Tumgik
#queen alicent hightower x reader
bitchyglitterfox · 1 year
Text
The Queens Secret - Queen Alicent x F!Stark!Reader
Tumblr media
Warning: Smut Smut Smut, Domme Alicent, Facer riding, Oral (Alicent) Thigh riding, slapping, crispy cole
...
For everyone who knew of Queen Alicent Hightower, she was a woman of the seven, never failing to do her duty that was expected of her. However the Queen had her secrets, one of which she made sure no one would know, not even her sworn protector Ser Criston Cole knew. 
Queen Alicent had a secret lover, her dearest lady in waiting, Y/n Stark. You are a noble woman of house Stark, Cregan Stark’s older sister who was sent to be a lady in waiting for Queen Alicent. 
You had never expected to be where you are. Currently under the queens desk as your tongue graciously laps at her dripping cunt. 
She has the bottom of her night gown pulled up so she could play with your hair and speak praises to you as you stared up at her with your big doe eyes. 
“Just like that little pet, you are doing so well for your queen. If you make me come on your tongue thrice, I may let you cum tonight,” she says as she rakes her fingers through your hair. The praise and knowledge that she may finally let you come after the hours of edging she had already previously done makes you move your tongue to her clit. 
You both stop, a knock at her door making you both freeze. She quickly throws her nightgown over you and shushes you before beckoning whomever inside. 
“Your grace, I have come to let you know the King has bid you a goodnight,” Ser Cristons voice reaches your ears and being the naughty little minx you are, you continue your assault on her clit, bringing a finger to her weeping hole and entering her warm cavern. 
“I-I wish the king a good night as well, th-” she has to hold in a groan as she feels your finger hit the spongy spot inside of her that makes her toes curl, she bites her lip. 
“Are you alright, your grace?” Cole asks, stepping further into the room. 
“I am perfectly fine Ser Criston,  but if that is a-all you wished to let me know then you may go now,” 
He bows to her and walks back out of her room, making sure to close the door behind him once more.
Once he is out the door she swiftly pulls her night gown back up and yanks you away from her. 
“Naughty little sluts dont get to come, you tried to make me look as though i was a fool infront of ser criston,” she smirks, “On the bed, naked, I shall teach little whores who dont know how to act properly how to use their manners,” 
You bite your lip as you slowly strip infront of her grace, soon you are nude and laying on your back in her beautifully soft bed. She walks over you and begins to straddle you. 
“Little whore should learn their mouths are only for pleasing their queens,” she says as she now hovers above your mouth, “you will not touch me, and you will not get off, do you understand me little whore?” 
You nod your head up at her, earning a small slap to the face, you swallow thickly, the pain feels so delicious. 
“Yes, your grace, I understand.” 
She lowers herself onto your mouth, beginning to grind herself upon your face, your nose bumping into her clitorus as she hangs on to the headboard of her bed. 
It takes all your willpower not to grab onto her hip and bring her harder down on your face or to rub your own clit. You mustn't upset her grace again or else she may never let you come. 
You begin to dart your tongue out, adding pleasure to your lover. Her moans fill you to disobey her as you reach out your arms to grab a hold of her hips and pause her movements. Her being lost into her own pleasure couldn't care less at the moment that you have disobeyed her. 
You sit back up and bring her bare cunt to your bare thigh and begin to move her hips along, the friction of her clit against your thigh, drenching it in her slick making you move your own hands down to your clit, moving slow, tight circles. 
You move your other hand from her hips to her neck and pull her down into a hard, teeth clashing kiss. You glide your tongue into her mouth, tasting her and the sweet wine she had been drinking before she had beckoned you into her room an hour ago. 
You both stop kissing, your moaning grows louder as you both finish, thighs shaking and as you come down from your orgasmisms. Once Alicent’s head clears from the fog, she grabs your cheeks between her thumb and fingers. 
“Naughty little wolf, however I must forgive you for the orgasm you have given me. But if you disobey your queen again, the punishment will be far worse than my cunt suffocating you,” she says as she kisses your forehead and lips once again. 
“Yes your grace,” you smile up at her.
292 notes · View notes
Text
Its always
"Are you team green?"
Or
"Are you team black?"
But never
"Are you Team Milf?"
Tumblr media
I am really only here for the women and the dragons. I'm just gonna be truthful.
438 notes · View notes
idksmtms · 3 months
Text
For Anyone But Us (Criston Cole x Alicent's Daughter!reader)
Tumblr media Tumblr media
A/N: Sorry Daeron, you didn’t exist here either 
Summary: You had grown up with Ser Criston as your protector, and almost a father figure. You didn’t know when exactly you began to crave him in carnal ways, in ways that had you blushing redder than a summer strawberry and running to hide away. But now you can handle it no longer. You must have him. 
Word count: 3,867
Trigger Warnings: she/her pronouns, AFAB reader, profanity, innuendo, age gap, oral f & m receiving, handjob, smut smut smut, self-hating, slightly manipulative reader (??), daddy issues, sexualising a father figure, era-typical negative view of sex, (please let me know if I missed any) 
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood characters. I do not claim to own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood characters. I do not own any pictures used nor do I claim to do so. 
Always appreciate comments, likes, and reblogs :)
Tumblr media
You sat in your mother’s quarters, embroidery on your lap and a gentle melody humming from your lips. She was answering letters at her writing table while you reclined on her couch, enjoying the sudden breeze that had settled upon king’s landing and blew through her open windows. Occasionally you looked up to Ser Criston, standing stoic as ever by the door, and offered him a joyful little smile, one which he returned in his own muted way. 
Since you were born, you have been your mother’s constant companion. From her breast to her lap to her side, you have spent almost your entire life beside her. You are her youngest child, the apple of her eye by far, and the one that looks most like her. When you cried, she was the only one to comfort you, when you showed an interest in music, she had the best musicians come to foster your talent, when you said you wanted to learn history, she had as many books as would fit in your chambers brought from the library. You may be half Targaryen, but you will always be Alicent’s daughter. 
Due to being your mother’s constant companion, you soon became one for Ser Criston as well. Alicent trusted no guard more than Ser Criston and so he often had the task of being your carer. He has soothed your tears and washed your cuts when you’ve played too hard. He has tickled you until your laughs became shrieks and been the first to compliment every single one of your new dresses. You have grown up watching Ser Criston be your mother’s protector, be your protector. When you think of safety, you think of his face. So it makes sense that when you look upon his face as he watches out the window, a stoic set to his lips and brow, that your chest heats up and an errant throb pangs between your legs? 
You don’t really remember when you started feeling this way for him. You vividly remember one night, a feast for some celebration or other, and your mother had gifted you a new dress made of silk dyed in thin red water to make the prettiest baby pink. The maids had done your hair with intricate braids and curls that fell down your back but left your neck and chest exposed. You had rushed out of your room and found Ser Criston first, hopping in front of him to show off the dress. You had spun around in excitement, swishing the skirt of your dress back and forth and asking him what he thought. He had said you were the most beautiful girl in the world with a smile on his face and those dark eyes of his that never truly softened and kept a certain harsh quality to them. Your whole chest had turned red and your stomach had twisted in the most pleasurable way and you had wanted him to watch you for the rest of eternity. Even during the feast you had kept standing by him despite your siblings scolding you to mingle, pouting like a child if he turned his attention away from you for even a minute. 
Another memory, only a few years past, when Aegon had said something to upset you and you had come sobbing to your mother. After soothing your tears she had left you in her quarters under the watchful eye of Ser Criston to go and scold Aegon. You had sidled up to him, asking if whatever taunt Aegon had made was true. He had been quick to shush you, telling you that Aegon was a young man and he could still be stupid, that you needn’t take everything he said to heart. You had pressed yourself to his chest then, wrapping your arms around the armour on his midriff. He had gently rubbed your back for a few moments before clearing his throat and pulling away, guiding you back to the couch and bringing you whatever embroidery project you had left on the side table. But the feeling of his large hand on your back, his palm and fingers spanning so wide, his smell and even the look of his skin from so close had stuck inside your mind and body and you had tossed and turned that entire night to thoughts of him. 
You startled out of your thoughts of the man when your mother abruptly stood from her chair, tutting as she mumbled to herself about the time. You knew she was overdue to tea with Larys Strong so you smiled cheekily at her as she breezed past you, pressing a kiss to your head before heading to the door. 
“Ser Criston, stay here with Y/n, I shall take Ser Berrill with me to my meeting,” and she was out the door before Criston could nod his assent. 
You smiled then, looking to where Ser Criston stood and abandoning your embroidery to skip over to him. He smiled at you, bowing his head in greeting and you giggled. Criston didn’t know when that had become his favourite sound in the world but it was better than even the Septon bells on a wedding day. 
“I think I shall head back to my quarters Ser Criston, accompany me?” You asked, reaching to grab his arm and threading yours through his. Criston cleared his throat and nodded, his neck and cheeks going hot at the feeling of your body pressed so close to his side. It was inappropriate for a girl of your age and stature to be standing so close to him. But you had been doing this all your life, and despite the whispers that now began to pervade the keep about this behaviour, you refused to stop. (And of course Ser Criston was incapable of saying no to you). 
Criston opened the door and led the way out into the hallway, walking slow enough for you to keep pace with him. You were chattering on about something or other, he was too busy surveying your surroundings to fully pay attention, and the glimpse of your breasts that he caught every time he looked down to you was enough for him to keep his eyes away from your form completely. 
“...and that’s why Aemond has cemented his place as my favourite brother.” You giggled and he couldn’t help but look down to you again, smiling distractedly when he caught sight of the way your breasts curved under your emerald green gown, at the slight bumps of your nipples that he could see through the fabric. 
“He is a true prince of the realm and a great brother for you, Princess,” Criston answered, hoping it would be enough of an answer for you. You smiled and nodded and began on another story but stopped as you reached the doors to your chambers. You paused outside the door, opening and closing your mouth a few times. You chewed at the tip of the nail on your index finger and looked up at Criston with big doe eyes that had his entire body clenching up. 
“Ser Criston… would you come into my chambers with me? I don’t particularly feel like being alone right now.” You were twisting side to side at the waist lightly, hoping he would cave. 
“I do not think that is appropriate Princess,” he replied quietly, voice going low and gruff. 
“Please, Ser Criston? There is nothing wrong with my protector joining me in my chambers,” you argued, eyes going teary. 
“Princess…” he sighed, shaking his head. “We may know we are not doing anything scandalous but others will not know. I will not be responsible for anyone questioning your honour.” You sighed, almost admitting defeat, before looking up at him once more. 
“What if there is someone in there right now, waiting to destroy my honour? Then it would be irresponsible of you not to accompany me into my chambers,” you smiled triumphantly, before quickly pouting again when you remembered that cheekiness would not work in your favour. 
“Do not speak of such things Princess,” he replied sharply, swallowing aggressively at the thought of someone daring to come close to you with those intentions. 
“Then do not risk it Ser Criston and accompany me into my chambers,” you huffed, crossing your arms over your chest. Criston sighed once more before nodding in acquiescence. He knew you would always win, it was only a matter of how long he was willing to fight against you. 
You smiled brightly and grabbed onto his arm, dragging him into the room with you and shutting the door firmly behind you, sliding the lock closed before Criston could even realise you had done it. 
You leaned back against the door and watched him stand in the middle of the room, looking around the entire room before deeming it safe for you. He turned back to you and saw the mischievous smile on your face before sighing once more. 
“The room is safe Princess, I must return to my guardpost now,” he said, but he knew it would be easier said than done leaving now that he was inside. You just shook your head, continuing to block the door. 
“But I don’t feel safe Ser Criston, you must stay and continue protecting me,” you whined, rushing forward and falling to your knees right in front of him. You clasped one of his hands between yours and pouted as he began trying to get you to stand up. If someone walked in now and saw the princess on her knees in front of a knight, he would be sent to death quicker than he could pray for forgiveness. 
“Stand up Princess, please, you should not be on the floor,” he sounded pained, holding onto your elbows and trying to get you to stand without yanking you up. You just shook your head and did something that made his heart stop directly in his chest. You brought his hands to your lips and gently kissed the backs of both, staring up at him from under fluttering eyelashes. 
“This is exactly where I should be, Ser Criston. You have protected me my entire life, you have cared for me like no other, loved me like no other. I am devoted to you even beyond the gods. It is only right that I show you my devotion, show you my thanks, right here on my knees.” All breath abandoned him as he looked upon you, innocent and pure, on your knees with your face right by his cock. He swallowed harshly, shaking his head. No, no, no. He could not do this. He had abandoned his vows once already. And while he wholeheartedly believed that if he abandoned them with you then it wouldn’t be a waste as it had been with Rhaenyra, the thought of sullying you, of allowing himself to feel all that… heat and desperation, filled him with a shame that would eventually kill him. 
“Princess, please heed my words, you cannot do this, we cannot do this. You say I have protected you my entire life, and it is from this too I have protected you. From the men who wish to steal your honour and sully your body. I will not be one of them.” He wanted to sound firm but it came out pleading, almost verging on a desperate whine that had you frowning and tilting your head. 
“I only want you, Ser Criston. I don’t want any other, and I know I never will. You have never denied me anything, please do not deny me this,” your lip began to wobble and tears pooled so quickly in your eyes that they began to spill over before he could try and sway you away. You began to blubber and he dropped to his knees awkwardly in his armour, 
“Please don’t cry Princess, please don’t cry,” he begged, throwing off his gloves and cupping your face with his hands as you began to sniffle. His skin was rough and warm and you rubbed your cheek into his palm like a puppy. 
“You will not be sullying me, you will still be protecting me. If you do this for me then I will know what love feels like and I will know how to judge a suitor. I-I will know what pleasure feels like,” you added shyly, leaning closer to him. “You will only be teaching me. There is nothing wrong with teaching, you have been teaching me and my brothers since we were children.” 
Criston sighed and shook his head, grunting at the battle that waged a war in his head. He closed his eyes, knowing that if he kept looking at you he would break much too quickly. He shouldn’t be feeling like this for you. He shouldn’t be feeling like this for anyone. It was wrong to be such a lustful creature. But you whimpered and whined in his hands, turning to press open-mouthed kisses against his palms and he could feel the cracks appearing in his resolve along with his shame. When you took his index finger into your mouth, sucking on it like a child with a treat, the feeling of your warm, wet, mouth had spikes of hot pleasure shooting through his body and any remaining resolve dissolving as easier than salt into water. 
Criston moaned, too loud for his liking, and his breath shook out of him, head bowing as he panted against his chest. You could see the change in him, could see that you had won as his free hand began to roughly tug at the straps of his chestplate. It fell away and clattered onto the floor as you continued sucking on his finger, swirling your tongue around the digit. Criston sucked in a breath before pulling his finger from your mouth, cupping your cheek with the same hand and spreading your spit over your face. He pulled you into a kiss, a harsh thing that had you gasping and keening and yelping slightly when your bottom lip pinched between his mouth and your teeth. But all bonds on him had been unleashed, and he was ravenous. 
You fell against him, becoming just as desperate though with far less experience. You shoved your hands into his hair and pressed your chest to his, settling yourself onto his lap as he fell back onto the floor, torso held up by his elbows. He plunged his tongue into your mouth while you collected your skirts into your hands so you could sit on him without any intrusion. Criston pulled away from you, panting against your mouth for a moment before gently shoving you off and standing up again. He began undoing the rest of his armour and you sat on your knees and watched him. His hair was mussed from your hands and his cheeks had gone rosy pink. You heard the clanks of metal as each piece fell away and more of his body was revealed to you. The soft clothes he wore underneath were next, his shirt pulled over his head and tossed to the side without a care in the world. 
The soft bronze skin of his abdomen was taut and curved along each defined muscle. A light dusting of dark hair sat along his chest and trailed down his stomach until it disappeared below his breeches. You couldn’t handle being away from him any longer, a desperate heat crawling over your skin as if bugs had begun buzzing under your skin. 
You shuffled forward on your knees until you were right before him. You pressed a hand to the warm skin of his stomach, lightly scratching your nails down toward the waist of his pants. He shuddered, curling forward slightly and resting a hand on your shoulder. 
“Princess…” he sighed, but he didn’t stop you either. 
You slipped your fingers into the waistband and slowly began to move it down. His cock caught in it before popping out and gently slapping against his abdomen. You stared at it, mouth suddenly full of saliva and legs trembling. You reached out and grasped it, the skin soft and burning hot. The tip was bright red and glistening, a small pearl dribbling out of it and sliding down the length. Another pearl dribbled onto your hand and you tightened your hold on him, listening to the gasps and moans he let out. You didn’t know where the desire to kiss it, to lick it, came from but you didn’t deny a single thing your body desired. You leaned forward and licked just under the head of his cock, smacking your lips slightly to try and decipher what exactly the taste was, before going in for another lick. You ran your tongue up the length of his shaft and back down. The hand on your shoulder clenched tight into your gown and pulled you closer to him. You opened your mouth wide and took the head just past your lips, suckling on it. You stared up into Criston’s face, his mouth open as he panted and moaned like he was in the most pain a man had ever felt. The sounds of your mouth smacking as you suckled on his cock echoed into the room and you rubbed your legs together. It sounded so wrong but oh so good. 
You pulled off of his length before going back to drag long licks along the length of his shaft. Everywhere you could reach you licked until Criston was keening loudly and pulling away. 
“Princess! Princess, please,” he huffed, cupping your face as you sat there staring up at him. You reached to your back and pulled on the ties to unlace your dress as much as you could on your own. The top loosened and the collar fell below your breasts, baring them to the cool air and the eyes of your protector. Your nipples had pebbled and you shivered as the cool air of the keep brushed over your skin. 
Criston stood you up and you allowed the dress to fall fully to your waist, smiling unashamedly as he continued to stare at your body. You wanted him to see you, to see every part of you. You loved him like you had loved no other, and you wanted to show him somehow. He led you to your bed, sitting on the edge and staring up at you. He bent forward and kissed the space between your breasts, rubbing his cheeks against the flesh on either side of his head. He breathed in the smell of your skin, kissing along the softness to your left nipple. He swirled his tongue over it, flicking it, before engulfing it with his mouth and sucking lightly. His mouth felt too hot against your skin and you moaned as you leaned back slightly to continue watching him. 
Criston pulled away and cupped your other breast, massaging it and rubbing the nipple with the pad of his thumb. It felt almost ticklish on the sensitive skin but sparks shot through you all the same. 
“Ser Criston,” you whimpered, pressing your chest further into his hand and hoping he would put his mouth back to the skin. 
“Yes, Princess, yes,” he said hurriedly, but instead of returning to your breasts, he bent at the waist and brought his face to your pussy. You gasped, his thumbs resting against either side and peeling your sticky lips apart. 
You had felt the slick begin to seep out of you and slowly spread from your hole and over your lips, but to see his face begin to press between your thighs, to feel his thumbs gently rub the soft skin and hear the way he inhaled deeply as he settled his chin on the crevice of your thighs had you moaning louder than you ever had before. 
“We must be quiet Princess,” he whispered, but you paid it no heed as he dove his tongue between your thighs right then. 
His tongue was hot and wet, the rough bumps rubbing deliciously against the sensitive skin of your pussy. He licked from bottom to top before focusing on a little nub near the top of the crevice, suckling on it so heat shot straight through you and your legs buckled. You were bowing over him now, nails digging into the skin of his back as you rested on his shoulder, panting and wailing. He lapped at your cunt like a dog drinking water, desperate and aggressive. He slurped and pressed his face as far as it would go into your flesh. You could feel his chin rub against the skin of your thighs, slipping and sliding in the juices that had dribbled out of you. From this angle only the tip of his tongue could reach your hole and he pushed it in just so, pulling it out and pushing it back in so your entrance clenched and unclenched over it, the rim becoming sensitive. 
“Ser Criston!” You wailed, bucking against his face as he moved it back and forth, his nose rubbing against that swollen little nub that made you feel like the world was bursting behind your eyes. 
You pressed your mouth to his back, and in a fleeting moment of clarity remembered that he needed to reach his release as well. You slid one of your hands between your bodies and grasped his cock, choking on a gasp when he moaned right into your flesh and the vibrations spread through every nerve ending. You grasped him tighter and he hissed. You mumbled apologies into his skin before beginning to jerk your hand back and forth along his shaft, listening to the squelch of not only his mouth on your pussy but his cum spreading over his shaft beneath your hand. The pleasure rose within you, his hips bucked frantically up into your hand, your legs twitched uncontrollably, your skin was on fire. Everything felt like it was moving too fast all of a sudden, a wave rising in your legs and stomach and deep in your core. He was moaning against you and the vibrations finally sent you over the edge, heat and overwhelming pleasure throbbing through you. Your fingers twitched and your arms felt like jelly and your ears were rushing with blood. You couldn’t hear Criston’s moans as he spurted onto your thighs and hands, as he pressed his face to your stomach and moaned. 
When your ears quieted you could hear the mingling of both of your panted breaths, could feel the saliva that had drooled from your mouth and smeared onto his back under your cheek. Your weight was completely resting over his shoulder and you could feel the stickiness all along your thighs, the breeze beginning to cool it and sending shivers down your spine. Your hand was sticky and you slowly peeled it away from his cock. Criston shivered and slowly brought you off his shoulder and into his lap. You stared into his eyes, deep brown and endless. He leaned down and kissed you, lips salty and slick. 
“Thank you, Ser Criston,” you said, smiling against his mouth.
Taglist: @autumnhymns
458 notes · View notes
maidragoste · 6 months
Text
Forgive me
Tumblr media
Harwin Strong x Velaryon!Reader (unrequited love), Alicent Hightower x Velaryon!Reader, Larys Strong x Velaryon!Reader
Part 5 of this
Part 6
Serie Masterlist
Larys does not appear in this chapter but we have Alicent 😋
btw, there was going to be a little scene with Daemon but I felt like it didn't add to this chapter but if you want I can upload it separately
Comments, reblogs, likes are always greatly appreciated 🥰💖
Please comment if you like the chapter 🙏 🙏  , it always motivates me to write more 💖💖
My inbox is open so I'm always willing to read your headcanons, opinions and answer your questions.
Disclaimer: English is not my first language so I apologize for any mistakes.
Tumblr media
"Get out," you demanded the moment you saw Rhaenyra with Jacaerys in her arms entering your chambers. You noticed how her smile seemed to tremble at your cold tone but you didn't care. If she didn't care about your feelings when she fucked your husband then you had no reason to care about hers.
You had to admit that Rhaenyra had been cautious enough to come when you were alone. If your mother had been with you you were sure that she would not have held her tongue and would have told the princess everything she thought of her. You could even see your mother dragging her by her hair to get her out of your chambers. A small smile appeared on your lips as you imagined the scene, that would be something to talk about in court. Although you would never let your mother lose her temper so much, she couldn't get on the king's bad side.
"Jacaerys wanted to meet his cousins," Rhaenyra said as if she hadn't heard you and sat down next to you. You moved as much as you could, wanting to make your displeasure clear. You couldn't go far since next to you was the basket where Aethan was sleeping there.
Of course, she was going to use her son as her excuse to see you. It wasn't the first time she had done it. Now that she knew that she had seen that you cared about Jacaerys—if it were up to you she would never have found out but one night the prince couldn't sleep no matter what Rhaenyra, Harwin, and Laenor did so your brother had the wonderful idea to take Jace with you, you managed to make him sleep by singing him the same song that you sang to him in the nursery before the perplexed gaze of your husband and the princess—I thought that through him he could get close to you again. But she was wrong.
"Jacaerys couldn't have told you that," you said, feeling Alyn begin to stir in your arms. A small part of you wished that he would start crying so the princess would leave but you knew that if he cried then Aethan would wake up and he would start crying too. You sighed and began to coo to your son, trying to ignore Rhaenyra's glare.
"But it's obvious that he's in a bad mood because he hasn't seen you in days," said the princess.
"Fine. He can stay, now you can go" you said, starting to think that you would have to call one of the maids to help you. You didn't like the idea but there was no way you could handle two newborns and a baby less than a year old alone.
"Y/n" Rhaenyra said your name with pure pain.
"What?" you said pointedly. You hated that she was doing this. You wanted to be calm with your children and she came to interrupt your little peace. No matter how many times you made it clear that you wanted nothing to do with her, the princess wouldn't stop insisting. And now she wanted to make you feel bad for her when you weren't the one who ruined everything between the two of you.
"Forgive me. Please, I just want everything to go back to the way it was before," Rhaenyra begged, if you hadn't had your son in your arms she would have taken your hands and kissed them like the two of you used to do when you were young whenever one of you had said or done something that had hurt the other.
"Rhaenyra, that will never happen," you said, starting to feel pain in your head.
"I miss you" You closed your eyes as you heard the princess's voice falter. “I love you,” you couldn’t help but let out a shaky breath. You decided to focus on your anger and ignore any other emotions you felt.
"You say that and you still fucked my husband," you said, opening your eyes and looking at her furiously.
"I handled the situation badly," she admitted, hugging Jace, trying not to break down in front of you. "I'm really sorry," she apologized again, feeling her heartache at your attitude. "I know I was wrong but I need you. I can't stand you hating me."
