Chapter Text
Fate and destiny are oft interchangeable words with but subtle differences used to speak of how one’s life will unfold. Rhaenyra saw fate and destiny as two sides to the same coin tossed by the Gods to determine her path. To Rhaenyra, both sides fated her, they destined her for the same thing. No matter how many times the coin turned in the air, it would always yield the same result.
Alicent
More than half their lifetime ago they saw each other for the first time, however briefly, in this very garden, in the shade of this very tree. Sitting with Alicent now under the shade of their tree, seeing her for the woman that she had become, a woman more beautiful than anything else that Rhaenyra had ever seen, it could not be denied by the Gods or any other that they were destined for one another. It was their divine fate to share a life filled with moments like this one as Aegon ran around the garden and Helaena sat beside them sifting through the blades of grass as her eyes followed a ladybug that was crawling around near her leg.
Navigating through the challenges that life had presented them had not been easy. At times those challenges felt more like an invisible wedge that was driven between them with incredible force. Even still, they never let go.
Moments like this one were precious to them both, especially now with so many other challenges still presenting themselves.
In the wake of their own sibling’s union, Rhaenyra had wed Laenor Velaryon a moon earlier inside her Father’s Keep, in front of the eyes of Gods and men. The Gods surely forgave their lies that they spoke in their vows to one another, for the Gods knew better. They knew the coin that they tossed for her, one that clearly did not involve a husband. It never had.
Aegon, who had already turned three had become a talkative young prince, would be celebrated in the coming weeks with a royal hunt in the King’s Wood. It was silly to celebrate the young prince in such a way, in Rhaenyra’s opinion. The prince enjoyed few things in his young life as much as he enjoyed the cats inside the castle, his mother, and his sister and her dragon. Rhaenyra had suggested flying to Dragonstone as a family so he could see the other dragons fly alongside them, but it was not given much thought by her father. Only a royal hunt to celebrate a young prince that would not even be able to participate would do for the King and his Council.
The Gods, it seemed, saw fit to toss the coin again very soon.
“Nyra?” Aegon asked as he plopped down next to her in the grass before leaning as close to her face as he could get.
Rhaenyra smiled, brushing his silver hair from his eyes, “Yes, Little Dragon?”
“Wanna see Syrax today.” Aegon told her excitedly.
Rhaenyra hummed in response, violet eyes meeting warm brown eyes that looked up from the book she was reading as they relaxed in the garden together. Alicent gave a subtle nod of her approval.
“I think we can do that, but only if you can convince your mother to come with us. Perhaps if you gave her a great big hug and a kiss and promised to be a very good boy while we are at the Dragonpit, we can go see her. Do we have a deal, Little Dragon?” Rhaenyra asked, a smile tugging at her lips.
Aegon nodded furiously before getting up and launching himself at his mother, instantly pressing his mouth to her cheek as she scrambled, only just able to save her book from being trampled on. “Mother,” Aegon pleaded, “please, please, please come see Syrax with us.”
“Will you listen to everything Rhaenyra tells you to do? And not forget that the dragons are still very dangerous?” Alicent asked him, smiling at the enthusiastic nod she received in reply.
“Mother, Syrax will not hurt me. Nyra will protect me. Right, Nyra?” Aegon asked, his curious violet eyes turning to meet his sister’s own.
“Always, Little One.” Rhaenyra promised.
It had been nearly a year since their return from Dorne and since the deaths of Otto Hightower and Grand Maester Mellos. Life went on. Much and more had changed for House Targaryen in those months in between the incident in Dorne and Prince Aegon’s third name day.
The Queen had given birth to Princess Helaena, her second child with the King. After the birth of Helaena, the gap in the already unnatural and strained relationship between the King and Queen only grew. He rarely sought out her company, mostly only speaking of their children when he did. Where the cracks in their marriage grew, Rhaenyra filled those spaces in Alicent’s life effortlessly while she was in King’s Landing. Alicent had developed an aversion to hearing return to Dragonstone. She understood Rhaenyra’s duties, she did, but that didn’t stop her from dreading being apart from her Princess for days or weeks at a time. She missed Rhaenyra immensely while she was gone, as did her son, which was evident upon Rhaenyra’s return to them as Aegon ran to her gleefully and allowed her to sweep him up in her arms and press an overly dramatic sounding kiss to his cheek. During one such recent absence, the King requested Alicent’s company one night for the first time in many, many moons. Though they had been fumbling through the motions for several years it still took a mental and physical toll on Alicent each time. That night had been the first and last time that she let tears escape her eyes as he bedded her.
