Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Time flies some weeks, goes at the speed of a snail on others.

There are the weeks where Alicent feels like she’s in a rhythm—organized, in control, prepared for anything, like she's a fucking superhero. And then there are weeks like this one. Weeks where the kids won’t listen no matter how hard she tries, as if they’ve somehow formed a collective fucking hive-mind with the sole purpose of testing her patience. They’ve only been back from winter break for a few weeks, now, and it’s clear the kids are still shaking off the holiday cobwebs. Routine feels like a distant memory, to them, and the room is a cacophony of noise, laughter— and the occasional wail of discontent.

Glitter spills across the art station for the third time that morning. Two kids are arguing over a dinosaur figurine, each clutching it in a death grip. Someone has decided that today is the perfect day to test if crayons really can mark up the walls (they can).

Alicent takes a deep breath, steadying herself.

Patience. You love this job. You do.

“Alright, everyone,” she calls, clapping her hands gently to get their attention. “Let’s settle down, please. We’re about to start our storytime.”

The chaos dims, but only a little. A few heads swivel in her direction, eyes wide with curiosity; slowly but surely, the noise levels drop—though she doesn’t hold her breath. Peace is often short-lived, in this room.

Jacaerys, of course, is in the thick of it. He’s sitting at the edge of the room, a small frown creasing his brow as he carefully stacks blocks into a precarious tower. He hasn’t joined in the chaos as much as usual, but Alicent’s noticed the subtle ways he tests her. He’s quieter about it now—watchful, deliberate. She knows he’s waiting for her to approach him, to say something.

Nice try, you clever little thing.

She’s learning his rhythms. Slowly.

“…Jace,” she says gently as she kneels beside him. “Storytime’s starting. Want to help me pick the book?”

He glances up, eyes meeting hers, and for a moment, she sees— hesitation? Defiance?

Please not defiance. Please.

But then he shrugs.

“…Okay,” he says softly, standing and brushing his hands on his pants. He follows her to the reading corner.

Alicent knows better than to push too hard. Instead, she lets the moment settle, picks up a book and holds it out to him. “What do you think, then? Dragons or dinosaurs today?”

“…Dinosaurs,” he replies after a moment.

He takes the book from her hands and sits down, flipping through the pages with a focus that makes her smile.

Progress. It’s slow, but it’s there.

***

Rhaenyra can often be about as unpredictable as the children are.

Some days, she breezes in with a bright smile and twinkling eyes, her laughter light and easy as she exchanges a few words with Alicent. On those days, it feels like she’s carrying the sun with her— like she’s left the weight of whatever’s going on in her life outside of the classroom door.

She’s captivating, on those days. Like she lights up the room when she comes in— always with a hello, Alicent, how are you today?.

One day, she comes in with flowers. Actual flowers.

A small bouquet, tied together with a ribbon, delicate, colourful. Alicent blinks, caught completely off guard as Rhaenyra holds them out to her, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

“…These are for you,” Rhaenyra says simply, casually. But there’s a nervousness in her eyes.

“They’re beautiful,” Alicent says, her voice a lot higher-pitched than she intended, her heart pounding.

Get it together.

“…Thank you,” Alicent says.

Rhaenyra’s lips twitch into a small, almost sheepish smile.

“Well— you deserve them. For everything you do for Jace.” She hesitates. “And… for putting up with me.”

Alicent blinks again, her fingers curling lightly around the stems of the bouquet as she accepts them. The flowers are beautiful—vibrant yellows and whites, with a few splashes of pink. Daisies, she realizes, and maybe some alstroemeria.

“You didn’t have to do this,” Alicent says softly, her chest tightening.. “But— they’re lovely.”

Rhaenyra relaxes. “It’s nothing, really. Just a small thank-you.”

Alicent glances down at the flowers again, her thumb brushing over one of the petals. She wants to say more, but the words stick in her throat. Instead, she looks back up at Rhaenyra.

“Well. It’s the nicest ‘nothing’ I’ve ever received,” she says.

Rhaenyra laughs— that light, musical laugh that honestly makes everything else in the world fade into the background, sometimes. “I’m glad you like them.”

Before Alicent can say anything else, Jacaerys bounds into the room, chattering excitedly about something, and the moment is gone. Rhaenyra’s attention shifts to her son, but as she crouches down to greet him, Alicent can’t help but glance down at the flowers in her hands again.

She sets them carefully on her desk a few minutes later.

***

Other days, only occasionally, a storm cloud follows Rhaenyra into the room.

She’s subdued, quiet. Almost resigned to something, it seems; steps heavier. Shoulders not as upright.

Rhaenyra will hand Jacaerys off with little more than a distracted smile and a quick pat on his head. She’ll mutter a brief apology for being late—if she’s late—and then disappear just as quickly as she arrived.

Alicent tries not to take it personally. She tells herself it’s not her place to wonder or worry about what’s weighing on Rhaenyra. She tells herself to focus on Jacaerys, who often seems quieter on those days too, as if he’s mirroring his mother’s mood.

But it’s hard not to wonder— hard not to notice the faint redness in Rhaenyra’s eyes, like she might’ve been crying before she arrived. Or the slight tremor in her hands as she adjusts Jacaerys’ bag over his shoulder.

It lingers in Alicent’s thoughts throughout the day. Even when the classroom is filled with the noise of children laughing and playing, Alicent catches herself glancing at the clock, wondering if Rhaenyra’s day has gotten any better.

One of those stormy days takes a turn that catches Alicent completely off guard.

It’s late afternoon, and most of the parents have already picked up their children. Rickon Stark picks Jacaerys up with written permission from Rhaenyra the day before; the boys are having another playdate after school today.

Which is why it surprised Alicent when she’s tidying up and Rhaenyra comes rushing in, more disheveled than Alicent’s ever seen her.

“I’m so sorry, Alicent,” she says, breathless. “I— I lost track of time, and —” She stops short when she enters. Looks to see Jacaerys isn’t there. “…Where’s — where’s Jace?”

Alicent’s first instinct is panic. They’ve a system for other parents picking up other children; the parent has to sign a little form, otherwise Alicent isn’t allowed releasing them into their care, and she wonders if maybe she’s done something drastically wrong.

“…Rickon Stark picked him up,” Alicent says quickly, her voice steady despite the panic that starts setting in. “You— you signed and sent the release form this morning. They’re having a playdate, remember?”

Rhaenyra blinks, her expression softening slightly as the words sink in.

She presses a hand to her chest, exhaling sharply.

“Oh. Gods. Right. Yes, I—I did. Sorry, I—” She cuts herself off, running a hand through her hair. “I completely forgot. Shit.” Her eyes widen as she looks around for any children. “Sorry. Shoot. Sorry.”

Alicent chuckles a little, relaxes marginally.

“It’s alright,” she says gently, watching as Rhaenyra leans against one of the low tables, her posture sagging in a way that feels out of character. “…Are you okay, Rhaenyra?”

Rhaenyra gives a strained laugh, shaking her head.

“I’m fine,” she says hoarsely. “Just— a long day. Or week. Or month. Take your pick.”

Alicent hesitates, then takes a step closer, her hands fidgeting at her sides. “Do you want to sit down? I can make you a cup of tea,” she offers.

Rhaenyra looks up at her. “Yeah?”

Alicent smiles faintly, tilting her head toward the small kitchenette at the back of the classroom. “Not exactly a fancy selection— just what I bring over from home— but it’s something.” She pauses. “Obviously alright if not, and you— you have someplace to be. But— I find that sometimes a cup of tea makes everything feel a little more manageable?”

For a moment, Rhaenyra just stares at her, as if trying to decide whether to accept the offer. Then, finally, she nods, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“Tea sounds nice.”

Alicent busies herself in the kitchenette, grateful for the task as it gives her a moment to collect her thoughts. She’s never seen Rhaenyra quite like this—so visibly frayed at the seams, and it kind of— it kind of makes her chest ache, really.

By the time she returns, Rhaenyra has taken a seat at one of the tiny tables, her long legs awkwardly folded beneath her. Alicent sets the steaming cup of tea in front of her, then takes a seat across from her.

“Thank you,” Rhaenyra murmurs, her hands curling around the mug— she seems to relax, a little, as she sips at it.

“It’s no trouble,” Alicent says softly. “At all.”

Alicent notices the slight tremor in Rhaenyra’s hand as she lifts the cup of tea to her lips— notices straightaway that that relaxation is going away as fast as it came, and when Rhaenyra sets the cup down, her fingers linger on the table, tightening into a fist. Her shoulders hunch slightly, and she looks down, avoiding Alicent’s gaze.

“Rhaenyra,” Alicent says softly, leaning forward just enough to catch her attention. “It’s okay. Really.”

Rhaenyra doesn’t respond at first.

Her jaw tightens, her chest rising and falling with uneven breaths. Then, with a shuddering exhale, her hand flies up to cover her face, and Alicent hears the quiet hitch of a sob breaking free.

“Oh, gods,” Rhaenyra whispers, her voice cracking. “I’m sorry. I don’t— I didn’t mean to—”

“Hey, hey— it’s alright,” Alicent interrupts, her voice steady and soothing. Without thinking, she moves around the small table and kneels beside Rhaenyra, one hand gently resting on her arm. “You don’t have to apologize. Just breathe.”

Rhaenyra shakes her head, her fingers trembling as she lowers her hand, revealing red-rimmed eyes glistening with tears.

“I’m a mess,” she mutters, a hollow laugh escaping her. “This isn’t me. I don’t break down like this. Not in front of—” she shakes her head.

“What?” Alicent says, a little teasing.

Rhaenyra laughs a watery laugh. “I don’t know. I’m sorry.”

“Rhaenyra.” Alicent tilts her head. “Do you have any idea how many times parents cry in front of me?”

Rhaenyra blinks at that, surprised. Wipes at the tears. “Wait— really?”

Alicent smiles gently, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

“Yes, really. More often than you’d think. Parenting is hard, Rhaenyra— nobody has it all figured out. No matter how much they try to pretend otherwise.”

Rhaenyra sniffles, the ghost of a smile tugging at her lips.

“Somehow, that doesn’t make me feel much better?”

“Well,” Alicent says. “If it’s any consolation, I think you’re doing an incredible job.”

Rhaenyra exhales shakily, her eyes searching Alicent’s face.

“You don’t know that.”

“I do,” Alicent replies firmly. “I really do. I see it every day. The way Jace talks about you. He loves you, Rhaenyra. And you love him. That’s what matters most. Isn’t it?”

Rhaenyra’s breath hitches, and for a moment, it looks like she’s going to argue. Instead, she leans into Alicent’s presence, her shoulders trembling slightly. “It doesn’t feel like enough. Not when I’m late all the time, not when—” She breaks off, her voice cracking. Looks down. “I’m trying. I— I’ve asked for help at work, finally.” She looks up at Alicent. “Partly thanks to you.”

Alicent frowns. “Me?”

Rhaenyra nods, wipes at her eyes. “I think for a while I thought that — letting other people help me would mean they’d think I’m weak, somehow.” She shrugs. “You haven’t. You’ve helped, and — you haven’t made me feel that way.”

