The Gentle Queen: HOTD

Announcement|13|

It had been seven moons since Queen Aemma passed, two moons since Lilly had turned ten and two, and she was still being forced to keep the king company for six moons, and now today is the day the king is to announce who he is taking as his new wife.

Rhaenyra and Alicent walked into the council room, standing near the chair Viserys sits in, as the council came into the room, and both were confused when Lilly walked in with Otto.

"Why is Lilly here? She is not needed." Rhaenyra asked her friend, hoping she would know.

"I am not sure." Alicent replied, looking at her sister with a confused look, but she just looked away, standing behind her father.

"Good morrow, my lords," Viserys said as he approached the head of the table, looking far more happy than many thought he would.

"I have decided to take a new wife. The realm needs comfort and stability, and I need to strengthen my bloodline. I need a good wife who will be able to give me many children," he stated, looking around the room. Rhaenyra and many lords were grossed out by the last sentence, especially with how his late wife passed.

Lilly's heart raced and her palms sweated as she selfishly hoped she wouldn't hear her name being said. Otto stiffened as Viserys looked around the room. He was hoping his plan worked, as the king seemed very happy to hear that his daughter had started bleeding.

Lord Coryls sat with a smug smile, thinking his young daughter would be announced as his next wife and future queen of the realm, giving his family even more power.

"I intend to marry..." Viserys started before looking at Lilly, who was looking down and messing with the charm of her braclet Daemon gave her, making Rhaenyra and Alicent confused about why he was looking at her. They both looked at the young girl, their hearts dropping, when realization hit them.

"The Lady Lilly Hightower, before spring ends," he announced, smiling and feeling happy for his future.

Rhaenyra was shocked and hurt by her friend, and her face showed it. Alicent was also shocked and disgusted, and she could only look at her sister. The councilmen had looks of sorrow, knowing their friendship may not stand after this announcement.

"This is absurdity; my house is Valyrian, the greatest power in the realm." Coryl yelled, standing up and glaring at the king.

"And I am your king," Viserys reminded him, daring him to say anything else.

All of the Lord's felt sorry for the young girl, especially seeing the fear and pain on her face as she looked at the two older girls with pleading eyes as Otto stood up.

"Lilly, what do you say?" Otto asked, looking at her and raising his eyebrow, making her look away from her sister and Rhaenyra quickly.

"Thank you, my king. I hope I meet your standards as your wife and queen," she said, her voice breaking slightly and showing her emotions as her lip quivered.

"I am sure you will," he replied, looking her up and down, sending a shiver up her spine and a shiver of disgust down everyone else's.

"Rhaenyra," he said as he saw the look of heartbreak on his daughter's face, but she rushed out of the room, Alicent following her before he could say anything.

"Rhaenyra, sister, wait, please." Lilly shouted before going to rush after them before her father stopped her by grabbing her arm.

"You will not chase after them and embarrass this family," he hissed quietly, making her nod with tears in her eyes, and the whole council could tell she did not wish to marry the king nor did she wish to betray her friend.