#but then things break down. rhaenyra is closer with Viserys again while her relationship with Alicent has fallen through again

[the-daily-dreamer]

The thing about the breakdown of the Rhaenicent relationship that is talked about but I think is still severely overlooked is the key role that both girls/women (specifically Rhaenyra) play in its destruction.

Because the fandom focuses in on this narrative that the relationship broke down solely because of the ambitions of men. And aside from that fueling the annoying idea that all women are inherently passive victims that suffer because men are ambitious and violent, it’s simply wrong.

While the catalyst was certainly Otto’s ambition and Viserys’s weakness (and perversion), Rhaenyra and Alicent’s relationship truly breaks down because of Rhaenyra’s entitlement, self-serving nature, and inability to see outside of herself and her experiences and Alicent’s (in my opinion reasonable) reactions toward this over time.

The beginning of the break down comes from Otto forcing Alicent to comfort the king and Viserys knowing his desire for her is wrong and forcing her to keep quiet about their visits until he decides to marry her without her prior knowledge or consent. And Rhaenyra (and the fandom) sees this as the ultimate betray against her by Alicent. Rhaenyra holds more resentment against Alicent for the engagement than she does against her father. Why is this? Some might say that it’s because she’s closer with Alicent and therefore would expect more from her than her father (whose relationship with her has been broken by the murder death of her mother). But I don’t think that’s fully the case.

While Rhaenyra having a higher expectation of Alicent may be a reason for her increased and unequal resentment, I think the main reason is that Rhaenyra cannot fathom Alicent could do this because she has never been in this position. Rhaenyra sees this as Alicent being complicit in the deceit and seduction because Rhaenyra would simply rebel. She can’t understand why Alicent wouldn’t simply say “no” to her father or betray the king for her. Rhaenyra’s world view is very blinded by her privilege. She simply thinks Alicent should and could defy her own father because…Rhaenyra has and will again. Rhaenyra is able to disobey her father and get away with it so why can’t Alicent? Ignoring the fact that a crown princess has vastly more power than the daughter of the hand, Viserys is a weak and compliant parent compared to Otto’s manipulative and stern nature. It’s easy for Rhaenyra to disobey because the consequences are either nonexistent or very mild. Alicent doesn’t have this luxury and privilege but Rhaenyra can’t conceive of it.

But also, Rhaenyra sees her father as…her dad. Not the king. Rhaenyra sees it as easy to defy him and his orders because he is her father first and her king second. But for Alicent that is the king. The most powerful man in the world. Defying him could have disastrous consequences for her and her father. But because Rhaenyra doesn’t force herself to see things from another’s perspective, she doesn’t see it as Alicent being beholden to the man who could (if he wanted to) ruin her family or kill her and her father but rather her friend not betraying her dad.

After this we see Alicent be the one to continuously try to extend an olive branch and support Rhaenyra behind the scenes. Asking for Rhaenyra to have the option to choose who she marries (a privilege and kindness Alicent, herself, and every other woman in this universe hasn’t had). Reaffirming Rhaenyra as the right choice for heir when Viserys is questioning his decisions. Defending Rhaenyra against rumors that would damage her reputation. And all Alicent gets in return is snark, anger, and lies (leading to Alicent’s isolation and suffering in court).

Which leads to event two that breaks the relationship: Rhaenyra’s entitled behavior and lying. Alicent spends a great deal of her time coinciding her husband in favor of Rhaenyra. But Rhaenyra, seeing herself as exceptional and above the rules, continuously acts out in ways that hurt her standing. Most especially with her decision to go out and try to sleep with daemon and then pushing Criston to sleep with her.

Alicent is the one to be transparent with Rhaenyra about the “rumor” to get her side. Something Viserys would simply not care enough to do. Rhaenyra, knowing her actions being confirmed would be disastrous, tells half truths to Alicent who is all too eager to believe and support her friend. Even worse, she uses the memory of her mother, something she knows Alicent holds incredibly sacred, to further convince Alicent that she’s telling the truth. And this decision by Rhaenyra to lie (over something she knows Alicent holds dear and has used multiple times to try to connect with her) to protect herself directly harms Alicent as her father and only ally in court is kicked out and ostracized. But that’s not Rhaenyra’s concern. While Alicent has given a lot of effort to protect and defend Rhaenyra, Rhaenyra is far too focused on her on wishes and desires to care about the impacts her choices have on anyone else.

And that’s why when Alicent finds out that it was a lie, a lie that got her father taken away from her, she goes full scorched earth and wears the green dress. Because she realizes that Rhaenyra will never stop being entitled and self-serving. She realizes that all this time and effort she has put into fixing things with Rhaenyra and defending her is completely one sided. Because Rhaenyra can only see things from her perspective and can only see things based on how she can benefit even to the detriment of others (herself, her father, Criston, etc.).