Alicent sees tears falling silently down onto Rhaenyra’s lap; hesitates for a moment. Lets instinct take over— she reaches up, brushes a strand of hair away from Rhaenyra’s face. Rhaenyra almost looks surprised, but she looks up when it happens. Alicent doesn’t break eye contact.

“It’s alright,” she whispers.

Rhaenyra swallows hard, her breath catching again.

Her lips part like she wants to say something, but no words come out as her eyes search Alicent’s face— lingering, like are you real?

And Alicent holds fast.

I’m real.

Alicent’s hand hovers for a moment before she lets it fall back to her side.

“You’re so…” Rhaenyra starts, her voice faltering. “Gods, Alicent. You’re so— kind. Too kind.”

Alicent feels heat rise to her cheeks, but she doesn’t look away.

“I mean— it’s the bare minimum. Maybe you just haven’t had enough people be kind to you lately.”

Rhaenyra laughs, again, at that. Her eyes don’t leave Alicent’s.

The moment stretches.

The room stills, it feels like, when Alicent sees Rhaenyra lean in the slightest bit, when Alicent sees Rhaenyra’s eyes flit down just once before coming back up again, and Alicent’s breath catches in her throat, and she leans in, too— just a little, only a little bit. Like she’s being pulled forward by some kind of invisible force, almost. It all narrows.

Alicent doesn’t know, really, how long it’s been since Rhaenyra got here. Just that they’re here, now. And that she wishes they could have been here, sooner. And that they could get to where they’re going sooner, too.

She feels Rhaenyra’s breath warm on her lips. Closes her eyes.

Why not. Just once. Just once—

— And then Rhaenyra’s phone is buzzing loudly on the table and shattering the moment and Alicent backs away and her heart is pounding and Rhaenyra, after looking at her phone, looks back at Alicent.

“I should—” Rhaenyra fumbles for her phone, glancing at the screen. “It’s— my nanny—”

Alicent quickly straightens, stepping back to give Rhaenyra space. “Of course,” she says, her voice fucking high-pitched again, her cheeks burning. “You should— you should take it.”

Rhaenyra nods, still looking flustered, her hand trembling slightly as she picks up the phone. She turns away slightly, her voice shaky as she answers, “Hello?”

Alicent busies herself with tidying up the table, her heart pounding in her chest. She barely registers the conversation happening on the other end of the line, too consumed by the storm of emotions swirling inside her; when Rhaenyra hangs up, she clears her throat. “Everything alright?”

Rhaenyra nods, and Alicent doesn’t really know what to make of the look on her face right now. “I should go.”

“Yeah, yes. Of course.” Alicent nods. “Yes.”

“Sorry,” Rhaenyra says softly, looking down at the ground.

And Alicent doesn’t know what to say— something professional, definitely, like hey, maybe let’s not almost kiss in the middle of the classroom where any one of my colleagues or parents could have walked in— but she doesn’t. She just reaches out for Rhaenyra’s hand again. Takes it. Looks her straight in the eye.

“Don’t be,” Alicent says softly.

Rhaenyra’s lips part, as if she’s about to say something, but then she stops herself. She glances down at their joined hands, her grip tightening slightly before she pulls away gently.

“Right. Then…I won’t be,” Rhaenyra says, smiling softly.

Alicent smiles, too. Twists her mouth. Looks at the ground, back up again.

“Maybe— maybe after Jace is — he’s moved on from my class. From preschool. When things are less— less complicated— we…” she trails off. Doesn’t even really know how to finish that sentence— Rhaenyra’s the one who’s lost her husband. Rhaenyra’s the one who has trusted Alicent with the care of her son.

Still, Rhaenyra studies her, the faint smile on her lips deepening into something softer, something more understanding. She nods.

“…Yeah,” Rhaenyra says quietly. “Less complicated.”

Rhaenyra hesitates, her hand on the doorframe, as though she’s considering saying something else. But she doesn’t. She simply nods, her gaze lingering on Alicent for a moment longer before she slips out the door.

Alicent stands there for a moment, staring at the space Rhaenyra just vacated. She exhales slowly. Presses a hand to the base of her neck.

Holy fucking shit.

***

And then— in the blink of an eye, I swear it— it’s spring break.

Alicent’s going to America to visit Gwayne in a couple of days. It’s been months since they’ve last seen each other, and the distance has been felt keenly— long flights and timezones make it harder to keep up with their rhythm of calls and messages, and Alicent is eager to spend time with him in person again.

The last day before break is predictably chaotic, the classroom buzzing with the high-energy hum of children about to be released from routine. Alicent manages to herd them through the day without any major catastrophes, but by the time the final bell rings, she’s more than ready to collapse into her seat.

Parents filter in to collect their kids— there’s laughter and small talk that Alicent partakes in as coats are zipped and backpacks are slung over little shoulders. Alicent smiles through it all— exchanges pleasantries, goodbyes. And one by one, the children leave with their parents.

Except for Rhaenyra.

She lingers by the door, watching as Jace chatters animatedly with Cregan as Rickon converses with another parent nearby. Her usual confidence seems muted, her posture hesitant, as if she’s unsure whether to stay or go.

Alicent looks up from her desk and offers a small smile. “Everything alright?”

Rhaenyra startles slightly, as though caught off guard.

“Oh. Yes, I just—” She gestures vaguely toward the door. “Jace wanted to say goodbye to his friends.” She pauses. “And…I wanted to say goodbye to you, of course. For the break.”

Alicent straightens from where she’s been leaning over her desk, her smile softening, her heart beating fast. “That’s kind of you. Thank you.” She pauses. “Going to America, actually. To visit my brother.”

“Gwayne?” Rhaenyra says, and Alicent’s surprised, at this, and then she smiles because Rhaenyra remembered my stupid brother’s name even though I’ve only told her his name once.

Alicent nods. “Gwayne.”

Rhaenyra looks at her, smiles. “That’ll be nice. Where in America?”

“New York.”

“Ah.” Rhaenyra nods. “I’ve been a couple of times— lovely there. Though— can get cold, this time of year.”

“I’ll make sure to bundle up.”

“Mum!” Jacaerys comes hopping over with Cregan. “Cregan says he’s got a new LEGO set, and can I go see it, pretty please?”

Rhaenyra turns toward Jacaerys, her expression softening as she crouches to his level. “A new LEGO set, huh?” she says with a smile, brushing a stray curl from his forehead. “That does sound pretty exciting.”

Jacaerys nods enthusiastically.

“Please, Mum? Just for a little while? Rickon said it’s okay.”

Rhaenyra glances over her shoulder, where Rickon Stark is still deep in conversation with another parent— but then, he catches her eye and gives her a quick nod and wink of confirmation. She hesitates for a moment, then looks back at Jace, who’s practically bouncing on the spot.

“…Alright,” she says at last, and Jacaerys whoops with joy. “But just for a little while, okay? And you behave yourself.”

“I will,” Jacaerys promises, already grabbing Cregan’s hand and dragging him toward the door. “Thanks, Mum!”

Rhaenyra straightens slowly; Alicent watches as she speaks with Rickon, presumably coordinating pickup times. Rickon shakes Alicent’s hand.

“Cregan’s had nothing but wonderful things to say about you,” Rickon says. Alicent smiles— catches Rhaenyra’s eye, and Rhaenyra’s looking at her with this soft sort of pride in her eyes, and she blushes.

Rickon, Jacaerys and Cregan disappear down the hallway, their laughter echoing faintly behind them. Rhaenyra exhales softly, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction before she turns back to Alicent.

“Well. I should be off.”

“You— you don’t have to,” Alicent says. “I mean, obviously, if you’ve someplace to be.”

Rhaenyra shifts on her feet, a little, at that. Looks down at them. Back up at Alicent.

“Maybe— maybe another time?”

And Alicent’s only human; she feels that one like Rhaenyra’s kind of, like, punched her in the gut, or something. “Oh. Yes. Of course. Sorry—”

Rhaenyra takes notice of her tone, steps forward, hands raised apologetically. “No, it’s not —” she stops. Sighs. “It’s not that I don’t want to. Really, Alicent. I really do.”

Alicent wrings at her hands. Watches as the length of Rhaenyra’s throat bobs.

There was no telling, really, what Rhaenyra’s going to say, but whatever it was, it certainly fucking wasn’t —

“It’s that I don’t know if— I don’t really know if I trust myself to— to not cross a line. Anymore. With you.”

Holy shit.

Alicent blinks. Tries to process what Rhaenyra just said —

Did I hear that right. Did Rhaenyra actually just —

“…Oh,” Alicent manages, her voice barely a whisper.

Nice. Good one. But it’s not like she knows what else to say— what does anyone even say to that— all Alicent knows is that it has her flushing, has her feeling this— this coil in her stomach, like—

“I shouldn’t have said that,” Rhaenyra says quickly, shaking her head, but she doesn’t step back. Doesn’t move away. “I— I didn’t mean to—”

“—Don’t,” Alicent interrupts, faster than she intended. She softens it immediately, taking a step closer. “Don’t apologize.”

Rhaenyra’s lips part, her brows furrowing slightly as she searches Alicent’s face.

“You’re not— upset?”

“I— no,” Alicent says. Not at all. I just… wasn’t expecting you to say that.”

Rhaenyra lets out a shaky breath, her shoulders sagging slightly. “Yeah. Me neither.”

They stand there and they’re close, and Alicent’s fingers twitch at her sides, and the urge to reach out is actually almost overwhelming, like it overwhelms her, and she’s so painfully so very aware of how close they are. How easy it would be to just — to just—

“Rhaenyra,” she starts, her voice trembling slightly— doesn’t even know what she’s about to say. Just that she has to say something. Anything. “What— what are we —”

“— I don’t know. I don’t know, Alicent. All I know is—” She stops, her gaze dropping to Alicent’s lips before snapping back up to her eyes. “Gods, you just— you make it so hard not to—”

She doesn’t finish the sentence. Doesn’t have to, really.

You, too, Alicent wants to say. But she doesn’t, because she has a duty, and she will not cross any lines— her job is too important for her to act on impulse. Jacaerys is too important.

“Rhaenyra…” Alicent whispers, her voice barely audible. She doesn’t even know what she’s asking for—reassurance, a decision, an answer—

Rhaenyra takes a step back, breaking whatever fragile thread was holding them together in this excruciatingly suspended moment. She exhales shakily, running a hand through her hair. “I — I should go,” she says again. Turns. Seems to think twice, and she’s stepping forward and Alicent thinks holy shit she’s actually about to kiss me and I might actually kiss her back even though I should probably not let her—

But she’s just stepping in to hug Alicent. Warm. Firm, not too tightly. She smells so nice. Alicent, after a beat, lifts her arms, wraps them around Rhaenyra’s waist.

“…Enjoy New York,” Rhaenyra murmurs into Alicent’s hair, and Alicent feels her heart thudding erratically against her ribcage, ectopic heartbeats; Rhaenyra’s voice is soft, warm, and far too close.

Alicent closes her eyes for a moment, letting herself lean into the embrace. Rhaenyra’s arms feel steady, strong, and her scent—a mix of something woodsy and faintly citrusy—floods Alicent’s senses. It’s overwhelming in the best and worst way—

I’m going to think about this moment for far too long.

