Suburban Legends / Alicent Hightower / Criston Cole

21. Lips

Ser Harwin and ser Criston didnt get along but they faked it for the kids.

Jace loved ser harwin as Ara loved ser criston.

"I love her." Jace told harwin

He didn't need to ask who. He knew. Everyone in kings landing knew. Everyone is westeros would know one day because harwin was sure that they would be wed. Aranyani and Jacaerys forever.

"You ready for training my princes?" Criston questioned aegon and aemond. Never too early to start learning basics.

"Im gonna kick your ass!" Aegon declared

"Thats not proper of a prince." Criston stepped forward. "Respectfully kick ass." He corrected. A smile spread across aegons face.

"Aemond im going to respectfully kick your scrawny ass."

"Lets get to work." Criston agreed.

Alicent could watch criston train all day. Umm all day. She found herself biting her lip as he removed his shirt using it to wipe his brow.

"Something good in that letter my queen?"

"What?" Alicent countered releasing her lip.

"The letter?" She looked down at her hands the letter opened but unread. She got too easily distracted.

"Oh yes no. I..." alicent turned to him. "What did you need my king?"

"Nothing. Just curious how the boys training is going."

"Oh yes. I was watching them." Alicent agreed. "Ser criston is a good teacher. They listen to him well."

"Thats good to hear. Hes a good influence on them."

"I agree." A good role model for them. A good male influence in their life. One they needed since viserys played with dolls and hide away like a hobbit unless he was having a party.

"He is a skilled sword. I can think of no better to be guarding the queen."

"I cant agree more."

🐉

"Oh shit". Criston whispered When he didnt have nights watch he found himself sleepless and since tommen martell was passing through on business they went out drinking together.

"Oh yeah." Tommen chuckled. "Korie came with wanteed to see the sights."

"Korie. My korie?" Criston rasped.

"Your korie thats cute. I wont tell the queen." Tommen chuckled

"Tommen!"

"Sorry sorry. When was the last time you saw her?"

"Oh, not since I confessed my love to her when we were kids and she brought back her former lover and confessed she was having his child and I would never hold her." Criston answered bluntly.

"Wow" tommen answered. He glanced between them dramatically

"Dont look!" Criston demanded. "Good god... How am I going to play this? Sophisticated and relaxed? Friendly, noncommittal? Cold and distant?" He hid under table as she turned their way drink in hand.

"Hi, guys." Korie said as she approached

"Hello."

"I see you decided to go with pathetic and frightened." Barnes added.

"It's one of his best moves." Tommen agreed

"Whats cole doing under the table?" Harwin questioned

"Fuck off." Criston grumbled as korie left sparing them a glance from the bar.

"Its a good look for you cole. On the ground." Harwin added. "The queen like you on your knees?" Criston jumped up fist raised but tommen held him back.

"Strong. Do us all a favor and fuck off." Tommen instructed "i would hate to have to teach you some respect."

"You should have let me punch him," criston grumbled.

"Yeah well violence itsnt my way."

"Its mine when it comes to him. Ara loves his bastard too. They are always connected. So strong isnt far." He huffed.

"Dont let him get to you. No one knows about your secrets." Tommen whispered "everyone knows his. He just feels vulnerable."