Chapter 4
Rhaenyra - 17 Years Old & Alicent - 27 Years Old
The music thrummed through the house, bass shaking the floorboards as voices mingled with laughter and the occasional clink of bottles. Rhaenyra leaned against the kitchen counter, a red solo cup in hand, her gaze distant as she watched Dany and her new boyfriend, Jon, at the other end of the room. Dany was draped over him, giggling at something he said like it was the funniest thing in the world.
Rhaenyra sighed, taking a half-hearted sip of her soda. Parties weren’t really her thing, and Dany being glued to Jon all night wasn’t helping. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Dany, finally taking a break from Jon, grinning at her.
“You look miserable,” Dany teased, grabbing her own drink from the counter. “Why don’t you go talk to someone? That omega—what’s her name? Talia—she’s been eyeing you all night.”
Rhaenyra groaned, running a hand through her hair. “Yeah, I noticed.”
Dany raised an eyebrow. “So? She’s cute.”
“She’s… fine,” Rhaenyra said, her tone flat. She shifted uncomfortably under Dany’s scrutiny, her fingers tightening around her cup. “But you know I’ve only ever liked one person.”
Dany paused mid-sip, narrowing her eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Rhaenyra gave her a look, a loaded, quiet glance that said everything without saying it at all. Dany blinked, then groaned, dramatically throwing her head back.
“God, not this again,” Dany said, exasperated. “Rhaenyra, my sister doesn’t count.”
“Why not?” Rhaenyra shot back, straightening up defensively.
Dany laughed, shaking her head like it was the most ridiculous question she’d ever heard. “Because she’s so out of your league, for one.”
“Ouch,” Rhaenyra muttered, pretending to wince, though her tone carried a hint of real irritation.
“You know what I mean,” Dany said, rolling her eyes. “She’s a real adult, Rhae. She has her life together. A career, an apartment in LA, an actual five-year plan. What are you going to do? Roll up in your truck and impress her with… what, your snowboarding skills?”
Rhaenyra’s jaw tightened, and she looked away, her gaze fixed on the crowd. “I’m not some clueless kid, Dany.”
“I didn’t say you were,” Dany said, softening slightly. She nudged Rhaenyra’s arm with her elbow. “But Ali’s… complicated. You know that.”
“So?” Rhaenyra muttered, still not meeting her gaze. “I don’t care about complicated.”
Dany sighed, shaking her head again, but there was something almost fond in her expression. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
“Yeah,” Rhaenyra said, her lips twitching into a faint, self-deprecating smile. “I’ve been told.”
Dany rolled her eyes and tossed back the rest of her drink. “Come on. Let’s get out of the kitchen before Jon sends out a search party for me.” She paused, glancing back at Rhaenyra. “And hey, try to enjoy yourself for once, okay? Even if it’s not with Ali.”
Rhaenyra didn’t answer, just followed her back into the fray, her thoughts far away despite the pulsing music and crowded room.
///
The ski house was just as Rhaenyra remembered it, the smell of pine and the crackle of the fireplace welcoming them inside. Snow blanketed the slopes outside, and the air was crisp, but the warmth inside was almost suffocating. It had been months since she’d seen Alicent—eight, to be exact—but the moment she stepped inside, she spotted her.
Alicent was in the kitchen, wearing a sweater that looked impossibly soft, her hair tied back in a way that made her seem both casual and impossibly put-together. She turned as the door slammed behind Dany and Jon, her sharp eyes landing on the pair. Her brow furrowed almost immediately.
“Jon,” Alicent said, her tone polite but clipped as she glanced at Dany’s boyfriend. “I see you made it.”
Jon smiled nervously. “Yeah, thanks for having me.”
Rhaenyra had to fight back a grin. Alicent had always had a way of making people feel like they were being politely interrogated. She wasn’t mean, exactly—just… intense.
“Come on, Jon,” Dany said, grabbing his hand and dragging him toward the living room. “Let me show you the view.”
Alicent’s eyes tracked them the entire way, her lips pressed into a thin line. The second they were out of earshot, she turned to Rhaenyra, crossing her arms.
“Tell me the truth,” she said, her voice low, conspiratorial. “Are they… doing it?”
Rhaenyra nearly choked on the water bottle she’d just opened. “What?” she managed, coughing.
