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

87. Spiders

'Thank you for that exhaustive accounting, Lord Beesbury." Alicent told him, she sat in Viserys spot. He rarely left his bed and he was in no shape to rule. Avalon couldnt seem to keep her head up today. She was so tired. Maybe it was that she knew Rhaenyra was coming and it was stressing her out or maybe it was that Viserys was dying and she worried every day that it would be the last she saw him. He wasnt just her king, her husband, he was her brother. The man that raised her and loved her from her first breaths and he was dying everyday closer to death. Nothing any of them could do to stop it. 

''I remind you...'' but the door opened and Alicent turned to the guard.

'' Your guests have arrived, Your Grace.''

''I trust they've been welcomed as befits their station.'' Otto remarked stiffly.

''As you instructed, Lord Hand.''

"I will... see to... Daemon." Avalon decided rising up. 

'' It was my understanding Lord Corlys wished for his grandson Jacaerys to succeed him as Lord of the Tides. The boy has been raised most of his life away from Driftmark. He can fly a dragon, yes, but can he command a fleet?'' Grand master Orwyle reminded them.

''Ability does not alter his claim.''

''The Sea Snake has never formally named him as heir, if it comes to that. The crown must choose what is best for the realm.''

'' He is Laenor's son. What grounds could there be...''

''What indeed, Lord Beesbury. What indeed.'' Otto agreed. Avalon didnt know that she trusted otto completely but she didnt not trust him to have their best interest at heart because Alicent kept her father in line. 

''We shall hear Princess Rhaenyra's petition, along with those of the other claimants on the morrow." Alicent told them as she rose up following Avalon to the door. 

''But...' Beesbury tried again

''I do beg your pardon, my lords. I must greet our guests." Alicent told them linking her arm with Avalons. 

''Shall we levy a tax on the sale of new wool?" Alicent rolled her eyes.

"Heavens these meetings bore me to death." Alicent muttered. 

"Lets let your father do them and we stay in bed." Avalon suggested. 

"I like that idea."

"I thought you might." Avalon agreed with a cheeky grin, she was feeling better already.

''Your Grace... a matter has arisen that requires your attention.'' Erryk said as they left the small council room.

" Whatever it is, Ser Arryk, it'll need to wait." Alicent hissed

''I'm Erryk, Your Grace.''

''Of course. My apologies, ser.'' Alicent agreed. Twins. She hated twins how was she supposed to tell them apart? Avalon always seemed to know but she was better at reading people. 

''It's about the Prince. There's been a delicate situation in his apartments.''

"What did he do?" Alicent groaned. 

"AEGON!" Avalon demanded. He startled awake. "Spiders? In your sisters chambers! You nearly gave Alyssa a heart attack!" 

"Oh man I missed it-"

"AEGON!" Avalon seethed. 

"I'm sorry!" Aegon declared. 

"You should be." Avalon agreed. "Gods, spiders? I should throw you out a window," She grabbed his wine and chucked it instead.