THE SOUL'S EXCHANGE

A hatching of hope

Hermione and Alicent exchanged smiles as Alicent guided her along the winding pathway to her chamber, the faint flicker of torches casting soft shadows against the cold stone walls. Their footsteps echoed gently, a quiet rhythm in the otherwise still castle. When they finally reached the heavy oak doors of Alicent's chambers, Hermione could feel the palpable sense of relief emanating from her old friend. The tension of the court seemed to fall away as they crossed the threshold, stepping into the privacy of the queen’s personal space.

Upon entering the room, Hermione’s gaze was met by the soft glow of the hearth and the delicate furnishings, carefully selected to reflect Alicent’s refined taste. However, her attention quickly shifted to the presence of the maids, bustling about, adjusting fabrics, tidying up corners, and ensuring the chambers were in perfect order for their queen. Alicent’s face, though initially warm and welcoming, hardened into an expression of command.

"Please leave my chambers," Alicent said, her voice sharp yet composed. "I will be interviewing Lady Hermione Royce into becoming my lady-in-waiting. Up until I decide that it is time, not a single person will be allowed inside my chambers."

The maids hesitated, casting uncertain glances at one another. One of them, a girl named Ellara, found her voice first, her posture stiff as she nervously stepped forward. "My lady, but if the king—"

Alicent’s emerald eyes, which had softened briefly in Hermione's presence, now flashed with impatience. Her gaze darted to the maid, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. "Do you serve the queen or the king? I said, not a single soul. That includes the king."

Ellara visibly paled at the rebuke, her lips parting as if she'd been struck. "Of course, my queen," she managed, her voice meek, her hands trembling as she hurriedly exited the chamber, closing the doors with a soft click behind her.

Hermione, watching the exchange with a mix of awe and discomfort, couldn’t help but feel a pang of surprise at her friend's sternness. She had always known Alicent to be pragmatic, but this was a different side of her altogether. Yet, Hermione understood — in a place like this, surrounded by political dangers and ever-watchful eyes, you had to assert power when you could. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to survive, Hermione mused internally, her gaze softening as she looked at Alicent.

Alicent, seemingly unbothered by the tension lingering in the air, moved gracefully to the cribs where she first layer her boys, she then gently lifted Teddy from Hermione’s arms and placed him next to Aegon, whose bright, curious eyes followed the new arrival beside him. The sight of the three boys, laying side by side, brought a sense of calm to the room. Hermione and Alicent exchanged a soft, knowing smile — a brief respite in the storm of court life.

But then, Hermione tapped Alicent lightly on the shoulder, her brow furrowing slightly as a question formed on her lips. "Why did you put Teddy with Aegon and not Sirion? I mean, if Teddy’s magic reacted, Sirion might be able to better understand it, since he is… well, Tom Riddle."

At this, Alicent chuckled, a soft, melodic sound that seemed to break the lingering tension in the room. "I’m not keeping him beside Sirion because he’s Tom Riddle," she said with a smile. "Sirion hates anyone in his space. Even now, he refuses to go into the arms of other women. The only girl I’ve seen him calm with, apart from myself, is Emily."

"Emily who?" Hermione asked, curiosity piqued.

"Emily Tyrell. I’ll introduce you to her later," Alicent replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

For a moment, the gravity of their shared history hung in the air between them, and as if by some unspoken understanding, tears welled up in both their eyes. The weight of their past — the battles fought, the losses endured — all came rushing back in that instant. Without a word, they threw their arms around each other, holding tightly as if afraid the other might disappear if they let go.