Were it choice or ambition, Helaena would gladly have allowed another the right to the crown; as is, she cannot. Queenship is a heavy duty, one she can only hope to one day bear with the same ease her mother displays. There are those who would claim a queen's duty to be none other than those of marriage, to bear a king his heirs, but her lady mother had always excelled in making clear there was more to her power than motherhood. She is the reason why the princess knows it is a role far more crucial than it is given credit by many; hence, her hesitation.
Her hands still at mother's touch, the contact soothing as intended; a reminder there is, still, someone willing to take her hand and guide her steps, that she needs not find the path on her own. But while mother's wisdom is plentiful, she is but one woman, and they are many in need of her guidance. Aegon will surely need her, as king; as will the council and the planning for what is ahead. Helaena is scarcely the most pressing concern.
"I do not think I would be able to do it without you," she confesses, certain the words are unsurprising, but voicing them nonetheless. "I am grateful for your guidance, mother. I just — I also do not wish to burden you when there will be so much to be done." The urge to resume her restless picking at her sleeves comes over her, but Helaena pushes it back, hands kept as still as she can. "We all have our roles to play. I want to help, not hinder."
The subtle smile in answer to mother's unearned compliments is not of the overjoyed sort; it is a polite reply, demure, but a disbelieving one. Surely enough, she would endeavor to be as good a queen as she could be; to be possessed of the qualities for greatness, however... well. Suffice to say Helaena knows her limitations. "I shall do my best. I know it will be good to have the people on our side. Perhaps — perhaps I should be able to help Aegon on that front."
Her hands close, then, fingernails pressed against her palms. Uncertain, yes, but trying all the same. Is that not what mother asks of her? To do as well as she can by their family? To try her best for them? "Do you think he would allow me to take part in his council? Yours has been an important voice there and I — I would wish to learn. So that I can do some good for the realm, perhaps — and for my children, when it is their turn."