Raemon and Laena were wed in a stunning ceremony and had very recently officially announced that they were expecting their first child together. The King was overjoyed about being a Grandsire for the first time. Corlys and Rhaenys were even more excited. If that were at all possible. After Rhaenyra and Laenor’s own wedding it seemed that the Realm was waiting with bated breath for Rhaenyra and Laenor to make a similar announcement of their own.
Nothing seemed to be further from Rhaenyra’s mind, however, as her hands were full of Alicent’s ass cheeks while parted thighs straddled her face as she rode Rhaenyra’s tongue with absolute fervor, her clit brushing against Rhaenyra's nose with ease as she relished in the feeling of her lapping up every single drop of her release that Rhaenyra earned from her dripping wet cunt.
Gods, yes, Rhaenyra!
Fuck.
Laenor was barely a distant, distant thought.
Until her father stepped in and kindly reminded her of her duties.
As if she needed to be ceaselessly reminded.
Intimacy with Laenor was a topic that Rhaenyra and Alicent had spoken of one more than one occasion usually ending in a mild argument just before one or both were knuckle deep inside of each other moments later, their lips whispering words of apology against heated skin. They considered it, the practical act of intercourse between a woman who preferred women and a man who preferred men. They briefly entertained the idea of involving Alicent and or Qarl, but ultimately, they decided that Rhaenyra and Laenor would work it out on their own, alone.
The first time they tried to lie together had been awkward and uncomfortable as they failed miserably in the attempt, but they had tried.
The second time as well.
By the third try Rhaenyra had had enough of the terrible feelings that it left her with.
“I’m sorry, Rhaenyra.” Laenor apologized profusely as he climbed from between her legs still unable to get an erection.
Tears were stinging her eyes as she closed her legs and pushed her skirts back down. She could not go on like this.
It was not fair.
Not to her, or Laenor.
Nor to Alicent or Qarl for that matter.
“Laenor, when is the last time you…had sex?” Rhaenyra asked him curiously.
“This morning. Why?” Laenor replied honestly.
Rhaneyra sighed, exhaling slowly through her nose before she answered, “You had sex this morning and then expected to come to me, someone not of your own desires, and thought that you would be able to perform?”
He cleared his throat and looked at her sheepishly. “No more sex with him, Laenor. Not until we miraculously manage to complete the act. Please? We can’t carry on like this. A week. Two. A month. I don’t care how long it takes.”
“Fine.” Laenor agreed, “You either then. It hardly feels fair that I must abstain, and you get to keep carrying on as you wish.”
“Fine.” Rhaenyra huffed, preparing to leave, “Do not think of touching yourself either, Laenor. Next time, I need you beyond ready for your release. We must make this work. We must.”
It took almost two weeks before Laenor came to her again in the training yard one morning. Rhaenyra found it humorous that he would seek her out while she had a sword in her hand. “My dear wife, your foot work only continues to improve.” Laenor praised, earning an eye roll from Rhaenyra, “I was hoping for your company this morning, if you are agreeable.”
“Of course, husband.” Rhaenyra replied, “Come, let’s take walk together.”
And walk they did, straight to Rhaenyra’s chambers.
Rhaenyra was not overly fond of even platonically sharing her bed with Laenor, but it being the rare occurrence that it was, she accepted that it was just part of it all. He was her husband after all. Her bed chambers inside the Red Keep had come to mean little and less to her as everything that she cared about was now inside her chambers on Dragonstone. This was now just a room that held nothing but memories.
Her chambers on Dragonstone, however, were different. Laenor would never share that bed with her.
Ever.
Rhaenyra only ever intended to share the bed inside her castle with woman who would one day be her wife.
“Thank you, Laenor.” Rhaenyra said softly, “I know this is not easy for either of us, but if the result is our heir, it will have been worth it.”
“This is our lot in life. It must be done, and I’m glad it’s you that I am doing this with, Rheanyra.” Laenor replied, as he freed his stiff cock from his breeches stroking it swiftly, “You only need my seed. Ready yourself and I will give it to you.”
“Spoken like a true husband.” Rhaenyra jested, “At least look away. A bit of privacy for a moment would be nice.”
