My Best Friend's Sister

Rhaenyra - 14 Years Old & Alicent - 24 Years Old

The air was crisp, sharp enough to sting her cheeks, and her breath puffed out in white clouds that disappeared almost instantly in the wind. Rhaenyra adjusted the strap on her borrowed snowboard, fingers stiff in the cold, the cheap gloves not doing much to help. Dany was ahead of her, red scarf whipping behind her like a flag as she sped down the slope. She yelled something over her shoulder, but the wind snatched the words away.

“Wait up!” Rhaenyra called, but Dany was already gone, carving clean lines into the snow like she’d been born to do it. Rhaenyra wasn’t bad herself—her balance was decent, her turns were tight—but Dany had that ease, that effortless confidence of someone who’d been skiing since before she could spell the word.

This was Rhaenyra’s first time at a ski house. Hell, first time seeing mountains this big outside of pictures. The Hightower family’s place looked like it belonged in a movie. Three floors, vaulted ceilings, and windows so huge you felt like you could just walk right into the forest. Inside, everything smelled like pine and old leather, a fire snapping in the oversized stone fireplace. The kind of house you didn’t touch too much because it seemed like it cost more than your parents’ combined salaries.

Dany had invited her just a week ago, casually dropping it into conversation at lunch like it was no big deal. “You should come with us for winter break,” she’d said, picking at her fries. “We’re going to my family’s place in Vermont. It’s boring as hell unless you like skiing, but we can mess around in the arcade or something.”

Rhaenyra didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, okay.”

Now, she wasn’t so sure she belonged.

The thing about rich people—and the Hightowers were definitely rich—was that they didn’t even notice half the stuff that screamed money to someone like Rhaenyra. The heated floors, the private chef who came by to “stock the fridge,” the high-tech espresso machine that hissed and sputtered every morning before Dany’s mom handed her a latte without looking up from her tablet. It was normal to them. To Rhaenyra, it felt like stepping into another world.

“Your turn!” Dany called from the bottom of the hill, waving her arms dramatically. Rhaenyra took a deep breath, bent her knees, and pushed off. The board hissed against the packed snow, and she leaned forward, letting the speed take her. The wind cut against her face, and for a few seconds, she felt unstoppable. She hit the bottom with a sharp turn and stopped just shy of Dany.

“Not bad,” Dany said, grinning as she flicked snow at Rhaenyra’s boots with her ski pole.

“Not bad?” Rhaenyra shot back, breathless. “I crushed it.”

“You almost ate it on that turn.”

“Did not.”

“You did too.”

The sound of boots crunching through snow caught their attention. Rhaenyra turned to see Dany’s older sister walking toward them. Alicent Hightower looked like she’d stepped out of a catalog, all sleek lines and polished edges. Her dark green coat was cinched at the waist, her scarf tucked neatly into the collar, and her boots looked way too nice to be anywhere near the snow.

“Aren’t you two freezing out here?” Alicent asked, her voice crisp and cool, just like the air around them.

Dany rolled her eyes. “We’re fine.”

Alicent’s gaze flicked to Rhaenyra, sharp and assessing. For a second, Rhaenyra felt like she was being dissected under a microscope. She shoved her hands deeper into her pockets, her shoulders tensing instinctively.

“So this is your new best friend?” Alicent asked, raising an eyebrow.

Rhaenyra opened her mouth, but Dany beat her to it. “Yeah. This is Rhae. She’s cool.”

Alicent didn’t look convinced. “Mom’s letting you bring an alpha to the house now?”

Rhaenyra’s ears burned under her beanie. She wasn’t stupid—she knew what people thought when they heard the word alpha. Especially when it was attached to someone who didn’t exactly look the part yet. She was still growing into it, awkward and lanky, her voice just starting to settle into something deeper. Most people didn’t see “alpha” when they looked at her; they saw a kid trying to play dress-up.

“Mom said it’s fine,” Dany said, her tone defensive. “We’re just friends, Ali. Don’t be weird.”

“I’m not being weird,” Alicent said, brushing a stray curl from her face. “It’s just… surprising.”

“Right,” Dany muttered. “Because you were allowed to bring your friends here when you were fourteen.”

Alicent narrowed her eyes. “That’s not the same, and you know it.”

“Sure, sure,” Dany said, already turning back toward the hill. “Come on, Rhae. Let’s go again before she makes us do something lame like shovel the driveway.”

