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Dear Father,
Today I find myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, a sea of uncertainties that overwhelms me at this point in my life. The decision I have made, although necessary, weighs on my heart like a stone slab. I have acted in the name of justice, of the duty that belongs to me as an heiress, but I cannot help but feel that this burden is taking me away from what I once considered a noble purpose.
Eldric Arryn's fate has become a mind-consuming dilemma. This boy, who does not yet understand the complexities of the world around him, has become a pawn in a power game he never chose. His father, Arnold, has been a man of transgressions; their actions have left deep scars in the Valley and called into question the legitimacy of my own position. In his arrogance, Arnold dared to challenge not only his mistress, but also the very essence of our existence, the idea that a woman can rule with wisdom and justice.
The irony is cruel: while Eldric is innocent of his father's sins, I am forced to make a decision that condemns him to be a symbol of the mistakes of a previous generation. Is this the legacy I want to leave? Is this the justice that you and my mother expected me to stand for? The image of Eldric, a little boy with hopeful eyes, haunts me. In his eyes, I see a future that might be bright, but is destined to be darkened by his father's actions.
With each passing day, I wonder if my actions are really fair. Am I not perpetuating the cycle of pain that Arnold started? Am I not condemning a child to live under the shadow of his father, a man whose ambition led him to ruin? My heart is torn between my duty to the Valley and my compassion for Eldric. In my sleepless nights, I find myself pondering the implications of my decision. The burden of the crown is heavy, but the burden of consciousness is even more overwhelming.
I have made the decision to suggest that Eldric be removed from the line of succession, but this conclusion has not been easy to reach. Deep down, I long for peace and justice, but this path seems to be paved with cruel and painful decisions. If these are the kinds of decisions expected of me, I wonder if I am up to the responsibility that comes with governing.
I remember your words, Father, about the need to be firm, to make decisions that can sometimes seem cruel. But is cruelty really necessary? Couldn't there be another way to address this conflict? I am trapped in a labyrinth of morality, where every choice seems to take me farther away from the light and closer to the darkness.
The truth is that I feel that the weight of the crown has changed me, it has made me harder and less compassionate. I have seen how power can corrupt even the purest intentions, and I fear that, in the end, I will be no different from those who came before me. The image of my mother, Aemma, trying to balance her role as queen and mother, haunts me. The history of our families is full of men who have made decisions in the name of "justice," but have often forgotten the humanity behind those decisions.
I have considered the possibility that, by stripping Eldric of his right, he might be securing peace in the Valley. But at what cost? History has shown that the sacrifices of the innocent never lead to true order. Blood spilled in the name of power only breeds more conflict and resentment. Looking at Eldric, I can't help but feel like I'm condemning a child for his father's sins. In my heart, I rebel against this idea, but political logic seems to dictate that this is the only option.
The irony of this situation is not lost on me. I have fought against Arnold's transgressions, and now I find myself in a position where I must decide the fate of his son. Is this what it means to be a queen? Is this the legacy I want to leave for future generations? I'm overwhelmed with a sense of responsibility, and in the midst of all this, I'm also gripped by despair.
I have observed the reaction of those around me, the nobles of the Valley, who expect me to make a decision that will benefit them and ultimately maintain order. But what about the order that is based on injustice? What about the order that ignores a child's suffering? In my heart, I feel like I'm caught in a web of expectations that slowly suffocates me.
Father, I am writing this letter to you not only to explain my decision, but also to look to you for guidance. I've seen you make difficult decisions in the past, and I've often wondered if you've ever doubted the fairness of your actions. Have you ever felt that the weight of the crown has made you forget what it is to be human? I want to learn from you, but I also want to find my own path, one that is not marked by desolation and hopelessness.
The reality is that life is full of difficult choices, and there is not always a clear answer. I feel lost in this labyrinth of ambitions and responsibilities, and in my search for justice, I wonder if I am doomed to repeat the mistakes of those who came before me. The history of the Valley is a history of struggles and sacrifices, and I fear that, in the end, I too will become a tragic figure, caught in the web of ambition and power.
Right now, as I write these words, I feel like a bystander in my own life, observing how the choices I make affect not only my future, but also the future of others. The responsibility of governing is a weight I'm not sure I can bear, and the thought that Eldric could become a pawn in this game fills me with deep sadness.
Life is a cycle of decisions, and while I know that sometimes difficult decisions need to be made, I can't help but wonder if this is the only way forward. History is full of heroes and villains, of those who have made sacrifices in the name of order, but also of those who have been condemned for their actions.
Father, I write to you in the hope that you will be able to illuminate my path, that you will be able to offer me some perspective that will help me reconcile duty with compassion. If this is the legacy you have left me, I want to find a way to do it on my own terms, to ensure that my reign is not marked by injustice or the suffering of the innocent.
Life is full of nuances, and I feel like I'm stuck in a black-and-white world, where decisions are difficult and consequences are severe. At this moment, I wonder if there is any hope that future generations can learn from our mistakes, that they can find a path that is not marked by ambition and pain.
Please, Father, when you receive this letter, reflect on my words. I hope you can offer me the clarity I seek, the understanding I need to meet this challenge. Life is a complicated journey, and while I am willing to take on my responsibilities, I will do so in the hope that the future can be brighter and fairer for everyone.
With love and respect,
Rhaenyra
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[X] [Royce] Decline, Write to Jeyne and suggest having Eldric sent to the Citadel or some other means of removing him from succession when he comes of age.
[X] [Feast] Talk to Alicent Hightower
[X] [Feast] Talk to Isembard Arryn
