. "No letters, no word. Nothing."

Rhaenys' eyes widened in surprise and hurt. "I wrote to you, Lyanna. I sent letters, countless letters. I received nothing in return."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. "I wrote to you too, Mother. For moons. I never heard back. I thought you had abandoned me, just like Father."

Her face fell, and she shook her head. "I would never abandon you, Lyanna. There must be some mistake. Someone has intercepted our letters."

"Who would do such a thing?" I demanded, my voice rising with frustration. "Who would want to keep us apart?"

Rhaenys sighed deeply, her gaze shifting to the Godswood tree. "There are many who would benefit from driving a wedge between us. The court is full of intrigue and deception."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the rage that simmered just beneath the surface. "Why didn't you come sooner? Why didn't you come to see me when you received nothing?"

"I was... occupied," she admitted, her voice tinged with guilt. "Your father's war efforts, taking Baela as a ward... It's no excuse, I know. But I thought you were well cared for here, surrounded by family."

"Family?" I laughed bitterly. "Do you know what it's like here? The Greens and the Blacks, always at each other's throats. I have been caught in the middle of their schemes and manipulations."

Rhaenys stepped closer, reaching out to touch my arm. "Lyanna, I'm here now. We will sort this out together. I will not leave you again."

I looked into her eyes, searching for sincerity. There was a part of me that wanted to believe her, to forgive her. But the wounds of the past two years were deep. "I don't know if I can trust you," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her eyes filled with tears. "I understand. But please, give me a chance to make it right."

Before I could respond, the sound of footsteps approached. I turned to see Ser Rickard standing at a respectful distance, his expression unreadable.

"Princess, your presence is requested in the council chambers," he said, bowing slightly.

I nodded, turning back to my mother. "We will talk later," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Rhaenys nodded, wiping a tear from her cheek. "Of course."

As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the unresolved tension between us. There was so much to say, so many questions left unanswered. But for now, I had to focus on the immediate concerns of the court and the impending arrival of my nephews.

The politics of King's Landing waited for no one, not even for the broken bonds between a mother and daughter.

As I turned to leave the garden, the sight of two familiar figures caught my eye. Rhaena and Princess Rhaenyra were entering the garden, making their way towards Rhaenys. My heart swelled with gratitude at the sight of my niece, Rhaena, after so much time apart.

"Rhaena!" I called out, my voice breaking the heavy silence that hung in the air.

Rhaena's face lit up with a bright smile as she rushed towards me. "Aunt Lyanna!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me. The warmth of her embrace was a welcome contrast to the coldness I felt inside.

"I've missed you," I whispered, holding her tightly. "How have you been?"

"I've missed you too," Rhaena replied, pulling back to look at me. "It's been so lonely without you. How are Maekar and Rhaella?"

"They're well," I said, smiling despite the tension. "Growing too fast, as children do."

Rhaena giggled, the sound lightening my heart for a moment. But as I glanced past her, I saw Princess Rhaenyra watching us with a guarded expression. She said nothing, merely nodding in acknowledgment. The silence between us was heavy with unspoken words and unresolved conflicts.

"Princess," I greeted her with a curt nod.

"Lyanna," she responded, her tone neutral.

The moment was interrupted by Ser Rickard's presence at my side. "Princess, we must go. The council is waiting."

I nodded, giving Rhaena one last squeeze before stepping back. "I must attend to matters of the court," I said to Rhaena. "But we will catch up soon, I promise."

Rhaena nodded, her smile fading slightly. "Take care, Aunt Lyanna."

As I left the garden, I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. So many relationships strained, so much left unsaid. But duty called, and I had to answer.

Entering the council chambers, I was greeted by the sight of Vaemond, Queen Alicent, and Otto Hightower. The atmosphere was thick with tension, the air practically crackling with the unspoken agendas and plans of the powerful figures gathered there.

"Princess Lyanna," Otto greeted me, his eyes cold and calculating. "Thank you for joining us."