You'd like to say you weren't affected by hearing the desperation in Rhaenyra's voice but you'd be lying. You hated her. And you hate yourself for stopping her from affecting you. A part of you feared that deep inside you were still the young woman who loved the princess and lived to see her happy. You forced yourself to remember the whispers of the court at Jacaerys's hair color to erase any trace of pity you felt for the princess. She alone had caused this. She couldn't expect that with a simple apology, you would forget everything she did.
“You'll have to live with that for the rest of your life, Rhaenyra,” you said that because it was the truth, you weren't going to ever forgive her, but you also said it because you wanted to hurt her, you hoped she felt at least a part of the pain that she and Harwin gave you. “You had to think about it before betraying me”
“You betrayed me first!”
Rhaenyra's scream caused the three babies to start crying. If Jacaerys had not been in the princess's arms, you would have thrown the object closest to your reach at her. Who the hell did she think she was to come uninvited to your chambers and yell at you? Not only that, but she accused you of betraying her. You couldn't believe her audacity. It hadn't even been thirty minutes since she apologized to you and now she was yelling at you.
If the babies' cries weren't drilling into your head, perhaps you would have asked her to explain what the supposed betrayal you had committed was, but right now you just wanted her away so you could calm the twins down.
“Get out” you ordered and for once Rhaenyra listened to you. Of course, she had to leave slamming the door, making your children's cries even worse.
Tumblr media
“I don't like them,” Aegon announced, looking with obvious disgust at Aethan, who was in your arms, and Alyn, who was being cooed by Alicent.
Perhaps another woman would have been offended or bothered by the little prince's comment but you couldn't help but laugh at the pout of his lips and his little wrinkled nose.
“Aegon!” Alicent instantly reprimanded him, making the boy even more upset.
“It's okay, my queen,” you reassured her with a smile. “Do you want to tell me why you don't like them?” you asked in a soft voice and settled better in your seat so you could hold Aethan well with one hand and thus be able to caress him with your other hand Aegon's hair.
The boy felt a little better at your sweet caresses. “Because of them you can't spend time with me and Sunfyre anymore,” he grumbled.
Since you gave birth to the twins you didn't go to the Dragon's Pit with Aegon. Now it was the dragon guardians who taught him how to care for and bond with Sunfyre. He didn't like that. Aegon wanted you to be next to him, he wanted to see your proud smile every time he pronounced a word in Valyrian correctly, he wanted you to take him to fly with you over Nightwing like you used to do every time he finished his lessons.
The worst thing was that every time Aegon wanted to spend time with you there was always someone else with you and there were the babies. You couldn't play with him or pay attention to him for long because one of the twins would always start crying or someone would turn their attention to the twins. Aegon didn't understand what people saw as interesting about the twins, they were just annoying babies who didn't know how to do anything but cry. Aegon just wanted to have his time alone with you again.
“Oh, my little prince, I miss spending time with you too” You kissed his cheek several times until Aegon began to laugh.
Alicent watched them both with a smile. It always warmed her heart every time she saw how you cared about her children and how loving you were towards them. She was sure that you cared more about her children than Viserys did. She knew you loved her children like they were your own. She could see it every time your face lit up when the children came running to hug you. She could see it in how you listened intently to Aegon and Helaena's ramblings. She could see it every time she found you in the nursery singing to Aemond and Daeron. She felt grateful for all those moments. She was grateful that there was someone who genuinely cared about her children.
“I promise you that once I recover I will go with you to the Dragon’s Pit.”
"But just the two of us! No annoying babies!" Aegon said, looking at you "seriously" as he pointed at you. You laughed again, the little prince's attitude made you tender.
“Aegon, you shouldn't talk about them like that. They are your family,” Alicent reminded him sternly, making you stop laughing and making the boy have a pout on his lips again.
Sometimes you felt that Alicent took everything too seriously and forgot that Aegon was just a child. It was obvious that he was just jealous that he couldn't spend time with you and it was the first time you'd heard him complain. You didn't like seeing Aegon being reprimanded just for acting his age. A child his age should be free to say what he thinks, he should spend more time playing instead of being pressured to attend lessons just because they thought it would impress his father. You didn't like it nor did you want to take away authority from Alicent's upbringing but sometimes you couldn't help but intervene because you didn't like how they pressured Aegon.
“You can say that they are annoying or anything you want, Aegon,” you said poking his nose with your finger making him smile a little “As long as we are alone” you quickly clarified before the queen's gaze “Besides I am sure that once they grow up and you can play with them you will like them”
Before the prince could answer you, the maester appeared to take the boy away since he had to start his lessons. You managed to convince Aegon to leave after you promised him that he could visit you again once he finished his lessons and that you would be waiting for him with his favorite sweets.
“How are you feeling?” Alicent asked once they were alone. She had been furious when one of her handmaidens informed her that Rhaenyra had come to see you. She had also noticed the dark circles under your eyes. She knew that the twins weren't letting you sleep much, she more than anything wanted to be able to help you but she was the queen and people would notice if she came to your chambers in the middle of the night.
“I'm tired but now that I've seen you and Aegon I'm happy” you admitted, resting your head on her shoulder and you closed your eyes, missing the blush on the queen's cheeks and the sweet smile that appeared on her face at your words.
You smiled as you felt Alicent's lips on your forehead. Not feeling satisfied, you stopped leaning on her shoulder so you could steal a kiss from her. You felt your chest warm at the familiarity of the sweetness of her lips.
Any discomfort that Rhaenyra caused you was forgotten with Alicent's kisses.
Tumblr media
Again another night of crying. You didn't know how many minutes ago Aethan and Alyn were crying. You tried to feed them but none of them wanted to take your breast, you had already changed them but they still kept crying.
You rocked Alyn in your arms and with your foot from time to time, you lightly pushed the crib where Aethan was, hoping that the movement would tire him out. All this while you sing to them, trying to ignore the lump in your throat. You feel worthless for not being able to make your babies stop crying. It shouldn't be difficult to put them to sleep if you are their mother.
You jumped when you heard the door open. Your body tenses as you see your husband enter. Harwin had not come to your chambers since the birth of the twins. He never made a complaint or a reproach to you about your relationship with Larys, he stayed by your side and presented your children as a proud father before the court but he no longer went to your chambers. And you were okay with that because you didn't want him to keep insisting that you forgive him.
“What do you want?” you asked pointedly, not bothering to hide your annoyance at his sudden presence, hoping that would make him leave.
You were surprised to see that Harwin didn't seem affected by your tone like usual. You noticed the determination in his eyes and wondered what the hell had happened. Was he coming to argue with you because of how you spoke to Rhaenyra? If he dared to come in the middle of the night while your children were crying just to defend his lover you would kick his ass and let your mother scare him with Meleys.
“I heard the twins crying.”
“I'm sorry that my children don't let you sleep,” you interrupted him with obvious sarcasm. Trying not to think that if Harwin could hear them cry, so should other people. You didn't want to think about how tomorrow the court would talk about your inability as a mother.
“I came to help you” You were surprised by his words.
“Why?” you asked clearly defensively. Although you two knew that you really wanted to ask him, why would you help me with them when you are not their father?
“Because I care about you,” he said but you both knew he really wanted to tell you because I love you. You told yourself that you felt nothing as you saw the obvious love in Harwin's eyes. “You haven't slept well in days. I heard them cry for days and I know you, I know that every time you can't calm them down you are insulting yourself. "I can see right now how frustrated you are because you can't also pick up Aethan and comfort him as you would like."
The lump in your throat grew bigger. You hated that he knew you so well. But you weren't surprised after all he is your husband. Of course, he knew how you thought and how your mind worked. He had seen you in your most vulnerable states.
He had been so good to you but he had to ruin it all.
“Can I pick him up?”
It was silly but you really appreciated that he had asked instead of directly taking your baby in his arms. You nodded, not trusting your voice not to come out shaky.
You frowned as you watched Harwin take off his nightshirt.
“Jace calms down when he feels my skin,” Harwin was quick to clarify and get Aethan out of her crib before you decided to kick him out for thinking she was trying to seduce you. He felt you watching him intently as he placed the baby's small body against her chest. Of course, his crying didn't stop instantly but he seemed to calm down a little.
Your husband started singing the same song you were singing a few minutes ago. His Valyrian was rusty compared to yours. Once you are sure that your voice is not going to betray you, you accompany him in singing. You don't stop rocking Alyn as you watch Harwin pace around the room carefully holding your son. You relaxed as you saw that Aethan didn't look uncomfortable and how as the song continued he became calmer and calmer. It doesn't take long for Alyn to calm down when he sees that you are no longer upset.
Your eyes meet Harwin's and the two of you smile at each other. And Harwin can't help but think that this is where he belongs.
Tumblr media
Taglist: @chaotic-fangirl-blog @joliettes @sweethoneyblossom1 @fudge13 @crystal-faith @tita004 @ichanelvxgue @snowprincesa1 @rosey1981  @alastorhazbin
@papichulo120627 @apollonshootafar @jasminecosmic99 @diorchaiamet @camy85 @nzygftoji @daemion-targaryen @paolexsstuff @thefandomimagines @little-duck
@niki-is-a-thing @chaoticcoffeequeen @gemnetjournal @fullyproblematicstudent @thestartitaness @sammskellington @rockerchick05 @impartinghades @bxdbxtxh15  @rebelliuna
@fluffly @lilithskywalker @zealousturtletaco @asiandongbongsoo @mysticdaisy21 @angeliod @snh96 @thegirlnextdoorssister @targaryenmoony @libdarkheart
@canpillowscry @pet1t3 @fuckinglittlekitten @partypoison00   @watercolorskyy @immyowndefender @fullyproblematicstudent @lovelylunas-world
If you want to be part of my taglist
Tumblr media
612 notes · View notes
thewriterwithnoplan · 3 months
Text
THE HIGHEST TOWER (1/2)
Summary: As a Princess of the Realm the chance to escape political marriage and abscond with your Promised was beyond anything you could wish for. When the time is right, your dragon will lead you to them and your mother will support your union. In return, you must do all you can to protect her claim, even if you must do so from within the very heart of the Greens.
Soulmate AU: Your animal familiar leads you to your soulmate.
Pairing: Cregan Stark x Reader (eventual), Aemond Targaryen x Reader (mentioned)
Word Count: 4296
Warnings: Canon typical warnings, swearing, just general character awfulness, some espionage, canon divergence, my first time writing for hotd.
Masterlist
You had lived the better part of eight and ten years in the Red Keep. The daughter of Rhaenyra Targaryen handed off to the Queen like some paltry trinket. The King’s first and final word on the matter of his granddaughter. Thrust carelessly into Alicent’s care at the fresh age of ten, a peace offering and a trade for Lucerys’ life. You scarcely remembered life beyond the borders of the castle. Only that one moment your brother's life had been under threat and the next yours was all but forfeit.
Your mother had clasped the back of your neck, pulled you toward her and begged her father for mercy. You who had not even been in the room when Aemond had lost his eye, lost to your own midnight flight atop dragon back. And then the curtain of Rhaneyra’s hair parted, and from over her shoulder Daemon met your eyes. For a single poignant moment, he stared and then a smirk broke across his face as if he knew.
Knew that you were not the innocent that your mother would have the King believe you to be. Knew that your midnight rendezvous with your dragon at the exact moment of Vhagar’s claiming was not mere coincidence. Your intentions had been innocent at first. A trip to the kitchen for a cup of milk which you would warm on the stove – a feat the late Sir Harwin Strong had taught you. Past your brothers’ room, your mother’s room, the servants' quarters and a balcony overlooking the beach. And then you had seen him. Aemond scaling your cousin’s dragon. And that just wouldn’t do.
Targaryens – true Targaryens who did not cower under the cover of darkness – needed their dragons if they had any hope of finding their Promised. Your cousin, Baela who always shared her sweets and let you borrow her wooden sword, deserved the chance to meet her Promised in the wake of her mother’s death. The man or woman that Vhagar would lead her to when the Old Gods saw fit. In the game of thrones when Targearyens already found so few chances for happiness, how could Aemond strip his cousin of her chance at true love? True, as an eldest daughter Baela’s future husband was most certainly decided – likely one of your brothers. But you were certain that Jacaerys or Lucerys would be understanding and gracious when the time came for Baela to claim her Promised, as she would be when the time came for her Lord-Husband. Such was the way of things. At least for the lucky.
Imagining your dragon, Laesuvion, claimed by another and leaving you with no guide to your Gods-given Promised made you feel ill. And so, you set out on bare, hurried feet to find and mount Laesuvion. You were a Targaryen born of the blood of dragons, of true Valyrian features. Vhagar was your cousin’s dragon by right and it was your duty to protect that claim. She was a formidable, indomitable beast but shackled with a new rider on his first flight. If you had one chance to disrupt the yet fragile bond being formed by dragon and rider, it was to dislodge the green boy and send him toppling toward the sea.
Laesuvion had hatched for you in your cradle. He was much younger and smaller than Vhagar but all the faster. It would be no trouble to fell your traitorous cousin. The difficulty became disguising the shock of white scales along the elongated arch of Laesuvion’s neck whilst searching for Vhagar’s camouflaged breadth.
“Aderī Laesuvion. Dokimarvose.” (Quickly Laesuvion. Focus.) You urged him.
Despite your efforts, you only caught sight of them twice. Once among the clouds, though you were sure Aemond got a greater view of you than you did him. And again, as Vhagar was returning to land Driftmark. Your hunt had been unsuccessful. But you had been sure no one would suspect you of such vengeful intent toward your uncle. Except perhaps Daemon.
“It is a fair price, Rhaenyra,” Daemon’s smirk was cunning, “They will not harm her.”
The betrayal on your mother's face heated your blood. How dare he tell her what to do? Your mother, Princess of Dragonstone and heir to the iron throne. This man who was no one, husband of no one, Prince of nowhere, heir of nothing. Who was he to command your mother? And now, to step toward you and attempt to pry you away from her. So close you could almost-
Almost hear the two of them whispering. To each other. To you.
“Think.” Daemon hissed, “They will demand her for Aemond sooner or later.”
“She is my only daughter.”
“She will still be your daughter in the Red Keep.” He kept up the pretence of fighting your mother, despite her arms having gone lax around you. “Not a bastard. Not a bargaining chip. Your daughter. At the heart of the greens.”
“She is a child.”
“A Targaryen child.”
“She is my child.”
“Then let her prove it.”
“Mother,” You warbled. “I don’t want to go.”
“Tala.” Daemon shifted, and his eyes met yours again as if you should know this word. You did not. “You will go. Make your mother proud. Learn at court. Find those who support her claim and those who will side with the Hightowers. You are weak and a girl, they will not suspect you. When the time comes you will be our most valuable weapon.”
“But I want to go home, Kepa.” (Father or paternal uncle)
“Oh, my sweet girl.” Rhaenyra held your face and brushed away your tears. “You will.”
“’Nyra.” Daemon warned.
“But not today.” She kissed each of your cheeks. “Today you must be strong for me. You must be strong for your brothers. You must do as Daemon says, we must keep them happy.”
And then your mother pulled you toward her firmly, pressed her lips to your ear and whispered a promise. A reward should you embark on this mission. Beyond sweets and silk dresses and extra time on Laesuvion. Beyond anything you had ever been promised or ever dreamed of asking for. Do this for your mother and she would exempt you from the chains of political marriage that would shackle each of your brothers. There was no guarantee you would be lucky like your brothers, married to one who would understand. But do this and you could have your Promised under the eyes of the Seven, the Old Gods, and the traditions of old Valyria itself. Even at 10, you knew that for a Princess and a second-born, there was no greater boon.
So, you did what you had to do for your one shot to truly be with your Promised. You squared your shoulders, kissed your mother's cheek, and stumbled toward Queen Alicent. She gripped you by the shoulder, tucked you into the folds of her skirt, and stared cruelly down her nose at your mother.
“Now I will have no more fighting.” Said the King and having satisfied his wife for the first time in their long marriage, he ambled off to bed.
As the crowd dispersed, Sir Criston Cole flanked the Queen and as a unit, the three of you marched from the room. Your mother, scarcely held together in Daemon’s embrace, gave one last warbling cry as you passed the threshold and disappeared, not to be seen again for nine long years.
You were kept that night in the Queen’s own quarters to thwart rescue or escape. Behind a bolted door and no less than three kings’ guards. And yet, that morning, upon waking with puffy eyes from silent tears and aching limbs from the harsh sitting room sofa, you found something that had not been there before.
A gift from Daemond, most assuredly, tucked under the pillow you had slept on. The handle was perhaps an inch too long for your small age, but the blade was curved and wicked sharp and would require little finesse to cause harm. Inlaid in the pommel was a single ruby, the size of your thumb and wonderfully smooth. Carved into the cross-guard flowing Valyrian script read valar morghūlis. (All men must die.)
You would call the dagger gaomilaksir, duty. You would carry it as a reminder of the promises you and your mother had made one another. One day, as Daemon had said, you would become her greatest weapon.
Tumblr media
There had been few bright spots in your life as the Queen’s ward. So, few in fact, that you could count them on one hand.
One.
You could not fly. Such a thing would only encourage escape back to Dragonstone and your mother. But you could visit Laesuvion and watch him sweep through the clouds. He had grown much in your teenage years. Still lithe in build and elegant in frame, but more angular like an arrow strung tight. He did not take to Kings Landing, not in all your years trapped there. So used to the comfort of Dragonstone and your family’s own dragons, he often abandoned the Dragonpit entirely. Kept tethered to the Keep by your presence alone.
“Where is Laesuvion?” You were just shy of ten and two when you approached the Dragonkeeper Acolyte.
“Hunting, my lady.” He knocked his quarterstaff against the ground. “He flew north not three hours ago.”
“Do you not offer him food?”
The keeper lowered his head, “He refuses it, my lady.”
“Offer him better.”
“We give him our very best, lady. He is a magnificent but stubborn creature.”
“He is a dragon, not a creature.” You conjured up a playful grin. “And I am a princess, not a lady.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” The Acolyte blustered, “Shall I inform you upon his return?”
“That won’t be necessary,” You strode to his side and plunked yourself down to lean against the stone entrance. “I shall wait for his return here.”
And so, you did. Silently, for the better part of twenty minutes as the Acolyte threw furtive glances your way.
Until finally, “Truly, my lady. Your Highness. He could be hours still.”
Wonderful. You thought and cast a dazzling grin up at him. “Perhaps you ought to keep me better company then.”
And so, you began your mission. You charm the Dragonkeepers – Acolyte and Elder, all seventy-seven of them – who knew the princes and their dragons, their strengths and weaknesses. You befriend the maids, the scullery, the wet nurses, and the servants they bunk with. Piece by piece, inch by inch, you win back your mother's share of Kings Landing.
Tumblr media
Two.
Strange though she was, your Aunt Heleana always welcomed you into her chambers. In your shared youth, she always had a critter clutched between her hands as if it were the most precious thing she owned. You are four and ten, a year younger than your aunt when she is forced to split her time between her menagerie of insects and the chubby masses of her twin babes.
“The young prince has lungs,” You smiled at Heleana as the wet nurse rocked a wailing Jaehaerys. “He will make glorious speeches when he is grown.”
“Only one.” She examined the creature in her hands. Today she favoured a centipede, passing Jaehaera onto you.
You had long since learned to ignore her ramblings, “The sweet Princess must be the wordsmith, then.”
“The fourth in an age.” Heleana startled as if only just noticing your presence. “Apologies, Hāedar. You wished to speak?” (Younger female sibling or cousin)
“No apologies necessary, Mandia.” (Older female sibling or cousin). The Valyrian word tasted foul. You had your own siblings on Dragonstone, those whom you had been stolen from and those whom you had yet to meet. But Heleana liked it when you pretended that you were not a prisoner, that you were her mother’s daughter and not her forcibly attained ward. And so you swallowed it with a smile, “Might we talk privately?”
Heleana startled again as she turned to the wet nurse. “Take the children to the nursery, Bria.”
“Of course, Your Highness.” Bria gave an awkward curtsy, shuffled the still-wailing Jaehaerys to one side and received Jaehaera from your arms. Heleana turned to you expectantly as the trio disappeared through a side door.
“It is a sensitive matter I am afraid,” You eyed the centipede as it escaped her hands and crawled across her skirts. “I do not wish to cause offence.”
Heleana’s eyes pinched at the corners, “It is not such a terrible burden – to be a wife. Mostly he ignores you.”
“You misunderstand me,” You hurried. “I only wished to speak of your grandfather.”
“Not my brother?”
“Do you wish to speak of your husband?”
“No,” Heleana gave you a quizzical look. “I speak of Aemond, who will be your husband.”
“Aemond?” Your uncle who’s selfishness had trapped you here. One of Alicent’s precious children married to her living doll. The thought would have been hysterical were it not so frightening. Surely not.
“It is the natural progression of things. I was given to Aegon and now you to Aemond.” Heleana’s attention returned to the centipede. “One pairing to strengthen our house, another to mend its bonds. So says grandfather.”
“Oh Mandia. I am entrusted to your mother. There need be no marriage to bring me into the fold. We are family.” 
“Yes. So says mother.” Heleana stared. Not so blind as she seemed. “But grandfather always gets what he wants.”
And so, you are four years into your mission, having sat patiently by the Queen's side. Having listened and learned and noted those your mother can count on. Four years in and the time to begin quietly making moves had arrived with a head start from your oblivious Aunt.
But then you see the centipede crawl from her hands again and writhe across her skirt. And you think maybe Heleana’s warnings have more to do with where the critter is trying to lead her than it has to do with you.
Tumblr media
Three.
It took you longer than you would like to admit to worm your way into Otto Hightower’s confidences – if there were such a thing.
You had quickly learned in your first year at the Keep that Alicent feared her father, distrustful of his greed and power lust. Not much unlike yourself, she had been sent into the greedy hands of a different house in pursuit of the Iron Throne. Were Otto not so blinded by his ambitions you might have begun to worry that Daemon’s strategy might ring familiar. But Lord Hightower’s strength was also his greatest weakness. So careful in his scheming, gently coaxing his will unto others, moving his pawns about the board, sacrificing all but himself, he could not see his tactics turned against him. Beyond your connection to Rhaenyra, you barely registered as a piece in the game.
Daemon had been right. Weak and a girl and not a threat. Not yet.
So, you worked tirelessly to endear yourself to Alicent. Just as you learned from her, you began to teach in turn. When you are in the room Otto Hightower dares not spin his lies about succession. When you appear around corners in search of your Queen-mother talk of hastening the king's condition ceases. When you are near, Alicent is safe. She begins to wear you like the expensive accessory you are, a decorative shield.
Hours trailing your Queen-mother to and from meetings of the small council, waiting patiently at her side as she sat in place of the King. Serving wine to fat and foolish lords.
And then finally, on the eve of your ten and fifth nameday, the Queen brings you along to the Hand's Tower.
“Father.” She greets.
“Alicent,” Otto brings you to his office, where a tea set for two lays steaming. “I see you have brought your shadow.”
The Queen barely glances your way as you serve her tea and then her father’s, before retreating to stand at her shoulder. She glares across her father’s desk, “This does concern her.”
“She is approaching her fifteenth year, two since her first blood. Time has well arrived for her to marry,” He stares directly at you then, “Have you any fondness for your uncle, Princess?”
“My lord, the Princes and I are often kept busy by our duties.” Your friends among the servants have divulged their schedules. You stay firmly away from drunken Aegon and selfish Aemond, remaining civil only with young Daeron.
“You must see reason.” Alicent implores her father. “They hold no affection for one another. Aegon and Heleana have already wed in the name of strengthening our family. To marry her would serve only to anger Rhaenyra.”
“And to bind her eldest daughter to us.” Interesting that he would say so openly in front of you. Perhaps you have been more effective in playing a Green than you had thought. “Aemond will be a good husband to her.”
“I have no doubt,” Alicent says and as silence stretches you suspect she is losing conviction; you have not saved her this time.
You clear your throat delicately, “If I may?”
“Of course, sweet pet.” Alicent reaches out to fuss with your hair. She likes it long and keeps its length to your hip despite how cumbersome it can be. Short hair is unbecoming, she claims.
You look to Otto in false deference, “My lord?”
“Very well.”
“I think,” You begin carefully. “Aemond and I may be of better use to you.”
“And how might that be?” He is condescending but you have his attention.
“When the time comes that grandsire passes on, I suspect the lords of the realm will need cause to back a claim to the Iron Throne. My Septa says that peace such as we have seen under his rule may bring unrest. I do not doubt that Aemond will make a fine and just husband. All I mean is that mayhaps it would be wise to keep us unwed until we may serve a greater purpose.”
No mention of your mother nor their ill-begotten plan for Aegon. Hightower's methods played against him.
“And when the time comes you will do this?” He demands.
“It is my duty to my house.”
He tilts his head as a predatory bird might. “You must swear it, to myself and to your Queen, upon your young brothers.”
To pause would mislay your ruse. To hesitate would be to sign your life away to Aemond Targaryen.
“I swear it, upon the lives of my brothers.”
He considered you for a moment, and then his daughter.
“You have done well with her, Alicent.” Your Queen-mother sighs as Otto Hightower stands. “Enjoy your tea, I have matters to attend to elsewhere. Perhaps you will be of more use than we originally suspected, Princess.”
Your first true victory. You will not be shackled to the Keep; you will be kept safe until your mother comes for you. Until such a time that you and Laesuvion can seek out your Promised.
Tumblr media
Four.