Alicent sighed, the kind of exasperated noise older siblings were contractually obligated to make. “Dinner’s in an hour,” she called after them. “Don’t be late.”

Rhaenyra glanced back as she followed Dany up the hill, catching the way Alicent lingered for a second before turning back toward the house. There was something in the way she carried herself, something poised but sharp, like she was always bracing for impact. It stuck with Rhaenyra for reasons she couldn’t quite pin down.

Later that evening, the ski house was buzzing in its own low-key way. The hum of the heater, the crackle of the fireplace, and the faint clinking of plates from the kitchen blended together, giving the place a lived-in warmth. Rhaenyra sat cross-legged on the couch, tugging at the strings of her hoodie as Dany scrolled through Netflix.

“What do you want to watch?” Dany asked, flipping aimlessly through the options.

Rhaenyra shrugged. “Don’t care. You pick.”

“You always say that.”

“Because you’re just going to pick whatever you want anyway.”

“Exactly,” Dany said, shooting her a smug grin before landing on some action movie. She hit play and tossed the remote onto the couch. “We’re watching this.”

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. She wasn’t here for the movie, anyway. Being here felt different—like stepping into a world she wasn’t supposed to see, let alone be part of. But Dany made her feel like she belonged, and that was enough.

Alicent walked in halfway through the movie, carrying a steaming mug and looking like she’d just stepped out of a holiday ad. Her hair was pulled into a neat bun, and she wore a soft cream sweater that made her look effortlessly put-together. Rhaenyra tried not to stare too long.

“Mom says dinner’s ready,” Alicent announced, glancing between them.

Dany groaned. “We’re in the middle of a movie.”

“Pause it, then.”

“No one pauses a movie halfway through.”

Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow. “You paused it five minutes ago to check your phone.”

“That’s different!” Dany shot back, then looked up at her sister. “Tell Mom we’ll be down in a minute.”

Alicent didn’t budge. “She said now. Come on, Dany, I’m not getting yelled at because you can’t stop rewatching ‘Fast & Furious 6.’”

“It’s 7, ” Dany corrected, standing up with a dramatic sigh. “Fine. But only because I’m starving.”

As Dany stomped off toward the kitchen, Alicent lingered, her eyes flicking to Rhaenyra. “You should come, too,” she said, softer this time. “Mom made her famous roast. She’ll be upset if you don’t eat.”

Rhaenyra nodded and stood, brushing crumbs off her hoodie.

Later that evening, the ski house was buzzing in its own low-key way. The hum of the heater, the crackle of the fireplace, and the faint clinking of plates from the kitchen blended together, giving the place a lived-in warmth. Rhaenyra sat cross-legged on the couch, tugging at the strings of her hoodie as Dany scrolled through Netflix.

“What do you want to watch?” Dany asked, flipping aimlessly through the options.

Rhaenyra shrugged. “Don’t care. You pick.”

“You always say that.”

“Because you’re just going to pick whatever you want anyway.”

“Exactly,” Dany said, shooting her a smug grin before landing on some action movie. She hit play and tossed the remote onto the couch. “We’re watching this.”

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. She wasn’t here for the movie, anyway. Being here felt different—like stepping into a world she wasn’t supposed to see, let alone be part of. But Dany made her feel like she belonged, and that was enough.

Alicent walked in halfway through the movie, carrying a steaming mug and looking like she’d just stepped out of a holiday ad. Her hair was pulled into a neat bun, and she wore a soft cream sweater that made her look effortlessly put-together. Rhaenyra tried not to stare too long.

“Mom says dinner’s ready,” Alicent announced, glancing between them.

Dany groaned. “We’re in the middle of a movie.”

“Pause it, then.”

“No one pauses a movie halfway through.”

Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow. “You paused it five minutes ago to check your phone.”

“That’s different!” Dany shot back, then looked up at her sister. “Tell Mom we’ll be down in a minute.”

Alicent didn’t budge. “She said now. Come on, Dany, I’m not getting yelled at because you can’t stop rewatching ‘Fast & Furious 6.’”

“It’s 7, ” Dany corrected, standing up with a dramatic sigh. “Fine. But only because I’m starving.”

As Dany stomped off toward the kitchen, Alicent lingered, her eyes flicking to Rhaenyra. “You should come, too,” she said, softer this time. “Mom made her famous roast. She’ll be upset if you don’t eat.”

