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Chapter Text

It was a cold day when Viserys first got sick.

It was just after the hunt that he had keeled over, coughing into his arm. Rhaenyra insisted on pulling it away, and winced at the specks of blood.

“It’s nothing, dear. I’ll be alright.”

That didn’t stop Rhaenyra or Alicent from worrying for him, but it did help, and everything followed as it has since the wedding- although Daemon might have shown a bit more reluctance for the drink.

Until he got worse.

Helaena was hardly celebrated when he coughed enough blood for the masters to see, and he was immediately forced to rest. Both his daughter and wife attended to him, always separate, and all talks of betrothal for Rhaenyra fell to a halt.

“Father,” Rhaenyra asked, a moon after he was forced into his bed. “Am I still to take your place?”

He cupped the side of her face. “Oh, Rhaenys,” he said, cupping the side of her face. She let the name slide as she had before, leaning into the touch. “You’ll do much better than I.”

She lingered in the touch for another moment. Then she stood, giving him a final kiss on the cheek before leaving, passing Alicent at the doorway.

___

He died a week later, and the counsel was immediately formed. As Aegon was still a babe, Viserys' will would be honored.

“And when he is grown?” A lord had asked.

“Then he is grown, my lord,” Alicent interjected. “But someone must take my husband's place.” Rhaenyra watched her take a deep breath. “And Rhaenyra will…she’ll make a fine queen.”

She wished to question her, but the matter was settled, and Daemon pulled her in the opposite direction to prepare.

The next morning, she took a deep breath, still in her old quarters. Her golden cloak was the only color in her ensemble, her dress black, and the Targeryian sigil hanging around her neck.

Her lady in waiting finished attaching the braids (two on each side, with her hair loose underneath) and touched her shoulder. “Anything else, your highness?”

Rhaenyra eventually shook her head. “No. Thank you, Faye.”

She nodded, taking her leave, but not before letting Daemon in. Rhaenyra turned around, giving him a small smile.

“Uncle,” she said, offering her arm. “Here to escort me?”

“Who else?” He took her arm, and she followed him out of the room. “My niece is becoming queen. No one else deserves the honor.”

“Right you are.” She looked at him, relieved he was there. “I’m glad you stayed.”

He intertwined their hands, kissing hers. “I plan to. For as long as you’ll have me.”

Rhaenyra smiled, and they began their descent down the stairs.

“Rhaenyra, I wish to-”

“Your highness!” Otto Hightower called from the bottom of the stairs, quickly jogging up. She could feel Daemon rolling his eyes. “My lord,” he then said, venom barely concealed under his tongue. “May I speak to the princess for a moment?”

“No, you may not speak to the queen. Anything you say to her-”

“Daemon,” Rhaenyra said, pulling her hand out of his and onto his shoulder. “I have yet to be crowned. ‘Princess’ is still appropriate.”

“Rhaenyra-”

“Daemon. I’ve had several moments without you. You can survive for one.”

Her gaze bordered on a glare, and Daemon eventually scoffed, storming to the bottom.

“You were saying?”

Otto made sure he was, in fact, out of earshot before clearing his throat. “Keeping Daemon in King’s Landing is not a…wise decision.”

“He is here to support me.”

“Yes, I am aware of that. However, his reputation most definitely proceeds him.” Rhaenyra remembered why Daemon rolled her eyes so hard. “He may stay for the ceremony, but he needs to return to the Vale, or anywhere else. The smallfolk feel unsafe.”

“Be honest with me,” she replied. “When was the last time you were among smallfolk?” He didn’t reply. “It was before his marriage, wasn’t it? So let’s finish today, and I’ll speak to Daemon afterwards.”

“...that is all I can ask for, your highness.”

She nodded, holding up her dress as she descended. “There,” she said, and looked at Daemon. “Done.”

“You should fire that miserable bastard.”

“He served my father well. Are you joining me?”

He sighed. “Of course,” he replied, and his voice was softer again.

She nodded, putting a small smile on her face as the doors opened. She paused for a moment as the amount of people, but quickly regained her bearing as Daemon quickly proceeded, standing next to the throne. Rhaenyra followed, putting her head up high as knights held their swords above her, letting them fall as she passed.

“It is a great honor for you to witness a new day for our city-”

People looked at her, a mix of awe, of envy, of-

“-A new day for our realm-”

Daemon was there, standing beside the throne-

“-And a new queen to lead us!”

She walked up the steps, and Daemon nodded from her left as she stood in front of Rhaenys, who simply nodded at her and stepped to the right. A septon then stood in front of her, holding a bowl.

“Let the Warrior give her courage. May the Smith give strength to her sword and shield.”

She was vaguely aware of the hand, marking her forehead as he spoke.

“May the Father defend her in her need. Let the Crone lift her lamp and shine her way to wisdom.”