The Queen held a strange fondness for you. Platinum-haired and purple-eyed, the spitting image of the Realm’s delight and perhaps the only trueborn among your siblings. She took pains to brush and braid your hair, dress you in green and flout you at court. Her perfect tamed Targaryen. Who would eat from her hand, take tea by her side, sit prim and silent as her Queen-mother decorated her. You were her walking-talking glimmering triumph over Rhaenyra.
At ten, Alicent’s obsession stole you from your mother. At ten and four, it protected you from a hasty marriage. And now, at ten and eight, it was your path to freedom.
“Mother?”
Oh, how Alicent loved it when you called her that. One more thing ripped from Rhaenyra’s thieving hands. Alicent pushed into your room with a tired facsimile of a smile and took the seat across from you by the roaring hearth.  
“My sweet pet.” She was dressed head to toe in full regalia. “I am so sorry to have missed you today.”
You tucked a piece of scrap paper into the book you had been reading, buying yourself time to school your features into innocent confusion. “As am I. My door has been locked. I am sorry I could not come to you.”
“A precaution – one that I fought.” Alicent reached for your hair, running her fingers through its length. “But we cannot trust you to betray your mother. Regardless of the years you have spent in our care.”
“I do not understand, mother.” But you do.
“Your grandsire is dead.”
You close your eyes, “Aegon is king.”
“Yes.”
“You did not wish for this.”
“I wish Viserys were still a living corpse. That he would outlive us all so that none could claim his cursed throne. Not Aegon. Not Rhaenyra. Not my father.”
“That is not a solution.”
She tugs at your hair harshly, “Foolish pet, there is none.”
You blink harshly. Your eyes scarcely holding back tears. For the first time since you left your mother's embrace, you are truly scared. No longer are you the meek girl who walks in the Queen’s shadow. Given liberties and protection in a twisted echo of her love for Rhaenyra. You are a living embodiment of what House Targaryen will be to House Hightower. A pretty little puppet kept from your dragon, cloistered away like some trophy, scrambling for a scrap of power to delude yourself that you have some control.
“What is to become of our house?” You whisper.
“Your mother and Prince Daemon remain on Dragonstone. No blood has yet been shed.” Alicent brushed your hair softly behind one ear. “We have sent Aemond to Storm’s End to do as you once suggested. To offer himself to one of the Baratheon girls, that Lord Borros might see reason and acknowledge Aegon as rightful King.”
Good, there were those beyond the Keep who remained steadfast and loyal. It was time to return to your mother, then. To tell her all you had learned these last eight years. To name her allies and set Daemon loose upon her foes. Now was the time.
“What of my brothers?”
Alicent leant back, “Scouts have spotted Vermax flying north likely as an envoy to rally support among the lords.”
“How could they have mobilized so quickly? Was Aegon not crowned mere hours ago?”
“He was, indeed.” Alicent’s gazed into the fire. “The Lady Rhaenys was not so welcoming of solitude as you have been.”
“She has gone to Dragonstone?”
“She has.”
“And no one has come for me?”
“They have not.”
For a moment you each stared listlessly into the hearth. When Alicent shifts back to face you, she has a letter clutched in her hand. It is crisp and of fine quality but most strikingly, stamped with the King’s seal.
“I am under no delusions,” Alicent says softly, mournfully. “You can no more contest your mother's claim than I can Aegon’s. We are matching pieces in this game, I think.”
Your fear swells, “Mother.”
“Please, my sweet girl.” She smooths the hair atop your head. “You must do me one last favour as my ward.”
“I don’t understand.”
She presses the letter into your hands. “Jacaerys will fly first to the Vale, to treat with House Arryn and then to Winterfell. You will take this and beat him there. You will do as you swore to do those years ago.”
“I ca–”
“Listen!” She jerked you by your shoulders. “You must listen. You will wed Lord Stark. He is as fine a match as any. The north is loyal to Rhaenyra and will remain steadfast, you will be well treated. You must go, with this missive from the King, his final wish to send you north to snow and safety. In return for your hand, they will take no part in the fighting, they will protect you as their own, until such a time that the victor is crowned. Do you understand me, pet?”
“The King never cared for me.” You said foolishly.
“And yet, with his dying breath, he spoke of you and of Aegon. That you would carry his legacy, that you would see out his dream to the North. That Prince Aegon was Promised to this kingdom. You must believe me. You must do this for your grandsire.”
“I do believe you mother.” She was deluded. “I will do what must be done.”
Alicent has offered you one gilded cage for another. You will not be fool enough to fall into this one. You will find Laesuvion and be gone in the dead of night. You tuck the King’s missive into your book and smile at the Queen.
“Shall we call for tea, mother? You have much to tell me. I hear I have missed a coronation.”
Tumblr media
Five.
You shape your fifth and final joy as the Queen Alicent’s Ward whilst escaping her clutches. You take three sharp detours on your path to the Dragonpit. First, to the chamber of the small council where you snatch the King's ball of quartz, you will make a gift of this to your mother. Then to the creche where the Keeper’s turned a blind eye as you pilfered three precious Dragon eggs. Finally, you find yourself ascending the steps of the Lord Hand’s Tower. To take the Dowager Queen from the Greens would be the greatest gift to your mother and her cause. But Alicent, despite her many faults, had been as kind to you as one might be toward a favourite pet. And so you do as a pet would – you do not bite the hand that fed you. Instead, you do both your Queen-mother and the woman that birthed you, a favour. You find Otto Hightower asleep in his study and you pass onto him your final gift from Daemon Targaryen.
You leave gaomilaksir in the heart of Hightower as you flee north, your duty complete.
(Part 2 : The Winter Keep)
391 notes · View notes
insomniakisses · 4 months
Note
Pregnant Alicent sitting on alpha readers face? 😄 Bonus if readers wife Rhae walks in ?
Rhaenicent x G!P / Alpha Reader smut Drabble
Warnings/notes: pregnancy, eating out, threesoms, p in v sex, creampies, reader has a penis, MINORS AND CIS HETS DNI
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
You could see Alicents exhaustion the moment you entered the her room, she had a hand on her stomach rubbing her 6 month bump. Wincing when she felt herself being kicked.
You couldn’t help but coo leaning to kiss her cheek, feeling her grab onto you with a whine and you simply pull her close feeling her relax in your arms.
Taking this as a good enough distraction you move to pull her night dress off, she makes no protest lifting her arms to help you. You smile then kissing her properly hand rubbing her bump as her eyes flutter shut not expecting your hand to slide lower.
Your hand s move her legs apart just enough to slip your hand between them fingers sliding through her folds and gently pushing in to her thumb rubbing her clit eagerly. “Gods” she moans biting her lip pupils blown out as you speed up eager to get her to orgasm.
When you feel her nearing the edge you smirk your hand retreating as she whines before she sucks in a breath at you licking your fingers clean you move to lay on the bed then, reaching for her. “Come, sit on my face baby”
You can tell shes unsure from her nervous movement and her refusal to move, “No… Im too heavy” she eventually mumbles out and you scoff holding out your hand and pulling her up gently when she takes it.
Shes hovering above your chest now fiddling with her fingers as she avoids contact and you smile rubbing her hip to get her to look at you.
“Pretty baby,” you begin loving how her cheeks flood with pink she nods wordlessly clenching around nothing still so worked up. You move her then using ur strength to lift her and position her above you mouth.
You lean up to kiss her pussy loving the wet mess it leaves on your face. “Sit. On. My. Face.” You leave a kiss to her pussy ever word, teasingly licking at her hole after the last one and she moans lowering herself slightly but not fully and you roll your eyes pinching her thigh the shock causing her to fall and sit on you properly her hands gripping the headboard.
You waist no time in eating her out sucking and licking and kissing her pussy all over. You’re like a starving animal as you suck her clit licking up all her juices not caring if you suffocate there and then she tastes so good and makes such pretty sounds around you. Her juices leaking onto your tongue as she cums thighs shaking but you don’t stop arms securing around her thighs to hold her in place as you eat her like it’s your last meal.
So lost in the pleasure neither of you notice someone come in, you don’t even feel your trousers and underwear being removed until cool air surrounds your cock and you make a confused groan wen its suddenly enveloped in a wet heat then you hear it. Rhaenyra’s pleased moan as she begins to bound in your cock. You groan into Alicent’s pussy feeling lips on your chest and a tight pussy around your cock.
The rooms full of the three of yalls collective moans and wet squelches as you please eachother you feel your cock twitching and your balls move up before you shoot a load into Rhaenyra you love the way she moans at the feeling if being filled Alicent grinding down on your face your nose catching her clit and she squirts at the feeling tapping your arms to release her as she lays besides you catching her breath.
You have no time to react as Rhae crashes her lips to your moaning at the taste of Alicent all over your lips she clenches at it and you feel her juices leak down your cock the both of you nearing orgasm. She speeds up and you grab her hips fucking up into her before you both collapse moaning each others name as your orgasm hits. She nips and kisses at your neck as you come down from your high and you rest your hands on her hips giving them a squeeze.
“We should do this more often she remarks leaning over to kiss Alicent moaning when you give another spirt of cum at the site and Alicent blushes moving the covers over the three of you and cuddling into you against Rhaenyra.
“Indeed we should,” she mumbles tiredly “After this baby’s born and you are with Child from this evening we should swap places” and you moan at the thought of being inside her. Feeling Rhaenyras knowing smirk.
Tumblr media
382 notes · View notes
patheticdarling · 2 years
Text
A Whole New Beast
   Summary: Reader and her husband Prince Aemond had, to one another’s knowledge, never given much thought to kids but what happens when Aemond sees how well his wife is with Aegon and Helaena’s new child but also, vice versa.
   Warnings: (pretty soft &romantic) smut/breeding kink/mentions of pregnancy/described childbirth/unprotected sex/oral (f receiving)/fingering (f receiving)/kissing/exhibitionism? (public sex)/use of high valyrian (i just love the way it sounds especially in regards to aemond hehe)/parental insecurity/drinking (ofc w aegon, there always is)
Word Count: 3675
*NOT MY GIF*
Tumblr media
  “Lady Y/N, the Princess Helaena has requested your presence in her chambers immediately,” one of Helaena’s handmaidens had found you on your morning walk in the gardens. 
  Your face grew worrisome at the handmaiden’s words as you followed her out of the gardens. Helaena was due to give birth to her third child any day now and you feared something horrible might have happened. 
  Helaena’s handmaiden pushed open the doors, you saw Helaena on her bed with the Maester between her legs as she cried softly. 
  “Helaena!” you rushed to her side, grabbing her hand, “Are you alright?” 
  She moved to speak before, what you assumed, was another contraction passed as she winced, “I’m fine,” she sighed as it moved through her, “I just did not wish to be alone.” 
  “Where is Aegon?” you shouldn’t have expected him to be here, at least not by his own will. When Helaena had given birth to Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, Queen Alicent had forced him to be there and demanded that he be at his wife’s side as she brought his children into the world. 
  “Mother did not command him to be here this time around,” Helaena spoke through rugged breaths.
  “Would you like me to order the guards to fetch your mother?” you moved to do so. 
  “No,” Helaena snatched you back by your hand, “I only wish for you to be here, good sister.”
  You smiled at her kind words, pushing away some of the hair that stuck to her forehead, “Then I’m not going anywhere.” 
  She nodded, smiling tiredly. She readjusted her grip on your hand, tightening it as the Maester’s and midwives encouraged her to push. 
  “Once more, Princess. We can see the babe’s head,” one of her midwives spoke. Helaena’s nails dug into your hand as she screamed, pushing with what seemed to be all her might. 
  “AHHHHH!” you could’ve sworn her cries shook the walls of every chamber in the Red Keep.
  Suddenly the air was filled with sweet cries and shrieks as the Maester pulled the baby from Helaena. 
  “A boy, Princess,” the midwife announced, quickly wiping away the birth matter before placing the squalling bundle into Helaena’s tired arms. 
  She smiled sweetly at the small boy, “Is he healthy?”
  “As can be,” the Maester answered, “Congratulations, Princess.”
  You kissed your sister-in-law’s head, “Well done, Helaena. He’s beautiful. Have you got a name for him yet?” 
  “Aegon wanted to name him Maelor,” she caressed the sleeping infant’s face, “Do you wish to hold him, Y/N?”
  “I would be honoured,” you grinned softly before Helaena passed the baby into your arms, “Well, aren’t you a handsome one, Prince Maelor?” he stirred a bit as you rocked him before you cooed him back to sleep.
  One of her handmaidens came through the doors, “Prince Aegon, the Queen, and Prince Aemond, my Princess.” 
  You assisted Helaena to sit up as the three entered the room. Queen Alicent smiled proudly as she moved to her daughter’s bedside. 
  “My sweet love,” she kissed her daughter’s cheek, Helaena giving a half-smile in return, “I do hope your labours were not too painful.”
  Helaena shook her head, “Faster than the first time. But still excruciatingly painful.” 
  You laughed softly at her words, “Prince Aegon, don’t you wish to be introduced to your son?” you raised a brow. 
  Aegon sighed deeply before moving to his wife’s bedside, looking at the baby in your arms. 
  “Another son,” Aegon spoke. He merely watched as you passed the bundle to the Queen so that she might get a better look at her grandson. 
  “Yes, my Prince. Your wife has done an excellent job,” you spoke rather coarsely to him. Aegon wasn’t a good person, let alone a good husband, and Helaena wasn’t just your sister-in-law but your friend and you never cared for the way Aegon treated her. 
  “You might wish to hold your son, brother,” Aemond suggested. 
  Aegon cleared his throat, “Oh- of course,” you looked to Helaena first, she was reluctant at first before giving a nod of approval before you took the boy from the Queen and handed him over to Aegon. 
  The baby didn’t look right in his arms but there was nothing you could do about it. He was the father after all. You smiled again at Helaena before finally moving to your husband’s side. 
  “The boy’s name?” the Queen asked. 
  “Maelor,” Helaena answered.
  Queen Alicent smiled at her daughter, “Excellent choice. I assume the two of you would like some privacy?”
  “That won’t be necessary,” Aegon answered, “I’ve got matters that need attending to.” He handed the baby back to Helaena in haste. 
  “Matters more important than the birth of your son?” you questioned. 
  Aegon’s jaw tensed at your comment, his fist curling as he tried to take a step towards you, “What was that, Y/N?”
  You moved to speak before Aemond stepped in, “Careful, brother.” 
  Both brothers moved towards one another before Queen Alicent stepped in, “Not here. This is about Helaena and the babe.”
  “I couldn’t agree more, Your Grace,” you spoke up, pulling Aemond back to your side. 
  Queen Alicent nodded at you before turning to Helaena, “My husband may do as he pleases. I only wish for Y/N and Aemond to be here.” 
  The Queen shifted uncomfortably at her daughter’s words, “As you wish, my love.” she stroked Helaena’s hair, “Come along, Aegon.” 
  Aegon did not hesitate to leave as fast as he could, not even waiting politely for his mother. Queen Alicent said her goodbyes before making her way out of Helaena’s chambers. 
  You took Aemond’s hand, leading him to Helaena’s bedside, “Their energy was bad for the baby. Aegon stunk of wine, he left it on Maelor’s blanket.”
  “Shall we have one of the midwives change it?” Aemond asked his sister. 
  Helaena shook her head, “I don’t want anyone else touching him beside you or Y/N.” 
  You could see how tired the poor girl was, “Helaena,” you took her hand, “Maybe you should find some sleep. You’ve exhausted yourself heroically this morning.” 
  Helaena took a deep breath before nodding, “Will you two be alright looking after him while I do?” 
  “Of course,” you nodded, “We’ll just be over in the nursery. The minute you wake, we’ll bring Maelor back.” 
  “Thank you,” she smiled as she handed the baby over to you. 
  You scooped him into your arms. Helaena attempted to make herself comfortable, “Here, let me help,” you offered before turning to give Aemond the baby, “Take him.”
  Aemond had never given off the fatherly type but he knew his sister had only entrusted him and his wife. So he nodded before awkwardly taking the baby into his arms. While you adjusted Helaena’s pillows and settled her into bed. 
  “Sleep well, sister,” Aemond spoke softly as Helaena waved us goodbye. You and Aemond left her chambers quietly so as to not wake the sleeping infant. “Shouldn’t you take him?” 
  “You that scared of him?” you giggled as you took the baby from Aemond’s arms, “Rides the biggest dragon in the world and is scared of his infant nephew.” 
  Aemond scoffed, “I am not scared. He’s just too delicate.” 
  “You won’t hurt him,” you smiled at your husband as you entered the nursery. 
  “Seems as though the handmaidens already fastened a cradle in here,” Aemond nodded over to the bassinet in the corner. 
  “Let’s see if he likes it then,” you walked over and placed your newborn nephew into the crib. He was still fast asleep after you tucked him in. “Seems he does,” you kissed his head as he slept soundly. 
  You and Aemond stood over the sleeping boy for a while, just listening to his soft little breaths and snores. 
  “How could your brother bare to be away from him by choice?” you finally spoke, breaking the silence. 
  “Aegon has never been built for responsibility,” Aemond answered, “I mean, the only reason he was there when the twins were born was because Mother forced him to be.” 
  You shook your head at the thought, “Hopefully all three are more like Helaena than they are like him.” 
  Aemond sighed, “Gods be good.” 
 “They’re such beautiful things. Babies that is. Not a bad thing about them. Just pure innocence and joy.” 
  “Born into such a corrupt world. Makes you think twice about having them.” 
  “And you have?” Aemond raised his brow at your question, “Thought about having them?” 
  “The thought has crossed my mind.” 
  “Really? Why have you never said anything?” 
  Aemond tensed a bit before clearing his throat, “Has the thought ever crossed your mind?”
  “Of course, it has, Aemond. From the moment a girl comes of age and even before that, they are told about the so-called miracle of childbirth. Though after seeing what Helaena went through, definitely a load of sheep shit.” 
  Aemond chuckled lightly, “And what are your thoughts exactly?” 
  You let out a deep breath, “The idea of having one or two seems nice. What about you?” 
  He paused before saying anything, “I don’t think I’m fit to be a father.” Aemond moved away from the crib, towards the windows of the nursery that faced the horizon over Blackwater Bay. 
  “What in Seven Hells are you talking about?” you followed him over.
  Aemond shook his head, “Look at me. A one-eyed man whom everyone in all of the Seven Kingdoms is terrified to look at. A monster.”
  You sighed before resting your hand on the scarred side of his face and pushing it to face you, “You are not a monster. You are my husband. A Prince of the Seven Kingdoms. A fine warrior. A dragon rider. A poet and a scholar. All of this and more. But most importantly, Aemond, you’re a good man.” 
  “Do you wish to have children with me, Y/N?”
  “More than anything, Aemond,” you smiled proudly. 
  Aemond finally exchanged a similar one, “Then children we shall have. Though we may need some more practice first.” 
   Aemond took a step towards you, one of his hands falling to your waist while the other cupped your face. He leaned forward, both of your eyes fluttering shut. Until the soft whimpering that came from the cradle pulled you both away. 
  You moved to comfort Maelor before Aemond stopped you, stepping towards the crib himself and picking up the softly crying baby. 
  “Shhh,” Aemond cooed, “It’s alright little one.” You smiled softly as he began to rock himself and the baby, continuously cooing to him. 
  There was a knock at the nursery door, “Come in. Quietly please,” you instructed. 
  Helaena’s handmaiden entered, “My lady, my prince,” she curtsied, “The princess is awake and wishes for her child to be returned to her.” 
  “Of course,” you nodded. You walked to Aemond, “Want me to take him?”
  “I’ve got him,” he answered, his eye still fixated on the sleeping boy. 
  You kissed Maelor’s head then Aemond’s cheek, “Let’s get him back then.” 
  The three of you returned to Helaena’s chambers. She appeared to have bathed and rested from her current looks. 
  She looked at you questioningly as you were the first to enter the room, “Where’s Maelor?” 
  Aemond had finally entered the room, the sweet bundle still fast asleep in his arms, “No need to fret, sister.” 
  Helaena smiled softly as Aemond handed her son back to her, “Thank you both for looking after him.”
  “We’d be happy to do it whenever you’d like, Helaena. He’s a sweet boy,” you grinned, “Sweet enough that he even wooed your brother over.” 
  She nodded at her brother, “A dragon of spring.” 
  You and Aemond exchanged glances, Helaena had always been known to say peculiar things. You thought it must be related to her labours so you both just smiled at her. 
  “We’ll let you two have some alone time,” you smiled, “Come, husband. Let’s go for a walk in the gardens.” 
  Aemond nodded as the two of you exchanged goodbyes with his sister and the new prince before heading off toward the gardens. 
  The sun was still shining as you took your stroll, stopping to sniff and observe the different flowers and plants. Aemond plucked one, placing it behind your ear as you started to walk toward the more secluded areas of the gardens. 
  Aemond’s hand stayed on your face, seeming to admire you, “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered softly.
  You caressed the scar on his face again, “As are you, my love.” 
  Aemond wasted no time in pulling your lips to his, both of you moaning softly at the combined softness and neediness that filled the kiss. It seemed after your earlier conversation Aemond was now making haste as his lips trailed down your face and neck. 
  “Aemond,” you panted softly as he began to undo the lacing on the back of your dress, “We could be seen.”
  “Then let them. I don’t plan to let you out of this garden before I’ve filled you with my seed.” 
  Your body trembled at his words as he managed to pull your dress down. Before he continued, he pulled off his coat, laying it onto the floor and throwing his belt off as well before pushing you down softly to rest on the softer material. 
  “Gods,” you moaned quietly as Aemond wrapped his lips around one of your hardening nipples while his hand toyed with the other.
  He groaned around it before pulling off and switching his attention to the other, mimicking his earlier motions. While your hands slid between the two of you, untucking his tunic from his trousers. Your fingers then undoing the clasp before nudging them down.
  “Seems you’re not too worried about being caught now, are you?” Aemond teased. 
  “Please, just fuck me.” 
  “In time, my darling,” Aemond smirked before moving in between your legs, bunching your dress in the middle while he removed your stockings and knickers, “Gods be good,” he moaned as he began kissing up your thighs. 
  “A-Aemond,” your voice quivered a bit as he licked, bit, and kissed up and down your legs. 
   Getting as close as he could to your pussy, which had to have been dripping by now from all of Aemond’s teasing. He finally locked his lips around your sensitive clit, sucking it as two of his fingers teased your entrance. Your fingers made their way into his hair, attempting to tug on it but the band of his eye patch continued to get in the way. So you began to undo the leather, Aemond made no effort to stop you as you did so. He was only focused on pleasuring you as much as he could. 
  Once the eye patch was removed, your fingers could now properly grip his hair which only encouraged Aemond in his assault. You bucked and twitched at his touch. Your back arching as your orgasm continued to build in your stomach. Aemond could feel you clench around his fingers, knowing you’d be finishing sooner than later. 
  “F-Fucking hells,” you moaned louder as he sped up his movements, “Gods- fuck- Aemond!” Your climax ripped through you as you coated Aemond’s porcelain face with your juices. You were attempting to catch your breath before Aemond rose from between your legs and laid a hard kiss on you. 
  “I love the way you taste,” he sighed as he pulled away, his now exposed sapphire eye gleaming beautifully along with the dampened part of his face. You smiled, still coming out of your post-orgasmic haze, “I read somewhere that a woman is more likely to conceive after an orgasm.”
  “Thank the Gods you like to read,” you panted. Aemond chuckled before kissing you again, this time one of his hands fell between you, pulling his trousers down and finally exposing his completely hardened and leaking cock. 
  He teased your hole a bit with the tip, not pushing in all the way on account of you recovering, “Whenever you’re ready, my love.” 
  You took in another deep breath before nodding, “Please, Aemond.” 
  You didn’t have to beg much before Aemond began pushing his cock in. The wetness provided by your first orgasm made it all that much easier. You let out synchronized groans as he bottomed out, the tip of his cock pressing your cervix. 
  “Gods-fucking hell,” Aemond moaned in your ear as you both adjusted to the feeling of one another.
  “Aemond, m-move,” you whimpered in his ear. 
   Aemond heeded your pathetic-sounding demands and began to thrust over and over. He started slow at first but after hearing the noises you emitted and the way your body reacted every time he sped up, his pace became relentless. The visceral sounds of skin slapping, heavy breathing, and combined moans filled the gardens that surrounded the two of you. 
  The tightening sensation in your stomach was back, “G-Gonna cum again,” you panted. 
  “Fuck, I’m nearly there,” Aemond groaned. His pace continuously sped up as you both now chased your orgasms. He leaned his head down, pressing your foreheads together as your climaxes neared. 
  “I love you,” you whimpered as Aemond pounded into you.
  Aemond grunted, your sweet words only encouraging him, “I love you. Can’t wait to put a fucking baby in you. Watch you swell with my child. Let everyone in the Seven Kingdoms know you belong to me.” 
  And just like that both of you erupted into a string of moans and vile words. If no one had heard the two of you yet, there was no chance they could’ve denied that. Aemond’s cum completely filled your cunt, dripping out around his cock as he was still inside you. 
  Aemond panted as he thrust his last few times before kissing your forehead and slowly pulling out. You both winced at the absence of one another as Aemond lay next to you on the coat. 
  He pulled you to him, both of you relaxing in the others’ grasp, “Think this one will take?”
