#this is the one time I feel bad for Rhaenyra because she really never had a chance in that way

[bohemian-nights]

Changing tradition takes time, effort and will power. The mad King started killing people for sh/ts and giggles and people rebelled against him. Just because you’re King it doesn’t mean people will listen to you. It means that legally they have to but a lot of time they don’t because at the end of the day you can’t force an adult to do anything. Viserys unfortunately failed to realize this and created a mess for his family.

Yep, Gollum screwed up big time. If he wanted Rhaenyra to remain heir he should’ve just taken a mistress. She would’ve inherited the throne with no problems(provided she still married Daemon, she would have 0 competition).

Even without the bastard situation, due to the precedent set of the preference of male rule over female rule(the same precedent that allowed him to become king) the moment he died her claim was always going to be challenged as long as she had a legitimate brother.

[slaytheusurper]

⭑ The prince of pleasure ⭑

Masterlist

Pairing: Aegon II Targaryen x Niece!reader

Summary: You and your uncle always had fun growing up and when you see each other years later, he knows just where to take your for some real fun.

Warnings: NSFW, 18+ mdni, family feud, Aegon being a bad influence, making out, grinding/dry humping, oral (f receiving), vaginal sex, titty sucking.

A/N: Inspired by Rhaenyra's and Daemon's adventures, and parts of dinner scene in episode 8 S1. Can you tell I miss season one :(?

Word count: 4.6k

Your heart almost came up in your throat as you descended the stairs behind your family. After the petition and the announcement of your brother's bethrotals, the king wished to spend supper with his entire family, finally reunited. This was, of course, doomed from the start. The strained and tense relationships had never really washed away. There had always been a weird dynamic between your two uncle’s and you and your brothers. But one thing was for sure, you all kind of ganged up on Aemond. He was just easy to pick on. This created a sort of mischievous and friendly dynamic between you and Aegon. You both hadn’t seen each other since the whole ‘incident’ on Driftmark. Eager to see him but also anxious were the only words you could use to describe the weird feeling in your abdomen. 

Both of you had grown into your own person, you had finally gone through puberty, curved hips, filled out breasts, sharper and more defined features. And even your silver hair had grown longer, but tonight it was braided in the style of your house. As well as being styled in a beautiful red and black dress. And as you finally arrived, before the king it seemed, you saw him there. He turned around in his chair, his mouth slightly agape as he took you in. His hands seemed bigger, his shoulders broader, circles under his eyes and his lips stained red from wine. A habit he hadn’t grown out of by the looks of him. You took a deep breath at the sight of him, pressing any affectionate feelings deep down. 

He quickly turned back in his seat as you and your family took yours. Of course, your brother had to leave one chair between him and Aegon as his betrothed sat on his right side. Are you fucking kidding me, why couldn’t he have just been mature and took the seat. To avoid suspicion you tried to set your thoughts aside and hurriedly took your seat, already earning a confused look from your mother. Luckily for you there wasn’t any time for conversation as the arrival of the king was announced and you had to stand up again. When he was seated at the table as well, he started off with a speech that quickly got drowned out by your own thoughts. Somehow you couldn’t shake the feeling of him staring. But why would he?

However, your intuition was right because just as you glanced to the side, you already caught him staring. That bastard only made things harder. You could feel his glances on you the entirety of your grandsire’s speech. It made you want to be sucked up by the floor, never to be seen again. But why couldn’t you help yourself from glancing once every while either? All those thoughts were put to a stop when the king sat down again. Your family started a seemingly peaceful conversation with one another. But then, the inevitable... Aegon leaned to his right, where you were seated, and got a bit closer to your ear. The stench of wine and his musk, which was way more enticing than you wanted to admit, filling your nose.

“It’s been a long time hasn’t it, dear niece?” Fuck- His voice had matured too, not as nasal and annoying as it once was. But deep and smooth, cold and hot at the same time. But he had more of a mischievous tone to it, which instantly made goosebumps ripple over your skin. “Yes it has. Still a strong taste for wine I see.” You mused. Keeping a light but inviting tone yourself. “Oh- and she has become more brazen as well.” He grinned, still keeping close to you. You knew he was planning on fucking up this whole dinner tonight, but maybe you were looking forward to that. The annoying voice of Otto Hightower already making you lose your patience. “As well?” You gave him a questioning look, finally acknowledging him. 

“Must I really say it?” He was clearly drunk with the way he observed your tits in the corseted dress. You must admit, you did pick one of your more revealing gowns tonight. Either by accident or on purpose, Aegon cared not. He was just glad you seemed to give him a view to enjoy tonight. “Yes, you must. What do you mean by that?” Clearly you had no idea what he insinuated and oh did that make this all more perfect for Aegon. “Fine. You have matured. Grown into your body, I suppose.” Lowering his voice and choosing more careful words. He didn’t want this dinner to be over yet. “Oh- I- uhm, thank you uncle. That is kind of you to say. You have matured as well. Less...skinny.” That earned you a grin, one you had missed more than you thought. 

Your brothers were always fun to be around but as they got older they started to become more serious. Something that hadn’t caught up with you yet. Jace cared more about his studies and Luke about training with the sword, and Joffrey was too young to have any real fun with. But Aegon hadn't changed as much it seemed, and it made you happy. Knowing that during your stay, you could maybe find some good company in him. Maybe even make it like the old days and pester Aemond a bit, although he had matured too and become more intimidating, so you decided against that part. That was especially proven when the king parted for the night and a pig was brought in, and set right in front of Aemond. Giving one glance to your brothers, you three couldn’t help but let out a snigger. To which Aemond rose from his seat, slamming his hands on the table in a fit of rage, one he hadn’t felt since the old days.

“Final tribute.” He began as he raised his cup to which Aegon mirrored him. You gave your brothers a knowing look. This could only go one way. “To the health of my nephews.” There we go. “Jace, Luke and Joffrey. Each of them handsome, wise…strong.” Alicent gave Aemond a warning but he didn’t give a single fuck, too blinded by hurt and embarrassment. “Come, let us drain our cups to these three strong boys.” You didn’t think he would really go there as Aegon was usually the one to ruin events but Aemond always had a taste for the dramatics. “I dare you say that again.” Jace spoke up, he was always sensitive about the rumours and accusations. Saying you could never understand with your Valyrian features. “Why? ‘Twas only a compliment. Do you not think yourself strong?” 

Aemond really had to take it further. Jace at this point had stood up and stalked towards Aemond in a fury. Aaand dinner ruined. Jace landed the first punch, then all hell broke loose. Luke stood up as well wanting to help his brother defend their honour. But Aegon stopped him slamming him on the table. Making you stand up and push Aegon off him. Your mother and Alicent were all yelling at this point, guards were stepping in and you were all pulled off each other. “Why would you say such a thing in front of all these people?” Alicent scowled. “I was merely expressing how proud I am of my family mother. Although my nephews aren’t quite as proud of theirs!” Aemond raised his voice, really making sure your brothers heard it. Jace broke free, ready to launch himself at Aemond again but Daemon stopped him. “Go to your quarters, all of you go, now.” Your mother put an end to it. 

At least supper went as expected, however you knew you needed to clear your mind and cool off before going to bed so you sneaked out to the gardens. However while you were out, a knock landed on your door. Aegon stood there with a bag and a note. He didn’t expect you to disobey your mother and leave but that only confirmed he could make it up to you tonight. His way. He slid inside your chambers and left the bag accompanied by the note on your table, and sneaked away. This was the real test, he thought. To see if you were still the daring, brazen and reckless girl of all those years ago. 

When you returned to your chambers one of the guards let you know who stopped by. And that he left something in your chambers. Curious as to what Aegon could have possibly brought you, you hurriedly stepped inside and closed the door. There it was, the bag on the table and the note of course. Opening it with haste, your face fell into a frown, old dirty commoners clothes? What the fuck kind of gift was that? But your gaze fell on the note beside. You grabbed it and revealed the messy handwriting inside. “Meet me at the back entrance if you want a real fun experience tonight. -The Drunken Fool.” The smile on your face was uncontrollable as you discarded your regal gown and stepped into the musty clothes of the bag, pulling your hair into a bun to tuck underneath the hat that Aegon left in there as well. With one look in the mirror to make sure you didn’t leave any white strands out you left your chambers during the guards shift change, with there always being about two minutes between their shuffle. Something you remembered quite well from your childhood. 

Giggles and laughs almost escaped you every time you managed to evade guards and servants. At last you found your way outside, no one there recognizing you as you tried to make your way to Aegon. Passing a few people you met his gaze as he stood by the back entrance, a couple of feet away from you, wearing his usual attire and accompanied by two men. You smiled at him and started to walk over to him, when you all of a sudden felt a hand grip your upper arm pulling you back. A gold cloak stopped you. Panic seeped in your skin as you were terrified of being caught. “Girl. What is your business here?” His hoarse voice broke the giddy haze you were in. “Let her go immediately.” You almost didn’t notice Aegon coming to the rescue until he was already at your side. “My prince. I apologise, I didn’t know she was with you.” He grabbed your hand and pulled you with him. 

“I have never been called ‘girl’ before.” You chuckled. “Keep your voice down, no one can know you’re here.” Aegon shushed you. Dragging you with him through the city. The two men following you. “What about them?” You asked as you nodded behind you. “They don’t know who you are, told them you were a whore I picked out to take for the night.” He grinned, still accompanying you through Flea Bottom, the streets of which you recognised. “A? Whore?” You asked confused. Oh no. Aegon thought. Did you really know nothing about sex? Pleasure? He was about to take the night a lot further than he initially planned. He wanted to take you out drinking, to get a break from his boring family and have some fun with the only person who didn’t judge him. But you still being innocent in that regard made him swell in his pants. He was going to show you a lot more fun than you thought. 

“How about I explain when we get to the place huh?” Aegon bit his lip in anticipation, he walked past the tavern where he originally planned to take you and continued walking- to the streets of silk. There was one particular pleasure house where he could have his privacy with you. As you both reached the door of the place, moans could already faintly be heard outside and Aegon noticed your face grow confused. You made this so much harder for him. He ordered the guards to wait outside and took your hand once more to lead you inside. When you entered your jaw almost crashed through the floor at the sight. People everywhere, naked as the day they were born. At least most of them, the others barely wearing anything. They were all over each other, men on women, men on men and even women on women. All screaming, moaning, whining and groaning in pleasure. You looked around, mouth agape as Aegon looked only at you. 

Your reaction was better than he could’ve ever dreamed about. “A whore is someone who gets paid to pleasure a man, or woman. That all happens here. In a pleasure house, you see, pleasure is the greatest thing the gods have ever given us. Besides wine. Marriage is a duty, but fucking is a pleasure.” He whispered in your ear. You almost moaned at his words. A tingly and heated feeling spreading through your body. Aegon squeezed your hand and led you through the people, their eyes occasionally landing on Aegon. He probably came here often? As a serving girl recognised him, she gestured for him to follow her. Taking you both to the back of the building, curtains were revealed. Aegon told the girl to piss off, opened the curtains and revealed a decently sized room, a large round bed inside. Which was decorated with pillows and blankets. Hundreds of candles were lit on the incavings of the walls in the room. 

Aegon closed the curtains and led you on the bed, removing the muffy hat you were wearing. “Do you... come here a lot?” You asked, a slight tremble in your voice. You still didn’t fully grasp the concept of what was exactly happening here, but you were beginning to understand. “I do, and before you go back to Dragon Stone. I’ll show you what real pleasure and fun can be.” He murmured, leaning in a bit closer. He now stroked your cheek. Your lips parted and you could feel the slick and ache between your thighs. The feeling of it becoming uncomfortable, you pressed your legs together, kneeled on the bed before Aegon, who was eyeing you hungrily, the action not going unnoticed. “Does it hurt, little niece?” He asked, lust and impatience filling his body. He knew you didn’t know you craved his touch, but he knew. All too well in fact. You could only nod, a small whimper leaving your lips.

Aegon felt dizzy, his cock was now fully hard. He was probably in more pain than you. He never felt this horny, this pent up. He could feel the precum sticking to the inside of his breeches. “Let me show you, teach you. Real pleasure.” You could only whimper in response. “Kiss me.” You let out a breath and kissed him on the cheek. “No darling, on my lips. It will feel better, I promise.” You obeyed and kissed him softly on his lips. A spark igniting in you at the touch. Aegon felt it too, as he pressed his lips more firm against you. His hands pulling you closer but his desire for you was far from satiated. He deepened the kiss and forced your lips open, prodding his tongue inside. You still awkwardly kissed back and he pulled back a moment. “Try to move your tongue against mine love.” His voice came out hoarse and raspy. You tried to do as you were told, kissing him once more, you moved your tongue against his, getting saliva on both of your lips. Aegon sucked on your tongue and moved his hands in your hair. 

