Fuse and Whip
Hours Earlier…
It had been a long day for Alicent. Her father had insisted on daily Small Council meetings ever since Rhaenyra had departed, even going so far as to meet with several members of the Small Council in private. Everyone knew that Viserys was not long for this world considering both of his collapses that day but so far he stubborning clung to life. So, everyday Alicent’s time had regretfully been taken up by Small Council meetings, other matters of the realm, and visits to the Sept to pray for her husband. She had barely seen her children the past few days, with the exception of Aemond who tended to follow her around asking if he could do anything to help. Her evenings of tending to Viserys were her few hours of peace she had left. And everyday that passed without sight of Syrax, Alicent got more and more anxious that Rhaenyra’s words had been false. If Rhaenyra had not spoken truly, well, Alicent desperately clung to the hope that she would return, they would make everything right, and fulfill her husband’s greatest wish.
So here she was, like she had been almost every night for years, coming to her husband’s chambers to tend to him. As usual, Ser Harrold stood guard in front of the chambers.
“Your Grace, I did not expect you yet. You usually arrive later,” Harrold seemed uneasy with her arrival, speaking slightly slower than usual.
“My carriage was able to return sooner than planned.”
Ser Harrold did not move, “Mayhaps it would please Your Grace to return later at your usual time.”
Alicent was quite puzzled by the Lord Commander’s attitude, “I do believe I would like to see my husband now.”
Harrold still hesitated but after another glare from the Queen he sighed. But instead of opening the door, he first knocked, then upon opening announced, “Queen Alicent Hightower.”
Considering Viserys’ state, there was no reason to introduce her unless he had suddenly rallied. Yet as Alicent stepped into the Chambers, she saw a figure hunched over her Husband’s bed. Before she could realize who it was, Harrold pulled the door shut behind her.
“Your Grace, I had not thought you would arrive this early in the evening,” Alicent’s heart skipped a beat as she heard Rhaenyra’s voice as the figure rose from her place beside the King.
Alicent took a moment to recover from the shock, which was not helped by the appearance of Ser Lorent Marbrand from the shadows, “I did not know you were here in the Keep, Rhaenyra. If I had I would have made preparations-”
“Like you did last time?” Rhaenyra cut Alicent off with a harsh response and Alicent grabbed at her hands as she felt the guilt hit her. Rhaenyra was right, she had allowed her Father to insult Rhaenyra and her family on their arrival to the Keep. Yet before Alicent could respond Rhaenyra spoke again, “I’m sorry that was unkind. I believe we agreed a few days ago to try to move past, well…” a few moments of silence followed, “I did not announce my arrival for I did not want anyone to know I was here. Maester Gerardys was worried that my father would not last much longer leading Daemon to, well he insisted I take precautions upon my arrival. It seems the trust between our families remains rather frayed.”
Alicent felt slightly offended at Rhaenyra’s distrust but, like the Princess had said, they were trying to move past that, “I am still surprised you managed to get to the King without anyone knowing. Did Ser Harrold help you? I ask only because if someone could get to Viserys so easily-”
Rhaenyra gave a chuckle and then a smirk appeared on her face, a smirk that gave Alicent a glimpse of the girl she had known all those years ago, “Do not fret. Maegor left many secrets in his Keep. I am one of only a few to know.”
Before Alicent could respond Rhaenyra, dramatically, turned back to sitting by her father. Alicent sighed and walked over to the other side of the bed to start prepping Viserys’ milk of the poppy.
“How long do you intend on concealing your presence in King's Landing?” Alicent inquired as she set to work tending her frail husband.
“I was not sure. Mayhaps I could land in the Dragonpit tomorrow, if you believe that wise,” Alicent idly wondered where that damn beast was, for Rhaenyra could not have returned so quickly without it, “Alicent, let me help. He is my father.”
“I have become quite proficient in tending to him alone over the years, thank you.” Alicent’s words had more bitterness than she thought she had intended and upon seeing Rhaenyra’s face fall, Alicent’s own face softened, “I just mean I know how to do this. It is my duty.” Silence fell between the two as Alicent started tending to Viserys.
