Chapter 3
Rhaenyra - 16 Years Old & Alicent - 26 Years Old
It was one of those bright summer days when the sun hung high, filtering golden light through the trees that surrounded the Hightower family’s home in Connecticut. Alicent was sprawled on the back porch with Dany, sipping iced tea and flipping lazily through her emails on her phone. She had promised herself to take a break from work during this visit and focus on family instead.
“I was thinking we should have a sisters’ day,” Alicent suggested, setting her phone down. “You know, just the two of us. Shopping, lunch, maybe a manicure or something. What do you think?”
Dany glanced up from her own phone, wrinkling her nose.
“You can invite Rhaenyra too, if my presence alone is so insufferable for you,” Alicent teased, a playful edge to her voice.
Dany snorted, setting her phone down on the table. “Oh, please. It’s not that,” she replied, though the grin tugging at her lips gave her away. Then her expression shifted, her face softening. “But honestly, I don’t think Rhaenyra can come.”
“Why not?” Alicent asked, straightening in her chair. “She always seems up for hanging out. Unless I’m scarier than I think.”
“It’s not that.” Dany hesitated, brushing her hair back and looking uncharacteristically serious. “Her mom’s back in the hospital again.”
Alicent’s teasing expression melted into concern. “Again?” she asked quietly, setting her glass down. “Is it… is it bad this time?”
Dany shrugged, but the worry in her eyes betrayed her casual tone. “I don’t know all the details. Rhaenyra doesn’t really talk about it much, but… yeah. It’s been pretty bad the last few weeks. She’s been spending all her time at the hospital.”
Alicent leaned back, processing the information. A pang of guilt pricked at her for the way she’d been joking a moment ago. “I didn’t realize…” she started, then paused, her voice softer. “How long has her mom been dealing with this?”
“Pretty much forever,” Dany replied. “I mean, as long as I’ve known Rhaenyra, anyway. It’s been on and off since she was a little kid. She doesn’t talk about it much, but I can tell it weighs on her.”
Alicent nodded, her mind wandering. She thought back to the previous winter, how Rhaenyra had sat at their dinner table, so poised yet quiet when her mom had come up in conversation. She had brushed off the topic with a polite smile, but now Alicent saw that moment in a different light.
“I feel bad,” Alicent admitted. “I mean, she’s… what, sixteen now? That’s a lot to handle at her age.”
Dany shrugged again, though her expression remained serious. “Yeah, but she’s tough. Rhaenyra doesn’t let it show, but you can tell she’s carrying a lot.”
Alicent sat in thoughtful silence for a moment, her iced tea forgotten on the table. She felt an unexpected twinge of protectiveness for the girl who’d become such a fixture in Dany’s life.
“Well, if she does want to come out and get away for a bit, she’s more than welcome,” Alicent said after a moment. “Even if it means enduring your awful music taste for the day.”
Dany smirked. “I’ll let her know, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. She’s probably not leaving her mom’s side anytime soon.”
Alicent nodded, but the thought lingered long after their conversation ended. Something about it stayed with her—the quiet strength Rhaenyra must have, and the weight she carried without complaint. It made Alicent feel a strange mixture of admiration and guilt, as if she had taken the younger girl’s resilience for granted.
///
Alicent leaned against the kitchen counter, staring out the window as the sunlight filtered through the leaves of the old oak tree in the yard. She sipped her coffee slowly, letting the warm bitterness settle her nerves, though it did little to quell the strange restlessness she’d been feeling all week.
It wasn’t like she had a shortage of things to do. Between catching up with her parents, spending time with Dany, and tackling work emails she’d ignored for far too long, Alicent had kept herself busy. But still, something felt… off. Or rather, someone was missing.
She wouldn’t admit it out loud, not even to herself fully, but she missed Rhaenyra.
The house felt quieter without her. There was no loud, half-sarcastic banter echoing through the halls, no annoying-but-endearing habit of leaving her sneakers by the door or her books on the coffee table. No teasing quips aimed at Alicent, delivered with that mischievous smirk that always made her roll her eyes, even as she fought back a smile.
It wasn’t like she hadn’t asked about her. She had, casually, in passing.
“Have you seen Rhaenyra lately?” Alicent had asked Dany a few days ago, feigning nonchalance as she scrolled through her phone.
“She’s been at the hospital most of the time,” Dany had replied. “You know, with her mom. I doubt she’s coming around anytime soon.”
Alicent had nodded, not wanting to press further. But now, as the week dragged on, she found herself wishing Rhaenyra would show up unannounced like she used to, with that easy confidence and unshakable energy. It was ridiculous, really. She shouldn’t miss the girl’s antics. Rhaenyra was loud, brash, and entirely too sure of herself for someone so young. But she also had a way of filling the space around her, of making the room feel alive.
Alicent sighed, setting her coffee mug down. She couldn’t believe she was actually missing the brat.
Her phone buzzed on the counter, snapping her out of her thoughts. She picked it up to see a text from Dany.
Dany: Heading to the hospital to see Rhaenyra. Want to come?
Alicent stared at the message, her thumb hovering over the keyboard. She hesitated. Part of her wanted to go, to see Rhaenyra and check in, but another part of her felt like it wasn’t her place. What would she even say?
Finally, she typed a reply.
Alicent: I’ll pass. Tell her I said hi, though.
She set the phone back down and sighed again, the restlessness settling deeper in her chest.
///
Alicent stepped off the train, pulling her coat tighter around her as the crisp autumn air nipped at her cheeks. The familiar sights of her hometown greeted her, the golden-red trees lining the streets, the small cafes bustling with people sipping on pumpkin lattes, and the church bells chiming softly in the distance. She hadn’t planned to visit again so soon, but this wasn’t a visit she could skip.
Rhaenyra’s mother had died last week.
Alicent still felt the heaviness in her chest when she thought about it. The last time she’d seen Rhaenyra’s mom was years ago, at one of the summer get-togethers their families had attended. She remembered a kind smile, warm hands, and an ever-present patience that seemed to radiate from her. Even back then, Alicent could see how much Rhaenyra adored her mother—how her world revolved around her.
And now, that world had shattered.
Her mother had called her the day after it happened, voice tinged with the sadness of someone who’d just lost an old friend. Alicent had sat in her office, gripping the phone tightly as her mom recounted the news, her words heavy with concern for Rhaenyra.
“I know you’re busy, sweetheart, but… it might be nice if you came,” her mom had said. “Dany’s been spending a lot of time with her, but I think… I think Rhaenyra could use someone else. Someone who understands how to handle a loss.”
So Alicent had booked the trip.