You could feel the vibration of his groans on your lips, on your tongue. You felt yourself pulsate between your legs and pressed your thighs together once more. Aegon didn’t slow the kiss as he now licked your teeth and nibbled on your bottom lip as well. Then he moved back, sitting against the headboard as he moved you on top of him. Sitting on his lap, you started to mimic his tongue movements, licking his teeth as well and sucking on his tongue. Then he moved his hands lower, towards your ass. Only then it really hit you what was happening. You ripped your lips away from his. “Aegon- what- wait we can’t do this.” Aegon was afraid you would realise. This is what the septa’s meant when they would tell you you couldn’t dishonour yourself. 

“Shh, don’t you worry about that. I promise it will be fine. Don’t you want to get rid of that ache? Don’t you want to feel good?” He panted, still lust filled. Desire clouded your mind and judgement and before you could think about it more, Aegon pulled you further on his lap. Right on something hard, hitting that aching spot between your thighs just right. You let out a moan at the feeling. How could you stop now? The pain and ache would become overbearing and besides, Aegon did this all the time. And he was just being so nice showing you how good you could feel. Aegon moaned in response. Did that make him feel just as good as it felt for you? Wanting to chase that feeling, you grinded your hips yourself this time. 

“Fuck- yes just like that. This feels just as good for me as it does for you.” You shuddered at his words. “What is that-” You whined. He grabbed your hand that was resting on his shoulder and moved it between his legs, letting your hand grip his bulge. “That, is my cock. And it feels so fucking good when you touch it. And when I touch you between your legs,” He paused, moving his own hand between your legs, letting his thumb graze your clothed clit. “right over your cunt, it will feel amazing for you.” You gasped at the feeling and his words, never did you feel you so excited, good and hot at the same time. And the urge for more only grew. “So I beg of you, don’t stop. For the good of both of us.” Aegon pleaded, moving his hand back to your ass and helping you grind on him this time.

You could only chant ‘yes’ in response accompanied by moans and whines. Aegon, not being quiet himself, let out his filthies moans and groans. Pulling your head down a bit, he kissed you again. Using his other hand to keep you steady while you humped each other like animals in heat. His covered cock hitting your clit just right every time, and the slick covering your cunt making it easier to grind against each other. Your breath caught in your throat as you pulled away from Aegon, never stopping your hips that grinded on him. “Aegon, some- something is happening- I don’t- please, more- more!” You mumbled incoherently as you felt an intense amount of pleasure building up, your entire body about to burst. “Fuck- good girl. You’re about to cum. You gonna cum for me little princess? You gonna cum for your uncle?” His vulgar words sent you over the edge as you felt waves of fire cursing through your body. One long moan left your lips as your grip on Aegon’s shoulders tightened, pressing yourself as hard as you could against his erection. 

Aegon let out a groan at the sight of you, mouth agape, eyes squeezed shut in pleasure, a light sweat covering you. What a divine sight before him. It was worth every restraint of staying sober before your outing. Just so he could remember every detail. When you had calmed down, your eyes locked, you shared a breathy chuckle. “This is only the beginning.” Your eyes widened at his words. Aegon moved his hands to your tunic and started to pull it off, you decided to do the same. Removing his tunic as well. His skin exposed, his abs and toned arms out for only you to see. He could only focus on your hardened nipples, the soft flesh looking beautiful under the candlelight. He couldn’t stop himself even if he wanted to and immediately dove in on your breasts. Suckling and licking your nipples, your hands moving to his neck. You needed to hold on to him, otherwise you were sure you would lose it. 

As he held you, nipple in mouth, he moved you on your back. His hips now back to rutting against you, but it still wasn’t enough. “Need more, more of you princess.” He huffed. He removed himself from you and pulled the old pants you were wearing down, immediately revealing your slick cunt. “Fuck- it’s almost as if you did this on purpose.” He grinned, fully ripping the pants off, with a wet stain at the crotch, to throw it to the side. You didn’t however, you just didn’t have access to men’s breeches and womens smallclothes wouldn’t do in pants. His thumb circled your clit and Aegon looked at you through hooded eyes, small pants leaving his lips. How could he ever go back to regular boring whores when he had a Valyrian princess to devour? He decided he no longer had time for patience and removed his own pants, removing his breeches as well in the process.

You leaned on your elbows, curious to see what his cock looked like bare. Aegon let you stare, he loved the effect he was having on you, the first to be having this effect on you. His cock stood proud, curved, veiny, leaking and red from arousal. Balls filled with seed, eager to be emptied and white pubic hair trailing from his navel to his pelvis. You licked your lips at the sight, an urge filled Aegon as he took the base of his cock and trailed the head between your folds. A low grunt escaped him and you let out a whine at the feeling. Finding your tight hole, he let spit dribble from his lips on his cock, although he doubted he needed it, he didn’t want to hurt you.

Holding the base still, he guided the head to your entrance and with a bit of resistance he managed to get the tip inside, a moan filling the room as he felt your tight hole suck him in. The primal urge to fill you, pound into you until you were stuffed with his seed overtook him but he had to take it slow. “Such a good girl aren’t you? But so disobedient at the same time, taking your uncle’s cock in a pleasure house, in the middle of the night.” He groaned at his own words. Only the idea of it already made him hard. Never could he have fantasised about the real pleasure. He pushed further into you when he felt you relax, you whimpered but didn’t feel too much pain. Checking in on you he now fully sheathed himself inside, hitting your cervix. 

You moaned and gripped the sheets beneath you, your legs wrapping around his waist. A sign for him to start fucking you. Aegon kissed your neck and started to slowly rut into you. “Yeah, feel good? You’re making me feel so fucking good love- your tight cunt wrapped around me. Taking me so well, my own little whore.” He grunted as he fucked into you harder. The sounds of sweaty skin smacking against each other and both of your sounds of pleasure filling the room. “More please- uncle- please!” You begged, you finally knew what he was talking about, what he craved- why he goes here. “You want more? How about you get on your stomach? Ass in the air little princess.” His voice sounded demanding and depraved. He pulled out so you could move, you both hissed at the loss of contact. Being in position he wasted no time pushing his sensitive cock back inside you. 

Pounding into you again he grabbed the flesh of your ass helping you move into him as well. “Fuck- You’re perfect- So fucking perfect. Don’t think I can let you leave after this. Gonna need you every night-” He felt his balls tighten, a sign of his release approaching soon, he wanted to chase it, fill you up real good but he also didn’t want to stop yet, for reality to come back. “Doing so good for your uncle darling- so good-” He spoke the words pound for pound making your moans louder and louder. “Yes! All for you Aegon- only for you! Just want your cock please-” You barely even knew what you were saying, all you knew was that he was right, you could never go back to normal after this. His thrusts became more staggered and harsher, giving a couple more before pulling out and letting ropes of his cum painting your ass, long and whiny moans leaving his lips at the sight. You whimpered at the feeling of his warm sticky cum hitting your skin. Taking a deep breath he fell beside you and pulled you close, ignoring the blood on the sheets. 

“I don’t think I can stop myself from taking you again.” He whispered in your ear, his hot breath making you shiver. “I don’t want you to stop yourself, I’m already tainted now, what does it matter anymore.” You both laid in each other's arms for some time before Aegon decided to kiss you again. Letting his tongue trace your lips, before entering your mouth. You both made out for a bit before Aegon felt his cock stir again. The power you held over him was dangerous. He removed his lips from yours and laid you on your back again, before kissing down your stomach. “Aegon, what are you doing?” You asked hazily. “Kissing you somewhere else.” When he reached your folds he kissed them softly before kitten licking your clit, making you jerk your body at the feeling. You were still sensitive from the grinding and his warm, wet tongue felt way too good. 

“Oh- do that again, please- harder.” Aegon grinned at your reaction, feeling his chest swell with pride at how he was already making you beg again. He did as you asked and started lapping feverishly at your folds. Occasionally prodding his tongue inside you. His hands held you in place by your tits while your own found his silver locks tugging at the roots. He groaned against your cunt and sucked on your clit. Your feet tensed up at the feeling, and your hands tugged his head closer, basically grinding on his face. Aegon wanted nothing more than to have you cum once more, all over his face. As he lapped and sucked your release came closer, Aegon would devour you every night if he could. He flicked his tongue faster as your moans grew louder and curses fell from your lips. With one shattering moan you fell apart, moaning Aegon’s name as your vision went black and fire cursed through you once more. When you calmed, Aegon gave your cunt one last kiss before laying beside you again. 

“I want to do that to you.” You huffed, a smile on your face as the post orgasm still flowed through you. “Another day if we can, darling.” You frowned at that. “Sadly we must get back soon, before we raise any alarms.” You sat up, the reality of it all hitting you. Yet you felt no regret. “This was- unforgettable, Aegon.” You smiled, looking back at him as he still laid on the bed. “That it was.” He agreed. How could corruption feel so good?

[prideprejudce]

I feel like people have read into Alicent's response to Rhaenyra's ultimatum in both good AND bad faith ways, but i feel like I haven't seen much of what Rhaenyra was feeling about it!!

Personally, I feel like the ultimatum she gave Alicent was the product of 3 different motivations- first, it was the obvious political move to kill the usurper to her throne, duh. The second, is that I think Rhaenyra is super aware- and terrified of- being trapped in a cycle of loss, being passed over for a son, and her claim to the throne standing only because of what she represents not her as a person. Thats its own whole fascinating character essay i cant get into here lol.

But the third reason is that I THINK she has a desperate personal obsession with being chosen by Alicent over Aegon, and leans into the ultimatum as a way to extract what she needs from Alicent-- to be chosen and prioritized over her father's son, and be the centre of Alicent's attention (romantic or not).

The directors/writers have mentioned one of the crucial aspects of Rhaenyra and Alicent's relationship is how many times Rhaenyra reaches out, only to be rejected by Alicent over and over. I think Rhaenyra, as someone who really internalized going after what she wants from a young age, is a bit spoiled, and is obsessed with Alicent's continuous rejection as both a novelty, and a deep source of insecurity.

Rhaenyra has a bit of magical thinking where she really does think that if she just pushes hard enough she can change the world into the shape she wants it to be, and I think when Alicent CONTINUES to deny her, she gets more and more frustrated.

Double this with her general issues around being passed over for a son, first from her father with baelon, and then COMPOUNDED with baby aegon stealing both her father AND alicent's attention as alicent prioritized birthing and probably caring for her son over rhaenyra's sulking when Rhaenyra was in the most pain she had been in yet in her life.

I think Rhaenyra is HIGHLY resentful about not just aegon usurping her throne, but also the lack of attention during the HEIGHT of her teenage years, where she already has a contentious relationship with her father AND .....stepmother?? first love??? sister?? (targaryen family incest issues are a wonderful icing on top of this cake)

It was very clear that the reason Alicent married viserys was SPECIFICALLY to have more children, and that Alicent CHOSE (from Rhaenyra's perspective) to put herself in that position JUST after Aemma died from the same cause, becoming a mother rather than staying with Rhaenyra and daydreaming about riding off into the sunset. In Rhaenyra's mind, she lost her mother to the promise of a son, only to lose Her Alicent™️ to ANOTHER promise of a son right after. This is probably the deepest rejection Alicent could have given her.

The entire second half of season 2 is more denial; Rhaenyra's marriage proposal of their children is rejected, Alicent rejects Rhaenyra's bastard sons in general, and Rhaenyra's choices by extension, then driftmark happens, then the ENTIRE USURPTION happens, rejecting Rhaenyra's claim to her own birthright.

Rhaenyra even tries AGAIN in season 3 - extending herself to go into Alicent's place of comfort to sue for peace, even telling Alicent bits of a personally sacred religious doctrine only to be rejected AGAINNNNNNN.

(I could write forever about how Rhaenyra indulges Alicent's religious but never gets the same back on her own customs)

Yah, I think when Rhaenyra sees Alicent next, its not just that the ultimatum is a political necessity, but its decades of rejection culminating in 'you need to choose and prioritize me over everything, including your son, bc i cannot take anymore rejection from you, and I cant handle NOT being the most important thing in your whole world tbh :)' Especially on the heels of her newfound radicalization i feel like Rhaenyra sees Alicent's 'Choosing Rhaenyra' this time as a Holy Blessing and the last crucial piece she needs to self actualize.

