Labyrinth // Rhaenyra Targaryen (1)

12. Competition

'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. I think she might find it difficult... to discuss personal matters.' Viserys told her. Alicent had visited him often, which he found he enjoyed. Surprisingly.

"Father-" Taelon stopped mid step seeing Alicent. "Alicent..."

"Taelon, come in." Viserys agreed.

"What's... going on?" Taelon asked looking between them skeptically.

"Hello Prince Taelon." Alicent said happily. He was so handsome. So handsome. Alicent would rather spend her time visiting Taelon. She stared dreamily at him and Viserys chuckled noticing her stare. Noticing how she relaxed at Taelon's enterance.

"Just talking..." Viserys offered. "How is Rhaenyra?"

"Sad." Taelon answered. "But I'm trying to keep her mind off things." Taelon assured.

"Good..." Viserys agreed.

'why don't you talk to Nyra?" Taelon offered. "Kind words and a hug." Taelon offered. "Nice and easy." Viserys nodded slowly.

"It did take time when I lost my mother." Alicent offered her gaze still stuck on Taelon. He winked back at her.

"I wish she would approach me." Viserys told them softly. "There are times when I would rather face the Black Dread himself than mine own daughter of 15." Viserys informed them bleakly.

"Oh yes Nyra is quite ferocious." Taelon agreed. "That face just screams I'm going to rip your throat out."

"Taelon." Viserys warned.

"You are the king. Don't be scared of Nyra." Taelon offered.

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

"Yes, father and easy and you go hand in hand." Taelon mused.

"Taelon." Viserys hissed.

"Not like that... well...." Taelon thought about it and Viserys threw a pillow across the room at him. "You know what I meant." Taelon offered.

"Go away Taelon." Viserys begged.

"Come Alicent I'm sure we can get into more trouble outside of this dingy chamber." Taelon offered his arm for her and she moved quickly to him.

"Thank you my prince." Alicent said nervous and excited.

"Father." Taelon said pulling the door closed. "What shall we get up to?" Taelon mused. Nyra was walking down the hall when she saw them hand in hand. No. that wouldn't do. Alicent was silently declaring war, Nyra knew it.