The Gentle Queen: HOTD

Wedded & Bedded |14|

Trigger Warning (SA not detailed more of the victim's perspective and words involving Sexual assault)

Lilly sat on a chair in front of the mirror as the maids fixed her dress that was hanging up. Her face was void of emotion. She was not even looking when she heard the door open. She was scared, but she felt some relief, remembering the king saying they wouldn't sleep until she was ten and four.

"Leave us; we will finish getting her ready." Rhaenyra demanded the maids from where she and Alicent stood, staring at Lilly, who sat in a robe, still not looking at them.

"Yes, princess," one of the maids said before they rushed out. With that, Lilly finally looked and saw her sister and Rhaenyra, making her tear up and her lips quiver.

"I am sorry for what I did, and I know no matter what I say, I will be in the wrong. I should have tried to help. I am sorry, Lilly. You are a child. You would never wish to be put in this position. I should have seen that." Rhaenyra stated, looking down, ashamed at what she had done and said.

"I understand you were upset; all is forgiven." Lilly said that although she still felt hurt and angry, she would rather have them by her side than against her.

"I am also sorry, sister. I should not have said the things I did," Alicent said, making her smile and hug her.

"Well, let's get you ready," Alicent said, cupping her little sister's cheeks and making her smile slightly and nod.

"The dress is pretty, Lilly." Rhaenyra said as Alicent fixed the bottom of it, sending her a look. They both could see that the dress was not one she would have chosen herself; it was far too flashy and revealing for her.

"Thank you; the king chose it." She responded, looking at herself in the mirror. She didn't like what she was seeing, but she couldn't do anything about it.

"You did not choose your own wedding dress," Rhaenyra asked, confused.

"The king did not like my choice, so he chose it." She said it was nothing because, to her, it wasn't worth the fight.

"I talked with father. What did he mean when he said I would be happy that I should thank you for marrying the king?" Alicent asked, as she couldn't hold it anymore and needed to know.

"I do not know." Lilly said, dismissing the question, "Do not lie to me, please." Alicent begged, knowing her sister was lying.

"I am not. I do not know why he meant that when I am queen, I could decline marriage proposals on your behalf. Make sure you don't marry a man you don't want to." Lilly shrugged her shoulders, making both girls nod and believe her.

"We will be by your side, Lilly, but just say the word, and I will kidnap you, and you won't marry my father." Rhaenyra said, meaning she would leave this place behind with Lilly and Alicent if it meant keeping her happy.

"It is my duty to marry the well, and that I am. I have no choice, Rhaenyra. The king has ordered me to marry him. I cannot defy or deny an order from the king."

Otto walked into the room. "It is time, Lilly. You two must get to your places," he said, making the two girls kiss her cheek before leaving the room.

Lilly took a deep breath, walking to her father as they began walking through the halls to the throne room, where the ceremony would be taking place.

"I am proud of you, sweetheart. I know this is not what you imagined, but you will make it," Otto said, patting her hand that was wrapped around his arm as they walked.

"And if he treats me horribly and hurts me, then what?" She whispered, looking at him, hoping for her father to hug her and protect her.

"Then you will endure it and not make a peep about it," Otto warned her, making her nod as they reached the doors they would enter. Otto nodded to the guards, letting them open the door.