#HoTD Alicent Headcanons

[why-what-no]

Being Alicent’s Daughter Would Include

Pairing: Alicent x Daughter!Reader

Warnings: Allusions to violence, misogyny

Notes: Alicent is literally my baby. So is Rhaenyra. But right now Alicent gets the spotlight

When Alicent was pregnant with you, there was a slight bitterness when she thought of becoming a mother once more

It wasn’t your fault, she knew that. And she knew that she would love you more than anything, just like she did for her other children.

But the sight of her husband everyday, of the thought of raising another child who looks so much like a young version of her former dearest friend, hurt her in ways that she wouldn’t fully let herself understand.

After all, the crown needed heirs. That was her job. And she fulfilled it best that she could.

When you were born, as she expected, she loved you the moment she laid eyes on you. Used to the birthing process by now, she would normally hand her children over to the maid to be cleaned

But with you, her fourth, she couldn’t resist holding you just a bit longer.

Having another girl filled her with happiness, but also fear. Knowing that you would befall a fate similar to hers. Not everyone can live as Rhaenyra does, she thought bitterly.

One future for you would be to be betrothed to Aemond. Alicent knew he would be a decent husband to you, unlike Aegon to her sweet Helaena.

The other voice in her head, which sounded suspiciously like her father’s, knew that a Targaryen princess would be a good bargaining piece in a political marriage benefiting the crown.

But Alicent ignored all of that. For as long as she could keep you, you were hers. You were the small bit of light in Kings Landing. And she made it her mission to not let that light get extinguished.

She made sure that you had all that you needed and more growing up, keeping you protected from all the darkness and violence in the world outside the walls of the castle.

You were the baby of the family, always having either Alicent or Aemond or one of the very few others that she trusted by your side.

When you began to grow up, you did start realizing that the world wasn’t as godly and fair as your mother had led you to think. And she took this time to be honest with you about the world.

No matter what, you knew she loved you more than anything. As you did with her. Even in moments where your values clashed, like when she turned a blind eye to your eldest brother’s actions, she was your rock. Your anchor, your protector.

She did all she could to raise you into a kind, respectable young woman. And as you grew she was so proud of the woman her daughter was becoming.

She hoped you would live a blessed life. To marry someone you truly loved and have many happy children. To make a friend who knew and loved you more than any husband would and get to stay with them for your whole life.

There was still that sadness when you would look at her and all she would see was Rhaenyra. When she would remember the joy she took thinking about them flying away on dragon back together

The traitorous part of her that wanted to visit Rhaenyra. To show her what you have become. She had thought when she was little that she and Rhaenyra would raise their children together.

But now there was a great invisible wall between the two woman. And it burned Alicent when ever she tried to touch it or even think of it.

So instead, Alicent ignored it. Putting her full energy into you and your siblings. Pretending that it didn’t matter when her husband would talk with pride about Rhaenyra’s sons and say nothing about that amazing daughter that Alicent had given him.

Still, Alicent made sure to love you enough for the two of them.

Taglist: @icravethesmut

[prideprejudce]

I am truly hoping that daeron is the spitting image of alicent. not only will it make complete sense for him to be shipped away from kings landing after his birth because his very appearance goes against otto's usurping propaganda that alicent's kids are "true targaryens" while rhaenyra's are "half breed strong boys" but alicent having to look in the face of the only normal child in the family surrounded by monsters for brothers and an already half gone sister and seeing his face of disgust and fright and it's her face. it's her face staring right back at her

[witchthewriter]

𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 & 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞

⤷ female, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!

a/n: oh god this man is doing things to me...

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ | ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ ᴵᴵ

ISFJ or ISTJ

Ravenclaw

Lawful Neutral to Neutral Good

Sagittarius Sun, Cancer Moon, Scorpio Rising

𝑺𝑭𝑾���

・You're the rider of Silverwing, the glorious, graceful and maternal dragon who watches over you wherever you go.

・When you were young, it was very difficult for your mother because Silverwing would sweep you away and take you to her nest. Making you one of her own.

・You knew about the Hightowers, and how close Alicent & Rhaenyra were. You were very jealous, but weren't the kind of person to bump shoulders just to be included.

・So your best friend was a dragon. And you wouldn't have it any other way.

・Your connection with her is incredibly strong. Almost telepathic at times. She can feel what you feel - like two one soul in two bodies.

・And when you become of marriagable age - she did not like any of the suitors. So she was there, right by your side, huffing and puffing (putting your white cloaks on edge...)

・Just like Rhaenys the Conquorer, you flew further and further with your mount.

・You weren't the sister of Rhaenyra, but of Rhaenys. Your parents were Aemon Targaryen and Jocelyn Baratheon. And they had you when they were very, very old. Your birth was a miracle.

・And your sister, who was many years older, became a mother to you. As your two parents died.

・Your marriage was put forth by Viserys, well, Otto mainly. He knew his daughter would become queen and yet he was still full of ambition.

・Rhaenys saw straight through this. And your sister did everything she could to stop the marriage.

・But Viserys would not be persuaded...

・When you first met Gwayne, your initial opinion was that he was an ass. A pompus, arrogant, rude, ass.

・He had kissed your hand within the first two minutes and let his eyes linger on your own for far too long.

'I hate him already.' You thought and Silverwing snarled in agreement.

・But the dragon did not deter the Hightower man. He simply smirked and bowed his head.

・As time went by, your cemented walls were slowly knocked down one by one by Gwayne.

・But it wasn't until you offered to take him flying that you truly bonded.

・Clinging as tight as he could to you, Silverwing did every trick in the book to make him faint; straight diving and pulling up at the last second, twirling over herself over and over etc.)

・The whole time you were laughing, not just at his reaction but laughing with pure joy. Your fiance feeling what you feel.

・After that Gwayne looked at you with a newly found gratitue. You were true friends.

・But when Rhaenys started to speak to you about what marriage was really like - you didn't want to hear it.

"...my love, he may stray and sometimes you cannot stop it."

The words had hit you like a boulder to the heart. No, you could not endure such a betrayal.

"Sister. If he dares, then Silverwing will have the most royal feast she has ever had."

・But you need not ever worry about Gwayne's attention turning to another. You are all he needs. All he wants.

・He shows it to you through the way he speaks; the charming, soft voice that makes your knees tremble. The ever so gentle brush of his hand against yours.

・It drives you insane.

・And you never, not once in a nillion years, thought you would say this.

・"Gwayne, please. Let's just marry. Now. It needs to be now or I'll explode."

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Forced Proximity

"I'd do anything for you." (Gwayne) x "As you should." (You)

Survives because of pure luck (You) x Is the pure luck (Gwayne)

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Enemies to Lovers

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Let It Happen by The Midnite String Quartet

𝑁𝑆𝐹𝑊 🔞 No one under the age of 18 past this point, makes me feel weird if you read it.

・Your first kiss was ... passionate. The hesitation of your lips before one another caused such heat you could not comprehend.

・You consummated your wedding night. Over and over and over again. Until Gwayne said, "my heart I cannot handle another round. I do not think I can move."

"Oh husband," you said while rolling onto your side. "You are going to have to get used to this. There's fire in my blood after all..."

・His eyebrows rose and his handsome face was covered in amusement.

"Well, wife. I guess I'll have to train harder," and with that he gripped your waist and flung on top of you.

・It is well known that the two of you cannot keep your hands off each other. You always do it when no one is around - but somehow someone always sees.

・But it's very difficult when he whispers in your ear all the things he thinks about. The things he wants you to do to him. Where he wants you to touch him.

・Is this not what married life is about? Being so incredibly obsessed with the other that your whole body hurts whenever they aren't near?

[lullaebies]

jaehaegon au where jaehaera and aegon iii are married but are holding out on consumating anything even as they reach consumating age because they have come to one agreement in their lives and it is to annul this damn marriage. she's willing to appear infertile if it means not doing something and getting her freedom after and he's willing to give her a respectful setting aside and promise her she could go do whatever she wants after bc it buys him freedom too.

well, fate sucks arse though. jaehaera starts realizing she is giving up much of her already founded life in the keep, friends and maids and other people she cares for. aegon iii lowkey realizing while looking for his second bride nobody else really gets his suicidal jokes nor really care for much more than his crown. and sadly chanting 'annulment, annulment, annulment' is in fact, not enough to dispell the sexual tension that these two married teenagers are experiencing. oopsie!

[pumpkinfyre]

The Realms Pearl

note: just a ramble on how I think the yandere! hotd cast would be with a darling who is daeron's twin sister ♡

warnings: yandere content, platonic and romantic relationships, darling is religious like her mommy, incest mentioned, aegon and helaena have the hots for their sister, lol, this is based on my oc daenys but is a reader insert for inclusiveness, spoilers for s2

Viserys and Alicent are very similar in the way they treat her. In the books, we know that Viserys was very close with both of his daughters. He was a girl dad! He adores his youngest daughter, and she often reminds him of how Rhaenyra was when she was a child. He spends long hours in (Name)'s company, letting her read to him as he fiddles with his duplicate of Old Valyria. Once he gets much sicker, close to his death, she'll remain by her father's bedside, speaking of old stories.

Alicent, on the other hand, is fiercely protective of her youngest daughter. She adores both Helaena and (Name), so she keeps them both close to her. Daeron is sent away to Oldtown at a very young age, but Alicent chooses to keep her daughter in Kings Landing. Having her sweet girl sent away would destroy Alicent. As the youngest of her children, (Name) is kept safely away and rarely makes public appearances in court. It's her parents' way of making sure that she isn't corrupted by the politics of Kings Landing.

