TO LOVE A KING || Maegor II Targaryen [SLOW UPDATES]

052▪️ OF SILK, SCHEMES & SEX

Back in the cellar, Otto stood and faced Charlotte fully. "Well. Were you able to grace the King?"

Charlotte smoothed the front of her gown with a touch of satisfaction. "It was a success. Though, we were interrupted."

"By whom?"

"Rhaenyra." Charlotte's voice tightened, but she waved a hand. "Don't worry, Father. She approves."

Otto blinked. "Approves? Speak plainly."

Charlotte placed her gloves on the edge of the table and gave a sly, triumphant smile. "It was a success. Though... Rhaenyra interrupted our private moment."

Otto's brows drew together. "Rhaenyra?"

"She's curious," Charlotte said, brushing an invisible speck from her sleeve. "But don't worry, Father. She approves."

Outside the room, Alicent's eyes narrowed. Her pulse quickened.

Charlotte's lips parted in a small sigh, and she leaned in slightly, dropping her voice. "She approves of my affections toward her uncle. She knows I have feelings for him, and she supports it. In fact... she thinks I should pursue him in secret."

Otto blinked. His expression shifted from suspicion to delight. "Magnificent."

Charlotte gave a short, pleased hum. "She even said Maegor's love is fickle. That he never loved Mellario. Their marriage was a political move, a bid for Dorne. She warned me not to end up like her, not to suffer the same fate. Said he married her out of duty. Nothing more.

Outside the doorway, Alicent's heart twisted. Her eyes widened in the dark

He never loved Mellario? she thought. Her mind reeled. stunned. All these years, and it was just duty? All those years she stood by his side, and he....

Otto's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "That will not happen. The King will fall for you. Still, Rhaenyra is not wrong. Maegor is... like his namesake. Not cruel, but ruthless. The opposite of his brother. Still, I believe he has a soft spot."

Charlotte gave a smug little nod. "Of course he does. He's not a hard nut to crack. He just needs the right hands to shape him, less tame him."

Otto chuckled lowly. "You've done well. But now is not the time to grow comfortable. Other women will seek the crown as you do. You must outshine them with your beauty, yes, but also your mind. Your manner. Your character."

Charlotte smirked, basking in his approval. She tilted her chin proudly. "I intend to."

Otto leaned in, lowering his voice. "And don't stray from Rhaenyra's side. She is the key. Through her, you reach the King. Win her trust. Do not lose it."