Love Story // Viserys Targaryen // Alicent Hightower / POLY

54. Thumbs

"I'm glad you are feeling better, I couldnt handle this night without you." Alicent remarked. 

"Good as new." Avalon agreed wiping at her lips. She was starving but everything was coming back up, she would have to pretend for Rhaenyra and Alicent and hell, even Viserys sake that she was great. 

"Where is Avalon?" Rhaenyra whispered.

"She is coming." Viserys assured.

"Why she is not here?" Rhaenyra whispered.

"She is coming." Viserys assured.

''It is with great pleasure that His Grace, King Viserys, announces the start of the royal wedding celebrations. House Lannister with their lord, Jason Lannister. Lord Paramount of the West, and Master of Casterly Rock. House High tower with their lord, Hobert High tower. Beacon of the South, Defender of the Citadel, the Voice of Old town...'' Harrold announced.

"You need a shirt on." Avalon told Aegon, he shook his head. "Yes. No shirt, no shoes no cake." 

"WHAT!" Aegon demanded. 

"Thats a rule, your father made it just the other day, did I not read you the new rules?"  Avalon questioned, Alicent chuckled from the vanity as she put the finishing touches on her hair. 

''Congratulations, Your Grace. You have made a fine match for the Princess.'' Jason said as he approached.

''Thank you, Lord Jason. I could think of no better man than Ser Laenor.'' Viserys said with a chuckle.

'Well... if this is only the welcome feast, I admit, I cannot imagine what you might have planned for the wedding.'

''I wanted this to be a wedding for the histories.'' Viserys declared. 

''Where is the Queen? And the heir... I had hoped to pay my respects.'' Jason offered looking down the table.

''I understand the Queen is still readying herself for the celebrations." Viserys informed him.

"This is why men wage war... because women would never be ready for the battle in time.'' Jason remarked with a chuckle

''Your presence is always such a pleasure, Lord Jason.'' Rhaenyra remarked stiffly.

''No, red!" Aegon corrected thrusting a shirt at avalon. 

"Sorry honey," Avalon teased putting the red shirt on Aegon. 

"What do you think?" Alicent questioned.  Avalon stared back at her in awe. 

"Alicent, you look breathtaking." Avalon remarked. 

"You should have worn Green." Alicent remarked. 

"RED!" Aegon shouted. 

"Sorry sweetie, its the Targaryen in him. Wants fiery red." Avalon remarked fixing Aegon's shirt, he did a spin smiling up at her. "You look perfect!" 

"You know most women are forced to wear their husbands colors, its a sign of marking, claiming... or they do it out of respect." Alicent touched the green embroidery on Avalon's dress. "I like this."

"Well you did claim me." Avalon agreed kissing her cheek. 

''Lord Corlys of House Velaryon. Lord of the Tides, Master of Driftmark. And his lady wife, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. And their son and heir, Ser Laenor Velaryon.'' Harrold announced as the drums beat.

''My Betrothed. My Betrothed.'' Laenor said happily.

"You ready?" Avalon questioned. Alicent shook her head. "You look perfect," Avalon assured.

"I just need another moment." Alicent assured taking a deep breath.

"Green is certainly your color. I saw your brother Gwayne here, I dont think your brothers ever make the trip up." Avalon offered.

"I'm...he's here?" Alicent questioned.

"Showing his support, for you is my guess." Avalon agreed grabbing Alicents hand. "Do  you want me to stay? I can stay here with you." Alicent shook her head.  "I will see you out there, you look gorgeous, dont worry." Avalon made her way to the front table and Viserys smiled back at her as she sat beside Viserys.

"Look at you handsome." Avalon cooed kissing Viserys cheek. "You gonna save me a dance?"

"You know I'm not much of a dancer." Viserys corrected. "But I will dance with you and only you."

"I like that idea." Avalon agreed "But I have to save a dance for Aegon." She added, nodding to Aegon in her lap, Viserys smiled rustling his hair before Viserys rose up.

''Be welcome, as we join together in celebration. Tonight is only its beginning. We honor the crown's oldest and fiercest ally, House Velaryon. Reaching back to the days of Old Valyria and the Age of Dragons. With House Targaryen and H...' Viserys began but the door swung open and stopped him mid speech the guests started murmuring, loving a good gossip.

''The King will not be happy.''

''Right in the midst of his speech.'

Alicent strut forward and there was a bickering, Rhaenyra's face pinched but the sea of green that was the hightower table looked proud of their queen.

"Congratulations step daughter, this is such a blessing for you." Alicent offered. Avalon looked between them confused. Separate, Rhaenyra and Alicent were sweet but together they turned into little monsters. That was not the plan. 

''Please be seated.''

'Where was I?'' Viserys said with a soft cough.

'The joining of the two houses, Your Grace.'' Lyonel remarked.

'Yes...' Viserys cleared his throat. 'Yes. With House Targaryen and House Velaryon united, I hope to herald in a second Age of Dragons in Westeros.'' The crowd broke into an applause and cheers. ''And after tonight's small affair... Seven days of tournament and feasting. At the end of it all... At the end of it all, a royal wedding... between my daughter, and Ser Laenor Velaryon, the heir to Driftmark.'' The drums picked up again as Viserys finished.

"That was lovely." Avalon told Viserys.

"Thank you my dear." Viserys replied as Rhaenyra got up. "You look so beautiful. But you always do." Viserys remarked kissing her cheek.

"Doesnt your wife look stunning as well, you can blame me for making her late." Avalon added quickly. "I was fussing with her dress." Rhaenyra glared back at them. Alicent smiled contently back at Avalon though.

''I was never much of a dancer.'' Rhaenyra remarked as Laenor offered his hand and lead her out for their first dance to set off the night.

''It's not much different to combat.'' Laenor informed her.

''Hm, I shall hope for a different outcome.'' Rhaenyra's gaze shifted to Avalon, she offered Rhaenyra two thumbs up.  Aegon mirrored her laughing out before sticking his thumb in his mouth.