Rhaenyra’s thoughts immediately drifted to Alicent as prepared herself to receive her husband. His size was a little daunting. The only thing that was comparative were the few times that Alicent had taken her with their glass toy that she had asked Rhaenyra to retrieve from Dragonstone on a whim. Rhaenyra decided then that she would much rather give than receive something of such size. She was quite pleased with Alicent’s fingers. Anything more than that, she could do without.
Alicent on the other hand, she took it well. So, so well.
Rhaenyra entered herself easily at the thought, adding another finger once she could, stretching herself in preparation.
Alicent’s sweet voice was in her head, the image of them lying in bed together clear in her mind. Alicent’s forehead was resting against her own assuring her that I cannot wait to have another part of you to love, my darling.
“I’m ready.” Rhaenyra whispered.
Rhaenyra only wished that there was a way for her child to be blessed with auburn curls and violet eyes born ready to fly with their mothers on dragonback.
Aegon’s third name day celebration fell on the most beautiful of summer days. The King, Queen, the young prince and princess, as well as Aegon’s nanny and Helaena’s wet nurse all piled into the King’s wheelhouse as they prepared to depart for the festivities in the King’s Wood. Raemon and Rhaenyra rode on horseback with the King’s hunting party as there simply was not enough room inside any wheelhouse for his ever-growing family even with Laena and Laenor choosing to stay behind at the castle.
The ride was long, but the weather was perfect. Once the window to the wheelhouse was open to let in a cool breeze, the young prince popped his head out as soon as he saw his brother and sister riding a short way away from them off the trail.
“Nyra! Rae!” Aegon yelled, waving his little arm frantically as he fought to lean further out the window over the shoulder of his nanny.
Raemon chuckled, “That one is all you, Nyra. Doesn’t know a moment’s peace, does he?”
“Perhaps he would just like to see his only brother.” Rhaenyra replied, quirking an eyebrow.
“Not when his Nyra is an option.” Raemon jested, “That boy is crazy about you. Best go grab your son, he is giving his mother fits. We both know that you will not allow that, not even from him.”
No matter how many times Raemon said it when they were alone together, even if it was sometimes in fun, it warmed her heart to hear him call Aegon her son. Raemon was her brother, her future King, her closest confidant, the one that had been at her side since they drew their first breaths of life. Hearing him validate Aegon’s unique position in her life in such a way…it meant a lot to her.
“Nyra! Nyra!” Aegon yelled again before the window to the wheelhouse was slammed shut.
They could hear Aegon crying from inside the wheelhouse over the gentle sound of their horses’ hooves thumping against the ground as they lazily walked along the path. Rhaenyra didn’t hesitate any longer to pull the reigns to trot over to the wheelhouse before giving it a gentle knock.
To her surprise it was Alicent who slid the window open, greeting her with faux annoyance that held a certain heat in her brown eyes. She knew that Rhaenyra would come for him, their boy.
“Your Grace,” Rhaenyra greeted happily, bowing her head slightly, “I heard a brave Knight calling. Have you seen him?”
Aegon’s tiny body popped into view in the window as he stood next to his mother while grinning at his sister, “Was it me, Nyra?”
“I believe it was, my Prince. The road ahead is a dangerous one. I could use a sworn protector. Unless our Queen needs you more, of course.” Rhaenyra replied, fighting off the smile that was threatening to break across her face.
Alicent turned to the King for his approval as Viserys was sliding the other window open to get some air flow inside the wheelhouse. “Take him so we can get some damned air in here without him screaming. By the Gods, it’s hot. Rhaenyra, please have someone bring some water back here.”
Alicent picked Aegon up and passed him through the large window to Rhaenyra who settled him easily down into the saddle in front of her. “Please be careful.” Alicent whispered, earned a nod and a smile from Rhaenyra that was reserved just for her.
“Come on, my Prince, we have a mission from the King.” Rhaenyra called as she increased their horse to an easy trot, holding Aegon’s body tight to her own as he giggled and screamed joyfully the entire way.
Some time later they finally made it to the camp in the King’s Wood where the majority of the name day festivities would take place. Much to Rhaenyra’s complete surprise, Alicent’s brother Gwayne and her Uncle Hobert were there as well to greet the King, Queen, and the young Prince upon their arrival. Alicent cried upon seeing them for the first time since before her father was put to death. Not quite the reunion of dreams, but Alicent was happy to see them all the same.