“…I will,” Alicent whispers back, her voice barely audible. She swallows hard, willing herself to focus, to not let her emotions get the better of her. “Thank you.”

Rhaenyra pulls back just slightly, her hands lingering on Alicent’s arms, her eyes searching Alicent’s face.

Do it, Alicent wants to say. Fuck it. Do it. Kiss me.

But Rhaenyra just steps back. Nods. “Take care, Alicent,” Rhaenyra says.

“You too,” Alicent replies, her voice soft, her heart still racing. “Have a good break.”

When Rhaenyra leaves, Alicent stands and stares at the empty doorway for so long that one of her colleagues walks past and frowns.

“You alright, Ms. Hightower?” she asks.

“Hm?” Alicent blinks. “Oh! Yes! Of course, yes. I’m— yes.”

Absolutely fucking not.

***

Breaks are always the toughest for Rhaenyra; Jace and Luke get a break when she doesn’t. But Rhaenys and Corlys are, at least, always willing to lend a hand when her nanny can’t step in.

Today, she’s enjoying a cuppa with Corlys in the kitchen as Jace, Luke, Rhaena and Baela play some kind of elaborate roleplaying game in the living.

Rhaenyra leans back in her chair, a steaming cup of tea warming her hands as she listens.

Corlys glances toward the living room, the corner of his mouth curling into a smile. “Sounds like they’ve found a dragon to slay.”

“Or a kingdom to conquer,” Rhaenyra replies, her tone wry. She takes another sip of her tea, letting the warmth settle in her chest. “Baela’s probably made herself queen, knowing her.”

“Smart girl,” Corlys says with a chuckle. “Though I suspect Jace is her knight in shining armour. He’s always eager to please her.”

Rhaenyra shakes her head, a soft laugh escaping her. “He adores her. They all do.”

“As they should,” Corlys replies. He pauses. “Baela’s got the kind of confidence that turns heads. Reminds me of someone.”

Rhaenyra raises an eyebrow, setting her tea down.

“If you’re going to accuse me of passing that trait down, at least be direct about it.”

Corlys smirks. “I’d never dream of it. Besides, it’s not an accusation. It’s a compliment.”

Rhaenyra rolls her eyes, but there’s affection in the gesture. She leans back again, letting herself sink into the moment. The noise from the living room fades into the background, and for a while, they sit in companionable silence, sipping their tea.

“You look tired,” Corlys  finally remarks.

Rhaenyra scoffs. “And you’re full of these compliments, today, aren’t you?”

Corlys chuckles, shakes his head. “Sorry, sorry. Old habits.” He has a sip of his tea. “It’s just— you just look like Viserys did when he would be all…in his head.”

Rhaenyra hums. Doesn’t quite know how to answer. “I’m guessing he just loved to talk all about it when you’d point it out.”

Corlys laughs again. “Of course. Your father was famously very, very open with his feelings.”

“Famously.”

“Ha. Ah, well.” Corlys shrugs. “He had his ways. Mostly involved avoiding the subject entirely or pretending it didn’t exist.”

Rhaenyra smiles faintly, her fingers tightening around her mug. “Sounds about right.”

Corlys clears his throat. “So… Jace told me something interesting the other day.”

Rhaenyra frowns. “What’s that?”

Corlys leans back in his chair, a knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth as he taps his fingers lightly on his mug. “He said—” Corlys pauses for effect, his grin widening. “He thinks you’ve got a crush on his teacher.”

Rhaenyra actually chokes on her tea, coughing as the liquid goes down the wrong way. She sets the mug down hastily, dabbing at her mouth with a napkin as her face flushes a deep crimson.

“What?” she sputters, her voice filled with mortification. “He said what?”

Corlys chuckles, thoroughly amused. “You heard me. Apparently, he’s been paying attention to the way you act when you’re around — Ms. Hightower, he said?”

Rhaenyra groans, covering her face with her hands. “Oh, gods. I— what even— why would he—?”

“— Well, to his credit,” Corlys continues, playful gleam in his eye, “he said you smile more when you talk to her. And that you’re nicer to her than you are to most people.”

“I’m nice to plenty of people,” Rhaenyra protests, her voice muffled by her hands.

“I’ve a feeling it’s because our little boy has a crush on her, as well,” Corlys says, still amused. “You may have some competition.”

The mortification in Rhaenyra passes as soon as it comes; it’s replaced with something that feels a bit more like…embarrassment, now. She sighs.

“Corlys…” she shakes her head. “I don’t— I’m not— she’s not— nothing’s happened, and— I don’t intend on anything happening.”

Corlys raises a brow, nods thoughtfully. “Why’s that?”

“Well— she’s his teacher, first of all,” Rhaenyra says, and then she looks down at her tea. “And…” she trails off. Doesn’t know how to say what she wants to say.

Corlys studies her carefully, his smirk softening into something more serious. He rests his forearms on the table.

“You’re thinking about Harwin?”

Rhaenyra looks up sharply, startled by both his bluntness and his perceptiveness. Her lips part, but no words come out. Instead, she looks down at her tea, her fingers idly tracing the rim of the mug.

“I thought so,” Corlys says gently. “It’s only natural.”

She doesn’t respond— but the silence itself speaks volumes. Corlys lets it linger for a moment before he clears his throat.

“You know, my first wife passed away.”

That gets her attention.

She looks up again, her brows knitting together. “I— I didn’t know that.”

Corlys nods, his expression distant for a moment. “A long time ago, before your aunt. We were young. She… she was a wonderful woman. Fierce, kind, everything I thought I’d ever want. But life has its ways, doesn’t it?”

Rhaenyra doesn’t say anything. Just listens.

“For a while, I thought I’d never find that again,” Corlys admits. “But then I met Rhaenys. And the moment I saw her, I knew. She had this fire, this… light. I knew right away that she was going to change everything.”

Rhaenyra’s breath stutters at this. “It— it wasn’t— it wasn’t hard?”

“Oh— oh it was, absolutely,” Corlys says, shaking his head. “No mincing words with that one. But…gods, was it ever worth it.”He pauses, his gaze meeting Rhaenyra’s. “Harwin loved you, Rhaenyra. I know he did. I also know he’d want you to be happy. Truly happy.”

Rhaenyra swallows hard, her fingers tightening around her mug.

“I just— I don’t know if it’s that simple.”

“No,” Corlys agrees. “It never is. But you owe it to yourself to ask the question: do you know? With her. With this teacher. Or— do you at least think you do?”

“It’s just— it’s just a crush,” Rhaenyra mutters. It sounds like a lie, even to herself.

Corlys tilts his head.

“If it is, then... so be it.” He pauses. “But I’ve a feeling you took this long to dismiss it to me because… it might not just be that?”

Rhaenyra hesitates, her chest tightening. She exhales slowly. Nods.

“…Then don’t let the rest of it stop you. Life’s too short for ‘what ifs.’ If you know, Rhaenyra, you owe it to yourself to find out.”

“I just — I don’t know if it’s the right time?”

Corlys chuckles softly. “When is it ever the ‘right time’?" He pauses. "Life doesn’t wait for us to feel ready, hm? It just… happens. And sometimes, you’ve got to take that leap of faith— I remember Harwin always prattling off about that."

Rhaenyra laughs. "So do I."

Corlys nods. "Especially if it’s for something, or someone, who you think might be worth it.” He looks at Rhaenyra. "Is she worth it?"

Instantly, in Rhaenyra's head:

She’s worth it.

That’s Rhaenyra’s gut instinct. Alicent’s kindness, her warmth, the way she looks at her with those steady, understanding eyes—it feels like a beacon, for her.

“It’s — it’s not just about me, though. It’s Jace and Luke. It’s everything they’ve been through. I don’t want to make things harder for them.”

Corlys hums thoughtfully, setting his mug down. “And you think shielding them from your happiness will make things easier?” He raises an eyebrow. “Children are perceptive, Rhaenyra. They pick up on more than we give them credit for. If you’re unhappy, they’ll feel it. Conversely, if you’re fulfilled... they’ll feel that, too.”

She bites her lip, her gaze dropping to the tea in her hands. “It just feels so complicated.”

“Everything worth having is,” Corlys replies. “And I’m not saying you should throw caution to the wind. But don’t let fear make the decision for you. If you think there’s something there… well, Rhaenyra.” Corlys sighs. “What kind of uncle would I be if I didn’t tell you to not let it slip away?”

Rhaenyra doesn’t know what to say to that— just that this feels like a blessing, of sorts; to have someone who knew Harwin, who knew their marriage, saying— you deserve this. You deserve to be happy.

She nods. Smiles.

“Thank you,” she says softly.

“Anytime, my dear,” Corlys says warmly. “Now, let’s go rescue Baela’s poor subjects before she has them all kneeling at her feet.”

***

New York is lovely; Gwayne shows Alicent around the city— bustling streets alive with energy, towering skyscrapers casting shadows over the sidewalks, that distant hum of life that never seems to pause. The goodbye is bittersweet, but Alicent misses home by the time it happens. Misses her cozy little flat, in a quieter part of town.

Misses —

***

If Alicent starts dressing a little nicer for work, no one needs to know; no one has to know that she bought a few cute little blouses and thought —

Rhaenyra might think this is cute.

Or that she’s been trying new perfumes, lately, and got one and thought to herself— I wonder if Rhaenyra will like this. School’s back in session tomorrow, meaning she’ll be seeing Rhaenyra tomorrow for the first time since —

“Gods, you just— you make it so hard not to—“

“It’s like a fucking schoolgirl crush,” she groans to her friend Myrsella one evening over the phone. “Seriously. It’s bad.”

Myrsella’s laughter crackles through the phone, warm and teasing. “It sounds adorable, honestly,” she says. “You’ve got it bad.”

Alicent groans again, flopping back onto her bed, her free hand pressed against her forehead. “You don’t understand. She’s—she’s a parent, Myrs. And it’s not like I can just…not see her. She’s there, every day, with her smile, and her — her eyes, and the way she says my name—”

“You’re done for,” Myrsella interrupts, her tone thoroughly amused. “Absolutely done for.”

“I know,” Alicent whines.

“Well— when’s her son graduating from your class?”

Alicent scoffs. “Not until the end of the year. So —” she looks over at her calendar. “Three months.”

“Oh, come on. You can survive a few months.”

“That’s the thing,” Alicent says quietly, thinking of Rhaenyra, the way she looks at her, how good she is with Jacaerys, how kind she is, how beautiful she is, how they almost, almost kissed. “I don’t know if I can.”

***

The realization comes gradually.

At first, Alicent doesn’t think much of it. Parents often have someone else step in for pick-ups—partners, grandparents, nannies. But it’s been nearly two weeks now, and Rhaenyra hasn’t been the one to collect Jace even once. Instead, it’s always the same woman: tall, confident, with a striking smile and a seemingly endless supply of patience for Jace’s chatter. She’s warm and friendly, but she’s not Rhaenyra.

Alicent finds herself watching the clock during pick-up time, hoping, irrationally, that today will be different. That Rhaenyra will walk through the door with that radiant smile or that faint storm cloud hovering over her. That they’ll share another fleeting moment, even if it’s just a quick goodbye.

