THE SOUL'S EXCHANGE

A Heart for the Forgotten

They made it back to King's Landing just as the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon, bathing the city in a warm golden hue. Dropping Caraxes into his secluded clearing, Daemon and Alicent slipped out through the secret passages that wound beneath the castle, emerging like shadows into the garden, as if they had merely been on a morning stroll.

Alicent held both Aegon and Sirion close, their little faces bright with curiosity and wonder. As they walked amidst the blooming flowers and manicured hedges, a soft breeze whispered through the leaves, carrying the sweet scent of roses and jasmine. Suddenly, Alicent turned toward Daemon, her expression resolute. “I want to go to Flea Bottom.”

“What?” Daemon raised an eyebrow, confusion creasing his forehead. “Why?”

“It’s time for my weekly visit to the orphanages,” she replied, her voice filled with a determination that sparked his admiration.

“Of course, as my lady pleases,” he said, managing a reassuring smile despite a flicker of concern in his chest.

“Are you coming with me?” she asked, glancing at him sideways, her green eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and sincerity.

“Of course I am. I’m not letting you go down to Flea Bottom alone. You can do all the charity you want, but do not risk yourself. And I’m sure you’re planning to take the twins along as well?”

“Yes, I promised the orphans I would bring them the princes.”

“Then I am definitely coming with you, for the sake of you and our sons.” Daemon’s protective nature made her heart swell with affection, and a smile blossomed on her lips.

With a burst of excitement, Alicent rushed to her chambers to quickly change for the day, urging Daemon to do the same. After placing the boys in their cribs, she dressed in practical beige clothes with striking hints of red and black, the colors reflecting her royal status yet allowing her the freedom of movement. The fabric swayed gently as she moved, nothing too extraordinary yet undeniably elegant.

As she prepared, a familiar black grim dog bounded toward her, a playful energy radiating from him. It was her godfather, Sirius Stark. “Paddy, why must you do this every morning?” she asked, exasperation mingling with affection.

But he only twisted her ears playfully, his grin mischievous. “Do not take that tone with me, young lady. Where were you all night long? I came early in the morning, and you were not there. Do you know how much you scared me?” His voice was filled with mock seriousness as he shifted back into his human form.

“I was on Dragonstone,” she replied, her tone casual as if it were a perfectly reasonable place to spend the night.

“Who took—” he began, but then froze, noticing the marks on her neck. “You’re fooling around with that Daemon guy again, aren’t you?” he accused, raising an eyebrow with a knowing look.

“Father,” she sighed, “I’m not fooling around. I genuinely like him.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, you genuinely like him. I know guys like those very well. He’s a rugged playboy, nothing else. You’re setting yourself up for heartbreak, sweet child.”

“Yeah, a playboy like you,” she countered, a teasing smirk on her lips as she recalled his own escapades during his days at Hogwarts. But now, he was a girl dad—protective and anxious for his little precious baby girl.

Sirius noticed her arranging her hair and asked, “Where are you off to?”

“To Flea Bottom. I promised to visit the orphanages once a week. It’s time for my visit,” she stated firmly.