  Aemond sighed, “Gods, I hope so. Still,” he leaned on his arm so he could look down at you, “If it doesn’t, that means I can still fuck you like this,” you both smiled before kissing softly, “And if it does, I’ll still fuck you like this.” 
NEARLY A YEAR LATER...
  “Push, my lady, push!” one of your midwives encouraged.
  “I am pushing, you stupid cunt!” you yelled as the pain surged through your body. 
  “Was I this violent during my labours?” Helaena asked as she continued to grip your hand. 
  Aemond smirked from the other side of you, your other hand in his grip, “That’s my child inside her. A true dragon.” 
  “Both of you, shut the- AHHHHH!” 
  “I can see the head,” the Maester spoke from between your legs, “One last push, my lady.” 
  You practically roared as you pushed with every last bit you had left in you. The relief overcame you as you felt your child come out and their soft wails fill the room. 
  “A boy,” the midwife spoke as she quickly wiped off your baby before placing him in your arms, “As healthy as can be. Praise the Mother.”
  You sobbed softly as you tiredly rocked the infant, “Shh, it’s alright, my little love.”
  “You have a son, my prince. Congratulations to the both of you,” the Maester smiled as he and the midwives cleaned up. 
  Aemond’s gaze could not be taken away from his son or his wife, pure adoration for the both of them.
  “He’s beautiful,” Helaena commented, “A dragon of spring,” she wiped the sweat-clad hair from your forehead. 
  Your handmaiden returned, “The Queen and Prince Aegon,” she introduced. Aemond’s family joined the room. The Queen moved to the bed. Aegon preferring to stay by the table, coincidentally where the wine was kept. 
  “Boy or girl?” she asked. 
  “A healthy boy, Your Grace,” you smiled tiredly. Your son had small wisps of the signature Targaryen silver hair decorating the top of his head. 
  Queen Alicent grinned proudly, “Congratulations.” She kissed Aemond’s head, then yours, then the babe’s. “Does he have a name yet?” 
  “Daeron,” Aemond answered, “It means the great little one which is exactly what he is.” 
  “He’s perfect,” the Queen spoke softly, “Reminds me of Aemond. Such a small thing.” 
  Helaena rose, “We should give them their time.”
  The Queen nodded, “I agree, sweet girl. Come along.” Aegon tossed back his goblet of wine before moving to follow his wife and mother out of the chambers.
  “Brother,” Aemond called after him, his gaze still not moving from his new family.
  “What is it?” Aegon groaned. 
  “I shall let it pass this once but if I ever see you drinking or drunk around my son, I will cut your tongue out so that you cannot taste the ale anymore.”
  No one said a word as Aegon just nodded quickly before practically running after Helaena and the Queen. 
  “I will not allow drunken idiots around him,” Aemond explained, “Even if he is my brother.”
  You chucked lightly, “Fair enough, my prince.”
  Aemond continued to admire your son, “Might I?”
  “Of course,” Aemond helped you to sit up to make the hand-off easier, “Though,” you reached your hand towards his head, pulling off the eye patch, “you should meet your son as you truly are.” 
  Aemond gave a light smile before you handed him Daeron, “It’s scary how perfect he is.” 
  “I know,” you sighed, “Takes after his father.” 
  “Not in the slightest,” Aemond kissed the side of your cheek, “Well done, my brave girl.”
  “Ao'll emagon naejot bodmagho zirȳla Valyrīha. Sepār hae ao gōntan syt aōha ābrazȳrys.” You'll have to teach him Valyrian. Just as you did for your wife.
  Aemond nodded, “Indeed, ñuha jorrāelagon. Issa iā Targārien Dārilaros tolī mirre.” Indeed, my love. He is a Targaryen Prince after all.
  “I love you, Aemond.” 
  His eye finally moved to meet yours, “I love you.”
  “And you,” you pulled the swaddle away from your son’s face and kissed it softly, “I love you too.” 
  “Īlon both gaomagon.  Tolī than mirros, ñuha tresy.” We both do. More than anything, my son.
4K notes · View notes
Text
Tumblr media
230 notes · View notes
wackyharpy · 2 months
Text
Just have an urge to point out:
Since the moment of the trailers' release, I've already met people who are arguing and humiliating others who don't like the characters they do, or who aren't at the side of the team they like. I understand that you may tend to be more at the side of team black or green, but let's not forget that this is a show, and the characters are fictional. Any person can have fav characters, whoever they like and that's incredible, that's what the show is created for. So, please, you may cheer and support anyone, but don't forget to be respectful and mind others' business. Eventually, I don't think we should be divided, we are all the fans of the same show, we are all united here by one story. So, let's enjoy this adventure together.
Thank you for your attention
235 notes · View notes
Text
So anyway there was this horse
Tumblr media Tumblr media
when he was told Rhaenyra was at a brothel and he went "what of it??" 💀
And when he had the maester bring her the moon tea 😭😭😭 like here’s your plan B sweetie hope you had fun
229 notes · View notes
fragileheartbeats · 27 days
Text
HBO like to fuck greens up, especially Aegon.
No one asked for a stupid and weak Alicent who BEG for Rhaenyra's love at any chance that she gets, Alicent was a smart and power hungry mother fucker who did everything so her son can sit on iron throne.
No one asked for a broken Aemond who didn't actually wanted to kill luke, we didn't asked for him to be bullied, we didn't want an Aemond like this.
No one asked for a crybaby Aegon who's a rapist, we didn't wanted Joffrey 2, we didn't want him to cry at any chance that he gets, we didn't want him to be a coward, we didn't want a child abuser and a rapist because he wasn't one in the book.
We didn't wanted a Helaena who's like a child and can't do anything, who was probably abused by Aegon, who don't like to be with her husband. For fuck sake she claimed one of the best dragon when she was a child, she was a lovely and happy girl, she was happy with her family and husband and she was so loved by people that when she died they turned against Rhaenyra, the Realm's Delight.
173 notes · View notes
dreamlandcreations · 9 months
Text
Imagine Alicent seducing you
Tumblr media
Imagine Alicent seducing you, the heir to the throne.
You know what she is doing, she fears the consequences of the death of the King, her husband. All because her father made her believe that she and her children will be killed as soon as you are crowned.
You know what she is doing, and it probably makes you a terrible person, but you don't resist her.
638 notes · View notes
justinalovee · 9 months
Text
𝑴𝒚 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒆𝒏
Pairing: Alicent Hightower × Reader
Word Count: 787
Warnings: Oral sex, fingering,swearing, masturbation, scissoring
Summary: Alicent enjoys her lady-in-waiting
A/N: All characters are 18+! minors DNI
Tumblr media
“My queen.”
Alicent continued to pace back and forth, mumbling to herself, completely unaware that you’d entered her chambers. Your queen had worked herself up into a tense state again, becoming more frustrated than before. You pour two cups of wine, and taking one for yourself, you move to sit at the edge of the bed. You take a small sip before speaking more loudly, “Alicent.”
She finally notices you, her eyes scanning your body as she takes in your naked form. “My apologies; I never heard you come in.”
“Hmm, I noticed.” You take another sip of wine. “Remove your clothes, and I’ll let you make it up to me.”
A smile pulls at the corner of her lips. You smirked watching her remove each piece of clothing until she was completely naked. Once she completed the task, she stood beside her discarded green gown. Your eyes linger on the faith of seven necklaces that remained hanging around her neck, resting just above her perky breasts. “I did what you asked, my lady.”
“You did; now come here.”
Alicent stands in the spot in front of you. You pinch one of her nipples with one finger while sucking on the other, causing her to let out a moan. You let her breast out with a pop, admiring the way your saliva coats it. “Get down on your knees and stick your tongue out. I want you to taste me.”
Obediently Alicent goes onto her knees and sticks her tongue out, sliding it along your folds before swirling it around your clit. Your relationship with the queen was complicated; you loved Rhaenyra like a sister, you knew about her affair with your brother Harwin, and you never once judged her for it. Your lover Alicent was another story; despite the queen being the biggest hypocrite you knew, you were still drawn to her. Being her lady in waiting, you’d observed her behavior for some time and saw a completely different side to her. A side you couldn’t get enough of—a side that caused you to become addicted to her touch. Alicent attached herself to you since she could be herself and give all control over to you without feeling ashamed. Not long after your first sexual encounter together, Alicent confessed she wanted to be bossed around in the bed chamber, which admittedly was difficult for you to get into the swing of at first.
Alicent pushed her tongue inside you; her wet tongue felt amazing rubbing against your tight hole. “So good; you’re doing such a good job.”
At your praise, Alicent moved her mouth to suck on your clit, then slid two of her slender fingers inside you. Your fingers tangle in her hair, pulling her closer to your wet cunt and holding her in place. She speeds up her actions while gripping your thigh with one hand to keep her balance. When the coil in your stomach snaps, you cough on her fingers, which she licks clean. Alicent leans back with a proud look on her face. “You taste divine.”
You shuffle further back onto the bed, reaching for Alicent’s hand. You pull her on top of you, clashing your lips together. Playfully, you smack her behind before groping her ass cheeks while considering your next move; eventually, you decide. “You have such a beautiful cunny, my queen. I want you to show me how you play with it when I’m not here.”
Alicent gets off you and lays on her back, knees bent and legs wide open to give you a full view as she starts touching herself. She squeezes one breast while her other hand snakes to her silky folds as she begins to finger-fuck herself. It was a marvellous sight to see, but you did long to watch something other than fingers stretch her tight little hole. Perhaps that was a fantasy to discuss with her another time.
You rub at your own clit.
You open your legs wider and say, “My pretty queen, I want to feel your cum on me.”
Alicent removes her fingers and settles herself between your legs, the wetness from her cunny dripping onto your own as she looks for the right position. Finally, she lowers herself, brushing her wet clit against yours. Wet slapping sounds and moans of pleasure fill the room as she keeps up the rubbing motion. It doesn’t take Alicent long to reach her peak, her breasts swaying with each movement as she does. Seconds later, you come undone for the second time.
When she collapses onto you, you kiss her softly and stroke the back of her hair. “Did I do okay?”
“You did amazing, my perfect little queen.”
645 notes · View notes
maidragoste · 1 year
Text
You Can Do It
Aegon II Targaryen x Reader (Daughter of Rhaenyra)
Summary: The twins are born. Aemond isn't by your side, but Aegon is.
Masterlist Serie
I still don't know when I'm going to finish writing chapter 5 but until then I'll leave you with this
Disclaimer: English is not my first language so I apologize for any mistakes.
Tumblr media
"Aegon what are you doing here?" Alicent asked in surprise as the door to your chambers opens and her firstborn entered.
As soon as the king heard the news that your waters had already broken, he ran to your chambers. He didn't know why exactly but something inside him told him that he had to be by your side. And he was glad to listen to that small voice when he saw how the tension in your face softened at the sight of him.
"How are you feeling?" He asked walking up to you.
"I had better days, your grace" you replied with a small smile. It won't matter that you were sweaty and your belly was giant. to Aegon, you still looked beautiful.
You stopped your walk and leaned against the wall. The maester had told you to walk around the room until it was time for your baby to come out.
"My king, the birthing bed is no place for men," the maester said earning a glare from Aegon.
"I am the king and I can be where I please" he replied scathingly "Besides, I came to support my niece in the name of my brother"
Your eyes blinked away the tears that were forming at the mention of Aemond. You had the stupid hope that your husband would return for the birth of his child.
"Aegon, this could go on for hours," Alicent said trying to convince him to leave "I'm sure you have more important things to do"
"I'm sure the council can handle it for a couple of hours" the king affirmed "It doesn't matter, I'll stay by your side until you finish" he promised looking into your eyes.
"Thank you" you whispered thinking for a brief moment to hug him but you didn't.
And neither Alicent nor the maester said they bothered to try again to get the king to leave, not wanting to face his wrath. They were also sure that sooner or later Aegon would leave. Both of them were surprised when he took your hand and started walking with you around the room for over an hour.
Alicent was telling you stories from when your uncles were babies in an attempt to distract you from the pain when at one point you get a contraction so strong it almost makes you fall on the floor, if it wasn't for Aegon catching you. They both helped you get into bed as comfortably as possible. Aegon didn't take his eyes off your face as the maester lifted your nightgown to see if you could start thrusting yet.
"You can push now, princess" the old man announced.
You began to push, crying out in pain as you clung to both Aegon's hand and Alicent's. She looked at her son expecting him at any moment to get up and leave the room. But he never did, he stayed by your side without letting go of your hand, from time to time making a little grimace because of the strength with which you were holding him but he never complained. She noted how Aegon's lavender eyes conveyed pure concern and pain. He looked like he was suffering from seeing you suffer.
"Princess, you must keep pushing," the maester asked when you stopped.
"I can't," you said tiredly "I can't do it" you repeated ignoring the midwives' words of encouragement.
"Y/n, I swear that all this pain will be worth it when you have your baby in your arms," Alicent said brushing the hair from your face.
"No, I can't do it" you repeated shaking your head "They're going to have to cut me open to get the baby out" you panicked and started crying. You were scared, you wanted your mother by your side, you wanted her to tell you that everything would be okay. You didn't want to die yet, you wanted to see your mother and siblings again, you wanted to be there when Aemond came back and met your baby. But right now you didn't think you were capable of giving birth.
Aegon felt his heart break to see you in this state. You looked so hopeless. He couldn't bear to see you like this.
"Hey, hey, look at me, look at me" with his free hand he took your chin making you look at him "No one is going to open you" he promised, giving your hand a light squeeze, it was the only way he could show his support "I know you can do it. Do you hear me? You can do it. You're not alone" he could feel her mother's gaze but he didn't care, the only thing that mattered now was you "You have dragon blood in your veins. You are strong. You will beat the delivery bed "Your breathing calmed down and slowly the tears stopped flowing "Now I want you to push, you can lean on me, smash my hand and scream all you want but I need you to push" he smiled when you nodded.
Alicent couldn't help but be surprised and angry. A part of her was surprised by the softness in her firstborn's voice when speaking to you, she was grateful that he can comfort you but another part was furious with her son for being here, by your side when he was not together with Helaena when Jaehaerys and Jaehaera were born. Aegon was not there to calm his sister's fears.
Then you started to push again, you were sure that your screams should be heard throughout the castle but it didn't matter, today you would give birth. Aegon was right, you have the blood of the dragon and you weren't going to let the birthing bed kill you. You were going to live, you were going to see your baby grow, you'd be on your feet when Aemond got back and you'd introduce him to his child, and the both of you raise him together.
"I can already see the child's head, princess. Keep pushing" asked the maester and you did it. You had to make one last effort and you could already have your baby in your arms.
You kept pushing until you finally heard a cry from the baby. You were so relieved to hear that you let yourself lean against Aegon. He started stroking your back. You closed your eyes for a moment enjoying the sense of security and peace you felt. You smiled when you heard that he was a boy. You were about to ask for it so you could see it when you felt pain again making you groan, earning worried looks from your mother-in-law and brother-in-law.
"Princess, there is still another child" announced the maester surprised.
"Damn it Aemond. When I get back I won't let him touch me again" you said making the king laugh.
"Okay, princess, let's get this over with," Aegon said smiling and you couldn't help but smile back. You should hate him for stealing your mother's throne, but how could you hate him after he was by your side on the birthing bed? It was not his obligation, he was not your husband but he was still here, by your side, supporting you.
A couple more pushes and it didn't take long for another cry to be heard, this one much louder.
"Another boy, princess. Congratulations"
"Thank you all for being with me"
A few minutes later the midwives finished cleaning the children. They gave you one of your babies, Alicent was ready to take the other but the midwife gave it to the king.
Aegon didn't expect it but he took the baby without problems, it's not like it was the first time he had a child in his arms he was a father. He felt a lump begin to form in his throat as he remembered when he first lifted Jaehaerys. He decided to put those thoughts aside so as not to overshadow the happiness of the birth of your children.
"My little Aemon," you said looking tenderly at your son in your arms. You felt your heart full of love. Alicent was right. All the pain was worth seeing how she looked at you "I'm your mom" you smiled and left a kiss on her forehead. You still didn't want to let go but you could see your mother-in-law eager to pick up one of her grandchildren "Meet your grandmother" you gave her the baby.
Alicent was relieved to see that her grandson had Aemond's nose and violet eyes, which were darker than the king's. For a moment she had feared that Aegon's attitude was because they were actually his children.
"And what are you going to call this little guy?" Aegon asked as he rocked the baby. He already loved him, simply for being a part of you.
"Baelon" you replied with a smile feeling warmth seeing how he looked at your son "Now, I didn't want to interrupt your moment with your nephew but I would like to meet my son"
"I'm sorry" the king apologized with red cheeks before passing the boy to you.
"It's okay" you smiled at him before turning your full attention to your baby.
Alicent looked at the three of them and felt nauseated. You looked so happy as you spoke to Baelon and Aegon looked at you with such love, he had never seen that look in his eyes, the three of you quietly seemed like family. She felt sick when she realized her mistake when she denied the commitment between Helaena and Jacaerys and yours with Aegon. She remembered her firstborn complaining that he didn't want to marry his sister but you, that he loved you. She had thought it was a whim but now she could see it. Because only a man who truly loved you could look so happy while you carry another man's child. Any other man would be spiteful and jealous. But Aegon didn't, he loved you so much that he just wanted to see you well.
Tumblr media
tag list: @hannaeditzs @multi-fandoms-stuff @zverea @m1tzifa1ry
@solacestyles @lilithskywalker @satish @justsumtuffstuff @crispmarshmallow @daduol @inmyowndefender @afro-hispwriter
@green-lxght @roroswhiterose @libdarkheart @chevelledahuman
@versaillesdrmngs @helloitsshitzulover @ladybug0095 @ietss
@serendippindots @ultraviollett @akinatrix @papery-maniac @merovingianprincess @hnybitches @m1ndbrand @giulia2372
@blubird592 @alexa4040 @noisyinfluencerstrawberry @bajadotcom @woodandwaxwings @idkjj04 @yor72 @mendes-bae
@lj127 @sustisama @imjustboredso @remuslupinwifee @sarcasticking9 @melllinaa @tswiftsthings
 @404slayer404  @letsloveimagines @zillahvathek @alexandra-001 
@hnybitches 
Tumblr media
4K notes · View notes
thewriterwithnoplan · 3 months
Text
THE WINTER KEEP (2/2)
Summary: You have fled the Red Keep, the Greens and Alicent's poison. It is time to play your hand and herald your mother's ascension on a larger scale. You will fly to Winterfell, treat with the Lord Cregan Stark and await your brother. You are weak and a girl, no longer. You are a dragon ready to spill blood to ensure your promises are kept.
[Part 2 to The Highest Tower]
Soulmate AU: Your animal familiar leads you to your soulmate.
Pairing: Cregan Stark x Reader 
Word Count: 5631
Warnings: Canon typical warnings, swearing, canon divergence, my first time writing for hotd, pretty sure I'm missing something...
Masterlist
Laesuvion had taken to the skies through a hole in the dragon pit. Swift and lethal and stealthy as a white dragon against dark clouds could be. Come morning the whole of Kings Landing would know that you had fled. Come morning the usurper King and his council of snakes would be plotting your demise. You would need every advantage, every inch of distance you could gain before they found the wherewithal to send men after you. The Queen could protect you no longer, your time as her ward had passed. As Laesuvion crested the skies above the Red Keep, and you urged him north, you left just as you had arrived all those years ago. Rhaenyra’s only daughter. Her greatest supporter. Her most loyal weapon.
It took some days to fly north, you rested only once. On the second night of flying, setting down in the swamplands just beyond Greywater Watch. You swaddled yourself in your flying cloak and huddled in a hollow tree as Laesuvion hunted. Sleep came in fitful bursts, each gust of wind and animal sound convincing you that despite your head start from having flown through night and day and night again, the king's loyal men had somehow found you. You awoke around dawn to find Laesuvion’s bulk curved around your tree, his breathing deep and rhythmic in sleep. You crept toward his front claws and the charred mass caged there.
Your first food in some hours, since the day prior when you had polished off the meagre supplies you had smuggled out of the Keep. You tore charred clumps from what might have once been a deer or livestock from a nearby farm. You set these aside in case Laesuvion woke hungry, as you shredded his offering until– There, protected by the cocoon of hardened char, well-cooked meat. You gorged yourself.
You took to the skies an hour later, dehydration your greatest enemy so close to the searing sun. You wrapped your cloak around you, tied yourself firmly to the saddle and tried desperately to catch another snatch of rest. Through that morning, that evening and night, Laesuvion tore through the skies of Westeros.
You landed in the Northlands on the third dawn of your travels. The south gate of Winterfell rose to greet you, a small host of men waiting under its shelf. Dehydrated, exhausted, terrified, you could have wept with joy.
“Holt!” You startled. It was a woman.
“I mean no harm.” You dismounted Laesuvion carefully, moving purposefully to disguise your limb's feeble shakes. At eye level, though separated by a good fifty yards you repeated, “I mean you no harm.”
“Your dragon?” The woman demanded.
The men shifted nervously as Laesuvion gave a chest-deep rumbling purr. “Merely glad to have found our destination.”
“Come forward.”
“To whom do I speak?” You inched forward, Laesuvion nosing at your back.
“Sara Snow.” Up close you found Sara Snow to be very beautiful. With ebony hair twisted in intricate braids and eyelashes so long they caught snowflakes. A true northern beauty, with a sword strapped to her back and a pelt secured to her shoulders.
“I seek an audience with Lord Cregan Stark.”
“He is in a meeting with his men.”
“He will want to speak to me.” You smiled pleasantly, “He owes loyalty to my mother, the Queen.”
“House Stark owes loyalty to King Viserys.” Sara jutted her chin, “No oaths were sworn to his lady-wife.”
“You misunderstand me, Sara Snow. I speak of my mother, the Realms Delight. Queen Rhaenyra to whom Lord Rickon swore fealty.”
The men sent furtive glances to one another. Sara paused and then curtsied. “Forgive me, Princess. The North had not heard word of you for some years now, we feared you had been lost.”
“Ah, I have been kept to the Keep for some time.”
“Winterfell is most honoured to–” Sara turned.
The sound of crunching snow, hurried footsteps, quickened breath. One of Sara’s men toppled to the ground as a dire wolf barrelled through his legs. Pitch black but frosted with snow, it careened toward you. The man giving chase shouted the wolf’s name, skidded around the line of men, and stumbled to a stop mere inches in front of you. In what seemed to be perfect, practised coordination, Laesuvion jammed his snout into your back as the dire wolf danced around his owner's legs. In a heap of limbs, winter cloaks, and riding leathers, you collapsed on the man and fell to the snow.
You wheezed; the air knocked from your lungs. Your limbs shook as you scrambled up, plating a hand on the man's face as leverage.
“Sir.” You hissed; with all the royal poise you could muster. Alicent would be appalled. Your mother would be beyond amused.
“My apologies, lady.” The man grabbed your hips to lift you from him. Mortified you slapped his hands away and fought to your feet. “If you would just let me–”
You struggled, “Unhand me!”
“Here, just–” You planted a knee in his groin. He tried to curl up beneath you.
“Get off me!” You gave him a harsh shove and fumbled to your feet. “How dare–”
Sara Snow launched into raucous laughter. Hand clutching her side as she howled in delight. Her men shuffled as if wondering whether to intervene. Your assailant hobbled to his feet, one handheld protectively over his front, the other outstretched toward you as if to keep you at a distance.
You whirled toward Sara, “What is the meaning of this?”
“Apologies, lady.” The man heaved, his dire wolf prancing about his feet. “It was an honest accident. Shadow has been tense of late.”
“You let your wolf run wild in such a way?” You sneered.
“As wild as you allow your dragon to be.”
As if on cue, Laesuvion pressed the length of his head to your back again. The dire wolf herded his owner.
“Laesuvion?” You turned, pressing your freezing fingers to the scales of his nose. “Lykirī, iōrās aril.” (be calm, stay back).
He huffed and shoved at your hands. You toppled again; this time the man caught you against his chest. Laesuvion shuffled back, his tail swishing through the snow in a great arch. A growl rumbled up his throat as one of Sara’s men tried to approach.
“Ah.” The man smiled down at you in understanding.
You tried shoving at him again, but his grip held firm. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Like what?”
“Like I am a wolf pup or a precious stone, or some covetous thing.”
“You are more precious than both I fear, and certainly something to covet.” He held your forearms to contain your struggle. “I have waited many years to find my Promised. I did not imagine you would be so violent.”
Sara coughed, “Welcome brother. Might I be the first to introduce you to our Princess, daughter of Rhaenyra. She has come from King’s Landing to treat with you.” She sketched a bow, her lips still trembling, “Your Highness, my brother, the Lord Cregan Stark.”
You gaped, your mouth opening and closing. A myriad of emotions warmed your face. Bone deep mortification. The purest delight. Wonderment. Utter confusion. Behind you, the dire wolf, Shadow, ran playfully around Laesuvion. Your dragon moved to face the tiny yipping creature, stealing his warm breath from your back. You shivered the cold striking through you like a physical blow.
“Princess?” Cregan Stark asked softly. “Are you well?”
“I am cold and hungry and tired, and I wish to bathe.” You said in a rush, utterly horrified with yourself.
But your Promised only smiled, “Of course.”