Alicent’s eyes narrowed. “You heard me. Are they having sex?”
“Why are you asking me?” Rhaenyra hissed, glancing nervously toward the living room.
“Because you’re her best friend,” Alicent said, her tone matter-of-fact, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “You would know.”
“That doesn’t mean she tells me everything!” Rhaenyra said, her face heating up. “And, I mean… it’s not like I ask!”
Alicent sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “She’s too young for this,” she muttered.
Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow. “She’s 17. You were—what?—16 when you started dating Missandei?”
Alicent glared at her. “That’s different.”
“How?”
“Because I was mature for my age,” Alicent said, straightening up like that settled the matter.
Rhaenyra snorted. “Right. And Dany’s not?”
Alicent frowned, clearly annoyed. She opened her mouth to argue, but the sound of Dany’s laughter from the living room cut her off. She glanced toward the sound, her frown deepening.
“It’s not about maturity,” Alicent said finally, quieter this time. “I just don’t want her to get hurt.”
Rhaenyra softened at that. For all her overprotective tendencies, Alicent really did care. “I get it,” she said. “But… I think she’s okay. Jon’s not exactly a bad guy.”
Alicent gave her a skeptical look. “You sure about that?”
Rhaenyra shrugged. “As sure as I can be. But you’re her sister. If you’re that worried, talk to her about it.”
Alicent sighed again, running a hand through her hair. “Maybe I will.” She glanced at Rhaenyra, her expression softening just a bit. “Thanks.”
Rhaenyra shrugged again, trying not to let the warmth in her chest show. “No problem.”
///
Alicent’s gaze finally shifted to Rhaenyra, who had been quietly standing by the counter, feeling entirely overlooked. Her sharp eyes swept over her in a way that made Rhaenyra tense instinctively, her heart hammering against her ribs. Alicent tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable, before her lips curved into a faint, almost reluctant smile.
“You look good, Rhaenyra,” Alicent said, her voice softer than it had been when she’d been grilling her about Dany and Jon. Her words were casual, but there was something about the way her eyes lingered—assessing, curious—that made Rhaenyra’s throat tighten.
“Thanks,” Rhaenyra mumbled, ducking her head and tugging at the hem of her sweatshirt. She felt exposed under Alicent’s gaze, like Alicent was seeing something she wasn’t sure she was ready for her to see.
But Alicent didn’t stop there. She took a step closer, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she were piecing something together. The faint scent in the air shifted, subtle but undeniable, and Alicent’s brows furrowed.
“Wait…” Alicent’s tone was slow, almost tentative, and she tilted her head, a frown tugging at her lips. “Did you…?” Her words trailed off as her eyes widened slightly in realization. “You had your first rut, didn’t you?”
Rhaenyra froze, her entire body going stiff. Heat crawled up her neck and spread across her cheeks, her eyes darting to the side in a vain attempt to avoid Alicent’s piercing stare. “What—what are you talking about?” she stammered, her voice cracking slightly.
Alicent’s frown deepened, but there was no judgment there—just curiosity. “I can tell,” she said simply, her voice lower now, like she didn’t want anyone else to overhear. “You’re… different. The scent—” She paused, shaking her head slightly, as if she didn’t want to say too much. “It’s not bad, just… noticeable.”
Rhaenyra swallowed hard, her hands gripping the edge of the counter like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. “I—yeah,” she admitted finally, her voice barely above a whisper. “A few months ago.”
Alicent nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. There was a strange tension between them now, something unfamiliar and electric that made Rhaenyra’s pulse race. Alicent’s gaze lingered for a beat too long before she cleared her throat and stepped back, breaking the moment.
“Well,” Alicent said, her tone brisk again, almost like she was trying to shake off whatever had just happened. “I guess that explains a lot.”
Rhaenyra frowned, confused and a little defensive. “Explains what?”
Alicent hesitated, then shook her head with a faint, almost self-deprecating laugh. “Nothing. Forget I said anything.”
But Rhaenyra couldn’t forget the way Alicent had looked at her in that moment—like she wasn’t just Dany’s annoying best friend, like she was something else entirely. For the first time, it felt like Alicent was really seeing her. And for Rhaenyra, that was enough to leave her reeling.
