Heir of Shadows, Rhaenyra x Alicent

Chapter 3. The Stepstones

Rhaenyra tried her best to carry on as if a war was not being fought without her. She occupied her days by spending time with Alicent. Luckily they had made up completely since their fallout, it had taken a few heartfelt conversations and lots of apologising but Rhaenyra was happy they were friends again. Rhaenya did not know where the comment had come from, she had never thought like that before, or at least she did not think she had.

She and Alcient read together, talked for hours, walked around the Red Keep admiring paintings, and stole cakes from the kitchen. Most of the time she could ignore the Stepstones even existed and focus on spending time with her friend.

However, just over a month after the war began news came of how Daemon and his troops were struggling. The Triachy had come up with some clever plan to avoid dragon fire and lack of food meant their troops were unable to fight to their best ability.

As a way to distract Rhaenyra from the news, Alicent agreed to something she never usually would have. She agreed to approach and touch Syrax. "Not ride!" Alicent insisted. "Touch.. just touch."

"Deal." Rhaenyra said, unable to hide the smile that formed on her face. They stood in the Dragon Pit, waiting for the Dragon Keepers to bring Syrax out. "Don't be nervous, Ali. I can hear your heartbeat from here."

Alicent glared at her. "Shut up.. I am only agreeing to this to cheer you up."

"Thank you."

A sudden roar altered them to Syrax's presence. They looked up and saw the Dragon Keepers bringing her up. Rhaenyra took Alicent's hand and slowly walked her over to the beast.

Syrax eyed Alicent up and huffed gently, causing Alicent to tense up. "Lykiri Syrax.." she said, moving Alicent's hand up slowly so it was close to the dragon's scales. Alicent tried to move her hand away but Rhaenyra held onto it tightly. "It is ok, Ali.. she will not hurt you."

Rhaenyra moved her hand until Alicent's palm was pressed against the dragon. Alicent gasped gently. "It is.. warm.." she murmured.

"Syrax meet Alicent." Syrax grunted again, seemingly unbothered by the new face, and nudged Alicents hand. The force caused Alicent to almost fall over but luckily Rhaenyra caught her.

Rhaenyra laughed, causing Alicent to straighten up and smack her arm. "Shush you."

"Come on, try again." Rhaenyra said, patting Syrax's neck. "I think she likes you."

Alicent did not look fully convinced but slowly lifted her hand and touched Syrax's neck. The dragon twisted its head to look at her, its deep green eyes focused on the girl and she heard Alicent's breath catch. "She's beautiful." she whispered.

Rhaenyra smiled, happy Alicent was starting to like the dragon. This was the first step to get her up in the air. "I told you."

Alicent stayed patting Syrax for a few more minutes before stepping back. "That is quite enough for today.. lets get back to the Red Keep before the sun starts to set.

"Yes ma'am. Syrax needs to have her dinner anyway."

Rhaenyra gave Syrax some more attention before taking Alicent back to the Red Keep. It was still light out so she suggested they spend some time outside.

They went to the Weirwood tree and sat under it. Rhaenyra lay down and rested her head on Alicent's lap as the other girl read her stories from the history book they had been reading together. Most would view it as indecent for a Prince to be lying so close to an unmarried Lady, but Rhaenyra did not care.

They often found themselves in this position, underneath the tree on a sunny day just enjoying each other's company. Rhaenyra was sure one of these days she would fall asleep like this. She closed her eyes and focused on Alicent's voice, she was not fully registering the girl's words but just hearing her voice was enough to soothe her.