Rhaenyra nodded and stood, brushing crumbs off her hoodie. Alicent waited, her gaze lingering for just a beat too long before turning and leading the way downstairs.

///

The dining room table was set with precision, everything arranged just so. The roast sat in the middle, surrounded by steaming sides, and the air smelled like rosemary and butter. Rhaenyra sat across from Alicent, who was scrolling on her phone absentmindedly while their mom served everyone. Dany was already halfway through her first plate, and Rhaenyra followed suit, grateful for the distraction.

“Any work emergencies today?” Dany asked Alicent around a mouthful of potatoes.

Alicent didn’t look up. “Nothing major. Just emails.”

“Must be nice working from here,” Dany said, her tone teasing. “Instead of slaving away in your little glass box back in L.A.”

“It’s not a box,” Alicent replied, smirking. “It’s an office. With a view.”

“Still a box,” Dany shot back. “Just a fancy one.”

Their mom chimed in, shaking her head fondly. “Dany, don’t tease your sister. She works hard.”

“Too hard,” Dany said, leaning back in her chair. “You should take a break. Maybe meet someone while you’re here. Like Criston—remember Criston Cole? He’s still single.”

Rhaenyra glanced up just in time to catch Alicent’s jaw tighten. The air shifted slightly, like someone had cracked open a window in the dead of winter.

“I’m not here to ‘meet someone,’” Alicent said, her tone light but with an edge to it. “And Criston’s not my type.”

Dany tilted her head. “What is your type, then? You haven’t had a boyfriend in, like, forever.”

Rhaenyra felt like she’d been dropped into the middle of something she wasn’t supposed to hear. Alicent’s smile was tight, her grip on her fork firm.

“I just got out of a relationship, Dany,” Alicent said, her voice steady but low. “I’m not exactly looking to jump into another one.”

Their mom, sensing the tension, stepped in. “Let’s not push, Dany. Alicent’s doing just fine. Aren’t you, dear?”

“I’m fine,” Alicent said, but her eyes stayed fixed on her plate.

Rhaenyra’s chest felt tight. She wasn’t sure why the exchange was making her feel weird, but it was. Maybe it was the way Alicent’s voice sounded when she said she was fine—too measured, too controlled. Or maybe it was the way Dany dropped it immediately, like she knew she’d hit a nerve but didn’t want to push it further.

The rest of dinner passed in a blur of clinking silverware and quiet conversation, but Rhaenyra kept stealing glances at Alicent. She looked calm on the surface, but there was something underneath—something simmering that Rhaenyra couldn’t quite place.

///

Later that night, after everyone had gone to bed, Rhaenyra found herself in the living room, staring out the massive window at the snow-covered trees. The house was silent, save for the faint hum of the heater and the occasional creak of the wooden beams.

“Can’t sleep?”

Rhaenyra turned to see Alicent standing in the doorway, wrapped in a thick cardigan, her hair loose around her shoulders. She looked softer now, less put-together, and it made her seem more… human.

“Not really,” Rhaenyra admitted. “It’s too quiet.”

Alicent smiled faintly, stepping into the room and sitting down on the couch. “You get used to it after a while. The quiet, I mean.”

Rhaenyra nodded, unsure what to say. The silence stretched between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was… different.

“You’re good for her, you know,” Alicent said suddenly, her voice breaking the quiet. “Dany. She’s happier when you’re around.”

Rhaenyra felt her cheeks heat up. “She’s my best friend.”

“I can see that.” Alicent leaned back, her gaze flicking to the window. “She needs people like you in her life. People who aren’t afraid to keep up with her.”

Rhaenyra wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so she just nodded, her fingers curling into the hem of her hoodie. Alicent didn’t say anything else, just sat there, looking out at the snow.

For some reason, Rhaenyra didn’t want the moment to end.

///

Rhaenyra sat at the kitchen counter the next morning, fiddling with her glass of orange juice. She was watching Alicent move around the kitchen—graceful, efficient, and completely unaware of her audience. Alicent was making coffee, her hair tucked behind her ear, and the sunlight from the window cast a soft glow around her.

Rhaenyra didn’t realize she was staring until Dany’s voice cut through the moment like a knife.

“Oh my God, you’re so obvious.”

Rhaenyra snapped her head around, wide-eyed. “What?”

Dany smirked, leaning on the counter next to her, a mischievous glint in her eye. “You’re staring at her like she’s the answer to all your problems.”