(Also never forget all of this takes place in the targaryen CESSPOOL that is Rhaenyra having Alicent as a sister/step mother/half employee?? Alicent was at least her subordinate at one point/only confidante/possible first love-- theres probably alot of projection on Rhaenyra's part for what Alicent's approval means to her)

sorry this is so long the word rejection has ceased to mean anything to me at this point

"Rhaenyra sees Alicent's 'choosing Rhaenyra' this time as a Holy Blessing and the last crucial piece that she needs to self actualize"

what if we all just set each other on fire

[paulyenvol6]

Byka Atroksia (Chapter 17)

Contains: Angst, mentions of intimacy, toxic relationships, incest, outdated ideas about marriage and sex before marriage

Wordcount: ~4.38k

Masterlist of this story

You spent the next few days flying on a cloud.

Daemon and you saw each other as often as possible, he took you to his room during the nights, fucked you on every piece of furniture that could be used, one time pleasured you in the gardens again during the hour of the owl and one time you did it in the library.

That had been perhaps the most risky place you had ever done it because usually no one would knock on his door during the night and in the dark you were almost invisible in the gardens but in the library someone could come in at any time. Afterwards you regretted it a little and swore to yourself not to be this irresponsible again but in the moment desire had overcome the both of you and you hadn't cared about anything in the world.

Daemon had initially taken you there to show you a series of books about dragon history but things had ended with you pressed against the stone wall and Daemon on his knees in front of you. You had been lucky because at one point there had been a noise (that hadn't come out of your mouth) and you had pulled Daemon away. He had quickly stood up and acted like nothing had happened but the noise had seemed to have come from another room so after a few moments Daemon had continued his work between your thighs and had eventually gifted you a magical release.

Now you were peacefully sitting in your room and read the book that you had actually borrowed from the library in the end. You had just been to the stables with your uncle and well… once again you had found yourself in Daemon's arms with his cock buried inside you. You had simply wanted to ride on a horse to the coast to watch a fleet from Driftmark arrive but Daemon had passed you and then the two of you had been a little distracted from your original plans and had ended up fucking in the old shed.

You bit your lip at the memory and had to force yourself to read the letters on the page instead of daydreaming about his cock… And his big and soft hands… You grinned to yourself and then focused on your book again when suddenly the door to your chambers was roughly opened and you heard someone enter your room with quick steps.

You turned around to see who it was and saw your sister. But she looked… furious. Shocked, and tears were swimming in her eyes.

"Rhaenyra.", you said surprised and quickly put your book down. You sat on the edge of your bed and Rhaenyra's lower lip trembled dangerously.

"How. Could. You.", she hissed dangerously quiet and suddenly there was a very bad feeling in your stomach.

"W-What do you mean?", you tried carefully and Rhaenyra clenched her fists.

"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about.", she said louder and came closer to you. She almost sounded panicky and now you were really scared.

"I saw you.", Rhaenyra shouted with a deep frown and grabbed your shoulder. "How COULD you, Vhaela? Are you fucking kidding me?! With Daemon?"

You lowered your gaze and inhaled deeply. No, no, no. That couldn't be true.

"LOOK AT ME.", Rhaenyra shouted and you did as she told you, feeling frightened.

"Rhaenyra."

"NO. No, I don't want to hear your stupid excuses, Vhaela, you know how bad this is, don't you? This is sinful, a disaster!"

You tried to blink away the tears in your eyes and Rhaenyra's grip on your shoulder tightened.

"Did he force you, sister? Did he force himself on you and use you – "

"No, no, he didn't.", you quickly stated and desperately looked at her. "He would never, we simply…"

But Rhaenyra intensely looked into your eyes. "You can tell me. Vhaela, if he took you without your will, things look very differently."

"He didn't, Rhaenyra. He wouldn't have touched me if I had not wanted him to."

Tears ran up your face and you felt like your world was breaking apart. Rhaenyra knew, your sister knew about it. You just wanted this to be a terrible nightmare.

"Please Rhaenyra, I'm sorry…"

Rhaenyra exhaled loudly and took her eyes off you.

"This can't be true. It can't be. Do you know what this MEANS?", she shouted and you twitched. Rhaenyra walked towards you again and grabbed your upper arm. "Your honour is destroyed. Your virtue, your fucking life is destroyed."

You quietly cried and just couldn't look into her eyes anymore.

"Why did you do this?! And why Dameon?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It just happened.", you sobbed.

"Something like this doesn't just happen." Suddenly she was quiet and you looked up to her again. "Was this the only time? What I just witnessed in the shed, did something like this happen before?"

Your eyes pleaded to her and Rhaenyra chuckled and turned away. "SINCE WHEN? Since when has this been going on, Vhaela?"

You couldn't answer her. You just couldn't. You couldn't see the disappointment in her eyes for another second.

"Answer me, sister. WHEN DID THIS START?"

You were crying and shaking but Rhaenyra didn't care. "S-Since… since the night after Daemon returned from the Stepstones.", you quietly whispered and Rhaenyra pressed her hand on her eyes.

"No. No, Vhaela, why?!"

"I don't know, there was just something between us and… and we…"

Rhaenyra inhaled deeply and now there was something like disgust in her eyes. "Vhaela this is… This is gonna be a problem."

You nodded and pleadingly looked up to her. "I know. But please, PLEASE don't tell father. Please, he can't know." Now it was Rhaenyra who looked desperate.

"That's… too late I guess."

You widened your eyes and grabbed her hand. "What?"

Your sister chewed on her lower lip and you shook your head in disbelief. "No. Did you already tell him?"

"I-I… I told Ellion. It's only a matter of time until he knows." More tears were welling up in your eyes and you turned away from Rhaenyra.

"He's gonna kill me, Rhae. Why did you do this?"

"I- I was just so shocked and angry, I… I saw Ellion in the corridor and he told me that he was looking for you. And I just kind of said what you were doing in this moment of fury."

Your breathing was unsteady and you were fighting for more air.

"Shhh.", Rhaenyra made, who noticed your struggles.

"I'm scared.", you whispered but now you didn't find a lot of empathy in her eyes.

"You sinned, Vhaela.", she hissed. "You did something terrible and you hopefully don't think that you're gonna get away with this. Throwing yourself on our uncle like a common whore…" Her eyes looked stern and her jaw was tensed. In response you lowered your head.

"Does Daemon know? That you and the King know?"

Rhaenyra shook her head. "No I don't think so. Father is greeting Rhaenys right now. He probably doesn't even know himself yet."

Your sister exhaled loudly. "This just doesn't get to my head. You KNEW what you were doing. How could you let Daemon seduce you?"

You knew that there wasn't an answer that your sister would be satisfied with and yet you tried to explain to her.

"We were talking to each other and… There was a bond. A connection… I think."

"A 'connection' doesn't make a couple."

You nodded. "I know."

Rhaenyra looked at you angrily again and then took a step back. "I'll go now. Father is probably gonna ask for you soon.", she said coldly and everything in you tensed.

In the King's Chambers

"…and then she would take us down to the dragon pit. While my father was fast asleep in his chambers.", Viserys laughed and Rhaenys joined in.

"I remember, cousin. It was the most exciting thing for me back then. Sneaking out of our beds at night to watch dragons in all sizes and tempers."

The King grinned and wanted to say something else when suddenly the door opened. Ellion Banefort walked in, a serious look on his face which Viserys didn't immediately noticed though.

"Ahh, Ellion. We were just talking about our aunt Daella."

The Hand smiled politely but his face was tense. "Forgive me, your grace. I hate to interrupt your conversation but there is some urgent matter to discuss."

The King simply chuckled. "Can't it wait for a few hours, Ellion?"

"I'm afraid not, your grace.", he spoke. "It concerns your daughter, Vhaela."

Now Viserys frowned. "Is she alright?"

"Please, your grace, let us speak in private and I…. I'll tell you what this is about."

Viserys inhaled loudly and then stood up. "Forgive me, cousin, but this seems to be important. We have to delay our conversation, I'm afraid."

Rhaenys stood up as well. "No worries, your grace. It can wait. Daughters… they can't."

They both laughed but this time Viserys seemed a little tense. Once his cousin had left the room he turned to his hand.

"What is it, Ellion?"

He cleared his throat. "This is really hard to put, your grace."

Viserys frowned. "Just tell me, what happened?"

His hand inhaled deeply and looked at his king. "Your daughter… Vhaela. She was… seen."

Viserys chuckled sarcastically. "That sounds bad."

"She was seen… involved in inappropriate behavious."

Now Viserys smirk faded. "Continue."

Ellion sighed. "She was seen with her uncle. In the shed."

The King's face was cold. "Doing what?" There was a moment of silence.

"Can't you guess it, your grace?"

"I wouldn't be a good ruler of seven kingdoms if I acted based on guesses.", Viserys hissed and Ellion folded his hands in front of him.

"They were coupling, your grace." The hand looked pitiful while Viserys clenched his hands in fists and breathed deeply.

"No.", he spoke and smiled. "That's not possible. You've been lied to."

"No, your grace. This is the uncomfortable truth."

Viserys fastly walked around in the room and clenched his jaw. "Who made these allegations?"

Ellion sighed. "Your daughter. Rhaenyra."

He immediately stopped walking and looked at the hand. "What? Are you mocking me?"

"I wouldn't dare, your grace."

Viserys laughed out. "Then this is simply a joke from my daughter."

Ellion sympathetically walked to the king. "Your daugher didn't joke. She saw them only a few minutes ago and told me."

Viserys dangerously shook his head. "It can't be true, Ellion. Vhaela would NEVER. She would never dishonour herself, our house and the King like that."

"And Daemon…?" The King abruptly turned to him.

"Daemon is an uncontrollable, dangerous and irresponsible mess. But my daughter wouldn't let herself get seduced by him. Perhaps he has forced her. Or convinced her to let him sully her to upset me."

Ellion nodded slowly. "We should find out about the truth then."

"Yes. Yes. Get Daemon, get him to the throne room. Now. I swear to you I…. ", Viserys hissed but didn't finish his sentence. His lips were tightly pressed together and turned away from Ellion who sympathetically looked at him one more time and then left the room.

~~~~~~~~~~

10 minutes later Viserys sat in his throne and looked down with a deep frown. He was just sitting there like that, staring at the ground when the big gate opened and Daemon slowly walked in. He had his eyebrows lifted and once he stood in front of his brother sighed deeply.

"Brother."

Viserys stood up at once and rushed towards him. He grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pushed him back. Daemon almost stumbled but managed to get a hold of himself and knew that this could potentially get complicated now as he had a strong idea why his brother was that angry.

"What have you done?", Viserys hissed close to his face. "How could you? My youngest daughter?!"

His brother exhaled loudly but didn't answer immediately so Viserys shook him.

"What is wrong with you?", he shouted.

"Ohh we were simply having a little fun, brother.", Daemon said and rolled his eyes. "Something you seemed to have forgotten exists."

The King's face was drawn with anger. "I am King, Daemon.", he hissed sharply. "I have a Kingdom to hold together. I have responsibilities AND SO DO YOU AS THE KING'S BROTHER. I can't put a little fun over doing my duty to the realm AND SO CAN'T YOU."

He shook Daemon by his collar but he once again only sighed.

"I hope you're aware that you ruined her, brother. You ruined her honor and virtue. Do you think Lord Cordin Stark will wed his son to her now? A girl who's been sullied? Touched?"

"I couldn't care less about what a Stark thinks."

Viserys' hand smacked him across the face but Daemon just put up with it. Then Viserys once again grabbed his brother's shirt and pulled him close.

"Did you force her, Daemon? Did you abuse her?"

His brother frowned and looked a little disgusted. "No of course not. That wouldn't have been fun." Another slap in the face.

"Killing me won't solve your problems.", Daemon said with raised eyebrows which earned him yet another smack.

"Why, Daemon. Just tell me why.", he desperately spoke. "Why did you have to take her from me? Why did you have to ruin one of the few delights in my life? My youngest daughter. Why did you have to defile her? You could've taken every whore in King's Landing and I wouldn't have blinked with my eye. You knew what it would do to me. She's so young, Daemon and you knew how naive she is. Why did you have to seduce her and use her like that. Like a common whore."

Daemon's face went cold and he slightly pushed his brother away from him. "I didn't use her, brother. And believe me or not, I actually care about her too."

Viserys chuckled sarcastically. "You obviously don't because you wouldn't have done this if you did.", he said his lips pressed together.

Daemon didn't answer but just glared at his brother who gritted his teeth.

"You're irresponsible, evil and vicious, Daemon. You don't care about anything except yourself and your desires." His brother watched him with small eyes.

"I don't know what will happen to her now.", the King said quietly. "I don't know how to offer her a good future now and that's your fault, Daemon. There are gonna be rumours about it and at some point word will reach the lords of the great houses of Westeros."

"Wed her to me then.", his brother said. "It will restore her honour to some extent at least."

Viserys chuckled in disbelief. "You don't really think I'd ever consider this, do you? Because if you do you know me really bad." He grabbed Daemon's shoulder. "Do you think I'd let you destroy her? Let you keep her in your… nauseating environment."

Daemon looked at his brother maliciously. "Your opinions on me have changed drastically these last minutes.", he evily whispered and his brother laughed out.

"What did you expect?", he said, his face distorted with anger. "You betrayed and deceived me. You put shame on my name. You bedded my 16 years old daughter, Daemon."

"Then give me Vhaela as my wife. You can't undo what happened, brother. Wed her to me and the dimensions of your problems will be minimized.", Daemon said quietly.

"Minimized.", Viserys scoffed and then looked at his brother small eyed. "Never. Never would I give my daughter to you. I'd rather wed her to Jason Lannister than to you.", Viserys spoke despisingly.

Daemon didn't answer his brother and so Viserys pushed him back.

"You'll leave this city, Daemon. At once. I don't want to ever see you in my daugher's presence again. Go wherever you want I don't care but leave."

Daemon smirked goatingly and then turned around to leave the throne room. Viserys sighed deeply and let himself sink on the stairs that led to the throne.