Now, as she climbed into the waiting car, she found herself wondering if she’d made the right decision. She wasn’t sure what she could offer Rhaenyra that Dany couldn’t. They weren’t particularly close. Rhaenyra had always been Dany’s best friend, not hers. But there was a pang of guilt Alicent couldn’t shake, a sense that she should be there, even if she didn’t know exactly how to help.
///
When Alicent arrived at her parents' house, she found it unusually quiet. Dany greeted her with a half-smile and a quick hug, looking more subdued than usual.
“She’s at her house,” Dany said before Alicent could ask. “I’ve been going over every day after school, but… I think she just needs space right now.”
Alicent nodded, setting her suitcase down by the stairs. “How’s she holding up?”
Dany shrugged. “She’s Rhaenyra. She’s trying to act like she’s fine, but… you can tell it’s hitting her hard. She was so close to her mom, you know?”
Alicent did know. She remembered the way Rhaenyra used to talk about her mother, the pride in her voice whenever she mentioned her. The thought made Alicent’s stomach twist.
“I’ll go see her tomorrow,” Alicent said softly. Dany nodded, seeming relieved.
///
The next day, Alicent found herself standing outside Rhaenyra’s house, hesitating before knocking. She wasn’t sure what to expect, or what to say. But when the door opened, and she saw Rhaenyra standing there, her usually bright eyes dulled with exhaustion, Alicent’s heart sank.
“Hey,” Rhaenyra said, her voice hoarse. She stepped aside to let Alicent in.
The house was quiet, eerily so. Alicent could feel the weight of grief in the air, heavy and suffocating. She followed Rhaenyra into the living room, where a few pictures of her mother still sat on the mantle, untouched. Rhaenyra sank onto the couch, looking smaller than Alicent had ever seen her.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d come,” Rhaenyra admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alicent sat down beside her, unsure of what to say. “Of course I came.”
Rhaenyra didn’t respond right away. She stared at her hands, picking at a loose thread on her sleeve. “It doesn’t feel real,” she said after a long silence. “Like, I keep expecting her to just… walk through the door.”
Alicent nodded, her throat tight. “That’s normal. It’ll take time.”
Rhaenyra finally looked at her, her eyes glassy but resolute. “Everyone keeps saying that. It’ll take time. But what am I supposed to do with all this time without her?”
Alicent felt a lump rise in her throat. She didn’t have an answer for that. She wasn’t sure there was an answer. So instead, she reached out and placed a hand on Rhaenyra’s, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“You just… take it one day at a time,” Alicent said quietly. “And you let the people who care about you help you through it.”
For a moment, Rhaenyra didn’t move. But then she squeezed Alicent’s hand back, her grip surprisingly strong. “Thanks,” she murmured.
Alicent stayed for a while, just sitting with her in the quiet house. They didn’t talk much, but Alicent didn’t think they needed to. Sometimes, just being there was enough.
///
When the front door swung open and Dany breezed in, her cheeks red from the cold, Alicent looked up from where she was unpacking groceries in the kitchen.
“Where’s Rhaenyra?” Alicent asked, glancing over Dany’s shoulder, expecting to see her usual shadow.
Dany kicked off her boots and dumped her ski bag by the door before shrugging off her coat. “She’s not coming,” she said casually, but Alicent didn’t miss the slight pause before the words.
Alicent frowned, wiping her hands on a towel. “What do you mean she’s not coming? You’ve been talking about this non-stop since Thanksgiving. What happened?”
Dany sighed, slumping into a chair at the kitchen island. “It’s too soon after her mom. She said she didn’t want to leave her dad alone. It’s just… a lot right now, you know?”
Alicent stilled, the towel crumpled in her hand. She hadn’t thought about it in detail, but of course Rhaenyra wouldn’t be ready to go on some lighthearted ski trip. Her mother had only been gone for a few months. Grief was still fresh, and leaving home—leaving the routines that might help her feel close to her mom—wouldn’t come easily.
“Right,” Alicent murmured, setting the towel down. She leaned against the counter, her chest tightening. “I didn’t realize.”
Dany raised an eyebrow, smirking faintly. “What? Did you miss her or something?”
Alicent rolled her eyes, but the slight heat in her cheeks betrayed her. “No. I just figured she’d be here. You two are practically attached at the hip.”
“Yeah, well,” Dany said, fiddling with the zipper of her jacket. “She wasn’t up for it. And I get it. She’s been… I don’t know. Different.”
“Different how?”
“Quieter,” Dany said, her brow furrowing slightly. “Not like she’s sad all the time, but… like she’s holding something back, you know? I think she’s just trying to be strong for her dad.”
Alicent nodded, understanding more than she let on. She knew what it was like to try and hold yourself together for someone else, to shoulder more than you should because you felt like you had to. The thought of Rhaenyra, barely sixteen, trying to carry that weight alone made her heart ache.
“She’ll be okay, though,” Dany added quickly, as if trying to reassure herself as much as Alicent. “She’s tough.”
Alicent hummed, though she wasn’t entirely convinced. “Maybe we should go visit her after the trip. Check in.”
Dany raised an eyebrow. “You’d go visit her?”
“Why not?” Alicent said, a little too quickly. “She’s… important to you. And she’s been through a lot.”
Dany smirked again, leaning back in her chair. “You’re not as much of an ice queen as you pretend to be, you know that?”
“Shut up, Dany,” Alicent said, rolling her eyes again, but she couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips.
Still, as she returned to unpacking the groceries, her thoughts lingered on Rhaenyra. She could almost see her now, curled up on that old porch chair she always seemed to gravitate to, her nose buried in some thick book, that ever-present seriousness in her eyes. It was strange, really, how much she missed that particular presence. Rhaenyra had a way of quietly grounding a room, and without her, things felt oddly… empty.
Alicent shook the thought away, focusing instead on the sound of Dany unpacking her bag and chattering about their plans for the week. But in the back of her mind, she made a note to check in with Rhaenyra when the trip was over.
///
Alicent hadn’t planned on staying in Connecticut after the trip, but something about Dany’s casual mention of Rhaenyra—how she seemed quieter, a little different—stuck with her. So, when Dany suggested they head home together for a few extra days, Alicent didn’t argue. She even went along with Dany’s impromptu plan to stop by the skate park on their way back from the grocery store.
Alicent noticed it the moment she stepped out of the car. The group surrounding Rhaenyra was older. Late teens, maybe early twenties, and they had that swagger about them—casual, careless, and vaguely dangerous. A couple of them were leaning against their bikes, puffing on cigarettes like they didn’t have a care in the world. It made her stomach twist uncomfortably.