“I was not!” Rhaenyra hissed, her cheeks burning.

“Uh-huh. Sure, you weren’t,” Dany said, clearly enjoying herself. “Don’t worry, Rhae, I’m sure she didn’t notice you practically drooling into your juice.”

“I’m not drooling!” Rhaenyra protested, her voice a little too loud. She glanced over at Alicent, who thankfully seemed too preoccupied with pouring her coffee to hear.

“You totally are,” Dany said, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “You’ve got this big, dumb puppy-dog look on your face every time she’s in the room. It’s kinda cute, actually. In a tragic, hopeless way.”

Rhaenyra glared at her. “Shut up.”

“You’re blushing!” Dany said, grinning like she’d just won the lottery. “Oh my God, you do have a crush on her. That’s adorable.”

“I don’t!” Rhaenyra insisted, even though her face felt like it was on fire. “She’s just… she’s nice, okay? And smart. And… shut up, Dany.”

“Uh-huh. Totally normal stuff to say about your best friend’s sister,” Dany teased, nudging her with her elbow. 

Rhaenyra buried her face in her hands. “You’re the worst.”

Dany laughed, clearly enjoying every second of her torment. “Relax, Rhae. It’s not like she’s gonna notice. She’s too busy being, you know, a full ass adult with a job and a life and stuff.”

“Exactly,” Rhaenyra muttered, her voice muffled by her hands. “She’s, like… way older. And she doesn’t see me like that. So just… drop it, okay?”

Dany rolled her eyes but finally let up. “Fine, fine. I’ll drop it. For now. But you owe me.”

“For what?” Rhaenyra asked, lifting her head just enough to glare at her.

“For not telling her,” Dany said with a sly grin. “You know, that you think she’s, like, the hottest person you’ve ever seen.”

“I do not! ” Rhaenyra hissed, her voice high-pitched and panicked.

“Relax, I’m kidding,” Dany said, patting her shoulder. “Sort of.”

Before Rhaenyra could come up with a response, Alicent walked over, coffee in hand. She looked between the two of them, her brow furrowed slightly.

“What’s going on over here?” Alicent asked, her tone light but curious.

“Nothing,” Rhaenyra blurted, sitting up straight and trying very hard not to look guilty. “We were just… talking.”

Dany smirked but didn’t say anything, letting Rhaenyra squirm. “Yep. Just talking.”

Alicent raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. “Alright. Well, breakfast is ready if you’re hungry.”

“Thanks,” Rhaenyra mumbled, keeping her eyes firmly on the counter as Alicent walked away.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Dany leaned in close, her voice a barely-contained whisper. “You’re so screwed.”

Rhaenyra groaned, dropping her head onto the counter. 

///

Rhaenyra had always had trouble sleeping in unfamiliar places, and tonight was no exception. The ski house was quiet, the only sounds the occasional groan of the house settling or the faint rustling of trees outside. She rolled over on the couch in the living room, trying to find a comfortable position, when a low voice from the kitchen caught her attention.

Alicent.

Rhaenyra froze, not meaning to eavesdrop, but Alicent’s voice was sharp, cutting through the stillness like a blade.

“No, you don’t get to call me now and act like this was my fault,” Alicent was saying, her voice low but firm. “You made your choices. I made mine.”

There was a pause, and then Alicent let out a frustrated sigh. “You always do this. You twist things around until I’m the bad guy. It’s exhausting.”

Rhaenyra couldn’t help herself—she peeked around the corner into the kitchen. Alicent was leaning against the counter, one hand gripping her phone, the other pinching the bridge of her nose. Her body language screamed irritation, and for the first time, Rhaenyra felt a flicker of anger toward whoever was on the other end of that call.

Alicent’s voice softened, but it was no less frustrated. “I’m done with this conversation. Goodbye.”

She ended the call with a sharp tap and stood there for a moment, staring at the phone in her hand before exhaling deeply. Rhaenyra ducked back around the corner, trying not to look like she’d been caught spying.

By the time Alicent came into the living room, Rhaenyra had settled back onto the couch, her eyes fixed on the TV. Dany was sprawled in the armchair nearby, completely passed out, her blanket half falling off.

Alicent walked over, coffee mug in hand, looking far calmer than she had just a moment ago. She raised an eyebrow at the scene in front of her.

“What are you two still doing up?” she asked, her tone casual but tinged with a hint of exasperation. “It’s almost midnight.”

