Autumn Kiss 💋🍁 || Criston Cole

023 • THE QUEEN WHO EVER WAS

With the formalities and pomp expected, Queen Rheanyra did indeed make it known Alicent's children were to be granted whatever they desired. They were given some days to deliberate after the coronation to ensure they were firm in their decision on what to request.

At least, that was the formal disguise that was put over Rhaenyra having a daughter, Visenya, and being in need of some time of rest. Still, it was not as if some time for deliberation was uncalled for.

Queen Rhaenyra had no intention of upsetting the peace she seemed to have achieved, so most at court agreed that she would grant most anything.

For the spectacle of it, most lords decided to stay in the city to attend before making for home. The morning of came and all prepared for the event, unsure of what Alicent's children would judge fair price for stepping aside and allowing their half-sister to take the throne.

With Targaryens, it was hard to manage expectations.

"Let us not waste any time" Dowager Alicent said as she looked herself over in the mirror.
"I do not wish to have to shove and squeeze through the throng of lords and ladies, we should enter with my children."

Ser Criston agreed "of course, of course...just one moment."

"Hmm?" Alicent turns to him.

"I...have something for you" Ser Criston said eagerly. He rummaged through a box on the far side of the room before finding what he sought, hiding it in his closed fist.

Criston then moved quickly to stand behind Alicent and place something cool and metallic about her neck. "I had to give it to you now so you could wear it to court, call it impulsiveness."

Dowager Alicent took it into her hands, it was a silver pendant with Criston's sigil on one side. On the reverse, Alicent's Hightower sigil, small green jewels, shining brightly in the sunlight, ringed the edges of both sides.

She yelped in astonished joy and clutched it to her heart with both hands. "Where did you get this?" Alicent traced her fingers on the fine piece.

"I was able to find a jeweler they said was quite skilled, I told him basically what I wished him to make and he did the rest, finished it yesterday." Ser Criston remarks.

With an astonished smile, she cried out "Criston...it's perfect! This may be the kindest gift I've ever had."

"I am glad you think so, I myself was afraid it wouldn't be much compared to the riches you've seen."

Alicent grabbed him with every bit of strength she had and rushed to reply "No, no, it's better, this makes me happier than any trinket people prize. You....make me happier than anybody...more and more every day."

Criston smiled, successful in this goal at least. "I warn you, I shan't be taking this off for a long while, so I do hope you do not tire of it" she laughed.

He smiled, but spoke seriously "Wear it always, I want us to meet in the Seven Heavens with it still round your neck." and then he kissed her.

Alicent withdrew slowly as a thought threatened to spoil their happiness. "But...will it not be suspicious? What will they say at court?"

He placed his hand on her's to reassure her "Then wear it with your family's sigil out. Let mine be facing towards your heart."

The Dowager Queen nodded. "How elegant a solution, Ser. Thank the gods for your ingenuity."

He helped Alicent to her feet and escorted her to the throne room.

•••••••
After the court had assembled in the throne room, the queen entered and took her seat on the iron throne. In keeping with the inversion of tradition of a woman taking the throne, Helaena was first to ask a boon. She approached the throne nervously when called forth. Though all was well now, she did still fear even looking her sister in the eyes for fear of what may come next.