Rhaenyra wasn’t smoking, but she stood out in the group, younger and visibly out of place. Alicent felt her protective instincts kick in almost immediately.
She glanced at Dany. “These are her friends?”
Dany shrugged, completely unbothered. “I guess so. She’s not really the quiet, awkward kid you remember.”
“She was never awkward,” Alicent muttered reflexively, and then frowned at herself for the unnecessary defensiveness. “They look like they’re twice her age.”
Dany rolled her eyes. “They’re not that old. And she’s not doing anything. Relax.”
But Alicent was already walking across the lot toward the group, her heels clicking against the pavement. Rhaenyra looked up, and Alicent watched the brief flicker of recognition in her eyes. She straightened up immediately, her relaxed posture vanishing as her gaze darted between Dany and Alicent. One of the boys beside her said something that made the group laugh, but Rhaenyra wasn’t paying attention anymore.
“Dany!” Rhaenyra called, her voice warm but a little surprised. She hopped down from the table, walking over with her hands stuffed in the pockets of her hoodie. “What are you doing here?”
Dany gestured lazily toward Alicent. “Ali insisted on coming back home for a few days. We thought we’d swing by and say hi.”
Rhaenyra’s eyes flickered to Alicent, lingering for a moment before she nodded. “Hi,” she said, quieter this time, her usual confidence seemingly diminished in Alicent’s presence.
Alicent offered a small smile. “Hi, Rhaenyra.”
Rhaenyra blinked, her surprise evident as she straightened up a little. “Alicent,” she said, her voice tinged with something almost nervous, but she quickly masked it with a casual tone. “What are you doing here? I didn’t know you were in town.”
Her hands were stuffed into her hoodie pockets, but Alicent noticed the slight tension in her posture, the way her shoulders lifted ever so slightly. Alicent’s smile softened as she replied.
“I came back with Dany for a few days. Thought I’d swing by and say hi,” Alicent said smoothly, her gaze steady but gentle. “We missed you at the ski trip this year.”
Rhaenyra’s eyes widened just a fraction, her lips parting slightly. “You did?” The words came out soft, as if she wasn’t sure she’d heard Alicent right.
Alicent nodded, her tone warm but light. “Of course. It wasn’t the same without you.”
Rhaenyra hesitated for a moment, then glanced down, a small, bashful smile tugging at her lips. “I… I missed going too. Just, uh… couldn’t make it this year.”
Alicent’s eyes lingered on her for a moment, her expression thoughtful. “I figured. Dany mentioned it’s been a tough time for you.”
Rhaenyra gave a small shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. “Yeah. It’s been… a lot.”
Alicent nodded, not pushing any further, but there was something in her gaze—an understanding that made Rhaenyra feel both exposed and comforted at the same time. “Well,” Alicent said, her voice soft, “I’m glad I get to see you now.”
Rhaenyra’s eyes flicked up to hers, and for a moment, it was like the noise of the skate park faded into the background. “Yeah,” Rhaenyra said, her voice almost a whisper. “Me too.”
///
The coffee shop was cozy, the kind of place that smelled like cinnamon and fresh pastries, with soft music playing in the background. Dany had insisted they stop here on the way to pick up something for her mom, but now she was completely sidetracked, going on and on about the ski trip they’d just come back from.
“And you should’ve seen me on that black diamond! I mean, I didn’t stick the landing, but it was pretty epic,” Dany said, her hands animated as she relived her glory.
Alicent smiled behind her mug of coffee, her gaze flicking over to Rhaenyra. She was quiet, nodding here and there, but Alicent could tell her mind was somewhere else. It was in the way her shoulders curled inward slightly, the way she fiddled with the edge of her sleeve, her eyes darting to the window like she was trying to look anywhere but at the conversation.
Dany, completely oblivious, kept talking. “Next year, though, I’m totally nailing it. No way am I letting Criston beat me again. You should’ve been there, Rhae—he was so smug about it.”
Rhaenyra managed a small smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Alicent took another sip of her coffee, watching the way Rhaenyra’s hands stayed clasped around her cup, her thumbs rubbing against the ceramic like she was grounding herself. Alicent felt that familiar tug in her chest—concern mixed with a quiet protectiveness she hadn’t really put a name to yet.
“Be right back,” Dany announced, sliding out of the booth and heading toward the bathroom, leaving the two of them alone.
The silence settled, warm but a little heavy. Alicent set her mug down and reached out, her hand covering Rhaenyra’s gently. The touch made Rhaenyra’s head snap up, her wide, startled eyes meeting Alicent’s.
“Are you okay?” Alicent asked softly, her voice low enough to feel like a secret between them.
Rhaenyra blinked, her lips parting like she wasn’t sure how to answer. She hesitated, and Alicent could see the walls Rhaenyra was trying to keep up, the practiced polite smile that didn’t fool her for a second.
“I’m fine,” Rhaenyra said after a moment, her voice quiet but steady. She gave a small smile, but it wavered at the edges.
Alicent didn’t push, but her thumb brushed over the back of Rhaenyra’s hand before she pulled away. “If you’re not, it’s okay to say so,” she said, leaning back slightly, her tone careful, like she didn’t want to scare her off. “You don’t have to deal with everything by yourself, you know.”
Rhaenyra’s eyes flicked down to her coffee, and Alicent could see her thinking, her jaw working as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t quite get the words out. Before she could respond, Dany came bounding back to the table, already picking up where she’d left off in her story.
“And then Criston completely wiped out, like, full face-plant into the snow. You would’ve lost it, Rhae. It was so good.”
Rhaenyra laughed, a little too quickly, nodding as if she was right back in the conversation. Alicent smiled at Dany’s enthusiasm but couldn’t stop her gaze from drifting back to Rhaenyra. That small moment stayed with her—the brief crack in Rhaenyra’s usual composure, the way she seemed like she was carrying the weight of something so much bigger than herself.
Alicent didn’t say anything more, but she resolved to keep an eye on her. To make sure Rhaenyra knew she wasn’t alone.
///
Alicent pulled her car into the drop-off lane in front of the school, glancing at the clock on the dashboard. Dany was fussing with her hair in the passenger seat, a half-empty coffee tumbler balanced precariously on her lap. The scene outside was already bustling—kids milling about, parents rushing to leave, and the occasional teacher ushering students toward the doors.
Alicent’s eyes flicked toward the school steps, and she immediately spotted her. Rhaenyra was sitting on the low brick wall near the entrance, legs crossed, a book open in her lap. She was completely absorbed, the early morning sunlight catching in her silvery hair. Alicent watched as Rhaenyra flipped a page, one hand tugging absently at the strap of her bag.