Her two older brothers, Aegon and Aemond, are tasked with keeping an eye on her when Alicent has things to attend to. Aegon is the more fun brother, always helping his little sister to sneak in the kitchens to steal a piece of cake. He's especially funny, never failing to make (Name) laugh. As they all grow older and mature, Aegon becomes very dependent on his sister. His relationship with their mother is strained, and after being married to Helaena, he feels isolated and odd. Aegon turns to his youngest sister for comfort and companionship. His feelings for her perhaps go deeper than a sibling bond, but it never goes farther than that. Aemond is similar, but he's more of a stick-in-the-mud. He's less inclined to give in to games, like his elder brother. He absolutely adores his baby sister, of course, but he focuses more on her protection than her happiness. Once the Dance begins, she's locked in the Keep and not allowed to mount her dragon, Grey Ghost. Aemond takes on the role as her protector, and in doing so, he is less kind.

Helaena is the closest with her sister. Helaena is the second oldest of Alicent’s children, and as such, (Name) often goes to her older sister for advice. Once the twins are born, (Name) spends even more time with Helaena, as she absolutely adores her niece and nephew. Jaehaerys and Jaehaera are always with her if they're not with their mother. Helaena loves her sister. I think her feelings would be similar to those of Daemon and how he felt about Viserys. Helaena sometimes wishes that she were born a man, so their mother would allow she and (Name) to marry each other. Helaena daydreams about living a quiet and peaceful life with (Name), and even after the death of Jaehaerys, she keeps her sister very close, fearing that someone will kill her darling.

(Name)'s twin brother, Daeron, sends her letters from Oldtown on a constant basis. While they were separated when they were very young, she sometimes travels to Oldtown on Grey Ghost to visit her brother and uncle Gwayne. The letters often consist of how Tessarion is growing and how he wishes they could be together. Gwayne tries to convince Alicent to let his niece stay in Oldtown for the benefit of Daeron. Gwayne and Daeron plan to move (Name) to their home once the war is over.

Kings Landing obviously isn't safe!

this is such a ramble, but my mind is reeling from s2

who else is super excited for daeron and tessarion ♡♡♡

masterlist ᡣ𐭩

[anansimancer]

au where rhaenyra started training to become a knight when she was named heir after her mother died, and slowly courted alicent throughout her squirehood like a gentleman until she eventually asked for her hand in marriage when she was officially dubbed Dame Rhaenyra upon being knighted

[aphroditelovesu]

Yan!Mom Rhaenyra Targaryen/Yan!Dad Laenor Velaryon Headcanons (Platonic)

❝ 🐉— lady l: hi... So, it just freaked me out and I needed to write this, kind of like a base for Valyrian Heritage part 2... I hope you like it and forgive me for any mistakes! ❤️

❝tw: obsessive and possessive behavior, unhealthy platonic relationships, mention of mutilation and war, messy writing.

❝ 🐉pairing: platonic!yan!mom rhaenyra targaryen and yan!dad laenor velaryon x gender neutral!reader, platonic yandere!hotd x gn!reader.

Rhaenyra and Laenor have always gotten along well, although not so close, they were always friendly with each other and even came to an agreement after their marriage. They would live their own lives and be free to love someone else.

The few times they slept together were not for pleasure, but to try to conceive an heir. And it worked, when Rhaenyra discovered she was pregnant just a few months after her wedding, much to everyone's delight.

You were the only child born of their marriage, well, at least the only legitimate one. There was no doubt about your legitimacy, since you were a copy of your father when you were born and became more like your mother as you grew up.

They loved you unconditionally, there are not enough words to describe how much they love you. They say you never love anything on the world the way you love your first child and that's true when it comes to your parents. They love all of their other children, but it's pretty clear how attached they are and favor you more than anyone else.

Laenor is the most attached to you, however, as you were his child. Really his. And although he loved your brothers who were born after you, there was no doubt that he preferred you above them all. You were the apple of your father's eye, you could never do anything wrong in his eyes and he will fight anyone who says otherwise.

Rhaenyra loved you with all her heart, the first moment she placed you in her arms for the first time was like a blessing, a gift from the gods old and new. You were her precious, her most precious treasure and nothing and no one will take you away from her. No one steals what belongs to a dragon and gets away with it.

You were not only spoiled and loved by your parents, but also by your grandparents. Rhaenys and Corlys adored you, simple as that, they spoil you more than anyone and always take you to Driftmark when Rhaenyra allows it. Corlys always makes a point of reminding you of your heritage, that you are a Velaryon, and Rhaenys tries to participate as much as possible in your upbringing.

Viserys loved you deeply too, considering that you are his first grandchild and he tries his best to be present in your life. He would often pick you up and sit with you on the Iron Throne, reminding you that one day everything would be yours. And he doesn't even try to hide his favoritism. He knew that if Aemma was still alive, she would love you as much as he does.

Alicent was excessively attached to you too, and although she had grandchildren of her own, she didn't even try to hide how much she preferred your company. Although she has no patience for children, she loves you with all her heart and strongly believes that Rhaenyra is not a good mother for you, a belief that became stronger after the birth of Jacaerys. Otto encourages Alicent's tendencies while cultivating his.

You were the example for your younger brothers, Jacaerys, being the second child, is the clingiest and most protective towards you. He had you first, so you were his first. Lucerys is extremely possessive of your attention and sulks when others get it. Joffrey is the baby and the youngest and so he wants to receive more attention from you.

Your aunt and uncles were very close to you, mainly due to age and because of Alicent's encouragement, who was always sure that you would grow up surrounded by her children.

Aegon is very emotionally dependent on you and is almost always leaning around you, looking for comfort. Helaena loves you with all her heart, she wants to be by your side all the time and she trusts you completely. Aemond is the closest to you, always seeking comfort and confirmation from you, he wants to impress you at any cost. You didn't spend as much time with Daeron, but he misses you and cherishes the memories he has with you.

You were the anchor of your family after the years passed, the only person capable of bringing them all together. Viserys and you had this in common, the desire to reunite the family and you managed it, although it never lasted for long.

All servants were instructed to do your whims and desires. Laenor and Rhaenyra are extremely protective of you and suspicious of anyone who approaches you, especially if it is one of the Greens.

You loved your family, you really loved them, but sometimes all you wanted was to be free from so much pressure. You found fun and ''freedom'' in associating more with your great-uncle, Daemon, who was always taking you away with him, causing your parents to panic. You always came back unscathed, though.

However, you knew you would have to choose a side. After Aemond's mutilation, you found yourself at an impasse when your father sneaked into your room that night and asked you to run away with him. Running away with him means you would be free from your burdens, but the conflict would never stop and would only escalate.

You didn't have any more time. You had to choose between running away with Laenor and escaping the war or staying with Rhaenyra and dealing with the conflicts between the Blacks and the Greens, as well as your overwhelming and possessive family.

Choosing between your father and mother was never something you thought you would do, until this day. The thought of never being able to see Rhaenyra again and hear her reading to you or never seeing your father teaching you how to fight again filled you with fear and anguish. You knew what you had to do, but could you bear the consequences of your choice?

[bugshideaway]

[hisfavegirl]

part 2 of the queen grief? it’s soooo good😭

My happiness - King! Aegon II Targaryen x TwinSister!Reader.

summary: you try to get up and come back for your two children after the tragedy, you also find out some good news that makes you even happier.

The days after your son’s funeral blurred together in a haze of grief. You withdrew from the world, confining yourself to the quiet solitude of your chambers. You avoided the bustling halls of the Red Keep, the courtiers, and even the council meetings. The thought of facing anyone, of moving on as if nothing had happened, felt impossible.

Your husband, Aegon, and your mother, Alicent, grew increasingly concerned. Aegon would visit your chambers often, trying to coax you to eat or speak with him, but you rarely responded. Alicent, ever the pillar of composure, would sit with you in silence, her worry evident in the way she lingered longer than usual.

Most days, you spent hours on the balcony of your room, gazing up at the endless sky. The soft breeze would tousle your hair as you looked at the clouds and the stars, imagining your sweet Jaehaerys among them.

Sometimes, you would speak softly, your voice carrying into the air as if you were speaking to him.

“Do you see me, my love?” you would whisper, your eyes glistening with tears. “Do you hear me when I call for you? Are you happy there? I hope it’s warm, and you’re not alone.”

Your words hung in the air, unanswered, but you continued nonetheless. It was the only comfort you could find—the idea that somehow, your son could hear you, that he was still close in some way.

The loneliness in your chambers was deafening, but in those quiet conversations with the sky, you felt the faintest echo of peace, however fleeting it might have been.

You kept your gaze fixed on the horizon, your eyes unseeing as you stared into the distance. The soft knock on your chamber door barely registered, and even when Aegon’s familiar voice called your name, you didn’t turn.

“Please,” he said gently, his voice tinged with worry and sorrow. “Let me in.”

But you remained silent, your hands gripping the edge of the balcony railing as if it were the only thing keeping you from collapsing.

Aegon opened the door, his footsteps hesitant as he approached. “You’ve been here for days,” he continued, his voice soft but insistent. “Jaehaera and Maelor… they miss you. They need you.”

At the mention of their names, your grip tightened, your knuckles turning white. A sob tried to claw its way out of your throat, but you swallowed it down. You couldn’t face them—not yet.

You closed your eyes, and the memory hit you like a wave, dragging you back to that horrible moment. The screams, the chaos, the sight of Jaehaerys’ lifeless body. And then, Jaehaera’s cries—the way she clung to you, trembling, begging you to make it stop. You could still feel her small hands clutching at your dress, her sobs echoing in your mind.

“I can’t,” you whispered, your voice breaking as tears slid down your cheeks. “I can’t see them. Not after… not after what happened. I hear her crying, Aegon. I can still hear her crying.”

Aegon knelt beside you, his hand resting gently on your arm. “You’re not the only one hurting,” he said, his voice raw with emotion. “They lost him too. Jaehaera… she doesn’t understand why you’re not there. She thinks she’s lost you as well.”

His words pierced through your numbness, and for a moment, you faltered. But the weight of your grief was too much. You shook your head, pulling away from his touch.

