Shanea Palace, Rhaenys Bedchambers, 1509
Arthur stood quietly in Rhaenys' bedchamber, admiring his daughter as she slept peacefully. A small smile crept across his face, reflecting pride and hope for her future. "I was right; Rhaenys is definitely fit for a queen," he exclaimed softly, not wanting to disturb her slumber.
The soft glow of candlelight illuminated her features, making her look even more regal. As he watched, he couldn't help but envision the incredible things she would accomplish one day. Each breath she took filled him with a deep sense of love and responsibility.
Then Arthur falls asleep in the chair next to his sleeping adult daughter.
Next Morning
Rhaenys slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. She realized she was back in her bedchamber, the familiar scent of lavender filling the air.
Arthur's gentle snores reached her ears, and she smiled at the sight of him sleeping in the chair. Memories of the previous day flooded her mind, reminding her of what happened the day before.
As she stretched, a sense of purpose welled up within her. She was ready to embrace her destiny, to make her father proud, and to lead with grace. With renewed determination, Rhaenys rose from her bed, ready to face the challenges ahead. Today was a new beginning for both her and her kingdom.
Arthur woke up from his slumber and stared at his daughter, who watched him sleep in the chair.
"Hi, Father," Rhaenys said, her voice trembling slightly as she broke the silence. She felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as she waited for him to respond.
Arthur blinked awake, a smile spreading across his face as he took in the sight of her. "Good morning, Rhaenys. You look ready to take on the world," he replied warmly.
Rhaenys felt a swell of pride at his words, bolstered by her desire to fulfill her destiny. The day ahead promised new challenges, but she was determined to face them with courage.
"Rhaenys, you distressed me last night after you fainted," Arthur said, his tone turning serious.
"I appreciate your concern, Father, but I'm feeling much better now," she assured him, her resolve strengthening.
Arthur studied her for a moment, searching for any signs of lingering weakness.
Satisfied, he nodded slowly, his expression softening once more as he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Just remember, you don't have to do this alone," he reminded her, instilling a sense of solidarity that filled her with renewed hope.
Arthur then says to Rhaenys, "It seems we have a lot to talk about."
Rhaenys took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their shared responsibility. "Yes, we do," she replied, her voice steady as she met his gaze, ready to face the challenges ahead together. She then says, "Where should we start?"
Arthur then says to his daughter Rhaenys, "Why don't we start at the beginning?"
Rhaenys nodded, her mind racing back to the events that led them to this moment. "The beginning—I'm fine with that. Tell me a little bit about Grandma Igraine."
Arthur smiled, his eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and warmth. "Your grandmother is a remarkable woman, filled with courage and wisdom, and her story is one of resilience that shaped our family."
He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "Igraine faced countless challenges, but her strength in the face of adversity helped forge our legacy and instilled in us the values we carry today."
"She always believed in the power of love and unity, often reminding us that family is our greatest treasure. Her tales of perseverance and hope are still motivating everyone who knows her."
Rhaenys listened intently, her eyes wide with admiration. "Wow," she whispered, feeling the weight of her grandmother's legacy.
Arthur then says, "Tell me a little bit about your adoptive father."
Rhaenys smiled softly, her expression shifting with fondness. "He taught me the importance of kindness and integrity, always encouraging me to stand up for what is right, no matter the odds."
"His unwavering support gave me the courage to pursue my dreams," she continued, her voice filled with warmth. "Every lesson he shared was a building block in my life, shaping me into the person I am today."
Arthur then asked, "What was your adoptive father's name?"
Rhaenys's smile widened as she replied, "His name was Frank. He's a remarkable man with a heart of gold." She continued, "Frank believed in me even when I doubted myself, and his wisdom guided me through many challenges." "I owe so much of who I am to him."
Arthur nodded thoughtfully, impressed by the depth of her gratitude. "It sounds like he played a pivotal role in your journey," he said, eager to hear more about the lessons that had influenced her life.
"Absolutely," she replied, her eyes lighting up. "One of the most important lessons he taught me was the value of resilience; he always said that setbacks are just setups for comebacks."
"That's incredible," Arthur said, genuinely moved by Rhaenys' sentiment. He could see how deeply her mentor had impacted her life and perspective. "It's wonderful how a single person can shape our path," he added, encouraging her to share more.
Arthur nodded, intrigued. "Did she give you any siblings?" he asked, curious about her family dynamics.