~~~~~~~~~~

Daemon sat in his chambers on a chair, his legs crossed and stared at the wall in front of him. He had an apple in his hand which he didn't feel like eating so he just toyed with it.

He was deep in thoughts when his door opened and looked up when he heard someone approach him. He stared in sparkling eyes and sighed.

"Rhaenyra."

Another monologue from a dear family member about how rotten and evil he was. Very pleasant.

"I can't believe you did this, uncle.", his niece whispered and tears swam in her eyes.

"What do you want me to tell you?", Daemon rolled his eyes.

Rhaenyra chuckled loudly and took another step into his direction. "I want to know how the fuck you live with yourself?!", she shouted.

Daemon crossed his arms in front of his chest. "We were simply having a little fun, my dear niece."

"I know what this is about.", she whispered dangerously.

"So why bother to ask me then.", Daemon mumbled.

His niece took yet another step towards him and he looked up to her.

"This is about my father. It was about provoking him, taking from him what he loved. Taking from him what he wanted to protect and seeing his face when he finds out that he has failed. Failed to guard his youngest daughter."

Daemon scoffed. "Oh seven hells, I was simply coming home after four months of fighting in the Stepstone and really wanted to fuck someone."

His niece shook her head determined. "You could've taken every whore in King's Landing. Why did it have to be her?"

Her uncle shrugged his shoulders. "She was there, she looked pretty, I wanted her." She laughed maniacally and raised her hands to her face.

"That makes it even worse, uncle. You just accepted what would happen. You knew the consequences of your actions and yet just for a few minutes of relief and some fun you chose to destroy her honor and virtue and future. Just because 'she was there'."

Daemon watched his niece with small eyes. "Oh Rhaenyra... you're acting like such a saint. Which is kind of funny after seeing how you treated your sister all those years. After I saw Vhaela cry so often because you used to ignore her and didn't let her near your precious little dragon." Rhaenyra pressed her lips together.

"I'm simply trying to be a better sister.", she hissed and Daemon chuckled.

"Well, you're not doing a really good job.", he said quietly.

"I may have made mistakes but she is my sister. And she means a lot to me."

Daemon suddenly got up from his chair. "She means a lot to me too.", he said angrily.

"But why did you defile her then? Why did you take into account that she would be left dishonoured after that night? Why did you just spontanously couple with her because you felt like it?!"

Rhaenyra didn't let Daemon intimidate her and determinedly walked towards him with a raised chin. He towered over her but didn't say anything for a while. Rhaenyra's eyes were flashing and she hissed her next words so quietly that Daemon almost couldn't understand them.

"Why did you want her?" Daemon looked back with small eyes. "Why is she interesting to you?" He could see how her eyes got teary and she blinked a few times.

"Rhaenyra.", Daemon said warningly.

"No.", she said louder. "She doesn't match your temper."

"And you think you do?", he scoffed which made his niece look down to the ground.

"I didn't say that.", she quietly mumbled and Daemon took a step back to walk around in the room aimlessly.

"I'm simply saying that I've never seen any kind of tension between the two of you. Vhaela can be… unexciting." Rhaenyra exhaled desperately and Daemon slowly walked towards her and grabbed her shoulder.

"Careful, Rhae.", he whispered sarcastically and his face got closer to hers.

"Don't call me that.", she said with a weak voice as this was your nickname for her but a little smirk played around Daemon's lips.

"I call you whatever I want.", he spoke and glared down at her. Her eyes flashed but something like respect could also be found inside of them and Rhaenyra chewed on her lower lip. Daemon's hand reached out to put a strand of her hair behind her ear and Rhaenyra closed her eyes.

"You're not being very nice to your sister.", he said quietly and Rhaenyra pouted.

"She doesn't deserve to be treated nicely after what she has done."

Daemon smirked and lifted her chin with his finger. "As if you never broke any rules. Any customs."

"I never did something similarly bad. I'd never act so… stupid.", Rhaenyra hissed and was still sulky.

"But you like it. You like to disobey my brother. You like to have a little fun in your life, don't you? All those traditions, rules and expectations on you… You like to break them.", he smirked. "Because you're made of fire."

Rhaenyra's face softened a little and now she only looked determined. And then without any second thought she leaned to her uncle to kiss him. It only lasted a moment though because Daemon pulled his head away and Rhaenyra glared at him. His hand left his niece's shoulder and he smugly watched her. She tried again and put a hand in his neck to pull Daemon to her but he once again denied her and took a step back.

"You think this will make me want you any more, Rhaenyra?" Now her face was drawn with anger again and her lower lip trembled.

Then Daemon turned away and lowered his head. "Leave me. Go.", he hissed and Rhaenyra shook her head with teary eyes.

"Fine.", she breathed and then looked at him one last time before leaving her uncle's chambers.

Once she was outside more tears welled up in her eyes and she couldn't hold them back any longer. The girl pressed her hand on her mouth and panted heavily while her crying echoed in the corridor. Quickly she walked to her own chambers, closed the door behind her and sank down on the floor with her back against the door. She felt terrible and just wanted this to be a nightmare.

Rhaenyra tried to collect her thoughts but they were overcast by her emotions and her crying just wouldn't stop. She had tried. She had tried to be a better sister, tried to BE a sister to you at last. When Rhaenyra had seen Daemon and you together she had felt hurt at first. Not only because the two of you had lied to and betrayed her but also because… because she felt some weird sort of jealousy creeping up on her. Daemon had granted you of his time, had put his eyes on you and done so many more, much more intimate things with you.

Rhaenyra knew that she shouldn't be envious and she definitely didn't wish to be in your position right now but she couldn't help but feel mad and hurt. Why did he do it? Why did he like you so much? And why had he never tried to seduce her? Perhaps Rhaenyra would have rejected him because she was certain that she wouldn't be drawn to such sinful behaviour but at least she would've liked to hear that Daemon desired her.

But the girl had also remembered what she had promised herself. In the recent weeks it had been her intent to treat you more nicely. After you had supposedly gone out in the city late at night Rhaenyra had felt the need to protect you all of a sudden. It wasn't always easy but she genuinely reflected herself and decided to try and be kinder and less bitter towards you. So she did, there definitely was some falling back into old patterns, but it also felt good to see the thankfulness in your eyes now and then. And now there she was.

She obviously had been furious with you but had tried to act out of decency and not because of her own affection for her uncle. And she had just failed. Rhaenyra had let her hurt control her senses and had humiliated herself in front of Daemon. She had started to act out of envy and not because she simply condemned the coupling. And then she had tried to kiss her uncle, gods be good… The ever so strong and confident heir to the iron throne felt small suddenly, vulnerable. She had messed it up once again, had let her desire and admiration for her uncle overshadow her wish to protect you. How was she supposed to rule and protect seven kingdoms if she couldn't even put aside her selfishness in this case of family intrigue?

Rhaenyra let herself sink further down on the ground and wished she would melt with the stones. Why did everything have to be so compliacted? Rhaenyra herself thought that she was able to look into Daemon's wicked mind better than you were. She even thought that her theory about why Daemon had done what he had done could perhaps really be the truth, even though deep inside she just wanted there to be a reason for why Daemon had done it. She couldn't accept that her unlce might have plainly bedded you out of lust. She found that she could see through him and understand how his mind worked and by now had hoped that this ability wouldn't allow her to feel this incredible desire for his attention anymore but perhaps she had been wrong. As it had just been proven.

Seven hells, Daemon was a manipulating tampering man who only cared about himself, Rhaenyra thought. But why had she wanted to kiss him though? Why had she wanted him to tell her he coveted her? Even more than you? She had wanted him to tell her that he preferred her. Rhaenyra's love for you had vanished and suddenly all that mattered to her was for Daemon to show her affection. She felt horrible now and pressed her hand on her tearing eyes.

[theroguequeen]

friendly reminder that no matter how bad they might fight daemon loves rhaenyra and rhaenyra loves daemon. this man was already unwell last episode when he did not not know if rhaenyra was safe and got into action the second she said what she wanted. Rhaenyra is gonna be upset about what happened and we need to remember how the last days left them feeling but this is not about their love for each other. It never was. This is about communication, about anger and fear and grief and it's a situation both don't wanna be in and I think rhaenyra really needs to feel like she has some kind of control and needs to hear that the people she cares about are at her side and she and daemon will need to find a way to communicate this season and it will take some time. Daemon is restless wanting to go into action and to rhaenyra it must seem like he had deliberately misinterpreted her words. There is so much going on, so much pain but to make it clear once again: this is not about the love between these two, this is about feeling betrayed and not heard and frustrated and rhaenyra is the one person who was never afraid to go into a confrontation with daemon and she is able to handle him and it's important that she is stepping up and showing him that she is hurt and grieving but not fragile and still able to make decisions and to put him in his place in the best way possible because she knows him better than anyone else.

[gojuo]

As a mom i find it revolting that condam and hess made helaena say « i shouln’t feel sad cuz babies die all the time » wtf it’s not about babes ditng it’s about HER babe diying so if it was a childless person sying that ok but not from a mother who just lost her babe and they are making aegon the bad guy for wanting revange 👌👌👌 chef kiss just chef kiss 🙄 i am thinking that that phrase was just written so they can brush aside the kids deaths so they can justify women againts war narrative but i stil’ jave hope in humanity and that people will see what they are doing and stop sying it’s a good show like bitch if it was my daugther that was killed and i had a dragon i would burn and kill everyone just so they pay. Helaena dosn’t even look depressed like in the books so what will the excuse be that she dosn’t go burn dragonstone on dreamfyre???

That scene really rubbed me the wrong way but I haven't quite been able to put to words exactly why and how .... But @zumurruds explained it quite well here:

I've already said something on the narrative weight of B&C, and it's quite evident to me that the writers have been trying very hard in undervalueing its importance because of what zumurruds said above. If Helaena herself gets over Jaehaerys' death in the span of one day, if Aegon does, if Aemond's reckless actions that led to the assassination are never reckoned with by any character, if all that Alicent says about him is "The child's pain is ended" (to service the writers' attempt at dehumanizing Jaehaerys to make the viewer not care about him), if Otto's PR move is framed as something nefarious instead of the typical funeral procession of a member of the royal family, if we don't even see Jaehaerys' funeral like we did Luke's, then how can the viewer be anything but desensitized to Blood and Cheese? How can the viewer do anything but exonerate Daemon and Rhaenyra of this act? Rhaenyra in the episode literally said, "I would never harm innocents like Helaena!" As if this line isn't a blatant attempt at manipulating the viewer to feel a certain way about Rhaenyra's involvement in B&C by the writers, egregiously using her as a mouthpiece to absolve her of any evil she causes and has caused. Clearly whitewashing her of this act. Daemon too, because "It was a mistake! I only named Aemond!" and then having him have hallucinations in Harrenhal of Jaehaerys. We've actually seen Rhaenyra with Jaehaerys more times than we've seen Helaena with him. Like let that sink in.... And what we get from all this is that Helaena forgives Alicent? ... So basically the narrative is implicating Alicent and Criston in Jaehaerys' murder (already did tbf when the writers changed her being in the room to her not being there), but it washes Daemon and Rhaenyra's hands completely clean.