Then the final nail in the coffin is the birthing of bastards. At this point Alicent has had her eyes opened to how Rhaenyra will do as she pleases without considering the consequences (to herself and others) and then she watches Rhaenyra flagrantly birth obvious bastard after obvious bastard, pushing the children she was forced to have further and further down the line of succession behind kids who objectively should not have the throne. And it makes her bitter and jealous and as she should be. The fandom is too obsessed with marking Alicent as the reason the relationship was destroyed because she was unnecessarily jealous of poor Rhaenyra who was just so brave to do as she pleased!

But it’s a spit in the face to Alicent. That Alicent was pimped out and forced the have children with a man she didn’t love at the ripe old age of 15 hole Rhaenyra is free to take a lover and birth obvious bastards and get away with it. She has every right to be angry. Not because she thinks all women should be submissive and bend to patriarchy. Because she is watching how privileged Rhaenyra is before her very eyes while she was forced to suffer the way almost every other woman has.

While I acknowledge that Viserys and Otto are the catalyst for the breakdown of Rhaenyra and Alicent’s relationship. Rhaenyra’s flagrant disregard for others and her entitlement are what truly break the relationship until Alicent is no longer willing to be submissive and accepting of Rhaenyra’s behavior. And this in turn, causes her to make choices that service her and her children. The way Rhaenyra has always done and always will.

The breakdown of rhaenicent was always inevitable regardless of which men were involved. Because at their core, Rhaenyra would always put herself first and Alicent would always come to the realization she is no longer willing to be a doormat.

[heartysworld]

King of the Narrow Sea || Daemon Targaryen x Reader

A/N: BIIIISH when I tell you I'm still shocked by the new episode! I have so many new ideas flowing in my mind I can't even choose one. So this is something like a recap of the entire episode,with slight changes of course to make it more interesting! I hope you like it! <3

Word count: 3k

PART 2

The ship with your family sigil caught your eyes as you rode your dragon Tessarion alongside Daemon and Caraxes. Today was the day you return to your home after running away two years ago to follow your uncle into battle.

You saw through you father's eyes and his refusal to name you or your younger sister heir to the Iron Throne. That's why a night after Daemon's departure you saddled Tessarion and flew to Driftmark.

Before your departure you and Daemon had shared a few kisses in secret but never took things further. It was during the war that you became a constant visitor in his tent, spending the night either in his arms or underneath his toned body while his hips snapped into yours. At the beginning it was only the pleasure that you were seeking, but after a significantly bad attack on your encampment, Daemon was severely injured, this was the moment that unlocked your true feelings that led to your confession and current relationship. Nobody from your birthplace knew about this,the only witnesses were the soldiers from Driftmark who had no plans on making any visits to the capital after years long war.

Caraxes lowered closely to the ship, hitting its mast with his enormous body.

You were able to make out your sister's form on board shouting with as much power as you had, gaining her attention.

"Whooooah!" You screamed while the two dragons flew towards the castle in the distance.

You and your loved strode by each other's side towards the Throne room,your hands entwined together. Daemon had a crown on his head and so did you. You had taken over the Stepstones together, you were not about to quarrel over who gets a crown and who doesn't

The doors were already opened when you caught them in your eyesight causing you to leave Daemon's hand and step away from him. Nobody could know,not yet.

The two of you walked down the stairs,all eyes on you alongside whispers behind your backs. You were able to spot Rhaenyra in the crowd, throwing a quick smirk in her direction. Your father stood from his throne,the crown on his head and his sword in hand.

The moment you got a bit too close to the steps leading to the throne the two guards that stood aside drew their swords, pressing them to yours and Daemon's chests.

"We come with peace,father." You said, breaking the silence in the throne room.

Viserys slowly stepped closer to you and Daemon, eyes falling on the two crowns you carried.

"I see it is no longer just me,who carries the weight of a crown. Do you also call yourself King and Queen?" Your father said, his face emotionless.

"I have been named King of the Narrow Sea, and a King deserves a Queen." Daemon said. These words were not the most appropriate way to start,given the fact you had ran away from home to follow him in his exile,and came back with a crown on your head.

"We were the ones to end the conflicts that threatened our Kingdom,my King. These crowns are a mere sign of our victory, the only true King is you...father, and we all know this." You said, kneeling in front of him,Daemon doing the same.

"And who holds the Stepstones?" Your father asked

"The rides, the crabs,and two thousand dead Triarchy corsairs staked to the sand to warn those who might follow." Daemon answered.

More whispered followed after his response.

You could make out a small smile appearing on your father's lips as the sound of his sword clicking on the ground was heard.