Instead, it’s her again.

Today, as the last of the parents filter out and the classroom grows quieter, Alicent steels herself. She finishes tidying up Jace’s cubby, and when the woman arrives—just on time, as usual—Alicent takes a breath and approaches her.

“Hi,” she starts, a little awkwardly. “I don’t think we’ve actually met. I’m Alicent Hightower—Jace’s teacher.”

The woman grins, extending a hand. “Laena Velaryon. Officially Jace’s unofficial minder, for now.”

Alicent shakes her hand.

“It’s nice to meet you. I was just wondering—I mean, I couldn’t help but notice that Rhaenyra hasn’t been — she hasn’t by to pick him up lately?”

Laena chuckles lightly, releasing Alicent’s hand, and Alicent catches this weird knowing glance before it disappears just as fast.

“Yeah, she’s been crazy busy. Work’s been relentless, apparently. She asked if I could help out for a bit since I’ve just gone freelance and my schedule’s more flexible.”

“Freelance?”

“Mm. Design work,” Laena explains. “Mostly corporate branding, logos, things like that. Gives me plenty of time to hang out with this little man.” She glances fondly at Jace, who’s enthusiastically recounting something about dinosaurs to one of his classmates.

“That’s… really kind of you,” Alicent says. “I know how much he loves having Rhaenyra pick him up.”

“He does. And she loves it, too, when she can. But you know how it is—single mom, big job, trying to juggle it all. It’s a lot.”

Alicent nods, a pang of sympathy tugging at her chest. She does know— she’s seen it in Rhaenyra, herself.

“Well,” she says after a pause, “Jace is lucky to have so many people looking out for him.”

Laena smiles. “He’s a good kid. Makes it easy.”

Before Alicent can say more, Jace bounds over, his backpack slung haphazardly over one shoulder. “Laena! Aunt Laena! Did you know we read a story about a dragon today?”

“Oh, yeah?” Laena grins, ruffling his hair. “Let’s hear all about it on the way home, huh?”

Jace nods eagerly, waving a quick goodbye to Alicent before tugging Laena toward the door.

And Alicent thinks, without stopping herself—

I miss her.

***

Alicent stares at her phone for a long, long while when she gets home. Picks it up a few times before setting it down, only to pick it back up again.

Says fuck it.

Calls Rhaenyra.

The ringing fills the silence, each chime ratcheting up her nerves until her heart feels like it’s about to burst out of her chest. She almost chickens out—almost hits the red button to hang up—when the ringing stops.

“Hello?”

Rhaenyra’s voice is soft, a little breathless, like she wasn’t expecting the call any more than Alicent was expecting herself to make it. Alicent freezes, her mouth dry for a beat too long.

“…Hi,” she finally says, and it comes out quieter than she intended. She clears her throat, trying again. “Hi, Rhaenyra. It’s— it’s Alicent.”

“I know,” Rhaenyra replies, and there’s a warmth in her tone that makes something in Alicent’s chest loosen, just a little. “What’s— is everything okay?”

“Yes. I mean— I think so,” Alicent says quickly, rushing to reassure her. “I just— Laena mentioned you’ve been… busy lately. And I realized I hadn’t seen you at pick-up in a while, so I—” She stops herself, closing her eyes briefly. “I just wanted to check in. To see how you’re doing.”

There’s a pause on the other end of the line. Long enough for Alicent to second-guess herself all over again.

But then Rhaenyra sighs softly— like a laugh, a little— and there’s a hint of something—gratitude? Relief?—in her voice when she says,

“That’s… kind of you, Alicent. Thank you. I’m fine. Just… life, you know? Work’s been relentless— they’ve let me hire some people to help, but— you always forget the bit where you have to train the new ones.”

“Ah,” Alicent says, laughing. “Of course.”

“But Laena’s been a lifesaver.”

“I can imagine,” Alicent says, her grip on the phone relaxing slightly.

“Miss me that much?” And Rhaenyra says it so cheekily that Alicent almost say something cheeky back, but she doesn’t, for fucking— gods know what reason.

“...Yes,” she says softly. “I did.”

It’s quiet, for a while— Alicent goes through all of the different places she could perhaps move abroad by the time Rhaenyra says—

“Well.” Her tone is soft. Dulcet. “You’ve got good timing, then.”

“…Yeah?”

“Yeah.” The smile is audible in Rhaenyra’s voice. “I’ve missed you too.”

Alicent closes her eyes. Feels that fucking— flutter, again, in her heart. She smiles.

“When will you— when do you think you’ll come get Jace? Next?”

“Next week, I think,” Rhaenyra says.

“Right. Well.” Alicent clears her throat. “I just— okay. Just wanted to check in.”

“Nice of you to call,” Rhaenyra says softly. “I’ll see you next week?”

“Yes. Sure. Next week.” Alicent smiles. Keeps the phone to her ear long after the line’s gone dead.

***

It must count as some form of torture. Rhaenyra starts delegating more at work— they finally let her hire new headcount, so she has three more employees who are all perfectly competent— meaning she starts picking Jace up every day, again.

Which means she sees Alicent every day again.

And that— that feels dangerous.

Because Rhaenyra’s certain—absolutely certain—that Alicent’s started dressing nicer. Not that she hadn’t been before—Alicent’s always been put together, always looked polished and professional. But lately, there’s something different. Subtler. More intentional, maybe. The way her blouses fit, the delicate jewelry at her throat, the soft, floral scent of her perfume that lingers in the air long after she’s gone.

And she tells herself not to notice— that it’s just her own imagination, that she’s projecting. That Alicent doesn’t even know she’s doing it, and even if she does, it’s not for her, specifically. It’s just… a coincidence.

Except it doesn’t feel like a coincidence.

Not when Alicent catches her eye as Rhaenyra steps into the classroom, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. Not when their conversations linger just a little too long, filled with soft laughs and stolen glances that make Rhaenyra’s stomach twist in ways she hasn’t felt in years.

Not when she feels her pulse quicken every single time Alicent says her name.

And now, with Jace’s preschool days numbered, that edge feels sharper. More precarious. Because soon, there will be no more excuses to see Alicent every day. No more pick-ups or drop-offs. No more fleeting glances or lingering moments in the classroom doorway.

Best (or worst) of all— Alicent will no longer be her son’s teacher. Alicent will simply be… Alicent.

And Rhaenyra doesn’t know what she’s going to do about that.

Or if she’s going to do anything at all. Or if Alicent wants her to do anything at all.

She just knows that when Alicent catches her eye across the room— smiles that soft, knowing smile— Rhaenyra can feel her resolve fraying at the edges.

***

But still, they make it through, and before they know it— today's the day. Jace’s last day of preschool.

The classroom is buzzing with energy— Rhaenyra feels that potent mix of excitement, bittersweetness, nostalgia hanging in the air as parents mill about, chat with one another, take pictures, admire the colourful art projects that line the walls. The children are all dressed in their best outfits.

Jace is in the middle of it all, his smile bright and his chest puffed with pride— he clutches a small certificate in his hands, his name written in bold letters at the top, and beams as his friends congratulate him. Rhaenyra watches from afar— her heart swelling with pride, but with that feeling of sadness, of weariness.

Harwin would have loved to be here.

Still, Jace is overjoyed, and Rhaenyra can’t keep her eyes off of him— until she does.

Alicent stands near the front of the room, her usual calm presence slightly more radiant today. She’s wearing a simple, elegant dress that fits her fucking perfectly. She’s wearing a necklace at her throat that catches the light— her hair is swept back neatly, her smile warm as she hands out certificates.

When it’s Jace’s turn to approach her, he practically bounces up to her, Rhaenyra following close behind, his excitement barely contained. Alicent crouches to his level, handing him his certificate with a fond smile.

“Well done, Jace,” she says warmly. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks, Miss Hightower!” Jace replies, his voice loud and cheerful. He pauses, then throws his arms around her in a spontaneous hug. Alicent laughs softly, hugging him back.

Rhaenyra’s chest tightens at the sight, an ache of affection and gratitude blooming within her; Jace doesn’t hug anyone other than her, and sometimes Rhaenys or Laena, if they’re lucky. She steps forward as Jace bounds back toward her, certificate in hand, his grin practically splitting his face.

“Look, Mum! I did it!”

“You did, sweetheart,” Rhaenyra says, crouching to his level and pulling him into a hug. “I’m endlessly proud of you.”

Jace’s attention quickly shifts back to his friends, and he darts off to join them. Rhaenyra straightens, her gaze drifting back to Alicent, who’s now tidying the small pile of leftover certificates on the table. Gathering her courage, Rhaenyra crosses the room.

“Alicent,” she says softly, her voice just loud enough to catch her attention.

Alicent looks up, her eyes meeting Rhaenyra’s. She smiles, and it’s that same soft, knowing smile that’s always made Rhaenyra feel comforted and unmoored in equal parts.

“Rhaenyra,” she replies. “Big day for Jace.”

“It is,” Rhaenyra says, her voice a little uneven. She glances down at her hands, then back up. Alicent looks like she wants to say something too.

“Are you —” “Would you —”

They laugh. Rhaenyra gestures for Alicent to go ahead. Alicent gestures for Rhaenyra to go ahead.

“Well,” Rhaenyra says, her heart pounding, “One of us has to say something.”

Alicent looks at Rhaenyra— looks nervous, almost, her hand rising to fiddle with her necklace— but then, another parent is beckoning her for her attention.

“You— sorry,” she says to Rhaenyra, who shakes her head.

“No, no. Duty calls.” She pauses. Points her thumb someplace else. “I’ll—”

Alicent nods, doesn’t look away. “Just— come find me. After. If you have time?”

Rhaenyra nods. Smiles. From the looks of it, Jace has another playdate with Cregan coming up. Rickon comes up to her to confirm as such.

“He’s a good boy,” Rickon says softly.

“He is,” Rhaenyra says, smiling at him. “I can’t thank you enough— for hosting him. Every time I think I’ve bought the latest LEGO set, you outdo me. Every time.”

Rickon chuckles. “Helps that I’m just as much of an enthusiast as he is.”

“It certainly does,” Rhaenyra says, smiling.

“— C’mon, Mum!” Jace says, leaping. “Cregan says we’re gonna build the biggest LEGO castle ever! Can I go?”

Rhaenyra smiles, brushing a hand over his hair. “Of course, sweetheart. Just be good, alright?”

“I will!” Jace promises, darting back toward his friend.

Rickon claps Rhaenyra on the shoulder, his expression warm. “You’re doing great, Rhaenyra. Jace is lucky to have you.”

Rhaenyra watches her son for a moment, her heart full. “Thanks, Rickon.”

He nods, then moves off to collect Cregan, leaving Rhaenyra standing there, her thoughts swirling.

She glances back toward Alicent, who catches her eye briefly, offering a soft smile that feels like a lifeline.

Come find me.

***

And then, the room dwindles in its numbers until it’s just them. It feels almost eerily quiet; Rhaenyra notes a warm glow. The air conditioner. Alicent, tidying up in this kind of efficiency that speaks to years of routine.

But her movements are slower, now. Like she’s…waiting.

Rhaenyra lingers near the door, unsure of what to do with her hands — or her racing heart. She watches Alicent for a moment, biting the inside of her cheek before finally stepping forward.

