Autumn Kiss 💋🍁 || Criston Cole

04 • MUTUAL FEELINGS

Queen Alicent comes into her room and shuts the door, jamming the locks. Her heart heavy due to the outburst with Rheanyra. She is done with the princess, their bond broken, and this meant nothing but war.

Striding forward into her chamber, she meets Ser Criston, sitting at the edge of her bed. Sighing she approaches him with a displeased glare.

"You should be outside your post Ser Criston, the hour is late."

Ser Criston studied her face. "Were you crying Your Grace?" He changes the subject.

Blinking, the Queen, began removing her jewelry. "I had an audience with Princess Rheanyra..."

Ser Criston frowned. "I'm certain she boasted of her inheritance yet again."

Alicent drops the last jewelry on the table as they clanged. She doesn't utter a word.

"I was hoping we might discuss something...Your Grace." Ser Criston began.

The Queen proceeds to take off her shoes. "Say your piece."

"For ten years I've stood by you, and watch you grow into this amazing beautiful woman, you uphold your vows, honour the realm, give wise councils, and you've been a good mother to your children." He appraised.

"Thank you, Ser Criston." Alicent murmured.

"Yet I think of you, so much more than I usually do. And I've come to realize that I'm in love with you..... Alicent." Ser Criston confessed.

The aurburn haired paused. "S-ser Criston.....we cannot."

"I-I've always loved you! Why can't that get through to you-" Ser Criston argued.

"You're my sworn protector and secret lover. We cannot continue this...."

"Don't you have feelings for me too?" Ser Criston neared her. He could feel her breath seeping out of her body. "Are you saying you haven't felt any thing for me all this years.

Queen Alicent shudders. "Ser Criston...."

The knight cut the Queen off immediately; pressed his lips against Alicent's in a kiss. Alicent froze. His grip on the Queen's shoulders loosened as she began to kiss him back.

Criston didn't catch the action fast enough, pulling away just as quickly. Alicent held a hand to his mouth, eyes darting everywhere in the room except for Criston, who kept his eyes on the unnerved Queen.

Silence followed again. Criston watched as Alicent's face grew clouded in a myriad of emotions.

Maybe this was all wrong, the knight thought. "F-Forgive me, my Queen, I-..."

Alicent stepped back into Criston's space and placed a hand on the his cheek. Her eyes jumped between Criston's face and mouth, silently asking for permission.

The knight granted her request, kissing the Queen yet again. Alicent reciprocated eagerly, hands resting against Criston's chest as the kiss deepened.

Criston's hands caressed Alicent's face; fingers shook yet he was careful with each stroke, afraid that the woman he loved would disappear, or worse of all, he'd wake from this dream.

Alicent pulled back, breathless and glossy eyed. She was still unsure while her hands picked at the fabric of Criston's shirt watching the knight s chest rise and fall too.

"Your Grace-"

"I-I love you too, Ser Criston" the Queen choked out. "I-I love you so much."

Alicent kissed him again. Hands flew to clutch at the knight's shoulders as the kiss grew heated. Criston followed suit, arms wrapping around Alicent's waist to back her up toward her bed.