“Does she wait for you every morning?” Alicent asked, nodding toward Rhaenyra.
Dany followed her gaze, not even pretending to care about the way Alicent’s tone lingered. “Yeah, so?”
Alicent paused, her fingers tapping lightly against the steering wheel. “No, it’s nothing,” she said, her lips curving into a small smile. Dany shrugged, clearly uninterested, and started gathering her things to leave.
But before Dany could fully step out of the car, Alicent reached out and lightly caught her wrist. “Hey,” she said, her voice softer now. Dany turned, raising an eyebrow at her sister.
“You know you can tell me, right? If you two are…” Alicent trailed off, searching for the right word, before settling on, “...dating or something.”
Dany’s expression twisted into a mix of horror and exasperation. “God, Alicent, gross. Please stop with that.”
Alicent bit back a laugh, holding up her hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. Just checking.”
Dany huffed, rolling her eyes. “Rhaenyra is like a sister to me. I don’t know why you always have to make it weird.”
“I wasn’t making it weird,” Alicent countered, her tone amused but calm. “I’m just saying, you can tell me anything.”
Dany grabbed her bag, clearly done with the conversation. “Bye, Ali,” she said pointedly before slamming the door shut and walking off toward Rhaenyra.
Alicent watched as Dany bounded over to her, nudging Rhaenyra in the shoulder as she passed. Rhaenyra’s head shot up from her book, her face breaking into a wide grin when she saw Dany. Alicent’s smile softened as she watched them disappear into the school together.
“Just friends,” she murmured to herself, shaking her head as she pulled out of the parking lot. But the small, nagging thought lingered at the back of her mind, one she couldn’t quite explain.
///
Alicent was passing Dany’s room on her way to the kitchen when she noticed the door was closed. She hesitated for a moment, a familiar sense of overprotectiveness bubbling up. She could hear faint murmurs through the door—Dany’s voice, followed by Rhaenyra’s softer, slightly deeper tone. Alicent sighed and knocked once before pushing the door open.
Rhaenyra and Dany were sprawled on the bed, textbooks, notebooks, and highlighters scattered between them. Rhaenyra sat cross-legged, leaning over a math problem, while Dany was on her stomach, scribbling furiously. They both looked up at Alicent’s sudden appearance, Dany groaning loudly.
“Ali, what are you doing?” Dany whined.
“Uh, reminding you both that this door needs to stay open,” Alicent said firmly, crossing her arms.
Rhaenyra’s face flushed slightly, but she didn’t say anything, instead looking awkwardly at Dany, who immediately rolled her eyes. “Oh my god, Alicent, we’re studying.”
“I love you, Rhaenyra,” Alicent said, directing her gaze at the younger girl. “Like a sister at this point. But absolutely not. Door open. Non-negotiable.”
“Ali, stop!” Dany protested, throwing her pencil down. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“Ridiculous?” Alicent raised an incredulous eyebrow, gesturing toward the room. “Are you kidding me? No way. Absolutely not.”
Their mom passed by in the hallway just then, pausing at the commotion. “What’s going on in here?” she asked casually.
Alicent turned to her, exasperation clear in her tone. “Mom, you never let me have an alpha in my room at sixteen with the door closed!”
Her mom shrugged, completely unfazed. “It’s Rhaenyra, sweetie.”
Alicent gaped at her, gesturing wildly toward the bed where Dany and Rhaenyra sat looking entirely too amused. “So?! What difference does that make?”
Their mom gave her an indulgent smile. “Because she’s Rhaenyra. She’s practically family.”
“That doesn’t matter!” Alicent argued, her voice rising slightly. “You had rules for me, why don’t they apply to Dany?”
Dany groaned again, flopping onto her back. “Mom, please tell her to leave us alone.”
Their mom chuckled softly and patted Alicent’s shoulder. “Sweetheart, let it go. You’re overreacting.”
Alicent turned back to the two girls on the bed, eyes narrowing as she pointed a finger at Dany. “Door open. I mean it.”
Dany sat up, scowling. “Fine! Whatever makes you happy.”
Satisfied, Alicent gave Rhaenyra a pointed look before leaving the room. As she walked away, she could hear Dany muttering under her breath.
///
Alicent was nursing her second—or maybe third—glass of wine on the couch, the dim lighting in the living room making everything feel soft and quiet. Dany had plopped down next to her not long after she got home from her night out, still in her sweats, with her hair piled messily on top of her head.
“You’re really putting it away tonight,” Dany teased, eyeing the glass in Alicent’s hand.
Alicent smirked. “It’s been a long week.”
“Who knew lawyers needed wine to survive?”
“It’s a well-kept secret,” Alicent replied dryly before taking another sip.
They sat in companionable silence for a while, the only sound the occasional clink of Alicent’s glass as she set it on the table. Eventually, Dany broke the quiet with a question she’d clearly been holding onto for a while.
“What’s it like?” Dany asked, tilting her head to look at Alicent.
“What’s what like?” Alicent asked, a little confused.
“You know,” Dany said, hesitating for just a moment. “Having a heat.”
Alicent blinked at her, caught off guard. She leaned back against the couch, swirling the wine in her glass absentmindedly. “It sucks.”
Dany laughed. “No, but really.”
“I’m telling you, it sucks,” Alicent said, her voice firm but not unkind. “It’s not like the romance movies make it out to be, with all the swooning and the—ugh—‘bonding moments.’ Especially when you’re a kid, and you don’t have anyone to go through it with. It’s... messy. Overwhelming. Not fun.”
Dany frowned, processing the answer. “Huh.”
“Why?” Alicent asked, raising an eyebrow at her younger sister. “What brought this on?”
Dany shrugged, trying to play it casual. “I mean, people are starting to have their first heats now. It’s... something to think about, I guess.”
Alicent nodded, taking another sip of wine. “Yeah, that’s normal. Just... be prepared. And I know you hate when I say this but..”
Dany turned toward her, rolling her eyes a little. “You’re not about to give me another talk about Rhaenyra, are you?”
Alicent rolled her eyes dramatically, leaning her head back against the couch. “Dany, listen to me for once. I know you think I keep making things weird about you and Rhaenyra, but—”
“Oh my god, not this again,” Dany groaned, throwing her hands up.
“No, seriously,” Alicent cut in, her tone softer but still insistent. “This is exactly what happened with me and Missandei. We were best friends, and then she had her first rut, and... everything shifted.”
Dany’s expression turned curious. “Wait—did you... spend her rut with her?”
Alicent’s cheeks flushed, and she shook her head firmly. “No. Absolutely not.”
