A council meeting was called. Rhaelys got dressed and headed to the council room. Upon arriving she noticed her father standing by the window looking at the ocean beyond.
Everyone took their seats. Rhaelys noticed that Alicent was present and she didn't know why.
"Good morrow my lords" Viserys said.
"I have decided to take a new wife"
Rhaelys takes a deep breathe in anticipation. Giving her father a look of encouragment.
"I intent to marry ..." He starts. He looks between his daughters and then to Alicent.
"...the lady Alicent Hightower before springs end."
The moment Rhaelys heard her friends her heart dropped as did Rhaenyra's. Rhaelys looks to Alicent and then to her father. Her thoughts were cut when Rhaenyra abruptly left the council room, Alicent following behind her.
Rhaelys stood up, excused herself and followed after the two girls. She followed them into the Godswood. She overhead them speaking.
"How long have you hidden this from me?"
"My father sent me to console him...after your mother passed."says Alicent.
"Whore! You seduced him!"says Rhaenyra.
"No! We only talked, about history, about your mother and mine, about you and your sister. Never about a marriage."says Alicent.
"You were seeing him in his chambers, what did you think would happen?"asks Rhaenyra.
"It was at my fathers command."said Alicent.
"You should have refused him!" Rhaenyra shouted.
"Not all of us have such an easy way doing only what we wish, only when we wish it. I had no choice..." says Alicent.
"They cannot do this. I am the Princess, you're my friend, or I thought you were. Is this what you want?"asks Rhaenyra.
"It doesn't matter what I want.."says Alicent sadly.
Rhaenyra sends Alicent a glare before rushing past her. Rhaelys tries to grab her hand but Rhaenyra was to fast.
Rhaelys looks at Alicent and slowly walks towards her. Alicent looks devastated, she had just lost a friend.
"Alicent..."
"Are you going to yell at me as well?"
"I was... but I heard you. I see you. And i understand the need to want your father's approval more than most."
"I never wanted this Rhaelys. You have to believe me."
"I do. Alicent I do believe you. It's not in your nature to deceive people Alicent."
Rhaelys takes Alicent's hands into her own. "I would rather it be you than someone else, someone I do not know. At least I know you. I love you."
Alicent starts crying softly and moves to hug Rhaelys. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."
"It's what friends are for. Or rather, a daughter." Rhaelys tries to jest.
"Please don't jest." Rhaelys smiles gently.
"I'm sorry. I wont jest about it."
***********
Rhaelys was searching for Rhaenyra when she walks into someone she would rather not speak to. Otto Hightower.
"Princess"
"Don't. How long have you been planning this? Do not dare to lie my Lord."
"...A while."
"Why? Why would you do this?"
YOU ARE READING
The Dragon Queen
FanfictionBeing a twin in a royal family, people expect you to be loved. But Rhaelys was not, well at least not by her father and she blamed her sister for it all. Ambition for a son killed her mother. Desperation for an successor made her heir. But a power...
