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

056▪️FROM FRIENDS TO STRANGERS

Sunlight filtered gently through the tall, narrow windows of the Tower of the Hand, brushing the Hightower sisters in a soft golden hue as they finished their breakfast. The room was quiet now, save for the gentle clink of silverware and the flutter of birdsong from beyond the window.

Charlotte Hightower dabbed at her mouth delicately with a napkin and set it beside her untouched bread. She turned slightly to Naiomi.

"Will you be going to the Sept today?" she asked casually, though there was always a flicker of competition beneath her tone when she addressed her younger sister.

Naiomi adjusted the folds of her gown and gave a curt nod. "Of course."

Alicent said nothing. She merely wiped her mouth in silence, folded her napkin slowly, and stood with practiced precision, her thoughts already retreating to her canvas and palette.

Her eyes were distant, already retreating to her private sanctuary of canvas and paint. "I think I'll return to my chambers," she said coolly. "The light is good today."

The three sisters rose, the clink of cutlery and faint rustle of skirts marking their parting in ways in quiet formality, daughters of Oldtown trained in grace and poise.

But the peace was shattered as the doors slammed open with a force that made the air itself flinch, shattered like glass as Rhaenyra Targaryen stormed through the doors, silk skirts flaring, cheeks flushed with anger.

"Where's the Hand?" Rhaenyra Targaryen strode in barking, her voice a whip-crack across the chamber, her silver white braid slightly tousled, violet eyes blazing. Her chest rose and fell in sharp breaths. The fury that trailed behind her was nearly tangible.

The sisters turned as one, startled. A pageboy stepped forward timidly. "He's still with the Small Council, Princess."

Charlotte's voice lifted, uncertain yet smiles sweetly. "Rhaenyra?"

But the greeting went unanswered. Rhaenyra stalked toward them, her fury cutting through the civility like a dagger through silk.

"So this is what you call loyalty?" she spat, stalking forward. voice rising.

"Rheanyra..."

The princess's eyes were blazing, fixed solely on Charlotte. "How dare your father divide my family?"

Charlotte's face fell woefully, blinked, confused, taken aback. "What....what are you talking about? Rhaenyra, calm down, "

"Calm down?" Rhaenyra's voice rose, fierce and unyielding. "After your father convinced the King, my uncle, to banish his own brother? You want me to calm down?"

Naiomi and Alicent shared a silent, shocked glance. Even Alicent, ever composed, had a flicker of worry in her eyes. Charlotte looked between them and then back to the furious princess.