THE SOUL'S EXCHANGE

Reflections Of A Pearl

114 AC

After the wedding of Lady Hermione Royce and Lord Draconis Qoherys in 111 AC, King's Landing was a changed city. Under Queen Alicent Hightower’s influence, the capital had seen a notable transformation, with the crime rate dwindling to the point of near nonexistence. Much of this newfound order was credited to the unyielding discipline enforced by Prince Daemon Targaryen, who continued his role as the Lord Commander of the City’s Watch. Daemon’s methods were swift and resolute, stamping out crime with an efficiency that earned him both respect and fear among the people of King’s Landing.

Rumors had once abounded that Daemon favored Princess Rhaenyra, giving rise to suspicions that he might even support her claim to the throne. Many still remembered the scandalous talk of Daemon escorting Rhaenyra to a brothel—a night that had been the subject of whispered gossip and disapproving glances. But recent events had cast a new light on Daemon’s allegiances. His public favor toward Queen Alicent and her children had not gone unnoticed by the nobility and common folk alike, solidifying the belief that his loyalty now lay with the Queen rather than the Princess.

With the city flourishing without almost no crime, she turned to her next agenda, the Flea Bottom district, once infamous for its unbearable stench, was cleansed by a newly established sewer system—a solution Alicent had proposed and seen through herself. The queen’s changes extended far beyond infrastructure; she had recently founded Alyssane’s Trust, a charitable endeavor named after both the beloved Good Queen Alyssane and Alicent’s own three-year-old daughter, Princess Alyssane. Under this trust, orphans were provided with food, quality clothing, education, and healthcare. The crown’s protection and support turned Alyssane’s Trust into a beacon of hope, drawing admiration from the common folk and fostering deep affection for the queen and her family.

In keeping with her commitment to these children, Alicent made weekly visits to Flea Bottom, always accompanied by her children. Dressed in modest attire, they blended with the townsfolk, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and even dancing to local tunes. These visits solidified the people’s affection for the queen and her family, who were seen as kind, relatable, and compassionate. On one memorable occasion, six-year-old Princess Helaena had insisted on embroidering swaddling clothes for newborns. Though her stitches were clumsy and the designs abstract, the blankets she created were treasured by the families who received them. Helaena’s kindness was noted by all, with her gestures seen as touching, if slightly odd, and her mystique only added to the public’s adoration.

Beyond Flea Bottom, Alicent’s influence extended to the highest levels of governance. Her husband, King Viserys, had fallen into a slow decline due to an unknown illness, and she worked alongside the Hand of the King, Regulus Stark, and the newly appointed Master of Coin, Lord Draconis Qoherys, to safeguard the realm’s stability. Together, they pursued diplomacy over conflict, drafting an intricate trade agreement with the Free Cities that brought foreign craftsmen and their skills into Westeros while exporting high-quality Westerosi goods. This alliance with the Free Cities reinvigorated Westeros’ economy, and Alicent’s reputation as a pragmatic and effective queen grew even stronger.

Yet, even as the realm thrived under Alicent’s rule, there was a growing tension within the Red Keep. Princess Rhaenyra’s behavior had grown erratic and increasingly entitled, her attitude fostering a rift among the court. She clashed openly with Alicent, dismissing the queen’s efforts as overly indulgent. One such incident took place at a feast, where Rhaenyra had criticized the queen’s visits to Flea Bottom, scoffing that a princess’ time was wasted mingling with beggars. Alicent, maintaining her composure, gently but firmly rebuked her. “A ruler’s duty is to all her people, high and low alike,” she’d said, her voice steely. “When we do not listen to their needs, we fail them—and ourselves.” The court murmured its approval, and Rhaenyra was visibly unsettled, though she only responded with a dismissive glare.