There was music, games, feasting, fighting, and more ale than should have been consumed the first night of the celebration of Aegon. Raemon and Rhaenyra sat on either side of their father as the evening went on, talking and holding a small Court of sorts until their father became too nauseous to continue and went to bed. Rhaenyra’s violet eyes occasionally met Alicent’s from across the room where she sat with Aegon who had drifted off in her arms. Helaena was no doubt somewhere with her wet nurse or nanny, preferring to steer clear of the crowds. Rhaenyra tended to agree with her sweet younger sister on that.
Violet eyes watched as the Queen rose with the prince and left the tent. Rhaenyra gave her a respectable one-minute head start before disappearing out of the tent in the other direction as not to garner attention. Rhaenyra peeked casually into several tents before finally finding Alicent lying down next to the sleeping prince.
“I thought that this was meant to me my tent?” Rhaenyra said softly, admiring the other two from where she stood by the entrance of her tent.
“So, it is.” Alicent replied, her warm brown eyes lingering on Rhaenyra, “Do you not wish for your family to be here with you?”
The sound that escaped Rhaenyra’s lips was a near whimper, “Of course I do.”
“Then come lay with us?” Alicent asked sweetly, her voice a near whisper.
Rhaenyra crossed the room in an instant before easing down gently onto the pile of furs beside Aegon as not to wake him.
“Thank you,” Alicent said softly, “For today. You’re always so good to him.”
“No need for that, Ali.” Rhaenyra replied, “You never need thank me for anything that like that.”
“But, I do though.” Alicent assured her softly, “You don’t have to be as you are with him, but you are. And you might have a child of your own body soon and I am just so appreciative that you care for him the way that you do. Thank you for choosing to love us like you do.”
“Alicent, he may not be of my body, but he is a huge piece of my heart.” Rhaenyra replied quietly, “I was there beside you when he came into this world, when he took his first steps, I will be there in the sky beside him when he first rides alone on dragonback, when he first falls in love, I will be there for his victories, and for his failures. No matter what, this little boy right here, he is our first child. It’s always been as plain as that. Thank you for giving me the greatest gift of my life; a family with you.”
“How dare you say such things to me, Rhaenyra Targaryen, when I am unable to show you how much your words mean to me.” Alicent whispered, “When we get back to the castle, you are mine.”
“I could be yours right now, if you wanted.” Rhaenyra whispered in return, a smirk tugging at her lips, “I am already quite ready for you.”
Alicent whined from low in her throat, “You are a shameless tease, my love. I shall be sure to pay you back in kind.”
“I quite look forward to our return to the Keep then.” Rhaenyra replied, reaching over Aegon carefully for Alicent’s hand that rested on the fur blankets next to him.
“Too much talking.” Aegon whined, opening his sleepy eyes.
“You’re supposed to be asleep.” Rhaenyra replied, tickling his side earning a squeal from the prince.
“Too much talking.” Aegon repeated again in a huff.
“You’re one to complain about too much talking. We never get a moment of peace with you around, Egg.” Rhaenyra jested him, tickling his side again.
“That’s what Rae says too.” Aegon replied, giggling to himself.
Without pause, “Nyra?”
“Yes, Little Dragon?” Rhaenyra answered, looking down fondly at the prince.
“Hold us?” Aegon asked, rubbing his eyes with his fist.
“Always, Little One.” Rhaenyra replied, scooting closer to allow him to cuddle up between her and his mother.
“Mother?” Aegon asked sleepily.
“Yes, my love?” Alicent answered.
“Love you.” Aegon replied softly, “Nyra?”
“Yes, Little Dragon?” Rhaenyra replied.
“Love you.” Aegon whispered as he drifted back off to sleep.
“We love you too, my little love, so, so much.” Alicent promised as she brushed her fingers through his silver hair.
Hunting didn’t seem challenging in the least with a pack of hounds leading the way completely trained to an animal’s scent. Rhaenyra wasn’t much for the killing of animals that sounded too close squealing babies for her own liking, which is how she ended up staying behind when the hunting party left the camp the next morning.
Rhaenyra spent the morning lazing around the camp with Aegon while Alicent visited with her brother and Uncle and Helaena was with her nanny. Rhaenyra and Aegon found Harwin a short time later and some spent time with him as he cleaned rabbits that had been trapped the day before.
“Are you sure that he should be seeing this, Rhaenyra?” Harwin asked as he pulled the skin from the meat.
Rhaenyra hummed, “Probably not, but you’re not really paying attention to Uncle Harwin are you, Egg?”
It was true, Aegon’s head was on a swivel looking everywhere around the camp as people were bustling about, “We should probably be getting you back to your mother anyway. Thank you for letting us interrupt your work, Harwin.”