Tumblr media
Cregan Stark was a most gracious host. In the hours since your arrival, you had been given quarters in the same hall as that of the Starks. A maid had gone about filling the tub in your rooms with water warmed on the fire, to which she added fragrant oils and sweet-smelling soap. As you bathed the maid returned – Atara, you learned – to ply you with cheeses and fresh bread, soft meats, and stewed root vegetables. Once you had been thoroughly scrubbed and fed, you dressed in the soft night clothes Atara had brought with her and curled up in the thick expanse of blankets atop your bed.
You were allowed to sleep for far longer than you might have suspected. Only being roused by Atara once the sun had well and truly set.
“Your Highness, Lord Stark asks that you join his family for dinner.”
You tumbled out of bed, and over to the dresser where you let her braid back your hair in the northern style. She handed you a thick winter dress that Sara had sent for you to borrow and allowed you to don it yourself. Stepping in only to tighten the taught laces at its back. You delighted in the simple joy of dressing yourself, so used to the Queen’s maids who scrubbed you raw and laced you tightly into dresses all shaded the same insidious green.  
Atara whispered to you as she led you through the halls of Winterfell, “Lord Stark is a good and generous man. He has been Warden of the North for some years now, he is a just leader and kind to those in his employ. It is his uncle, who was his regent, and his power-hungry cousins you must watch.”
“Will they be at dinner?”
“No, they are north and east in Karhold. Though his sister will be present.”
“Sara Snow. She is his sister born? I assumed the Lord was her brother-at-arms, not a true blood relative.”
“Indeed,” Atara corralled you down another cavernous hall. “She is his sister and among his most trusted advisors.”
“Why does she bear the name Snow?”
“It is the surname given to those born out of wedlock in the north.”
“And this is not an issue in the north?”
Atara considered it for a moment, “For some it is. But Lord Stark is a better man than most.”
You wondered if she had been sent to sing his praises or if the people of the north were truly so enamoured with their lord.
“Is he not married?” You asked hesitantly, the thought had not yet crossed your mind.
Atara grinned, “He is not, Your Highness.”
“Nor betrothed?”
“Nor does he have a lover.” She assured. “We servants would know.”
“Thank you, you have been most enlightening.” You smiled as you reached the Stark’s private dining hall, “I will see to myself tonight. Please, enjoy your evening.”
Atara curtsied, “Have a most wonderful night, Your Highness.”
You most certainly would.
Tumblr media
The Starks took private dinners in a humble hall. Three places had been set at the far end of the dining table with a generous spread laid out between them. Cregan and Sara looked up from their conversation as you crossed to your seat.
“My apologies, Lord Stark, Lady Snow.” You bowed your head. “I did not mean to keep you waiting.”
Sara snorted into her cup, “Please, Princess, formalities are for the feasting hall and for those whose names you cannot remember.”
“Sister,” Cregan hissed.
You fought a smile, “Forgive me, Sara, I would not have you think I had forgotten your name already.”
“How does the dress fit?”
“Wonderfully,” You swished from side to side, “You are most generous.”
“I have never had a sister,” she said thoughtfully.
Cregan spluttered into his cup. You grinned, “Nor I.”
You thought only briefly of Heleana and her mother and their glittering cage.
Cregan leapt from his seat to pull yours out for you, “Please, ignore my sister, she is overly friendly.”
“Please, ignore my brother,” Sara mocked. “He is overly nervous.”
“Tis not everyday one meets their Promised.” He met your eyes fleetingly.
What a soft demeanour for the Warden of the North, you thought. Though you supposed you had smiled more today than you had in all your years in the Red Keep, so perhaps today was not a good judge of anyone’s character. You allowed him to serve up your plate as Sara kept up a steady stream of conversation. First marvelling at the fit of her dress on you, then the colour of your eyes, your hair in northern braids, your improved state after some well-needed rest.
“Is she not a sight, dear brother?” She teased.
“I apologise for my earlier state of unkempt.” You winced. You had hit the Lord of this castle, your Promised rather hard.
“I thought you looked marvellous.” Cregan argued, then seemed to realise what he’d said and hurried to add, “We have received reports that your dragon has taken to the Wolfswood.”
You exhaled slowly, “Laesuvion flew through day and night twice over to get me here so swiftly. He will be in need of food and rest as much as I.”
“Laesuvion. That is a beautiful name.” He said softly. “We can send meat if you wish?”
“He is a good hunter; he has fed himself since I was ten.”
“Still to have flown so fiercely, with so little rest…”
“It does not do well to deprive a dragon of its hunt. Especially in such times as these.”
Cregan placed his utensils down carefully, “Princess, what has brought you to Winterfell?”
You lowered your fork. Good, time to stop dancing around the subject. From the pocket of your skirt, you withdrew the King’s missive.
“I am not sure how far and fast word has travelled,” You looked to the siblings and frowned. “King Viserys is dead, and Aegon has been crowned in my mother's place. The night of his coronation Queen Alicent gave me this letter for you, Lord Stark, she wishes for us to marry.”
Cregan broke the seal of the King’s letter and read silently.
“There are worse things than to be told to marry ones Promised,” Sara joked lamely. You smiled weakly in the tense silence.
Finally, Cregan folded the letter and turned to you, “Why were you with the Queen, not with your mother on Dragonstone?”
“I have been the Queen’s ward for some nine years now.”
“And are you loyal to her?”
“As a dog is to its owner.”
“They are very loyal in the North,” Sara said.
“I was traded to her as reparations when my brother gorged her son's eye.” You said plainly, “I was her possession, but I remain my mother’s daughter.”
“House Stark swore fealty to Princess Rhaenyra when she was made heir,” Cregan watched you carefully. “There has never been a Stark who has forgotten an oath.”
“I too have made a promise to my mother. I intend to keep it.”
Cregan brandished the letter, “This offers your hand in return for the North’s neutrality in the coming conflict. Is that what you wish?”
“May I speak plainly, my lord?”
“Please.”
“That letter is likely a forgery by the Dowager Queen’s hand. She is mistaken on many fronts, I fear, the least of which was Aegon’s ascension to King. I do not wish to go to war with my kin, but if it becomes inevitable I would rather do so with strong allies and in support of my mother.”
His head tilted, “House Stark is already an ally of your mother.”
“Yes,” You folded your hands on the table. “I should tell you, Lord Stark. My mother has sworn to marry me to my Promised for my service as her spy in the Red Keep.”
“You wish us to marry?”
“I wish to offer you my hand, outside my mother’s promise or the Queen’s demands.” You cleared your throat, and just as you had carefully prepared on your journey here you said, “I have been trained in the ways of the court, I will be of use to you in councils and in handling the affairs of your territory. I am of royal breeding, you will be made Prince-Consort, our children Princes, and Princesses of the realm. I have dragon eggs for their cradles and Valyrian blood for their veins. I would ask only that you allow Laesuvion to stay with me in the North. If not, I shall wait here until such a time as my brother Jacaerys comes to treat with you, that I might return with him to Dragonstone.”
You watched the Lord, his eyes dancing with an unnamed light as he listened to you. “I will need time.”
“Of course, my Lord, speak with your advisors.”
“You misunderstand him, Princess.” Sara grinned.
Cregan smiled, “I will not marry you hastily. I will need to summon my family and prepare a feast. It is a special thing, for those of our station, to be given leave to marry our Promised.”
“I–” You were unsure what you expected. “I suppose it is.”
Sara clapped gleefully, “Shall we call for dessert?”
Tumblr media
You wore the soft nightclothes once more as you sat at your vanity and penned your mother a letter.
Mother,
How I have missed you. Know that I have thought of you often and never strayed from my mission nor my loyalty to you.
I have fled King's Landing and taken the Lord Hands life with me. Though the smallfolk have no mind to protest whichever Targaryen collects their taxes, you have many allies in the Red Keep. I have interred a list of those Lords and Ladies who remain loyal to you as well as those I have heard of beyond and some whom we may turn with careful diplomacy.
I am at Winterfell with my Promised, Lord Cregan Stark, whom I will marry in the coming weeks. With your blessing, of course. I await Jacaerys, with news of our family and our strategy. In the meanwhile, I intend to discuss what supplies and men Winterfell may have to offer you.
Mostly I am writing to you because I can. I am overwhelmed with the freedom to do so, to be able to tell you once more how much I love you. I cannot imagine how this week has been for you, know that though we are separated I am your most fierce supporter.
I have had a thought, in my hours here, about how far Winterfell is from the capital. How far we will be if we are forced into battle and bloodshed. Perhaps you might consider sending Joffery here, to mine and my soon-to-be Lord Husband's care.
I hope you are well, Mother. I love you from the very depths of my heart.
You signed the letter with a careful flourish and set it aside. You would ask Atara where you might find a raven-master to have it sent. You touched your fingers to it softly, your first contact with your family in nearly a decade. To tell your mother that you were preparing for marriage and war.
As you blew out your candles and settled into bed, you hoped your mother would like Lord Cregan Stark.
Tumblr media
On your fourth morning in Winterfell, you took morning tea with Sara. She had taken lengths to make you comfortable in the days since your arrival, and you took great joy in breaking your fast with her each morning. Today, you spent the early hours humming and haring over the tiny sample cakes you had been sent to taste for the upcoming feast. As you ate, Sara told you all that she could about the castle, the arriving lords, the Stark territory, and their histories.
Northern marriage traditions, you had learned, were not so different from those celebrated at King’s Landing, there would be the exchanging of cloaks and binding words spoken before gods but there would also be a hunt. Women such as yourselves would not be invited but you would find your own fun, Sara assured.
“It is tradition to have the pelts in your quarters and the meats on the feasting table.”
You lifted a citrusy cake between your thumb and forefinger, “Husband and wife share quarters here?”
“Most,” Sara said thoughtfully, “Though I’m sure Cregan would accommodate you if it is different in the south.”
“What happens if their hunt is unsuccessful?”
“I imagine there will be much embarrassment among the North, that we could not bring our Princess quarry for her wedding table.” Sara snatched the half-eaten cake from your hands and winked, “Fear not, Cregan is a good hunter.”
“If he is not,” You smiled fiendishly, “I suppose the two of us will have to find meats for the feast ourselves.”
Sara snorted, “I think my brother would be rather put out at being unable to provide you with a gift on your wedding day. But the look on his face as we return from our own hunt is almost worth it.”
You jolted, “Am I to bring him a gift?”
“You have brought him dragon eggs.”
“For our children.” You argued.
“For his heirs,” She assured, “I think he is already downtrodden at the idea of only being able to bring you fur and meat.”
“I bring only scales and fire.”
“You will be a very warm family.”
“And very well-fed.”
Sara snatched another cake from you, “Only if you keep eating all of these before I get a taste!”
You guffawed. “I am hungry, and they are so tiny!”
“They need be, so you can keep eating.”
“And I shall!”
“Your Highness, Lady Snow,” Atara curtsied as she entered, “Lord Stark has requested your presence in the courtyard.”
“Another lord has arrived?” Sara sank her teeth into another teacake. “Which house does he hail from?”
“No Lord, my Lady.” Atara looked to you uneasily, “A Prince. Of House Targaryen.”
Tumblr media
After nearly nine years kept apart by the waters of Blackwater Bay, and three long days separated by your duties, the time had come. You caught your first look at your eldest brother as you left the comfort of the Great Keep and nearly crumpled to the ground. Sara laid a steadying hand at your shoulder as Atara whispered sweet comforts. But nothing could prepare you for the sight laid out in the courtyard.
Jacaerys, with Vermax perched atop the walls of the keep. Jacaerys, with tousled dark hair. Jacaerys, once the awkward boy you followed dutifully, now an emissary of the Queen. Jacaerys, your brother. Jacaerys, your mother’s son.
“Jacaerys!” You ran. Past Sara and Atara, past Cregan and his warning cry. You ran. Almost straight into the end of your brother’s sword. You pulled to a halt, the blade a whisper away from your sternum, “Jacaerys?”
“Sister,” He sneered. “How far you are from your castle.”
“I have escaped.”
“You have been sent as an emissary of the usurper and his cunt-mother.”
“She did not tell you?” Your arms slumped at your side. “Mother sent me as a spy, she and Daemon trusted me to–”
“Her trust was misplaced. You have betrayed us.”
“I have come here to rally the North for our mother’s claim, just as you have.”
“You have come here to better your station.”
“I am a Princess.” You hissed, confused, and insulted.
“You are Princess of nothing, of no house.”
“I am of House Targaryen,” You pressed forward until the tip of his sword tore through the bodice of your dress and blood welled. You turned, held out your hand and gave Cregan a pleading look, he shifted but stayed back. “I am Princess of loyalty, of oaths and duty. I have come to the North to escape the Greens, to tell our mother, the Queen, all that I have discovered these years.”
“Where was loyalty,” Jacaerys shook with rage. “When they dragged us before the Iron Throne and called our mother a whore and our brothers bastards? Where was duty, when Lucerys was nearly stripped of his birthright? Where were you when Laenor died? When Rhaenys flew to our mother's side to tell her of–”
“Our father is dead?” You whispered.
“Your father is Daemon.” He growled under his breath.
You reeled back, “My father is Laenor Velaryon.”
“It is Daemon. He told us so himself when he married Mother.”
“Daemon and mother are married?”
His sword sagged slightly, “The Greens did not tell you? What of Viserys and Aegon?”
“Our grandsire and uncle?”
Jacaerys looked pained, “Our brothers.”
You fell to your knees, shoved your face in your hands and wept. Jacaerys jerked his sword backward and staggered away from you as Cregan rushed to your side.
“Princess?” He wrapped a protective arm over you. “What is the matter?”
“The question of Driftmark’s succession,” Jacaerys stared at you in horror. “Where were you?”
“I did not know!” You sobbed. “I did not know!”
“Otto Hightower said you would not see us, that you felt abandoned and betrayed when Mother gave you to the Greens.”
Cregan pulled you closer to him as Jacaerys inched forward. He growled, “Stand back. You have no enemies among the Starks. Do not make one.”
“I went willingly, for mother, for Lucerys.” You glared up at your brother. “You watched me! I traded my life; you watched me do it!”
“Otto Hightower–”
“Is dead!” You bared your teeth. “I fled King’s Landing, and I killed the man who usurped our mother, and you as her heir. I am loyal, I am steadfast, I am your greatest supporter as heir.”
“Tis true.” Cregan attested. “She has come to the North in support of your mother's claim. She has offered her hand to me, and we have talked much of giving your mother’s children sanctuary here.”
“You are betrothed?” Jacaerys whispered.
“I am.” You said proudly.
Cregan smiled at you softly, “The North is yours, my Prince. So long as my Promised wills it.”
“Sister.” Was all Jacaerys could say. “Sister.”
“Come,” Cregan lifted you to your feet. “My betrothed will catch a cold out here, let us speak inside.”
.
Cregan sat you gently by the fire swaddling you in the great expanse of his cloak. Sara brought tea to your side while your brothers sat at the other end of the room to discuss politics.
“Did you hear?”
Sara blew on her cup, “I heard a lot.”
“Did you hear what he said about my father?”
“That you lost one? Or that…” She pursed her lips.
“That I am Daemon’s bastard.”
“I did.”
“Do you think Cregan heard?” You burrowed into his cloak.
She gave you a secret smile, “Does it matter? You are a Princess, twice over. And Cregan keeps me around, does he not?”
“I only meant…” You turned away. “I fear he may think me liable to follow in my mother’s footsteps.”
“Will you?”
You stared at her, “Cregan has been kind to me, listened to me, protected me – given me more than anyone has ever offered me. And he is my Promised. Why should I stray from him?”
“Then there is no reason to fret.”
“And the King’s Hand?”
“What of him?”
“I killed him.” You half hid your face in your teacup.
“Do you regret it?” Sara asked curiously. “It is no small thing, to kill a man.”
“He has haunted my family for generations. I would do it again.”
Sara shrugged, “Then we will speak no more of it, justice has been served. I’m sure Cregan will more than agree.”
“Will he?”
“He has been forced to make decisions even further North of here, at the wall.” She took a long sip of tea and stared into the flames. “Some even I do not agree with. But we are family, and he is your Promised. So, it does not matter, does it?”
“No.” You stared into your cup. “I suppose not.”
“Princess!” The man in question came over with a charming grin, “Your brother has offered to escort you at our wedding.”
Jacaerys looked at you timidly, “If you will have me, sister.”
You looked first to Cregan who nodded, and then to Jacaerys with a soft smile. “Of course, brother. Nothing would please me more.”
Tumblr media
The letter from your mother arrived another four days later. It came to you clutched in Jacaerys’ hand with the seal broken. He had caught the raven just south of Winterfell as he, Cregan and the Northmen returned from the ceremonial hunt.
“I apologise, sister, I have never been accused of being patient.”
You scoffed, “Some things do not change.”
“Indeed,” Jacaerys said rather gravely. “I must ask a small favour of you before I give you this letter. It is on behalf of myself and our mother.”
You straightened, “Of course brother.”
“You will not open it until after you have been blissfully wedded to Lord Stark.” He paused at your dubious look, “Mother has words she wishes to share only after your wedding. Congratulations and such.”
“I suppose that is agreeable.” You took the letter carefully, “Though we require her blessings to move forward.”
“And you have them.” He tapped the letter. “In there. You shall marry your Promised tonight.”
“Tonight?”
“Tonight.”
And so, you married him that night.
Tumblr media
The Godswood was eerie in the darkness of night. Though lit by the torches of countless Northmen, it felt as if the darkness were reaching cool unnatural fingers toward your procession. Coaxing you, in your red-black Maiden Cloak toward the foot of the weirwood heart tree, where your Lord-Promised, his uncle, and the dire wolf Shadow wait. Jacaerys held your hand tightly as if frightened to let you go. Around you, Lords and honoured guests planted their torches in the snow, lighting the way for you and your brother. The wind whistled through the silence, broken only by the great rumbling in Laesuvion’s chest where he perched on the lip of the keep’s gate.
"Who comes before the Old Gods this night?" Called Bennard Stark.
Jacaerys whispered your name, then cleared his throat in embarrassment and announced it proudly, "Daughter of the House Targaryen, comes here to be wed. A woman grown and flowered, trueborn and noble. She comes to beg the blessing of the Gods. Who comes to claim her?"
"Cregan, of House Stark,” Your Promised sent you a small secret smile, “Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell. Who gives her?"
"Jacaerys, of the House Velaryon, who is her brother and Prince." Jacaerys gave your hand a firm squeeze as he gave you to Cregan.
"Princess,” Lord Bennard made an admirable effort to say your name without disdain, “Will you take this man?"
You took Cregan’s large warm hands in your own and smiled, “I take this man.”
Silently, hands joined, you knelt to the cold earth. Around you, the Lords of the North fell to their knees and bowed their heads in deference. Foreheads pressed together, you and Cregan offered silent prayers to the Old Gods. When you stood as one, Sara was there in her uncle's place, a cloak of thick, luscious fur in the silver-grey of House Stark.
You tipped your head back as Cregan fiddled with the ties of your Maiden’s Cloak. You smiled at the sky as he struggled gently against your neck. Finally, it loosened, there was a brief shock of cold and then there was wonderous heat, the furred collar tickling your chin. You look to Cregan then, donned in his colours, wrapped in his protection. You smile softly at one another and lean into a soft kiss.
The black sky lights up with swashes of red as Laesuvion spits fire at the stars.
All at once sound returns to the Godswood as the witnesses of your nuptials cheer, chief among them is your brother. You laugh in delight as Cregan grips your cheeks and plants another kiss on your lips. Shadow yips at your heels as your husband sweeps you up into his arms and carries you toward the Great Hall.
He whispers sweet promises for your future, and you have never been more grateful to know how fiercely a Stark is at keeping their word.
Tumblr media
It was the wolf’s hour when the festivities swelled through the Great Hall and you found yourself drawn to a quiet corner. You excused yourself from your husband by pressing a chaste kiss to his temple. He smiled softly at you and trailed his fingers from yours as you walked toward the hearth roaring at the far end of the hall. You pulled your mother's letter from your pocket and pressed your fingers against her seal as if you could fuse the two halves back into a whole. She and Jacaerys would not mind, you were sure, it was your wedding day after all, and you craved an inch of your mother’s presence.
You unfolded her letter and read:
My dearest girl,
I have never doubted you and I do not do so now.
You have my blessings. Marry the Lord Cregan Stark and take joy in your Promised. I will entrust Baela and Rhaena to bring your young brothers into your care.
You have served me well, which is why I write to you now, though my heart tells me to spare you.
Aemond has taken Lucerys’ life. War has come.
You looked up gripping the letter until your fingers drew indents in the paper and made desperate eye contact with Jacaerys’ pained face. A sound halfway between a scream and a sob tore from your throat, drowned by the thundering roar of Laesuvion overhead. Cregan stood, fighting to stumble his way toward you, as the walls of Winterfell rattled with your fury.
Nine years you had spent in the Red Keep, learning your enemies inside and out. Carefully ushering pieces across a board too vast for you to comprehend, hoping desperately you could stop a war conceived long before you. It all narrowed to this moment. Wrapped in the cloak of your husband’s house, framed by the hearth fire, as your dragon raged above.
Your Brother. Your Dragon. Your Husband.
By Blood. By Fire. By the Old God’s Promise.
You would avenge your brother and bring war to the Greens.
360 notes · View notes
chaosfae-writes · 4 months
Text
𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
premise: a crowded marriage of three, a suffocating marital bed, and one must go — and it’s the meddling husband.
pairings: Alicent Hightower x Targaryen!woc!reader, Targaryen!woc!reader x Vaemond Velaryon (arranged)
ao3 // 15k words
warnings: birth/labor, wlw romance, infidelity, jealously, arranged marriage, misogynistic Westerosi views.
a/n: for my Alicent, my little meow meow. Alicent really said, “look at me, look at me, I’m the husband now.” prepare yourselves, it’s long, please take your time.
do not repost my works.
Tumblr media
The birthing bed is a woman’s battlefield.
Choppy breaths of agony, quivering and irate as a wounded animal. Squelching wet noises mildly echo, the scent of copper is nauseating —- the terrain of your neck is damp with sweat. Nostrils flaring, baring teeth as a snarling dragoness.
White hot fire licks along your uterine walls, sore pelvis aches as if it’s cracking, bloodied thighs shaking, chest heaving, throat parched and dry as unforgiving Dornish sand, and the Queen’s tender fingers interwoven with yours.
Alicent’s knuckles baring white, milky fingers clutching tamarind tart fingers as in one fist. She’s perched on her knees behind you, as your spine laid against her bodice hanging off a chair; not caring that blood has now stained her dress — embroidered emerald fabric now adorned with murky brown stains.
It’s been a few hours into the long night, guttural groans rip through your throat, stings as if shards of glass live there —- by now the entire realm of King’s Landing has heard your wails. Trembling teeth, mouth wet with tears and sweat.
Your dizzied skull falls defeatedly upon the crock of Alicent’s neck; sweetly she lays her cheek on your temple. Alicent is a mess, heaving and panting from the stress.
She’s on her knees ungracefully, her thick midnight auburn hair in messy tresses, no longer does she don the regal guise of a queen, but as a soldier in war.
Murmuring under her breath, pleading to the Gods for you and the child to survive the labor -— the ichor that slowly trickles and seeps from the cave of your womb terrifies her as it pools and stains down your thighs.
Prayers recited as hymns, as chants, pleas to the Gods for your life. You have been a life-line to Alicent, been her anchor at each of her births —- throughout her entire life. And she too, will be by your side.
As your hands shook in pain, entering into the new world of motherhood, Alicent witnesses it as not your step-mother, but as your entrusted companion—- as lovers, with ease, she assimilate to the role of husband, as if it’s her babe too who is struggling to breathe life into the new world.
“Push, princess! Its crown is near!”
Throat nearly torn, you muster the strength to push, a high-pitched scream pierces through; a wounded animal using all her strength to bring her unborn cub to the world. A babe’s cry comes as a crackle of thunder, an unforgiving war cry — the fight is won! What a shrill, fiery dragon unfurling its wings.
Relieved gasps, your abdomen a tad bit lighter, but still a little swollen flesh. The umbilical cord still connected, the connection still strong.
“A daughter, princess!”
Exhausted cheers as the baby is swathed in a blanket, sore fingers out-stretch for her. You sob in relief, face wrinkling with a wavering smile, as Alicent kisses your cheek, inches away to your lips. The maidens say nothing over the gesture, too overjoyed — it’s all too familiar. It has been for years.
Clumps of blood clots rest upon Valyrian pale tufts of hair, you cradle the delicate neck of your snuffling babe, your baby’s little chubby fingers curl mindlessly in the air. The babe’s spine lay on the flesh of your thighs, sinking into yourself on the bed.
Doe violet eyes blink, and stare at you, curious and innocent. Alicent is truly over-joyed, her sore shaky fingers reaching for the newborn’s cheek. “Hello there, we’ve been expecting you.” Gently your thumb caress your daughter’s cheek. Alicent’s stroke the ends of your daughter’s hair —- pale as fresh snow.
“What name shall you bestow her, Princess?”
A beat of silence, you smile as a name rings in your mind. “Alysanne, beautiful Alysanne. Named after our late good queen.” A joyous moment, all basking at new life— maidens, the mother, the mother queen all awe at little Alysanne, her arms wiggling in mid-air.
All glee at new life.
All but a missing husband.
-
The journey from Driftmark to King’s Landing was a blur. It took two days by ship for the return. His trip back home was cut short by the caw of a raven.
