𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 56 A week later

A week had passed since the challenge, and Aegon's body had mostly healed from the wounds of the fight. His relationship with Varla, however, was still a work in progress.

He had been making efforts—small gestures here and there—but there was still a distance between them. They were now in King's Landing, their presence there extending nearly two weeks, and though things had returned to a sense of normalcy, the shadow of recent events still lingered.

It was early in the morning, and Aegon was in bed with Alicent and Rhaenyra. The warmth of their bodies around him was a comfort he'd grown used to, but the peace was soon interrupted by a quiet groan from Alicent. She shifted in the bed, her face pale and strained.

Aegon immediately noticed the change in her breathing and sat up. "Alicent? Are you alright?"

Alicent shook her head weakly. "I—I don't feel well," she said, clutching her stomach as a wave of nausea washed over her.

Rhaenyra, who had also stirred, noticed the distress. "You don't look well at all," she said with concern, reaching over to feel Alicent's forehead. "You're burning up. We need to get the maesters."

Aegon quickly agreed, his face etched with worry. "I'll call for them now." He slipped out of bed and threw on a robe, rushing to the door to summon the maesters.

Rhaenyra stayed beside Alicent, rubbing her back gently as the queen consort tried to steady her breathing. "It's probably nothing serious," Rhaenyra said softly, though the worry in her eyes betrayed her calm words. "You've been under a lot of stress lately."

Alicent nodded but said nothing. She knew the toll the past few weeks had taken on her. The fight, the constant pressure from her father, and the tension between her marriage and the court—it had all been a weight on her shoulders.

Aegon returned moments later with a servant, who quickly set off to fetch the maesters. "They'll be here soon," Aegon assured her as he sat beside her again. "Just rest for now."

Alicent lay back down, her breathing shallow but steady as she closed her eyes. Aegon and Rhaenyra exchanged a glance, both of them equally concerned for her well-being.

"We'll take care of everything today," Rhaenyra said quietly. "You just focus on getting better."

Alicent nodded weakly. "Thank you," she whispered.

Once they were sure Alicent was settled, Aegon and Rhaenyra got dressed for the day. Aegon's mind was still partly on Alicent's sudden illness, but he knew the day's duties couldn't wait. Court was expecting them, and with their recent return to King's Landing, all eyes were on the royal couple.

As Aegon dressed, he couldn't help but feel a sense of tension lingering in the air. Though the challenge had been won and his claim to his wives and the throne secured, the political landscape was still unstable. Otto's presence loomed large, and even with his victory, Aegon knew that his brother Viserys and the council were still watching his every move.

Rhaenyra finished dressing and turned to him. "We'll check on Alicent after the maesters arrive. For now, we need to make an appearance in court."

Aegon nodded, adjusting his tunic as he gave her a determined look. "Yes. Let's get through today, and then we'll focus on her recovery."

Together, they walked out of the room, preparing to face whatever awaited them in the throne room. But in the back of their minds, both of them were thinking of Alicent—and what her sudden illness could mean for their already complicated lives.