“Always a pleasure to entertain the Prince and Princess.” Harwin jested, “See you later, Rhaenyra.”
It was around midday when it happened, as unexpected as a summer shower on a clear day. Rhaenyra was standing talking with Alicent and Gwayne when Raemon came back into the camp with his black steed in full gallop.
“Gerardys!” Raemon yelled, looking around frantically for the Grand Maester.
A moment later the Maester hurried from a tent out into the open camp road to meet the prince who hurriedly pulled him up behind him on the horse.
“Rhaenyra!” Raemon yelled, “Rhaenyra!”
Rhaenyra spared one brief look at Alicent before running to her own horse and tearing out in pursuit of Raemon a moment later. The woods were thick until they finally made it to the clearing. She could hear the sounds of barking hounds and the escalated voices of the men when she arrived. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting, but it certainly was not what she found there in those woods.
On that beautiful summer day, as the Kingdom celebrated the life of his second son, Viserys Targaryen, First of His Name, died as he lived, peacefully in the shade of the trees in the King’s Wood. He was already gone when his son reached him with the Maester. In truth, he was gone before his body even hit the ground, but that didn’t stop his son from trying to get him aid anyway.
Maester Gerardys suspected that his heart simply stopped. He assured them that there had not been time for there to be much pain.
Rhaenyra was in total shock, only looking away from her father’s body when Raemon pulled her away into a long hug. There were so many emotions hitting them in heavy waves as the weight of it all settled in their souls.
Their father was gone.
The King was dead.
It could have been just the two of them now.
Only, it wasn’t.
“Crown Prince, Raemon.” Gerardys said softly, “With respect, we should begin moving the King’s body back to the castle.”
Raemon stepped away from her before giving his first command as their next sovereign, “Sister, please go inform the Queen. Only the Queen. No need to cause panic. I will address everyone else after she has been properly informed.” Raemon instructed before Rhaenyra mounted her horse and headed back toward camp.
Rhaenyra entered camp at a slow trot, but still turned every head in the camp as she passed. She spoke to no one as she dismounted her horse near where she left Alicent minutes, hours, or what might as well have been days before. It only took a moment before she found her. Years of sharing looks and learning how to communicate when they couldn’t speak the words prepared Alicent for what Rhaenyra was about to say before the words even left her mouth.
My father, he’s gone.
Alicent hand reached up to cup Rhaenyra cheek, “I'm so sorry. I’m here for you and Raemon, whatever you need.”
Fate…destiny…two sides to the same coin.
Both paths led to the same place.
Always.
“Alicent.” Rhaenyra whispered, “We are here for you too. All three of you.”
Four days later Viserys I Targaryen was burned in the rites of his House on the same cliffside by the same conjoined flame of his eldest children’s dragons just as his beloved wife Aemma had been a few years before as his many lords and ladies, friends, and his family watched on. His ashes were interred beside hers inside the Red Keep where they would rest together always, just as they would have wanted.
That night Raemon asked them all to join him and Laena for dinner in their chambers, just their family. Daemon and Rhae even joined them for a candle mark as they ate and enjoyed each other’s company as the time passed on.
“To father,” Raemon toasted, “A man who fell short in ways, as do we all. Though none can question that he would want this. For us to be together as a family to celebrate his memory. Without him, we would not be here together. To the future of our House, that is here in this room. A future that has never looked brighter. We are a House born in fire, fortified in strength and love for one another. To House Targaryen.”
In the weeks following the death of Viserys, Raemon ascended the throne easily slipping into his new role as King. Even though she had no official title on his Council yet, Raemon spent time nearly every day discussing the happenings in the Kingdom with Rhaenyra.
“I want you to take me seriously, Rhaenyra. I want you with me. One day, I want you on my Council. Whenever you are ready. Sooner than later is preferred.” Raemon reminded her often.
Rhaenyra wanted to be by her brother’s side as well. She wanted to be able to support him and do her duty to his Realm. She wanted to serve, she really did, but there was something else that needed her attention first.
Something that she had yet to reveal to her brother.
Something that she was still struggling to come to terms with herself.
Something that she had thought that she would never have to experience ever again.
“Alicent is with child.” Rhaenyra informed him, her voice surprisingly even considering the feelings that were storming inside her.
The look on his face was utter confusion and disbelief. His violet wide as his features somehow scrunched in confusion at the same time, “How did you -?