I nodded, taking my seat at the table. "What is the matter at hand?"

Vaemond spoke up first, his voice firm and authoritative. "We must discuss the succession of the Driftwood Throne. With Lord Corlys' condition, a decision must be made swiftly."

I felt a lump in my throat at the mention of my father, but I forced myself to stay composed. "And what decision has been proposed?" I asked, looking around the table.

Queen Alicent leaned forward, her expression serious. "We believe it is imperative to secure the loyalty of House Velaryon. A strong ally is essential in these turbulent times."

"An ally for whom?" I asked pointedly, my eyes narrowing. "For Aegon?"

Otto interjected smoothly, "An ally for the realm, Princess. We must think of the stability of the Seven Kingdoms."

I clenched my fists under the table, my mind racing. "My father has named an Lucerys as his heir. That decision he made long ago."

Vaemond's face darkened. "Your father is gravely ill. The time for decisions is now, not later."

Before I could respond, Alicent placed a hand on my arm, her touch surprisingly gentle. "We understand this is difficult for you, Lyanna. But please, consider the future of your children. The decisions made today will shape their world."

I took a deep breath, struggling to keep my emotions in check. "I will not be rushed into a decision that could fracture my family further."

Otto's eyes flickered with impatience. "This is not just about family, Princess. It is about the survival of the realm."

I stood up, my chair scraping against the floor. "I need time to think," I said, my voice firm. "I will not be pressured into making a hasty decision."

As I walked away, Queen Alicent followed, her presence commanding attention even in the quiet of the corridor. "I have arranged a dress for tomorrow's proceedings," she announced, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"And the color?" I asked pointedly, already knowing the answer.

"Green," she confirmed without hesitation. Of course, green—symbolizing allegiance to House Hightower and, more importantly, her faction in the brewing conflict.

I glanced around at Ser Rickard, my trusted Kingsguard, and Ser Criston Cole, the Queen's knight who never seemed far from her side. The idea grated against every fiber of my being, but Alicent declared it as a command, a rare instance of direct instruction from her.

"The Queen commands it," Alicent reiterated firmly, her eyes narrowing slightly as if daring me to defy her. She had never before exerted such direct authority over me, and I knew this was more than just a request—it was a test of loyalty, a subtle maneuver to align me with her cause.

"I do not agree with this," I protested quietly, my voice edged with frustration. "This declaration could endanger my family."

Alicent regarded me coolly, her expression unreadable. "It is for the best, Lyanna," she insisted, her tone almost gentle despite the underlying steel. "You must show where your allegiances lie."

Reluctantly, knowing the potential consequences of refusal, I nodded. "Yes, Your Grace," I acquiesced, my voice tight with suppressed emotions.

Turning away from her, I made my way to my chambers, hoping to find solace in the familiar comfort of my own space. Yet as I entered, I was met with the bustling activity of royal seamstresses, their needles and threads busy at work. The room was filled with the sound of measured footsteps and hushed conversations as they tailored garments not only for me but also for Maekar, Rhaella, and even Laena.

I approached quietly, watching as they measured my children with precision, their movements deft and practiced. Rhaella looked up and smiled at me, her eyes bright with curiosity. "Mother, look!" she exclaimed, holding up a piece of fabric adorned with green thread.

"They're beautiful," I said softly, trying to muster a smile for their sake.

It became clear that Alicent's influence extended beyond mere wardrobe choices for me alone; she had also seen fit to dress my children in green, further cementing our family's alignment with her cause. I watched silently, feeling a mix of resignation and defiance swirling within me.

This was more than just clothing. It was a statement, a public declaration of loyalty in a time when every action carried weight and consequence. And as the seamstresses continued their work, I couldn't shake the sense that my choices were no longer entirely my own.

AN:

The way im trying to think how to fit in this story with season 2! New episode tonights.

Lyanna truly loves her kids