///
Dany drags Jon and Rhaenyra to a party with her ski friends. Alicent obviously didn’t go given the age ga so Rhaenyra stood by the makeshift bar in the corner of the crowded house, carefully pouring soda into her drink to cut the bite of the cheap whiskey she’d swiped from the counter. The music was loud, reverberating through the floor, and the air smelled like sweat, spilled beer, and too many bodies packed into one place. She glanced over at the far side of the room where Dany and Jon were tangled up on the couch, kissing like they were the only two people in the world.
Rolling her eyes, Rhaenyra took a sip of her drink, savoring the burn as it went down. She wasn’t jealous of Dany—not of Jon, anyway—but watching them made something itch under her skin. Something restless.
“Not much of a partier, are you?” a voice cut through the noise, smooth and lilting with an accent she couldn’t place.
Rhaenyra turned to see a girl standing beside her, leaning casually against the edge of the bar. Her hair was brown, falling sleekly over her shoulders, and her dark eyes sparkled with amusement as she regarded Rhaenyra. She was effortlessly put together—red lips, sharp eyeliner, and an oversized leather jacket that hung off one shoulder like she owned the place.
“Guess not,” Rhaenyra replied, shrugging as she took another sip of her drink. “I’m more of a—” she searched for the right word, “watcher.”
The girl laughed softly, the sound low and teasing. “Watcher, huh? That’s kind of creepy.”
Rhaenyra smirked despite herself. “Only if you make it creepy.”
The girl tilted her head, studying her for a moment before holding out her hand. “Mysaria.”
“Rhaenyra.” She shook her hand, her grip firm but not overly eager.
“So, Rhaenyra,” Mysaria said, leaning a little closer, her voice cutting through the music like it was meant for her ears only. “What brings you here? Don’t tell me you’re one of those girls who gets dragged to a party by her friends and then stands in the corner all night.”
Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow. “And if I am?”
Mysaria smiled, sharp and knowing. “Then I’d say you’re wasting a perfectly good opportunity to have some fun.”
Rhaenyra glanced around the room, her eyes briefly landing on Dany and Jon again. She could feel Mysaria watching her, waiting for her response, and she found herself shrugging. “Maybe I’m just not that kind of person.”
“Maybe you just haven’t been around the right people,” Mysaria countered easily, and Rhaenyra couldn’t help but notice the way her gaze lingered on her, bold and unapologetic.
There was a pause, the music filling the space between them, before Mysaria broke the silence. “Want to go outside and smoke?”
Rhaenyra blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in the conversation. “I don’t smoke,” she said automatically.
Mysaria shrugged, a sly smile tugging at her lips. “You don’t have to. Just thought you might want to get some air. Away from all this.” She gestured vaguely to the crowd, where someone had just knocked over a beer bottle, drawing a loud cheer.
Rhaenyra hesitated, her fingers tightening around her cup. Mysaria’s offer felt casual, but there was an edge to it, something inviting and a little dangerous. She glanced back at Dany and Jon, still wrapped up in their own little world, and made her decision.
“Yeah,” she said, setting her drink down. “Why not?”
Mysaria’s smile widened as she straightened up, leading the way toward the back door. Rhaenyra followed, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease just a little as the cool night air hit her skin. It wasn’t until they were outside, the noise of the party muted behind them, that she realized she hadn’t felt this… calm in a while. Or maybe it wasn’t calm at all. Maybe it was something else entirely.
///
The cold air bit at Rhaenyra’s cheeks, but she barely noticed. Mysaria’s hands were gripping the front of her jacket, pulling her in close, their mouths moving together with an urgency that made Rhaenyra’s head spin. The rough brick of the house pressed against her back as Mysaria leaned into her, the faint smell of Mysaria’s perfume—a mix of spice and something floral—filling her senses.
Mysaria’s lips moved down her jawline, teeth scraping lightly against her skin, and Rhaenyra’s breath hitched. Her hands found Mysaria’s waist, her fingers tightening instinctively as if trying to anchor herself in the moment. It was overwhelming and thrilling all at once, the mix of cold air and heat where their bodies pressed together making her feel dizzy.
“I knew you weren’t as shy as you looked,” Mysaria murmured against her neck, her voice teasing and breathy.
Rhaenyra opened her mouth to respond, though she wasn’t sure what she would’ve said. But before the words could come, the sound of the door creaking open made them both freeze.
