Heir of the Dragon

Queen's Landing

Jessica slept the afternoon off, and once awake, made her way down to the Godswood where Helaena was studying a caterpillar.

Jessica knelt down to her. "Helaena. Helaena."

Helaena turned to her. "This is strange, Sister, it isn't the season..."

Jessica opened her mouth to speak, when Alicent came down frantically.

Jessica rose. "I -"

Alicent pulled Jessica against her, hard. "Orwyle came to me...I-I should have come sooner. He said sleep would be best, so I let you sleep it off."

Alicent gave a nod and one last hug before going over to Helaena. "Rhaenyra is coming."

Helaena looked between Jesscareya and Alicent. "Will there be a battle?"

"No." Jessica interjected. "No. There will be no battle."

Alicent let loose a breath. "We will allow her to enter, and then we will flee."

Jessica narrowed her eyes. "We?"

Helaena looked more confused. "You've spoken to her?"

Alicent nodded. "But I've been delayed. It seems Ser Rickard has betrayed me. We must stand down the sentries on the battlement and as many of the household guards as we are able."

Jessica huffed. "They will think you mad, Alicent."

Alicent looked to Helaena. "But they will heed a queen."

Helaena looked at Alicent. "You are a queen."

Alicent huffed. "Dearest-"

Helaena looked to Jessica. "Jessica is a better suited queen."

Alicent sighed. "Helaena you are the queen."

She grabbed Helaena's arm gently but firmly. "Quickly."

Alicent lead Helaena out of the Godswood with Jessica following close behind. It wasn't until they were in a quiet hall did Helaena speak again.

She looked at her mother. "You said my father changed his mind. You made Aegon king, you and Ser Criston and my grandsire, and the Septon."

Alicent was quite for a long while before she spoke. "I made a mistake."

"A very costly mistake." Jessica muttered under her breath.

"But you heard him." Helaena protested weakly.

Alicent pulled both the girls into an alcove. "If I did or I didn't, I could no longer say. But Helaena... you told me not many days ago that you were happier before you were queen. Words that pierced me like a spear. I think now not of what you may deserve, but what might make you happy. You, I may yet redeem."

Helaena thought for a moment. "I think...I might like to keep chickens."

Alicent gave a genuine smile. "To the battlements...both of you." And she gently guided the two girls off.

The battlements filled with Hightower guards, all of different ranks and stations.

They bowed as they approached.

"My Queen."
"Your Grace."
"Your Grace."
"My Queen."

Alicent stopped in front of a random guard. "You, who is your captain?"

The guard looked amongst the three of them and the called another guard over. "Ser Freddryk, Your Grace."

Ser Freddryk bowed his head. "Is aught amiss, Your Grace?"