After the death of his son, Baelon, and his wife, Queen Aemma, Viserys I Targaryen has felt lost and alone. His daughter hated him for his decision, but she wouldn't listen to his explanations. The Maester had made it clear that Aemma was not going...
[All rights of HOTD belong to George R. R. Martin and Ryan J. Cordal]
Bold: High Valyrian
Italics: Thoughts
Underlined: Emphasis
Annora's Chambers in Red Keep
Adjusting to her new surroundings was harder than she previously thought. Her first night was fine, just very silent. That was something that she wasn't quite used to yet. She grew accustomed to the loud noises around her since when she was traveling, she was always on the move. It finally dawned on her once she woke up this morning that she could no longer wander through life on her terms. At this very moment in time, she once again belongs to her father until he 'lets her go' after marrying her off to the highest bidder.
Normally, she'd be raging mad at the very thought, but since she knew her father so well, she could see that he had some type of plan that had to do with marrying her off to a Lord or a second son who lived in the Keep or lives elsewhere but are in the Keep daily for business. With that very thought on her mind, she began to get ready for the day ahead of her.
As she was getting herself ready, she heard a knock on her chamber door.
"Sister, are you ready for the day? I was about to head to Rhaenyra's chambers... I thought you would like to meet my friend and King Viserys named heir?"
"Yes, I am almost ready. Can you come in and help me tie the back of my dress?"
As she was still struggling with the ties, she heard her sister agree to help and open her door. Alicent quickly walked in and shut the door. As she turned back around to face Annora's back in the mirror, she let out a sound of surprise.
"Oh, my!" was followed by her laughter. Annora giggled and rolled her eyes jokingly at her sister.
"Oh, do shut up!" laughed Annora. She couldn't help but complain—and rightfully justify her actions—to Ali while holding the ties to her dress.
"I thought I could do it myself, okay? I was unaware that I would be battling my treacherous gown!"
Alicent shook her head at her big sister and simply giggled softly behind her hand and quickly walked to her sisters side to help her fix her mess.
"I will help, okay? Let me fix this mess, Nora"
Hall(s) of the Red Keep
After Alicent finished tying her dress properly, Annora turned and thanked her. As they linked arms, Alicent seemed deep in thought and stopped a couple of halls before Rhaenyra's chambers and turned to her sister. As she felt Alicent stop, Annora turned her head to her and saw that she had something important on her mind and was struggling to keep it from her sister, her best friend.
"Ali, what's wrong, my love? Whatever it is, I can help or give advice. I'm here for you... I hope you know that. I will always come back for you"
"I know, sister. I'm just trying to organize my thoughts, but I'm just so confused"
Alicent confessed. Annora sighed and took Alicent's hands in her own and reassured her as best she could.
"You don't have to organize anything in your mind before talking to me, sister. Just tell me what is troubling you"
Alicent seemed to hesitate for a second until she pushed through the hesitation and looked her right in the eye.
"Annora... after Queen Aemma passed, I was able to avoid Father and his schemes for months, but a few days ago, Father pulled me into his chambers and told me to go to the King's chambers... wearing mother's dress".
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Everything fell silent in the hall as Alicent confessed her father's plans to her perfect sister. Alicent was never bothered or jealous of her title. If anything, she was thankful to have such a sister who took the weight off of her younger sister's shoulders. She saw how hard Annora worked to become the perfect daughter so that their father would focus solely on Annora instead of her. As she was waiting for her sister to say something, anything, she just watched her sister's facial expressions. As Alicent was looking at her sister, Annora's thoughts were running wild.
How could he ask this of Alicent? Of my baby sister! I know he craves power, but this shit is ridiculous. Not to mention, how the hell would her sister's closest friend, the King's daughter react to her loyal friend marrying her father? She would believe Alicent to be a traitor. I simply refuse to let Alicent suffer such a fate. I'll have to go in her place.
The last thought that brushed through the surface of her mind before replying to Alicent was: Fuck Otto Hightower, what a cunt. If only she knew that the exact thought was constantly on the mind of King Viserys I's younger brother, Daemon Targaryen. They would make quite a scheming team...
As she waited patiently for her sister to process the news that was given to her, she looked around and noticed that there was a weird silence around them, which was odd since it was always a bit loud in the halls with maids and such moving around. To Alicent, it seemed that it was like the walls themselves were as shocked as Annora at the news. Finally, after a few minutes, Annora seemed to come back to herself and simply declared that Alicent didn't have to worry about going to the King, because Annora would go in her place.
Alicent, while upset that she put this on her sister, knew that she had to tell her because if she hadn't told Annora, her sister would've started a war with their father.
Rhaenyra's Chambers
"Now that you've told me what's been bothering you, let's brush it aside for the moment. I would like to meet your friend and heir to the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra Targaryen" stated Annora. Alicent slowly smiled and nodded in acceptance. The two sisters re-linked their arms together and continued down the hallways. Once they came upon Rhaenrya's chambers, Alicent announced to the guard(s) that she and her sister would like to see Princess Rhaenyra.
As the guards announced their arrival, Rhaenyra opened the door and greeted Alicent warmly. As she did, she noticed a beautiful young woman behind Alicent. Rhaenyra turned and let Alicent and Annora into her chambers, and then closed the door behind her. As she did, she suspiciously asked Alicent who this woman was, though she wasn't too alarmed because she knew Alicent would never put her in harm's way.
As the two girls walked in, Alicent stood in front of the princess, who was standing and had her back to the bed, grabbed the Princess' hands in her own, and introduced the stranger.
"Annora Hightower, my princess. She's my older sister. She's been traveling but she's back now as was commanded by my father".
