The Grey Wolf & The Golden Dragon | Aegon Targaryen II

A Royal Wedding

Alysanne

"Well, don't you look...nice." Alicent offered, forcing a smile that didn't meet her eyes as she stared at Alysanne in the wedding dress that had once belonged to her. She could practically hear every critique that must have been running through the Queen's head behind those hazel eyes.

Alysanne knew the Queen hated it. Sornah had cut the neckline exactly as she had asked; what had once modestly covered Alysanne's collar, now dipped into a low point just beneath her breasts.

The wings on the shoulder of the gown had only been altered slightly, but now the dress contained intricate metalwork sewn into the neckline and up onto the arms. The red of the draping sleeves and center of the bust perfectly contrasted the white of the gown as Alysanne stared at herself in the mirror.

She loved the dress, and, surprisingly, the diadem that Alicent had selected to match. When she was completely dressed, the reflection staring back at her was the perfect image of a Targaryen's consort and she couldn't help but smile into the mirror.

The entire, extravagant wedding was something Alysanne could do without entirely. She'd already married her prince in the sight of the Gods; all the rest was for show. Still, Alicent seemed happier in recent days, having an event to fawn over. She'd bustled about the keep with a smile on her face, approving food options and floral arrangements until she was nearly blue in the face.

Helaena smoothed her fingers over her pale blue dress, fidgeting with the tiny ruffles that adorned her waist. Alysanne couldn't help but feel she paled in comparison to Hel's natural beauty.

"You look lovely, sister," the princess offered.

"As do you!" Alysanne replied earnestly, turning to grasp Helaena's hand. Neither of them spoke again, but Hel's gentle hold on her calmed her anxieties.

"I'm going to check on Aegon," Alicent informed them, her green skirts swishing dramatically behind her as she left the room.

"Finally!" Elin sighed, reaching for the wine. Alysanne giggled as Helaena joined them, the three of them toasting to Alysanne's marriage and drinking deeply. "Watch your dress!" Elin reminded.

"Why do I feel nervous?" Alysanne asked. "This whole thing is nothing but a farce, we're already married in the eyes of the Gods."

"Because you're an idiot in love," Elin replied, rolling her eyes. Alysanne gave her a look that that said 'And you aren't?' and Elin shook her head and rolled her eyes a second time.

"I'm just happy I get to witness this one!" Helaena interjected, draining the last of her wine and pulling Alysanne into a hug that made her bruised ribs ache. Elin joined in, the three of them clinging to each other until Alysanne thought she might cry.

"Now," Elin began, smoothing the chiffon skirt of her gown, "What are we going to do about your sweet little beast?"

"She comes with me," Alysanne stated simply.

"But the Queen—"

"Crimson comes with me." Aly asserted again, shaking her head. "Her grace can whine about it later."

Alicent

Alicent stared at her firstborn from the doorway as Aegon adjusted his collar in the mirror. She was but a child when she gave birth to him; a girl of no more than ten and six. Now he was a man grown, getting married and starting a family of his own.

Despite the fact that she disliked Aegon's intended, Alicent had never seen such light in his eyes as she had recently.

Watching him rebutton his white tunic and pull on his doublet, she leaned against the arm of the settee, pressing her hand over her heart.