TO LOVE A KING || Maegor II Targaryen [SLOW UPDATES]

024▪️ THREADS OF SILK AND IRON

ONE WEEK LATER....

The Grand Sept loomed with its seven crystal towers, light filtering down in fractured colors across the marble floor. The air smelled faintly of incense and melted wax.

Men and women knelt before the Seven, some bowed to the Father for justice, some whispered to the Mother for mercy, others lit candles to the Maiden for purity or to the Crone for wisdom.

Among the kneeling faithful, Alicent and her sister Naomi prayed together at the altar of the Mother, their hands folded, their voices low and earnest.

The silence of prayer was broken when the great bells of the Sept tolled, a deep sound rolling through the chamber like thunder.

Slowly, worshippers rose and began making their way into the general hall where the High Septon, robed in cloth-of-gold, raised his hands and spoke blessings over the gathered crowd. His voice rang solemnly as he invoked peace, health, and prosperity upon the realm.

The crowd responded in murmured amens before beginning to disperse.

Alicent and Naomi left with the others, their steps echoing on the stone until they emerged into the open courtyard where their carriage waited. Guards bowed as the sisters were helped inside.

As the carriage wheels began to turn, Naomi leaned close to the window, watching the city unfold beyond the Sept’s square.

“How vast it is… larger than Oldtown itself. Look there,” Alicent pointed as they rolled past the Street of Flour, where bakers sold their loaves and children chased one another in the dust.

They passed the Street of Steel, where blacksmiths hammered at forges, sparks leaping into the dimming sky. Farther on, the Street of Silk shimmered with lanterns and the bright fabrics of courtesans beckoning from windows.

The sisters sat in silence for a while, listening to the creak of wheels and the distant cries of hawkers.

Dusk was falling, painting King’s Landing in gold and shadow. Torches flared to life along the avenues.

Naoimi sighed softly. “It is beautiful… yet so crowded, so restless. I only hope the court at the Red Keep will be kind to us. You know how cruel tongues can be.”

Alicent reached across the cushioned seat, resting her hand warmly on Naomi’s.

“Do not trouble yourself. We will not only endure, we will thrive. The King favors our house, and with care, so shall the court.” she firmly said.

Naomi smiled faintly at her sister’s confidence. She turned her gaze back to the window, though her voice carried doubt.

“Still… the courtiers looks at me as though I am an intruder. And the other ladies, all of them, they whisper when they think I do not hear. They have claws, Alicent.”