Corruption

Chapter Eight

Rhaenyra's POV

I pull him softly to my chest and he tucks his face between my breasts. I smiled and speak to him softly, random nothings to lull him to sleep. He finally knocks out against me and I sigh in relief. It only took three cups of wine and another fight. I comb my fingers through his hair as I stare at his peaceful expression. I've never seem him so calm as he is in this moment. Elynda slips back into the room and I hold a finger to my mouth. She nods, taking the hint, and slowly brings me biscuits and tea. She carefully feeds me from the side, as not to wake the sleeping prince wrapped around me.

"You may tame him yet, my lady." She whispers and I smile proudly. "Bring another flask of wine, El. The reward worked wonderfully." I whisper and she nods, scurrying away to find Aegon's favorite wine. He mumbles softly in his sleep and presses into me, as if scared. I pet his head and shush him and he relaxes slowly. I cradle him and have Elynda hold my books for hours while he sleeps. It's common knowledge he gets drunk to sleep, and his appearance tells me the lack of wine to sleep has definitely taken its toll. Perhaps I needed to break him down a bit more before I fix him.

He's starting to listen, starting to behave, starting to try. And he's so desperate for wine, he'll truly expend even his vulnerability for even a cup. A very useful reward. As if on cue, Elynda arrives to tuck the flask beside my bed and grab any soiled laundry to depart for the chore. He stirs suddenly when she closes the door and I push the hair from his face as he begins waking up. "Nyra?" He says sleepily and I cup his face. "Hmm?" I encourage and he props himself up against my tits. "Could I have some more..?" He says softly. I dip my fingers in the flask and offer them. He damn near chokes, lapping and sucking eagerly. He sighs happily and lays back down on my chest. "Good boy. Right where you belong." I tease and pet his head, but in his half woken state he just hums contently.

"So soft." He mumbles, cupping my breasts gently. I giggle and pat his back gently. We lay entangled a while as he wakes up then freshen up before Elynda returns. "His Majesty has requested both your presences at His dinner table." She says and Aegon rolls his eyes. "You've got to have mercy on me, the old man's dinners are insufferable." He says to me, but I shake my head. "You'll do great. Come on." I say, offering my arm. He pouts and huffs, refusing to take my arm but tagging along all the same. We walk the corridors together to arrive at the dining hall.

Father has grown quite fond of family dinners since he began showing signs of aging. We enter the hall and I bow politely before taking my place at my Father's side. Aegon sulks to my side and slinks into his chair, returning Alicent's contemptuous glare readily. I sigh and look to my Father with a knowing smile. He just nods and passes me the ham. Aemond has been particularly sharp the past week and is teasing Heleana cruelly about her bugs. Otto is naught to be seen, thank the gods, and Alicent is fussing over my Father's plate. I eat with relative haste and excuse myself for bath and bed.

My bath is ready for me. I've skipped my evening flight with Syrax for a good, warm bath. There are herbs and flower petals floating in the water and I sigh as Elynda helps me take my braids down. "I won't be in tomorrow, my Lady. Tildia will be helping you." She says and I nod as she brushes my hair out. "Thank you, El. I do appreciate and admire your servitude and loyalty." I say warmly and she smiles. "I'm just taking the little one to the town maestor, shouldn't take but a day." She soothes and helps me undress before easing me into my bath. I sigh happily as the warm water soaks into my skin. She washes my hair diligently before scrubbing my skin, leaving any private areas to my own discretion. I finish washing myself and she helps dry me off for bed as well. I slip on a comfortable nightgown and tuck myself under the covers with a yawn.

I wake up to a different woman shaking my shoulders gently. "My fair Princess, 'tis time for you to awaken." She says and I yawn. "Good morrow, Tildy. How have you fared?" I ask and she smooths out her apron. "They've got me in the kitchen now. Suits me just fine, it does. The chef fancies me, some nights I go home with scraps for the kids." She says with pride and I smile. "I'm glad to hear you like it." I say warmly and she pulls me to sit so she can brush my hair. "You've got to skip small council and go straight to your fitting today." She says and I groan. I hate gown fitting. It takes hours. "Aye, but you need to go." She says. She's picked out a simple dress that will be easily worked around during the long day. I pout, no Syrax embroidered beadwork today.

I cooperate nonetheless, for my simple and boring braids. Tildia is not a bad maid, she's simply not creative enough for Queen Visenya's hair that I so despairingly want to embody. I set off to my wedding gown fitting with two of my guards. The old lady that greets me looks experienced in her craft and well knowledged. I stand very still for the next however many hours being poked and prodded by various measuring devices, needles, pins, fabrics, and such. She has soft hands, at least. The occasional pricks of her needle are not intentional. I manage to stay proficiently still as she works. She calls break a few hours later, and I rush away to a grand hall for food and wine. Chefs serve me swiftly and I delve into the well deserved meal.

"Good morrow, Princess." I look up to see Aemond. I wipe my mouth clean before looking at him properly. "Good morrow, brother. How do you fare?" I greet and he smiles. "I have been simply pleasant. I hope you are faring well, even with the current conflict occurring." He says with a downcast look of pity. "What current conflict..?" I ask and he shrugs, glancing about. "I thought you heard by now, my apologies your Grace. Aegon has been found drunkenly stumbling through the streets declaring you a whore." He says. Blind rage seethes within me and I grip my cutlery and nod bitterly. "Who inforned you of this?" I ask sharply. Aemond sighs. "Firsthand accounts, my lady. I met them at the gates of the courtyard myself." He says and I walk away, to my two guards.

"One of you go command Aegon's presence in my chambers. The other escort me there." I command and they flow into action easily, the left departing and right leading my way. I follow him, stomping my feet as I walk from the grand hall. The gown fitting will have to wait. I enter my chambers to dismiss Tildia and my guard. They leave without question. Aegon arrives shortly and I tug him into my chambers before closing the door. "Yes? Have I been good?" He asks and I roll my eyes. "Been good? Aegon, do you call getting intoxicated behind my back and calling me a whore in the streets of King's Landing good?" I snap and he frowns.  "I've done no such thing." He retorts sorely, crossing his arms.

"From firsthand accounts in the courtyard gates." I say and he frowns. "Rhaenyra. I've done no such thing. I insist." He says firmly and I roll my eyes. "Oh, yes. You insist. Now that you've been caught! You simply want more wine." I snap back. I watch his eyes harden. "I don't know who you've heard these lies from, Princess, but I assure you that you are walking down a dangerous road accusing me of such falsehoods." He snaps and I tilt my head in disbelief. "Aemond. I heard from Aemond." Realization seemingly flashes across his face and his gaze darkens further. "Aemond is not to be trusted. Ask your King's Guard that you are so beloved to where I was last night. They'll tell you I tired myself out at court before retiring to bed early. Because that is what happened. I am not allowed wine to drink with my companions or sleep." He hisses and I raise my hand.

I walk to my door and call Ser Erryk to me. "Good Ser, you would not lie to me?" I ask and he nods. "Aye, never, my good Lady." He says and I smile. "Where was Aegon Targaryen as of last night?" I ask and he thinks a moment. "He was with his court until Lord Derry offered him some wine. He retired to bed without obliging the offer." He says and I nod. Shit. "Thank you, Ser." I say and dismiss him before walking back to Aegon. "Well!?" He snaps and I take his face in my hands. "I made a mistake trusting the wrong man. You were right. I apologize." I say sincerely and he stares at me.

"W-what?" He says and I frown.