“Rhaenyra?” Dany’s voice cut through the night, casual but loud enough to startle them apart.
Rhaenyra turned her head quickly, her face flushed, to see Dany standing in the doorway with a can of soda in hand. Her sister’s best friend tilted her head as her eyes landed on the scene in front of her—Mysaria still close to Rhaenyra, her hands lingering a little too long on her jacket, and Rhaenyra’s wide-eyed, guilty expression.
Dany’s eyebrows shot up as a surprised laugh escaped her. “Oh, shit. Sorry!” She held up her free hand as if to shield her eyes, even though she clearly wasn’t looking away. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your… thing.”
Rhaenyra felt her stomach twist in mortification, her hands quickly dropping to her sides. “Dany!” she hissed, the embarrassment clear in her tone.
Mysaria, on the other hand, seemed entirely unfazed. She stepped back just enough to give Rhaenyra space but didn’t look away from Dany. “No worries,” she said smoothly, a smirk playing at her lips. “We were just getting some air.”
“Right,” Dany said, clearly amused as her eyes flicked back to Rhaenyra, who was practically vibrating with discomfort. “Getting some air. Sure.”
“Dany,” Rhaenyra muttered again, glaring at her, but the effect was ruined by the redness spreading across her face.
Dany chuckled, taking a step back into the house. "I'll leave you to it," she said, still grinning. "But, uh, maybe not too much fun, okay?" She winked dramatically before slipping back inside, the door swinging shut behind her.
Rhaenyra groaned, covering her face with one hand as Mysaria let out a soft laugh. "Is she always like that?" Mysaria asked, clearly entertained.
"Worse," Rhaenyra muttered, but the corner of her mouth twitched despite herself.
"Well, then," Mysaria said, stepping closer again and trailing her fingers along Rhaenyra's collar. "Where were we?”
///
The morning sunlight streamed into the kitchen, far too bright for the heavy-headed trio slouched at the table. Dany nursed a cup of coffee with her face buried in her hands, Jon was staring blankly at his toast like it held the answers to life, and Rhaenyra sat quietly, her fingers drumming against her mug of water, clearly trying to seem less affected than she was.
Alicent breezed in, looking effortlessly put together despite the early hour. She glanced around at them with a raised brow, her sharp eyes taking in their guilty postures. “Where are Mom and Dad?” Dany mumbled, barely lifting her head.
“Brunch with the Johnsons,” Alicent replied, setting her own mug on the counter before turning back to them. “They’ll be gone until the afternoon. Lucky for you idiots, you have some time to recover.”
Dany groaned. “God, I hate the Johnsons.”
Alicent gave her a knowing look before letting her gaze sweep over the table again. “You’re all hungover, aren’t you?” Her tone was laced with that older-sibling blend of judgment and amusement.
Rhaenyra winced, lowering her mug. Dany stifled a laugh, looking sideways at her. “Even you, Rhaenyra?” Alicent asked, her voice tilting into something almost playful as she raised an eyebrow.
Dany immediately burst out laughing. “Oh, even Rhaenyra,” she repeated, clearly having way too much fun at Rhaenyra’s expense.
Alicent’s eyes narrowed slightly as she shifted her focus entirely to Rhaenyra, who was now glaring daggers at Dany. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Alicent asked, her tone sharp with curiosity. “What am I missing?”
“Nothing,” Rhaenyra said quickly, sitting up straighter and forcing what she hoped was a nonchalant shrug. “Dany’s just being an ass.”
Dany leaned back in her chair with a wicked grin. “Rhaenyra hooked up with some rich girl last night.”
Rhaenyra’s eyes went wide, her mouth opening to protest, but no words came out. Alicent, on the other hand, froze, her brows furrowing as her lips parted slightly.
“What?” Alicent said, her voice carefully neutral but her eyes darting between the two of them. “What rich girl?”
“Dany!” Rhaenyra hissed, her voice low and sharp. “Seriously, stop.”
Dany ignored her, grinning as she leaned forward on her elbows. “I mean, it wasn’t a big deal, right, Rhae? Just some harmless fun outside the party. Against the house. In the cold.”
“Dany!” Rhaenyra’s face was burning now as she shot her a murderous look. “Shut up.”
Alicent blinked, clearly processing the information as her jaw tightened. “Are you serious?” she asked, directing the question at Rhaenyra, who looked like she wanted to melt into the floor.
