Better Than Revenge// Otto Hightower (1)

14. Effort

'The Valyrian capital was built into a volcano, much like Dragonstone. And the dragonlords, the highest of the nobility, lived here, at the volcanic face, closest to the source of their magic and power. And this was the Anogrion. Where the bloodmages worked their craft." Viserys told Alicent.

'It is truly wondrous what you've built.' Alicent remarked.

'Oh no. I only pore over the histories and provide the plans. The stonemasons built the structures.' Viserys corrected.

"Do you believe that Westeros can be another Valyria, Your Grace?" Alicent pondered.

" That depends, whether you speak of the Freehold at its height or at its fall. Over a thousand dragons, a navy large enough to span the seas of the world. The glory of Old Valyria will never be seen again." Viserys remarked but his cup slipped through his fingers crashing to the ground. 'Seven Hells.' He muttered. He sucked in a deep breath looking to Alicent. 'Tell me, how is Rhaenyra?'

'What do you mean?'

'Well, these days, she doesn't say more than a few words to me, Gaena says she is fine but... I worry. I think she might find it difficult... to discuss personal matters.' Viserys told her. Alicent had visited him often, which he found he enjoyed.

'It will take time. It did when I lost mine own mother.' Alicent informed him.

"I wish she would approach me." Viserys told Alicent softly.

"What if you went to her?" Alicent offered.

"There are times when I would rather face the Black Dread himself than mine own daughter of 15." Viserys informed her bleakly. Alicent chuckled.

"I think she would open herself to you if invited. You do have such an easy way about you, Your Grace." Alicent remarked.

"Um..." Viserys took a step away from Alicent. 'you do not mention our talks to Rhaenyra, do you?' Viserys questioned and Alicent stared at him a moment longer confused. 'I just... I fear that she wouldn't understand them.'

'No, Your Grace.' Alicent assured.

+

"Visiting my brothers chambers?" Gaena questioned.

"Yes my princess."

"What do they discuss?"

"I don't know my lady."

"How often?" Gaena countered.

"Weekly, sometimes more."

"Leave me." Gaena demanded as she saw otto coming. "Otto." She purred. "How is Alicent doing?'

'Alicent?" Otto questioned.

"Well I saw her head into my fathers chambers. I just assumed something was wrong for it is very inappropriate for a girl of her age to be visiting the king, a grown man without Rhaenyra or other handmaidens present. I just worry for her, what people would think. If they thought Viserys was taking advantage or she was trying to seduce him... it could ruin her image." Gaena offered kindly.

"I had no idea." Otto remarked running a hand down her arm. "I will speak with her." Otto told Gaena. He would speak to Alicent about being careful about where she was seen and by whom.

"See that you do. I would hate for the hightower name to be... defiled."

+

'It's only been half a year since my mother died, and already they tried to marry my father off and replace me as heir. I know those men and how they plot in their secret councils when I've been sent away.' Rhaenyra muttered.

"You cannot worry at the matters of lords and kings, Rhaenyra." Alicent reminded her, hesitantly she kept going. "What if your father were to remarry?" Rhaenyra stared at her disgusted by the thought. 'Your father loves you. He chose you for his heir."

"He didn't choose me. He spurns Daemon." Rhaenyra corrected.

"Kneel with me. I find this is a way to be with my mother. Here in the quiet of the Sept... I feel close to her. I know it sounds foolish." Alicent remarked.

"I don't think it's foolish." Rhaenyra told her and Alicent looked at her in disbelief. "I don't." she confirmed.

"Good... because I thought you might try. I... If not for me, then, perhaps for them." and Rhaenyra let out a long sigh.

"What do I say?" Rhaenyra pondered.

"Whatever you wish. It's only for you and the gods to know." Alicent reminded her.

"I want him to see me as more than his little girl." Rhaenyra admitted.

"Mine own father does not know the language of girls either." Alicent informed her making Rhaenyra chuckle.

'When I wish to talk with him... I know that I must make the effort."

+

"Otto." Gaena said sweetly as her and Viserys passed.

"Have you spoken much to Rhaenyra?'

"Not too much. She has Alicent. You have me." Gaena remarked. "How are you?" Gaena asked innocently.

"I'm... coping."

"You know i know nothing of losing the love of your life but I'm here for you." Gaena reminded him.

"I enjoy our talks and walks and you have always known how to make me smile." Viserys told her.

"It's this face." She circled a finger around her face. "It's so innocent and pure that when the words that come out of my mouth sound more like Daemon you think its totally fine because im an angel." Gaena offered.

"Or the devil in disguise." Viserys countered.

"That is probably more likely." Gaena agreed. Viserys adored his younger sister. She was trouble and Viserys knew it but she was also sweet and loved with her whole heart. She cared for her family and wasnt afraid to stand up for what she thought was right. he couldnt help but wonder if she had met someone because she was more smiley than usual but also didnt think he wanted to know.

"Are you enjoying being back at the capital?" Viserys asked.

"Loving it here. im never leaving." Gaena said innocently.

"Wonderful." Viserys agreed.