Dany raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical but amused. “But?...”
Alicent sighed, taking another sip of wine before setting the glass down and looking at her sister. “But everything just... changed after. The hormones, the feelings, the confusion—it makes everything messy.”
Dany stared at her for a moment, taking in the rare openness Alicent was showing. She knew her sister was only being this honest because of the wine, but even so, it felt... significant.
“I hear you,” Dany said finally, her voice softer than usual. “But seriously, Rhaenyra and I are just friends.”
Alicent nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Good. Just... keep it that way, okay? For both your sakes.”
Dany rolled her eyes, but there was no real annoyance behind it. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say.”
Alicent leaned back, letting out a long sigh. “Good. Now, pour me another glass, will you?”
///
The plan had come together quickly, but that was typical with Dany. One minute, she was texting Alicent about spring break; the next, she and Rhaenyra had convinced their parents to let them fly out to Los Angeles. Rhaenyra wasn’t sure how they’d managed it, but she wasn’t about to complain. It wasn’t just spring break—it was also the week leading up to her seventeenth birthday.
It was her first time flying across the country, and the whole thing felt surreal. California was nothing like Connecticut. The sun hit differently, brighter and warmer even in the spring, and the ocean stretched out endlessly in shades of blue she didn’t even know existed. Alicent’s apartment was perched in some upscale neighborhood, a modern building with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered sweeping views of the city.
When they arrived, Alicent greeted them at the door, dressed casually in jeans and a loose linen blouse. She looked different here—relaxed in a way Rhaenyra hadn’t seen before, like the weight she always seemed to carry had been left behind somewhere.
“Welcome to L.A.,” Alicent said with a small smile, stepping aside to let them in. Her eyes flicked to Rhaenyra briefly, her expression warm but unreadable. “How was the flight?”
“Long,” Dany said, flopping onto the couch like she already owned the place. “But worth it. This place is amazing, Ali.”
“It’s not much,” Alicent said modestly, though Rhaenyra could tell by the way her sister’s apartment was styled—clean lines, curated art on the walls, and a faint lavender scent lingering in the air—that Alicent had put a lot of effort into making it hers.
Rhaenyra stood awkwardly by the door, clutching her bag. She wasn’t sure where to put herself in this world Alicent had built. She looked around at the tall bookshelves, the polished concrete floors, the airy light that poured in through the windows. Alicent caught her staring.
“You can put your stuff in the guest room,” Alicent said, gesturing down the hall. “It’s not big, but it’s comfortable.”
“Thanks,” Rhaenyra said softly, shuffling past her. She could feel Alicent’s eyes on her as she walked away, but she didn’t look back.
///
The first few days were packed with touristy stops—Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, and more coffee shops than Rhaenyra could count. Dany dragged her everywhere, buzzing with energy as she tried to cram as much as possible into their trip. Alicent tagged along when her work schedule allowed, but for the most part, she let them explore on their own.
Rhaenyra found herself watching Alicent more than she meant to, catching glimpses of her in her element. She’d see her sitting at her desk, focused and confident, or laughing softly at something Dany said over dinner. It was different from the sister she knew at the ski house—this Alicent seemed… settled, like she was finally where she was supposed to be.
One evening, after a long day of sightseeing, the three of them sat on the rooftop of Alicent’s building, the city sprawled out below them in a sea of lights. Alicent handed Rhaenyra a soda and smiled faintly.
“So, big birthday next week,” Alicent said, leaning back in her chair. “Seventeen, huh?”
Rhaenyra nodded, feeling a little self-conscious. “Yeah. Nothing crazy, though.”
“Nothing crazy?” Dany cut in. “You’ve got to celebrate, Rhae. Seventeen is… I don’t know, it feels important.”
Alicent hummed thoughtfully. “We’ll do something for it while you’re here. Something small but fun.”
Rhaenyra looked over at her, surprised. “You don’t have to.”
“I want to,” Alicent said simply, her gaze steady. “You’re practically family, Rhaenyra. Of course we’ll celebrate.”
Rhaenyra felt her cheeks flush and turned her attention to the soda in her hands, the cool condensation grounding her. She wasn’t sure why those words—“practically family”—made her chest feel so tight. She told herself it was nothing, just gratitude, but something about the way Alicent had looked at her lingered long after the conversation had moved on.
///
The small, dimly lit bar in Los Angeles wasn’t the kind of place Rhaenyra ever thought she’d end up for her seventeenth birthday, but here she was. The band Alicent had raved about was playing tonight, and Dany had been buzzing with excitement ever since Alicent suggested they go. For Rhaenyra, though, the excitement was dampened the moment they walked up to the door.
“IDs, please,” the bouncer grunted, barely looking up as Alicent handed over her license. He gave it a quick glance and waved her through. Then it was Dany and Rhaenyra’s turn.
“We’re underage,” Dany said cheerfully, sliding her school ID across the counter like it wasn’t the most embarrassing thing in the world. The bouncer gave them both a long, unimpressed look before pulling out two wristbands from a box under the counter.
“Red is for under 21,” he said, fastening one around Dany’s wrist. Then he grabbed two bright yellow ones. “And yellow is for under 18.”
Rhaenyra froze as he slapped the yellow band onto her wrist, her stomach sinking. Under 18. It screamed kid, screamed not an adult, screamed still a child. Her eyes darted toward Alicent, who was waiting just inside the door, glancing back at them. Rhaenyra’s chest tightened. Alicent looked every bit the part of a confident, polished 26 year old woman. She carried herself effortlessly, and here was Rhaenyra, practically branded as a child.
“Thanks,” Dany said breezily, tugging Rhaenyra forward. She didn’t seem to care about the wristbands, but Rhaenyra wanted to sink into the floor.
As they stepped inside, the low hum of conversation mixed with the music playing from the stage, the room vibrating with energy. Alicent was waiting for them near the bar, holding a drink with ice clinking softly against the glass. She looked up when they approached, her lips curving into a faint smile.
“You made it in,” she said warmly, her eyes flickering briefly to Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra crossed her arms awkwardly, trying to hide the glaring yellow band on her wrist.
“Barely,” Rhaenyra muttered, her voice low.
Dany raised her wrist with a grin. “Check it out, Ali. Yellow bands for the babies.”
Alicent’s gaze shifted to Rhaenyra, lingering for just a second too long. “It’s not that bad,” she said lightly, though her tone softened when she saw the tension in Rhaenyra’s jaw. “The important thing is you’re here.”
Rhaenyra nodded quickly, ducking her head. She felt ridiculous—standing next to Alicent, she felt smaller, younger, more out of place than ever. Her hands twitched at her sides, desperate to tug the band off, but she knew that would only draw more attention to it.
