𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 46 willing to share

The music in the grand hall was lively, filling the space with a sense of celebration. The guests were immersed in their conversations, laughter mingling with the sounds of clinking goblets and the soft shuffling of feet on the dance floor.

As Aegon continued to engage in polite conversation at the royal table, Rhaenyra's eyes shifted to where Alicent sat, looking every bit the part of a dutiful betrothed, yet there was an unmistakable tension in her posture.

Jason, ever the proud lord, sat beside her, his hand wrapped possessively around hers. Alicent's discomfort was clear, though she tried to mask it with a forced smile. Rhaenyra, never one to stand idly by, made a decision. Rising gracefully from her seat, she moved towards Alicent, her expression warm and inviting.

"Lady Alicent," Rhaenyra said as she approached, extending her hand. "Would you honor me with a dance?"

Alicent looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes. She glanced briefly at Jason, who was in the middle of a conversation with another lord, before turning back to Rhaenyra. Grateful for the escape, she took Rhaenyra's hand and allowed herself to be led onto the dance floor.

As they began to dance, moving in time with the music, Alicent let out a soft sigh of relief. "Thank you, Rhaenyra," she said quietly, her voice tinged with gratitude. "I needed to get away."

Rhaenyra smiled gently at her. "I could see that. You looked like you were suffocating under his grip."

Alicent nodded, her eyes momentarily downcast. "It's... difficult," she admitted. "I have to do what pleases my family, even if it's not what I want."

Rhaenyra frowned, her thoughts drifting to the conversation she had overheard earlier between Alicent and Aegon. She could see the strain that Alicent was under, torn between duty and her own desires. Rhaenyra's mind raced, thinking of a way to help her friend, someone she still cared for despite everything that had happened between them.

As they moved together in the dance, Rhaenyra leaned in slightly, lowering her voice so that only Alicent could hear. "I have an idea," she said, her tone conspiratorial.

Alicent looked at her curiously, her brow furrowing. "What idea?"

Rhaenyra hesitated for a moment, then decided to be direct. "I overheard your conversation with Aegon," she confessed. Alicent's eyes widened in shock, and she began to stutter out an apology, clearly distressed at having revealed Rhaenyra's secret to Aegon.

"Rhaenyra, I—I'm so sorry," Alicent stammered. "I didn't mean to—"

Rhaenyra cut her off with a gentle smile. "It's alright, Alicent. There's no need to apologize. I've already confessed my feelings to Aegon, and... he accepted them."

Alicent's face fell, her heart aching at the news. Despite everything, despite her duty and her faith, she couldn't deny the feelings she had for Aegon.

Hearing that Rhaenyra had already spoken to him and that he had accepted her affections felt like a blow, one she hadn't been prepared for.

Rhaenyra, noticing the sadness in Alicent's eyes, continued. "But that doesn't mean there isn't a way for us both to have what we want."

Alicent looked at her in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Rhaenyra glanced around to make sure no one was listening before leaning in closer. "Aegon the Conqueror married both of his sisters. They ruled together as a family. We could do the same, Alicent. We could convince Aegon to marry us both."

Alicent's eyes widened in disbelief. "That's impossible," she whispered, her voice trembling. "It's against my faith. I... I can't."

Rhaenyra's expression softened, but there was a determination in her eyes. "Alicent, for once, stop worrying about what others expect of you. Stop worrying about your gods and your duty. Think about what you want—what would make you happy."