I know there are people who are trying to rationalize that scene as Helaena dissociating in order to cope with the trauma, but when you factor in Condal openly saying that he views Blood and Cheese as it was written in F&B as propaganda uttered by Alicent, and then him removing her from the event to go have sex with Cole with that being the reason there are no guards protecting Helaena's chambers so as to implicate them both in the murder .... Is that really what we can assume Condal wanted to do with Helaena in this episode?

I hate that scene. I really fucking hate that ep.3 scene.

[maidragoste]

The Strong Twins

Harwin Strong x Velaryon!Reader (unrequited love), Alicent Hightower x Velaryon!Reader, Larys Strong x Velaryon!Reader

Part 4 of this

Part 5

Serie Masterlist

Sorry for taking so long to update I was busy with the university 😭

I hope the wait was worth it and that you like this new chapter🥰🥰💖💖

comments, reblogs, likes are always greatly appreciated. I will always thank you for supporting this series 🥰💖 because I really did not expect so many people to like it

My inbox is open so I'm always willing to read your headcanons, opinions and answer your questions. I seriously love reading your headcanons and thoughts, it makes me happy 🥰💖

Disclaimer: English is not my first language so I apologize for any mistakes.

Despite your coldness and the distance between you two, Harwin still cared about you. That's why when the servants woke him up in the middle of the night to tell him that you went into labor, he got nervous. You didn't let him be by your side while you gave birth, the only people you allowed to enter your chambers, besides the midwives, were your mother, your sister, and the queen. Rhaenyra also wanted to accompany you but the queen did not hesitate to close the door in her face.

Harwin wasn't the only one awake hoping that you'd finish the delivery and everything would turn out okay. Accompanying him in his chambers were his father, his brother, Corlys, Laenor, Daemon, and Rhaenyra. Your father had brought wine so everyone was drinking trying to ignore their worries about things that could go wrong.

The truth is Harwin felt uncomfortable by the presence of Daemon and Rhaenyra. He didn't understand why the man was there with them, yes Daemon was married to Laena but the prince could easily have continued sleeping. He had no obligation to be awake waiting to hear from you and the baby… Unless he was the father of your child and your new lover. Harwin shook his head and stopped drinking, the drink and his nerves were making him think of stupid things. He knew that you loved your sister and would never do anything to hurt her.

Normally Rhaenyra's presence always made him feel warm and gave him some kind of peace of mind but right now he wanted her away. At first, the atmosphere in his chambers was "calm" but that calm disappeared when a furious and injured Rhaenyra entered after you yelled at her that you didn't want her near her and that she will let you give birth in peace. The room was now tense. Corlys Velaryon was looking at them both angrily. Even his own father was glaring at them furiously. He knew that they expected him to drive the princess away but he couldn't do it.

The only person who didn't seem furious with him was his brother. Harwin didn't expect Larys to be next to him and appreciated it, he was sure he would continue sleeping but he appeared next to his father and sat next to him. He didn't say a word of comfort or try to distract him with a conversation, Larys had never been that kind of person but with his presence, he was already giving him silent support. Larys even didn't make fun of him when he spent the first hour pacing all over the room.

Your screams were heard again, and Larys was tempted to pour himself another glass of wine, but he didn't. He had to be sober when he met his son. He would start as a bad father if he was drunk when he first saw the baby. Besides he knew that if he turned up drunk you would be furious and kick his ass or you could ignore him for weeks.

Larys is not a fearful or nervous person. He couldn't remember when was the last time he had felt fear, nervousness, or anxiety. He knew it was foolish to feel that, you are a strong woman, you can fly on a dragon and he is sure that you are capable of defeating any man from the city guard, the birthing bed would not kill you. Besides, your mother took it upon herself to bring the best midwives to King's Landing to help you in the delivery and Alicent was by your side, she would never allow anything to go wrong.

He knew you would be fine but still, a small part of him was anxious. He hated feeling like this. He wanted to go to the black cells and torture someone until that horrible feeling disappeared. He wanted to stop hearing your screams and listen to the prisoners' screams as he pulled their teeth out. But then again, you'd be mad at him for doing other things instead of going to meet his kid.

It felt unreal. Larys never imagined that he would have a child. No father wanted to marry his daughter to a cripple and on top of that with a second son who was not going to inherit anything, so he never thought that he would marry and have children. And Larys was fine with it because kids in general were fucking annoying. But then Harwin neglected you and he managed to captivate you so you gave him a chance. It was not in his plans that you would end up pregnant. But it wasn't a problem, you looked happy even though he noticed that you were disappointed by his lack of reaction when you gave him the news. He wouldn't say specifically that he was happy but he could say that he was proud, proud that he had done what Harwin couldn't, and now the Strong line would run through his blood. Proud to see how happy you were as the child grew in your womb. He couldn't deny that he liked to see how happy you looked while you and Alicent sewed blankets for the baby. He also liked hearing how excited you were as you talked about the names you had in mind for the child. He would never forget the smile on your face when you took his and Alicent's hands and made them feel like kicking the baby for the first time. You looked happier than he had seen you in years. He was the one who made you happy, not Harwin.

The door was flung open and Laena appeared with a big smile. "Everything went well."

Of course, Harwin was the first to run for your chambers. Soon Corlys, Laenor, and Rhaenyra followed. They were looking forward to seeing you. They needed to see for themselves that you were okay.

Larys remained seated. Although he wanted to go see you, he knew he had to wait a while. It would be striking that he was so eager to meet his nephew.

"What are you waiting for? She wants us all there" Laena said walking in seeing that Daemon, Lyonel, and Larys didn't seem willing to leave the room. Larys was sure Laena gave him the longest look when she said "everyone" and as if she couldn't be more obvious she moved to his side "Come on, go meet your nephews" she commanded as she squeezed hard his shoulder. Perhaps from the outside, it looked like an affectionate gesture but he could feel how your sister was digging her fingers into him.

Laena had only found out about the romance between the two of you because your sister didn't know what privacy was and entered your chambers without knocking on the door. Even Alicent's children knew to knock on the door and get the other person's permission before entering a room that didn't belong to them.

After you two get dressed again, Larys had to endure some questioning from Laena. He thought he had had enough of her when "the Queen Who Never Was" forced him to join her at her tea time to talk about his relationship with you. He preferred the cold stare of a Rhaenys Targaryen to Laena's endless questions.

"I'm sure you are excited to meet your grandchildren too, Lord Strong," Laena added to avoid drawing Daemon's attention. She knew that you would never forgive her if she let your secret slip. She loved Daemon but you and Laenor came first.

“Grandchildren?” Lyonel repeated, shocked to have more than one grandchild.

"Twins," Laena replied, still smiling.

That was enough for both Larys and his father to get up and head to your chambers. On another occasion, Lyonel would have lightened his step considering the limp of his son but this time he was excited. Twins were not common in the Strong family.

Larys felt even more proud of you two but also a little anxious. He was just getting used to the idea of a single baby. Now there would be two of them and he had to work to make them both like him. What if they are identical twins and he couldn't tell them apart? Would you tell him that he is a bad father because of that? What if Harwin manages to distinguish them? Would that make you forgive his brother? He put those stupid thoughts aside the moment he saw Rhaenyra grumbling outside your door. Evidently, again they had not let her in.

“Princess, you should go rest. Lady Strong must be too tired to receive any more visitors. She will surely receive you tomorrow. We don't want to overwhelm the mother right now, right?" he said before opening the door and going inside, ignoring the incredulous look that the king's eldest daughter gave him for daring to throw her out.

The moment you saw Larys walk in, your face lit up. You had wanted him to be with you during the birth but it would clearly have been conspicuous in court for him to be at your side instead of Harwin. At least you could have Alicent next to you, she took it upon herself to wipe the sweat from your forehead and neck, clearly, that was a maiden's job, not a queen's, but no one said anything, and she let you take her hand without any complaints even though you were sure it would have marks from your nails. The presence of your lover, your mother, and your sister made the situation not so terrible. Without them, you probably would have been even more terrified.

The midwives had already left so now you could talk freely, with just the family.

"Come, my lord, meet your children," you said surprising everyone. You knew that Larys and your mother will argue with you for revealing the true paternity of your children, but you didn't care. You wanted Harwin and Lyonel to know that it would be Larys' blood that would carry on the Strong legacy. You were sure that both kept the secret. The Strongs needed an heir and you gave them two. Besides, despite Harwin's infidelity, he had some honor and you knew he would never do anything to hurt a child.

Larys wanted to be mad at you. You just put the children and yourself in danger. His father could order you and Harwin to go to Harrenhal to prevent you from continuing your relationship. Harwin might eventually tell the princess the truth. What you just did was stupid. Like it was stupid that he couldn't stop thinking about how beautiful you looked while you were carrying his son. He should be thinking about how to prevent his father from pushing you away or Harwin from opening his mouth but he could only think about you and the children. He loves you but sometimes he hated how stupid and weak you make him.

Harwin felt as if someone had repeatedly stabbed him in the chest at your words, confirming what he already knew. Larys was the father of your twins. He knew it the moment he saw Aethan's blue eye and the love in your eyes when his brother appeared. You used to look at him that way.

Now he understood why Larys had accompanied him all these hours, his brother was also worried about you and now he was the owner of your heart and with whom you share your bed. Harwin wished he could fool himself into thinking you were only doing this for revenge but he could see the love you had for Larys as you patiently explained how to properly restrain the children. Seeing them as a happy family caused pain in his heart. He always wished his brother happiness but he never imagined that it would be at his own expense. He couldn't be happy for Larys when those children were supposed to be his. You are his wife. He should be the one by your side as you proudly present Alyn to Lyonel as the future Lord of Harrenhal, not Larys.

Lyonel's eldest son knew that the gods were making him live this nightmare because he deserved it after all the pain and humiliation his romance with Rhaenyra caused you. But it seemed cruel to him that the gods had made the children look like he always dreamed his children would look like with you. He always imagined that they would have your beautiful silver hair and your mouth but they would have his nose and his eyes. The twins had slightly lighter skin than yours but there was no doubt that your blood had been stronger because they both have little silver locks, your mouth, and your beautiful brown eyes. Except Aethan also has an eye the same color as Larys'. That eye would always be a reminder to Harwin of who the father of your children really was.

Daemon entered your chambers together with your sister, finding Lyonel and Corlys holding their grandchildren without having any idea that he missed the Strong children's paternity reveal. Thankfully Laena had managed to distract him long enough for you and Larys to have a moment with your children.

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[snowblack-charcoalwhite]

I think the best indicator of "love" is screen time and development the characters are getting. Aemond is definitely not loved, perhaps not even liked by this team. He was sidelined in s1 after Driftmark as well, the show never explored the aftermath for him, ignored his trauma, barely showed relationship with his mother etc. But in s1 Aemond was still a compelling character who stood on his own, now in s2 they write him like an afterthought, it feels like they would have left him off screen if he wasn't needed for the plot, they don't develop him, but the audience sees him occasionally so people remember he exists. His sole reason to exist is to be a worse version of Daemon who gets the same character traits except for Daemon's depth and interactions.

It really sucks and imo it also hurts Ewan as an actor, because after all the hype and PR he got, people had their expectations only to see that he was heavily sidelined for... literally everyone else. And now people are criticising Ewan's acting, but what is he supposed to do when his appearances are so short and he isn't given any meaty scenes? Like you can't seriously compare Tom and Ewan's material yet people do this and say Ewan is a bad actor. Olivia's sad eyes are constantly on screen, it's getting tiresome and repetitive, but hey, they need her to have a chance at Emmys. Same with Emma and Matt, they'd rather show Daemon walking around for 10 minutes then give Ewan an extra second. The battle of Rooks rest could have been his moment, but no, it's Fabien who gets the spotlight out of the Greens. Anime villains can't show any emotions apparently! Aemond can only appear on screen for 2 minutes per episode max. This is downright disrespectful, HBO used Aemond and Ewan for promo, tricked fans into thinking Aemond will have a prominent role, but the show treats Aemond and Ewan terribly. People on social media say they want to watch HOTD just for Aemond because he looks cool and I almost want to say it's not worth it because he is barely on screen lmao. And the writing is awful. The showrunners and HBO had an iconic character in the making but they're boring morons.

