#and alicent appealing to rhaenyra worked for me idk what to say

[llaw-eurog]

The finale worked for me 🤷🏻‍♀️

[venusmorning]

The Targaryen Prince and I. (Chapter 1 )

Male!Rhaenyra x Alicent Hightower AU (Both Show Version)

Disclaimer: This is not me erasing lesbian representation if anything I prefer the original ship but this is my personal take on what would happen if Rhaenyra had been born a boy and befriended Alicent still. Also: I’m not claiming any works as mine, I don’t own any of the characters or anything house of the dragon related, everything belongs to the rightful owners at HBO and George RR Martin. I have used the original script and I don’t claim the script as my own, plagiarism is wrong.

Notes: Rhaenyra’s name has been changed to Rhaegar.

Words: 1002

Trope: Friends To Lovers.

Warnings: Arranged Marriage (Both Agree Though), mentions of childbirth and pregnancy, but SFW. Mentions of Miscarriages and Stillbirths. Scheming Otto Hightower idk

Summary: The Prince Rhaegar Targaryen has a best friend, the Lady Alicent Hightower. Little do they know the Lord hand Otto Hightower, Alicent’s Father is scheming for them to marry, needless to say King Viserys complies.

The adolescent dragon, Syrax, had just returned with the Prince Rhaegar flying aback. The yellow-gold dragon set herself down gracefully at the command of the Prince, who eventually reached over to pamper the dragon for her memorable flight, but from a distance a carriage had arrived; Lady Alicent stepped out and marvels at Rhaegar’s bravery, very captivated by the strength of her friend. “Dohaerās, Syrax!” Shouted the dragonkeeper, Syrax quickly turned around toward the dragon pit. (The Dragon Keepers leading her of course) Leaving plenty of time for Rhaegar to stroll over to his best friend.

Ser Harrold Westerling, his sworn protector greeting the young prince on the way. At the sight of Alicent his faces lights up, “Syrax is growing quickly, she’ll soon be as large as Caraxes.” Lady Alicent said as Prince Rhaegar shifted closer, “that’s large enough to saddle two.” Prince Rhaegar lets out a smile at imagining being able to fly with his friend.

————————————

“You stink of dragon.” Alicent exclaimed her face mildly scrunching up, “I don’t have time to bathe, I do have time to visit my mother.” He replied. “Although I may need a sworn protector, I imagine she won’t be happy with the smell.” Rhaegar grinned at her but she only rolled her eyes, “I’m afraid I don’t possess any training.” She whispered letting out a little giggle, Rhaegar still determined took her hand in his. “You can appeal to her by kindness, it is quite the feat.” he said as they say travel up the castle stairs. “Mayhaps, I suppose I am at your loyal service my Prince.” She’s teased as they came closer to her mother’s private bedchamber.

There sat Rhaegar’s mother, Queen Aemma. She is croqueting a new piece of work whilst hands maids work busily and ladies in waiting are lighting candles for their soon dinner, it had been good ever since Rhaegar, a boy, was born. No more pregnancies for the Queen, no more grief, no more late afternoons of the 10 year old Prince Rhaegar crying into Alicent’s shoulder for comfort after his mother had suffered another miscarriage. In truth Queen Aemma and King Viserys had been content with their heir, Prince Rhaegar for a while, 8 years even. But still needed a spare in case the sudden death of the young prince. They had left it long enough according to Viserys’s council. They had tried, really tried, but after the third time of failure gave up for the Queen’s sake, no matter what the Kings Council said. They would name Rhaegar as Viserys’s heir officially on his 10th name day, not so long since Aemma’s stillbirth.

But after that, Prince Rhaegar was watched all the time. He was discouraged from riding his dragon, or even a horse, it wasn’t as much the smell of dragon that frightened Queen Aemma but the thought of losing her only living son. The realms delight. He had befriended the hand of the kings daughter, Alicent after Otto had introduced them when they were no more than 8 years old. It was no surprise: Alicent was the hand of the kings daughter. Why wouldn’t she be at court? Although the rumours of Prince Rhaegar and Alicent being betrothed spread like wildfire, it is not true. At least not yet it isn’t.