“Not me, you fool.” Rhaenyra snapped, “We will have another sibling amongst us in no time. She is a bit along already.”
Raemon sighed, “I’m sorry, Rhaenyra. Of course, please, take the time away from Court that you need. It will all certainly still be here in a few months. To Dragonstone then?”
“No.” Rhaenyra replied, “It…doesn’t feel right, not yet. We will stay here in the Keep if that is alright with the King.”
“More than.” Raemon assured her, “Let me know if any of you need for anything.”
It wasn’t as easy as one would have thought to fall completely into a relationship together directly after Viserys’ passing. They didn’t even share a bed during those first nights. It was somehow easier to be with Alicent in every single way imaginable behind her father’s back than it was to even reach for her hand during those first few days after his death.
When Alicent came to her in the weeks following, needing to share the news that Gerardys had confirmed, things started to fall into place once more.
When Alicent told Rhaenyra that she was with child, Rhaenyra felt as she did in the years prior. That familiar feeling of that invisible wedge pushing them apart. Hearing the tremor in Alicent’s voice as she told her, it felt as though someone had reaching inside her stomach and was twisting her guts in such a way that made her want to retch.
Rhaenyra had had enough. Her father’s memory would stay her hand no longer.
“I’m so sorry, Rhaenyra.” Alicent said softly, her eyes unable to meet Rhaenyra’s gaze.
“No, my love, you have nothing to be sorry for.” Rhaenyra promised, “And you will never, ever suffer the touch of another again that you do not wish to receive. If someone is ever so foolish, their life will be forfeited. That I promise you, Alicent.”
“You’re not angry?” Alicent asked nervously.
“Certainly not with you, Ali.” Rhaenyra assured her, “Never with you.” Alicent seemed to visibly relax upon hearing Rhaenyra’s words much her relief, “It seems that we will be outnumbered soon.”
Alicent gave her a small smile, “So it does. What are we going to do?”
“Prepare Aegon.” Rhaenyra jested, “He will not do well with yet another babe hampering his attention.”
“While I agree, that’s not what I’m asking, Rhaenyra.” Alicent explained softly.
“What are you asking, Alicent?” Rhaenyra replied, “Speak your mind. You are entirely free to do so, now, and always.”
“I’m asking what the plan is for our family.” Alicent huffed, “We are able to do as we please now, but you’ve been distant with me. More distant than you’ve been in a long time. I know this is not an easy time, but I would like to know what you’re thinking, what you’re feeling. Are you sure that this is still something that you want? Now that I’m right here, now that’s our obstacles are gone…you are distant with me.”
“Darling, this has been a most difficult time for us all.” Rhaenyra sighed, “I am sorry for keeping you at arm’s length, but it didn’t feel right coming to you with his ashes still warm. I’m sorry, Alicent.” Rhaenyra offered her hand to Alicent, which was accepted immediately, “I ask what it is that you would like to do? If you want to stay here, we will stay. If you want to go to Dragonstone, we will go. You, Aegon, and Helaena are my priority now. I live to serve you, my Queen. Ask it of me, and it shall be. You have as much of a say in our family as I do, perhaps even more.”
“Laena is Queen now. And please, Rhaenyra, please identify a single instance when I’ve held more sway over your own decisions than you do.” Alicent asked, smiling at the Princess.
Rhaenyra slowly pulled her closer by the hand until their bodies were touching. Rhaenyra wrapped a gentle hand around Alicent’s waist, her nose grazing her cheek as she spoke, “Laena may be Queen of my brother’s Realm, but you are my Queen, and shall always be. You’ve held influence over me for a long time, needing only to batt those beautiful eyes of yours in my direction to get what you want from me. It is no fault of mine if you’ve never taken advantage of such things.”
“Perhaps, I shall take advantage of such things now.” Alicent teased playfully, her hand brushing silver hair back over Rhaenyra’s shoulder.
“Please do. Tell me, my Queen, what it is that you want? Name it and it shall be yours.” Rhaenyra urged her.
“The same thing that I have always wanted, Rhaenyra.” Alicent replied softly, “Just you.”
Rhaenyra hummed against Alicent’s cheek, nuzzling slightly, “I am yours.”
“Show me.” Alicent whispered, “I need you.”
“As my Queen commands.” Rhaenyra grinned, guiding Alicent back toward her bed.
It was a few weeks later that Rhaenyra and Alicent sat with Laenor after he returned from a trip from to Driftmark to share some new of their own. Finally, Rhaenyra was pregnant with their first child. Laenor was excited in the most adorable way. He spared no time gushing to Laena and Raemon, and to anyone else that would listen to the incredible news.