The band started playing soon after, and Dany disappeared into the crowd, dancing like she didn’t have a care in the world. Alicent stayed back near the bar with Rhaenyra, sipping her drink and nodding along to the music.
“You okay?” Alicent asked after a while, leaning close to be heard over the noise. The scent of her perfume—subtle and floral—washed over Rhaenyra, and she stiffened.
“Yeah,” she said, forcing a smile. “It’s just… crowded.”
Alicent’s lips quirked. “Crowded, huh?”
“Yeah.” Rhaenyra shifted, keeping her eyes on the band to avoid looking at Alicent. “Not really my thing.”
Alicent tilted her head slightly, studying her. “You’ve been quiet all night.”
Rhaenyra exhaled sharply, the words tumbling out before she could stop them. “It’s just… this.” She held up her wrist, the yellow band practically glowing under the dim lights. “It’s embarrassing.”
Alicent blinked, then smiled—gently, not mockingly. “Rhaenyra,” she said, her voice soft, “you’re seventeen. You’re supposed to have a yellow band.”
“Yeah, but—” Rhaenyra hesitated, her words catching in her throat. She didn’t know how to explain the sinking feeling in her chest every time Alicent looked at her like she was just Dany’s best friend, just some kid tagging along.
“But nothing,” Alicent said, cutting her off. Her tone was firm but kind, her gaze steady. “You’re not trying to impress anyone, are you?”
Rhaenyra’s heart stuttered. She forced a laugh, shaking her head quickly. “No. Of course not.”
Alicent’s eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, like she was about to say something else, but then the band’s lead singer shouted something into the mic, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Alicent smiled, turning her attention back to the stage. Rhaenyra exhaled slowly, her chest tight. She wasn’t sure what she’d been hoping for, but it wasn’t this—this quiet, persistent ache that she couldn’t quite shake.
///
Rhaenyra leaned against the bar, fiddling with her Coke. Her sleeve tugged low over the yellow band on her wrist, hiding the glaring reminder that she wasn’t old enough to belong here. She didn’t even want the Coke anymore, but holding it gave her something to do with her hands. Something to focus on besides the way her cheeks burned every time she caught a glimpse of Alicent out of the corner of her eye, laughing and tipping her glass with that stupid, effortless grace.
Rhaenyra leaned against the bar, trying to appear casual, but the nerves twisting in her stomach betrayed her. She was halfway through her Coke, fidgeting with the straw when someone slid into the spot beside her.
“Hey,” the girl said smoothly, her voice low and warm.
Rhaenyra glanced over, startled. She was met with an easy smile and dark eyes framed by thick lashes. The girl leaned her elbow on the bar, her cropped sweater slipping slightly off one shoulder. Her presence felt like the crackle before a lightning storm.
“You’ve got that brooding thing down to a science,” the girl teased, and Rhaenyra blinked, unsure how to respond.
“I—I’m not brooding,” she said, straightening up a little.
“Sure you’re not,” the girl said, her smile widening as she reached for her drink. Her red wristband caught the light briefly, but her focus stayed on Rhaenyra. “I’m Jess.”
“Rhaenyra,” she replied, trying not to sound like her tongue was tripping over itself.
“Rhaenyra,” Jess repeated slowly, like she was trying the name on for size. “That’s a good name. Suits you.”
Rhaenyra’s face felt like it was on fire. She looked down at her Coke, hoping Jess wouldn’t notice.
Jess leaned closer, her shoulder brushing lightly against Rhaenyra’s arm. “You here for the band?”
“Yeah,” Rhaenyra said, forcing herself to meet Jess’s gaze. “Kind of.”
“Kind of?” Jess tilted her head, her dark curls falling over one eye. “What, dragged here by a friend or something?”
Rhaenyra shrugged. “Something like that.”
Jess laughed softly, the sound sending a shiver up Rhaenyra’s spine. “Figures. You don’t strike me as the bar-hopping type.”
“Is that a bad thing?” Rhaenyra asked, her voice coming out a little sharper than she intended.
“Not at all.” Jess’s smile turned playful. “It’s kind of refreshing, actually. Most people here are trying so hard to be seen. It’s attractive.”
Rhaenyra didn’t know how to respond. Her brain felt like it was short-circuiting.
///
Alicent sipped her rum and coke, her eyes on the band but her mind elsewhere. Dany nudged her side and gestured toward the glass. “Can I have a sip?”
“No,” Alicent said without even looking, swatting Dany’s hand away like it was second nature.
“Come on, just one—”
“Dany, I said no.” Alicent sighed, finally turning to her sister. “You’re underage, and I’m not about to get dragged into a lecture from Mom because you can’t handle a sip of rum.”
Dany groaned but didn’t push further, instead leaning back in her chair with exaggerated frustration. Alicent’s gaze wandered for a moment before she frowned and leaned forward, scanning the bar area. “Where’s Rhaenyra? She said she was just grabbing a drink.”
Dany smirked knowingly and pointed toward the far end of the bar. “She’s right there. Chatting up that girl.”
Alicent’s eyes narrowed as she followed Dany’s finger. Her stomach twisted when she spotted Rhaenyra. There she was, leaning awkwardly but clearly engaged in a conversation with a girl—a woman, really—who looked a little too confident, a little too forward. The way the woman leaned into Rhaenyra, her hand casually brushing Rhaenyra’s arm, sent a flare of something protective—and annoyed—through Alicent.
“She looks… old,” Alicent said, her voice tighter than she intended.
“So?” Dany replied, shrugging. “What’s the problem?”
Alicent shot her sister a sharp look. “The problem is that I’m responsible for you and Rhaenyra tonight. I can’t have her getting tangled up with someone who looks like they’re about to teach her how to sneak into the VIP section.”
Dany laughed. “Oh, come on, Alicent. Rhaenyra always has a stick up her butt. Let her have some fun for once. It’s not like she’s out there every weekend or something.”
Alicent crossed her arms, her frown deepening as she watched the interaction. “Fun doesn’t mean letting her wander off with… some local—” She hesitated, searching for a word that wouldn’t make her sound too judgmental. “Some girl who’s clearly been around.”
“God, you sound ancient,” Dany said, rolling her eyes. “Relax. Rhaenyra can handle herself.”
“You’re both 16. You are kids still. And she’s… not exactly experienced with this kind of thing,” Alicent said, her voice lowering as she took another sip of her drink. Her eyes flicked back to Rhaenyra at the bar, her posture stiff and awkward under the confident smile of the woman next to her. Alicent’s lips pursed slightly. “Right?”