“Well,” she says softly, her voice carrying easily in the stillness. “Looks like it’s just us.”

Alicent glances up, her lips curving into a small smile. “So it is.”

Rhaenyra takes another step closer, her nerves feeling like fucking bouncing pinballs in her chest.

“I wanted to— to thank you. For everything. For Jace. For… putting up with me.”

Alicent laughs lightly at that, shaking her head. “You’ve said that already.”

“I know.” Rhaenyra smiles. “I just wanted to say it again.”

Alicent nods, turns around, leans against the desk.

“You make it sound like a chore. It’s not, Rhaenyra. He’s a joy. And…” She hesitates, her eyes meeting Rhaenyra’s. “So are— so are you.”

For a moment, Rhaenyra doesn’t know how to conduct herself. It’s been a year of patience— a year of wondering, of waiting. Of skirting lines. And Alicent’s gaze is nothing but steady. Like she’s laid something fragile between them— waiting to see if Rhaenyra will accept it.

“I—” Rhaenyra starts, but the words catch in her throat. She takes a step closer, her voice softening. “You’ve been… more important to us than you probably realize. Jace adores you. And I —”

She swallows.

Be more fucking awkward, why fucking don’t you—

Alicent’s cheeks flush, but she doesn’t look away.

“Rhaenyra,” she says softly, taking a small step forward of her own. “I— I don’t know if this is the right time, for you— or if there’s ever going to be a right time, but… I feel like—”

“— Yes,” Rhaenyra blurts, cutting her off. “I mean— I don’t— I feel it too. Whatever this is. I do.”

Alicent blinks, her lips curling into a smile. “You do?”

“I do,” Rhaenyra repeats, her voice steadier now. She steps forward, shrinks the gap between them, her heart hammering in her chest. “And— I know it’s complicated, and it’s messy— and— I’m a mess, honestly —”

Alicent just laughs. Rhaenyra does, too.

“And— gods, Alicent, I don’t even know what to say other than— I think about you. All the time.”

Alicent’s breath stutters audibly. “Rhaenyra —”

Before either of them can say anything else, there’s a sudden noise from the hallway, through the closed door— did Alicent close that door? —a door slamming shut, followed by the faint sound of footsteps. The spell between them breaks, and they both glance toward the door, then back at each other.

“I should go,” Rhaenyra says quickly, her cheeks flushing. “Sorry. You’re— you’re at work, I didn’t mean to—”

“No,” Alicent says, stepping forward and grabbing Rhaenyra’s hand before she can leave. “Don’t. Don’t go.”

Rhaenyra stops, her breath hitching as Alicent’s fingers tighten around hers. Looks at her. Looks at her.

And then— Rhaenyra doesn’t know who moves first. If it’s her, or Alicent, or if it’s instinct or deliberate, but then the space between them is disappearing and Alicent’s hand is tightening around Rhaenyra’s, and their lips are pressing together and Rhaenyra’s heart is pounding— body electric— and they part, after that initial kiss— Alicent’s eyes searching Rhaenyra’s, wide and unsure— and Rhaenyra just smiles. Tugs her back in.

Rhaenyra’s hand rises to cradle Alicent’s face, her thumb brushing against the delicate curve of her cheek. Alicent lets out a small, shaky breath against her lips, and the sound makes Rhaenyra’s chest tighten with something that feels so tender it’s almost unbearable.

Alicent’s free hand finds its way to Rhaenyra’s waist— tentative and careful, her fingers barely grazing the fabric of her blouse. She leans into the kiss with a quiet sigh that consumes Rhaenyra whole, her lips soft and warm, and there’s no urgency, no rush—just the two of them, moving slowly. Easy. It’s so easy.

Rhaenyra feels Alicent’s other hand rise, her fingertips brushing lightly against the side of her neck, and a shiver runs through her. She tilts her head, deepening the kiss just slightly, pouring every single word she’s been wanting to say for the past year into it, and Alicent responds in kind.

And then, they part, and Rhaenyra doesn’t want to, but they’re also in a classroom, so they part, their foreheads resting together.

Rhaenyra keeps her hand on Alicent’s cheek, her thumb absently tracing soothing circles against her skin. Alicent’s fingers linger at her waist, her touch still feather-light, as if she’s afraid to let go.

Neither of them speaks at first. Rhaenyra’s eyes flutter open, and she finds Alicent staring at her, her cheeks flushed, her lips slightly parted. Her gaze is soft and vulnerable so so full of— of fucking tenderness that it steals Rhaenyra’s breath all over again.

“I—” Alicent starts, her voice barely audible. "Wow."

Rhaenyra shakes her head, a small, tender smile tugging at her lips.

“Yeah,” Rhaenyra whispers.

They step back, then— Alicent’s cheeks pink, Rhaenyra’s undoubtedly the same.

“Would you —” “Do you want —” Alicent and Rhaenyra say over each other, again.

They laugh, again.

Rhaenyra rubs her palms against her pants, runs a hand through her hair— is my hand shaking— Gods above— takes a breath.

“...Could I take you out for dinner, Alicent?” Rhaenyra asks softly.

Alicent smiles so wide— that full-face smile again— and she nods. “Name the time and place?”

And Rhaenyra’s been waiting a year for this so she doesn’t care if it comes off as overeager when she says, “Tonight?”

Alicent’s smile doesn’t falter, doesn’t dim—if anything, it grows, her cheeks blooming a deeper shade of pink that only makes her look more radiant. Her eyes sparkle, and for a moment, Rhaenyra can’t quite believe she’s the one putting that look there, the one making Alicent smile like that.

“…Tonight,” Alicent repeats softly, like she’s turning the word over in her mind. Her lips part, and she nods again, more firmly this time. “Yes. Tonight.”

Rhaenyra feels a rush of relief— of fucking elation— blooming in her chest. Can’t help the smile that breaks across her face, bright and a little disbelieving, almost. She nods quickly, her pulse thundering in her ears. “Great. Perfect. Yeah. Okay. Um. I’ll— I’ll text you the details?”

Alicent’s laughter is light— teasing, fond. “I think I can manage that, yes.”

They’re both standing there, smiling at each other like absolute fucking fools, andRhaenyra doesn’t want to leave— doesn’t want this moment to end. But they’ve already pushed the boundaries enough for one day, and Rhaenyra absolutely does not trust herself to linger without kissing Alicent all over again.

“Okay,” Rhaenyra says, taking a small step back, though her eyes don’t leave Alicent’s. “I’ll… I’ll see you tonight, then.”

Alicent nods, her hands clasped in front of her, her gaze steady and warm. “I’ll see you tonight.”

Rhaenyra turns, her heart pounding so hard it feels like it’s echoing in her entire body. She glances back at the door once before slipping out, and Alicent is still standing there, still smiling. It’s enough to make her stomach flip, and she presses a hand to her chest as she makes her way down the hallway.

Tonight.

She picks up her phone. Calls Laena in the car.

“Um,” Laena says loudly when Rhaenyra meekly asks. “Can I watch your sons while you go on a date with the woman you’ve been pining over for a fucking year —”

“— Please just —” Rhaenyra laughs, despite herself. “Answer a question I ask you straightforwardly. For once.”

Laena laughs. “Of fucking course, Rhaenyra. Of course I can.” She pauses. Her voice gets softer. “For what it’s worth…I’m so happy for you.”

Rhaenyra grips the steering wheel a little tighter, her chest tightening—not in panic, but in something warm, something that feels like relief and gratitude all tangled together. She smiles, even though Laena can’t see it.

“Thanks, Laena,” Rhaenyra murmurs, her voice quieter now. “I mean it. I don’t— I don’t know if I’d be doing this if it weren’t for you.”

“Oh, you’d be doing it,” Laena replies, her tone teasing but full of affection. “You’d just be a lot more dramatic about it.”

***

Alicent’s pacing—honest to the gods pacing—as she waits for Rhaenyra to pick her up for dinner. Her heels click against the floor with each step, the soft hum of her necklace swaying against her collarbone the only other sound in the room.

She’s already checked her reflection in the mirror no fewer than ten fucking times, smoothing down the fabric of her dress, adjusting the delicate chain at her throat, and fretting over whether her lipstick is too bold.

It’s just dinner. Just dinner with a parent. A very charming, very beautiful parent who kissed me in my classroom not three hours ago— what the fuck am I doing— what am I doing, she’s — this is a prank, she’s pranking me—

There’s a knock on the door.

Alicent’s heart lurches in her chest. She exhales shakily, giving herself a moment to gather her composure before crossing the room to answer the door.

When she opens it, Rhaenyra’s standing there, a bouquet of soft pink peonies in her hands. She’s dressed in a fitted blazer and dark jeans, her hair loose around her shoulders, and the sight of her knocks the breath out of Alicent’s lungs—

Fucking absolute shit she looks so good absolute Seven above—

“Hi,” Rhaenyra says, a little breathless herself, her smile soft and warm. She holds out the flowers. “I— these are for you.”

Alicent blinks, momentarily stunned. “You—you didn’t have to bring me flowers.”

“I wanted to,” Rhaenyra replies simply. “Do you like them?”

“They’re beautiful,” Alicent says softly, taking the bouquet. Their fingers brush, and Alicent’s cheeks flush. “Thank you. Let me just— I’ll put them in some water before we go.”

“Take your time,” Rhaenyra says, stepping inside and glancing around as Alicent moves to the kitchen. She fiddles with the sleeves of her blazer, a small smile tugging at her lips as she takes in the neatness of Alicent’s home, the cozy warmth of it. “It’s nice, in here.”

“Thank you,” Alicent says. She arranges the flowers in a glass vase, hesitating for a moment before stepping closer.

“You look—” She clears her throat, the words coming out a little too soft. “You look really good.”

Rhaenyra’s grin widens, and she tilts her head slightly. “You do, too.” She lets her gaze linger, just for a moment. “Ready?”

Alicent nods, her heart racing as she grabs her coat. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

***

When they finally pull up to the restaurant— a charming little place tucked away on a quiet street— Rhaenyra doesn’t hesitate to say hold on, stay put, steps out first and circles around to open Alicent’s door.

“Such a gentleman,” Alicent teases, her smile widening as she takes Rhaenyra’s offered hand to step out.

“Just for you,” Rhaenyra replies, her voice warm.

Their hands linger, just for a moment, before they let go, and Rhaenyra leads the way into the restaurant.

“Been here before?”

Alicent shakes her head. “It’s been on my list,” she murmurs, smiling.

Rhaenyra’s grin widens as she holds the door open for Alicent, letting her step inside first. The soft hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the warm glow of candlelight envelop them as they enter. The restaurant is intimate but unpretentious, with small tables tucked into cozy corners and shelves lined with wine bottles. It’s the kind of place that feels like a secret, even if it’s not.

“Well,” Rhaenyra says, stepping beside her, her voice light. “I’m glad I could cross it off for you. Firsts are special, after all.”

Alicent’s cheeks flush, and she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. That kind of night, is it?

“…They are.”

The host greets them warmly, and Rhaenyra confirms the reservation under her name before they’re guided to a small table by a window. Rhaenyra lets Alicent sit first, waiting until she’s settled before taking her own seat.

