My Tears Ricochet // Alicent Hightower

11. What about Happiness

All you had to do was stay // Aemond / Jace out now!

''Princess.'' Criston remarked opening the door for Laenor and Rhaenyra.

''Rhaenyra! You should be resting after your labors.'' Alicent declared

''I have no doubt that you would prefer that, Your Grace.'' Rhaenyra seethed

''You must sit. Talya, fetch a cushion for the Princess.'' Alicent instructed and a cushion was placed on the couch for her.

''There's no need.''

''Nonsense. We'll finish this later.'' Alicent assured offering Rhaenyra her fakest of smiles.

''Your Grace.'' Talya said nodding to the queen as she left. Rhaenyra sat with a groan.

''What happy news this morning.'' Viserys declared

'Indeed, Your Grace.'' Laenor remarked.

''Where is he? Where is my grandson? There. There he is. Oh.'' Viserys took him from Rhaenyra and held him up. ''A fine Prince. Sturdy. You will make a fearsome knight.'' Viserys told her and Rhaenyra couldn't help but smile. ''Yes, you will.'' He added softly to the babe.

''Does the babe have a name yet?'' Alicent questioned

''We haven't spoken...'' Rhaenyra began as Laenor spoke up

'Joffrey. He'll be called Joffrey.'' Laenor told them proudly.

'That's an unusual name for a Velaryon.'' Alicent remarked.

''I do believe he has his father's nose.'' Viserys offered with a chuckle. Alicent looked at the little black hairs on Joffrey's head. ''Don't you?'' Viserys offered. "Did Davina meet him? I know she was excited."

"Yes, she was the first one in and asking if it was a baby dragon. Literal dragon I think." Rhaenyra agreed.

"That is Davina." Viserys agreed.

''If you don't mind, Your Grace, your daughter has exerted herself heroically and should rest.'' Laenor offered

''Of course. There.'' Viserys passed Joffrey back off to Rhaenyra ''Well done, my girl.'' Viserys kissed her cheek ''I do hope the labor was easy.''

''I think I called the midwife a cunt.'' Rhaenyra remarked.

"You and Davina didnt do your little bet for this one?" Viserys mused and Rhaenyra stared back at him. "I know, of course i knew. I thought it was hilarious.''

''Oh. Do keep trying, Ser Laenor'' Alicent whispered. ''Sooner or later, you may get one who looks like you.'' She offered.

''You don't... think to consult me before you name my child?'' Rhaenyra hissed as they left.

''He's our child, is he not?'' Laenor offered

''Only one of us is bleeding.'' Rhaenyra reminded him, a trail of blood bleed from her legs as she walked the afterbirth still releasing.

''I deserve some say in the affairs of my own family.'' Laenor reminded her.

''You haven't seemed so interested in our affairs of late.''

+

"I will meet you in the pits." Davina remarked taking Valyria's hand, Rhaegar still clung onto her back. "Go met your nephew." Davina told Gael and Harwin. "Go meet your brother." Davina told the boys.

"Can I have another brother?" Valyria asked. "Or a sister, can I have one of each?"

"No." Davina answered immediately. "I'm done. Baby shop is closed."