Dany nearly choked on her soda, a laugh bursting out of her. “What do you mean, ‘Right?’” she asked, grinning as she gave Alicent a look. “Why are you so curious all of a sudden?”
“I’m not curious,” Alicent replied quickly, a little too quickly, her tone tight as she took another sip from her drink. “I’m just… concerned. She’s young, and this is—”
Dany cut her off with a snort, shaking her head. “Oh my god, you’re so curious. What, are you trying to figure out if she’s kissed anyone yet?”
Alicent frowned, her cheeks flushing slightly, though whether it was from the alcohol or embarrassment, she couldn’t say. “Dany, I’m just saying—”
“You’re just saying you’re dying to know if your favorite little alpha has a clue what she’s doing.” Dany grinned mischievously, leaning in closer. “Why don’t you just ask her yourself, Ali?”
Alicent rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the heat rising in her face. “I’m not ‘dying to know’ anything. I just—look, Rhaenyra isn’t exactly… the most confident person. What if that girl tries something, and she doesn’t know how to handle it?”
Dany laughed again, shaking her head. “You sound ridiculous. Rhaenyra’s fine. She’s not a complete idiot, and she’s not helpless either. Relax. Seriously.”
Alicent sighed, her gaze drifting back to the bar. Rhaenyra was laughing now, the kind of laugh that lit up her whole face, and something about it made Alicent’s chest tighten uncomfortably. She swallowed and took another sip of her drink, pretending not to notice the way Dany was smirking at her.
“Five minutes,” Alicent muttered, mostly to herself, as she set her glass down. “Then I’m going over there.”
“Oh my god, you’re unbelievable,” Dany said, throwing her head back dramatically. “You know that, right?”
“Better unbelievable than irresponsible,” Alicent shot back, her eyes still locked on Rhaenyra, even as Dany rolled her eyes beside her.
“You’re just saying you’re overreacting, as usual,” Dany interrupted, waving her off. “Rhaenyra’s fine. She’s not a kid anymore. You don’t have to babysit her.”
Alicent’s jaw tightened, but she couldn’t stop herself from glancing back toward the bar. Rhaenyra laughed at something the girl said, her shoulders relaxing in a way that Alicent hadn’t seen all night. The sight unsettled her, and not just because she felt responsible for Rhaenyra. There was something about the whole situation that made her chest tighten in a way she didn’t want to unpack.
Something about this didn’t sit right, and she wasn’t about to let Rhaenyra get swept away by someone who might take advantage of her. Not on her watch.
///
Alicent sipped the last of her drink, her eyes narrowing as the girl leaned closer to Rhaenyra. Her fingers were light on Rhaenyra’s arm, her laugh too practiced, and then, just as Alicent predicted, the girl kissed Rhaenyra’s cheek, lingering a little too long.
Before Alicent could stop herself, she was already on her feet, walking toward the bar with the sharp, purposeful steps of someone who had decided they’d had enough.
The girl was leaning in for what was clearly about to be a real kiss when Alicent’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “Rhaenyra, let’s go.”
Both Rhaenyra and the girl turned, startled. The girl blinked, clearly confused by Alicent’s sudden appearance. “Uh… is this your sister or something?” she asked, her smile faltering as she looked between them.
“No,” Rhaenyra said quickly, her voice tight, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“Yes,” Alicent said at the same time, her tone firm as her eyes pinned Rhaenyra in place. She reached out and grabbed Rhaenyra’s wrist lightly but insistently. “Come on, we’re watching the show.”
The girl blinked again, clearly unsure of what to make of the situation. “Wait, so… what’s going on?”
“Nothing,” Rhaenyra muttered, her voice barely audible as she slid off the barstool. She avoided Alicent’s gaze entirely, her ears burning red as she followed behind her toward the crowd.
“Uh, okay. Bye?” the girl called after them, her voice tinged with both confusion and annoyance.
Alicent didn’t even glance back, keeping her grip on Rhaenyra’s wrist as she guided her through the crowd. She stopped once they were far enough away from the bar and turned to face her, her expression hovering somewhere between annoyed and protective.
“What the hell was that?” Rhaenyra muttered, rubbing at her wrist where Alicent had been holding it. Her voice was defensive, but there was a note of embarrassment in it, too.
“You’re welcome,” Alicent said dryly, crossing her arms. “That girl wasn’t exactly subtle, you know.”
“And?” Rhaenyra shot back, her voice rising slightly. “What if I wanted her to be?”
Alicent hesitated, the question catching her off guard. She opened her mouth to respond but closed it again just as quickly, her jaw tightening. “You don’t know her,” she said finally, her voice quieter but no less firm.
Rhaenyra frowned, her gaze dropping to the floor. “I wasn’t going to do anything,” she muttered.
Alicent sighed, softening slightly as she looked at her. “I know,” she said. “I just… Let’s just go find Dany, okay?”
Rhaenyra didn’t argue, following Alicent back into the crowd without another word. But the sting of embarrassment lingered, heavy and hot in her chest as she tried not to dwell on the way her pulse had quickened when Alicent pulled her away.
///
The morning sunlight poured through the kitchen windows, bathing the space in a soft, golden glow. Rhaenyra sat at the counter, nursing a cup of coffee she’d insisted on making herself, though it was more cream and sugar than anything. The house was quiet, save for the faint sound of birds outside and the occasional creak of floorboards. Dany was still passed out in her room, snoring lightly.
Rhaenyra didn’t expect to see anyone else this early, least of all Alicent. But when she heard the faint shuffle of footsteps and turned her head, there she was.
Alicent padded into the kitchen, hair loose and a little messy, her face free of makeup, wearing soft cotton pajama shorts and a matching tank top. Her feet were bare, and she moved with the kind of sleepy grace that made her seem both effortless and real in a way Rhaenyra had never seen before.
She looked so different from the polished version of herself that Rhaenyra had grown accustomed to—jeans perfectly pressed, blouses tucked in just so, hair always neatly styled. This was Alicent unguarded, and it made Rhaenyra’s heart skip in a way she couldn’t control. She wanted to burn this image into her memory forever.
“Morning,” Alicent mumbled, her voice low and groggy. She opened a cabinet without looking, grabbing a mug and setting it on the counter.
“Morning,” Rhaenyra replied, her voice quieter than she intended. She stared into her coffee like it held answers, willing her cheeks to cool. It wasn’t fair how even like this—especially like this—Alicent could make her pulse race.
Alicent yawned, pulling the coffee pot toward her and pouring herself a cup. She added a splash of milk and stirred lazily before leaning against the counter and taking a sip. Her eyes flicked toward Rhaenyra, and she gave a small, almost shy smile. “You’re up early.”