“Do you always pull out all the stops on first dates?” Alicent says as she picks up the menu.

“Only for the ones I’ve been looking forward to,” Rhaenyra replies without missing a beat.

Alicent glances up, her lips curving into a soft smile.

“…You’re trouble,” she murmurs, shaking her head fondly.

Rhaenyra leans back slightly, her own smile widening. “Only the good kind, I hope.”

And Alicent had been nervous, of course, for many reasons— one being a general uncertainty as to what their dynamic would be like outside of a classroom. But it very quickly becomes apparent that she needn’t worry at all. Their conversation flows as easily as it did in the classroom— it’s different, this time, though. A quiet intimacy, almost. A shared understanding that Rhaenyra vocalizes after the appetizer—

“I’ve been wanting to do this since the day we met.”

Alicent blinks, her fork pausing mid-air as the words settle between them. She looks up, meeting Rhaenyra’s gaze. There’s no trace of teasing or bravado in her expression—just honesty.

“Since the day we met?” Alicent echoes softly, setting her fork down.

Rhaenyra chuckles, a little self-deprecating, running her fingers along the stem of her wineglass. “Well. Maybe the second day. The first day, I was too busy being a frazzled, grieving mess. But—after that…” She trails off, her lips curling into a gentle smile.

Alicent chuckles shyly. “Keep going— this is doing wonders for my ego.”

Rhaenyra laughs again. “Well, I suppose— you looked at me,” she says, her tone almost reverent. “Like you actually saw me. Not as some widow who’d lost her husband or some parent running perpetually late. Just…me.” She pauses. “Is that stupid?”

“Not even a little,” Alicent says softly. She picks up her glass, if only to have something to do with her hands, and takes a small sip of wine. “I’m glad,” she says after a moment. “That I could give you that.”

Their eyes meet again, and Rhaenyra just smiles, soft.

“I was worried,” Alicent admits quietly, setting her glass down. “That this—us, outside of the classroom—might be different. That it might not…work?”

“And?”

“And… I was wrong,” Alicent says simply, her lips curving into a small, genuine smile.

Rhaenyra just looks at Alicent with something that looks an awful lot like I found you— or maybe it’s just Alicent projecting onto Rhaenyra. Either way, Alicent looks at her— this person in front of her where they’ve been waiting patiently for a year for this exact moment— and she thinks to herself —

I found you.

***

They close out the restaurant. It’s eleven by the time they leave.

“I haven’t done that in a while,” Rhaenyra muses. “Have a server passive-aggressively ask if we need anything else, that is.”

Alicent laughs. “Me, neither.” She pauses. “The boys?”

“Oh, they’re fine on their own,” Rhaenyra says breezily, “Left them with all my nice knives out.”

Alicent glares. Rhaenyra just smiles.

“…Laena’s said they’ve been put to bed,” Rhaenyra says. “But I feel like she’s probably let Jace stay up late.”

Alicent snorts.

“Of course she has,” Alicent says, shaking her head with a knowing smile. “Laena seems like the fun aunt type.”

“She absolutely is,” Rhaenyra replies with a laugh. They reach the car, and Rhaenyra steps ahead to open the passenger door for Alicent.

Alicent pauses, tilting her head at her.

“You know, you’re really consistent with this whole gentleman act.”

Rhaenyra smirks, gesturing toward the open door. “And you seem to like it.”

Alicent laughs.

“…Maybe I do,” she admits, sliding into the seat.

***

The drive is quiet with this kind of weird sense of — anticipation, almost. Not oppressive, but weighty. The kind of weight exclusive to a year of nothing but patience and wanting, and the barrier crumbling entirely between the can’t and can.

Alicent sits still— her mind is anything but. Her fingers twist absently at the edge of her coat, a small, nervous habit she’s only partially aware of. The streetlights flicker across Rhaenyra’s face as she drives, highlighting the sharp line of her jaw, the soft curve of her lips. Alicent’s heart thrums in her chest.

She’s so beautiful.

It’s like a coiled spring, almost. Every now and then, Rhaenyra’s hand shifts on the wheel, and Alicent feels her gaze flit there, lingering for a second too long before darting back out the window. She’s hyperaware of everything—the warmth of the car, the faint scent of Rhaenyra’s perfume, the way the streetlights catch in her hair and make it shimmer like molten silver.

Alicent doesn’t know what she’s expecting— she doesn’t know if she’s expecting anything at all. But the tension in her chest feels like it’s been building for a year—like it’s been waiting for this night, this moment. She exhales softly, her hands finally stilling as she lets herself glance at Rhaenyra fully.

“Did you…enjoy tonight?” Rhaenyra’s voice cuts through the quiet, and Alicent feels the tiniest shiver at the sound of it—soft, almost hesitant.

“I did,” Alicent says. “Quite a lot.”

Rhaenyra’s lips twitch into a faint smile, her focus still on the road.

“Good. I was worried it wouldn’t…live up to everything.”

Alicent smiles, too, the warmth of it blooming across her face before she even realizes it. “It did,” she says firmly, surprising herself with the conviction in her voice.

And then—she doesn’t think about it. Her hand moves almost instinctively, brushing against Rhaenyra’s on the console. The touch is light, fleeting, but it sends a jolt through her like she’s been struck by fucking lightning. She thinks about pulling her hand back, but Rhaenyra doesn’t flinch— her hand turns palm up, laces their fingers together.

When Rhaenyra pulls to a stop in front of Alicent’s flat building, she turns slightly, her expression unreadable, her eyes catching the faint glow of the streetlights. Alicent hesitates for a heartbeat, then reaches for the door handle, her movements slower than they need to be, reluctant to break the moment.

“Here,” Rhaenyra says softly, turning off the car. “Oblige me one more time?”

Alicent smiles softly. Waits for Rhaenyra to open the door for her. When she steps out, Rhaenyra’s still…standing there. Watching.

"Can I kiss you again?" Alicent asks before she can think further.

Rhaenyra blinks, her eyes widening slightly, but the surprise quickly melts into something softer— warmer. She doesn’t answer right away, her gaze sweeping Alicent’s face—the way the dim light casts shadows on her cheeks, the faint nervousness in her eyes, the hope lingering just beneath the surface.

“Yes,” Rhaenyra whispers, her voice barely audible. “Please.”

Alicent doesn’t hesitate this time. She steps closer, closing the space between them, her heart pounding so loudly she’s certain Rhaenyra can hear it. She reaches up, her hand trembling slightly as it rests against Rhaenyra’s cheek, her thumb brushing against her skin before she’s capturing Rhaenyra’s lips in hers again with a soft sigh, and it deepens fast— faster than it had in the classroom that day.

I’ve been waiting, Alicent says, when she opens easily for Rhaenyra’s tongue to gently gently sweep against Alicent’s with a soft hum. I’ve been waiting, Alicent says, when her fingertips find the edge of Rhaenyra’s jaw and pulls her in further.

They part when a car drives past them, both panting for breath, foreheads pressed together.

“…Come upstairs?” Alicent asks, and she’d intended on waiting, but the way Rhaenyra kissed her just now has her feeling like there’s a very specific kind of molten heat stirring in her lower belly and she’s asking before she can even really think about it.

Rhaenyra pulls back— looks like she’s hesitating.

“You— you don’t have to,” Alicent stammers quickly, shaking her head. “Sorry, that’s— that’s so forward of me —”

Rhaenyra’s kissing her with a smile before she can continue. She pulls back, shakes her head.

“No, it’s — I want to. You have no idea.”

Fuck.

That molten heat again.

“Have some idea,” Alicent murmurs against Rhaenyra’s lips.

“Let me just— message Laena?” Rhaenyra says. “Just to— I mean, I don’t know if she’s —”

“Of course,” Alicent says. Then, purely out of curiosity— “What are you going to say?”

Rhaenyra pulls out her phone, starts typing as she says—

“Hello, my dear friend Laena, I have just been asked to go home with the teacher I’ve been deeply enamoured with since day one of preschool and would like to perhaps have a torrid evening —”

Alicent rolls her eyes halfway through the sentence, shoves at Rhaenyra, who laughs.

“Just asking if she’s still okay to have a sleepover tonight.”

Alicent looks at Rhaenyra, eyebrow raised, cheeky. “Sleepover was already planned, hm?”

Rhaenyra grins, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she taps out her message. “What can I say? Laena’s nothing if not a very forward thinker.”

Alicent huffs a laugh, crossing her arms as she watches Rhaenyra send the message. “Convenient.”

Rhaenyra pockets her phone, her grin softening into something more earnest as she steps closer, her hands finding Alicent’s waist.

“Convenient,” she murmurs, her voice low, warm, “or… meant to be?”

Alicent’s heart skips at the way Rhaenyra’s looking at her, her teasing edge giving way to something softer, more sincere. She places her hands lightly on Rhaenyra’s forearms.

“Meant to be? Big words for someone who’s only known me for a year.”

“A year’s a long time,” Rhaenyra counters, her thumbs brushing gently against Alicent’s sides. “Plenty of time to know.”

Alicent opens her mouth to respond, but the vibration of Rhaenyra’s phone cuts through the moment. Rhaenyra glances down, pulling her phone out with a wry smile.

“‘All good. Have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,’” Rhaenyra reads aloud, her tone dripping with amusement. She looks back up at Alicent. “She’s very supportive.”

Alicent laughs softly, shaking her head. “She sounds like a good friend.”

“The best,” Rhaenyra agrees, slipping her phone back into her pocket. She takes a small step back, her hands still lingering on Alicent’s waist. “So… upstairs?”

Alicent exhales slowly, her nerves flaring and settling all at once. She nods, her lips curling into a soft smile. “Upstairs.”

And with that, they turn toward the building— Alicent lets them in, fumbles with her keys a little. They step inside; the peonies Rhaenyra brought are in the vase on the coffee table as though welcoming them back.

Rhaenyra doesn’t waste any time once they’re inside. The door clicks shut behind them, and she steps closer, her hands sliding back to Alicent’s waist. Alicent barely has a moment to breathe before Rhaenyra’s lips find hers, soft and insistent— Alicent’s hands instinctively find Rhaenyra’s shoulders, her fingers curling into the fabric of her blazer as the kiss deepens and she slips it off of Rhaenyra’s shoulders, lets out a soft moan into Rhaenyra’s mouth.

A full year.

A full year of wanting, and knowing they were wanting, waiting, wondering, holding back, and now—

But then Rhaenyra pulls back, her breath uneven, her forehead pressed lightly against Alicent’s. Her hands linger on Alicent’s hips, but there’s hesitation in her touch now.

“Alicent,” she murmurs, her voice soft but steady. “I— I need to say something. Should, actually. Should say something.”

Fuck. Shit.

Alicent’s stomach twists, a flare of panic blooming in her chest, but she nods, her own breath shaky. “Okay?”

Rhaenyra steps back just enough to meet Alicent’s gaze fully.

“I have kids,” she says, her tone quiet but firm.

“No— really?” Alicent says— a little sarcastic, a lot nervous.

Rhaenyra laughs.

