Dragon Princess || Aegon II Targaryen

𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 14

The following days were crucial for calming tempers.

The bruise on Rhaenys' arm changed color over time, a shift that initially alarmed Alicent. However, her worry eased when Grand Maester Orwyle confirmed that this was a normal part of the healing process. Despite her relief, Alicent still struggled to understand how everything had unraveled.

Aegon had calmed down considerably, thanks to Rhaenys' pleas for him to move past the incident. Additionally, Otto decided that Aemond should train away from Aegon until things improved, a decision swiftly followed by Ser Criston Cole. This arrangement helped restore some measure of peace.

Aemond, on the other hand, faced disapproval from the dragonkeepers, who advised him against coming near Karnax or the egg. Though this was a blow to him, Rhaenys was grateful for the added protection for her dragon and the future hatchling.

Alicent, however, was perplexed and frustrated. She couldn't understand why Aemond, usually the most reasonable of her children, had acted in such a way. She wondered why Aegon, despite his many faults, had found reason to defend his sister and, even more troubling, where the knights who were supposed to protect her children had been. She felt on the brink of madness, struggling to maintain the dignity of House Hightower as her own family seemed to be sinking into disgrace.

The disdain from Otto ate away at Alicent's self-esteem. She had done everything to earn his love and respect, striving to be the wife and queen he wanted her to be, the good companion to Rhaenyra, and a dedicated mother. Perhaps not as dedicated as she wished she could be.

She had devoted her life to strengthening Otto's and House Hightower's position. Alicent had done everything to be seen as the pillar of the family, but it all seemed in vain. Otto's constant disappointment felt unyielding, and Alicent was left desperate, unsure of what more she could do to earn the approval she so desperately sought.

She needed to ensure that Rhaenys would win the North to the Green's side. She needed Rhaenys to do everything in her power to captivate Cregan Stark's mind and control him. Whatever it took. She needed Rhaenys to become the most suitable woman to become the Lady of Winterfell. She needed her to mesmerize the future Lord Stark and his people, and from what was heard in the streets of King's Landing, it did not seem to be such a difficult task for Rhaenys. Rhaenys needed to be every lord's dream, every man's ideal. She needed to have them all in her grasp. Only then she would secure the North's full loyalty and make them rethink the unwavering allegiance Rickon Stark had pledged to Rhaenyra years ago.

She would have to do everything Otto had advised her. But for that, Alicent needed to teach Rhaenys. She needed to speak with Rhaenys at once.

"Ser Criston!" she called, opening the door to her chambers, seeing Cole outside, his attention fully on his Queen. "Go fetch Rhaenys, I need to speak with her. It's rather urgent," she ordered, starting to turn back to enter the room, intending to sit in her chair and wait for her daughter.

However, before she could even take a step, Ser Criston's words stopped her. "The princess is not in her chambers, Your Grace."

"Then go find her wherever she may be," the Queen retorted, as if it were the most obvious response, turning again to proceed with her actions.

"We do not know where she is, Your Grace," he replied, causing the Queen's eyes to widen. "Ser Arryk and Ser Erryk are searching for her, along with several other knights," he added, assuring the Queen that every effort was being made to locate the princess.

"And what are you doing standing there?! Find my daughter immediately!" commanded Alicent, distressed by Criston Cole's calm demeanor. How dared he stand at her door doing nothing with the moon already in the sky and her daughter missing?! Was this the Lord Commander?! However, something in Cole's words caught her attention. "Wait... if Ser Erryk is looking for my daughter... Who is with Aegon?" she asked, her brow furrowing.