Hello!

I have to agree on the point about the complete and utter disrespect with which HBO and the writers have dealt with Aemond and Ewan this season. Actually, basically all of the characters have been subjected to the exploitative treatment and used to either push the show's agenda in a very crude, dumbed down form or to straight out bait the audience to gain more views. Olivia plays a double part of "a terrible mother"/"a victim of patriarchy" (to make Rhaenyra look better/to hammer home the "women good men bad" point) with a default "I'm about to cry" face (she even kind of joked about it herself during one of the promo interviews). Emma so far has been playing another crying/disrespected/constantly in need of saving or standing up for victim of patriarchy. Matt this season gives a master class in playing the walking collection of psychological issues (and not in a good way) - but he at least has something to actually act out. The latter also goes for Tom though Aegon has been really dumbed down - plus sometimes it feels like his main purpose in the show is to evoke pity in viewers. Phia has been amazing with what she was given but overall storywise Helaena doesn't fare that much better than last season - she is still barely a character. Fabien has been talking a lot about Criston's loyalty to Alicent (and this loyalty was shown to us in season 1) but we have yet to see the actual proof of this loyalty in season 2.

But Aemond IMO takes the cake as far as the disrespect towards the character and the actor is concerned. It really feels like HBO after introducing this character with so much potential for development (and the coolest design to boot) played by a very talented actor with a really powerful screen presence just used Aemond for increasing the show's popularity and selling merch - and after that used Ewan during the promo campaign knowing full well that a lot of people have been intrigued by him and interested in learning more about him. Is it possible that no one at HBO had been aware about the way Condal&Co treated Aemond's storyline and how heavily he was sidelined before the season was released? I don't think so.

Anyway, even if HotD has robbed Ewan of an actual opportunity to fully show his acting abilities, at least it has brought him a certain amount of fame and popularity (including interest in his previous projects). People (directors and studio execs among them) now know who he is and what kind of range he has (based off the way he has been playing Aemond and the way he played his other characters). So, after all, some good has come of it.

[witchthewriter]

𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐫𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞

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

a/n: I didn’t specify if reader was Targaryen, but reader is of the blood of Old Valyria as they have their own dragon. 

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ | ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ ᴵᴵ  

𝑺𝑭𝑾🌿

・Your wedding was a traditional one, from Old Valyria. The sharing of blood (cut each other’s lips with a fine blade of dragonglass), the drinking of special wine. 

・You both wore the traditional wedding gowns of Old Valyria; white tinged with red that blended to the bodice 

・Rhaenyra knew she was going to marry you the moment you met. But you did not have the same opinion of her. You thought she was haughty and much too hot-headed. 

・And yet, over time you got to know her. You got to know the real Rhaenyra. 

・Your relationship started as a best friends with benefits. It was a secret; sneaking into one another’s rooms and trying not to get caught in the mornings.

・No one was supposed to know but some started to figure it out - Rhaenyra still had the mindset that she was royalty and nothing bad could happen to her. It was an arrogance that Alicent was right about - but every royal has it.

・It wasn’t until you had been sent home that Rhaenyra changed

・In those years you were gone, and where you found Silverwing, Rhaenyra cut a deal with her father.

・Since you had bonded with the mighty and gracious Silvering, the King saw you in a different light. But all he wanted was the best for his daughter. 

・With you having your own dragon, the beautiful mount Silverwing, who was originally bonded to the Good Queen Alysanne. She was known as one of the greatest Targaryen Queens ever to exist and brought about a lot of good change, specifically for women in Westeros. 

・For you to have bonded with Silverwing, she had to see you as worthy. Very worthy. And as a person who was destined for greatness. 

・So, the King knew this as well. Viserys understood how important it was that he keep you close to the council. Because this solidified the fact that you were going to do amazing things. 

・And that meant he had to physically have you close as well. 

・He allowed you back into King’s Landing, to Dragonstone, to anywhere near his daughter

・And your relationship grew.  

・So much so that you had a hidden wedding on Dragonstone, where Viserys named Rhaenyra, Princess of Dragonstone (a great honour). Which gave you a whole castle to do as you pleased. 

・Including secretly getting married. 

・You adore her hair. The length, the colour, the braids the servants create. You got a particularly skilled servant to teach you how to do them

・And then you surprised Rhaenyra by brushing and braiding her hair the next day. She was so happy that she couldn’t stop smiling. 

・You have your own cute relationship with Syrax. Although it’s forbidden for bonded dragon riders to ride other dragons, that doesn’t mean you can’t form a connection with another dragon. 

・Sassy, fierce but affectionate - that’s how you see Syrax.

・And since Silverwing was such an open-minded, gracious and kind dragon (the kindest one there ever was), she never minds when you talk to Syrax

・You never liked the thought of keeping Silverwing in the Dragonpit whenever you visited King’s Landing. But Rhaenyra promised you that nothing would happen. (Not that she couldn’t take care of herself, but you didn’t like knowing that men with pointy spears might hurt her)

・You had a strong bond with your dragon, and it was almost like whenever one of you got hurt, the other could feel it. You wondered if Good Queen Alysanne felt it as well?

𝑰𝒇 𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝑭𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆/𝑭𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:

・Then your marriage between Rhaenyra and yourself is hidden

・Everyone thinks you’re just really good friends 

・And Alicent was very jealous of the relationship between the two of you. It’s what she wanted. 

・So the tension between the Blacks and the Greens grew even more (while you were away - you had been gone a long time. 10 years, and in those years Rhaenyra had her sons with Harwin)

・Laenor knew of your relationship and was happy to play along as the husband in official events 

・You have a different relationship with each of Rhaenyra’s sons. With Jace, it’s a tad stiff, since he’s caught on to the truth. But you’ve asked him if he wanted to meet Silverwing and have a fly with you. The first few times he denied, and Rhaenyra was so upset. 

・But after making him laugh and standing up for him in front of his cousins, he grew warmer to you. 

・And then he agreed and it solidified your relationship with Jace as protector. 

・With Luke, that boy was the sweetest thing to ever exist. He brought both you and Rhaenyra flowers. And often asked to see Silverwing. Even though all three boys had dragons of their own, none were trained like yours. Who was absolutely brilliant with other people. 

・Silverwing is actually a very social dragon and loves to be in conversations and to be doted over. 

・Oh and she absolutely adores being petted, to the point that she has a favourite spot to be rubbed. 

・And little Joffrey, oh he was so young when you first met him. He sees you already as another mother, even if you haven’t said to think of you as that. 

・You had said to the boys - I will always be there for you. I will protect you no matter what, and whatever problems you have, you can come to me. 

𝑰𝒇 𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒆/𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒆𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:

・Then as the same as above, when you were sent away, it was for a long long time. 

・Rhaenyra had her three boys with Harwin, but his place was effectively taken by you when he died. 

・You weren’t like Criston Cole, where you had to have a true marriage to Rhaenyra. You were happy being her ... side piece. 

・But Laenor could see how happy Rhaenyra was with you, how you two would be the perfect King and Queen of Westeros. 

・So, he asked Rhaenyra to help him run away with his lover and make it look like he had been killed. 

・She agreed, only because she loved you so much. 

・When you had heard, you were shocked. Shocked that you weren’t consulted or included. That they had lied to you. 

     “I’m telling you now, though!” 

“But you were sneaking behind my back. And now your aunt has no children!” 

・It took a few days but you forgave her. Only because you realised how far she would go to have you. As her King. 

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈:

Give Me All Your Love by Alabama Shakes

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:

"You wear the pants in this relationship" (You say to Rhaenyra) x "oh I wish, I cannot control you at all" (She replies back)

Two damaged, vulnerable people, swearing to each other no matter what 

Accidental confession during heat of the moment/fight.

𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆  

Undying Loyalty

𝑵𝑺𝑭𝑾 🔞 no one under 18 read past this point!

・Your wedding night was like any other - you had been entranced with each other from the very first time you met. 

・Secretly meeting in each other’s bedrooms since you were 18, you knew one another’s bodies well. 

・You knew what the other liked, what names you liked to be called and how you lusted to be touched 

・Rhaenyra liked to be both dominant and submissive; letting you take control, biting her neck as she rode you, doing what she was told, waiting for your commands. 

・And other times she liked to pull your hair and hear her name shouted from your mouth 

・She loves to rut against your body, any part of your body. Especially if you’ve been in a fight, and she wants to make it up to you or wants you to make it up to her. 

・Rhaenyra loves her nipples played with - especially them being sucked and nibbled on. She has the most glorious pink, puffy breasts that you day dream about often. 

・They’re the same colour as her lips, as well as her cunt. On some days you’ll back her against the wall in your bedrooms and widen her legs and pull up her dress

・Once your mouth connects with her sex, she melts and all the worries fade away

[lemonhemlock]

I want to discuss why Criston having sex with Alicent is different.

Sex with Rhaenyra was about her sexual pleasure. It was about scratching that itch, which Criston is not for. He has a different view of sex. The act with Alicent has passion behind it. It's about two lost souls uniting and finding comfort in each other. So no he's not a hypocrite for not wanting to have sex with Rhaenyra. There's a deep emotional bond of devotion between the two.

He's allowed to feel used by Rhaenyra but be all Take Me to Church with Alicent and her WAP.

I won't touch on other points of why they aren't hypocrites for doing the devil's tango, as there are a variety of posts that articulate that but I have yet to see someone bring this up.(if they have good for them, great minds and all). Targaryen dick riders have a fucked up way of discussing SA and consent. That's all I'm saying that. (disclaimer this is not aimed at those who enjoy the Targs for being a fucked up dynasty and find them fascinating but those who think they are gods cause there's a difference.).

Welcome back, coffee queen! ☕Hope you're enjoying the new season 🫶

Love this take and your lexical choices crack me up!! I think that, at one point, Criston was a bit of a playboy, as he does explain with his own mouth that he's had dalliances in the past, but most of my thoughts on that I've put into this post here (so as to not repeat myself). Also this addition here. But, I agree that, fundamentally, Criston has had years to develop his feelings for Alicent, whereas, during his affair with Rhaenyra, he was a young man in awe of a pretty fairy tale princess. So it would make sense why his connection to Alicent would be deeper and more meaningful by now.

Also! People are allowed to "break up" and then get with someone else!

Haters forget that he can be legitimately upset at Rhaenyra not just because she unknowingly placed his life in danger, but also because she was so callous about it. She was proposing that they have occasional hook-ups, whereas he was ready to be very serious about her. So there was this disproportionate emotional involvement in their affair where Criston was risking a whole lot for someone who didn't really care for him, while Rhaenyra wanted casual sex and risked a slap on the wrist for it.

In any case, they quarreled and parted ways. Honestly, the reason doesn't even matter as much - who hasn't broken up with a bf/gf at some point over some dumbass reason, left and never looked back?* Are they supposed to hold a candle over that past relationship forever (regardless of how "legitimate" the grievances were)? The Dance of the Dragons didn't happen because of anything Criston did to Rhaenyra in revenge, she made a lot of bad political decisions herself to compound on the succession crisis engineered by her father. He is allowed to cross over to Alicent and "support" her side if he wants to; it's not the reason Rhaenyra got into trouble.

Not to mention that, after his mental breakdown and freaking suicide attempt, he's had years to contemplate the question of what being a knight and breaking one's vows means and what he boundaries he would be comfortable crossing. The Criston who's that's that me espresso with Alicent isn't the same Criston who slept with Rhaenyra and had a crisis of faith in the aftermath. He knows what he's getting into and he actively chooses to do so, isn't just put randomly in a situation from which he can't extricate himself.

*EDIT: Not that Criston's reason was dumbass, but even if it were, he's not beholden to being sexually available to Rhaenyra forever just because they fucked one time. (I feel like you have to include disclaimers for every gosh darned thing on this website). And the fact that Rhaenyra stans don't understand the concept of consent and how much it colours one's experience is just.... 🤦‍♀️

[ride-thedragon]

Sometimes, it feels like people brush aside Laenor's role as a parental figure for Jace and Luke, putting Daemon on a pedestal instead, the epitome of fatherhood. Honestly, Daemon wouldn't hesitate to get rid of Jace and Joffrey if it meant securing the throne for his and Rhaenyra's sons, with him as regent until they came of age. Given how little he seems to care for his own daughters, at least in the show, it's hard to believe he is a good father to Rhaenyra's boys. Daemon's actions often come off as self-serving, and even if he does "love" Rhaenyra, it seems more like she's just a means to an end for him. It was quite pleased to see Laena haunting his ass. I really roll my eyes when people say Daemon is a better father. Hearing how Jace remembers Laenor paints a different picture. Laenor cared for the boys... like he couldn't stop looking at baby Joffrey with so much wonder. He saw these boys as his own. It would have been interesting to see how Jace, Luke, Rhaena, and Baela felt about Daemon and Rhaenyra's marriage. So far, the show has shown them in a rather submissive light, accepting the marriage right after losing Laena and Laenor. These kids lost one parent and then watched the other remarry quickly. I'm also keen to see more interaction between Corlys and Jace. We haven't really seen much of their relationship in the show. It would be great to see Corlys talking to his granddaughters as well. Not sure if Corlys really cared about Luke or if Luke is just another piece in his political game. These poor kids, Jace, Baela, and Rhaena, should just leave, take Joffrey, and start a new life far away from all this mess.