Rhaenyra panicked for a second, realizing Dany was out cold and she’d have to answer. She cleared her throat, sitting up straighter. “Um… we’re just… watching a movie.”

Alicent glanced at the TV, her lips twitching as though she might laugh. “Dany looks really invested,” she said, nodding toward her sister’s sleeping form.

Rhaenyra felt her cheeks heat up. “She fell asleep like ten minutes in,” she admitted, fiddling with the edge of the blanket draped over her lap. “It’s just me now, I guess.”

Alicent sat down on the other end of the couch, tucking her legs under her. “What are you watching?”

“Uh…” Rhaenyra glanced at the screen, where a black-and-white movie she hadn’t been paying attention to was playing. “Some old movie. I think it’s Casablanca ?”

Alicent tilted her head, her expression softening. “Classic,” she said. “Do you like it?”

Rhaenyra shrugged, suddenly hyperaware of how close Alicent was. “I guess. It’s… old. But it’s good, I think.”

They fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the faint dialogue from the movie filling the space between them.

“You’re not tired?” Alicent asked, breaking the quiet.

Rhaenyra shook her head. “I don’t sleep well in new places.”

Alicent nodded, her gaze distant for a moment, like she was somewhere else entirely. “I get that,” she said. “It can feel… off, can’t it?”

“Yeah,” Rhaenyra said, her voice quiet.

Another silence stretched out, but this one felt different. Heavier.

“Was that your ex?” Rhaenyra blurted out before she could stop herself.

Alicent turned to look at her, startled. For a second, Rhaenyra thought she’d overstepped, but then Alicent sighed, a small, wry smile tugging at her lips.

“Yeah,” she admitted. “He doesn’t know when to let things go.”

Rhaenyra nodded, unsure of what to say. “He… sounded kind of like a jerk.”

Alicent chuckled softly, the sound warm and a little tired. “That’s one way to put it.”

They lapsed into silence again, but this time it was Alicent who broke it. “You’re a good listener, Rhaenyra.”

Rhaenyra’s heart did a weird little flip at the compliment. “I guess. I just… don’t like seeing people upset.”

Alicent studied her for a moment, her gaze unreadable. “That’s a good trait to have,” she said finally. “Don’t lose it.”

Rhaenyra nodded, swallowing hard. The weight of Alicent’s attention felt almost too much to bear, but she didn’t want it to end, either.

When Dany stirred in her sleep, muttering something unintelligible, Alicent smiled faintly and stood. “You should try to get some sleep,” she said softly, pulling the blanket up over her sister.

“Yeah,” Rhaenyra murmured, though she knew sleep was the last thing on her mind.

Alicent paused in the doorway, looking back at her. “Goodnight, Rhaenyra.”

“Goodnight,” Rhaenyra said, her voice barely above a whisper.

And then Alicent was gone, leaving Rhaenyra alone with the movie and the echo of her own pounding heart.

///

The next two weeks settled into a steady rhythm. Alicent was usually holed up in the study or tucked away in the corner of the living room, her laptop glowing as she worked late into the evenings. While the rest of the family played in the snow or gathered for board games and hot cocoa, she answered emails, drafted contracts, and held meetings with clients on the West Coast, her work ethic as sharp as ever.

Dany didn’t seem to mind. In fact, she and Rhaenyra seemed to thrive with Alicent mostly out of the picture during the day.

The mornings always started the same: Dany bursting into Rhaenyra’s room with zero warning, tossing a pillow at her face, and yelling, “Get up, we’re hitting the slopes!”

Rhaenyra, groggy but game, would groan, roll out of bed, and throw on whatever layers Dany had helpfully dumped on the chair for her. By the time they stumbled downstairs, Alicent was already in her spot with a steaming mug of coffee and her phone pressed to her ear, offering a distracted wave as they passed.

Rhaenyra always noticed how Alicent looked so polished, even in the early morning. Hair sleek, posture perfect, her tone calm and confident no matter how late she’d worked the night before. It was a far cry from Dany’s chaotic energy, which was all messy ponytails and mismatched socks.

“Don’t look so starstruck, Rhae,” Dany teased one morning as they pulled on their boots in the mudroom.

“What?” Rhaenyra said, her face heating. “I’m not.”

Dany smirked, leaning in closer. “Yeah, sure. You’re practically glowing every time Alicent so much as looks in your direction.”