“I’m not ready,” you said, your voice barely audible. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready.”

Aegon’s shoulders sagged, but he didn’t press you further. Instead, he stayed by your side, silent, watching the sky with you as if hoping that his presence alone could anchor you to the world you were trying so hard to leave behind.

Aegon stepped closer, his movements slow and deliberate, as if afraid any sudden action might shatter you further. He crouched by your chair, his violet eyes searching your face for any sign of life beyond the grief.

“Come here,” he murmured gently, extending his hand toward you. “Please, just sit with me.”

For a moment, you didn’t move, your gaze still fixed on the horizon. But his voice, soft and steady, pulled you back to the present. Slowly, as if weighed down by the enormity of your sorrow, you reached for his hand and let him guide you to his lap.

You sank into him, resting your head against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat grounding you in a way nothing else could. His arms encircled you, holding you securely, as though he could shield you from the pain that threatened to consume you.

Aegon pressed a tender kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment before he spoke. “You need to eat,” he whispered, his tone both gentle and firm.

You shook your head, your voice hoarse from disuse. “I can’t, Aegon. I just… I can’t.”

His arms tightened around you, his determination unwavering. “You have to,” he insisted softly. “For Jaehaera. For Maelor. For me. We can’t lose you too.”

The raw emotion in his voice made your chest ache. You wanted to refuse again, to retreat further into your grief, but the desperation in his plea broke through the walls you had built around yourself.

After a long silence, you finally murmured, ��Alright.”

Aegon exhaled, his relief palpable. “Thank you,” he said, kissing your temple. “We’ll take it one step at a time. Together.”

For the first time in days, you felt a flicker of warmth through the numbness, a faint glimmer of hope that perhaps, with Aegon by your side, you could begin to heal.

Aegon called for one of your handmaidens, instructing her to bring a tray of food to your chambers. He remained by your side, his hand never leaving yours, as if afraid you might retreat into yourself again. When the food arrived, he dismissed the servant with a quiet nod and set the tray on the small table beside you.

Without a word, he carefully scooped a spoonful of warm soup and brought it to your lips. “Eat,” he said softly, his tone a mix of patience and quiet determination.

You hesitated, your grief still clawing at your insides, but the steady look in his eyes left little room for argument. Reluctantly, you parted your lips, letting him feed you. He continued, one spoonful at a time, murmuring soothing words between each bite.

“You’re doing well,” he said gently, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. “Just a little more.”

When you finished, he set the tray aside and kissed your temple. “That’s my girl,” he whispered, his voice filled with pride and affection.

Moments later, a soft knock sounded at the door, and before Aegon could respond, it opened to reveal your mother, Alicent. She stepped in, her dark green gown brushing the floor as she carried Jaehaera and you look Maelor by the hand of one her handmaiden.

The sound of their voices reached you immediately—Jaehaera’s sweet, high-pitched chatter and Maelor’s quiet but firm tone.

Your chest tightened as they entered the room. You froze for a moment, unsure if you could face them, but when Jaehaera’s eyes found yours, her expression lit up. “Mama!” she cried, wriggling free from Alicent’s arms and running toward you.

Maelor followed more slowly, his small face serious, but his eyes were full of hope as he approached. “Mama,” he said softly, his voice trembling slightly.

Their presence broke something inside you—not in the way that left you hollow, but in a way that reminded you of what you still had. Tears filled your eyes as Jaehaera climbed into your lap, her tiny arms wrapping around your neck. Maelor stood at your side, his hand reaching for yours.

“Mama, please don’t be sad anymore,” Jaehaera whispered, her voice trembling. “We need you.”

Aegon placed a hand on your shoulder, his steady presence grounding you as you pulled your children close. For the first time in days, you felt the faint stirrings of purpose returning. You kissed Jaehaera’s hair and held Maelor’s hand tightly, realizing that no matter how broken you felt, you couldn’t give up.

Your children still needed you, and you would find a way to be there for them—even if it meant taking it one painful step at a time.

You pulled Jaehaera and Maelor into your arms, holding them tightly as if they might slip away like a fragile dream. Their small bodies pressed against you, their warmth breaking through the icy wall of your grief. Tears began to fall, soft at first, then in heavy streams as the overwhelming weight of your sorrow poured out.

“I’m so sorry,” you whispered, your voice trembling. “I’m so, so sorry.”

Jaehaera buried her face in your shoulder, her tiny hands gripping your dress, while Maelor leaned against you, his small arms clutching your waist. They didn’t say anything, but their presence, their love, was enough to make the ache in your heart a little more bearable.

Aegon knelt beside you, his arms encircling all three of you. His touch was steady, strong, and reassuring, a silent promise that you were not alone in this. He pressed a kiss to the top of your head and whispered, “We’ll get through this. Together.”

You looked up through your tears, meeting Aegon’s gaze. His eyes were filled with the same pain as yours, but also determination—a fierce love that refused to let this tragedy break your family completely.

From the corner of the room, Alicent stood quietly, her own tears falling as she watched the scene before her. Her hand rested over her chest, and for a moment, the grief of losing her grandson seemed to mingle with the pride of seeing her daughter and son united in their pain.

“You’re strong,” Alicent said softly, her voice trembling as she stepped closer. “All of you. And together, you’ll endure this.”

As the four of you held each other, the room was filled with a bittersweet silence—a fragile moment of unity amidst the storm of sorrow. For the first time, you felt the faintest glimmer of hope that, despite the pain, your family would find a way to heal.

That evening, as the soft glow of candlelight filled your chamber, you, Aegon, Jaehaera, and Maelor remained together. The children nestled against you, their small, warm bodies a reminder of what you still had amidst your grief. Jaehaera clung to your arm, her tiny hand gripping yours as if afraid to let go, while Maelor sat quietly at your other side, leaning into you.

Aegon sat close, his arm draped protectively around all of you, his presence steady and grounding. His fingers gently stroked your back, a silent reassurance that he was there, that you were not alone in this.

As the evening deepened, you looked at your children, their eyelids growing heavy with sleep. Fear gripped your chest, the thought of letting them out of your sight unbearable. The memory of losing Jaehaerys haunted you, and the terror of something similar happening again overwhelmed you.

“I want them to stay here tonight,” you whispered, your voice trembling but firm. You looked at Aegon, your eyes pleading. “I can’t… I can’t let them go. I can’t lose them too.”

Aegon nodded without hesitation, his hand reaching for yours. “Of course,” he said softly. “They’ll stay with us. We’ll keep them safe.”

Jaehaera’s sleepy voice broke through the quiet. “Mama, don’t cry anymore,” she murmured, snuggling closer to you. “We’re here.”

Tears welled in your eyes again, but this time, they were mixed with a faint sense of comfort. You kissed her forehead and pulled Maelor closer, feeling his small arms wrap around your waist.

That night, the four of you lay together in your bed, the children tucked safely between you and Aegon. You stayed awake for a long time, your arms around your children, listening to their soft breaths as they slept. Aegon’s hand found yours under the blankets, his grip firm and steady.

“We won’t let anything happen to them,” he whispered in the dark, his voice full of quiet determination.

You nodded, your heart heavy but resolute. As sleep finally claimed you, the fear remained, but so did the love—the love that would drive you to protect what you still had, no matter the cost.

The morning light streamed through the windows of your chamber as you sat at your vanity, finally preparing yourself to step out after days of solitude. Jaehaera perched on your lap, her soft giggles filling the room as you gently combed and styled her hair. The sound was a balm to your weary heart, a small reminder of the joy that still lingered in your life.

The handmaid beside you worked quietly, weaving intricate braids into your own hair, but your focus remained on your daughter. She twisted her head to look at you, her tiny hands reaching to touch the comb in your hand.

“Are we going somewhere today, Mama?” Jaehaera asked, her voice full of curiosity.

You smiled, brushing her hair gently. “We are, my love. It’s time we all spend some time outside these walls.”

Your gaze shifted to Maelor, who was seated on the plush carpet nearby. He was engrossed in his wooden toys, his little fingers carefully arranging them into a line. Every so often, he would glance up at you and his sister, a small smile lighting up his face when he caught your eye.

“Maelor,” you called softly, and he looked up, his big, curious eyes meeting yours. “Are you ready to go out today, darling?”

He nodded eagerly, standing up and clutching one of his toys in his hand. “Will Papa come too?”

You felt a soft warmth spread in your chest at his question. “Yes, Papa will be with us,” you reassured him.

As you finished the last braid in Jaehaera’s hair, you leaned forward and kissed the top of her head. “There,” you said, smoothing the strands. “You look as beautiful as ever.”

Jaehaera giggled, turning to wrap her arms around your neck. “Thank you, Mama.”

For the first time in days, a genuine smile graced your face as you held her close. It wasn’t a complete healing of the pain, but it was a start—a small step toward reclaiming the strength you needed to protect and cherish your family.

The halls of the Red Keep felt stifling as you walked through them, the murmurs and whispers of the courtiers trailing in your wake. You could feel their eyes on you, their pity, their curiosity, their judgments, but you refused to acknowledge them. Your heart and mind were set on one thing—spending time with your children.

When you finally stepped into the garden, the air felt lighter, the soft scent of blooming flowers offering a brief reprieve from the weight of the castle. Jaehaera let out a joyful laugh and dashed ahead, her small feet carrying her toward the vibrant blooms. She twirled and danced in the sunlight, her laughter ringing like a melody that eased your aching heart.

A soft smile touched your lips as you watched her. She reminded you so much of Jaehaerys, her twin, with that same carefree spirit you so dearly missed.

You glanced down at Maelor, who stood quietly by your side, his little hand holding the edge of your dress. His bright eyes looked up at you with a seriousness that seemed far beyond his years.

“Maelor,” you said gently, kneeling to his level. “Why don’t you go and play with your sister? She’d love to have you join her.”

