The White Dragon

UNDERHANDED POLITICS

The White Dragon Chapter 17 : Underhanded Politics

A Fanfiction on HBO'S House of The Dragon

ROBIN REYNE

The King tries to keep a smile on his face as the royal carriage is filled with lady Alicent sitting by Ellyn and Robin sitting by Rhaenyra. Robin can see the glare Rhaenyra throws at Alicent who looks at her with a saddened expression. As the carriage goes over a bump, Ellyn hisses in pain before rubbing her pregnant belly trying to soothe the agitated child and Rhaenyra asks "Should she be traveling in such condition?"

"Grand Maester Mellos said that being out in nature would do me well." Ellyn says bitterly probably taking offence that Rhaenyra did not ask her. "Well, you will be with your own child sooner than late, and make me a proud grandsire." Viserys says with a smile and Ellyn adds "It's not so bad. The days are long, but Aegon came quickly and without fuss."

Robin glares at his sister's snarky remark and Alicent looks at Ellyn horrified before looking at Rhaenyra apologetically. Viserys, the ever constant fool smiles and turns back to Rhaenyra "You should ride out with me today. Join in the chase."

Rhaenyra rolls her eyes at the offer and simply responds "I'd rather not. The boars squeal like children when they're being slaughtered. I find it discomforting." Viserys awkwardly chuckles at this and states "It's a hunt, Rhaenyra." Aegon babbles in Ellyn's arms, making grabby hands to Viserys who simply hands the boy an open wine flask, allowing the two year old to drink a bitter sip before Ellyn pulls it away from the boy.

Viserys apparently finds no issue with handing his infant son a flask of wine and turns back to Rhaenyra and warmly states "How would you like to participate?" Rhaenyra shakes her head "I'm not sure why I must." Viserys runs his tongue over his teeth at Rhaenyra's quick response and answers "Because you are my daughter... The Princess, and you have duties.

Rhaenyra mutters something beneath her breath and Viserys raises an eye "I'm sorry?" Rhaenyra grows louder and glares "As I am ceaselessly reminded." Viserys sighs heavily through his nose and retorts "You wouldn't need to be reminded if you ever attended to them."

Rhaenyra shakes her head and scoffs "No one's here for me." Viserys says nothing at this and thank the gods that the carriage stops and both Viserys and Ellyn are far too eager to get out from the carriage. "If it means anything, she's absolutely wrenched." Alicent says with a small smile and Rhaenyra chuckles "I see she dug her claws in you."

Alicent shakes her head and sighs "Like a bloody house cat, her clars don't seem to retract." Rhaenyra laughs a little harder at this before turning her head down "I don't think I told you that I was sorry to hear about Gwayne's passing."

Alicent's eyes twitch for a moment and she releases a shaky breath "It gets easier as the days go by." Rhaenyra releases a slight smile and says "Well before this trip is done, I would love for us to talk, like we used to beneath the weirwood tree."

"I would like the same." Alicent says softly before Ellyn calls out "Alicent dear come along, I have a few friends I'd like to introduce you to." Alicent sighs heavily before leaving the compartment and Robin chuckles "I don't think I'd see the day that all three of us could sigh the same tired sigh at my sisters antics."

Rhaenyra says nothing at this and departs allowing Robin to finally leave and immediately make his way to watch Ser Harwin Strong skin a rabbit, his eyes raking over Ser Breakbones large arms. 

ALYSSA TARGARYEN

Alyssa gulps down a goblet of wine, enjoying the buzz it brings her as Leo tries his best to keep her interest, every attempt failing and she almost wants to congratulate the boy for not realizing how disinterested she is.