Heir of Shadows, Rhaenyra x Alicent

Chapter 11. Kiss

(High Valyrain translations at the end)

Rhaenyra slowly became more worried about the situation in King's Landing as the days went on. So far, Daemon had not tried anything and the only reports from the capital were that Viserys's health was beginning to fail again. The fact her uncle had not taken advantage of this yet made Rhaenyra think he was planning something bigger. 

She continued to talk to Mysaria, trying to convince her that now was the time to take down Daemon. But all she received was a "not yet" or "be patient." It was annoying. She knew now was the perfect time, but Mysaria was convinced they needed one last piece of evidence. Whatever the women thought was going to happen Rhaenyra hoped it happened soon, she was restless knowing Daemon was on the loose. 

She tried to focus on other things such as looking after Syrax or spending time with Alicent, but it was hard to keep her mind off the capital. Every few days Alicent and Rhaenyra would eat dinner alone together and although they always enjoyed themselves, things between them had been odd lately.

Rhaenyra was trying to approach their relationship slowly, but when she had awoken the other day to find Alicent asleep on her chest she wondered if she was being too cautious. Her feelings were later affirmed when Alicent clung to her during their Dragon ride. It was hard to tell whether the girl liked her as well or if she was simply comfortable being close to her because they had been friends for so long.

She did not want to assume her feelings were reciprocated in case they were not, they had built up a pretty good life together on Dragonstone and she did not want her feelings to ruin that. However, she also wanted to be properly married. She had always dreamed of having a traditional Targaryen wedding and planned to ask Alicent if she wanted one after they had properly courted. If Alicent never wanted to then she would lose out on that dream.

She was unsure whether she was pushing too hard or not pushing enough, perhaps Alicent was waiting for her to make the first move. She felt very inexperienced in this situation so decided to seek the advice of Edya.

Rhaenyra found Edya reading a book out in the garden. "Good morrow." She greeted.

Edya glanced up at her. "Good morrow, Rhaenyra.. what do you want?"

"Why do you always assume I want something.. can I not just want to talk to my friend?" Edya gave her a pointed glare so Rhaenyra relented. "Okay, fine... I need some advice."

The girl seemed pleased and patted the ground next to her. "Sit, what sort of advice do you want?"

Rhaenyra sat beside her and began nervously picking at the grass. "Love.. I guess.."

Edya closed the book and turned to face her. "Alicent?"

"Is it that obvious?"

"Well if it was not about your wife I would be very concerned." Eyda said, shrugging. "So, what is wrong?"

Rhaenyra pulled her knees up to her chest and sighed. "Nothing is wrong per se.. I just.. I really like her and I want to take our relationship further.."

"Further than being married, going on dates, and sharing a bed?" she asked.

Rhaenyra looked away, feeling embarrassed. "Well if you put it like that I sound stupid.. We have been courting for a few weeks but I feel like she is holding back.. Our dinners have been lovely but do you think I should push a bit more?"

Edya thought for a moment. "Well.. I think you should take her out on a walk or something.. at the beach at night so it is all romantic and mysterious."

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes. "You have been reading too many romance novels.. no one actually does that.."

"Who is the expert on girls here, Little miss 'I was raised a boy and now have problems expressing my femininity'? "