The Winter Queen

Chapter 18

*****Author Note: I know some of you don't like when I only post a single short chapter in a day and want each chapter to be 1000+ words long. However, I don't always feel as though a chapter needs to be really wordy and I'm not going to just add meaningless drivel to add to the word count. With this chapter, I know it's short and the next one (Chapter 19- I'm just adding a few things to it) is going to be shorter as well BUT Chapter 20 is currently almost 1900 words and will be a longer chapter. It is also nearly complete. I have yet to start writing on Chapter 21, but it's also going to be a longer chapter. There will be a variety of lengths based on chapter content. *****

Viserys

Less than two hours after the unexpected trial, he stood near his wife and Hand even as his daughter held her husband's arm as they stood near Lady Jeyne on the other side of the yard. They were going to witness the beheading before leaving. It was hard for him to go, not knowing when he’d see her again but he knew it was for the best. Perhaps one day Alicent would grow out of her animosity towards his daughter.

Lord Rickon carried Ice, the Stark’s ancestral Valyrian steel sword even as the guilty man was brought out and his head was laid on a block.

“Curse you Alicent Hightower! I curse you that no good ever comes from your womb and that your precious Hightower crumbles to dust!" the man shouted. "Curse you as well Otto Hightower! I hope all of your children die horrific deaths and that you suffer for many years to come!”

Before the man could scream more curses, Lord Rickon lifted the blade, and in one smooth motion, severed the man’s head from his body.

“Good father, I do not know what is typically done with the bodies of the condemned here in the North but if it's just to bury them in an unmarked grave or to leave for the animals to feast upon, perhaps he could be given to my Syrax?" 

" Brilliant idea my dear! We do typically just cast them over the side of a cliff but I suppose we now have an easier disposal method. Ensure that the body is given to my daughter’s dragon for a snack,” Lord Rickon replied.

After helping Alicent into her wheelhouse, Viserys approached his niece, daughter and good son.

“Lady Jeyne, it was a pleasure to see you again and I thank you for your support of my daughter.”

“Likewise, Your Grace, though I hope the next time we meet there will be less drama.”

“Lord Cregan, I will be eagerly awaiting news that my daughter carries your child in the next few months. As for you, my darling girl, be happy and I hope you come to love your life here though I do hope you won’t stay away forever as someday I will wish to meet my grandchildren. I love you Rhaenyra! Never forget that!” 

He then kissed her brow before walking away and boarding his wheelhouse.

Rhaenyra

Watching her father walk away and then seeing his wheelhouse depart was bitter sweet. In all likelihood, she would be a mother and finally a woman grown when she next saw him.  However, she was glad to be free of Alicent and Otto and she resolved to make the most of her marriage and life in the North.