“Shut up,” Rhaenyra mumbled, fumbling with her gloves.

Dany cackled, slinging her arm around Rhaenyra’s shoulder as they headed out the door. “It’s okay, Rhae. You’re young. She’s pretty. It’s cute.”

“I said shut up, ” Rhaenyra snapped, her face burning.

“I’m just saying,” Dany said with a grin. “Don’t worry, it’s not like she’s noticed or anything. She’s way too busy being a lawyer genius or whatever.”

That didn’t make Rhaenyra feel much better, but thankfully, Dany was too focused on getting to the slopes to keep poking fun.

///

The days on the mountain passed in a blur of adrenaline and laughter. Rhaenyra wasn’t as naturally athletic as Dany, but she was determined. By the end of the first week, she could handle the intermediate slopes without face-planting every five minutes, much to Dany’s amusement.

“See? You’re getting the hang of it,” Dany said one afternoon as they rode the lift up to the summit.

“Barely,” Rhaenyra muttered, glancing nervously down at the steep drop below.

Dany snorted. “You’ve got to stop being so hard on yourself. It’s not like Alicent’s here to judge your form.”

Rhaenyra glared at her. “Why do you keep bringing her up?”

“Because it’s hilarious watching you get all flustered,” Dany said with a wicked grin.

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes but didn’t respond, choosing instead to focus on the snowy peaks stretching out in every direction.

///

Evenings were a different story. After dinner, when the whole house seemed to quiet down, Rhaenyra and Dany would retreat to the den with a bag of chips and whatever board game they could find in the closet.

Sometimes Alicent would pass through, on her way to refill her coffee or grab her phone charger. She’d pause, glancing at the mess of game pieces on the floor.

“Is that supposed to be Monopoly?” she asked one night, raising an eyebrow at the haphazard board.

“It’s Extreme Monopoly,” Dany said, throwing a handful of fake cash into the air.

Rhaenyra snorted, but Alicent just shook her head, the corner of her mouth twitching.

“Don’t let her cheat, Rhaenyra,” Alicent said lightly as she walked away.

“She’s the one who cheats,” Rhaenyra called after her, earning a laugh from Alicent as she disappeared down the hall.

///

Rhaenyra tried not to let her mind linger too much on Alicent during those quiet evenings, but it was hard not to. She admired how focused Alicent was, how she seemed to carry herself with such grace even when she was clearly exhausted. And despite her packed schedule, Alicent still made time to check in with Dany, asking about her day or teasing her about the snowboard tricks she’d been attempting.

Rhaenyra couldn’t help but envy the ease with which Dany and Alicent interacted. Their sibling banter was quick and effortless, full of inside jokes and shared memories. Rhaenyra found herself wanting to be part of that dynamic, though she wasn’t quite sure how to insert herself without seeming awkward.

It didn’t help that Dany kept catching her watching Alicent whenever she walked into the room.

“You’re hopeless,” Dany teased one night, tossing a piece of popcorn at Rhaenyra’s head.

Rhaenyra scowled, batting it away. “You’re annoying.”

Dany grinned. “You’re blushing.”

“I am not.”

“You totally are. It’s okay, Rhae. I’m rooting for you.”

Rhaenyra groaned, burying her face in her hands. This was going to be a long two weeks.

///

Rhaenyra hadn’t meant to stay up late. Really, she hadn’t. But somehow, after Dany had gone to bed, leaving the den in its usual post-game disaster, Rhaenyra found herself lingering on the couch, flipping mindlessly through the streaming apps on the TV.

She told herself she wasn’t waiting for anything in particular, even as her ears perked up every time the front door creaked, her eyes darting to the hallway.

Alicent had gone out earlier that evening, dressed in sleek black jeans and an emerald blouse that made her eyes pop. Dany had casually mentioned she was meeting up with some friends—other lawyers, or maybe rich kids of her parents' friends, Rhaenyra wasn’t sure. She’d tried not to think too hard about it, but the way Alicent’s hair had shone under the foyer lights as she’d breezed out the door kept replaying in her mind.

The digital clock on the wall ticked past midnight, and Rhaenyra stretched out on the couch, torn between turning off the TV and continuing to aimlessly scroll. She knew she should go to bed, but something rooted her there, like she was waiting for—

The sound of the front door clicking open broke the silence.