All this to say, Queen Aemma had addressed Alicent but later lectured the young Prince for flying. After a short while of talking about the upcoming tourney the prince turned around with Alicent in tow, waving goodbye to his mother and making his way back out the castle. Prince Rhaegar made his way to the courtyard to go practise his swordsmanship with Lord Harrold Westerling, Alicent watched in a quiet but peaceful gaze. After a while of fencing he sat down next to Alicent, “Shall we go then?” he says.

——————————————

Alicent is sat down, back against the weirwood tree whilst Rhaegar has his head in her lap. The carved face in the tree seems to stare down at them both, “Did you actually read it?” Alicent says sarcastically, “Of course.” He replies trying to act shocked. “Okay how about this.” She says sitting up slightly and getting ready to test her friend. “When Princess Nymeria came to Dorne, who did she take to husband?” Alicent says, testing him. “If you reply with "Lord Something," Septa Marlow will be furious.” She says bewildered. “So? She's funny when she's furious.” Rhaegar answers. Alicent, utterly frustrated closes the book and gets up wresting away. “Where are you going now?” He says teasing her, Alicent not appreciating his tone of voice. “I’m going home, the hour is late.” She replies. Rhaegar stands up letting out a sigh of annoyance, “Princess Nymeria led her Rhoynar across the Narrow Sea on ten thousand ships to flee their Valyrian pursuers. She took Lord Mors Martell of Dorne to husband and burned her own fleet off Sunspear to show her people that they were finished running.” Rhaegar leans in as Alicent opens the page and smiles amiably at Rhaegar’s knowledge, to her surprise he rips out the page of the book. “What do you think you’re doing?!” She shouts. “So you remember.” He replies handing her the torn piece of parchment. “If the septa sees this book-“ she squabbles before being interrupted, “fuck the septa.” He says a frown emerging. “Rhaegar!” But the both of them only giggle as the birds tweet behind them.

A warm feeling emerged in Rhaegar’s heart as he stared at Alicent, his cousin Laena, had asked many a time when he was planning to wed Alicent, he’d only snort at her as a young child, but now that he was older whenever he would visit Driftmark and bare witness to her teasing, he would simply roll his eyes and ignore the racing of his heart at the thought of marrying Alicent, He doesn’t know it himself, but perhaps he loves that girl. But I’ll tell you who does know. Lord Otto Hightower, and he’s not opposed to it. In fact, he fully welcomes it.

[lemonhemlock]

Ugh, you’re so brave for saying that you don’t agree with the Madonna/Whore complex. I agree, it feels dismissive to me.

The way I rationalize Criston’s berserker moments are: 1) lazy writing ofc 2) almost like a trauma response? When he lashes out he seems to do so in response to an affront on his character. Joffrey’s whole deal comes off as blackmail when you look at it from his perspective, and Beesbury, I’m gonna need to expand on his relationship with Alicent for a bit: 

Criston has spent nearly 20 years watching as she tries to adhere to her values and duty while Viserys (who she ends up taking care of) and co. abuse and humiliate her. 

Like Alicent (and Aemond and Otto), I’m sure he’s tired of watching the Targs they have to serve get away with things that would get them killed. And still they’re held to a higher standard than the Targaryens who rule and use them. So when Beesbury accuses her of regicide, he sees it as his duty to protect her and the sacrifices she’s had to make. 

 I feel like they validate each other and the people they want to be. It must be exhausting being surrounded by people who do what they want for pleasure over duty. Their bond makes them feel less lonely and maybe even less stupid/naive: “I have to believe, that in the end, honor and decency will prevail. We need to hew to that and to each other.” (That’s why their scene in the Godswood took place during a wedding, they’re practically married imo 🙊 it’s a play on the nuclear family.)

