OF BASTARDS & DRAGONS || Aenar Targaryen [1]

101 • UNWANTED CIRCUMSTANCES

Even through the window, Alicent could hear the roars of the dragons. Having always feared the sound, she was bemused at how playful it now seemed. The terrible dragons were currently showing a different side to their character as they danced around one another in the sky.

Perhaps Queen Alicent was coming to understand why Aenar loved them so much. Perhaps she was just willing to be persuaded on any topic if her husband happened to whisper sweet words into her ear like he did last night.

Whilst she'd joined the King and his new dragon riders for their first outing, Alicent wasn't foolish enough to get involved whenever they reconvened, especially the dagger stares Cersei gave her when they said either side of the table during the small council meeting oppositely dressed in red and green.

There was every chance that Aenar would become too confident and would instruct Alicent to climb upon Roach and hold on tight. So it was much safer to remain behind in the warmth of the castle. Alicent was perfectly content to watch from afar, a soft smile on her face as she pictured just how happy Aenar must have been at that precise moment.

Some councillors grumbled that there were more important matters to be dealing with, rather than enjoying the frivolous nature of flight the King was having.

Aenar wouldn't listen to them, rightly arguing that skilled riders would win them the war. And Alicent could only agree, though for a different reason. It was the king's happiness she wanted to preserve.

If her husband was laughing and whooping whilst he flew, then she was owed that brief enjoyment. Because they all knew that the time for such sweet sentiments was coming to an end or continues forever, for in two days time her father's head would be on a spike.

"Enjoying the view Your Grace?"

Alicent was left clutching her chest at the unexpected arrival. With Dragonstone and its occupants still being new to her, she had every reason to be on edge.

The Black council had made it perfectly clear as to how they felt about her, so it wouldn't have surprised her to have seen one of the lords making an appearance. And with Aenar high above in the clouds, it was surely the best time to strike if they felt it would help their cause.

The fact that her visitor took the form of Rhaenys didn't calm much of Alicent's nerves. The other woman was a master of keeping her cards close to her chest, so much so that Alicent could never truly tell where she stood with Rhaenys.

Whilst she wore a serene expression now, there was every chance that a storm was brewing within. She might have helped Alicent following her arrival at the island, but that didn't obscure the rocky times they'd shared in the capital.

"Princess Rhaenys," Alicent said, looking to compose herself. "I didn't hear you knock."

"That's because I didn't. And if you're wondering why the guard stationed by your door didn't announce my presence…well, they struggle to say no to me."

"I was under the impression that you were preparing to leave."

"I am. I'll be flying soon, joining my lord husband in the throes of passion. But I couldn't go without first having this conversation."

Alicent still had absolutely no clue as to what Rhaenys intended to talk about. At the Red Keep, she would have stood taller and would have demanded an explanation. But any power and authority she'd once had had been left behind in King's Landing. She now took the form of a nervous guest who'd managed to secure a place at the castle, and she currently didn't have the support of the Queen to keep her upright.

If Rhaenys was going to explain her intentions, then she was dragging out the experience. The visitor strolled across the room, seemingly taking stock of the surroundings.