After sometime, Rhaenyra spoke up again, “What happens when, well, when he-” Rhaenyra choked on the last few words and Alicent felt herself go still for a moment, “what events will follow?”
Alicent had carefully studied with Orwyle the past few moons the records of what occurred following the death of King Aegon as well as asked her own Father what had followed the Old King’s death so she felt confident in responding, at least for this, “Septon Eustace will be summoned to perform the last rites and pray for the king’s soul. If you were not here a raven would be sent to Dragonstone to inform you of your father’s passing. With you here, well, I would bring the news to you myself, it is the least I could do. The bells are always rung to announce the death of a king. Then I am afraid we would have to begin preparations both for the funeral and your coronation.”
“My coronation,” Rhaenyra sat still for a moment before looking up at Alicent, “If we are to move forward with mending the divide in our houses, I need to know the truth of it. Do you support my claim? Would you help see me crowned? There are no witnesses beyond Ser Lorent who is sworn to me and my father and well, I doubt he can hear us anyways. So do not dare lie.”
Alicent took a deep breath pondering her answer as she looked to stare down Rhaenyra, a fire burning in those pale purple eyes, “I may have not for many years but now, now I have returned to supporting you. It is the King’s wish and Aegon,” Seven Hells, it hurt to confess even some of the truth about her son and how she had failed him, “despite my father and mine’s efforts to prepare him, Aegon is not prepared to rule. Nor is he suited for it. He, well, he has a poor temperament,” even now she could not confess her son’s transgressions, “A Queen should count the cost to her people and as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, I know it will be best for the people is that you succeed your father.”
Alicent watched as Rhaenyra slumped forward as she let out a great breath, “I can not even begin to describe how much your words have moved me. You had said I would be a good Queen but I confess I was not sure if you meant it,” Alicent could not bring herself to blame Rhaenyra for that considering she had begun to doubt Rhaenyra’s words during the past few days, “and the fact you have faith in me, well, it means so much.”
Alicent was not able to respond before she heard a raspy voice from the bed, “I’m sorry.”
“Shh, shh, shh,” Alicent turned away from Rhaenyra to do what she had come here to do, tend to her husband.
“But you wanted to know if I believe it to be true.”
“Believe what to be true, my King?” Alicent felt the bed shift as Rhaenyra pulled herself onto it, presumably so she could hear her father as well.
“Don’t you remember? Aegon…”
Alicent felt confused, Viserys rarely talked of their children if they weren’t Rhaenyra, “Our son?”
Rhaenyra spoke just after her, “Of course father, I remember.”
Alicent had to confess to herself, it hurt that Viserys had confused her with Rhaenyra. Even after all this time, she was still second in his attentions.
“His dream,” Alicent flashed back to what seemed like another lifetime, to a hunt and a drunk Viserys rambling about a dream he had. Yet when she glanced at Rhaenyra, there was no look of confusion upon her face.
“The Song of Ice and Fi-,” Viserys coughed, “It is true. What he saw in the North. The Prince that was promised.”
Now it was Alicent that was confused, she had never heard of a Song of Ice and Fire nor Aegon the Conqueror and the North. Rhaenyra didn’t seem confused and she leaned even closer to her father, “But why is it me? Why must this burden come to me?”
When they were young, in those months between Rhaenyra being named heir and Alicent’s betrothal, Rhaenyra had confided in Alicent about her fears. How she did not know if she would be a good Queen, that the realm would not accept her, that it would be too much. Alicent would do all she could to sooth her fears and for years would speak out in support of Rhaenyra, even when the Princess rejected her company. Yet ever since her wedding to Laenor, Rhaenyra had been unflappable, determined, she was heir and no one should dare question it. Alicent had believed Rhaenyra firm in her conviction but now Alicent realized how foolish that asuumption was. Of course Rhaenyra would still be wary and here she was craving not just Viserys’ support but apparently Alicent’s as well. Hunched over the King, Rhaenyra looked even more vulnerable than she had seemed at the dinner just nights ago.