“Cheeky.” She pauses. “Look— my life— it’s messy, and chaotic, and sometimes I don’t even know how I’m holding it all together.” She shakes her head. “I suppose what I’m saying is— I don’t — I don’t have room for anything… casual. Or— or anything that might destabilize me. Or them. If that's alright to say.”

Alicent’s heart softens at the vulnerability in Rhaenyra’s voice— how she’s laying everything so bare. She takes a small step forward, reaching up to gently cup Rhaenyra’s face, her thumb brushing against her cheek.

“I understand,” Alicent says softly, her voice steady. “And… I feel the same.”

Rhaenyra’s brows furrow slightly, uncertainty passing over her face. “You do?”

“I do,” Alicent says firmly. “I’m not looking for something fleeting, Rhaenyra. I’m not— I’m not here for that. I feel like—” She pauses, her own vulnerability creeping into her voice. “I feel like I’ve been waiting for someone like you. My whole life."

Rhaenyra’s breath catches audibly, her eyes widening slightly as she stares at Alicent. And then her expression softens, her lips curving into the faintest, most breathtaking smile.

“Alicent,” she says quietly, her hands sliding up to cradle Alicent’s face.

Alicent lets out a soft laugh, her chest tightening. She leans forward, pressing her forehead against Rhaenyra’s. “It’s a lot, isn’t it?”

Rhaenyra nods. “It’s a fucking lot.”

“Then…” Alicent’s thumb traces Rhaenyra’s cheekbone. “Let’s not mess this up.”

Rhaenyra chuckles, the sound low and warm, and she presses a soft, lingering kiss to Alicent’s forehead. “Deal.”

And Rhaenyra kisses her again, and again, and Alicent’s feeling feverish all over as Rhaenyra’s hands start to wander.

The room is quiet except for their breathing, the tension between them building steadily, slowly— we have time. Alicent’s hands find Rhaenyra’s shoulders, her grip steady as she presses closer; gasps when Rhaenyra’s hands slowly slip up Alicent’s thigh, guides the fabric a little higher.

“Is this okay?” Rhaenyra asks softly, her forehead resting against Alicent’s.

“Yes,” Alicent replies, her voice steady. “Yes.”

They shift toward the couch, laughing quietly when they stumble— Rhaenyra sits, pulls Alicent onto her lap, and Alicent straddles her, her hand reaching behind herself to try and unzip her dress, only for Rhaenyra to gently stop her.

“Let me?” Rhaenyra murmurs, her hands replacing Alicent’s. Alicent nods, bending down to slot their mouths together again.

Slowly, carefully, Rhaenyra works the zipper down, her fingers brushing against Alicent’s back as she does; Alicent shivers, a little. Rhaenyra smiles against her lips. “Okay?”

“Very,” Alicent breathes.

Once the dress slips off her shoulders, Rhaenyra’s hands settle at her waist, holding her steady. Alicent leans forward, her lips brushing against Rhaenyra’s, a kiss that deepens quickly. There’s nothing rushed about it—just the steady push and pull of desire— and it’s so fucking hot the way Rhaenyra takes it so slowly.

Alicent moves to unbutton Rhaenyra’s shirt. Rhaenyra watches her, her expression soft, patient; and when it’s finally undone, Rhaenyra’s not wearing a bra— fucking fuck— and Rhaenyra’s hands are slipping behind Alicent’s back again to unclasp Alicent’s bra. Alicent shrugs it off, skims her hands along Rhaenyra’s shoulders to remove her shirt.

“You’re beautiful,” Alicent whispers, almost to herself.

“So are you.”

Rhaenyra’s hands slide up Alicent’s thighs again, her touch careful, deliberate, like she’s memorizing the feel of her. Alicent leans in, her arms wrapping around Rhaenyra’s neck, their foreheads briefly touching before she kisses her again.

When Rhaenyra shifts them, laying Alicent back on the couch, Alicent doesn’t let go. Her legs wrap around Rhaenyra’s waist, pulling her closer as they settle against each other. Rhaenyra’s hands move with purpose, tracing every curve, and Alicent arches into her, her breath hitching at every touch— Rhaenyra starts this steady grind into Alicent’s hips that has Alicent gasping aloud.

“You— take these off— please,” Alicent whispers, undoing the buckle of Rhaenyra’s trousers.

Rhaenyra pauses, her forehead pressed to Alicent’s, her breath warm and uneven against her skin. She nods slightly, her lips brushing Alicent’s as she murmurs, “Okay.”

She leans back just enough to shimmy out of her trousers, her movements deliberate, her eyes never leaving Alicent’s. The sight of her—breathtaking, confident, tender—makes Alicent’s heart stutter.

Rhaenyra reaches for Alicent next— her fingers hooking into the waistband of Alicent’s panties, tugging them down in one smooth motion.

The intimacy of the moment swells between them. Rhaenyra pauses, her hands resting lightly on Alicent’s hips as she leans down, her lips brushing along the curve of Alicent’s collarbone. Alicent tilts her head back, her hands sliding into Rhaenyra’s hair, pulling her closer as her breath hitches again.

“Rhaenyra—” Alicent starts, her voice breaking slightly, but whatever she was about to say is lost when Rhaenyra’s hand begin to explore Alicent’s wetness, slow and steady. Alicent arches into her, a soft gasp escaping her lips.

“Okay?” Rhaenyra murmurs.

“Yes— fuck —” Alicent moans when Rhaenyra slips a finger inside, slow, so easily, and Rhaenyra lets out a throaty moan, too, at the feeling, adds a second.

Alicent feels like every nerve in her body is alight, the steady rhythm of Rhaenyra’s touch unraveling her with an intensity that has her keening underneath it. Her hands tighten in Rhaenyra’s hair, tugging her closer, anchors herself against the overwhelming wave of pleasure building within her.

“I want to taste you— can I taste you?” Rhaenyra whispers.

Alicent’s breath hitches sharply at Rhaenyra’s words, her heart racing as the meaning settles over her. Her fingers tighten briefly in Rhaenyra’s hair before sliding down to cradle her face, her touch trembling but sure. She meets Rhaenyra’s gaze, her cheeks flushed, her lips parted as she nods, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes. Please.”

Rhaenyra presses a soft kiss to Alicent’s lips, lingering for a heartbeat before trailing kisses down her neck, her collarbone, her chest.

“Here— sit up for me?”

Alicent nods, dazed as she sits and watches Rhaenyra settle herself on her knees, on the ground, her hands running up Alicent’s thighs; Alicent shudders beneath her touch, her breaths coming quicker, her anticipation building with every slow, deliberate movement Rhaenyra makes.

And when Rhaenyra finally settles between her thighs, Alicent feels like she’s fucking unraveling before anything even happens. Rhaenyra’s hands trace the soft curves of her hips and she looks up once more.

“You’re so beautiful,” Rhaenyra murmurs, and then she leans in, her lips brushing against the sensitive skin of Alicent’s inner thigh, her kisses soft and reverent— Alicent arches into the touch, her hand slipping into Rhaenyra’s hair again, her breaths uneven as she waits, as the anticipation coils tighter and tighter within her.

And then— and then— Rhaenyra’s mouth is on her, and Alicent lets out a soft, broken moan, her entire body going taut as a wave of pleasure washes over her. Rhaenyra moves slowly, deliberately, her touch sure and unrelenting, and Alicent feels herself melting into it, her head falling back against the couch—

It’s overwhelming, the way Rhaenyra learns her so quickly, how she listens to every sound Alicent makes, every shift and arch of her body. Alicent’s free hand grips at the cushions beside her, her gasps and moans filling the quiet of the room, her thighs trembling as the pleasure builds and builds, spiralling higher with every passing second.

“Rhaenyra—” Alicent gasps, her voice breaking as she teeters on the edge, her entire body trembling as the tension reaches its peak. Rhaenyra just moans in encouragement.

And then, everything breaks. Alicent cries out, her body arching and her toes curling as the pleasure washes over her in waves, leaving her breathless and trembling. Rhaenyra doesn’t pull away, doesn’t let go, holding her through it, her hands steady on Alicent’s hips, her movements slowing as Alicent rides out the aftershocks.

When Alicent finally opens her eyes, she finds Rhaenyra looking up at her, her expression soft and full of something Alicent can only describe as adoration. Rhaenyra presses a kiss to Alicent’s hip before rising, her hands sliding gently up Alicent’s sides.

“You’re incredible,” she breathes, pushing Alicent down on her back again.

Alicent lets out a breathless laugh, reaching up to pull Rhaenyra into a kiss. “So are you,” she murmurs against her lips, her hands framing Rhaenyra’s face, holding her close— gasps when Rhaenyra’s fingers make contact.

“Wait —” Alicent lifts her head. Rhaenyra stops instantly.

“Everything alright?” Rhaenyra asks, frowning.

“Yes,” Alicent says, chuckling, running a hand through her hair. “Just— I do have a bed. Is all.”

Rhaenyra laughs softly, her tension melting into amusement as she nods.

“A bed does sound more comfortable,” she agrees, brushing a stray lock of hair from Alicent’s face. She leans down, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead, then her lips. “Lead the way?”

Alicent sits up slowly, still catching her breath, and reaches for Rhaenyra’s hand. She threads their fingers together— her heart fluttering at the warmth of the touch as she gently pulls her up. The moment feels tender, unhurried. Deeply vulnerable.

They make their way to the bedroom, their laughter quiet and shared as they fumble slightly in the dim light. Alicent flips on a small bedside lamp, the warm glow casting the room in a soft, golden hue. She turns to Rhaenyra.

“This is better,” Alicent murmurs, her voice low, and she reaches for Rhaenyra again, her hands settling at her waist. She tugs gently, pulling her closer.

Rhaenyra smiles, her hands brushing up Alicent’s arms before sliding around her back. “Much better,” she agrees, leaning in to kiss her again, slow and deep, as they stumble toward the bed. They collapse onto the soft mattress together, their limbs tangling as their kisses grow heated once more, as they moan into each others’ mouths once more.

Rhaenyra takes her time, again. The mattress creaks softly beneath them, and Alicent can’t help but laugh when Rhaenyra’s hair tickles her collarbone, the sound melting into a gasp as Rhaenyra shifts lower, her touch reigniting the fire that had only just begun to ebb.

This time, it’s even slower, more deliberate—every touch, every kiss, every movement filled with a quiet intensity that leaves no room for doubt. Rhaenyra maps Alicent’s body with her lips and hands, her focus unwavering, and Alicent feels like she’s unraveling all over again, her breaths hitching as Rhaenyra takes her apart piece by piece. At some point, Alicent rolls Rhaenyra on her back and tastes her, too, and wonders how she’s gone so long without it— feels like she could stay between Rhaenyra’s legs all night.

By the time they finally collapse against each other, breathless and spent, Alicent feels cocooned, almost in the light of the lamp and the feeling of Rhaenyra’s arms around her shoulders, their fingers loosely intertwined.

Neither of them speaks for a while, the quiet filled only with the sound of their breathing. Alicent eventually tilts her head, pressing a kiss to Rhaenyra’s shoulder.

“You’ll stay the night?”

Rhaenyra’s arm tightens around her, and she presses a kiss to Alicent’s temple.