Several highly anticipated births would come to pass over the next year for House Targaryen, but none were as anticipated as the birth of first child of King Raemon and Queen Laena. Shortly after the turn of the new year Princess Baela and Princess Rhaena were born. Gerardys had been correct in saying the Queen was carrying two babes. Both girls were small, but completely healthy girls. Both were born with the silver hair of their father and the lovely tan skin of their mother. The Realm celebrated the births of the Princesses along with their family.
“Raemon,” Daemon jested, “Your girls are much prettier children than you and Rhaenyra were as babes. You two looked like two pink piglets. Thank your comely wife for your blessings.”
Alicent and Laenor chuckled at seeing Raemon and Rhaenyra’s faces. “Hopefully our child boasts my genes as well then.” Laenor jested with Rhaenyra.
“I could not disagree more, Ser Laenor.” Alicent replied with a smile.
“Ha!” Laenor laughed, “Oh, to be sure, you would disagree on that, wouldn’t you?”
Several moons later, another Targaryen Prince was born. Aemond Targaryen came screaming into the world as the moon waned in the sky above King’s Landing. He was born half the weight of his older brother Aegon but was twice as demanding of babe as his sister Helaena, wanting no one more than he did his mother.
After Aemond was born, Alicent spent any spare moment she had doing her best to dote on an uncooperative Rhaenyra.
“I’m fine, Ali.” Rhaenyra promised her yet again, “I will let you know if I need anything, my love. I promise.”
“Rhaenyra, you were there for me through three pregnancies, three births, and never let me do anything for myself if you could help me in any way. Let me return the favor, Darling. I will not stop until you accept this extra pillow. Please?” Alicent whined, giving Rhaenyra her best pout.
“Thank you, Ali.” Rhaenyra replied, grinning, accepting the pillow and tucking it behind her back, “You spoil us.”
“It is my most favorite thing in the world to do right now.” Alicent replied softly, resting her hand on Rhaenyra growing belly, “I will spoil you both for a long as you’ll let me. You wouldn’t deny me that would you? My love.”
Rhaenyra sighed playfully, “I perhaps could be persuaded to let you carry on as you please by a few kisses.”
“Should I pay you now or later?” Alicent asked, grinning, before leaning forward a pressing the softest kiss to Rhaenyra’s lips.
Rhaenyra gasped against Alicent’s mouth, grabbing her hand and moving it directly to the place on her lower belly that they could both feel the babe move.
“You’ve so active, my little love. We can’t wait for you to join us.” Alicent spoke softly to babe, moving their hands to follow the babe as they moved, “I never really understood why wanted to see my body or touch me while I was so very pregnant with our children, but seeing you this way, I understand fully now. I want nothing more than to watch you grow and them grow.”
“I hope I keep the growing to a minimum.” Rhaenyra huffed, settling back into the pillows on her bed.
“You’re still so small, Rhaenyra, I was so much bigger than this with Aegon.” Alicent chuckled, rolling her eyes at her Princess.
Rhaenyra hummed, licking her lips in thought, “I remember your body quite well, Ali. Every perfect curve provided me with such impure thoughts.”
Alicent canine sank into her bottom lip to stifle her whimper, “Tell me more of those thoughts?”
“I’m sure you remember what I asked when you first told me of Aegon.” Rhaenyra teased, “You didn’t find it as amusing as I did, as I recall.”
“Remind me.” Alicent whispered, “I want to hear you say it again.”
Rhaenyra quirked a silver brow, a grin gracing her lips, “You want to hear that I want nothing more than to be the one to put a babe in your belly? That I want nothing more than to fill your delicious cunt with my seed, Alicent? Is that what you want to hear, Darling. It’s as true in this moment as it was then. If anything, my desire for it has only grown. We have a beautiful family and I love all of our children, but I would do anything to give you one of my own blood or for this child to look like you.”
Alicent swallowed thickly, adjusting slightly to advance the movement of her hand across the fabric of Rhaenyra’s skirts, “Rhaenyra, I want to touch you. Will you let me?”
“I am yours to touch as you please, my love.” Rhaenyra replied, “Anytime you please.”
“I want to feel you all wet for me, tight around my fingers, would you like that, my Princess?” Alicent teased, sliding her warm palm across Rhaenyra’s thigh under the fabric of her skirts.