Sorry for the essay lol, my reblog function is nonexistent on my phone idk why and I clearly had a lot to say. You’re the best for entertaining this tangent 💚.

Ugh, you’re so brave for saying that you don’t agree with the Madonna/Whore complex. I agree, it feels dismissive to me.

Thank you! Like, I have no illusions that the showrunners might feel the madonna-whore/incel thing is appealing to the audience, so they're milking it, but even so, it doesn't vibe with what ended up on the damn screen. I never understood the incel allegations for Ser Criston either. Incel describes a person who can't access sex/romance, no matter how hard they try. Whereas Criston could absolutely get it??? Even Rhaenyra is willing to keep fucking him? 😑

These modern labels get so stupid sometimes, for real. Imagine calling a medieval queen a tradwife. JFC. As opposed to what? A fourth-wave intersectional feminist? An independent self-supporting woman working her way up the corporate ladder by the skin of her teeth? 🙄

The way I rationalize Criston’s berserker moments are: 1) lazy writing ofc

Well, kind of, yeah. In the text, Criston kills Joffrey during a tourney, so there's more ambiguity on whether it was accidental or not. And makes much more sense (it happens during a socially-acceptable framework for ending someone's life), because now, for the show, they have to invent a far-fetched reason as to why this person is allowed to indiscriminately kill people at a wedding without facing any consequences. Not exactly something you could do 100% organically and seamlessly - you have to pull some ridiculous explanation out of your arse.

2) almost like a trauma response? When he lashes out he seems to do so in response to an affront on his character. Joffrey’s whole deal comes off as blackmail when you look at it from his perspective

In the show, this is the most likely explanation for his actions, yeah. He's been on a rollercoaster of emotions, from renouncing his vows, convincing himself he is in love or that Rhaenyra loves him, contemplating a radical life change (i.e. fleeing to Essos), rapid disillusionment, fearing for his life to being forgiven by the Queen and thinking he has a second chance to being threatened/blackmailed while in a vulnerable state. In a social situation where he has to watch the woman he cared for willingly marry another, after carelessly disregarding him.

and Beesbury, I’m gonna need to expand on his relationship with Alicent for a bit:  Criston has spent nearly 20 years watching as she tries to adhere to her values and duty while Viserys (who she ends up taking care of) and co. abuse and humiliate her.  Like Alicent (and Aemond and Otto), I’m sure he’s tired of watching the Targs they have to serve get away with things that would get them killed. And still they’re held to a higher standard than the Targaryens who rule and use them. So when Beesbury accuses her of regicide, he sees it as his duty to protect her and the sacrifices she’s had to make. 

Beesbury's death is presently differently in the text, too. Grand Maester Orwyle, who was present, claims he was arrested and died of a chill in the black cells. Although this can still be interpreted as lack of care, it's more reasonable than outright murder. Septon Eustace, who was NOT present, claims Ser Criston slit Beesbury's throat, so you know. 🤷‍♀️ At least for this action, they had something to go on. I think that in the show he is trying to make him sit back down and ~accidentally~ uses too much force on him.

What I find interesting is that Orwyle is supposed to give an account that is more biased towards Rhaenyra and he claims that Beesbury was arrested, whereas Eustace is supposed to be more biased in favour of Aegon and he claims Beesbury was killed on the spot.

Though I do have to mention the ridiculousness of HOSUE BEESBURY OF HONEYHOLT, A REACH HOUSE, SIDING WITH RHAENYRA. 😐

 I feel like they validate each other and the people they want to be. It must be exhausting being surrounded by people who do what they want for pleasure over duty. Their bond makes them feel less lonely and maybe even less stupid/naive: “I have to believe, that in the end, honor and decency will prevail. We need to hew to that and to each other.” (That’s why their scene in the Godswood took place during a wedding, they’re practically married imo 🙊 it’s a play on the nuclear family.)