“Of course,” she whispers. Alicent reaches her hand up, presses a palm to her cheek. Pulls her in for another deep kiss.

***

Falling in love with Alicent took a matter of minutes, as far as Rhaenyra’s convinced; just seeing Alicent in that classroom with Jacaerys—so warm, so patient, so utterly herself—was enough to send Rhaenyra spiralling in a way she hadn’t expected.

But the knowing—the moment she realized this wasn’t just attraction or affection, but something deeper, something that had settled into her chest and rooted itself there—that came later.

(About six months after their first date, around Christmas.)

Alicent frets for days leading up to it.

“Are you sure it’s alright that I go?” she asks. They’re lying in bed together, tangled up in soft sheets. The house is unusually quiet—Jacaerys and Lucerys are both at school, and it’s rare for them to have time like this. Rhaenyra stretches lazily, a teasing smile tugging at her lips as she turns to face Alicent.

“Yes, I’m sure,” Rhaenyra says, her voice light with amusement. “Alicent, they’re going to love you. They already do.”

Alicent presses her lips together, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket.

“I just… I want to make a good impression. It’s not like I’ve ever… been in this situation before.”

“And you think I have?” Rhaenyra teases, leaning over to brush a kiss against Alicent’s temple. “I’m pretty sure this is uncharted territory for both of us.”

Alicent sighs, her brows furrowing. “But—the boys, your family. They’re important. I don’t want to mess this up?”

“You won’t.” Rhaenyra’s voice softens as she shifts closer, resting a hand on Alicent’s cheek. “Alicent. Look at me. You’re thoughtful, kind, and you care so much about Jace and Luke. That’s all they’ll see. That’s all that matters.”

Alicent hesitates, her gaze searching Rhaenyra’s face.

“I know it,” Rhaenyra says when she doesn’t respond, her tone firm. “Besides, if anyone gives you a hard time, they’ll have to deal with me.”

That earns a laugh from Alicent. She shakes her head, her tension easing slightly as she leans into Rhaenyra’s touch.

“You’re very convincing, you know that?” she murmurs.

“I’ve been told,” Rhaenyra says, her grin widening. She presses a kiss to Alicent’s lips, soft and lingering. “Now, stop worrying. It’s going to be fine.”

***

The boys haven’t really seen Alicent since the end of school. At least, not properly. Fleeting moments at pick-ups or drop-offs—exchanged smiles, a quick hello—but nothing substantial. Nothing like this.

Rhaenyra and Alicent had agreed to wait. To make sure things were serious before introducing Alicent into a space that felt so personal, so family-centric.

Rhaenyra had been the one to bring it up— she was hesitant but firm about it, and Alicent had agreed instantly. The boys deserved stability, and neither of them wanted to risk anything until they were absolutely sure.

Now— here they are. 

Alicent stands just outside the Velaryons’ front door, her hands clasped in front of her, trying to ignore the fluttering in her chest as Rhaenyra knocks. She’s barely had time to process before the door swings open, and Jace and Luke burst out, their excitement filling the air like fireworks.

“Miss Hightower!” Jace shouts.

His eyes are wide and bright, his smile so unrestrained that it makes Alicent’s actual chest ache.

Before she can respond, he’s thrown his arms around her middle, and Luke is quick to follow, clutching at her waist with the same enthusiasm. Alicent laughs, her nerves dissolving into the warmth of their embrace.

“Hi, boys,” she says. She kneels slightly to be closer to their level, running a gentle hand over Luke’s hair, then Jace’s. “I missed you both so much.”

“We missed you too!” Luke says, his words tumbling out as if he’s been holding them in for weeks.

“Why didn’t you come sooner?” Jace demands, though his tone is more curious than accusatory.

Alicent hesitates, glancing up at Rhaenyra, who steps forward, her hand brushing lightly against Alicent’s shoulder.

“Because… we wanted to make sure it was special when she did,” Rhaenyra explains.

“Are you staying?” Jace asks, bouncing on his heels now, his excitement palpable. “For dinner?”

“For dinner,” Alicent replies.

“Maybe longer if you two don’t exhaust her,” Rhaenyra teases, ruffling Jace’s hair.

“I won’t,” Jace says. “Promise, Miss Hightower.”

Alicent smiles at him. “You can call me Alicent, now— you know that, right?”

Jacaerys frowns, like she's just asked him a trick question. “...Really?”

“Yes, really. You’re not in my class anymore, Jace. You can call me Alicent.”

Jace tilts his head, clearly unsure of the idea.

Rhaenyra laughs quietly, placing a hand on Jace’s shoulder. “She’s not your teacher anymore, sweetling. It’s okay.”

Luke tugs on Alicent’s arm, his eyes wide with curiosity. “Can I still call you Miss Hightower?”

Alicent chuckles, her heart warming at their earnestness.

“You can both call me whichever of the two you want.”

“…Miss Alicent,” Luke decides after a moment, nodding firmly as if he’s come up with the perfect compromise.

“That works, too,” Alicent replies, her smile widening.

Jace, however, is still frowning, his brow furrowed in concentration.

“Alicent,” he tries, saying her name slowly, like he’s testing how it feels. Then, he nods. “Okay! Alicent it is.”

“There you go,” Rhaenyra says, her tone fond. She glances at Alicent, her expression softening. “See? Smooth transition.

Jace takes Alicent’s hand as they head inside, Luke trailing after them. “You’re staying for dessert too, right?” Jace asks eagerly. “We’re having pie. Nana made it.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Alicent replies, her gaze flicking to Rhaenyra. “I hear the Velaryon pies are legendary?”

“Legendary,” Rhaenyra echoes with a grin, brushing her hand against Alicent’s briefly as they step into the house.

The Velaryon home is as welcoming as it is grand; there’s the faint scent of something delicious wafting from the kitchen. Rhaenys and Corlys both greet her— kindly, warmly.

“It’s nice to finally meet you properly,” Alicent says, her voice steady even as her nerves stir again.

“We’ve heard a lot about you,” Rhaenys replies, her lips curving into the faintest smile.

“Only good things, I hope?” Alicent counters, glancing at Rhaenyra, who’s watching the interaction with an encouraging smile of her own.

“Only good things,” Corlys confirms with a chuckle, clapping her lightly on the shoulder.

The boys have already darted into the living room, their laughter echoing as they call for Baela and Rhaena to join them.

“Come along, come along,” Rhaenys says, gesturing toward the sitting room. “No point standing in the doorway when there’s tea waiting.”

***

The whole thing is emotional, such is the nature of Christmas— but it’s when Rhaenyra makes a toast that Alicent’s eyes start to mist, a little Alicent’s eyes misting, a little.

“I just wanted to take a moment,” Rhaenyra begins, “to acknowledge how lucky I feel to be sitting here tonight. With family. With… the people who mean the most to me. And, of course,” Rhaenyra continues, her smile softening, “to Harwin. Who would have loved seeing this table so full of laughter and love. He gave me the two most wonderful boys who continue to make me proud every day.”

Jace and Luke beam at her, and Alicent’s heart clenches at the love shining so plainly on their faces.

Rhaenyra’s gaze shifts, settling on Alicent, her expression growing even more tender. “And to our newest guest, Alicent,” she says. “For being here tonight. For stepping into this space that’s so important to us. And for—” She pauses, her lips curving into the faintest smile. “For being someone I’m so endlessly grateful for.”

Alicent feels her cheeks flush, her chest tightening as everyone raises their glasses.

“To Harwin,” Rhaenyra says, raising her glass a little higher. “To family. And to all the unexpected joys that make life worth living.”

“To Harwin,” everyone echoes, their voices warm and heartfelt.

Alicent lifts her glass, her fingers trembling slightly as she meets Rhaenyra’s gaze across the table, smiling.

***

Later that night, they’re a little wine-drunk and exhausted; everyone’s staying at the Velaryons’ massive home tonight. The boys and girls are running out the last of their energy in the living room.

Eventually, Luke pads into the kitchen, his hair mussed and his eyes wide with curiosity. He tugs lightly at Rhaenyra’s sleeve.

“Mum,” he says, his voice small. “Is Miss Alicent staying here tonight, too?”

Rhaenyra glances over at Alicent, grinning.

“If she’d like,” she replies, her tone light.

Luke turns his big, expectant eyes on Alicent, and she can’t help but laugh softly.

“I wouldn’t want to intrude,” she says, her gaze flitting between him and Rhaenyra.

“You wouldn’t be intruding,” Rhaenyra says, and there’s no teasing now— just quiet assurance.

Luke tugs at her hand. “Please, Miss Alicent?”

Alicent smiles, ruffling Luke’s hair gently. “Alright,” she says. “If it’s alright with your mum.”

“It’s more than alright,” Rhaenyra replies, her voice soft, her eyes lingering on Alicent.

“Then…yes,” Alicent says to Luke, who squeals with delight and runs out of the kitchen yelling to the other kids, she’s staying! Miss Alicent is staying!

Rhaenyra chuckles softly, shaking her head as she watches Luke disappear back into the living room. The echoes of his excited announcement make Alicent laugh, her cheeks flushed—not just from the wine— but from the warmth spreading through her chest.

“They really love you,” Rhaenyra says, her voice gentle, her gaze fixed on Alicent.

Alicent tilts her head, her smile soft. “They’re good kids,” she replies. “And they have a wonderful mum.”

Rhaenyra’s expression falters for a moment. “I don’t know about all that,” she murmurs, swirling the liquid absently.

“Hey,” Alicent says, stepping closer, her hand brushing against Rhaenyra’s on the counter. “You are.”

Rhaenyra glances up, their eyes meeting. Alicent takes Rhaenyra’s hand in hers. Rhaenyra squeezes.

“…I’m glad you’re here,” Rhaenyra says, her voice barely above a whisper.

“So am I,” Alicent replies. Then the sound of footsteps thundering down the hall breaks the spell, and Baela and Jace appear in the doorway, laughing about something incomprehensible.

“Miss Hightower —” Jace pauses. Corrects himself. “Alicent— do you want to play charades with us?”

Alicent grins, glancing at Rhaenyra, who shrugs, her smile returning.

“Looks like you’re in demand.”

“I guess I am,” Alicent says, laughing as she lets Jace pull her toward the living room.

As Alicent tries (and fails, a little miserably) at charades, she glances at Rhaenyra again, catching her gaze from across the room. The look in Rhaenyra’s eyes—steady, sure—

I found you, Alicent thinks.

Rhaenyra smiles.

***

Later that night, they’re curled up in bed— too tired to do anything but rest, leaning against each other.

Rhaenyra looks at Alicent— half-asleep already, eyelids fluttering shut— thinks about how it feels like Alicent’s made the roughest parts of her life feel smooth again. She thinks of the feeling of things like Alicent’s lips on her lips, Alicents hand holding hers. Alicent’s hands, kissing Alicent’s palms— how touching her feels like the most impossible, possible thing Rhaenyra could ever dream of.

“...I love you,” she says quietly.

Alicent stirs. Looks up at Rhaenyra, all misty-eyed and bleary-eyed and happy.

“I love you, too,” Alicent says back, without hesitation.

Rhaenyra smiles and kisses Alicent and suddenly— as if by magic— every impossible thing feels as possible as touching her fingertips again.