Rhaenyra sigh, “Gods, yes, Alicent.” She spread her thighs just enough to give Alicent all the access she needed.
“Already so wet for me, Princess.” Alicent whispered softly, “Warm, wet, and wanting. And so tight.” Alicent sighed at the feeling as she pressed her finger against Rhaenyra’s weeping entrance.
A sudden knock at the door earned a swear from Rhaenyra and a sigh of frustration from Alicent. Alicent moved from Rhaenyra’s bed and into the chair that set beside it before Rhaenyra allowed the caller to enter. Dyana stepped inside the room as Aegon came barreling around the corner toward them, “Sorry my Lady, but the prince has been asking to come see you both since he broke his fast this morning.”
“Thank you, Dyana. He is fine here with us.” Rhaenyra replied before Dyana gave them a quick bow and pulled the door closed behind her.
Aegon climbed straight up on the bed with Rhaenyra while Alicent briefly disappeared into the bath chamber. Aegon wasted no time cuddling up to Rhaenyra and hitting her with a barrage of questions.
“Is it time for the new babe yet, Nyra?” Aegon asked, his violet eyes wide.
“Not yet, Little Dragon, same as yesterday. Same as tomorrow.” Rhaenyra teased him, brushing his silver hair from his eyes, “Are you excited for the new babe?”
“As long as he is more fun than Aemond or Hel. They don’t play with me.” Aegon pouted.
“Well, Egg, Aemond is still too small. It will be a few years before he is big enough to keep up with you, my Love. And, you know our sweet sister, she enjoys keeping to herself for now. Maybe with you all are a little older you can all play together.” Rhaenyra offered in comfort, “Do you hope this babe is a boy like you?”
“Yes! Another brother! The new babe will play too when we’re big, right, Nyra?” Aegon asked curiously.
“I hope so, Little Dragon.” Rhaenyra responded, eyeing her brother fondly.
“Who’s playing together?” Alicent asked him as she joined them on Rhaenyra’s bed.
“Me, my brothers, and Hel, well maybe Hel.” Aegon answered giving his mother a toothy smile.
“Come here, my sweet boy.” Alicent called, opening her arms for him to crawl into, “You are the sweetest boy.”
“I’m tough! Right, Nyra?” Aegon asked, his volet eyes searching for her own.
“You sure are, Little Dragon.” Rhaenyra replied, giving him a smile.
Aegon seemed content with his sister’s assessment as she settled back down into his mother’s arms and drifted off.
“No more of those.” Rhaenyra jested quietly, pointing to Aegon, “For I fear I may never have a moment of peace to be able to ever properly bed you again.”
Alicent giggled, “I’m sure that you’ll find a way.”
Rhaenyra pouted before settling in beside Aegon as he slept peacefully in Alicent’s arms.
The fourth Targaryen born that same year was Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, the first child of Rhaenrya and Laenor. He came easy, sparing his mother any difficulty. His father was at her side as soon as he heard the boy’s cry, gladly accepting him into his arms. He was a every inch an image of his mother, silver hair void of even the slightest curl, violet eyes, and pale.
Laenor beamed, “Gorgeous, isn’t he? Pale as winter snow, won’t ever be able to step foot on the deck of a ship for more than a candle mark without burning, but look at him! Well done, Rhaenyra.”
Rhaenyra rolled her eyes, trying in vain to get comfortable in her bed.
“Alicent,” Laenor whispered softly, “Would you like to hold him?”
“Very much so.” Alicent replied, “But only when you have had enough of him.”
“Impossible.” Laenor responded, “But I am going to send a raven to mother to tell her this wonderful news, so please, take him.”
Alicent gladly accepted him, beaming at the tiny prince, “If ever you had a challenger for my heart, Rhaenyra, this is him.”
Rhaenyra gave her a tired smile, “I’m certain that he will love you just as much.”
“Alright, my handsome prince. Do you want your mother to hold you before she rests.” Alicent cooed to the prince as she moved to hand him to Rhaenyra.
“He’s with his mother already. Keep him. He looks more than content.” Rhaenyra whispered, “I love seeing you with him.”
Alicent’s heart ached with love at hearing Rhaenyra’s words as she blinked back happy tears, “I love you, Rhaenyra. I love you and our family more than anything. My life would be incomplete without you and this beautiful little boy. And Laenor.”
Rhaenyra smiled, “I love you too, my beautiful love. This is only the beginning of our story.”
Alicent smiled, believing every single word.
FIN