Rhaenyra sat up straighter as Alicent stepped inside, her heels clicking softly against the hardwood. She was carrying a crumpled Taco Bell bag, her coat slightly askew and her hair messier than when she’d left. Her cheeks were flushed, and even from the couch, Rhaenyra could smell the faint tang of tequila and lime clinging to her.

Alicent blinked at her, clearly surprised to see her still awake. “Rhaenyra?”

Rhaenyra swallowed hard, her throat dry. “Uh, hey. Couldn’t sleep.”

Alicent smirked faintly and swayed a little, steadying herself against the doorframe. “Still getting used to the house?”

Rhaenyra nodded quickly, unsure what else to say. Alicent looked… different like this. More relaxed. Softer, somehow.

Wordlessly, Alicent walked over and plopped down beside her on the couch, dropping the Taco Bell bag onto the coffee table. She leaned back with a sigh, her head resting against the cushions, her eyes closed for a moment.

Rhaenyra froze, unsure what to do. Her pulse hammered in her ears as she watched Alicent settle into the seat beside her. The couch suddenly felt much smaller than it had a moment ago.

Without opening her eyes, Alicent reached into the bag, pulling out a still-warm burrito. She took a bite, then glanced sideways at Rhaenyra, her brows lifting. “Hungry?”

Rhaenyra blinked. “Oh, uh, no, I’m—”

Alicent interrupted by pulling another burrito from the bag and handing it to her. “Here. You look like you could use it.”

“Thanks,” Rhaenyra murmured, her hands brushing Alicent’s as she took the food. Her face burned, but Alicent didn’t seem to notice.

They ate in silence, the only sounds in the room the crinkle of the Taco Bell wrappers and the faint hum of the TV.

Alicent nodded at the screen, her voice slightly slurred. “What’re we watching?”

“Uh…” Rhaenyra glanced at the TV and fumbled for an answer. “Just, um, some movie. I don’t know.”

Alicent smirked, her eyes drooping as she leaned her head against the back of the couch. “Very specific.”

Rhaenyra let out a nervous laugh and took another bite of her burrito, the spices hitting her tongue in a way that was grounding. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected from this moment, but sitting wordlessly next to a slightly drunk Alicent while eating Taco Bell wasn’t it.

Still, there was something strangely comforting about it. The quiet weight of Alicent’s presence next to her, the warmth of the food in her hands, the soft flicker of the TV—it all felt oddly intimate, even though they weren’t saying much.

Alicent sighed deeply, shifting slightly closer as she reached for a napkin from the bag. “You’re a good kid, Rhaenyra.”

The words hit Rhaenyra like a bucket of cold water. She stiffened, her appetite suddenly gone. “Thanks,” she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alicent didn’t seem to notice her reaction, her attention already drifting back to the screen. “This movie any good?”

“It’s okay,” Rhaenyra said, trying to sound casual.

Alicent hummed softly, her eyes fluttering closed. “Better than thinking about work,” she murmured, her voice growing quieter.

Rhaenyra glanced over and realized Alicent had fallen asleep, her head tilted to the side, her breathing steady.

For a long moment, Rhaenyra just sat there, her heart pounding as she watched her.

Eventually, she set her half-eaten burrito on the table and grabbed the throw blanket draped over the back of the couch. Carefully, she spread it over Alicent, her fingers lingering for a second longer than necessary before pulling back.

“Good night, Alicent,” she whispered, barely audible, as she turned back to the TV.

The movie continued to play, but Rhaenyra wasn’t paying attention anymore.

///

Rhaenyra had never thought much about skiing. She wasn’t bad at it herself—Dany had dragged her out enough times that she’d learned the basics—but she mostly enjoyed the slopes as a way to burn off energy or compete with Dany in who could pull off the dumbest tricks without wiping out.

Today was different.

Today, Alicent was skiing.

It was the last day of the trip, and somehow, Dany had managed to convince her sister to join them on the mountain for one final hurrah. Alicent, who had spent the past two weeks tethered to her laptop or sitting with a cup of tea in hand, had surprised everyone by not only agreeing but showing up in a fitted ski jacket and sleek black snow pants that looked like they belonged in a professional catalog.

Even before she had stepped onto the snow, Alicent carried herself differently. There was a quiet confidence in her stride, a grace in how she adjusted her gloves and clipped into her skis.

Rhaenyra wasn’t prepared for how utterly captivating it would be.

Standing near the base of the lift with Dany, Rhaenyra adjusted her goggles, trying to look anywhere but at Alicent. But it was impossible. She kept stealing glances, her chest tightening each time.

