Exile

Chapter IV

Dominion

Night descended upon the realm, draping the castle in a velvety darkness, when Alicent found herself uninvited in Regina's opulent bedchamber.

"Pardon the intrusion, Your Majesty," a maid ventured softly as she entered, her voice a mere whisper in the vastness of the chamber. "Your sister, Queen Alicent, has come to see you."

Regina sat before her lavish vanity, the delicate comb gliding through her hair in preparation for the evening. The reflection of her sister's presence loomed in the mirror, stirring a sense of dread within her heart. "Let her in," she hesitated, her voice barely above a murmur.

Beyond the heavy oak doors, Alicent stood regally, her imposing figure framed by the flickering candlelight, her swollen belly a constant reminder of her impending motherhood.

"You may enter," the maid announced, stepping aside with a respectful bow.

In silence, Alicent awaited the royal guards, who stood vigilant outside her sister's chamber. When the doors finally creaked open, she strode into the room with a grace befitting her status, her presence commanding the space.

Regina said nothing, her fingers deftly continuing their work with the brush, yet her gaze remained fixed upon Alicent through the vanity's reflection as she approached.

"Look at that," Alicent remarked, admiring her own reflection in the ornate mirror.

Regina paused, her brush halting mid-stroke as she took in her sister's rounded figure.

"I've had to add an extra panel to all my gowns," Alicent lamented, her eyes lingering on her prominent belly, a mix of pride and annoyance etched upon her face.

"What are you complaining about?" Regina replied, rolling her eyes at her own reflection. "Many would envy your struggles."

"It's ruining my figure," Alicent countered, a hint of frustration creeping into her tone. "I wasn't this large with the others. Perhaps I am to bear more than one this time around."

"Have you come solely to gloat?" Regina inquired, setting her brush aside and rising to face her sister.

Alicent chuckled softly, though the sound lacked warmth. "No, I could not sleep, and I thought to seek your company as I did when we were girls."

"But we're no longer girls," Regina countered sharply.

"No," Alicent agreed, "but you are still my elder sister, and you must tolerate me while I am here, for soon I must return to my own kingdom. Who knows when we shall see each other again? It could be another eighteen years."

"We are no longer just sisters," Regina replied, a steely resolve in her voice. "We are queens, and queens do not share their beds with anyone but their kings."

"Well," Alicent retorted, a hint of condescension in her tone, "I am a queen. I cannot say the same for you. King Leopold will soon tire of you when your youth fades and your inability to bear him heirs becomes more and more evident."

"I do not wish to engage in this conversation again," Regina stated firmly.

"But I do," Alicent pressed. "Did you think I would crumble when we left home? Did you believe I would simply lie down and die? Or wallow as you have for these years? No! It took every ounce of strength I possessed not to fall apart. I was but fourteen, Regina—a mere child! I spent countless nights mourning my fate, yearning for your comfort! Yet, I learned to accept my circumstances and vowed to seize my destiny. I gave King George numerous children and raised them to be future kings and queens! When my bloodlines ascend their thrones and my grandchildren and great-grandchildren inherit their own kingdoms, I will know that my suffering was not in vain. But what shall you say of your own legacy, Regina? Absolutely nothing! Unless you embrace your duty—uphold your kingdom, your family! Sacrifice yourself!"