𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐘 彡 [a. targaryen] [✔]

─ 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞.

*ೃ༄𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘

It was haunting.

That noise of amusement that slipped through the minimal gap between Lucaena's lips was nothing short of chilling. Still, nothing troubled Alicent as much as her daughter's heartless riposte.

"Lucerys is dead. My husband showed no mercy. You should be grateful for Aemond, mother. We have one less enemy to worry over. I swear it on my father's prestigious legacy: our family shall prevail."

It was then that the former Queen felt her blood run cold whilst her moist palms tightened around her child's bare arms—nails nipping at the skin. It was then that Alicent hurriedly backed away from Lucaena, feeling her vision become overtaken by dark spots—appearing and then shortly vanishing. The older woman placed a cool hand on her forehead and could only hope that it would hold off the need to faint.

War was inevitable now with one of Rhaenyra's children dead—brutally massacred and never to find peace in the afterlife.

Alicent, overcome with fear and a sense of foreboding, knew that her daughter's callousness and dangerous disposition could only serve to worsen the volatile situation. She feared Lucaena's reckless behavior might provoke further conflicts or sabotage the family's already tenuous hold on power. In a final attempt to regain control of her disorderly daughter and prevent her from causing more trouble, Alicent was swift to order the guards stationed outside the door to have Lucaena detained and permanently confined to a vacant room in the same moment the young woman finished slipping on her dress. Alicent turned away and refused to make eye contact with her child. She did this under the pretense of protecting her, but in truth, it was to contain her unpredictable actions.

As the guards approached Lucaena, her expression shifted from a smug smile to one of outrage.

 "You cannot do this to me! I'm your daughter, and you wish to lock me away like some criminal? You need me, mother! The Realm needs me!"

The young Princess screamed, struggling against the guards' grip. Alas, her frail frame could not break free no matter how much she attempted a flawless escape. Harsh marks formed on her arms beneath the fabric of her dress due to the firm hold of the two men carrying her away. 

Alicent's eyes still refused to gaze upon the heartwrenching sight. But, hearing the commotion was enough to make the Queen Mother nauseous. Lucaena's voice echoed through the halls, filled with anger and defiance. 

"You believe this will silence me? You're a gullible fool, mother! This betrayal will cost you dearly, and I swear on our family's name, you will regret this day!"

Despite her protests and threats, Alicent remained resolute. The young woman's fury only confirmed to her mother that this was the right course of action. As the door closed, Alicent felt a pang of guilt, but it was overshadowed by her overwhelming need to maintain control and prevent any further escalation.

Alicent understood that keeping Lucaena confined was a temporary solution. She was aware of the whispers among the court, questioning the stability and unity of her family. The tension was palpable, and the threat of rebellion loomed large. Alicent knew that Lucaena's outbursts and volatile nature could be exploited by their enemies, leading to further unrest. She could not afford to let her daughter become a pawn in the dangerous game of power and intrigue that surrounded them. The former queen resolved to find a way to keep her family united and safe, even if it meant making difficult and painful decisions. 

After all...

A WAR WAS UPON THEM.