Until we die • Rhaenyra Targaryen

Sweet summer child

"What are you doing here?" Queen Alicent asked the young girl in a soft voice.

Alicent, once a sweet and kind young girl, had grown into a sad and bitter woman.

Since her 'falling out' with her... stepdaughter and her stepson-in-law, she had been sad almost deprived of Joy.

Helaena gave her joy.

Her sons didn't.

All she saw Viserys when she looked at them. But in Helaena, she saw Rhaenyra.

In this little baby, she saw her childhood friends clearly. Not only Rhaenyra but Edric too.

Rhae Arryn was a year old and already had the entire court wrapped around her finger.

The king worshipped the ground Rhae and her brother walked upon.

His children with her were ignored.

"What are you doing here." She repeated.
Rhae babbled something making Alicent smile.

The Queen picked the young Princess up.

"Did you crawl away? Did the nurse not see you?" She asked as if Rhae could answer.
"Or did you just not want to be with your brother and uncles?"

Alicents children and Rhaenyras children usually weren't watched by the same nurse but Rhaenyra took to the childbed once more.

Rhae's hands soon found their way into Alicents hair.

"You are a beautiful baby," Alicent whispered, mesmerised.
Rhae babbled in agreement.
"A sweet summer child."
...

Alicent stood in the nursery, yelling at the nurse for having lost the heir of the Vale, with Rhae in her hips.

The babe was unbothered, playing with Alicents hair, jewellery and dress.

"Don't let it happen again!"
"Of course, Your Grace. I'm so sorry."

The nurse was ready to take the princess but Alicent shook her head.

"No, you have your hands full with the princes and I do not trust you with her. I will watch Princess Rhae."

The nurse would not meet her eyes.

"Go tell Lord Edric that his daughter is with me and is safe. Should he ask for a reason, don't tell him. He should be focusing on his wife and child. I shall tell the princess and her husband."

...

"You will get a new sibling. Are you excited?" She asked the baby in her arms.

Alicent retired to her chambers with the babe and lay in her bed.

Rhae nodded as she understood.
She probably did, she was smart.

"Siblings are great. I have siblings, did you know."
Rhaes large purple-ish blue eyes gazed up.

"Gwayne is my favourite brother. I wonder who yours will be."
"Jace," Rhae said with clearly.

Alicent laughed.

"You look just like your father. But it seems to me like you have your mother's spirit." The Queen caressed Rhaes's baby cheeks.

"I wonder for our future, little Rhae. In a different world, I would've been your mother. Or one of your mothers. I believe this is the only time you and I will spend time together. But know that I love you very much. I love you, your brother and your parents. But some love isn't good. Some love is a sin. You have to serve your house and the Realm, Rhae. It's more important than love."