But Maelor shook his head, his small brow furrowing in determination. “No, Mama,” he said firmly. “I want to stay with you. I’ll protect you.”

His words struck a chord deep within you, a mix of sorrow and pride swelling in your chest. You reached out to cup his cheek, your fingers brushing his soft skin.

“You’re so brave, my sweet boy,” you whispered, your voice thick with emotion. “But you don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be okay.”

He shook his head again, his lips pressing into a pout. “I’ll stay. Just in case.”

You pulled him into a tender embrace, his small arms wrapping around your neck. As you held him, you glanced back at Jaehaera, who was chasing butterflies through the flowers. Despite the heaviness in your heart, the sight of your children here, alive and smiling, brought a flicker of solace.

For now, you let yourself live in this moment, surrounded by their love and innocence, determined to protect what remained of your family.

You settled beneath the shade of a large tree, the soft grass beneath you providing a small comfort. Maelor climbed onto your lap and rested his head against your thigh, his small body relaxing as your hand gently stroked his fine, golden hair. He sighed contentedly, clutching his wooden toy in one hand, as if even in this peaceful moment, he needed to be prepared to protect you.

Your gaze shifted to Jaehaera, who was a little further ahead, crouched among the flower beds. She hummed softly to herself, her small hands delicately picking flowers one by one. She held them up to the sunlight, inspecting their colors before adding them to the small bouquet she was gathering.

“She looks happy,” Maelor murmured, his voice soft and a little sleepy.

You nodded, your hand continuing to brush through his hair. “She does. And that’s all I want—for both of you to be happy.”

He tilted his head slightly to look up at you, his big, earnest eyes meeting yours. “Are you happy, Mama?”

The question struck you, and for a moment, you didn’t know how to answer. You smiled faintly, leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead. “I am happy when I’m with you and your sister,” you replied honestly, though the weight of your grief still lingered in your heart.

Maelor seemed satisfied with your answer and closed his eyes, his breathing growing slower as he relaxed further into your lap. You looked back at Jaehaera, who now had a small bundle of flowers clutched to her chest. She turned to you, her face lighting up with a bright smile.

“Mama!” she called, running toward you with her bouquet. “Look what I made!”

You smiled warmly, holding your arms open as she reached you. “They’re beautiful, sweetheart,” you said, pulling her close as she showed you the flowers. “Just like you.”

In that moment, beneath the tree with your children close, the world seemed a little less heavy. Despite the pain that lingered in your soul, these small moments of peace and love gave you the strength to keep going.

Not long after, your gaze drifted to the nearby corridor, where you caught sight of Aegon walking briskly with several members of his council trailing behind him. His expression was tense, his brows furrowed in frustration as he gestured sharply, dismissing them with a curt wave of his hand. The councilors exchanged uneasy glances before bowing slightly and dispersing, leaving him alone.

Your brow furrowed as you watched him approach. Despite the lingering tension in his demeanor, his face softened when his eyes met yours. By the time he reached you, a small, warm smile had replaced the scowl. Without hesitation, he lowered himself to sit beside you under the shade of the tree.

“Am I interrupting?” he asked, his voice gentle, though his eyes briefly flicked to Maelor resting on your lap and Jaehaera now leaning against you, clutching her bouquet of flowers.

You shook your head, a faint smile gracing your lips. “No. I’m just spending time with them.”

He nodded, leaning back against the tree trunk with a sigh. For a moment, he said nothing, simply watching Jaehaera as she rearranged her flowers and Maelor as he clung to your side, half-asleep.

“You look more at peace here,” Aegon finally said, his tone quieter, as though he didn’t want to disturb the serene moment. “I’ve missed seeing you like this.

You turned to him, studying his face. Though he smiled, you could see the exhaustion in his eyes, the weight of his duties as king and the shared grief you both carried.

“And you look as if you’ve been arguing all day,” you remarked softly, your voice laced with concern.

Aegon chuckled dryly, running a hand through his hair. “It’s nothing worth troubling you over,” he replied. Then, as if to change the subject, he reached out to gently take your hand, brushing his thumb over your knuckles. “I came here because I wanted to be with you. With all of you.”

Jaehaera looked up from her flowers, her face lighting up when she noticed her father. “Papa!” she exclaimed, clambering over to sit on his lap.

Aegon grinned, wrapping an arm around her and kissing the top of her head. “What have you been up to, my little flower?”

She giggled, holding up her bouquet proudly. “I made these for Mama. Do you like them?”

“They’re perfect,” he said, his smile widening as he looked at her creation. Then, glancing at you, he added softly, “Just like this moment.”

For the first time in days, you felt a flicker of warmth in your chest, surrounded by the love of your family—a brief reprieve from the storm that still loomed over your hearts.

After asking the servants to take Maelor and Jaehaera back to their chambers for rest, the garden grew quiet. It was just you and Aegon now, the gentle rustle of leaves and distant birdsong filling the space between you.

You leaned against his shoulder, seeking comfort in his steady presence. His hand found yours, his fingers lacing through yours in a reassuring grip.

For a while, neither of you spoke, simply enjoying the peace of the moment. Then, breaking the silence, you said softly, “Maelor wanted to protect me today.”

Aegon tilted his head, glancing down at you. “Protect you?” he echoed, curiosity laced in his tone.

You nodded, a faint smile tugging at your lips. “That’s why he brought his little wooden sword to the garden. He told me he wanted to stay by my side and protect me.”

Aegon let out a quiet laugh, the sound warm and genuine. “He’s a brave boy,” he said, a hint of pride in his voice. “Though I’m not sure how much protection that wooden sword could offer.”

You smiled at his words, your gaze softening. “It’s not about the sword,” you murmured. “It’s about his heart. He’s so young, but he already feels like he has to protect his family.”

Aegon’s expression turned thoughtful, his thumb brushing over your knuckles as he held your hand. “He’s too much like me,” he said quietly, a mix of pride and regret in his tone. “Wanting to take on the weight of things he shouldn’t have to.

You looked up at him, your heart aching at the vulnerability in his eyes. “He’s strong,” you said gently. “Like his father.”

Aegon’s lips curved into a faint smile, though his gaze remained distant. “I just want him to have a better life than I did. Than we did.”

You nodded, resting your head against his shoulder again. “We’ll make sure of it,” you whispered. “For him. For Jaehaera. And for Jaehaerys.”

The mention of your eldest son’s name hung in the air, bittersweet and heavy. Aegon tightened his hold on your hand, his silent way of telling you he shared your determination. Together, even in your grief, you would find the strength to protect what remained of your family.

You knew deep in your heart that Aegon had been trying his hardest to be the father your children deserved. He had made it his purpose to ensure they never experienced the same emptiness you both had endured—a father in name but absent in every other sense.

As you leaned against him, you thought of the moments he shared with Jaehaera and Maelor, his efforts to make them laugh, to protect them, to show them they were loved. Despite the burdens he carried as king, he always made time for them. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was sincere.

“I see how hard you try,” you murmured softly, your voice barely above a whisper.

Aegon glanced down at you, his brows furrowing slightly. “What do you mean?”

“You,” you said, meeting his gaze, “with Jaehaera and Maelor even with Jaehaerys. You’re always there for them. You’re doing everything you can to make sure they never feel what we felt growing up.”

Aegon’s expression softened, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. “They deserve better than we had,” he said quietly. “A father who’s there for them. Who doesn’t treat them like pawns on a board or ignore them altogether.”

“And they have that,” you reassured him, your fingers tightening around his hand. “They have you. You’re a better father than you think.”

He let out a shaky sigh, his free hand brushing through his hair. “Sometimes I wonder if it’s enough,” he admitted. “If I can ever truly protect them—from the world, from this throne, from everything that could hurt them.”

“You’re already doing it,” you said, your voice steady. “They know they’re loved. That’s something we never had. That’s the difference.”

Aegon looked at you for a long moment, his grip on your hand firm but gentle. Then he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

You smiled faintly, resting your head back against his shoulder. In the quiet of the garden, with the sun beginning to set, you both sat in shared understanding. Aegon wasn’t just a king, and you weren’t just his queen. Together, you were parents fighting to give your children the love and security you had once longed for.

You and Aegon walked side by side through the dimly lit halls of the Red Keep, your hand resting lightly on his arm. Tonight was meant to be a rare moment of peace—a family dinner in your mother’s private solsr. She had insisted, saying it was time for all of you to come together, to remind yourselves that despite everything, you were still a family.

The thought of seeing your siblings again after so long filled you with mixed emotions. You had missed them deeply, especially your sister, but you wondered how much had changed during your time in isolation.

As you approached the doors, they swung open to reveal your family already seated. Alicent rose first, her dark green gown catching the glow of the candlelight. “You’re here,” she said warmly, a small smile tugging at her lips. “We were beginning to think we’d need to send someone after you.”

Your sister Helaena looked up from her seat, her gentle eyes lighting up when she saw you. “Sister,” she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and relief.

Aemond, standing by the hearth with his hands clasped behind his back, gave you a single nod of acknowledgment. Though his expression was composed, there was a flicker of something softer in his gaze.

“I apologize for keeping you waiting,” you said, your voice polite but tinged with emotion. “It’s been… a long day.”

Alicent stepped closer, her hand brushing your arm briefly. “There’s nothing to apologize for,” she said. “We’re just glad you’re here.”

Aegon, ever one to diffuse tension in his own way, added with a faint smirk, “Besides, it gave them time to argue over the wine.”

A soft chuckle escaped Helaena, and even Aemond’s lips twitched as though fighting a smile.

The tension in your chest eased as you stepped further into the room, Aegon’s hand still resting protectively on your back. Tonight, for just a few hours, you could set aside the pain and chaos of the outside world and simply be a family again.