The silence was deafening, Rhaenyra only vaguely hearing the shuffling of feet. Daemon then grabbed the crown from the septon’s hands - the same that Jaherys and Viserys wore.

“The crown of this realm for generations, and generations to come.”

Daemon stepped forwards, and closed her eyes as the crown was set on her head. She then looked up at her uncle, feeling the weight through her bones.

“Let everyone bear witness,” Daemon continued. “Rhaenyra is queen of the realm, and is the true and chosen heir of the Iron Throne.”

Daemon offered his left hand as Rhaenys did her right. Rhaenyra took both, standing up and slowly turning around, facing the crowd.

“All hail her grace-” the septon announced, “Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, First of her name, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men.”

She barely saw Alicent, holding Helaena, Aegon holding on to her dress-

“Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm!”

There was silence for too long a moment, and she was aware of just how large the crowd was. Someone then shouted “All hail the queen!”

“All hail the queen! All hail the queen!” The entire crowd followed, and Rhaenyra kept the smile on her face, slowly curtsying at the crowd as they chanted.

“All hail the queen!”

___

She let Faye take off the cloak, and she draped it over her arm, putting it somewhere in her closet. Rhaenyra found herself looking in the mirror, still not quite recognizing herself in it.

Her father was dead.

She was queen.

And the only one she had was-

“Your highness?”

“Yes?”

“Are you alright?”

She went to answer, but was cut off by a sharp knock on the door.

“...Let them in.”

Faye opened the door, and Daemon walked in. She turned towards him, allowing Daemon a small smile. “Uncle. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

He smiled at her, brushing back a strand of hair. “How does it feel to be queen of Westeros?”

She leaned into the touch. “It’s not the easiest. But I have your counsel.”

“Of course.” He cupped her face. “You will always be most dear to me.” She allowed her eyes to flutter short for a moment as he kissed her forehead. “Speaking of being dear.”

“Hm?”

He turned to Faye. “You are dismissed.”

Faye quickly nodded, scurrying out of the room.

“Need you be so harsh with-”

“You love me, do you not?”

She blinked. “Of course, uncle.” She gave him another smile, looking up at him. “Why do you ask?”

“What if we went to Dragonstone?”

She furrowed her eyebrows. “I’m sorry?”

“Come on, Rhaenyra. Let's fly to Dragonstone, and we can be married before nightfall.”

“Fly to-” She pulled back. “Daemon, I just got crowned. I have a duty.”

“But you also have love!” He grabbed her hands. “We love each other. If we get wed-”

“I’m not saying we won’t.” She pulled back her hands, taking a step back. “I have to earn my place-”

“You are a Targeryan!” He scoffed. “You don’t have to earn anything!”

“I have to earn the trust of this counsel, and the smallfolk. My people. And I can’t do that by running off to Dragonstone on the first night!”

“Why do you need their trust? You have Syrax!”

“Because I don’t need to conquer them!” Her hands balled into fists, and she stepped forwards. “I refuse to rule with fear. I will be as peaceful as my father in my reign-”

“He had an advantage you can’t. But if you were wed-”

“Where is Rhea?”

Daemon stopped, glare turning into a look of confusion.

“I don’t recall my father annulling your marriage. And now, I am the only one who can. Right?”

Daemon nodded, and she wasn’t sure if it was annoyance or awe.

“That’s what I thought. Now are you going to behave, or shall I send you back to the Vale to fuck the sheep?”

He scoffed, turning around. “Fine. We’ll discuss this later.”

“Thank you!”

He slammed the door behind him. She barely winced.

She sat down on her bed, putting her head in her hands.

Her father was dead.

She was queen.

And she didn’t know who she had anymore.

Chapter Text

Alicent couldn’t keep her hands still.

She managed to keep the rest of her body perfect, with her back straight, face void of emotion, and being perfectly posed for the situation.

But she couldn’t keep her hands still, not during the meeting, not at the coordination, and not now, watching Aegon take a nap, Helaena just across the room in her caretaker’s arms.

Delilya looked across the room at her, and walked towards her. “Your grace? Are you alright?”

Alicent nodded, managing a small smile. “I am alright, thank you.”

The woman looked at the baby in her arms, then back at Alicent. “Would you like to hold her? Now that Aegon is finally asleep?”

“...I would like that.”

She passed Helaena to Alicent, before pulling back her pale hair from her face. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

No, she was not. The second Daemon put the crown on Rhaenyra’s head, she hasn’t gotten a moment of sleep. Especially with him in the castle. If Aegon was any older-

Helaena stirred, and Alicent smiled down at her, pushing a wisp of hair behind her ear. Oh, Helaena. She was going to be a very special girl, Alicent knew it.

“Your grace?”

“Hm? Oh. I’m sure.”

Delilya smiled at her. “It always helps. Holding them.”

“It does. How’s your sister’s daughter?”