“The Prince.”
“Me, Father?” Rhaenyra was not a Prince but Alicent never truly understood these queer customs of the Targaryens. She also vaguely remembered Aemond talking about Valyrian having fewer pronouns or something.
“To unite the realm against the Cold and the Dark. It is you. You are the one. You must do this. You must do this.”
That seemed to be what Rhaenyra went still for a moment before standing up and responding, “I understand Father. I will not fail you.”
As Rhaenyra stepped away from the bed towards the Valyrian model, Alicent followed her, “Rhaenyra, I don’t understand. A Song of Ice and Fire? Prince that was promised? The Cold and the Dark? King Aegon had a prophecy?”
Rhaenyra turned to look at Alicent before glancing at Ser Lorent, who at some point had sat himself down in a chair, “It is my duty, to unite the realm against a great threat. I am sorry Alicent, I wish I could tell you more but this is a secret and burden for the King and heir alone.”
Alicent felt her head spin. Aegon the Conqueror had a vision? A vision that had Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne? Or was this a conclusion of Viserys? Did it matter? Either way, a King believed Rhaenyra had to rule. Alicent’s father had long said that under the laws of Gods and Men her son Aegon had to inherit, not Rhaenyra. And yet if King Aegon and Viserys had a vision that Rhaenyra had to be Queen, did that not mean the Gods had chosen Rhaenyra to be Queen? It had been a long and painful process for Alicent to reckon with Rhaenyra as heir over her own son and if it was right and just. She had prayed so many times for guidance and now the Seven had sent a literal sign. How could she do anything but suppor-
Alicent’s thoughts were broken by sobs. All of Rhaenyra’s composure had broken and she was sobbing. Without thinking, Alicent stepped forward and wrapped Rhaenyra tight in her arms as the Princess sobbed into her shoulder.
The Queen did not know how long the two stood there but eventually Rhaenyra pulled away and wiped the tears from her eyes, “I am sorry for my state tonight, it is unbecoming of a Princess.”
Alicent reached forward and grabbed Rhaenyra’s arm, “It is more than acceptable considering the circumstances. Whatever your duty, I am sure you will be able to accomplish it. You are the most determined woman I know.”
Rhaenyra responded with a small smile, “And I thank you for everything. You have been more than I could ever have hoped for.”
Alicent reached forward and wiped a tear from under Rhaenyra’s eyes and there they stood for a moment, with Alicent gently caressing Rhaenyra’s cheek. Then her other hand felt the scar, the scar she had carelessly engraved into Rhaenyra’s soft skin on Driftmark, and Alicent jolted away. “I am sorry, it is getting rather late.”
“Could I stay with him? I have seen him so little these past 6 years and I wish to have as much time as I can.”
Alicent gave a soft smile, “Of course Rhaenyra. I think it best if I return to my chambers now. Mayhaps we can meet here after I have broken my fast and we can discuss how we should explain your arrival to court?”
Rhaenyra nodded in response, “That sounds like a fine idea Alicent.”
With that, Alicent stole one last glance at her husband before leaving his chambers. It would be the last she would see him alive.
For the life of her, Alicent was never able to remember what she was dreaming when she was woken up. It was likely nothing important but it would be a question that would haunt her in the weeks ahead. Stranger still was the fact it was Rhaenyra and not Talya who had woken her and there was no light but a single lit candle was beside her bed.
Alicent pulled back in her bed with a jolt and Rhaenyra scooted back, “I am sorry Alicent. I just did not know what to do. Viserys, he is,” Alicent noticed how red Rhaenyra’s eyes were and a cold chill began to settle in Alicent’s spine, “Well he stopped breathing. He is gone.”
Alicent immediately began to sob as the news hit her. She never had quite figured out her feelings for Viserys. She knew it was not love, not like how a wife should love her husband, another of her many failings. Yet at the thought of him being dead, she felt a sudden feeling of painful loss. Now it was her turn to be pulled into Rhaenyra’s arms as they both began to sob.