I agree with this.

I think people were so quick to romanticise Daemon and Rhaenyra without observing the real conflict of it. Now they say the show is destroying them when in truth it isn't. They're building on already established conflicts.

When it comes to Laenor 100%. In the same way, they refuse to see that Rhaenyra isn't the best mother. They refuse to give Laenor his flowers. The only thing it seemed Laenor didn't do for those boys was sire them himself. Luke was knee-deep in the bastard allegations but refused to believe he wasn't Laenor’s.

They never have a bad thing to say about Laenor. Even when the narrative shifted to him leaving I didn't seem genuine without the threat that loomed that he had little choice otherwise.

This show has a really bad habit of not wanting conflict (specifically with team black but not exclusively) because it makes it seem as though they love each other else or audiences won't think they're family. It's really dumb and underestimating for the audience they have.

Rhaena doesn't want to go, Rhaenyra basically rehashed the Laenor arc and said it'll happen regardless, and then she gets dragon eggs, so the conflict is avoided.

Baela gets to be sad but not too sad about Rhaenys and tells Corlys she isn't Velayron as though that's a bad thing to be in comparison to being a Targaryen. She's the ward of Driftmark and Bride to be of the heir but still. Her entire identity is both.

Jace gets to hear the asoiaf prophecy, but he doesn't get to react or contend it with his bastardy. Neither does he get to truly argue with Rhaenyra. It’s all implied.

There is a clear aversion to conflict within the faction unless it can be rectified within the episode or carried out by some evil like Daemon or Misogyny.

I just hope they can do better next time because its truly boring and somehow more toxic than the greens. At least they don't dismiss their feelings entirely, it's used to build plots.

[kazz-brekker]

oh babyyyy we are back and in order to process my thoughts i must write my thoughts on hotd season 2 premiere:

i'm a little sad we only got to be in the north for about 5 minutes but, you know, they were a good 5 minutes. winterfell! the wall! ice! cregan teasing jace about being a southerner! i'm a house stark stan and always will be!

i like the new tapestry-like intro, i think the city/family tree concept of the original one was an interesting idea but hard to follow unless you had the whole targ family tree memorized.

i enjoy rhaenys not taking shit from daemon. that's my queen who never was!

rhaenyra mourning luke was good but rough. emma d'darcy actor that you are etc etc. very impressed by how much they were able to do with no dialogue.

alyn of hull sighting! and hugh hammer, later in the episode! however this plot goes, i think it's going to be interesting.

i feel like there is gonna be a lot of discourse about alicent and criston cole sleeping together but honestly i just liked the continued symbolism of criston taking off his white cloak when doing something that breaks his vows.

my sister was sitting next to me as i was watching this episode and can vouch for the fact that i very loudly said "OH NO" when helaena said she was afraid of the rats.

i bet i'm really going to enjoy aegon this season, tom glynn-carney has absolutely fantastic comedic timing and i'm intrigued by aegon's characterization of trying to be a good father and ruler but not really knowing what he's doing.

tyland lannister fighting for his life against a 4-year-old at the council meeting DID make me giggle.

didn't see a lot of aemond this episode but nothing so far has broken my headcanon that he lies in bed at night staring at the ceiling be like "what the fuck have i gotten have i gotten myself into" while pretending to be scary and cool in public.

weirdly excited that they showed rhaenyra dismounting from syrax because they never actually showed that in season 1 and i was starting to wonder how they got on and off the dragons.

mysaria's accent is so much better this season, god bless.

jace trying to get through his report to rhaenyra without crying and not managing it DID get to me.

"i want aemond targaryen" so true my queen i'll fetch him myself, anything for you.

my heart was beating incredibly hard during the last 15 minutes of this episode, not gonna lie.

the execution of blood and cheese is also something i think there will be a lot of drama about but i'll give my 2 cents and say that think it was well done.

vengeance is cool and all but i never really understood why the black used the ability to get men into the red keep to kill a kid when they could have tried to take out someone more important to the war effort instead, so aemond being the original target actually worked for me.

the scene cutting away when blood and cheese ask daemon what they should do if they can't get aemond reminds me of the "heir for a day" part from the pilot–we don't see what happens, but can infer his response.

i was also curious how they were going to include helaena being forced to make a choice if maelor doesn't exist, and i think that was probably the best way it could be managed.

i am so, so, SO glad that we didn't actually see the murder on-screen, the sound effects were bad enough.

that sure was a way to kick off the season! we are definitely back!

[presidenthades]

I've lost all my faith in this season, my favorite characters seem to have been written as an afterthought or are just standing there without doing much (or worse, they were completely eliminated) Aegon is not my favorite (he's not my least favorite character either, Aemond and Alicent exist for a reason) but tgc makes that loser really endearing and seeing him call his mom at his most vulnerable moment made me feel things...

I was thinking of an au where everything stays the same as the show but Jace is a girl, maybe she could bond with Rhaenys like she did in the Golds universe (dark-haired Targaryen women, heirs to the throne but with a male relative who puts her right at risk) Rhaenys could take Jace with her to Kings Landing as her ward and when everything goes to hell Rhaenys flees without being able to take her granddaughter with her. How do you think the greens would deal with Jace among them? Do you think this Aegon would become obsessed with having his niece in his power now he's king? Maybe Jace would play her cards well and take advantage of Aegon's need for approval and love for her and her mother's benefit...

Imagine the scene of Aegon crying after Jaehaerys' death and after Alicent leaves without comforting her son, Jace enters the room to do exactly that or when he inevitably complains because Otto rejected his idea of returning the sheep to the farmer and Jace comforts him by telling that it was a good idea and even offering to help him prepare to talk to the Council. I know that if Aegon had a Jace by his side (even when she has her own agenda) many of the disasters to come would have been avoided and Aemond would have no chance of naming himself regent because she can work with her drunken uncle but will never allow her brother's killer to sit on the throne

I’ve been thinking about this prompt a lot. I know we’re trying to keep things as close to show canon as possible, but there are some questions that must be asked.

Between Jace (who is Laenor’s bio daughter) and Luke (who is presumably Harwin’s bio son), who is Rhaenyra’s heir and who is Driftmark’s heir? I established in The Golds that, based on what Rhaenyra said to Rhaenys in S1E8, Rhaenyra might make a son her heir over her daughter. But show!Corlys is very “history remembers names,” so would he also prefer a male heir? Or does his granddaughter being biologically Laenor’s change things?

Either way, Rhaenys definitely shows favoritism to Jace, even more than in the Goldsverse. This would add to tension between Jace and her siblings. Jace feels like Luke is the favorite for being the eldest boy, while Luke feels like Jace is the favorite for being legitimate. There’s even more tension if Rhaenys takes Jace as a ward in Driftmark for a few years. In this AU, Jace might not be very close to her siblings, though she would still love them.

The Last Supper might go differently since Jace wouldn’t retaliate to Aemond’s Strong toast. Maybe Luke tries to take on Aemond by himself. 😂 But even if Rhaenyra takes her other kids back to Dragonstone, one could argue that Jace stays with Rhaenys as her ward. So that’s how Jace ends up stuck in KL when everything happens.

This is one of the best case scenarios for the Greens. Even if Jace isn’t as close to her mother and siblings in this AU, she’s still a very valuable hostage. Honestly, if Rhaenyra’s daughter is trapped in KL, I have a hard time imagining Rhaenyra doing much of anything out of fear something happens to Jace. But Daemon in this AU doesn’t care much about Jace, so maybe we can do what the show does and blame all the bad TB decisions on him. 🤷🏻‍♀️

On the Green side, Otto wants to make doubly sure they’re keeping Jace, who is a dragonrider and whom Greens would argue is the only legitimate heir to Driftmark. It would be kinda funny if Otto suggested marrying her to Aemond. 😅 Aegon would, of course, lose his shit and do his best to stop it from happening. He probably starts writing to the High Septon about whether they can bring back polygamy.

Let’s say Storm’s End still happens, because even if Rhaenyra is afraid for Jace, she reasons it’s still OK to send out messengers. When Jace hears about what happened, she DEFINITELY doesn’t want to marry Aemond. She has a decent survival instinct, and I imagine she and Aegon were still close as kids, so she may intentionally latch onto Aegon to improve her odds. Aegon is happy to be latched onto.

If Jace is there to give Aegon all the love and validation he wants, stuff like Rook’s Rest probably doesn’t even happen because he isn’t pushed over the edge/Jace talks him out of it.

[atopvisenyashill]

what kind of girlmoms do you think visenya and rhaenys would've been had they given birth to daughters (assume rhaenys lives long enough to make more of an impact on a hypothetical child)?

it’s so hard to say with rhaenys and i feel bad being like “she’d be fine ig” and then digging into all the ways visenya would traumatize a daughter aksjdjd but it’s so funny To Me how rhaenys (+ aegon) are seen as the Parents of the targaryen rulers when rhaenys has very little to do as a mother. We don’t even see her interact with other children like we see Visenya with Ronnel. Like, Visenya parents Aenys more than Rhaenys does, but Rhaenys is lauded as the Great Mother - but of course she is, she dies before she can show herself to be just as mediocre of a parent as everyone else, whereas Visenya lives long and struggles & has her failings and is pilloried for poisoning Aenys & usurping him & being an ungrateful witch, yada yada. It’s like how kids will resent their good parent but love their bad/abusive parent bc the bad parent is Fun but the good parent is actually parenting and making them eat veggies. Rhaenys gets to be the eternal fun parent because she died before really being a mother, and Visenya is the eternal bad parent because she did the actual hard work of trying to turn Aenys into a functioning person.

I go back and forth on Visenya girlmom. Her relationship with Rhaena is like, Soooooo bad but that makes sense - Rhaena is not HER child, a dynastic threat. Look at Cersei. She’s not a good mom but she actually isn’t terrible with Myrcella! I really think that speaks well of Cersei trying to spare Myrcella the pain she herself experienced, if giving Myrcella outlets for her own intelligence. Now I think Cersei would do very badly with a more tomboyish daughter (too much like her!!) but she’s not a BAD girlmom! She’s pretty adequate even despite her hang ups. Obviously a Visenya daughter would have the added stress of Visenya insisting on her marrying Aenys, but she'd have the freedom of a dragon.

On the one hand it's like, I think a lot of Visenya's "bad mom to Maegor" issues come from her wanting to get him on the throne and feeling (rightly imo) pushed out by Aegon. That's not as big of an issue with a daughter, because she has a guaranteed way to join her line with Rhaenys' - it's almost like a Daemon and Rhaenyra's boys situation. Daemon seemed mollified by the engagements of his girls to Rhaenyra's boys but would that be enough for Visenya? Simply to know that her grandson will be king one day?

Of course, you have the issue that Visenya knows is likely going to be an issue and thats can her daughter even have a child. There's an added stressor there that can't really be denied and if Maegor is anything to go by, Visenya is going to exacerbate it (because like....does she ever tell Maegor "yeah babe it's not super likely" or does she believe it's something she can get around and that's why she encouraged the marriages to Alys and Tyanna? we don't really know but To Me it feels like Visenya always sort of expected fertility would be an issue with Maegor).At the same time, we KNOW she put all sorts of pressures on Maegor but he was still completely devoted to her, and that tells me she was probably a strict mom, perhaps a "bad mom" but a loving one, one where her faults are easy to forgive - we don't get any sort of hint that Maegor feels about her the way Joffrey seems to feel about Cersei for example. So that lends itself to the idea that Visenya would be kind to a girl. BUT THEN AGAIN she's essentially relegating her daughter to her own fate - married to a male relative because her own claim will never come first, never be good enough. Visenya doesn't have a bad life but she seems to be (again imo) very frustrated and unfulfilled. Will a daughter resent this?