“So are you,” Rhaenyra shot back, trying to keep her tone light even as her chest felt tight.
Alicent smirked slightly, lifting her mug. “Couldn’t sleep.” She took another sip and glanced at Rhaenyra again, her expression softening. “You okay?”
It took Rhaenyra a second to realize what she meant. Her stomach twisted—Alicent was probably still thinking about last night at the bar. The kiss that almost happened. The way she’d pulled Rhaenyra away like she was saving her from something she didn’t need saving from.
“I’m fine,” Rhaenyra said quickly, though the heat in her voice betrayed her irritation.
Alicent tilted her head, studying her. “You’re mad.”
“I’m not mad.”
“You sound mad.”
Rhaenyra huffed, setting her mug down a little too hard. “I’m not mad,” she insisted, though it was clear she was. “I just—I just don’t need you babysitting me, okay?”
Alicent raised an eyebrow, her expression calm but questioning. “I wasn’t babysitting you.”
“You dragged me away like I was about to do something stupid,” Rhaenyra shot back. Her voice wavered slightly, and she hated how small it made her feel. “It wasn’t stupid.”
Alicent sighed, setting her mug down. She looked at Rhaenyra carefully, like she was trying to find the right words. “I wasn’t trying to make you feel that way. I just…” She hesitated, running a hand through her hair. “I didn’t know what else to do. You’re important to me, Rhaenyra. I didn’t want you to regret it.”
Rhaenyra’s stomach twisted again, but this time it wasn’t just anger or embarrassment. It was something warmer, something that made her chest ache. She wanted to tell Alicent that it wouldn’t have been a regret, that she knew exactly what she was doing. But instead, she just looked down at her hands, fiddling with the edge of her mug.
“It wasn’t going to be a big deal,” she muttered, almost to herself. “It was just a kiss.”
Alicent’s expression softened, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. She opened her mouth to say something, then closed it again, shaking her head slightly. “Maybe,” she said quietly, picking up her mug again. “But you deserve your first kiss to be with someone you care about and cares about you.”
Rhaenyra blinked, her fingers tightening around the edge of her mug. Alicent’s words hit her square in the chest, her tone so calm, so self-assured, like she knew everything there was to know about her.
“How do you know I haven’t kissed anyone?” Rhaenyra asked, her voice sharper than she intended. She straightened in her seat, suddenly defensive, but the flush in her cheeks gave her away.
Alicent turned to look at her, holding her mug with both hands. A small, knowing smile tugged at the corner of her lips, and then she laughed softly, the sound warm and teasing in that older-sister way that always made Rhaenyra’s stomach twist. “Come on,” Alicent said, shaking her head like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “I know you.”
Rhaenyra’s stomach flipped. She wanted to argue, to say something sharp and quick that would wipe that smug look off Alicent’s face, but her tongue felt heavy, stuck somewhere between wanting to deny it and wanting to admit it.
“You don’t know everything,” Rhaenyra muttered, turning her gaze back to her mug, avoiding Alicent’s sharp, amused eyes.
Alicent stepped closer, leaning casually against the counter across from her, her mug cradled in her hands. “Maybe not,” she conceded, her voice softening slightly. “But I know you’re not the type to do something just for the sake of it. You’d want it to mean something.”
Rhaenyra’s fingers tightened around her mug, her heart thudding loudly in her chest. “What if I don’t?” she shot back, her voice quieter now, almost challenging.
Alicent tilted her head, studying her for a long moment, her expression unreadable. And then, to Rhaenyra’s surprise, she smiled again—gentle this time, not teasing. “Then I guess I don’t know you as well as I thought.”
Rhaenyra didn’t respond. She couldn’t. The weight of Alicent’s gaze, the softness in her voice, the way she seemed to see through her—it was all too much. She looked down at her coffee, her cheeks burning, and wished she could will herself to say something clever, something that would make her feel like she wasn’t just a kid sitting in the shadow of someone she admired too much.
But Alicent didn’t press her. She just pushed off the counter, took another sip of her coffee, and walked toward the window, her back to Rhaenyra as the sunlight spilled over her bare shoulders.
“You’ll figure it out, Rhaenyra,” Alicent said, her tone so certain it almost made Rhaenyra believe it. “When it happens, you’ll know it was worth waiting for.”
///
When it was time to leave, Rhaenyra lingered by the front door, her bag slung over one shoulder as Dany pulled Alicent into a tight hug.
“Don’t work too hard, Ali,” Dany teased as she squeezed her sister. “Seriously, it’s like all you do.”
“Someone has to,” Alicent replied with a soft laugh, releasing Dany before turning her attention to Rhaenyra.
Rhaenyra froze under Alicent’s gaze, her heart thudding loud enough that she was sure someone could hear it. Alicent smiled at her, stepping forward, her arms opening in an invitation.
“Come here, Rhaenyra,” Alicent said warmly, her tone light and familiar.
Rhaenyra’s breath hitched as she stepped into the hug, her arms wrapping around Alicent awkwardly, like she didn’t quite know where to place them. Alicent smelled like her usual vanilla and bergamot, a soft, comforting scent that Rhaenyra knew she’d miss the moment she walked out the door. The hug wasn’t too long, wasn’t too short—it was just enough to make her chest ache with how badly she wanted to stay.
“I’ll miss you,” Alicent said quietly, pulling back slightly to look at her.
Rhaenyra swallowed hard, her lips parting to respond, but her voice caught in her throat. She managed a nod, her hands slipping away reluctantly as Alicent stepped back completely.
“Be good, okay?” Alicent said, her voice teasing but gentle as she looked between the two of them.
Dany rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. We’ll text you when we’re home.”
Rhaenyra followed Dany out to the car, her legs feeling heavy with every step. As she slid into the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt, she cast one last glance at Alicent, who stood in the doorway, her arms crossed as she smiled at them.
The car started, and as they pulled away, Rhaenyra couldn’t help but sigh, the sound escaping before she could stop it. Dany glanced at her, a smirk tugging at her lips.
“What’s that for?” Dany asked, raising an eyebrow.
Rhaenyra shook her head quickly, trying to mask the feeling in her chest. “Nothing. Just… I’ll miss her, that’s all.”
Dany snorted. “Yeah, well, she’s already texting me about cleaning my room while she’s not there, so I won’t.”
Rhaenyra forced a laugh, turning to look out the window as the house disappeared from view. She couldn’t help the ache that settled deep in her chest, a dull reminder of how much she loved Alicent and how far away she already felt.