𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 51 A fight it is

Alicent stood on the stone balcony of Dragonstone, the cool breeze from the sea whipping through her hair as she watched Rhaenyra soar across the sky on her dragon. The beast's massive wings beat against the air, carrying Rhaenyra effortlessly through the clouds. Alicent's heart swelled with conflicting emotions as she gazed at the scene before her.

Rhaenyra wore the traditional black and red colors of House Targaryen today, her silver hair streaming behind her as she flew, a true dragon of her bloodline. Alicent couldn't help but reflect on her own choices. She wore the colors of her husband's house now, no longer the greens of House Hightower. If her family could see her now, they would surely be disappointed—perhaps even furious at how far she had strayed from their expectations.

But in her heart, Alicent knew the truth: she no longer cared. Her loyalty was no longer to her father, to her family's ambitions, or to their rigid expectations. Her loyalty was to Aegon, to Rhaenyra, and to the life they were building together here on Dragonstone. It was a life that had started in secrecy, away from the prying eyes of the court, but it was real, and it made her happier than anything ever had.

She took a deep breath, allowing herself a small smile. As long as she was with them, with the people she loved, she was safe. Aegon would protect her. He had vowed it, and she believed him. Whatever consequences would come, they would face them together.

Turning away from the balcony, Alicent made her way back inside the stone keep. The halls were quiet, the distant sound of waves crashing against the cliffs below echoing faintly through the walls. As she walked through the corridors, she thought about how much her life had changed since they had come here. No more court politics, no more whispers in the shadows. Just her, Aegon, and Rhaenyra.

She pushed open the door to Aegon's office and found him hunched over his desk, quill in hand as he wrote a letter. His brow was furrowed in concentration, but he looked up as soon as she entered, a warm smile breaking across his face.

"Alicent," he greeted, setting the quill down and leaning back in his chair. "How was your afternoon?"

Alicent crossed the room and sat on the edge of the desk, her gaze soft as she watched him. "It was peaceful," she said. "I watched Rhaenyra fly. She looks happy up there."

Aegon nodded, his expression turning thoughtful. "She's always at peace when she's with her dragon. It's one of the few places where she feels truly free."

Alicent looked down at the parchment in front of him, curious. "What are you writing?"

Aegon sighed, glancing at the letter. "A message to Viserys. He needs to understand that we didn't make these choices lightly. I'm trying to explain everything, but I doubt he'll take it well."

Alicent's heart clenched at the mention of her brother-in-law. She knew that Viserys would be furious when he learned of their marriage, especially with Rhaenyra involved. "Do you think he'll come for us?" she asked quietly.

Aegon leaned forward, taking her hand in his. "He might. But if he does, we'll deal with it. Together."

Alicent nodded, finding comfort in his words. She had always known that this path wouldn't be easy, but with Aegon by her side, she felt stronger than ever.

Before she could say anything else, there was a knock on the door. One of the guards stepped inside, his face tense. "My prince, my lady," he said, bowing. "A ship has arrived. It's King Viserys."

Aegon and Alicent exchanged a glance, the weight of the news settling heavily between them. Aegon rose from his chair, his jaw tightening. "He's here," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.