The dinner went smoothly, filled with light-hearted conversation and laughter that made the weight of the past few days feel a little lighter. For a brief moment, you allowed yourself to feel the comfort of family, the warmth of shared memories and the joy of simply being together.

You glanced around the table, watching your mother, and couldn’t help but ask, “Where is Grandfather? I haven’t seen him.”

Alicent paused, her eyes flicking to Aegon before her lips pressed into a thin line. There was a noticeable tension in the air as she looked away, clearly avoiding the question.

Aegon, noticing the shift in mood, sighed deeply. “Grandfather is no longer the king’s hand,” he said plainly, his voice steady but firm. “Sir Criston has replaced him, and Otto is on his way back to Oldtown.”

Your heart sank, but you couldn’t quite grasp the full weight of the words. Otto had always been a figure of power and influence in your life, for better or worse. The idea that he was no longer in such a position left you with a strange mix of emotions—relief, uncertainty, and a small sense of loss.

“You… you dismissed him?” you asked softly, not sure if you wanted the answer.

Aegon met your gaze, his expression unreadable. “It wasn’t my decision alone,” he replied, his voice low. “But yes, I had no choice. His actions, his way of handling things, it wasn’t what the crown needed.

You could tell there was more to it, but Aegon wasn’t one to offer explanations when he didn’t feel it was necessary. You didn’t press further, instead turning your attention back to your mother, whose silence spoke volumes.

Alicent finally broke her silence, her voice barely above a whisper. “He served his purpose, but times change.”

Aegon nodded, his fingers briefly brushing against yours under the table. You couldn’t deny that a part of you felt unsettled by the absence of Otto, even if his departure meant a shift in power that could be beneficial for the realm. Still, there was no denying the complex history that lingered between you, your mother, and your grandfather.

As you continued eating, you could feel your mother’s gaze on you. When you looked up, you met her eyes, and she offered you a small, bittersweet smile. It was a smile that carried both warmth and a certain sadness, one that made your heart tighten with guilt.

You knew, deep down, that she missed the daughter she once had—the one who had always been composed, graceful, and dutiful. The daughter who had once walked alongside her, strong and ready to uphold the family’s legacy. But things had changed. The weight of the past few days, the grief over losing your son, had fractured the image of who you were, and that hurt her.

The guilt pressed down on you, heavier than it had before. You felt as if you had somehow failed her by becoming someone she no longer recognized—someone lost in sorrow and torn between obligations. You had let her down, even though you had tried to keep everything together for the sake of your family.

For a moment, your mother’s eyes softened, and there was a quiet understanding between the two of you. But it didn’t change the fact that you felt the distance growing between you, even in this moment of togetherness.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, almost too softly for anyone else to hear, but Alicent’s gaze never left you.

She blinked, her smile deepening as she reached out to gently rest her hand on top of yours. “You have nothing to apologize for,” she said, her voice warm but laced with a deep, unspoken sorrow. “I know this pain, and I know you’ll find your way through it in your own time.”

Her words, though comforting, only made the guilt heavier. You knew that she understood the grief, but you couldn’t help but wonder if she wished for the daughter she once had back—the one who had been able to stand tall beside her, never showing the cracks that now seemed so visible to everyone.

As you resumed eating, you glanced at Aegon, who quietly observed the moment between you and your mother, his hand subtly brushing against yours. It was a small gesture, but it reminded you that he was there, supporting you in ways you could never truly put into words.

After the dinner, as the conversation began to settle, you felt the need to stay a little longer with your mother, away from the usual responsibilities and the weight of the kingdom. You turned to Aegon, offering him a soft smile.

“Would you mind going back to our room with the children? I… I want to stay a little longer with Mother,” you said, your voice gentle but full of meaning. You hoped he would understand your need for this moment of solitude with Alicent.

Aegon looked at you for a moment, his expression softening. He nodded, a small smile appearing on his lips. “Of course,” he replied, though there was a trace of concern in his eyes. He leaned down to kiss your forehead before standing up. “Take your time, my love. We’ll be waiting for you.”

With that, Aegon made his way out of the room, leaving you and Alicent alone.

Your mother smiled warmly at you, her eyes filled with understanding. “I’m glad you want to stay,” she said softly. “It’s been too long since we had time together like this.”

You nodded, feeling a mix of relief and sadness. It was comforting to be with her, but it also reminded you of the distance that had formed between the two of you in recent times. Sitting down beside her, you let out a quiet sigh, trying to collect your thoughts before speaking.

Alicent gently placed her hand over yours, her touch both reassuring and tender. “You’ve been through so much,” she said quietly, her voice carrying the weight of a mother’s concern. “But you’re not alone in this. You never have been.”

Tears welled in your eyes as you squeezed her hand. The comfort of her presence, the bond you shared, made the pain a little easier to bear. In this moment, with her by your side, you didn’t feel quite as lost.

For the first time in days, you felt a sense of peace, knowing that despite everything, you still had your family.

You wrapped your arms around her, pulling her close, and for a moment, everything felt still. Her embrace, the one that always made you feel safe and comforted, surrounded you like a warm, familiar blanket. You let out a shaky breath, and before you knew it, tears began to fall. Your chest felt tight, the weight of everything pressing down on you.

“I… I was happier before I became queen,” you whispered, your voice cracking with the vulnerability you hadn’t allowed yourself to show in so long.

Alicent’s hands gently stroked your hair, her touch soothing as she held you tightly. She didn’t need to say anything right away. The quiet understanding between the two of you was enough. She knew the burden you carried—she had carried it herself, in her own way, for so many years.

“I understand,” she said softly, her voice calm and steady. “The crown is heavy, my dear, and it changes everything. But you are still you. And I’m here, no matter what.”

You squeezed your eyes shut, letting the tears flow freely, the weight of everything that had happened over the past few months breaking through the walls you had built.

“I wanted to be just… me again,” you admitted, your words barely audible. “I wanted to be the mother I was before… when I didn’t have to think about the kingdom all the time. When I could just be there for my children, without all the duties and expectations. I wanted to be someone’s daughter, not a queen. I wanted to be…”

“Happy?” she finished your sentence, her voice gentle but knowing.

You nodded, your face still pressed against her shoulder. “Yes. Happy. Carefree. I didn’t know how much I had lost until… until it was too late.”

She held you even tighter, as if trying to absorb your pain, to carry some of it for you. “I know. I know how hard it can be. But remember, no matter where you are, or who you become, you are always my daughter. You always have me by your side.”

In her arms, you allowed yourself to feel the grief, the pain, and the longing for a simpler time. But you also felt the quiet comfort of her presence, the reassurance that, despite everything, you still had a place where you were loved, where you didn’t have to carry the weight of the world alone.

And for that moment, in the quiet of her embrace, you felt just a little bit lighter.

She gently cupped your face with both hands, her touch tender and warm as she lifted your tear-streaked face to meet hers. Her eyes, full of compassion and regret, gazed deeply into yours as she pressed a soft kiss to your forehead.

“You are my strong daughter,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “You have always been strong, even when you didn’t feel like it. And I see that strength in you, even now, even after everything you’ve been through.”

You swallowed, your chest tightening as you listened to her words. It felt both comforting and heartbreaking to hear her speak so kindly to you, especially when you had longed for her support in ways you hadn’t fully realized before.

“I’m sorry,” she continued, her voice quieter now, filled with an unmistakable sorrow. “I’m sorry I couldn’t always be the mother you needed, that I couldn’t always be there for you. I know I’ve made mistakes… I know I’ve been distant at times, and I regret that more than anything.”

Tears welled up again, but this time, they weren’t only of pain. There was a sense of release, of understanding. Alicent wasn’t perfect, but she was here now, offering her love and apology, and that meant more than you had realized.

“You’ve been a mother in your own way,” you whispered, your voice breaking but sincere. “I know you tried, and I’ve always known you loved me. Even when things weren’t easy, I never doubted that.”

Alicent smiled faintly through her own tears, brushing her thumbs along your cheeks, wiping away your tears with a tenderness that felt like a long-awaited balm to your soul.

“You are my everything,” she said softly, her eyes filled with a deep, unconditional love. “And I will spend the rest of my life making up for those moments I wasn’t there. You’ll never have to carry this alone again. I’m here, always.”

You let her words sink in, the weight of them finally lifting the sorrow that had gripped you for so long. In that moment, you realized that even if things could never return to how they were before, you weren’t alone. And that, perhaps, was the start of healing.

After your heartfelt conversation with your mother, you walked slowly back to your room. The weight of the emotions you had shared with her still lingered, but there was a sense of peace in knowing that, for the first time in a long while, you had allowed yourself to be vulnerable and open.

When you reached your room, the sight that greeted you warmed your heart. Aegon was lying on the bed, his arm wrapped protectively around both Jaehaera and Maelor. They had all fallen asleep, tangled in the softness of the blankets, their small bodies curled up together. Aegon’s chest rose and fell gently as he slept, his face relaxed in a rare moment of peace.

You couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Despite everything—despite the pain, the loss, and the uncertainty—here they were, your family, still together. The children had found solace in their father’s embrace, and Aegon had found solace in being there for them, for you. It was a bittersweet comfort, but it was real. It was yours.

You tiptoed over to the bed, careful not to disturb them, and gently brushed a lock of hair away from Maelor’s face. You gazed at both your children, your heart swelling with love for them. They were so young, so full of life, and you would do anything to protect them from the world that had already taken so much from you.

Sitting quietly at the edge of the bed, you took a moment to simply watch them, feeling the overwhelming sense of gratitude and love fill your chest. There were still many challenges ahead, but in this moment, you allowed yourself to just be. To be a mother, to be their mother. And that was enough.

With a soft sigh, you leaned over and kissed each of them gently on their foreheads, taking one last look at Aegon before you settled beside him.

As you lay down, your head resting on the pillow next to him, you finally allowed yourself to close your eyes. You weren’t sure what tomorrow would bring, but for tonight, you were surrounded by love, by family, and that was all that truly mattered.

