DARKSIDE // Aemond Targaryen

SIXTEEN

A month had passed since Aemond, and Visenya consummated their marriage; they had been trying for a child, but no matter what, Visenya couldn't seem to fall pregnant. Once Queen Alicent learnt of the couple's attempt at a child, she opened up to Visenya and started to act as another mother figure to Visenya.

She first ran into Visenya praying under the weirwood tree, silently and under to cover of night. "Princess," Queen Alicent spoke, pulling Visenya from her thoughts.

Visenya looked at the Queen, frightened by her presence. "Why are you out in the cold by yourself? The hour is late," the Queen said, helping Visenya to her feet.

Visenya was cautious of the Queen's presence; she had not been kind to her for some time, but why now was she worried if she may catch a cold? "Nothing, Your Grace. Praying before bed," Visenya said, removing her hands from the Queen's.

Queen Alicent gave the girl a soft smile, "or praying for a child?"

Visenya took a step back; she didn't expect the Queen to be so spot on with her guess, yet she was. Were her and Aemond's alone time that obvious to the court? Did she overhear her prays? Did the Queen have an ulterior motive? "How did you know?" Visenya asked.

Queen Alicent took Visenya's arm and began leading her back to her chambers. Visenya was wary of the Queen's actions but didn't want to start an unnecessary fight if genuine kindness was behind her actions. They walked the halls without a word spoken between each other until they arrived at the chamber doors, and Queen Alicent took Visenya's shoulders, looking deep into her eyes.

"Should you ever need a mother's comfort during these trying times, I am always here to provide," Queen Alicent told Visenya.

Visenya nodded, and Alicent pulled her into a tight embrace, squeezing her tightly and kissing her head. Queen Alicent disappeared within the Red Keep's darkened halls as quickly as she showed up, leaving Visenya flabbergasted at her kind actions. She considered the Queen's kind words for some time before approaching her again.

A week later, Visenya had just finished her daily check-in with the maesters to see if she was with child yet, and she was. Visenya was scared to tell Aemond, and she knew what this meant for them both–gone the days of their foolishness would be, and the responsibility of caring for another life and parenthood would weigh on them day and night. Visenya–as much as she wanted a babe–was scared of the ramifications and responsibility.

Visenya did not know why she ran to Queen Alicent first, but she wanted to believe that she had meant those kind words. She found the Queen talking with the Hand, who noticed her approach before the Queen did.

"Your Grace. Lord Hand," Visenya quickly bowed as she approached, "may I speak with the Queen please?"

Otto Hightower dismisses himself and leaves Queen Alicent and Visenya alone in the throne room. "Princess, what's the matter?" Queen Alicent said gently, taking one of Visenya's hands in hers.

Visenya took a deep breath, preparing mentally for the words that would leave her lips. "I am with child," She spoke softly, bringing a hand to her belly.

Queen Alicent looks down at Visenya's belly, then back at her. She couldn't believe it. Visenya was with child after one turn of the moon. The threat to her grandchildren was coming true, and yet the young girl had no idea of the weight this held. Rhaenyra was the named heir after her Visnya would follow, and now this unborn babe–Alicent couldn't stand for it, but she had to be cautious.

Queen Alicent had to find a way to keep the threat at bay and drive the couple apart without hurting her dear son. She knew it was wrong, but Larys would be the only one to find her the information she needed to drive them apart. Aegon's misdeeds would not be enough.