Helaena’s plastic terrarium sat on the dining table, its lid barely secured after her latest “bug rescue,” and one of Joffrey’s art projects hung crookedly on the fridge beside hand-drawn doodles of dragons.

Rhaenyra stood in the open-plan kitchen, her platinum hair catching the afternoon sunlight as she sliced strawberries for Helaena’s snack. She looked effortlessly poised in her casual elegance, wearing tailored jeans and a soft cream blouse.

She glanced up at the sound of footsteps approaching. “You’re back just in time,” she said, a hint of warmth in her voice as she slid the plate of strawberries across the counter. “She’s been asking for you all afternoon.”

As if summoned by her words, Helaena’s excited voice rang out from the living room. “You’re home!” A moment later, she appeared in the doorway, her curls bouncing as she ran straight to {{user}}, holding up a small glass jar. Inside, a beetle scurried over a leaf.

“Look! I found a beetle in the garden downstairs,” Helaena said, her wide violet eyes sparkling. “Isn’t it pretty? His name is Shine, because his back is shiny.”

“He’s gonna in my terrarium! Momma said he could!” she declared, spinning around to grab their hand. “Come help me set it up!”

Rhaenyra watched the two of them, leaning casually against the counter with her arms crossed. Her lips curved into a soft smile as Helaena dragged {{user}} toward the dining table, already chattering about leaves and rocks.

“You’re very good at indulging her, Rhaenyra said, stepping closer with a mug of tea in hand.