Rich Man / Tyland Lannister / Aislynn Hightower

27. Soft Hearts

''A moment. I do not wish to see you go.'' Alicent said running up to her father. Aislynn moved sluggish behind her kicking at the stones of the old path.

''Such is the King's decision.'' Otto reminded her solemnly.

''A decision I most bitterly regret.'

''And yet, you made it possible. You chose Rhaenyra.'' Otto reminded her.

''She swore her innocence, and I believed her.'' Alicent retorted

''You wanted to believe her, as did her father'.

''Your informant was wrong. An honest mistake, perhaps, but I did not foresee this!'' Alicent countered.

''You should have.'' Otto warned as his gaze shifted to Aislynn.

'If you had not been so relentless in advancing Aegon as heir!' Thunder rumbled as the rain poured down around them.

'Listen to me, daughter. The King will die. It may be months or years, but he'll not live to be an old man. And if Rhaenyra succeeds him, war will follow, do you understand? The realm will not accept her. And to secure her claim, she'll have to put your children to the sword. She'll have no choice.'' Otto warned her and Alicent started to whimper 'You know it. You're no fool, and yet you choose not to see it. The time is coming, Alicent. Either you prepare Aegon to rule, or you cleave to Rhaenyra and pray for her mercy.'' Otto hugged her goodbye before he turned to Aislynn

"You have to be strong protect them. Alicent has a soft heart." Otto whispered.

"If by soft mean easily manipulated by you and the princess then yes she does have a soft heart." Aislynn agreed.

"You see the truth you and your brothers have always seen the darker side of things please I know you will protect her I know I don't need to ask you but I can't be here to look out for you for any of you." Otto whispered.

"Don't worry I will take great care of them no one will mess with my family."

"I love you Aislynn."

"I love you father."

"You know your mother always said your name meant hearts desire but I thought it meant dream or vision. I now think it is one and the same." Otto remarked. Aislynn stared back at him as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I wish your mother could see you now. She would be so proud at the woman you are."

+

'' Where is Lord Corlys? He should be here to receive the King.'' Lyonel demanded.

''Welcome to High Tide, Your Grace.'' Laena remarked as she came down the steps to greet them.

''What is the meaning of this, Lady Laena?"" Lyonel shouted through the rain but Viserys was too tired and too weak to deal with such nonsense today. ''Is this how House Velaryon greets its King?''

''My father has but just returned from his long journey and he has hastened to the Hall of Nine to await Your Grace's arrival.''

''Let's just get on with it.'' Viserys said marching past.

+

''An outsider... among the natives.'' Larys strong said as Alicent approached him in the gardens.

''Lord Larys.'' Alicent remarked.

"Larys, honey, hello" Aislynn offered, Aislynn knew they needed more allies in the capital and Larys seemed well connected for a man that was seemingly not connected, Larys offered her a small smile. Larys held out a flower and Aislynn took a step forward. "Pretty." She remarked taking it carefully from him.