The Gentle Queen: HOTD

His Chambers|6|

Lilly, Rhaenyra, and Alicent sat on the young Hightower's bed, drinking tea and eating biscuits, quietly talking about the fond memories they had of the late queen before a knock was heard.

"Come in," Lilly called out softly before stuffing a cheese biscuit in her mouth, making the two older girls giggle.

"Princess, My Lady, My Lady," the maid greeted the three, bowing.

"Hi Julia, how can I help you?" Lilly asked, recognizing the older maid after finishing her biscuit.

"Your father has requested your presence immediately in his room," the older maid told the young girl.

"Oh very well, I shall not keep him waiting," she said, rolling off her bed.

"Could you help you get into a proper dress?" she asked, making the maid nod before walking to the lady's wardrobe.

"You may sleep in here if you would like, and I will be back," Lilly said as she walked out of her room. Making her way to her father's office chambers. Lilly knocked on the door before receiving permission to come in.

"Hello, father," she greeted him, kissing his cheek, making him smile, and making a gesture for her to sit on a cushioned bench.

"Lilly, hello, my dear, how is Rhaenyra?" Otto asked, confusing her slightly, but she answered never the less, "She is as well as she can be grieving and angry at the king; she is having some strong emotions." Lilly responded, smiling sadly.

"Lilly, my dear, I found myself thinking of your own mother today." He started, "The gods take the best people first, and my mother was a wonderful lady. I am sorry you are missing her father." Lilly said, squeezing his hand gently, hoping to comfort him.

"Yes, the gods do. I talked with the king not long ago; he wishes to see you," Otto told her.

"Why?" she asked, confusion clear in her voice.

"Because he thinks you are a beautiful lady and he has heard of your kindness, he hopes that you can comfort him," Otto said, like it was nothing.

"In his chambers?" she asked. She was confused. Her septa's called her a perfect student; she had aced all her subjects and was nothing but a perfect lady who carried herself with class and elegance, priding her teachers, and she knew it would be improper for an unmarried lady to be in the confinements of a man's chambers without another, like a chaperone.

"Yes, and you will do so. The king has taken a liking to you. He may want you as his next wife and queen. You will do as he says. This is our chance to have Hightower blood on the throne," Otto said sternly.

"But I do not wish to marry him. I don't care about our blood on the throne, father, and it would be improper for me to be alone with the king." She was confused as to why he was saying these things and why he would force this on her. She stood up, feeling ill, as she walked towards the jug of water but was stopped by her father.

"Sometimes we must do things we do not wish for the betterment of the realm and our family," he insisted.

"No, I won't do that, father. I am only ten and one, and the king is thirty now. He just murdered his wife for a son he abandoned." She whimpered out.

"You will do as you were told. The king wants you in his chambers, so you will go to his chambers. Now offer him your condolences. I dont know, I dont care." He said this, grabbing her cheeks hard and making tears well up in her eyes. She nodded her head, making him let her go and wipe away the tears that threatened to fall.

"There is a dress on your bed; wear it to visit the king and Lilly. If you don't do this, I will marry Alicent off to Lord Calloswerth; he has already made his interest in your elder sister known to me." Otto said his voice was clear of any lie.