Yes! It is telling that Alicent's interruption of Criston's planned suicide takes place under a weirwood tree (considered sacred) and the frames are interposed with imagery from Rhaenyra's wedding! She's also filmed a little in the distance and has to walk towards him off-screen - kind of like walking towards the altar (i.e. weirwood) to her groom, whose new life begins with her by his side. They're cute. 💚

Sorry for the essay lol, my reblog function is nonexistent on my phone idk why and I clearly had a lot to say. You’re the best for entertaining this tangent 💚.

No worries! You're very welcome, lol. I'm glad to see a fellow fanon revisionist. 😅

[atopvisenyashill]

[title redacted for legal reasons]

i actually am most interested in maegor/rhaena but i’ve never found a fic i liked for them (except this noncon one here, it’s mostly porn with some slight character introspection with maegor) and also i’m obsessed with rhaenyra/viserys but ditto there, there’s not even good porn of those two. there’s also not any cat/robb which imo is a travesty considering i am convinced that michelle fairly and richard madden fucked nasty on set. i find ramsay/theon interesting aesthetically but i need some sort of emotional buy in from both parties and i just don’t read ramsay as being obsessively in love with theon so it’s not super interesting to me to read about. which leaves the one that people actually write fic about and coincidentally is the one i’m most interested in.

BUT. the problem i have here is that most aligon fic tends to go the route of aegon ordering alicent into ~something fucked up after he’s crowned, which isn’t to say this can’t be done in a way i really enjoy, like this one here that i think is just amazing, seriously it’s actually the one i think about the most, aegon’s dialogue just rings in my head. but most of these involve alicent actively fighting aegon (which is like, probably the point tbf) but on an emotional level i’m more interested in aegon attempting to seduce her than just forcing himself on her.

that’s part of why i really like this series, because it’s very much a back and forth dynamic where they are re-enacting their traumas on each other but like, willingly repeating the cycles over again against each other until they’re so disgusted they can’t go on (don’t read it unless you want your day ruined tho lmao).

there’s this one that basically does exactly what i’m bitching about tho - aegon forcing himself on alicent right as he’s being made king - but this one has it focus more on the moment she doesn’t tell him she loves him and then doesn’t just turn immediately into noncon porn, it really digs into the two of them and the structural issues surrounding consent, which is why i like it. i realize it’s maybe a big ask for well written incestuous sexy character pieces, but that’s why i’m pointing out the ones i like lmaooo because this one does a thing that’s also very common - aegon getting fixated on alicent’s seven pointed star necklace - and it’s also really sex heavy while still saying something about the characters (besides “i think tom and olivia are hot” i mean). i think the more forceful behavior from aegon works here because he is trying to seduce her, and also trying to punish her for hurting him. i’m also a sucker for fics that try to work within canon, taking something this fucked up and complex and pretending it’s happening just offscreen. idk, i think that’s fun!

there’s also this one, mostly it’s sex but it’s fucked up interesting sex and also from aegon’s pov which is rare tbh most of them focus on alicent, but i liked seeing the play of anger, sexual violence, and intimacy in his head here.

most of the rest of it that i’ve found is much more on the noncon side and like,,,,,, that’s just not the appeal to me for this one, it’s about them deciding to drown together, it is important and integral to the dynamic that alicent is at least a little into it and being forced to confront both her own revulsion towards targaryen incest practices as well as her own complicity in that cycle continuing to harm her own children, and aegon can’t just be the aggressor to alicent’s madonna here, he needs to be purposefully trying to pull her in because he’s conflated sex and violence and family and romance, and wants her to want him back. alicent has gotta be eroticizing her own disgust and reenacting her time as a teenage mother otherwise what are we even doing here!!!!

cersei/taena doesn’t count as dead dove that’s just regular fucked up lesbian shenanigans it’s fine. i see the appeal of otto/alicent but rhys doesn’t do anything for me i think he has negative charisma i’m sorry. i don’t think i’m interested in any others tbh, the main draws are maegor/rhaena and alicent/aegon.