The moment Alicent pushed off from the top of the slope, Rhaenyra was a goner.

Alicent wasn’t just good. She was insanely good.

She moved down the slope like she’d been born on skis, cutting through the powder with effortless precision. Her turns were sharp but fluid, her body leaning just the right amount to carve the snow perfectly. She flew past other skiers like they weren’t even there, her dark hair streaming out behind her, the sun catching the auburn highlights in ways that made Rhaenyra’s stomach flip.

“Holy shit,” Dany muttered beside her, watching her sister take on a section of moguls with ease. “I forgot she used to do this all the time. She’s so… annoyingly good.”

Rhaenyra couldn’t even form words. She nodded, her mouth slightly open as she watched Alicent hit the bottom of the slope and glide to a stop with effortless grace. She stood there, breathing lightly, her face flushed from the cold, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

“Looks like someone’s impressed,” Dany teased, elbowing Rhaenyra in the ribs.

Rhaenyra jumped, her face heating immediately. “Shut up,” she hissed, adjusting her goggles unnecessarily.

“Oh, come on,” Dany said, grinning. “You’re gaping , Rhae. Like a fish. At my sister . It’s gross.”

“I am not,” Rhaenyra snapped, her voice cracking slightly. She turned away from Dany, but her eyes betrayed her, drifting back to Alicent as she began walking toward them, her skis balanced effortlessly on one shoulder.

“Oh, you so are.” Dany laughed, but before Rhaenyra could retort, Alicent reached them, brushing snow off her sleeves.

“Not bad, huh?” Alicent said, her voice light as she glanced at her sister.

“Not bad?” Dany repeated. “You’re practically Olympic-level, Ali. Why don’t you ski more?”

Alicent shrugged, her eyes flicking briefly to Rhaenyra. “I don’t have much time for it these days. But it’s nice to know I haven’t completely lost my touch.”

“You haven’t,” Rhaenyra blurted, then immediately wanted to die. Alicent raised an eyebrow, and Rhaenyra scrambled to cover her awkwardness. “I mean, you—you looked, um, really good out there. On the slopes. Skiing.”

Dany snorted loudly. “Smooth.”

Alicent smiled faintly, her expression unreadable. “Thanks, Rhaenyra.”

Rhaenyra nodded quickly, her cheeks burning.

Dany, ever the instigator, leaned closer and whispered loud enough for Alicent to hear, “You’re so obvious, Rhae. It’s embarrassing.”

“Dany,” Alicent said sharply, though there was a hint of amusement in her tone.

“What?” Dany said, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “I’m just saying—”

“Dany, go find something productive to do,” Alicent said, giving her a pointed look.

Dany groaned but relented, skiing off toward a group of friends at the nearby lift, leaving Rhaenyra and Alicent standing awkwardly together.

Rhaenyra couldn’t bring herself to look directly at Alicent, her heart racing as she stared at the snow under her boots. She felt like every nerve in her body was on high alert, acutely aware of how close they were standing, the faint smell of Alicent’s perfume mixing with the crisp winter air.

“You don’t have to be so nervous around me, you know,” Alicent said suddenly, her voice softer now.

Rhaenyra glanced up, startled. Alicent’s expression was kind, her head tilted slightly as she studied her.

“I’m not—nervous,” Rhaenyra stammered, immediately betraying herself by tugging at the strap of her helmet.

Alicent’s lips quirked into a small smile, but she didn’t push further. “Well, I’m glad you’re here,” she said simply, adjusting her ski poles.

Rhaenyra blinked, her brain scrambling to process the words. “You… are?”

Alicent nodded, glancing toward the slopes. “Yeah. It’s nice having someone who appreciates how much of a big deal I am on the slopes.”

Rhaenyra let out a breathy laugh, a shy smile breaking across her face. “Yeah, definitely. You’re, um… really good.”

“Thanks,” Alicent said, her smile widening slightly.

For a moment, they just stood there, the cold air sharp in Rhaenyra’s lungs. She didn’t know what to say, but for once, the silence between them didn’t feel awkward. It felt… easy.

“Ready to head back up?” Alicent asked finally, motioning toward the lift.

Rhaenyra nodded quickly, adjusting her goggles. “Yeah, sure.”

And as they made their way to the lift, Rhaenyra couldn’t help but think that this was the kind of moment she’d remember for a long, long time.