‘Ser Vaemond, come with haste to King’s Landing, as the princess is in labor.’
Vaemond tiressly demands for the chariot rider to speed up his horses on the kingsroad, all under the blanket of the night sky —- with the letter still in his grasp, wrinkled.
Anxiously clicking his heels against the wood, scoffing furiously at himself for ever leaving. Bouncing in his seat, his back hunched.
His fingernails digging into the velvet stitching of his cushion, his teeth seeping out, as if he hisses in anxiety.
The Red Keep towering into the night-sky, stars twinkle and shine; the driver couldn’t utter a word, clumsily Vaemond shifts to the door.
His feet bolts out the luxurious carriage, dashing up the castle’s stairways, knees bowing inward, nearly slipping onto his face. The palace slumbers with only few sworn shields roaming on duty, and the many more counting roaming in the streets down below in Flea Bottom.
All move in the presence of Vaemond, clearing the path for him. His feet twisting, and twirling upward the grand stairway, his sweaty palms gripping the railing.
His wife’s chambers are not too far, inching closer and closer by footfall. His heart beats as a wild war drum against his chest, so many thoughts swim in his mind—— what does his child look like? Is it a daughter or a son?
Hurried steps softly echo, closer and closer now to the chambers. The hallway seems as a stretched maze, mocking him as if he could never reach his end.
With a flick of his wrist, the golden knobs are tugged, and yet it’s silent.
The shared quarters glow in dark ambience. The scent of incense is faint. Vaemond straightens his wrinkled cloth, and takes a step closer.
The silence breaks.
A bitter scoff, more as a bite, “By the Gods, he has arrived. What husband doesn’t even accompany the birth of his first born?” Alicent sits across from the bed, posture now rigid.
Her fingers curl near her chin, as in deep thought. The low crackles of flames illuminate her face, wickedly cold as stone. The marigold hue casts upon Alicent’s face —- ever so strikingly benevolent.
Vaemond’s nose flares, cheeks puffing up, walking on edge, inches more closer to Alicent now, his tongue ready to lash out.
“I’m quite baffled, your Grace — from how high you reign on that horse of yours, it’s a miracle from the Gods that you haven’t fallen yet.”
“She was nearly at the Stranger’s door.” Alicent nearly shouts in a hush — bolting from her chair with a dull screech, and the clicks of her heels -— maintaining her volume to make sure she doesn’t awaken you; peeking over her shoulder.
Not even a stir from Alysanne and yourself, a soft smile adorns Alicent’s face. But as quickly as it came, it quickly went, muffled footsteps grating Alicent’s senses, coming closer behind her.
“I arrived as soon as I —-” His hurried footsteps halted clumsily, the crackle of the flames echoing piercing the silence.
There he sees it.
The splotches of blood that splatters across the green flourish, Alicent’s mouth is pursed, her eyes calculating and cold. Staring him down with such distaste, her lips twist as if to spit poison, with a hint of a curled smirk.
And he sees it all, he sees her spite.
Alicent never changed into clean nightwear, but remained in the soiled dress, wearing the stains of your blood that slipped from your warm womb —- proudly so. Just moments after your birth, you nearly slipped away to the Stranger, too much ichor spilled.
Despite edging on death, you drowsily clung Alysanne against your damp breast —- if you were to draw your last breath, at least, your little girl was the last touch you felt before departing from this realm.
The sight of your body succumbing to unconsciousness nearly sent Alicent’s soul to the heavens, she felt as if she could crawl out of her skin; your bodice crumbling back into her chest.
The handmaidens quickly grabbed your crying little girl, one of them dashing to fetch the maesters —— all the while amidst the chaos, Alicent’s cradles you, her hand stroking your jaw, pleading for you to awaken. Nearly shrilling on the top of her lungs.
For the last two days, Alicent had been by your bedside, hawking over the maesters —- no woman can trust the maesters, the very ones who cut through the belly of the late queen.
Maesters only follow the word of their king—- but for you, Alicent ensured all the hand-maidens and maesters listened to her strict commands as knights on a battlefield.
She snarked, and nipped, scaring all of them away and even your devoted maidens who were reluctant to leave you —- to the point of herself solely attending to you as your care-giver, as Ser Criston Cole guards the chamber doors outside dutifully.
For sparse moments Criston would leave his post, and see Alysanne. The moment his rich brown eyes fell upon the sight of Alysanne in your arms, he swore to the Gods that he will protect her till his last breath.
Alicent served you the milk of the poppy by hand. Cradling Alysanne when you were in deep slumber, and when you would awaken, in and out of consciousness, Alicent would softly help bare your breast for Alysanne to feed.
Alicent would gently cuddle your baby in your exhausted arms, guiding little Alysanne’s plump cheek against yours, both heads on the pillow.
Alicent wants him to bear witness -— for him to see that even as your husband, that mere title means nothing, it never held true value, nor never will.
How boldly she is—- impudent even. Raised to be modest, to uphold duty, it’s never been in Alicent’s nature to be cruel, but something has changed in her over the years.
Perhaps it’s the manipulative lessons from her father, the loneliness that iced her heart to become this unhinged cornered animal.
That’s who Alicent is now — cold and hardened as an uncut emerald gem.
Another knot formed these past fortnights, tighter in the tether of your two souls, it’s her who gets to see the scars, to bear your blood.
A badge of honor.
No marital vow can diminish this bond.
“Your Grace, it’s quite late. I must retire for the night, to tend to my wife.” The formalities bundle in Vaemond’s mouth as pit seeds, biting his tongue from lashing out.
He sees it, the condescension that vibrates off of Alicent, pursuing her lips in deep thought. Alicent hums with a tone, sneering at him with just her eyes, but as a drop of a coin, her mood shifts in such trained manners.
“Of course, Ser Vaemond.” She turns her back to him, walking to your sleeping body, bending over to gently kiss your forehead, and little Alysanne’s forehead.
“Oh— please do make sure to provide her with the milk of poppy in the morrow.” Alicent doesn’t look him in the eye, as if doing so is tedious, that he is beneath her.
“She still aches. Here,” Alicent points strictly at a bowl that rests nearby on a table, “rag soaking in warm water, she runs a little chill. As well, do make sure not to ale her as she feeds Alysanne by her breast.”
‘Alysanne? By the Gods, he has been blessed with a girl! The babe has been named?’
Vaemond swallows his confusion and surprise, awaiting for Alicent to leave his chambers—- although, if he could, he would throw her out the door himself. She tells him what to do, as if instructing a child, that he couldn’t merely comprehend basic tasks to take care of his wife.
From the corner of her eye, Alicent senses Vaemond’s shame. Shame for missing the birth of his child, his first daughter —- more so, rage, and she feeds off of it like a starved animal.
“Goodnight.” Alicent’s hand gestures to Vaemond dimessively over the shoulder, quietly shutting the door shut. Vaemond stands rooted in the middle of his chambers, his fists coiling by his sides—- he mutters under his breath, cunt.
Alone now, Vaemond steps close to the bed. Both Alysanne and yourself undisturbed, deep in slumber. The babe tucked in your arms, cozy under the thick blanket.
Vaemond’s hand shakes over your cheek, stroking a damp strand of your hair. Breathing frustration through his nose, his knuckles graze the cheek of his newborn child.
His anger simmers, he missed it—- the birth of his first daughter.
-
“Prince Lucerys has been officially declared the heir to Driftmark— how absurd.”
House Velaryon has been blessed by the Realm’s Delight fertility once more, a new babe, a new heir. The silver beauty birthed yet another boy with rich brown hair, and dark brown eyes. A gleeful time for House Targaryen … and a grievance upon the queen. A son, healthy — and strong.
It has been three days now since the birth of Alysanne Velaryon, not yet presented to the realm; your inistience of wanting Rhaenyra and Daemon’s presence in the royal court.
Despite your uncle living in far Pentos, and your sister residing on the island of Dragonstone with Laenor, and her children —- just for a bit, due to tensions arising once again between the queen and the heir.
Before Rhaenyra’s departure, she had just been in labor, delivering her second child. You were hoping that sending ravens detailing the new birth of your firstborn would help bring your favored loved ones back home, and bask in unison over new life.
Cooked platters sliced pheasant, steamed vegetables, bread, and gallots of wine. But even the sweet tang of wine cannot tame the sour disgust that weighs on Alicent’s tongue. A hovering presence looms across the table, ever so snide, ever so thinking. A selfish void that will devour any in its path.
Across from Alicent is her father.
At times, Alicent would have her private dinners with Otto, when even his affections are twisted, and against Alicent’s well-being, she still seeks his love, and advice. Despite the filth he has taught her, what child doesn’t crave their father’s love?
“The disrespect that Rhaenyra harbors for her own kin, parades her bastard son as a true born.” Alicent scoffs, leans back in her chair, her cuppee resting in her palm, her nose scrunches in distaste.
“Corlys has his daughter wedded to Daemon, and his son —” Alicent titters a bitter chuckle, “A pillow-biter claiming bastards as his own. Corlys’ claim no longer upholds.”
Alicent doesn’t stop her bitter poison, and her father relishes in it, seated across his daughter with a small proud smirk. Her fueling rage will guide her to uspur Rhaenyra, for her son to ascend the throne. How proud he is, as his daughter falls deeper into her spite.
“Alysanne is true blood, she deserves her inheritance in Driftmark.” Alicent impatiently takes a gulp from her wine, the sweet tang trickles down her throat, but it doesn’t quell the brewing venom.
“Rhaenyra claims to care for her younger sister, the gall of it all.” Alicent doesn’t stop, she can’t, she has to release this anger, even in her quiet solitude with a man whose tenderness only reaches so far.
Blinding affection has Alicent turning her perspectives away from her obvious hypocrisies, but no taught honor or ideals in her mind can truly touch you.
Otto Hightower sees women in power as a preposterous notion, a sin against the order — women cannot provide value to the natural law; only if aided by a man.
Otto prides himself on the molding he persisted upon his daughter over the years, a Hightower as Queen of all seven kingdoms —- the last Hightower to rule, fell to her demise to Maegor the Cruel. And he vows to never let that fate fall upon his only daughter.
Indeed, Otto has his strict opinions but —- even he has his exception; under his benefit. He has admire your tenacity since you were a little child, bright-eyed and naive once.
Yet intelligent, claiming that you wanted to do good for the people as princess, despite your inheritance being knocked down behind your siblings.
He can see you are a woman grown, determined and ambitious, making plans as the new lady of Driftmark to contribute for the land to prosper; just perfect for his molding.
Otto can perhaps reach his hand into the political dynamics of Driftmark through you, carefully craft your black and red dragon scales to a lovely shade of emerald.
“Vaemond is a proud man, too proud —- but, a better fitted heir for Driftmark. Corlys is weak, he cares more about names than honoring heritance.” Otto cuts into his meal, the warm pork melting in the cave of his mouth.
“If Vaemond were to become the new Lord of the Tides,” Otto clicks his tongue, “Alysanne will be named his heir.” His tone lingers, a hint is thrown in the air; calculating his thoughts.
Alicent hums in agreement, her mind twisting in her murky thoughts. Nodding along, hell-bent, her motives aren't as ambitious as her father. Her belief is solely molded by you, but that this is what’s best for you, for Alysanne.
‘Alysanne must become the new heir of Driftmark. Tis only fair.’
The silent tension breaks.
“She will soon expect her sister to return.” Alicent mutters in her wine, her fingers unlock, as she gazes down at her porcelain plate, her finger tapping against the silver engraving.
“And her uncle.” Otto speaks in a hush.
It’s no hidden secret, the rogue second son harbors deep affection for his younger niece. Most of your childhood was spent on dragon back with your uncle, and older sister—- your uncle is a rather protective creature.
When Daemon departed on dragon’s back to the far Pentos with Lady Laena, he hugged you tightly the day he left. You sobbed for long days, alone in your chambers, aware that you won’t see your favored uncle and cousin for a time.
But exile is no more than a word to Daemon.
Often leaving Pentos with his wife, and children, gallancing around the court with Rhaenyra and her children, as Viserys allows it.
And that worries Otto.
To have your alliance, he must first go through the turmoil with Daemon, and Rhaenyra. To convince you to forfeit your loyalty, in favor of your youngest siblings.
The seven hells can freeze over in frost-bite, and you still won't turn your back against the menace of a prince. Prince Daemon will rip through the realm with the flames of Caraxes before he lets his niece support the Hightowers.
“Marriage.” Otto perks up, his finger tapping against the table. His tone is ominous, and yet it leaves a heavy weight in the air. “You have given birth to Aemond moons ago,” Otto’s eyebrow raises, goading his daughter’s reaction, with a knowing nod, “—- and one day, he will be in need of a bride.”
Alicent’s eyes are moon-wide, but with a silver of agreement, she’s tittering on the idea. “Aemond will learn under our wing, be wed to Alysanne —- perhaps, the fresh air of the sea is healthy for a boy.” Alicent’s lips curl into a devious smirk.
Hightower blood on the Iron Throne, on the seat of Driftmark——how marvelous.
“Indeed.” Otto’s pride gleams into a wolfish grin.
-
Devotion.
All Alicent has ever been in her life is devoted. A devoted daughter, a devoted wife, a devoted mother, and a devoted queen. But alas, in all of King’s Landing, no one truly took Alicent’s side, despite her efforts to maintain peace. To engrave her voice within the council.
At first, before she grew as a child bride, and a babe herself who bore children; she thought perhaps her father was her aide, since Rhaenyra shunned her the moment King Viserys announced the engagement — but he is not, he never was.
But despite the sorrow her father gifted her in this life, she still harbors love for him.
But no, never her father.
Is there still peace from Rhaenyra? No — Rhaenyra doesn’t see Alicent, and Alicent doesn’t see her, it’s as if they speak different languages.
Perhaps the king?
No, never her husband, who never showed affection for his younger children — in his heart, he has only one child.
No, never the king.
The court shall see to her efforts?
No, the lords would rather entertain themselves with the king’s sickly rambles and her father’s greediness than to solely hear a woman’s thoughts and ideas.
Only through her father as her mouth-piece, would the court take her efforts into consideration. At birth, Alicent was a woman marked for sorrow. A loneliness so deep, simple kindness would send a jolt.
A young Alicent would pray and pray to the Gods for a love she can hold onto every night — just herself. Selfishly would cling to her heart, stuff and sew it herself.
For a while, Rhaenyra band-aided the wound, but it wasn’t enough. Rhaenyra was once a true friend, and Alicent would sometimes catch herself missing those lost years in the quiet of her solitude.
Especially when she holds the ripped piece of paper from the historical text of the late Queen Nymeria.
But it wasn’t Rhaenyra, it was never her.
It was you.
Tamarind tart skin that shines under the sun, silver pale hair that curls at the shoulders, violet eyes and plump cheeks. Velaryon and Targaryen descent, inheriting your late mother’s complexion, and the aquiline nose you share with your older sister.
So pretty, with your braids interwoven with your waves of silver. Wispy lavender, and red dresses, and gem rings that adorn your fingers. Such a peculiar creature, so dainty, yet fierce—- digging your heels as a young girl in the training grounds.
Alicent used to watch your private lessons in the training grounds with your uncle, and or with Ser Harwin from time to time. Or rest under the trees’ shade, as you practiced your archery in the gardens, much to your septa’s dismay.
A deep friendship blossomed, years spent reading under the hovering weirwood, late conversations as young girls, attending tourneys, and even inviting Alicent to your chambers, to sleep in one’s embrace.
A beautiful bond—- soon challenged by a beast.
Your mother had passed, taken by the Stranger, just as the late Queen Aemma had many moons ago; died in labor, trying to birth a son into the realm.
A piece of yourself died with her, a void that could never be filled. Late fortnights, wailing at the sept, head bowed, pleading to the Mother for mercy, whispered prayers for her to carry your mother safely to the heavens.
Consoled by Rhaenyra, and Alicent, as you all kneeled at the fire pit. Your forehead connected to your arms, wailing, as Alicent’s and Rhaenyra’s heads rested on your shoulders. Your sobs echoing against the sept’s walls.
The faint memory of copper still lingered in your nostrils, to see your mother’s lifeless body coated in her own ichor—- dry-heaved and wailed over her.
It took all the maidens and maesters to pry you off of her.
It was the king’s duty to wed, and bring heirs, you knew he had to marry again. Word spread among the court, advising with much encouragement for Viserys to remarry—- not all were enthralled at the prospect of a girl crowned heir for all the realm.
And the beast conquered as he pleased, just as his ancestors.
The day came, months after your mother departed from this realm. And you can recall the day vividly, the pang to your heart still fresh.
The day Viserys announced that he will take Alicent as his new bride, she can still remember your solemn face, quickly blinking away tears, smiling through the restraining pain —- how you dashed as fast as light after Rhaenyra who couldn’t bear to stomach the anger within herself.
Alicent can still feel the empty ache, witnessing you flee away in what she mistook as disgust, rage, and heartbreak. Pacing through the keep, trying to follow your trail, as a puppy galloping after a scent. Trembling fingers cling to the engraved walls, balancing herself.
Faded voices loomed from the heart of the gardens. Under the Weirwood tree, two pale silver heads now barking at one another, crying. Pacing after one another, hands flying in the air—- trying to understand this grievance.
Rhaenyra sobbing, angry tears stained her flushed pale cheeks, as you tried to soothe her down. Alicent hid behind a pillar, picking at her cuticles.
It felt the garden soil unearthed itself, caving inside —- ready to swallow you. Collapsed onto your knees, your mind buzzing. Sniffling, as your fingernails fully scratched at your skin.
Timid footfalls echoed nearby, slowly your eyes peeked through your wet lashes. Before you, Alicent walked to you, her auburn hair haloed by the sunlight.
Kneeling before you, her lip quivered, her hands fearfully hovered over yours. Afraid that you might reject her, but you took hers into your hands wholeheartedly.
“I don’t desire him. My intentions were not for pleasure.” Alicent spoke in whispers, heavy with sorrow. “My father sent me to his chambers, I —” Alicent’s breathed quickened, as if her cavity was tightening.
“I simply gave comfort for his loss.”
You believed her immediately, for months, Alicent had been aiding you through your grief over your late mother. All Alicent ever does is tends to anyone in need.
You embraced her in your arms, shushing her, apologies slipping from her. Shaded by the Weirwood tree, consoling each other.
Duty had to be upheld, autonomy isn’t a woman’s right. Resentment coiled itself as eels—- loathing the very man who is your father.
Father Time felt rushed yet the atmosphere felt slowed—- the preparations to integrate House Hightower into the royal reign was tedious and buzzing, causing you to spiral.
Days and nights spent weeping in your bed, hugging Alicent tight. Time blurred. Ceasing down to the atoms, time was not your companion. You didn’t have the space to breathe —- one blink, and the day of the wedding ceremony came bursting violently.
Dressed Alicent in her ivory wedding gown, accompanied by Rhaenyra—- but you possessively took over, fixating on her hair pieces, and tying the spinal laces.
An ivory dress, with gold threading of dragons against her chest, her brown hair pinned in curls, with a creamy red jeweled crown. Cleaned her bloodied fingers with a warm rag.
As you leaned against Alicent’s spine, brown fingers clinging to her shoulders, your cheek resting against the crock of her neck. Her face glowing with a dew from fresh dried tears.
You whispered in the shell of her ear, “In another life, blessed by the Gods, I shall take you, Lady Hightower as thy wife. Under the Weirwood tree, wed you in Valyrian tradition.” A tear escaped your eye, staining her skin.
Alicent sniffled, droplets falling down her milky cheeks, onto her lips.
“We shall wear marital crowns as our ancestral women before us.” You sniffled through a weak smile, under your puffy eyes. “I shall wear green, to honor your house.” You whispered.
“And I shall wear shades of red and black.” Alicent whispered back, nearly sputtering through her tears. Her chin wobbled.
A marital ceremony, a splendor to the realm, but a horror. A malevolent man, tightly his hand gripped your love, Otto Hightower walked his child to her death, with a proud smile.
Rhaenyra wore lavish black with intricate threads of crimson red, hair pinned into a jeweled headpiece—- truly a delight. A reminder of her inheritance, no matter of your father’s new marriage. In her own terms, it was her way of grieving.
But not a grief that rivals yours.
The High Sept blessed the union, with a shaky gesture of his ailing hand, reciting the scriptures of the Faith, as Alicent stood in a pure innocence—- sold for the price of power.
Recoiled underneath your skin, at the sight of Viserys’ hands engulfed over Alicent’s. Leaned inwards for a kiss, his chapped lips nearing those familiar pink lips you have tasted—- sweet, and tender.
Alicent’s brown eyes filtered slightly, twitching with disgust.
Screaming internally, as the claws of the Seven hell’s demons scratching raw at your throat, fists tightened shielded by your fabrics.
That’s not how she likes to be kissed! Don’t hold her, not as that! Be gentle with her! STOP DEFILING HER!
A kiss to seal this matrimony hailed from the seven hells.
Rhaenyra and yourself bowed dutifully, stiffly and rigid; before your father— the king, and his new wife, the new Queen of Westeros—- your new step-mother, your love.
Slurred and drowned in wine, engorged in feast to only vomit over a balcony —- throughout the night, Alicent’s eyes broke at the sight of your head bobbing tipsily, eyes closing one slowly after the other.
Dizzyingly watched the acidic chewed food stained in burgundy spirits fall along the palace wall.
A dainty hand stroked your back, pulled you into a warm embrace. Rhaenyra tended to you, caressing the slope of your spine, as you wailed over the balcony.
You couldn’t bear to prolong your presence during the wedding feast, Rhaenyra guided you to your chambers that night. Helped clean you, and shed you of your gown into your sleeping wear.
The cushioning of your bed sunk you into a hard sleep, as your sister tucked you under massive blankets.
Awoken that fortnight, by a slight shake of the shoulder, a heavy grogginess pulling you down as rocks in one’s pockets.
Blurry vision cleared, strained a bit in the dark, to see a sniffling figure by your bed’s edge. Those big brown eyes—— gleaming wet. A gasp left you, without a second, you enveloped her into your arms, as Alicent bursted into wails. Her cries pierced your heart.
Your hands stroked her back, guiding her into your blankets, as your fingers caressed her, you felt sticky wetness, causing Alicent to whine.
Your hand shook, in the gleam of the moonlight, crimson stained your fingertips. Tears showered your face, mouth shivering, as Alicent cried, muffled words into the crook of your shoulder, “It hurts.”
Your mouth agaped in silent agony, both arms encased Alicent, cooed her. Rocked Alicent to sleep that night till her weeping quite down to silence —- you vowed in the dead of night, that you will do your duty, you will honor Alicent; do right by her.
Stood by her, and kept her company —- and plotted. Your father will not have the oath of being Alicent’s husband, it felt wrong.
Built the courage to go against taught beliefs, over moons—- until one day, you lured Alicent to the gardens, with a soft note left in her chambers.
‘Meet me by the noon hour, in the gardens.’
Waddled down to the gardens, carrying her first born, Alicent found you pacing, burning a hole in the grass. A soft mutter, my dearest. Alicent’s fingers stroked the jut of your elbow, she didn’t enjoy seeing you overwhelmed with stress.
With a deep inhale, and wild wide eyes, only a few words could be muttered.
“Let us be wedded.”
A disbelieving chuckle escaped Alicent, but by the glimmer of your eyes, it was nothing short of a joke. Alicent’s face drained, with a teary wavering smile.
Slow nodded, and a hasty smile, Alicent accepted the proposal.
A warm day it was, the sun beamed upon King’s Landing—- a little white lie to escape the palace, to seek refuge.
Accompanied by a sole witness, your beloved Grey Ghost—- as he flew majestically upon the sky; as Alicent and yourself rode on one of those long boat to Dragonstone.
Silver steel, ichor staining bottom lips, and the slope of your foreheads connecting. A caress of Alicent’s swollen bump.
United in blood, as one.
Devoted —- all your life, you have only been to Alicent. Loyally by her side, despite the growing pains between Alicent and your sister; trying to be the voice of reason.
Alicent’s grief suffocated her, a girl enduring a woman’s sorrow. Being Alicent’s shadow in each of her births, defending her against all odds.
Cherish and care for her children —- your siblings —- as your own. Cared for your brothers and sister more than your father ever did.
A child bride who everyone said should be grateful to be queen of all seven realms—- not given grace to be seen as a girl, not even a woman, but a mere object.
Only one did. You are her companion, the only one who desires her body wholesomely, who yearns for her mind. You plague her thoughts all through the hours, at night, and in her sleep.
Itching possessiveness tingles at Alicent’s fingers, flooding her veins. How she yearns to box you in a jar, and gaze upon you, a beautiful treasure that no one can have.
Unimaginable acts she will do—- just to keep you.
-
Dearest sister,
New life has been welcomed to the realm, a babe with ripe cheeks, and a soul kicking as a goat. Beautiful bronze skin, and pale Valyrian hair.
A girl, by the Gods, she is magnificent!
I yearn for you and uncle to be home — I dearly miss all the children, how they would love the babe. Her name is Alysanne, named by our great-grandmother, the good mother.
Please return home. I pray to the Gods that the animosity will soon be seen to end. We are family, by blood and marriage.
Love you dearly, sweet sister.
May the Gods be with you, and the children.
A letter freshly written, ready to be sent to Dragonstone by raven. Given to Alicent by you, praying deep down that one day the broken bond between Alicent and your sister would be mended.