His shoes fell in your eyesight as he spoke again.

"Rise,both of you." Your father said.

You and Daemon stood up to your feet, looking at your father waiting for his next steps or words.

Seconds later both of you were in his arms as he hugged you. Applause followed from everyone who watched around you as the three of you were now walking towards the doors you came from.

The next day was spent in celebrations dedicated to the success of your and your uncle's victory that secured the Stepstones to Westeros.

Rhaenyra barely left your side, following after you everywhere. You couldn't blame her,she was stuck here in court while you roamed around freely for over two years. You loved your sister dearly, but you also desired a few moments alone with you lover.

"Something is different... I can see it, sister. Something has changed between you and uncle during those years you were away. Would you mind enlightening me or should I say it myself?" Rhaenyra asked, laughing as you chocked on a lemon cake you were eating.

"Rhaenyra!" You scolded while her laughter caught the attention of your father,his new wife and your uncle. Daemon's eyes lingered over you for a few seconds before he returned to his conversation with the King. This did not go unnoticed by Alicent, however.

You knew you had to be more careful, at least until it was appropriate to speak of this with your father.

"I want to spend more time with you. How about we take a walk around the city together? Maybe at night too?!" Rhaenyra asked.

At first you were hesitant but then the idea of showing her the reality of life you agreed.

"I'm sure Daemon and I could come up with a plan to sneak the young princess out of the castle. Expect a note by sunset." You said, leaving her to find your lover and share with him your sister's wish.

Night had fallen when Rhaenyra finally retired to her chambers. What caught her eye was an old dirty bag that contained ever dirtier clothes taken from Gods know where. Amongst the clothes there was also a note that said "You wanted to go on an adventure, so let it be this way. Follow the tunnel that is shown here. We are waiting for you." The younger princess wasted no time in changing her clothes and following the directions written on the parchment.

You and Daemon waited for your younger sister on one of the more secluded staircases in the castle that was unknown to most of the people from Court. Daemon had an arm wrapped around your waist while he peppered your neck with kisses, making your giggle.

"Ah, she's here." You said, eyes falling on the silhouette of Rhaenyra who now looked like a peasant boy.

"Are we going? Or shall I leave you two alone?" She asked,beside you Daemon chuckled before taking one of your hands in his, leading the way while Rhaenyra followed behind you two.

It has been a long time since you last roamed around the city at night, not much has changed. Daemon kept you close to him,one arm always around you waist while you kept your eyes on your sister who seemed to be amazed by eberu single thing her eyes caught sight of.

You watched a play about the royal family, quite offensive one, you visited a tavern where you watched your sister take her first sip of alcohol. At the end of your midnight roaming around the city you ended in front of Daemon's favorite pleasure houses on Silk Street.

"What is this place?" The younger Princess asked as the three of you walked inside.

The bodies of naked men and women laid around every single inch of the place, sounds of skin slapping against skin audible to the ear alongside moans and whimpers.

"This is where people come to get what they want." Daemon said,the hand that held yours dragging your body close to his, laying a kiss on your lips.

"Fucking is a pleasure,you see. For the woman as it is the man." He added as his hands moved towards the ties at the front of your shirt, untying them, leaving your breasts to fall out free hitting the cold air.

Next his hands found your pants, pulling them down as thef fabric went to you knees. All this while your little sister watched.

"You brought me here...to watch the two of you?" Rhaenyra asked.

"No...we brought you here to learn, little dragon." You said while Daemon's hands roamed around your body lifting up your shirt , throwing it somewhere away. The sightof your naked body made your sister's eyes widen.

"Don't be so surprised, little sister. It is nothing to be shocked about. " You breathed out,your line of speech being broken by Daemon's cock slipping inside your already wet pussy, making you moan loudly. Your hands roamed around his back, going up to his hair tugging it harshly while your lips moved against his,bodies going against each other in sync. Unable to watch the scene in front of her anymore, Rhaenyra ran away, out of the pleasure house all the way to the Red Keep.

You and Daemon spent the night in each other's arms, first in the pleasure house then inside his chambers where he kept you up all night. Streaks of sun were starting to enter the room when the two of you fell asleep.

Your peace, however, did not last long. Probably half an hour after you entered the world of the dreaming you were woken up by gueards flooding the room. Daemon woke up startled as three armoured men took him by his arms, dragging him away from the bed. There was only one thing that could've happened and that was your father finding out.

You quickly threw on a robe, tying it around your body as you ran after the Kingsguard. Your suspicions were correct,they were taking Daemon to the throne room.

You dared not enter, wanting to hear what your father had to say before you interfiered.