“Oh, Dyanna? She’s wonderful when she isn’t crying, and still is when she does.” She crossed her arms. “Maybe she’ll watch the ki-” She cleared her throat. “-the crown’s children one day.”

Alicent held her just a little tighter. “Yeah. She may.”

Delilya put a hand on Alicent’s shoulder. “The children will be alright. No one will harm them.”

Alicent bit her tongue.

Delilya looked back and forth, as if they were not in the queen’s private chambers. “Most of King’s Landing is already apprehensive of the prince. He wouldn’t dare.”

She found that hard to believe, but nodded anyway.

There was then a knock on the door, and Delilya opened the door, turning back to Alicent. “Ser Criston Cole.”

Alicent’s shoulders fell back, and Helaena shifted. “Criston,” she said with a sigh. “What is it?”

“I…along with the Hand, have been worried. I was told to make sure you were alright.”

“I am. Just attending to the children.”

Criston nodded. “Are you free now? There is something I wish to discuss, just with you.”

She looked at Delilya.

“I’ll keep an eye on Aegon. Should I…”

Alicent barely hesitated before Criston cleared his throat. “Two kingsguard followed me. They’ll protect them.

She eventually nodded, and Criston offered a hand. She slowly gave Helaena back to Delilya. She put her hand in his, and there it stayed as he led the way towards the gardens. They got outside, and Criston turned to her.

“How do you feel about Rhaenyra?”

She sat down on a nearby bench. It hadn’t been more than two moons since Helaena was born, but she had insisted on walking since she’d been able- when Viserys was still stable, who knew when-

“I have a lot of feelings about her, you’re going to have to be more specific.”

He sat down next to her. “Her majesty.”

“I’m terrified.”

He held out his hand, and she grabbed it.

“I won’t let anything happen to them.”

“I know, but what if you don’t have a choice? As long as she and her uncle-” She shuddered. “-are on that damn throne, they’ll see my children as a threat.”

“Alicent.” He squeezed her hand. “I will not let anything happen to them. Or you. Until my final breath. That is my oath to you.”

Oh, Criston. He was always such a steady presence.

“But what of Rhaenyra? And, gods help us, what about Daemon?”

Criston tilted his head. “Your father did propose putting Rhaenyra to the blade.”

“What?” She straightened her back. “He wouldn’t.”

He nodded. “I swear to the Seven. He wed you to the king, didn’t he?”

Alicent sighed. She couldn’t, not even for a moment to entertain the thought. She was a path breaker who had abandoned her years ago, but she couldn’t even fathom it. “We can’t kill Rhaenyra. Even if it went well, we still have the prince to deal with.”

“I agree, my lady. I was just passing it along.”

“Thank you, Ser Criston.” She smiled at him for a moment, and they both were still for a moment, holding onto each other as the wind rustled the trees behind them.

“It would be easier if she wasn’t here,” Alicent started again, focusing on a flowering bush. “Just take her away from King's Landing and let Daemon follow.”

Criston scoffed. “She wouldn’t. She claims she has a duty here.”

She almost laughed at the thought. “Yes, what work, attending to suitors and Syrax.”

Criston nodded. The wind then picked up, causing a few stray leaves to fall around them.

“Oh, goodness, the wind-” Alicent stood up just too quickly, feeling the pain in her legs as she let go of Criston’s hand. She pulled a leaf from her hair, noticing the sky was a pale gray. “At this rate it’ll be loud enough to wake Aegon.”

Criston followed suit, offering his arm. “Let me escort you back to your chambers, then.”

She nodded, and they quickly went inside. Alicent struggled a little more up the stairs, but they both made it just outside Alicent’s chambers. One could just barely start to hear a light rain, tapping against the windows.

“Thank you, Ser Criston,” she said again, letting go of his arm. “I…I do appreciate your words.”

“You know I mean them.”

“I do.” She pulled away, reaching for the door. “If you could tell my father I’ll dine with the children again…”

He nodded. “Do you want company?”

She shook her head. “Not tonight. Thank you.”

“Good night then, your majesty.”

She gave him a final smile, entering her chambers and closing the door behind her. Aegon was still asleep on her bed, and Helaena was now awake, staring up at Delilya. She glanced up, nodding her head at the queen.

“Anything else, your highness?”

She shook her head, stepping to her. “I’ll take her. Enjoy your evening.”

Delilya nodded, and Alicent took Helaena once again in her arms. Delilya then left, and Alicent sat on the bed, holding Helaena to her chest.

It was a gift from the Seven she wasn’t moved yet. She had expected Daemon to take her place any day now, all her belongings in some corner of the castle, yet here it was, untouched. Maybe Rhaenyra simply found herself too busy for such things. Maybe that’s the only reason she and her children were alive.

Helaena blinked at her, and she brushed back her hair, holding her just a little tighter. “You’ll be alright, my sweet girl,” she whispered, kissing her forehead.

“I swear it.”