Eventually Alicent regained some control over herself and pulled away. “You did not know what to do?”
Rhaenrya shook her head, “Daemon had a plan but I felt I had to come with you instead. Should we tell anyone?” Alicent was thankful for that, she really didn’t want to know what mad plan Daemon had hatched.
“No. I think it is best if people don’t know you are in the Keep yet. The Small Council should be the first to be informed of your presence. A servant will check on Viserys in a few hours. He is then to tell Talya who will tell me. I will tell my Father and summon the Small Council to prepare for your coronation. We should proceed for now as if I do not know that the King has ppassed”
Rhaenyra’s face scrunched up in disgust, “Your father? Is it wise to inform him immediately? If anyone will oppose me, it is him.”
Alicent sighed, “I fear that may be true. But he is the Hand and it would be improper to summon the Small Council without him. Even if he wishes to crown Aegon against Viserys’ will, I am confident I can sway the rest of the Council. I have known and worked with them for over a decade. Wylde may be stubborn but I am confident Orwyle and Tyland will see reason. Even more so with you standing beside me to deliver the news to the Council.”
Rhaenyra looked at her hands for a moment as she pondered Alicent’s words, “What if one of them tries something? If anything goes wrong, you will be at risk.”
Alicent leaned forward and grabbed Rhaenyra’s hand, “Ser Harrold will be present as Lord Commander and I will bring Ser Criston. Criston won’t let anyone hurt me. Will Ser Harrold tell anyone?”
Rhaenyra shook her head, “No, he agreed to keep my visit in confidence.”
Alicent gave a small smile, which felt odd considering her tear stained face, “Then we have nothing to worry about. Criston, Harrold, and Lorent will keep us safe. By this evening you will be declared as the new Queen and your family will be sent for. That is if you trust me?”
“I do but there is so much that can go wrong. I would feel better if we implemented part of Daemon’s plan. It may be more forceful than what you propose but I believe it is the safer bet.”
Alicent felt the chill return. For all her soft words Rhaenyra remained a liar, “So you lied about trusting me. Again.”
Rhaenyra sat up straight, “I do trust you Alicent but we can not afford a mistake. I told him you weren’t involved, and you have now proved that to be true, but Daemon was so confident that the Greens are going to try something. I want to believe they are good men willing to uphold their oaths but it would be wiser for us to move first, when we have the advantage. Daemon made me swear not to take any unnecessary risks before he let me go.”
So Rhaenyra chose Daemon over her, again. “And when you are Queen you intend to continue to follow Daemon’s every advice without question? When he orders my father beheaded out of personal spite, will you agree? How about when he tells you that to secure your claim you have to kill my children, your siblings, although I suppose you have never considered them so.”
Rhaenyra’s face fell, “Alicent, I would never harm your children! I swear it, I will protect them. They are my family and you care for them so much.”
“How am I to possibly believe that Rhaenyra? You once swore on the memory of your mother and that was a lie. How can I trust you now?”
Rhaenyra opened her mouth, paused, and swallowed. Her next words were measured, “I am sorry for lying to you all those years ago. I swear this time on my children, on my claim to the Iron Throne, I will not let any harm befall your children Alicent. And to show you that I am not one who blindly follows Daemon I suggest a compromise. You will proceed with your plan to ensure the support of the Small Council. But, to ensure our safety, I will send Ser Lorent to assemble a handful of loyal Goldcloaks. He will bring them in through the secret passageways and they will only act if needed, ok?”
Alicent thought about it before eventually nodding her head, “That seems a reasonable plan. So we will go to the Small Council together?”
Rhaenyra shook her head, “I think it best if you start without me, let us see where their true loyalties lie. Do not worry though, I will be ready to come to your aid if you need it.”
“How will you know? Will we have some sort of signal? How can I get it to you from within the Small Council chambers? How would that even wor-”
Rhaenyra placed her hand on Alicent’s shoulder to get her to stop talking. Then that smirk, that damn smirk that Alicent had missed so much came back, “Our fathers may have never known it but in truth Daemon rarely missed a Small Council meeting.”