The Green Queen

Chapter 25: For life, For Death

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 Rhaenyra

Rhaenyra’s heart pounded in her chest as she raced through the halls of the Red Keep, her mind filled with dread. The news of Alicent's early labor had reached her while she was studying, and it brought back a flood of painful memories she wished she could forget.

She could still see her mother's face, pale and drenched in sweat, as she labored to bring forth a child that would never live. She could still hear the desperate whispers of the maesters and the haunting silence that followed. Aemma's death had left a gaping wound in her heart, and the thought of losing Alicent in the same way was unbearable.

"Alicent," she whispered, as she burst into the corridor outside the Queen’s chambers, nearly colliding with her father. "How is she?"

Viserys looked at her, his face etched with worry and fear. "The Grand Maester is with her," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "There may be complications."

Rhaenyra's blood ran cold. "No," she said fiercely. "No, she has to be alright. She has to be." She pushed past her father and Maester Mellos(the useless prick), her determination propelling her into the room where Alicent lay.

The sight of her friend, pale and in pain, brought tears to Rhaenyra’s eyes. She hurried to Alicent's side, taking her hand and squeezing it tightly. "Alicent," she said, her voice trembling. "I’m here. You’re going to be alright."

Alicent looked up at her, her eyes wide with fear. "Rhaenyra," she whispered, her voice weak."I'm scared."

Rhaenyra fought to keep her own fear at bay. "You’re strong, Alicent. You can do this. Just keep fighting, for your baby."

As the labor progressed, Rhaenyra stayed by Alicent’s side, comforting her as best she could. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing her friend, not like this. Not after everything they had been through. She thought of Aegon, his innocent lilac eyes and silver hair, and how he would look up at her with such delight whenever she praised him.

When she had first learned that her best friend was to marry her father, she had felt a mix of betrayal and confusion. The birth of her half-brother, Aegon, had initially only deepened those feelings. It was strange, knowing that her friend’s child was also her brother. But over time, Aegon's charm and innocence had won her over. 

He was a delightful child, full of energy and always eager to please. Rhaenyra found herself smiling at his antics, especially when he would do his little handstands, his face beaming with pride. His laughter was infectious, and it warmed her heart to see him so happy.

She couldn’t imagine Aegon losing his mother, not at such a young age. She didn’t want him to experience the same heartache she had felt when her own mother died. The thought of Aegon growing up without his mother was too painful to bear.

The hours stretched on, each one more agonizing than the last. Rhaenyra kept Alicent's hand in hers, whispering words of encouragement and love. She prayed silently to the gods she knew, begging them to spare her friend and the child.

~***~

Viserys

Viserys paced the floor outside Alicent's chamber, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and anxiety. The news of her early labor had shaken him to his core. She was only eight moons along; it was too soon. His mind raced with worst-case scenarios, each more terrifying than the last.