I'M NOT ANSWERING THIS WELL ALSJFDKL I think Rhaenys would be....probably a mostly normal mother. Not exemplary but not like, uniquely traumatizing. I think Visenyas has the potential to be traumatizing but I don't think that means she'd be a bad girl mom, just kind of a weird one?

[bitchyfoxymama]

I Wanna Ruin Our Friendship - Rhaenyra x F!Reader - Modern AU

Alternatively: We Should Be Lovers Instead

Warnings: friends to lovers, lesbian x bisexual, the children still exist in this!, Alicent playing matchmaker, brief mention of homophobia, Daemon and Harwin, Fluff, smut will be in part 2!

A/N: it's lesbian visibility week and as your fav lesbian author it is my duty to write WxW fics this week! Boys are taking a backseat this week sorry yall!

Beta read by @howaboutcastiel

...

"Rhaenyra darling, you're my best friend," you say in front of the mirror to yourself. You've been pacing for the last 30 minutes, "I wanna ruin our friendship. We should be lovers instead. No, no, no. Ah, come on y/n you can do this!" 

Rhaenyra has had 2 failed relationships, which gave her 5 wonderful boys who all call you auntie and whom you'd die for. But it's time to put on the big girl panties and confess your feelings to her so that you can either finally get together with her or move on after she lets you down. 

"Okay okay okay," you pull out your phone and dial Alicent, your other best friend and confidant. She's the only one to know of your feelings for the Targaryen. 

"I can't do it, Ali," you whine the moment she picks up, forgoing letting her greet you. 

"Darling Y/n, if you don't confess to Nyra today, I will go over there and kick your ass. How many times have I told you she feels the same for you and has for just as long as you have?" 

"You really think she feels the same way I do?" You know she can't see the face you’re making currently, but she can hear it. 

"Y/n, you were as much her gay awakening as she was yours. Remember in 8th grade at Lannisters’ boy girl party when the bottle landed on you?" She is hoping to calm your nerves just a bit. 

"Yeah? What about it?" You try to remember that dumb party that happened nearly 2 decades ago. 

You had just gotten your braces on the very week of Jason Lannister’s birthday party. You knew none of the boys wanted to kiss you since you had braces, and that made you nervous.

You'd realized you were only into girls not even 3 months prior, but had been keeping it in, in fear of bullying and the fact that you had a very obvious not obvious crush on Rhaenyra Targaryen. You'd confided in Alicent Hightower about your realization, and she had affirmed her friendship with you even though she came from a highly religious background. She told you nothing would stop the two of you from being friends. 

You were all sitting in a circle with an empty glass bottle in the middle. You prayed to the Seven that your turn didn't land on any of the boys. Sure, Harwin and Jason were good-looking, and landing on them wouldn't be ‘bad’ per se, but you'd dread it if you actually had to kiss them. 

It was as if the Seven, the old gods and any diety out there had been looking upon you at that moment because when Rhaenyra spun the bottle instead of landing on the one person she had been hoping for—Harwin Strong, whom she had a very obvious crush on—it instead landed on you. Her best friend since diapers. 

"Uh… you can spin again, Nyra. You don't have to kiss a girl." Jason eyed you directly into your soul. Like he knew your secret. 

"Huh? No, a turn is a turn. I don't mind kissing Y/n. She's my best friend. You don't mind me kissing you, do you?" She looked at you with those beautiful lilac eyes. 

"Y-yeah, I don't mind," you managed out. 

"Then it's settled," Rhaenyra said as she started to crawl across the way to you. When she was near, she sat down and gently placed a hand on your cheek while her free hand lay on yours. She closed her eyes and leaned in. You kept yours open until the last possible second, and only when her nose brushed against your cheek did they finally close.

Her lips were soft, and they tasted like strawberries. The kiss didn’t last long, but you wished she didn't pull away when she did. You both smiled at one another. You wished you could tell her how you feel. You never expected it to take 20 years, a few failed relationships on both of your parts. 

"That was the same night she told me she had enjoyed that kiss. That you were her own gay awakening, or rather bisexual awakening," Alicent hums through the phone. 

"I-she never told me that," you blush at the thought of Rhaenyra enjoying your first kisses being with each other. 

There’s a knock at your door stopping you from continuing your conversation with Alicent. 

"Hey, Ali, I'm gonna need to call you back. There’s someone at the door.” You fail to hear the excited squeal she lets out as she tells you that you'd better answer. 

When you open the door to your apartmentment, you are met with the eyes of the woman you have been in love with since you were thirteen, at Jason Lannister's first boy-girl party. Rhaenyra Targaryen. 

"Nyra? What are you doing here—” you don't get to finish your sentence before her lips are on yours, devouring you. You are stunned, and it takes you a second to kiss her back, which causes her to pull away. You snake your fingers in her long hair and pull her back into you while you kick the door shut with your foot. 

You both tumble onto your couch, a mix of kisses and hands grabbing anywhere they can. She has one hand on the back of your head while her other is secured holding your waist.

Unfortunately, oxygen is needed for both of you to live. If you could have it any other way, the sound of her moans while she’s on top of you would be enough to sustain you. 

"Do you have any idea how long I've waited for you to make a move, perzītsos?" 

Little Flame. She's used that name on you for years, but hearing her say it as you've both just finished making out on your couch. It’s different. 

You hold her face in your hands as you stare up at her, a small smile gracing your lips. 

"You never seemed interested. You were off with Harwin and then Daemon. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but when I called Ali after pacing for half an hour worrying about what to say to you, she finally told me what I'd been waiting for since we were thirteen. That you had felt that same spark I did all those years ago." 

Rhaenyra lets out a hardy laugh when you mention Alicent’s name. She leans down and kisses you once more. 

"Ali sent me a text telling me to confess today. I said ‘to hell with it’ and came straight over." 

Your smile grows bigger on your face as you realize something.

"Hey Nyra? I want to ruin our friendship. We should be lovers instead." 

She smirks down at you as her hair curtains you both.

"Good, because we have a lot of catching up to do." she says as she kisses you once more.

[horizon-verizon]

Why are people comparing Alicent to Visenya? I just saw a post claiming it’s hypocritical for Rhaenyra to draw inspiration from Visenya.

Let me guess. They equate (better word than "compared", bc compare also invoices contrasting if you're ever doing an analysis and we are doing on...or have already) Alicent with Visenya because these two women just happen to have usurped the naked heir for their own children, specifically boys. And some will cite Visenya being the one to call for Rhaena marrying her son Maegor (as Alicent does with Aegon the Elder and Rhaenyra) as further proof bc they assume that Visenya was just as sexistly/selfishly driven as Alicent in doing so.

They lack the desire to detect nuance in general AND the nuanced CRITICAL difference between the two women and their circumstances.

-----------------------------------------------------------

First of all, those fans have to learn or just stop trying to melt their modern goals with the characters' motivations. How to distinguish between the audience/readers and the characters, bc they have conflated what the characters vs the readers desire from the circumstances that the characters are experiencing. What they are really wanting or trying to say some of the time is that they don't understand why Rhaenyra stans/fans/Alicent haters, etc. criticize ( sometimes not even hate, just criticize) Alicent. Practice not projecting your own feelings and/or goals into the characters, please!

Those who say it's hypocritical for Rhaenyra to hate Alicent while loving Visenya specifically (and usually) bc they percieve both wmen as usurpers alone also try to make as if the standard for why one should support a woman is how "feminist" and pro-woman she should be, being a sort of moral hero within her world and how morally/socially advanced she actively is or not. Because they cannot fathom how their own very-much-not-that fav gets flack in lieu of them knowing that Alicent is at the very end of that spectrum as a traditionalist woman.

Why hate Alicent so much if other women, esp Rhaenyra, aren't feminists or pro woman? Why bother me about my choice/preference if Alicent is not actually that bad? It's an attempt to flatten the spectrum of women we have in ASoIaF, to try to make Alicent seem not particularly extreme as she had been by projecting her extremism onto other groups and thus shrug off the discomfort of preferring her over other female characters (they really could just say they like her because of her poltical inteliigence if they refer to the book version. If it's show version, I personally don't think they have nothing at all to admire, but that's me).

They "forget" that feminism is a social movement, NOT just individual's state of mind! For both women (Rhaenyra and Alicent) or how they are moving in their world, it has never been about feminism BECAUSE FEMINISM DOESN'T EXIST AS A MOVEMENT AS A IDEOLOGICAL FRAME FOR THEM TO BASE OR MAKE THEIR DECISIONS ON---THAT WOMEN CONCIOUSLY AND INTELLECTUALLY TRY TO USE TO GAIN RIGHTS FOR ALL WOMEN---IN WESTEROS FOR PEOPLE TO BE JUDGING WOMEN ON HOW NONFEMINIST THEY ARE!!

This the real reason why Alicent is not loved by fandom who dislike-to-despise her: her Catholic-adjacent forwardness repressive & unsubtle hypocrisy. Yes in book/orig story, thought it's worse in the show because we actually witness scenes of it and show!Alicent lacks any political acumen.

On the fandom side, already she wasn't going to be that much liked as maybe Catelyn, but then she tries to use tradition to argue for her sons' rights when Rhaenyra had much more of a claim, thus enabling armed, mobilized patriarchal violence that cause BOTH women to lose their kids, lose themselves for a very critical beat (or if you are Alicent, until the day you die). Even as both did go into a war that killed thousands of both nobles but much more small folk, WHO decided in a time of relative peace to disrupt what could have been the beginning of something good for women (even if for noble women or a first) so she could reap the patriarchally-traditonal benefits for herself?

----

Secondly, other than what I have already described for Alicent v Visenya in that linked post (above the dotted line), it is also WHO these women are to Rhaenyra: for all her obvious desire to make something more for her self and her son Visenya genuinely was also trying to keep not just her but her siblings' "work" "alive".

Visenya is her indirect ancestor/part of her family, a very important who engendered to keep the dynasty alive even though she also had her own ambitions AT THE SAME TIME, which means Rhaenyra got to live to even become heir; Alicent is Rhaenyra's direct opposer, her enemy, the one actively trying to usurp her, who already tried to degrade her standing in court since she was a child. And not just a child in her teens , I mean a small kid child, if we talk about the book/orig story. Alicent is part of the family who wishes to use the Rhaenyra family's standing to be just as influential. Yet because the Hightowers are the ones literally bankrolling the Citadel and patrons of the Faith at Oldtown--center of Westeros' religion and politically moral compass for hundreds of years.

The Faith just so happens to be the ones who tried to oust the Targs even before Maegor...were always the enemies of the Targs and their inherent magicness, dragons, "foreignness"...why in the fuck would you expect Rhaenyra to be OBLIGATED to like a woman actively using said Faith and social backing's history AGAINST HER CLAIM?! Was Visenya a Faith follower who used said things against Aenys or Aegon the Uncrowned or any Targ? NO, bc she was a Targ herself AND helped her son battle in any way against the Faith. The Faith hated Visenya! Still do. And if the Faith had it their way, Alicent or not, they also would not approve of Rhaenyra being heir/queen (religious patriarchy), what more a woman so physically close to her and living in her childhood home that she hopes to rule from one day but using said institution against her?!

The daughter of the man who while enabled Rhaenyra to become heir ironically, also wasn't doing it for her but to remove the competition he saw in Daemon/prevent him from being heir. Come on, now!

----

Thirdly, Rhaenyra loving Visenya has everything to do with her looking to her for inspiration [a very important post to read bc I don't want to repeat myself] AND presenting strength in a similar way you'd think a non-warrior person would use a sword/armor to draw that conventional social cue.

Except that bc Visenya is nearly universally either feared, disdained, or hated, Rhaenyra draws on her to make another distinction about herself: like me or hate me, I will push on. Personal, in that she assures herself of her connection to that strength (thus that she is capable of the sort of power Visenya had aside from knowing how to use a sword, bc you can be trained all you are but you still need that je-nais-se-quois to back it up even without it), and to the public/court as what I already wrote above.

On the more personal side, I headcanon that she may have thought her not that dissimilar to Daemon, her prince consort, and enjoyed this little performance to herself because she both felt like she draw on his strength as well as became that much more intimate with him. Tell me, where can Alicent give any of this even passively to Rhaenyra?! Not only did Alicent already reject Rhaenyra, she had little to nothing to really inspire her! Come on, now!

Now do some people see why the show's Rhaenicent just down hit and is even just a bad rewrite of the original story?!