The next morning, life began to return to its rhythm, though it felt different now, marked by a sense of fragility and the lingering ache of loss. Jaehaera and Maelor resumed their lessons, the sounds of their tutors filling the halls as they continued their education, seemingly oblivious to the weight of the world outside. Aegon, too, returned to his duties, attending council meetings and engaging in matters of state, his focus unwavering despite the quiet storm of grief that lingered beneath his composed exterior.

As for you, you found yourself once again immersed in the responsibilities that came with being the queen. After a period of isolation, you knew that you needed to find your footing again, not just for yourself, but for your children and your kingdom.

You visited your mother, Alicent, and together, you focused on the kingdom’s affairs, the two of you working side by side as you once had in the past. It felt grounding, familiar—though the shadows of grief were still present, they seemed a little less consuming in these moments of shared purpose. Alicent, with her quiet strength, guided you as you worked through the challenges of governance, just as she had always done, but now with a deeper sense of understanding.

At times, you would find yourself lost in thought, thinking of Jaehaerys and the pain that would always follow you. But you also found solace in your family, in the small, tender moments you shared with Aegon and the children. Slowly, day by day, you began to rebuild, piece by piece.

Though you didn’t have all the answers, you knew that as long as you had your family—your children, your husband, and even your mother—you could move forward, even if it was just one step at a time. You carried their love with you, even in the darkest of days, and that gave you the strength to keep going.

As you sat with your mother, Alicent, and your sister, the conversation flowing between the three of you, you suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over you. The room seemed to spin, and your stomach twisted in discomfort. You tried to push it aside, focusing on their words, but the nausea only grew stronger, threatening to overtake you.

You clenched your fists, trying to control your breathing, willing the sensation to pass. But no matter how hard you tried to ignore it, the discomfort intensified. Your body betrayed you, and before you could stop it, you turned away from them, covering your mouth as you rushed to the side.

The nausea hit full force, and you vomited into the nearby chamber pot, your body trembling with the force of it. When the wave of sickness finally passed, you felt weak, your head spinning.

Alicent and Haelena, startled by the sudden turn, quickly rushed to your side, concern etched on their faces. Alicent gently placed a hand on your back, her voice filled with worry.

“Are you alright?” she asked, her tone soft but insistent. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard.”

You felt a mix of embarrassment and exhaustion as you tried to regain your composure, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand. “I’m fine,” you said, though your voice was strained. “It’s nothing… just a momentary weakness.”

But deep down, you could feel that it was more than that. Something wasn’t right, and you couldn’t ignore the feeling that something was changing within you.

Alicent’s eyes softened with concern as she placed a gentle hand on your shoulder. “You need rest,” she insisted, her voice filled with maternal care. “You’ve been through so much lately, and now this… Please, let the Maester check on you. I’ll send him right away.”

You could feel your heart tighten at the thought of Aegon finding out, knowing how deeply he would worry. The stress of everything already weighed so heavily on him, and the last thing you wanted was to add to his burdens.

“I don’t want him to know,” you murmured, your voice shaky as you met her gaze. “Please, don’t tell Aegon. He’s already carrying so much… I don’t want him to lose focus.”

Alicent studied you for a long moment, her brow furrowing in concern. She could see the fear and exhaustion in your eyes, but she understood your reasoning. With a soft sigh, she nodded. “I won’t tell him,” she promised. “But you must take care of yourself. For him, for your children… and for you.”

You nodded gratefully, though doubt lingered in your heart. “I’ll rest,” you whispered, feeling a small weight lift off your chest at her understanding.

As you made your way back to your room, your mother sent for the Maester, who would check on you in secret. You couldn’t shake the unease that gnawed at you, but for now, you needed to rest. You closed your eyes, hoping that when you woke, the sense of sickness would be gone—and that you wouldn’t have to face the truth of what might be happening.

You lay back on the bed, trying to steady your breath as the Maester examined you carefully. His questions about your last cycle slowly sunk in, and with the realization, a cold chill ran down your spine. Everything had been so chaotic lately, you hadn’t even considered the possibility. The Maester looked up at you with a reassuring smile, sensing your growing anxiety.

“Your Grace,” he said softly, “You are with child.”

The words hit you like a storm, a mixture of disbelief and fear flooding through you. A child, in the middle of all the loss, pain, and stress… it seemed like a fragile hope in a world so uncertain.

Your heart skipped a beat as you sat up slightly, your hands trembling. “Is the baby alright?” you asked, the worry thick in your voice. “Given everything that’s happened… the stress, my lack of food…” You felt overwhelmed by the thought of how this had all come to be.

The Maester placed a gentle hand on your arm, his voice calm and steady. “It is understandable to be concerned, Your Grace. Stress and lack of nourishment can affect your health, but I find no immediate cause for alarm. The baby seems healthy so far. However, it is crucial that you rest and allow yourself time to recover. Eat when you can, and take care of yourself.”

You nodded, though doubt lingered in your chest. The fear of losing another child, of facing another loss, was almost too much to bear. “Thank you, Maester,” you murmured, your voice small.

The Maester gave you a kind smile. “Your Grace, you must take care of yourself. Your health and the health of the child are of utmost importance now. I will keep an eye on you.”

As he left the room, you were left with your thoughts, still in shock but also filled with a new, growing sense of responsibility. Despite the overwhelming feelings, one thought kept surfacing—this new life, this child, was a part of you and Aegon, and you had to protect it with everything you had.

As you sat there, your hand gently resting on your still-flat stomach, a whirlwind of emotions swept through you. There was a quiet joy that bloomed within, a spark of hope, but it was tinged with a deep sadness and worry. You had lost so much already—your son, the world you once knew—and now, with this unexpected news, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of vulnerability. Could you protect this child? Could you bear another loss?

You closed your eyes, taking in a shaky breath, trying to reconcile the conflicting emotions within you. The joy of new life, the fear of what might happen, the aching sadness of everything that had been lost—it all seemed to press in on you at once. You thought of Aegon, of Maelor, and Jaehaera. They needed you, and now, this new child needed you too.

“I will protect you,” you whispered to yourself, speaking softly to the life growing inside you, even though it felt too early to even fully believe it. “I will do whatever it takes.”

But even as you said it, the weight of your responsibilities, the pain of your past, and the fear of what the future might hold made it hard to feel anything but uncertain.

Your thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps approaching your room, and you quickly wiped away the tears that had started to form. Whatever the future held, you had to face it, for them, for this child, and for the family you still had.

You turned to see Aegon standing in the doorway, his gaze soft yet filled with concern. The way he looked at you, as though he could feel the storm within you, made your heart ache.

He stepped closer, his voice gentle but filled with urgency, “Is everything all right? What’s going on? You look… far away.”

You swallowed hard, trying to steady yourself. The last thing you wanted was to burden him with the weight of everything you were feeling, but his presence, his concern, made it harder to hide your turmoil.

You shook your head slowly, then spoke, your voice trembling slightly, “I… I’m fine, Aegon. It’s just… a lot on my mind.”

Aegon knelt beside you, his hands reaching out to gently hold yours. His eyes searched yours, his worry deepening. “You don’t have to carry everything alone. What is it? You can tell me.”

A tear slipped down your cheek, and you let out a shaky breath. “I found out… I’m pregnant.” You paused, feeling the weight of the words.

Upon hearing the news, Aegon’s face lit up with an expression of pure joy. He couldn’t contain the smile that spread across his face as he rushed to your side, his hands gently cupping your face. “You’re pregnant?” he whispered, as if he couldn’t quite believe it. “That’s… that’s the best news I’ve ever heard.”

Without wasting a moment, Aegon quickly left the room, eager to share the news with your mother. His excitement was palpable, and you could see the joy in his eyes as he rushed down the corridor.

It wasn’t long before Alicent arrived, her presence immediately calming. She stepped into the room, her eyes filled with love and concern, and before you could say anything, she pulled you into a warm embrace. “Oh, my dear,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m so happy for you.”

You felt the warmth of her hug, her strength and love surrounding you as tears welled up in your eyes. “I’m scared, mother,” you confessed, your voice trembling. “What if I’m not strong enough? What if I can’t do this?”

Alicent pulled back slightly, holding you at arm’s length as she looked into your eyes, her own filled with understanding. “You are stronger than you know. And you will never be alone in this. We will all be here to support you, to guide you. This is a new beginning, a new life, and you have Aegon, and you have me. We will make sure this child knows nothing but love.”

You nodded, feeling the weight in your heart lighten just a little. With Alicent’s embrace, and Aegon’s joy, you began to feel a glimmer of hope for the future. The road ahead would still be difficult, but you knew that with them by your side, you could face anything.

tag list : @danytar @hangmanscoming @yazzzmints @julessworldd (italic means that i can’t tag you)

[helaenalyst]

this came to me in a vision and was drawn in a trance

[dr3amfyr-e]

ever protected by the frankincense fumes of her faith, alicent favors jasmine scented bath oil. from the lush gardens of the reach, floral is home — where she takes refuge. jasmine is less offensive and quieter then other florals, and she wears it like a sigil.

consequently, all of her children grown into the same scent pallet.

aegon doesn’t really care. the servants can put whatever oil into his bath that they chose, and he will not protest. jasmine just hasn’t left the warm water since he was a child, bathed in his mothers safety. it mixes with the syrupy sweet smell of grapes and spice, mulled wine, that drips from his tongue when he opens his mouth.

helaena likes the smell of jasmine, it makes her think of her mother — and when her mother was happy. it compliments the earthy scent that sticks to her skin from hours spent in the gardens looking for creatures in the dirt. petrichor and rosemary follow suit, dancing through the smooth strands of her silver hair.

of alicent’s children, aemond is the most fond of the floral scent. jasmine oil flows heartily into the water of his methodical bath. it gives him an obsessively clean scent, mixed with the heavy lye soap he scrubs his skin near raw with.

rhaenyra never favored overly ‘feminine’ scents. if she smelled like dragon and smoke, she was keen to lean into fragrances that covered that. cetalox and amber bear enough ambiguity to cover what she does. the frankincense smoke that sticks in her hair on the worst days revelas more than it covers — a yearning for something lost.

ever his mothers son, jacaerys follows in her amber scented footsteps. warm and heady, sweet spice and patchouli mark his presence. they blend well with the smokey scent he can’t quite scrub from his skin — too much time on dragon back. hair is cherished on dragonstone, and the lavender oil that soaks his curls every fortnight softens the intoxicating fragrance of his being.

cregan is ever bound to the north, the smell of pine trapped in his hair, and under his skin. warm and grounding, cedar wood and vetiver make his embrace even safer, crowing his thick furs with the smell of home.