Tirelessly over the years, attempts to cease Alicent’s emotional humiliation upon your sister, weaponizing the crude word ‘bastard’ against your nephews.
Continuously in-between Alicent and your sister, being forced to choose who’s side to be in. Nearly straining your relationship with Alicent at one point of time.
Alicent’s lips purse into a scowl, crudely folding the letter once more, instead of packaging the letter for the awaiting raven, Alicent simply stashes it within her library.
Rhaenyra doesn’t get to savor the joy of your motherly glow, she doesn’t deserve to see Alysanne. To pretend to be the doting aunt. Not after snatching away Alysanne and your future, the blatant disregard of loyalty, usurping Driftmark.
Alicent will not see to such treason.
-
Sunlight twinkles, and illuminates the king’s chambers. A warm day, the sun swelling with joy.
Sweet hands pat Viserys’ chest, arising him from his slumber. He awakes with a small cough. His eyes blink open, to see his wife kneeling before him.
Viserys sighs with a small smile, with a whisper of Alicent’s name.
“Viserys,” Alicent’s kindly whispers your name to gain his attention. Tenderly her hands reach for the joints of his elbows, guiding him to sit up right from his rest. “She and the baby have recovered.”
A soft cough followed by a relieved chuckle emits from Viserys, now with the will to move on his accord despite his ailing pain.
For a while now, the sickness has bestowed more ache on the king. The milk of the poppy and the maesters hovering over his well-being has become more of the normal routine.
Alicent points to the wooden chamber doors, there you stand with little Alysanne clutched in your arms. Viserys’ lips stretch into a wide smile.
You are a vision of your late mother. With your hair brushed back into a braided crown, as waves cascade down your spine, with various woven braids decorated with little gold ringlets, with a gold chain across your forehead.
A pant of guilt and endearment blooms in his chest.
“My sweet girl.” He outstretches his arm, beckoning for you to come sit beside him.
An odd jolt of happiness is in your step, taking a spot next to your father, Alicent assists you to make sure Alysanne doesn’t fall from Viserys’ weak grip.
For once, in such a long time, you felt seen by Viserys. For once, you are not the spare.
“Father, her name is Alysanne.” You softly cradle the sleepy babe in your father’s arm, a toothy smile stretches his face, his cheeks plump with joy.
“By the Gods, she is beautiful.” He strokes her little cheek with his thumb, her little chubby fingers grab his index finger. Viserys glees with a laugh, “We must fetch a dragon’s egg for her cradle.”
A joyous occasion, as Alysanne is held by her grand sire. Viserys coos at her little sleepy mumbles. A lovely family unit, a mother, a grandfather, a step-mother and a step-grandmother —-- a lover.
All but a husband.
-
Awoke the morrow with a sleeping wife, and child—- went on his morning walk for his own time.
Returned to an empty chamber.
Vaemond walks with a stride, such speed to his step along the pathway to the king’s chambers. As he nears the doubled wooden doors, a hand halts him at his chest that is followed by the clink of armor.
With a heavy breath of annoyance, Vaemond doesn’t have to turn his face to see who has the nerve to stop a father from his child’s presence. The sworn shield, the queen’s loyal dog.
“Ser Criston, my wife is in the chambers with my child. You dare stop me?”
“The queen has instructed that no one enters.” Smugly Criston stands digiantly with a snide smirk, the implication is snarky, and bold — ‘and that means you’.
‘Pitiful and pathetic.’ Vaemond mulls, his lip twitching.
“I do wonder…” Vaemond tilts his head mockingly, back-peddling his steps, calculating his next move. Criston arches his brow.
“I’ve always forethought the queen leashed your head as her pet, but now I truly see, I mistook the wrong one.” Vaemond’s eyes trail for a second —- Criston’s face scrunches in offense.
A chorus of spewed shouting and pushing ensues. Shoving each other, declaring for the other to throw the first blow.
Even before the marriage, when it was simply courting—- the decision of marriage being made by Viserys upon your behalf, Alicent was always near in the shadows.
Putting her thoughts on how the ceremony should commence, only letting you decide what you want—- even going so far as to suggest to Viserys to end the bethroyal that ‘there are more suited men for her hand. Ser Vaemond is only a second son, what is there that he can offer her?’
The courting phase was always interrupted with Alicent stringing along. Vaemond would try to isolate you, converse with you, sweet-talk you —- but never once asked you of your interests, only boosted himself, and what he can provide.
And to Vaemond’s displeasure, Alicent would whisk you away at any given moment, hushed whispers among each other, and girlish laughter; with a sly eye over her shoulder at him.
Vaemond admits he didn’t fall in love for the sake of romance as those fairytales that young maidens read. He was the peruser, convincing Viserys for your hand, that ‘pure valyrian blood must be in union.’ You are his cousin. A cousin he barely saw over the years, but enough encounters to be familiar with one another.
It offended Vaemond greatly when Alicent rebuffed him, stating it was unfair to you to not have the choice to choose your betrothed, like Rhaenyra once had. Alicent was furious, her face scrunched in fury.
“It seems that our grace has forgotten that Princess Rhaenyra was bestowed the choice —- do you recall how she squandered it?”
Alicent’s lips pinched shut, turning to Viserys, hoping he would consider her decision. But Viserys’ allowed this, claiming that it is best that his second born be close by, not married off to another foreign house —- in a far away land.
Alicent has been a thorn in Vaemond’s rib, she made it her life’s purpose to torment him. Never could he be alone with you during the time that bridged between the proposal and wedding ceremony.
Vaemond was surprised Alicent didn’t sneak in their marital bed the fortnight of the ceremony. But she took full control anyways —- and Viserys let it happen every time.
Now, he sees another ploy of Alicent’s. To isolate him as a husband, and now as a father. He cannot even present his own child to the king as a man, the pride and honor of such an act stolen. Alicent has pilfered this opportunity right from under his feet.
To add salt to the wound, her sworn hound is restricting him from entrance.
“Vaemond?” Your muffled voice beckons for him through the door, he tries to inch closer but Criston doesn’t relent his intrusive hold, earning a growl from Vaemond.
“Vaemond, that you?” Footsteps closer behind the chamber doors, the latch clicks, with just a sliver of a crack the door opens.
“Vaemond, why all the shouting?”
“Ser Criston refuses to let a father enter.” Vaemond interrupts, pacing from heel to heel, agitated to the brim. Chest puffing, trying to intimate Criston.
You breathe a sigh of frustration, furrowing brows in disheartened dismay —- your gentle arm curls around the edge of the doorway, delicate fingers with the gentlest touch on Criston’s armored shoulder.
“Ser Criston, please let him enter.” The knight’s hardened features soften at your request, no longer bristling with entitlement, bowing his head, and finally steps aside, with a sweet-honeyed, ‘As you wish, princess’.
You sweetly thank him, and extend your hand to grab Vaemond, pulling him inside to partake in the joyous celebration. As Vaemond walked through the chamber doors, an exchange of distaste was thrown through dagger glares.
Alicent’s eyes sharply pierced his heart, if looks can kill, Vaemond would drop dead on the spot —- preferably with his heart cut out.
Alicent sits perched with Alysanne in her arms, swathed in an emerald blanket, as you provide your father his milk of the poppy; his joints were aching, and needed to rest back on his chair.
Alicent’s fingers caress his child’s little toes, purposefully her knuckles graze the stitched fabric—- peeking up at Vaemond subtly through her lashes.
Green cloth?
On his child?
On pure Valyrian blood?
Vaemond nearly wretches in his mouth. He notices your dress is a light shade of evergreen. A dragon brooch on each shoulder that ensembles a gold chain across your chest.
Green? Have you gone mad, woman?
Orchestrated performance, the movement, the positions —- you tending to your father, as the dutiful daughter, the wife and now newly mother. Viserys, the illustrious king, the father, the grandfather, weak but strong, overlooking the new life of his bloodline—- and her.
Alicent held little Alysanne, observing it all with a proud smile.
As if Alicent is the husband.
And Vaemond is merely a stranger trespassing.
Alicent’s eyes, methodical and smug. Vaemond sees it, he sees it all. He’s dying inside to snatch his child away from Alicent, but who knows—- Alicent would probably fall prey to the act of victim, cry to her husband that she has been wrongfully accused —- of what exactly?
Vaemond doesn’t have any evidence to his brewing resentment.
What can he say? The Queen has been trying to meddle in his marriage for the last two years? That she won’t let him near his own babe? That she has to be everywhere with his own wife?
Every soul in court will say how crude he’s being, that it’s all nonsense, merely preposterous.
‘The Queen is a good woman.’ The court will proclaim, ‘That she’s only performing her duty as the princess’ mother.’
‘She is no mother to you.’ Vaemond thinks. ‘Not even you can see through Alicent’s games.’
“Ser Vaemond, bless be. Sired me a beautiful granddaughter.” Visery sits as a jolly aging man, hair thinning to the point of some of his dome visible, and even a little pot belly protruding through his embroidered fabric.
Vaemond smiles, “Thank you, Viserys.”
“Truly, she’s beautiful.” A voice stabs Vaemond, swallowing down his loathing with a strained tight-lip smile.
Alicent is gazing down at Alysanne, rocking her against her breast, “She has her mother’s beauty.” Her tone is innocent, a demure smile to Viserys, and he falls for it, nodding along.
‘Fool. She plays you for a fool, Viserys.’
Vaemond walks to you, with the same forced thinned smile. His fingers reach for your long thick hair, caressing the curls, kissing your cheek.
No doubt in his mind, he can sense Alicent’s irate, and for a moment, it delights him.
-
‘Alas, the charade has ceased.’
Vaemond feels lighter, finally getting solace between himself and you. Time to part from Viserys and Alicent, Vaemond desires to eat a morning meal with you. To break fast together with Alysanne in her cradle, gurgling happily.
Recovery from birth has left you famished, craving for a hearty meal.
Departing from Alicent gave a shiver up your skin, it felt wrong to be away, she has been so attentive during the labor, and the after birth. Always holding Alysanne, as if she was Alicent’s blood.
Alicent hesitantly restrained herself, as Vaemond took control like the reins of a horse. Alicent wanted him to leave, to befall in the pits of the seven hells, so she can have Alysanne and you to her own.
But, an outburst couldn’t be made.
Ser Criston swiftly dashed to your aid, his arm jutted out for you to hold on to—- conveniently occupying the space that was meant for your husband. But at least, Vaemond was able to hold his child in his arms back in Viserys' chambers.
Trailing behind Vaemond and yourself is your handmaiden, Elinda Massey—- who is also your sister’s handmaiden. You summoned her to help you, still a bit achy at your step.
A mousey, loyal, and gentle woman. In her arms is Alysanne, letting your daughter’s small chubby hand grab at her slender creamy fingers.
Vaemond walks behind you as if a lonesome man, a mere man trailing behind a princess, and her sworn shield, watching you and Criston laugh and converse—- excluding him is your second nature.
The dining chambers are filled with platters of food—- the extended polished wood covered with meats, eggs and fruits.
See Criston bows, taking his post at the door, his darkened gaze shadowed by a brow.
“At last, we are alone.” Vaemond’s hand holds yours, his thumb stroking your fingers. Crawling with disgust within yourself, forcing a genuine smile to appease him.
“I have missed you.” Vaemond leans in, speaking against your cheek, his warm breath nearly making your skin recoil in a shrivel.
“And I, you.” You spoke in a formal, practiced infliction.
Vaemond’s lips connect to the skin of your cheek, daringly near the corner of your mouth. In times to display marital affection, to keep from shriveling away, you close your eyes, and a vision of Alicent soothes your mind.
Whenever you were to ‘perform’ your bedding duty as his wife, you lay limply on your back as a spread eagle, and imagine Alicent ravaging your body—- as she has done many times. Years now of this affair, suppressed away in the dead of night, hidden behind closed chambers with only whispers.
Edina cradles Alysanne close to her chest, prepping your little dragon for her slumber.
Vaemond pulls a chair for you, “This food looks divine.” He says, his hands caressing down your shoulders. An innocent smile forms on Edina’s face. “Queen Alicent has ordered the feast.” Her tone was gentle.
Vaemond chews the soft wall of his cheek, but wrinkles his mouth to a feigned smile. Nodding with a sardonic scrunch of his nose.
Edina breathes a smile, her eyes in your direction, “The Queen has also extended an invitation, the children desire to see little Alysanne.” She speaks, with adoration in her eyes on Alysanne.
Before you can speak, Vaemond interrupts. “Ah, yes, the king’s children shall see their niece,” He boasts. “We’ll present Alysanne after our fast.” Vaemond turns swiftly in his seat, almost lifting his fork, but your hand-maiden stammers.
“The Queen has not requested your presence, Ser Vaemond.” Edina’s voice lowers to an anxious stammer.
Vaemond’s mouth wrinkles, limbs frozen stiff. He slowly turns with a sharp shark eye. “I am their brother by law.” He says matter-of-factly. His eyes narrow a little, small and spiteful.
“Yes, of course, Ser Vaemond—-” she’s flushed with embarrassment, you nod your head that it’s okay, she hasn’t spoken out of turn. “But, Queen Alicent has only requested our Princess, and Lady Alysanne.”
Vaemond brews in silence, his eyes pierce and burn into the void. His breathing became heavier. Anxiously with a brave face, you instruct Edina to take Alysanne to your quarters, and give her your thanks for the delivery of the news.
Edina whisk away with Alysanne, patting her little bottom, exiting the shared room, leaving behind Vaemond, yourself and the cooked food that now grows cold.
A pregnant pause earns a tired eye roll from you, you can feel the vibrating stewing.
“When will this madness end?” Vaemond speaks, staring into his porcelain plate. You turn your eyes to him, your mouth hitches up for a moment in confusion, “What do you mean, Vaemond?”
His eyes look upon you desperately, “Alicent…” He says, shaking his head in disbelief, “She always meddles. She is a thorn upon me.”
Vaemond’s fingers grip the cloth of his stitched clothing, his fist poking at his chest. You roll your eyes in annoyance, a placid sigh, just hoping he can drop this.
“Do not speak of her in such a manner.” You spread through gritted teeth. “Alicent does not bear any ill will.” Your resonance is firm, no budging can waver it.
Your fingers curl in a gesture for him to stop. Jaw clenching, opening your napkin, just wanting to eat, and move away from this useless conversation.
“She prides herself as if she carries the cock!”
“Vaemond!”
“It is true!” He points at you with such fury, his eyes blood-shot red, “I cannot even hold my own blood without Alicent hovering!” Vaemond nips, his hands shaking, thrashing in the air.
You shush him again, his rising voice grating your ears. “Alicent is good, and kind. I do wish you could be respectful—-” Vaemond’s scoff interrupts you. Your face contorts with offense.
Vaemond’s face softens, furrowing in desperation.
“If you carry any love for me, you will distance us from Alicent.” Vaemond pleads, his hands clasping over yours, his voice irks you, it’s so pathetic.
“Tell her to go, flee from our presence.” Closing your eyes, your face resolving to an exhausted state, you shook your head in defiance, not even daring to look into his gaze, restraining to wretch your hands away.
“I will not.” Your voice is low, and firm, with your dead shark eyes. It’s been like this for the last two years, Vaemond complaining about Alicent, and as usual, your response defies his wishes.
“I understand Alicent was your childhood companion, but—-” Vaemond tries to ease the burdensome tension.
“Is. She is, Vaemond.”
He hums with annoyance, head nearly falling in exasperation, “Do you love me?” Vaemond asks in disbelief, questioning your faithfulness.
He leans back, offended and forlorn that he must ask such a question. You shake your head, with a sympathetic strained smile, “I care for you.” Patting his hand, a gesture often used to calm whining children.
“My wife does not harbor love for her husband?” He speaks through his teeth, wrenching his hand away from your touch.
A scoff escapes your lips, inhaling deeply, with a harsh swallow. Why must he make matters so difficult?
“This is an arranged marriage, marital vows spoken for the sake of allyship between our two houses. I care for you, Ser Vaemond, but I do not love you.”
“You love another?”
”No.” You spoke too quickly.
A pregnant pause.
Vaemond’s anger dissolves, fading to a blank stare, his breathing becomes shallow. His burning stare earns an uncomfortable shiver, uneasy in your own seat.
Jagged puzzle pieces twisting, slowly forming together —- all the times of Alicent’s shadow lingering. Whenever he dares utter a mention of Alicent, all you do is brush him off, as if he was the mere nuisance.
“You do.” He speaks in a hush, bolting to his feet, he huffs under his breath, such a petulant child. Stepping back a few steps, sneering.
As if the pieces finally shape and move, the thought pushes through the crevices of his mind. A deadpan chuckle scuffs from his mouth, his eyes just staring into you.
“The Gods made man and woman….” Vaemond trails off, unflinching, boring into you. No, no, no… your throat clenches in a swallow. Your brows compress into what seems as hurt and confusion, but truly it is fear.
“A man and woman shall share thou bed, and—” Vaemond’s eyes widens, motioning you to finish the well-practiced verse.
“And?” He prodes, he tilts his head, clicks his tongue. Your face morphs to silent anger, staring up at him with lavender daggers, breathing harder now.
“You are well taught of this verse. Have you forgotten your teachings?” Vaemond mocks you. Your glare at him through your lashes, your nose flaring into a snarl, muttering a spiteful whisper.
“One shall not lie with the same sex.”
Vaemond nods mockingly, his eyes never leaving yours. Muttering under his breath, “ Yes, yes. ”
Violet optics stare with fury.
A screech of a chair follows.
Vaemond begins chanting, spewing zealot verses, as a delirious septon. Pacing back and forth, hands twirling into the air.
“A sin against the Gods!”
A crack of a slap echos, so hard his face is swacked to his side, his mouth pouted. The sting of your rings vibrates against his cheek. Vaemond stares at you in disbelief, but your spine straightens, what once was gentility in your eyes, is now just disgust.
“I am your wife.” Your throat tightens, unable to swallow down the tears. No tears wasted on your husband —- no, never. Tears for that the truth could bleed out, such a scandal it could be!
The Princess and the Queen in a twisted love affair—- the shame it would bring to the names Targaryen, and Hightower.
“And you will respect me as such.” You spoke with an edge, with a firm finality. You whisk away from him, Vaemond believing that this was the end to the conversation.
The rough edge of the wooden table digs into the heels of your hands roughly. Tinkering your body back and forth by the grip, yearning to scream. Throat burning raw, splintering.
But the longing inside of you is violent, changeling. To vomit the ache that has been brewing —- Vaemond’s foot has been tinkling the pot, and now it has spilled.
You just want him to understand —- that a young girl to be married to her cousin, a cousin she has no grown affection for, to be ripped from her autonomy, to have hidden her true love secretly—- that this isn’t what a girl should be subjected to.
Your fists bang against the dining table, stinging the wound tight flesh. Twirling so fast, it startles Vaemond in a flinch.
“I have only been dutiful, sacrificed my body… for you. ” Your voice in a hoarse whisper. Peering at him over your shoulder, nearing a sob. Dutiful not in the traditional sense, but you have defended him, even when you couldn’t stand the man.
“I am a second born, but I am a princess, no less. My title is your prize.” Heavily restraining your breathing, the sorrow transforming into anger.
“I am merely a token for your status. A pawn for the purity of your bloodline.” Speaking through tears, frustration from your wounded core spewing. “Yet, I have not begrudged you, nor humiliated you.”
Vaemond flinches back, his pride stomped on under your pretty foot. Grinding the heel into the splatter.
“I have done what was expected of me!” You shrill, your breathing becoming haggard, “And here you stand, demanding me to throw away the only companion I have!”
“You have me, darling.” Vaemond’s faux sweet tone does nothing but disgust you.
“You’re more like my father than I thought.” Your nose recoils in shame. That left a sour twang on your tongue. “I had no say in this— this —” you’re stammering, dry-heaving as tears collide down your cheeks, but the fury is boiling over.
Murmuring under your breath, ‘I didn’t want this. I didn’t desire you.’ Vaemond huffs a breath, stepping closer, his presence suffocating.
Vaemond goads you, ‘say it, say it!’ Nearly hovering over you, his nose inches away from yours, but the blood of the dragon that soars through you snips back against the weak feeble sea snake.
“—- THIS MISERABLE CHARADE OF A MARRIAGE!”
Both of your voices shrill higher, mangling over each other in volume, alarmingly. Vaemond screams that he is your husband, to obey his word as law, but you follow no man. Vaemond corners you into the wooden table, trying to scare you, but you bark right back at him.
The roaring echos so badly, it may have reached all through King’s Landing.
Criston barges inside the chambers, the carved doors nearly thrashing against the wall pavement. Bolting towards Vaemond, thrashing him by the jut of his arm, standing in-front of you as a shield.
Vaemond shrills, “How dare you lay your hands on me?!” Criston seethes his sword, the sharp steel’s reflection blinking at Vaemond, catching his eyes within the reflection.
“I will not permit insults upon her grace.” Criston’s teeth are grinding, he hissed through his clenching ivories.
“No offense has been made, Criston.”
Criston’s face peeks over his steel shoulder, you assure him with a smile. “I am quite alright, thank you.” The warmth in your eyes melt to cold ire regarding Vaemond.
“My husband lost himself briefly, I assure he will refrain himself from a spectacle.” Cold, dead violet eyes blink at him, Vaemond hums with disbelief.
Criston lowers his sword, swiftly into its leather sheath. His rich brown eyes never leave Vaemond, as he walks back to his post.
The doors shut.
The silence hangs tightly.
“Vaemond, I don’t desire an argum—” You sigh, turning around on your heels, but your words die in a gasp, his hand grabs your jugular, a weak attempt of intimidation by a small man.
Vaemond’s fingers clutches the terrain of your throat, pulling you into him by his grip. A startle overwhelms you. Your fingers hovering over his wrist, gripping onto him. Offense melts into mockery.
A small laugh leaves you, tittering at Vaemond. Snide eyes blankly stare at him, daring for him to continue. Embarrassment floods him, releasing your throat.
“Such affections will not be tolerated.” Vaemond hisses, his face morphing between stoic and hostile. His ego is bruised and bitten off at the edges.
“Will it? ” A soft insulting chuckle emits from your lips, your face cold yet devilish. “Who will believe such tales?” You breathe another chuckle, more harsher now, your lavender eyes leering at him.
“My father will never believe such fabrications . His dear wife, and his daughter—”
“Soiling each other. ” Vaemond’s voice grats, and gruff, his voice looms low. You shake your head in disbelief, your pale curls bouncing against your cheekbones.
A sick, derisive smile, “You will become ill with your unfounded paranoia.” Coyly your hand plays with his cloth that rests at his shoulders.
“Why do you insist on such vile lies?” You ask him, your hand rests upon his shoulder. Caressing his shoulder through his luxurious vest.
“By the Gods, Vaemond—- why can’t you see that Alicent means no harm?”
The shells of Vaemond’s ears burn, his voice cracks into a groan, he refuses to submit to your ‘seduction of sweetness’ . Twirling his body in a circular pacing —- as if he was possessed by unholy madness. Your feet peddle backwards, rather smug at his insolence.
Vaemond turns his body, composing himself.
“We will leave for Driftmark.” Vaemond’s index finger menacingly pointed at you. “By the morrow.”
His hand strikes the air with every word he utters, “That is my word. ” And another, “ That is my law. ” Vaemond spins in haste, his heels clicking against the marbling with vigor.
You watch him depart and disappear, your head held high indignantly, but as he disappears through the chamber doors, you nearly collapse to your knees.
Your fingers fidgety and twirling the gold bands of your jeweled rings, clutching your belly —- your torso nearly hunching over from the rush of anger, and fright. Your belly is trembling.
The familiar emerald gem resting on your marital finger, fiddling your fingers against each other. You kiss it to ground yourself.
Criston waltz back inside your chambers with an irate gait.
“Princess, are you alright?”
You nod hastily, clearing your throat, already hoarse from the screaming. “Yes, I am quite fine.” You hesitantly move back and forth, feet bobbing from toe to heel, not sure if you want to sit for a moment or run to get Alysanne.
Criston steadies you, before you fumble to pieces from the overwhelming stress. He guides you by the joints of your elbows, seating you down on the velvet dining chair.
Criston’s admiration bleeds profusely. A rarity these days to acquire a male companion, who doesn’t yearn for your womanhood, but seeks out your mind—- and approval.
Criston mounts Alicent and yourself on a pedestal akin to those carved idols in the sept. A peculiar affection, Criston seeks to mold himself to be worthy in your eyes. As a pleading mortal prays to the Mother.
Beyond his rich brown eyes, he sees a being holy. A girl, who accompanied Alicent, saved him from the edge of his own sword, from the filth of his sins.
Your sworn shield since you were a young girl. A bond built on the fragments of trust, and pain.
“Does he often yell at you?” Criston asks. His eyes shadowed under his dark brow. Big brown oculus glistening with newfound frustration.
Your mouth gaps open, trying to find the words, but Criston is bristling as the hairs of a cat’s spine. “He dares abuse you?”
An airy inhale catches your throat, as tears sheen your eyes. “Abuse, that word weighs too heavy—- he’s an entitled man, who believes a woman should kneel in obedience.” Shaking your head, with a forlorn smile.
