Work Text:
No one will ever believe them about it but Kiera and Daenora were relieved when the Great Council named Aegon the heir to the throne.
They had been dreading the outcome the whole time it was convened. Kiera was comfortable enough in the belief that they wouldn’t leave the throne to Vaella. Even if she hadn’t been born a daughter, her mental troubles would have kept the throne out of her grasp. Perhaps it is wrong of her but Vaella’s mind still seems like a blessing to Kiera, something that almost makes her believe in the Mother over her parents’ God, it kept Vaella out of the danger of becoming heir and meant that one day the two of them could leave. Maegor was a bigger question. Daenora had no intention of putting forward a petition Kiera knew but that wouldn’t be enough to rule him out. He was a son situated in the succession and was already showing to be an intelligent and genial, if awkward, boy. He took after his uncle Aemon more than his father in nature but they couldn’t know for sure that it would stay that way. But they had hope the whole time that they and their children would be free.
And they were.
It was the most spectacular relief they had ever felt.
Now, they were not future queens and queen mothers. They are just widows with young children to care for, free to choose where to raise them and how. Free to live and love away from the prying eyes and rigid standards of the court. They’re free.
It’s still not all done however. They have to decide where they’ll live and there’s still permission to be asked but Aegon was always a kind boy and neither of them expect him to deny them.
They could go to Tyrosh. They could go to the home Kiera has not seen in so many years and raise them beside her own family as she often imagined she would. She would teach them the Valyrian tongue she often feared she forgot to speak and show Daenora all the sights of her home and her city. They could bask in its weathers and delight in the foods she’s been craving for years.
They could go to the Vale. Daenora’s mother’s family have already expressed a willingness, a desire even, to house and aid their kinswoman and Daenora believes that they’ll happily allow Kiera and Vaella to follow her there. They could enjoy the sheer isolation that the Vale often lends, free from any need to alter their behaviour and if there is, they’ll be warned days ahead. They could get there almost immediately and waste no time in starting their lives again. They could find peace in its mists and the quietness of the place.
They don't know what they’ll do yet but whatever happens, they’ll go together. They’ve been alone for longer than anyone should and there’s not a chance they’ll let it continue, not know they have the love of each other beside them.