"You have not been back for ever a week and you are already pulling the rug under my feet! Have I not been a good brother to you, Daemon?! Have I not forgiven any foolish thing you have ever done?! You went to war against my word, I forgave you, my daughter followed you blinded by your speeches of power and mightiness, I forgave you! But this...this is unforgivable!" You father screamed as one of his feet landed on Daemon's stomach.

You watched, hidded, as the man you loved laid on the flood squirming in pain.

"Can I at least hear the accusations before I try to discredit them?" He asked, coughing in pain.

"My oldest daughter." Viserys said, walking in circles around Daemon. "You defiled her." He said through gritted teeth, landing another kick this time on his back.

Seconds later Daemon started laughing through the pain, angering his brother even more.

"You won't even try to deny it!" The King said, kneeling over Daemon as he pressed a dagger against his neck. The sight made you freeze in your spot,this was going too far.

"When I gave you that crown you said I could have anything I wanted. I want Y/N, I will take her as she is. I will wed her in the traditions of our family. That is the only thing left." Daemon said, his voice hoarse.

"The only thing left? What nonsense are you spitting?! I can slit your throat just for speaking these words out loud! " Your father said.

"She's carrying my child. Our child." Daemon answered, a smirk appearing on his face.

"All the lies you've spoken and you continue!" Your father screamed, raising the dagger in the air.

"It's true!" You yelled, showing yourself from your hiding spot. "Please father, don't hurt him." You added,a sob escaping your mouth.

"What have you done,Y/N." Viserys said, his eyes held both anger and disappointment.

"I have done what was needed to be happy, father. Had I followed royal protocol I would've ended miserable in a marriage to some man who's older than my own father." You sobbed, one hand going to your stomach, pressing on the fabric of the robe which made your swollen belly more prominent.

"You don't know love." Viserys said,voice low almost like a whisper.

"I do! I do know love and I have found it in the man who you are about to behead, leaving me miserable and my child half an orphan!" You yelled as angry tears started falling down your cheeks. "You speak as if you didn't love mother! You know how you felt when she left us! Now you want to take away the man I love,the father of your own grandchild!?"

Your father kept the weapon to Daemon's neck for a few moments longer before snapping it away.

"Leave to Dragonstone, or don't. Save the remains of your honor, if there are any. I do not wish to see you anymore." Viserys said, walking away from the throne room.

Daemon stood up, embracing you in his arms the second he got close enough while you cried ugly tears against his chest.

The two of you left that day, only leaving a letter to your sister as a goodbye and another one addressed to your father, if he ever wished to read it.

You and Daemon married a fortnight after arriving at Dragonstone, an old Valyrian ritual was done,just like the family tradition.

Months passed turning into years. The birth of your daughter was one of the brightest moments in your life. When she was brought into the world your biggest fear was Daemon's reaction to her. All your pregnancy he spent calling your babe his mighty prince,but it turned out being a princess. She was small compared to you,cooing softly while you held her.

You still remember the moment Daemon was called into the birthing chambers,an excited grin on his face as he almost ran to your bedside, taking in the looks of his child.

A head fu of silverish white hair and violet eyes stared at him. The little princess was moving her arms around as she tried to find something to grip on,that happened to be her father's thumb.

"Look at you, my dear prince, already so strong." Daemon's words made your heart crack. He wanted a son and you had given him a daughter. You could only pray that this small babe won't have to endure her father's wrath.

" We have a daughter,my love." You whispered,words barely audible as your eyes refused to look somewhere else except your daughter. Daemon remained motionless beside you,his lack of response made your eyes water. Everything you fought for was about to end now.

"Then I shall be proud I have such a strong daughter, she's going to knock out every single one of her filthy cousins when she grows up." Daemon said, happiness evident in his voice.

You suddenly looked up at him with teary eyes, wasting no time in pulling his head down to yours, connecting your lips.

A small wail broke you out of the moment, your daughter directing all the attention to her once again.

You looked down at her, laughing quietly. "She's already like her father, sassy and fiesty." You said smiling at her.

"Well, her mother is not much different I would say. She's perfect. I love you so much... thank you for bringing her to us." Daemon said, pressing a kiss against your hair.

This was five years ago, the nameless back then babe was now named Maelyssa. Her character was a complete copy of her dad, wanting to explore every single place she laid her eyes on, achieving every single task she gave herself. She grew up around dragon,happy with the beautiful creatures and bonding with them.

It was the dawn of Maelyssa's birthday when a message arrived,your family sigil on the wax stamp.

Daemon read it slowly while you waited for him to finish it and say what it was about.

Your husband's head lifted from the letter, remaining silent.

"What is it, Daemon,tell me now!" You demanded,your patience getting thinner by the second.

"The King is dead." Daemon answered. Your heart stopped at his words as tears filled your eyes. "And he has named you his heir."

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