⋆｡𖦹°⭒˚｡⋆

viserys — lily, nettle, lavender

otto — oolong, jasmine, mugwort

alicent — frankincense, jasmine, rose

aegon — jasmine, black currant, honey

helaena — jasmine, petrichor, rosemary

aemond — jasmine, lye, leather

gwayne — patchouli, bergamot, satinwood

criston — frankincense, jasmine, allspice

rhaenyra — cetalox, amber, frankincense

jacaerys — amber, patchouli, lavender

lucerys — bergamot, sandalwood, pear

daemon — leather, pepperwood, ambretone

baela — palo santo, pamplewood, amber

rhaena — pamplewood, honeysuckle, blood orange

rhaenys — lemon grass, vetiver, hazelnut

corlys — sandalwood, ammophila, beech

laenor — green patchouli, vanilla, nootka

laena — vanilla, pear, pamplewood

addam — manuka, sandalwood, elderberry

alyn — ammophilia, manuka, sandalwood

cregan — pine, cedar wood, vetiver

alys — elderberry, clay, sage

larys — oakmoss, anise, chamomile

[why-what-no]

Being Rhaenyra’s Daughter Would Include

Pairing: Rhaenyra Targaryen x Daughter!Reader

Warnings: None really

Notes: Writing all this is really making me wanna finally write a long form Alicent x Rhaenyra fic. I love them so much. And yes, Alicent Daughter Headcanons will be coming out next :)

As the only daughter of the heir to the Iron Throne, you were adored by your mother and your brothers.

She was so glad to finally have a little girl. To create a close relationship like she had with her own mother. When you were born, she refused to let you leave her arms. Promising to be there for you no matter what

Growing up, you were treated like the princess you were. But although you were protected, your mother refused to treat you as some helpless girl. You would be taught the ways of ruling just like your brothers.

She made sure to always let you know how much she loved you. How beautiful you were. How sure she was that you would grow up brave and powerful like the Targaryens before you.

Your wardrobe would be filled with the richest of fabrics, any colours that complimented you.

She had issues with the colour green. When you occasionally wore it, there was a jolt of grief that ran through her body at the thought of her childhood. Thinking about - if Alicent was still her friend - how much the brunette would dote on you like she did.

Rhaenyra was fiercely protective of you, terrified of the idea that her enemies would take you from her. She knew what a prize you would be for them, knew that they were aware she would do anything to get you back if you were ever taken hostage.

She’s visit your chambers and brush your hair whenever she had a worry about that, whispering a lullaby to you as she did. It was just as comforting to her as it was to you.

When Daemon returned to her, she made sure he treated you like his own. As much as she loved having you to herself, she knew you needed more in your life. As a child, she would have been happy if her daughter was raised by her and her dear friend. But now she depended on Daemon to protect you and your brothers with her.

Your grandfather Viserys adored you and although his appearance grew worse, you were never afraid of him. He spoiled you.

You didn’t know what to make of his wife, who stared at you with an unreadable expression whenever she had seen you. But there was a deep sadness in her face as she once told you “you have your mother’s eyes”

Your mother never left your side when you were visiting that part of your family. Your cousin Helaena would always smile softly whenever you were around. But Aemond never spoke much to you and you didn’t like the cold glitter in Aegon’s eyes.

You were more comfortable with only your parents and brothers, or your cousins in Driftmark who you adored playing with.

The people of Kings Landing liked you, their little princess. You were more tolerable to them than Rhaenyra had been, as you weren’t going to rule them. So they took your youthful loveliness at face value.

Rhaenyra told you stories about her loves, hoping that you would find someone who made you so happy one day. She hated to think about you one day leaving her and your siblings to create a family of your own, but she knew that she wanted you to be happy above all else

In a lot of ways, she saw you as a way to do what she wished her parents had done for her. To be the parent she always wished she had.

And she always succeeded, you couldn’t ask for a better parent.

Taglist: @icravethesmut

[jelloholic]

Team green characters at the beach

Alicent:

Wearing a beach robe while judging other women for their immodesty

Made sure everyone had everything they needed, all fav snacks, drinks, and sand toys packed

Otto:

Reads in the shade and enjoys the breeze

Indulges the young ones and Halaena in their conversation of choice

Criston:

Barbecued super well, the hotdogs were so good Jaehaerys asked to have some everyday for the next week

Acting like a simp towards Alicent, bc she's slaying in her swimsuit, much to everyone's annoyance and/or amusement

Gwayne:

Reminding his nephews and his niece to reapply sunscreen regularly, bc he knows Targs burn easily in the sun (reapplied it himself on the twins)

Went to get everyone some milkashes and smoothies at a boardwalk cafe bc he wanted some, and no one else would get up to do it

Aegon:

Flirting with the beach babes

Went to every tourist trap and found a gag gift for each person (he insists it's for a joke, but he wanted to give them lil gifts)

Halaena:

Walked along the beach to spot bugs in the sand

Taking lots of pictures of everyone and everything to remember the day fondly

Aemond:

Wears a baseball cap, stays in the shade and keeps reapplying sunscreen on his face to avoid getting a sunburn in the shape of his eyepatch

Fav beach snacks are Alicent's homemade sandwiches paired with sweet fruit juice

Daeron:

Spending a good chunk of the day in the water with his sister and her children, helping her teach them how to swim

Joined Gwayne on his errand run to take a break from the fam for a bit

Jaehaera:

Stayed by her momma on her walks and collected sea glass, shells, and pretty rocks

Rambled on about what shapes she thinks the clouds are to Otto

Jaehaerys:

He's that kid that digs a huge hole in the sand and shows it off to his family

Joined other kids at the beach in a game of tag and got whiny when he was 'it'

(Requested by @mrs-starkgaryen )

[witchthewriter]

𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐭'𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞

⤷ female, Valyrian blood (dragon rider), and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!

a/n: APPARENTLY THIS IS A GUY NAMED DAVOS BLACKWOOD. But he literally IS Bloody Ben. So he's staying Bloody Ben.

P.s. I'm ageing Benjicot up so he's around 24 or whatever age you want him to be that's over 18 <3

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ | ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ ᴵᴵ

𝑺𝑭𝑾🌿

・It wasn't an arranged marriaged. No, not by any means.

・You had been sent by your Queen to remind the Houses of Westeros their pledge to her. And Rhaenyra had chosen you to go to the Blackwoods.

"I expect you will be welcomed warmly," her Grace said with a warm smile.

You bowed your head and returned the smile.

・You always felt safe around Rhaenyra, she was someone very close to you. Someone who you would fight to the death for.

・The first time Benji saw you, his heart stopped...which was a very fair reaction as you were atop your fearsome dragon, The Cannibal.

・You bonded with the wild dragon when you were 13 - it was the first day of your periods and you were sick and tired of being without a dragon.

・It was in your blood. And you were done waiting.

・Your first flight with Cannibal was difficult - although the blood magic seemed to be strong between the two of you.

・You were the exact person he was waiting for.

・So when your duty came to aid Queen Rhaenyra; she did asked for you to unite with a House through marriage

・That was heavy - a big duty that you did not think would need to happen, since you bonded with Cannibal. Wouldn't you be put on the front lines straight away? Her answer was no.

・But you knew the realities of war and faced your duty head on (you know Cannibal will always defend you)

・Your marriage was a significant one. All the Blackwoods were invited, and Rhaenyra was there to oversee the ceremony.

・However, having all of your family there would have been another Red Wedding, so only a few choice people from your side could be invited.

・Nonetheless, it was absolutely beautiful.

・Dragonfire lit the skies, chasing away the dark. Even Cannibal was having a good time. There were tributes made to him - sheep, cow, goats galore. You swore you saw him smiling.

・What you absolutely weren't expecting was Benji to INTERACT with Cannibal...

・He brought up a bull from the biggest hoard they had. Benji watched as the dragon practically gulped the animal down. However, he wasn't scared - he was impressed. And intrigued.

・You were absolutely moved by Benji's act. Truly. Because it showed his bravery. His daring. And of course his caring. You knew, you could feel the way Cannibal was feeling - and he trusted this Blackwood.

・So you decided to give him a wedding present. A fly.

・By doing so, you broke down every single one of Benji's walls and he knew you were the one for him. His wife. His firt and only one.

・After a tough day, and you both go to your chambers; he'll grab your arm and kiss your wrist. A physical way of saying "I'm so glad you're alive and mine."

・Learns High Valyrian for you. He wanted to surprise you with it. And surprise you he did.

・You call each other: Ñuha jorrāelagon (my love), Ñuha prūmia (my heart),

・ A very particular sentence that Benji says a lot is: Nyke pendagon nūmāzma ao everyday (I think about you everyday)

・Of course he knows you can protect yourself; but that doesn't stop him from defending you. You're his world now. You mean so much to him.

・No body thought this union would work as well as it had.

・So, Bloody Ben & The Rider of Cannibal became a formidabble pair that made men tremble wherever they went.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Like Calls To Like

The Gomez & Morticia Adams

"Think they'll try us?" x "Fuck I hope so."

𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Unbreakable Bond

Growth through Adversity

Bickering and Banter

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Please Please Please by Sabrina Carpenter

The Politics & The Life by Daniel Pemberton

O Verona by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

𝑁𝑆𝐹𝑊 🔞 No one under the age of 18 past this point, makes me feel weird if you read it.

・Gives you complete and utter respect both in and out of the bedroom.

・Has never and will never push you to do anything you don't want to do

・The first time you were together, it felt like your bodies were on fire. Meant to burn together. The words kept replaying over and over in your head as he touched you. A deep yearning overtook you and suddenly time stopped.

・His lips were warm, his hands cold but when he took off his clothes, you couldn't help but grin.

・There's such desire between you two that even your mount can sense it.

・Your sex life is very active - at least once a day. Maybe you're in your Honeymoon period, but you cannot keep your hands off one another when you're alone

・And when you're at feasts, Benji's hands find their way down your thigh, and slowing inching inbetween them.

"Really, here? Now?" You asked n a hushed tone, trying not to draw any attention to either of you.

"Yes. Here, now. Or we can go into the hallway and I will ravish you there. Upto you, wife."

[franzkafkagf]

daeron being so unlike his brothers and alicent feeling responsible for it. has daeron grown up to be kind because he was spared her influence? is her youngest so delightfully normal because he was raised hundreds of miles away from the red keep or from her?

aegon and aemond have been marred by shadows—one a ruler who was crushed beneath the weight of a crown he never wanted, the other a kinslayer who seems to escape from her grasp more and more. how has she, their own mother, failed them so profoundly?

how might aegon and aemond have been, had circumstances—had she—been different. was she the very thing that has doomed her two eldest sons? is she the poison?

[wh0reforcoriolanussnow]

Baby Blues || D. Targaryen x oc (Dear Motherhood Series)

GIF by @fireandbloodsource DIVIDERS by @straywords

summary: In which a 15 year old Leyla Hightower experiences postpartum depression and all of the Red Keep and Daemon himself, feel the wrath of it. (head-canon to second choice)

Dear Motherhood Series Masterlist

warning: oc is 15 when she gives birth

The babe’s cries was all the could be heard inside the birthing chamber. The handmaidens all gushed at the baby as they cleaned her up. Leyla laid there motionless. She had never experienced so much pain in all of her years.

Her head slowly turned to the door to which Daemon entered with a smile plastered on his face. He immediately moved to the bed where his Lady wife laid and kissed her forehead, “You did such a good job, ñuha ābrazȳrys” He whispered as Leyla only gave a tight lipped smile (my wife)

She watched as he moved away from her and to their daughter who they already found a name, Alyssa. All the noises around the room had become muffled to the young Hightower and she didn’t even realise that Daemon was talking to her.

“Leyla? I asked if you want to hold her” He cradled the little girl in his arms. She didn’t want to in all honesty. She felt so incredibly exhausted and her body still ached from delivering her child mere minutes ago.

“Okay” She whispered before Daemon laid the babe on her chest to which she groaned. “Why isn’t she properly cleaned” The young girl quipped , her head turned to the handmaidens who quickly apologised and scooped her up to clean her properly.

Watching the whole ordeal, Daemon held Leyla’s hand. “How are you feeling? I imagine the labour was not easy?” He attempted to comfort her but Leyla stared off into the distance, not replying to him.

The prince moved form the bed to a handmaiden, “Did anything happen during the labour?” He questioned as he stared at his Lady Wife. “No your Grace, everything went normal” She replied before curtsying and walking away.

~

Leyla walked alongside her Husband, a 2 month old Alyssa in her arms. The two walked into Godswood where there was a celebration held for her sister’s pregnancy.

Whispers could be heard around as they stared at the young Hightower. Daemon too felt the tense atmosphere as he rested his hand on the curve of Leyla’s back. Her face was cold and expressionless.

The past 2 months Leyla had been acting incredibly off. Everyone could notice it people around the Keep would constantly gossip and whisper about it. Maybe it was the fact that she was only 15, and yet she already has child to the Rogue Prince himself.

“If you wish to talk about me, at least talk to my face about it” Leyla’s cold words stunned the group of highborn ladies as they look down to the ground; Daemon too glares at the group who were gossiping about his Lady Wife.

She continued walking to her father, King Viserys, and her sister who saw the ordeal. “Sister, how are you” Alicent gives a warm smile to the younger as she hugs her, cautious of the baby in her arms. “The same as always, sister” Leyla deadpanned before turning to greet the King and her father.

Alicent looks to Daemon with a sad expression as he sighs. Leyla beckons for the wet nurse who quickly took the child out of her arms. She couldn’t even find it in herself to look at her daughter as she was taken away.

Both Daemon and Leyla were taken around to different conversations and the whole time, she would stare down at her cup and not utter a word. “Should we go retire to your solar?” The silver haired men says lowly against her head as she nods, Daemon knew she wanted rest, she didn’t even want to be here but she didn’t want to hurt her sister’s feelings by not showing up.

Leyla let out a loud sigh once she sat down. Daemon sat at the chair opposite and busied himself with a book. The wet nurse placed Alyssa back in her mothers arms. Soon after she immediately started crying as Leyla rocked her to try to stop her loud wails but to no avail, the Targaryen babe continued.

Daemon rubbed his temples as he watched his Lady Wife attempting to calm down their daughter. “Hasn’t she already been fed and changed?” Leyla looked to the wet nurse who looked nervous but nonetheless nodded.

“Then why does she keep crying?!” She muttered annoyed at her baby. “Take her, she’s driving me insane” The young Hightower stood up, ready to give Alyssa back to the wet nurse. “Alyssa is not going to be comforted by the wet nurse but by you Leyla” Daemon sternly spoke, his eyes not leaving the book.

Both the wet nurse and Leyla look at Daemon, Alyssa’s cries intensifying by the minute. “I am already exhausted as it is Daemon-“ “Your her mother, you should be able to soothe your own child, am I wrong?” Daemon finally looks up.

Leyla was baffled, she opened her mouth and closed it soon after. She felt like bawling her eyes out too. “Please, please, please Alyssa stop crying.” Her voice cracked as she patted the babe’s back and walked around her solar desperately trying to calm down her daughter.

The wet nurse and Daemon watch her as tears fall down Leyla’s eyes, Alyssa had still not stopped crying. Daemon stood up and walked over to Leyla and took their daughter from her arms.

He calmed her down in an instant as Leyla sat down, her hand massaging her forehead. The wet nurse took the baby from Daemon so that he could comfort his Lady Wife.

He said nothing as he moved her head against her chest as she sobbed. “I am so exhausted Daemon, Alyssa- she’s-she’s so much work and its draining me” She quietly spoke as Daemon did nothing but listen to her troubles and stroke her back soothingly.

“I am no cut out to be a mother-“ The door to her solar opened loudly and startled the girl. Quickly sitting up and wiping the remainder of her tears, Daemon rolled his eyes and leaned back on the chair, oh how he hated seeing his face around. If he wasn’t his wife’s father, Daemon would have slit his throat ages ago.

Otto first looked at the wet nurse who was rocking his granddaughter in her arms before looking at Leyla. With a stern voice he orders the wet nurse to leave, and then Daemon. “If you think I’m leaving my wife in the presence of her cunt of a father, your wrong” He chuckles as Otto’s lips part in disbelief.

“You think I’d harm my own flesh and blood, my Prince?” He raises an eyebrow at the silver haired man. With a shrug of his shoulders, Daemon looks at Leyla who’s gaze is on her hands as she picks at her nails. He holds her hand to stop her from harming herself before looming up at Otto.

“You’ve harmed her enough by arranging this marriage. Now, you either speak to her whilst I’m here or you don’t speak to her at all” Otto scoffs shaking his head before taking a seat opposite the two. “Daemon. It’s okay” Leyla finally looks up to him.

He lets out a breathe, “I’m not leaving this room,” He says before standing up and making his way to the bookshelf. The two Hightower’s watch the Prince before their attention go back to each other.

“There has been talk around the Red Keep that you have been acting differently,” He starts off, “And do you believe them? They’re just talk father, they know nothing” Leyla scoffs in disbelief. The fact that he assumes the talk is true without even consulting with his own daughter about it was sad.

“I don’t have to believe them Leyla, I have seen it myself,” Otto stares into his daughter’s soul as she gulps. His comment made Daemon look to the two. “It’s not difficult to notice how ignorant you are to your own child. Gods, you walk around the place like a ghost Leyla!” He half shouts.

Daemon makes his presence known as he takes a seat near the two of them. Leyla glances at him before looking at her father again, “Father I’ve just been tired and she’s alot of work!-“ “Don’t act as if you take care of the child. Your wet nurse and maids do.”

Daemon chuckles, “She takes better care of her own child than you ever did when Leyla’s mother died” He butts in. Ignoring the Prince’s comment Otto continues, “People are saying you are incapable of being a mother-“ “Because I am!” Leyla yells, leaning forward in her seat as tears start rolling down her face again.

Daemon shifts in his seat as he leans over and rubs her arm. Otto looks taken aback, he was not expecting that answer from her daughter. “Oh please father,” She chokes back a chuckle, “Don’t act as if you’re surprised. I’m 15 for gods sake! Of course I’m incapable of looking after another human being, what did you expect?” Leyla spat in anger.

All her pent up emotions building up from the past 2 months were finally spilling out. “You act as if it is my fault for your ill-manner behaviour towards your own flesh and flood!” Otto points to her. “If it wasn’t for your pressure of producing heirs for Daemon and this marriage, I wouldn’t be in this situation” Leyla spoke through gritted teeth.

Silence filled the room. “I think it’s best you leave, Otto” Daemon stands up and looks down at him. The man scoffs and gives one final look to his daughter before leaving the room.