“In all the Targaryen bloodline, has there ever been a mousy woman?” You giggle, shoulders shaking. “He prides himself as a conqueror.” A boisterous laugh escapes Criston.
“A conqueror? Barely a knight.” Criston speaks cruelly, a mean smirk curling at his lip. “In the battle field, his armor is polished.”
A moment as this, a wife should display shame to discuss her husband with disdain, but Vaemond is not a man. Your hand was forced to wed a spoiled brat—- your father has no qualms on arranged marriages.
-
The Red Keep has many secrets. A plethora of hidden away chambers —- fit for two people. Alicent’s chambers were your favored choice of solace.
Alicent entrusted you with her secrets, and her fears, as you have done as well.
Her fingertips graze against your skin, tracing softly against the curve of your wrist, to the underside of your palm. Stroking the healed scar, the very one Alicent gave you many moons ago.
Just two bodies lying together, in bliss. The warmth of the fire pit and body heat encases you both. Flesh dew and scented from a shared bath of oils and soaps.
It wasn’t always so pleasant through the early years of shared girlhood. The guilt, the shame of harboring such affection for a woman. There isn’t a word in the western tongue for this affection.
There were days as young girls, Alicent would lock herself away, reading over verses, deep in prayer. As you spent hours with septas reciting prayers in unison, under the cloth of your dress, pinching and scratching the flesh of your thighs till splotches of deep purple formed.
Alicent mutilating her fingernails, gnawing or pinching away the redden cuticles.
Many suns and moons passed in the early days, but the love kept growing. The perpetual denial, the discreet glances, the graze of fingers tantalizingly touching—-ever so close, ever so far. How lost you become in Alicent’s moon-brown eyes.
The guilt was far too great, keeping distance between each other, but the ties thread only stretched painfully. A desperate longing, a raw human feeling.
Harbored tenderness finally exploded, blinding tears, and dashing feet carried you through the corridors of the sept, one day. There, as a holy vision, Alicent knelt in prayer, crying silently.
Clicks of hast feet alerted her, turning her watery gaze over her shoulder, as her fingers rested interlocked. A lost little babe under the towering marbling of The Mother.
This separation was a death sentence, vile and cruel. No longer, could you stay away, you needed her touch. And she did too for yours.
Without a word, you collapse to your feet before her, as you would in worship. Kneeling against her green silks, sniffling as your head falls against her thighs, her gnawed fingers wove themselves within your pale tresses.
‘Why did the Gods sew my heart to you?’
Alicent’s lips peppered kisses on your scalp, sniffling as her hands clung onto your back, cradling you. Rocking you back and forth, a rhythmic cradling, as a mother would.
If you were born a son, perhaps life wouldn’t be so cruel, so unfair.
Haunted by then the guilt of loving one another when your father took Alicent as his new bride. By the eyes of law, Alicent is your step-mother, but she never was, nor ever will.
The rings you both bear, is a reminder that your union isn’t recognized by the law of man, but the law of the Gods. Biting down on your bottom lip, sucking it into your mouth as a child, you couldn’t bear to stomach today’s charade.
“He suspects.”
Alicent’s head rises from your shoulder, confusion and fear creeping into her brown eyes. Her brows pinch, her fingers stroking the silk of your nightgown.
“Your father?” She asks in a whisper, so hushed as if scared anyone could hear beyond the walls.
“Vaemond.”
“How?” Alicent shakes her head, her beautiful face morphed with concern.
“As we were breaking our fast, he threw a fit, that your invitation didn’t extend to him.” You wearily laugh, “He went mad, raving on about how you seek to keep me from him.” Alicent sits up, her hand sinking into the mattress, darkness enveloping her eyes.
“Did he strike you?”
“No, thank the Gods. Criston came to my aid,” You wipe the tears that spill over your eyes by the back of your hand, “If he were to strike me, I would’ve gutted Vaemond as a fish.”
Alicent became quiet. “It worries me, so.” She says. Her thumb flicks against a cuticle. Quickly, you cease the harm, engulfing her hand in yours.
“My love, please.” You whisper, tapping her fingers gently. A sweet whisper stops Alicent’s assault.
“He will not have us seperated.” Alicent swallows, her face shrivels, the mere images of you being whisked away —- as she would be left behind to drown in this loneliness.
Shaking her head, speaking through wet inhales, “The Gods answered my prayers as a child,” Alicent’s head fell in a bow, her forehead connected to your knuckles, “I will see to it that you shall stay.” Alicent spoke through her tears, muttering now as a prayer, you must stay.
Rocking back and forth, hunched over as she would be in deep prayer—- stripped raw for you to see.
Alicent holds your inner wrist, kissing it against her lips. Her eyes were dilated, stammering under her breath. Your arms encase Alicent in a tight, warm hug. Cradling her as a babe.
“Oh, my love,” You croak, voice hoarse, laying your head on her spine. “The Gods have blessed us to still have one another, I have no doubt that I shall stay.”
“You have blessed me with a daughter.” Alicent says in a hush. “In another life, she is ours.” Her eyes gaze upon you.
Cupping Alicent’s cheeks into your palms, leaning for a kiss. Kissing her eyes, the bridge of her nose, between her eyes getting a titter from her.
Alicent strokes her nose against yours, her lips capturing yours. Lips melting, wet tongues fondle —- Alicent suckles your tongue, her milky fingers untying the cotton, slithering fingers underneath the flaps, cupping your swollen breasts.
One of Alicent’s hand trickles mischievously down your belly, caressing your sore mound, through the white night wear. A gasp slips from your lips. Her teeth nip at your cheek, open wet kisses trail across your skin down the slope of your throat.
Flesh singing alive, and Alicent whispers to be gentle, a little fondling, but no penetration. Unlike Vaemond, who sought for your body just merely days from birth.
Intertwining bodies cast shadows by the dim candle light, and girlish giggles echo against the chamber walls.
-
The hour is late.
Alicent and yourself departed for the night, begrudgingly to upkeep the reputation of dutiful wives.
In comfortable silence, Edina helps your achy bodice, in your night routine. Brushing your hair, and assisting you with Alysanne. You bathed her, and clothed her. As you held her against her chest, Edina brushed your hair.
It’s restful, and Vaemond isn’t near to ruin such bliss. You weren’t sure where he had run off to, but you didn’t muster the strength to care.
A quiet knock on your chambers alerted you, and for a moment, a growl nearly slipped. “Edina, can you please see who that is?” You ask sweetly. She mutters, Yes, princess.
Edina opens the door gently, with only a silver opening. As you rock your daughter against your breast, Edina breathes in a relief, turning back to you. You stare at her through the reflection of your mirror.
“It is Ser Criston, Princess.”
You sigh with a smile, grateful it isn’t your husband. You shuffle carefully in your stool, “Please, let him in.” Patting Alysanne’s little bum.
Edina moves the door wider, and Criston bows his head respectfully. “Hello Criston.” You greet him with a hum, “Is everything well?”
“A meeting has been called, Princess.” He says, almost with a tone of urgency. Your brows pinch in confusion, “The hour is late, why has the council been summoned?” Titling your head, eyes tired.
“I saw Alicent, and Otto accompany your father in the council chambers—-” Criston exhales with frustration, “— along with Vaemond.” His jaw clenches.
Stoned fury cements itself on your face, swallowing down, breathing becoming more heavier.
“Edina, please take Alysanne. I must tend to my imbecile of an husband.” The courtesy of graciousness, and taught manners are long gone, seeping out of you with the urge to bark.
Edina shuffles with quickness at her step, her hands out-stretched for Alysanne. Carefully Edina took your little bundle in her arms, you kissing her little furry head, as Criston helped you get to your feet.
“Criston, please take me to see Vaemond.” Your hand cupping Criston’s extended forearm, guiding you, his other hand on-top of your fingers.
A malicious smirk curls at the corner of his mouth, as you mutter obscenities under your breath along the path of the keep.
-
A meeting has been summoned.
An invitation only for Viserys to join Vaemond in the council room, but Alicent and Otto have come forth as Viserys’ shadows.
“I see your grace, and the Hand has come.” Vaemond says, rather annoyed. Alicent’s gaze subtly searches the room, but you are nowhere in sight.
“Whichever you must say,” Viserys says with a smile, “can be spoken among my wife, and my hand.” Viserys limply walks to the council table.
“Of course.” Vaemond strains with a formal smile. He clears his throat, his hands behind his back. “It’s time for my wife to reside in Driftmark.”
Silence commences. Alicent’s eyes widen.
“My daughter has just been born, and I would like my blood to enjoy her home.” Vaemond continues. A sullen look drags on Viserys. “So soon, my granddaughter has just been born.”
“Of course, not yet. Out of respect, we will stay for a little longer, but once we are ready—” Vaemond’s words are snuffed out, by Alicent’s scoff.
“No— - she cannot leave. King’s Landing is her home.” Alicent speaks anxiously, turning to Viserys. Vaemond scoffs under his breath. Alicent’s head twists in his direction with such haste, any faster her head would have spun and fallen off her shoulders.
“Two years we have stayed, not once has my wife visited Driftmark.” Vaemond puffs his chest, “She has not seen the seas of my home!”
Alicent chortles, a wet growl. “Viserys, please see to this.” She turns back to Viserys, “The children will miss her, you won’t see Alysanne for a time.” Alicent’s slender fingers grasp Viserys’ clothes forearm with a tightness. An exhausted sigh escapes him.
“Or you will miss her.” Vaemond spits.
“She is my friend, of course I would.” Alicent hisses through her teeth. Vaemond’s feet walk one by one, with sardonic thumps; leaning into Alicent’s space.
Alicent’s eyes squinted, “And where is she? It would be preferred to have her presence.” It didn’t feel right to not have you in this meeting, yet Vaemond is here overseeing a decision on your behalf.
“It is her right to choose where her home is! This should be her decision!” A vein slightly protrudes at Alicent’s neck, her throat straining.
“Your peculiar need for my wife is —- disturbing.” He says spitefully.
“Enough of this!” Viserys shouts, shutting both Alicent, and Vaemond to silence. “Two moons of this insufferable fighting—” He wheezes, “from the both of you!” He clicks his cane against the marbling, declaring his authority.
Vaemond towers over Alicent, nearly cornering her, but she doesn’t back down. Holding her head up high, staring back at him with such hate. A vision of silver, and a shuffle of metal enter the room.
Criston wedges himself between the two, his feet in stance for a brawl, but Vaemond only chuckles at the notion.
“Alas, the sworn mutt has come to protect his consort.”
“Must we have another go?” Criston asks, his dark brows shadowing his eyes. Venomous snake eyes, as his hands itch to slice Vaemond into an carasses.
”Would you liken I tell the king how you disrespected the princess?” Criston’s throat is hoarse, vein bulging. The seething rage within him is reaching a high.
Vaemond sucks his teeth at the notion. “My wife and I merely had a disagreement.” Alicent leans into Criston’s side, her lowered eyes twitching in a hooded glare.
Viserys shouts your name, his voice echoes within the room, beckoning you to him by his shaky hand. He caught you peeking from the chamber doors, watching the speckable.
Alicent’s eyes flooded with relief at the sight of you. You waltz inside with a determined gait, but as Vaemond opens his arms for an embrace, you swiftly pardon him with a worried smile, for Alicent and your father.
Vaemond’s feet bobbles, rooted into the marbling, still staring at the direction you walked through. Criston laughs to himself, at the pitiful sight.
Alicent holds you by the shoulders, shielding you away from your pestering husband.
“My sweet girl,” Viserys says, “Vaemond is declaring for you to leave.” He’s wounded. Viserys truthfully doesn’t want to see you depart, but you are a wedded woman now.
By law, a wife must accompany her husband, and it is two years late for your leave for Driftmark, such as Rhaenys had when she became lady of the sea.
“Yes, my love!” Vaemond says with a sardonic boast. “Our daughter has been born. It is our time to depart for home.” He steps closer, preparing to pry you away.
“The decision shall be done, only by my daughter’s permission.” Viserys casts a gaze at you, with such a kind smile, entrusting you to choose the ‘best decision’, to tame this spectating chaos.
Vaemond is repulsed at the notion of Viserys allowing you to make a decision on such matters.
You nearly stutter as a jester before everyone, terrified. Out of nature, your fingertips fidget with your ring. Not the ring bestowed to you by Vaemond, but the very ring shared between Alicent and yourself.
Blinking tears back, all eyes fall upon you. Alicent’s distressed wet eyes stare into yours, silently pleading with you.
You do not wish to prevent your daughter the opportunity to enjoy Driftmark, it is her home just as King’s Landing, but your heart is torn —- to be separated from Alicent is a murder.
Your soul won’t bear it, it would be felt as death. Worse than the pain during the wedding between Alicent and your father, the grief caused you to nearly fall ill. To separate the children—- hopes of being a family again shattering before you.
Hesitantly, your mouth quiver, but your mind was set. Driftmark is simply just a dragon’s ride away.
“I wish to stay here,” you proclaimed, standing with a firm posture. Vaemond’s eyes wide and enraged, gawking at you.
“Alysanne has just been born. There is no need for hast, I shall stay here in King’s Landing.”
A weak smile stretches just a little on Alicent’s face. All the fury seeps away from her face. Vaemond sputters in disgust, and rage. Nearly foaming at the mouth as a rabid dog.
“Then so be it.” Viserys proclaims, walking towards you with his cane, the ache of his body weighs on him, causing a limp, and a cough.
With no hesitation, you dash to his side, as does Alicent. You whisper to your father with a kiss to his cheek, a firm yet gentle ‘thank you, father’.
The pin drops. The hinges snap.
The Sea Snake breaks through the bubbling sea foam. A man cannot take anymore of this.
“ Viserys,” Vaemond pleas, shoulders shaking, fingers curling, “she plays you for a fool. Don’t you see that Alicent has bewitched your daughter—”
“Enough!” Viserys stomps the end of his cane, the clank startling you, as a frightened little girl, you cling onto your father’s forearm. His aging face distorts, his eyes leering into Vaemond.
“I respect you, Ser Vaemond, but you shall hold your tongue.” Viserys waddles closer, “Alicent is your queen, and respect is in order.”
Otto leans by the pillars, arms crossed against his chest. A spectator enjoying a theater play.
“Alicent is my daughter’s childhood companion, and I will not see them separated.” Viserys declares, stomping his cane onto the ground, echoing against the keep, its thud emphasizing his decision.
His word is law.
“I love your daughter, Viserys—”
“Then act as such!”
Vaemond sighs loudly, nearly stomping his feet in defeat.
“Vaemond, for the nearly twelve moons, you have made me mad with your judgment.” Viserys huffs. Shaking his head at Vaemond’s childish attitude. “Ridiculous bickering with my wife.”
Viserys softly tilts his head, “No more of this.” He whispers to Alicent. She swallows down, holding onto Viserys’ arm, mouth wrinkling into a frown, as if reprimanded as a child.
“Alicent ploys against me—-” Vaemond’s words die into a groan as a fist punch at his chest. A series of grunts and thrashing. You bellow for them to stop this thrashing.
Vaemond and Ser Criston tussle on top of each other, Viserys declaring for both of them to cease. Your pleas fall onto deaf ears. Your feet carry you near them, trying to tug Vaemond off of Criston, fruitlessly.
A clash of limbs, a tug of war. With one miscalculation of his elbow, a crunch and airy gasp of pain breaks. A collision against the floor, you softly whine in pain.
Shouts of your name, and feet running.
Nose welting as a smashed berry, seeping into the cave of your mouth, copper embedding on your palate. Your vision is blurry, colors of fabric and candle flames are translucent murky strings before your eyes.
Sensations of hands picking up your limp body in marital fashion, your mind too deep in a daze to connect with reality. Not sure who has you, muffled shouting becomes clearer.
Your lavender eyes are blank, and unblinking, as your vision begins to unclog the fog—— auburn hair stands before you, and trembling fingers caress your swollen lip.
Out of habit, your tongue glides over the top cage of your teeth, stinging the swelling flesh of gums, but you don’t stop the brushing of ivories.
“Fetch the maesters!”
You inhale a small gust of breath, a deep one that fills your lungs to an odd relief; as if you haven’t breathed in ages. Such vacancy etched in your pupils, gazing through your lashes to witness a faded vision of Vaemond staring in surprise.
He tries to come near you, but your father barks in his face. You don’t seek his affections, he has committed enough damage for a fortnight.
Sweet palms encase your cheeks, dabbing the spilling blood that coats the bridge of your nose, its sticky. Scared breaths escape Alicent, hyperventilating, as your eyes become loopy, one closes slowly after the other. The maesters all encircle you, muttering that your nose may be broken.
A wounded dragon rests upon the shores of Oldtown, crying for help. A roaming sea snake is lurking, snipping. The tower shines green. Alicent’s eyes catch Criston’s spare dagger —- the banners have been called.
Alicent charges at him, hatred and spite feeding off of each fiber of her being, taking the dagger that was seethed in Criston’s satchel, woven in her grip.
Dashing feet clamor against the flooring —- an ungodly manic shout roars from Alicent, frightening all men. Viserys haggers a few steps back, calling out to Alicent.
“Have you gone mad?!” Alicent’s voice is hoarse, snarling at him as a devilish beast. Her arm raises up, ready to strike through his flesh.
Quickly, Vaemond’s arms fling high, freeing himself, catching Alicent’s wrist in his. Alicent can’t even hear pleas from her husband, nor her father —- the stain of red has engulfed her vision. All shouts for her died in the distance, as blood rushed to her ears.
Murderous thoughts plague her mind as grave rot, to gash Vaemond’s skull open, feed his torn limbs to your dragon, imprison him as a suffering lame —- his delayed death will only sedate her fury.
Harming the only soul she can confide in, the only being who understands her fears, who shares her guilt for possessing love for another woman, but oh —- such a sin is delightful.
You’re the only one who can hear her voice in this wretched hell procreated by the Gods —- you can still hear her heart-beat in a crowded room.
You see her, as she sees you.
Not as your step-mother, more than a childhood companion, but as your lover, another-half of your soul. Stolen moments when the realm is asleep, both crying, laughing as if the world outside doesn’t exist—- ushering fantasies of traveling on dragon’s back to East, exploring the colorful lives of the Free Cities, as young girls again.
Praying on your knees, caressing each other.
Love, this is her love, to be seen in a room of shattered shards of glass that reflect the children you both once were. You won’t leave her alone, to slip away from each other. To be inside each other’s skin, to be inside each other.
Two women tangled in the realms’ webs. Forced to marry men who make their skin crawl. A matrimony in misery together.
“Alicent, put away the dagger!”
“What have you done for her?” Alicent’s whispers, with malice. Her eyes wet with an unshed sheen. Her voice is so low, just enough for Vaemond to hear, as a chorus of shouts fade in the distance.
“Besides take her body as ownership?” Alicent’s voice cracks into a broken wail, “Wedded her to claim her nobility as yours.” Her nose scrunches as a hound, “She is not a pawn in your games.” She hisses through her canines.
“Own her? I, a man, cannot even enjoy his marriage without interference. Meddling in affairs you have no qualms with.” Vaemond’s thrashing causes a slip of fingers.
His veiny hand tussles with Alicent’s arm, a futile attempt tugging by the jut of her elbow, to try to take her to safety, but she doesn’t relent. She thrashes her arm away, with a grunt.
The dagger’s sharp curved tip inches hairs away from Vaemond’s exposed glossy ocular.
“It is my right to be concerned.” Alicent’s teeth bore into a scowl. She’s unrecognizable, edging on her last thread of sanity. “Who will care for her?” Her voice carries the weight of concern, affection, a crack of desperation.
Disoriented voices fade in and out from the distance, a stand-off brewed from loathing, and jealousy. As many try to break apart Alicent and Vaemond—- others flock to your limp body, and the sprinting maesters.
Vaemond leers through his lashes, turning his attention away. Your ichor staining Alicent’s fingernails, and wrists in splatters. Vaemond’s venomous spite inflates akin to spikes, his eyes daringly bore into Alicent’s, sneers low under his breath, ‘suffocating’.
A disgruntled growl slips from Alicent’s lips. “ I am her companion. Her only friend. ” Alicent inches closer, nearly barking in his face. Such a declaration in her bellowing voice, her brows pinching in sorrow.
A moment stills.
He smirks, nose flaring.
“The very friend who bedded her grieving father.”
An ungodly screech rips from Alicent, raw and animalistic. Strength and sheer adrenaline. A scream that echoes the thousand unheard cries of her depraved girlhood. A release of her festering sorrow all in one strike.
By the Gods, what a fleeting delight.
With a swift glide of her wrist, the dagger just inches from the bridge of his nose, but the sharp tip rips a slice on his cheek.
Clamor of voices die in the silence.
Alicent slowly backed away, with such wild rage glistening in her eyes, her fingers trembling loose from her grip. The dagger clanks at her feet, her breaths are haggard.
Vaemond’s fingertips dab against the bleeding slash. Stricken with astonishment at the drips of ichor —- and great offense, Alicent has gathered the nerve to commit such a heinous act.
A suffocating figure comes near as a shadow.
Otto comes to his daughter’s side, his shoulder patting her shoulder to quell the tension that tightens her muscles. His vacant palm grips her wrist, softly squeezing, comfort? A warning.
Towering behind her, with such an ominous categorical glare, Otto breathes through his nose, a frustrated sigh. If no one will take the reins of this masquerade, he will. He always prided himself to be the solver of any problems.
Calculating his next move, to not only pacify Vaemond down, but to not frazzle the feathers of his child.
“Let us handle this bickering with grace.” Otto’s head tilts down, gaze downcasted at his daughter's dome, caressing her thick waves—- whose face was still twitching with lingering tears, exhaustion draining from her.
“We will all discuss our —-” Otto pauses for a second, turning his sight to Vaemond, feigning an inch of sympathy, “troubles in the morrow.” As a master manipulating the strings of its puppet, dancing to his rhythm.
-
Dull pain weighs on the bridge of your nasal, the milk of the poppy soothing most of the inflamed ache. The maesters claim it’s the luck of the Gods that your nose wasn’t shattered, with being the brunt of brute strength.
Resting in your chambers, deep in the massive blankets, boneless bodice sinking into the mattress, but your hooded eyes never leave Alysanne’s cradle.
Even in a moment of enduring the strain of this wound, the motherly instinct within you is overtaken. Awaiting any gurgle, or cry, any excuse to hold her in your embrace.
An uncomfortable whine vibrates low in your throat, nearing a snort, by the joints of your elbows into the mattress, you lift your heavy body up. Groggy muscles tighten and burn as you dig within yourself any inch of remaining strength.
Slow steps inch closer —- one and two, one and two—- your fingers grip the cradle. Carefully, your open palms dive into the blankets, grasping Alysanne’s little neck, and back; by the bent of your knees, you hoist her up.
Small gurgles emit from her heart-shaped mouth, you coo her, connecting her small body against your chest. Rocking her back to slumber, you shuffle back to your bed, hawking your balance, so that your feet don’t catch the loose end of your silk night-gown.
You gaze at her, what a beauty she is.
Despite loathing her father, the miserable masquerade he performed not only before your father, but to the sworn shield, the king’s hand to bear witness —- and above all else, in-front of your dear Alicent.
Vaemond’s outburst of demands, proclaiming you to be taken by his force, to reside the end of your days in Driftmark.
Aware of how tedious Otto is upon his reputation that extends upon his daughter, he will chastise any witnesses to keep tight lips. No whispers of this dreadful night. For once, you hope Otto weaves his fingers —- there is no need for anyone to speak such haughty gossip about Alicent.
‘My love has suffered for too long.’ You mull quietly. Softly grazing Alysanne’s button nose. Alicent doesn’t deserve to be the subject of the talebearers—- to be humiliated as such.
Alysanne mewls in her sleep, but your essence lulls her, caressing her cheek with your nose. Tracing the bridge of her nose with the grace of your finger, admiring her innocence.
“I will not let him have you,” You whisper in a hush, “And I will not have him take me away.”
-
“A mere scratch.”
The head maester dabbed Vaemond’s cheek, as the white cloth soaks in splotches of his blood.
“If it was closer, it would have been a gash, and the loss of an eye.”
Vaemond sits with his fingers digging into his clothed knees, as an insolent child. Vaemond is marinating in his seat, brooding in his pathetic defeat.
His fingers clenching onto the arm-rests, the intricate gold dragon engraving digging into the flesh of his fingers.
A handful of maesters flocked to Vaemond’s aid with haste, as Alicent was whisked away without a word from her father.
Humiliated, that his own wife would not defend his honor, that he was cut down by a woman’s hand, that the king himself would not see the impending shambles of his house.
A shush falls upon the maesters, quietly bowing.
Vaemond’s eyes gaze up to see Alicent at the doors. Mute, and regal, despite losing herself in her anger. The maesters all bow, one after another, taking their leave — all scurry out of the door, as rats.
Alicent walks inside, stoned silent, her palms clasped on top of each other against her belly, her lips pursed — restraining herself, her eyes still red at the rim from dried tears.
No less, her father sent her to mend the peace. Alicent stares Vaemond down, even through her display of vulnerability, she sees him as nothing. As if he is the dirt beneath her feet.
Vaemond stiffened his spine, his chest puffed out to ready brace himself against her wrath. But Alicent doesn’t move… her feet stay rooted. Her eyes are distant, as if reflecting quietly.
She hums.
“His grief doesn't bear a flame to mine.”
190 notes · View notes