Of Gold and Glory

Prologue

Prologue : "It's coming over you like it's all a big mistake" Haunted, Taylor Swift.

"My Queen, it has started" informed the handmaiden as she entered the Queen's apartments.

The woman by the window turned around, sighting. Serinna Saerpentis, wife of King Viserys Targaryen, could feel the threat looming above her head. The queen knew that this moment was coming but even the nine months were not enough of a preparation to prevent the lump in her throat.

"Fine. Can you tell the princess, please Vanya ?"

"Of course my queen. Do you need anything else ?"

"No, that will do" dismissed the brunette.

After the departure of her handmaiden, Serinna went to the expensive wardrobe in her room. She rummaged through the various dresses, her fingers brushing against the fabrics until she found what she was looking for. The purple material was stark among all the black and red. The dress of her mother ; an heritage in the Saerpentis family with the colours of their House. Today, Serinna Saerpentis was taking back the strength of her family as well as her family's name. As she finished tying her gown, the princess and her good-daughter barged into the room.

"I heard from a maid. Is it really happening ?" rushed the princess.

"Yes, Nyra. Your father is having another child" quietly answered Serinna as she added a snake necklace to her look.

Her friend gave her a curious look. Rhaenyra could not comprehend why she was so calm while both of their positions were being compromised.

"But why are you so at ease ? What are you doing ?"

The queen approached her good-daughter and she grabbed both her hands. The blonde woman was surprised to not see fear or sadness on her face. Serinna Saerpentis was only determined at this very moment.

"I am going to congratulate your father for his bastard then I am getting my marriage annulled" explained the queen as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

The princess was stunned for a moment both at her words and her tone. She could not recall a time at which she saw her friend this calm. However, the storm raging inside the queen's eyes mirrored the turmoil inside of her.

"But are you not going to fight ?! I love my father but this is the highest of dishonour for you and..."

"Don't, Rhaenyra. Do not convince me to stay. I fighted for months, trying to secure your position as heir by preventing a pregnancy on my own because it was the right thing to do. Unfortunately, the Hightowers have been smarter than us. I am sorry but I lost this battle. That does not mean I will stop fighting but I think it is time I go back to my own kingdom."

"You are right, I understand" agreed Rhaenyra as she grabbed her hand.

The two women made their way through the halls of the Red Keep. The many memories they shared seemed to echo on the walls. Serinna looked around to ease her mind. Her steps went on a regular rhythm, not betraying her inner rage to the eyes of the court. She appeared every inch of the queen she was, looking regal in purple. As they reached their destination, the princess stopped.

"Are you sure you want to see the child ? You could just ask to talk to my father."

"I am sure."

They entered the bedroom where maids were busying themselves. Midwives fussed around the bed. In the bed was Alicent Hightower, holding a bundle of blankets in her arms. Next to her was the King, Viserys Targaryen, holding another bundle. So they were two babes. Serinna inhaled sharply at the sight.

"Husband" she announced herself and her good-daughter.

"Serinna ? What are you doing here ?" asked said husband.

"I came to meet Rhaenyra's new siblings" answered the Queen as she walked to the bed.

She inspected the bundle in Viserys' arms as he exchanged a tense look with his mistress. The King knew of his wife's temper and hardly expected her to remain this calm. Rhaenyra remained silent. She knew what her friend was doing. Serinna was playing with her prey before striking, much like the boa of her House's sigil.

"Did you name them ?" asked the queen, venom lacing her words.

"Rhaegar and Visenys" proudly answered Alicent.

Serinna only graced her with a disdainful gaze. She looked around the room, remaining quiet. Everyone was eyeing her every movement. Slowly, she walked to the door before turning to them again.

"A word, husband. Now" ordered the Queen.

Nobody ordered the King in Westeros. Yet, Viserys put the baby into Rhaenyra's arms before following his wife.

Serinna knew she had lost a battle against Alicent Hightower. However, the Queen would not give up without a fight because if she failed in the present, she could always secure the future.