"Beast. Tyrant. Merciless. They whisper these names behind my back. But when I say, I love you, it is not out of desire, nor out of denial. It is not for my sake at all. I love you for what you are, for what you do, for how you fight. I have witness...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The shadows of flickering torches danced across the walls, but inside her, the storm raged louder than any fire.
"Have you seen a ghost?" came a low, teasing voice from the darkened corner.
Alicent flinched sharply, then squared her shoulders without breaking stride. "I saw a snake near the flower bushes," she said, forcing lightness into her voice, "so I ran. Then a scurrying rat on the stairs nearly gave me a heart attack." She started forward, brushing off the tension.
Charlotte's voice held a knowing hum. "I hope the rats didn't scare Ser Euron."
Alicent said nothing at first, her mind still tangled in the scene she'd left behind. Finally, she asked, "Where is Naiomi?"
"Abed," Charlotte replied smoothly, stepping closer. "So, how was your dance with Euron Greyjoy?"
Alicent's steps faltered. She stopped, the memory bitter-sweet. "It was... good," she said carefully. "Though it seemed he had eyes for another." Her voice softened on the last word. "For you."
Charlotte blinked, scoffing lightly. "You think so?"
Alicent nodded, eyes sharp. "He couldn't take his eyes off you while you danced with Ser Orys all night."
Charlotte's tone dropped to a hum of amusement. "I didn't dance with Orys all night. Naiomi did."
"Oh, she did?" Alicent's voice carried a teasing edge.
Charlotte shot her a smirk. "Don't pretend you don't know. You danced with Prince Daemon."
Alicent sighed, her defenses lowering. "That's only because Ser Euron was staring at you."
Charlotte's laughter was quiet, but edged with something colder. "Don't be fooled, sister. It's you he asked about, that's why Father proposed you meet him tonight."
Alicent peeled off her gloves, exhaling slowly. "Well, I suppose Ser Euron isn't my type. I don't care for pirates."
Charlotte's expression turned serious. "Should he ask for your hand and you refuse, Father will be disappointed."
Alicent's voice sharpened. "As if you haven't rejected many suitors yourself."
Charlotte rose, moving closer until her breath brushed Alicent's cheek. "I had my reasons, and Father knows them well."
Alicent stood firm, returning the intensity. "I have my opinions, too. And Father will hear every one of them." Then she turned abruptly.
Charlotte's voice stopped her, low and warning. "What happened last week... shouldn't be allowed to repeat."
Alicent paused, confused. "What do you mean?"
A mischievous smirk curved Charlotte's lips. "Don't pretend you're innocent. You were snooping through my diary."
![TO LOVE A KING || Maegor II Targaryen [SLOW UPDATES]](https://img.wattpad.com/cover/367641067-64-k416897.jpg)