“It’s not—” Rhaenyra started, but Alicent cut her off.
“Was this… like, just a random thing?” Alicent asked, her tone still unreadable but her gaze fixed entirely on Rhaenyra. “Or is it someone you know?”
Rhaenyra’s jaw clenched as she glanced at Dany, who was now trying and failing to contain her laughter. “It’s not a big deal,” Rhaenyra said finally, her voice quiet but firm. “Dany is just blowing it out of proportion.”
Alicent tilted her head slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line as she studied her. “Right,” she said after a long pause, her tone heavy with disbelief. “No big deal.” She reached for her coffee mug and turned away to go start the day of her work.
///
Alicent walked into the living room, already nursing a lingering headache from the chaos of the morning. The sight of Dany and Jon tangled up on the couch was the final straw. Jon’s hand was under Dany’s shirt, and they didn’t even notice her standing there until she cleared her throat sharply.
“Seriously?” Alicent’s voice came out loud and clipped, startling them both. Dany jumped, smacking Jon’s arm as if it were somehow his fault.
“Ali—” Dany started, but Alicent was already throwing up her hands.
“Do it somewhere else, Dany! Jesus, this is the living room! Have some respect, would you? Mom and Dad could walk in any second—hell, I just did!”
Dany groaned and shoved Jon’s hand off her. “God, Ali, it’s not that serious. We weren’t naked or anything.”
Alicent shot her an incredulous look, pacing across the room. “Oh, well, that makes it so much better! Not naked. Just half-naked and shamelessly making out where anyone could see you. Great. Excellent decision-making.”
Jon shifted awkwardly, muttering something about stepping outside, but Alicent ignored him entirely. She turned to Dany, pointing toward the hallway. “I don’t care if you’re dating. Just—ugh, go to your room or something! I don’t need to see this, and I’m sure as hell not cleaning up after whatever mess you two make.”
Dany rolled her eyes and muttered, “You’re so dramatic,” but she grabbed Jon’s arm and pulled him toward the stairs. Alicent exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples.
It was at that moment Rhaenyra stepped out of her room, clearly drawn by the noise. She paused in the doorway, her gaze darting between Alicent and the retreating couple. “What’s going on?” she asked, voice cautious.
Alicent whipped her head toward Rhaenyra, her eyes narrowing. “Oh, don’t even get me started with you,” she said, her tone sharp but quieter than before.
Rhaenyra blinked, clearly caught off guard. “What did I do?” she asked, already on the defensive.
Alicent sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. For a moment, neither of them said anything, the tension hanging thick between them. Finally, Alicent sighed, shaking her head. “I need coffee,” she muttered, turning toward the kitchen. “And maybe a moment of peace before you all drive me insane.”
Rhaenyra watched her go, her jaw tight and her heart pounding for reasons she didn’t fully understand.
///
The slopes were packed, the sun glinting off the pristine snow as skiers and snowboarders zipped by. Rhaenyra, Dany, and Jon had spent the better part of the morning tearing through the trails, but now they were catching their breath by the lodge, sipping hot chocolate from flimsy paper cups.
“I still can’t believe you managed that last jump,” Jon said, shaking his head at Rhaenyra. “Thought you were going to wipe out for sure.”
Rhaenyra shrugged, smirking. “What can I say? I’m good under pressure.”
“You’re lucky is what you are,” Dany teased, nudging her with her elbow.
Their laughter was interrupted by a voice calling out. “Rhaenyra?”
Rhaenyra turned, her stomach twisting at the sight of Mysaria walking toward them with her group of friends. She was effortlessly cool, with her sleek ponytail and mirrored goggles perched on top of her head. Her friends looked just as polished, the kind of crowd that seemed more at home in glossy magazines than on a mountain.
“Hey,” Rhaenyra said, trying to keep her voice casual.
Mysaria smiled, tilting her head. “Didn’t expect to see you here. You skiing?”
“Obviously,” Rhaenyra replied, holding up her snowboard like it wasn’t the most obvious thing in the world.
Mysaria chuckled, her gaze lingering a little too long. “We’re heading back to my family’s place later—hot tub, drinks, the whole deal. You should come by.”
Rhaenyra hesitated, feeling Dany’s eyes burning into her. She could already hear the teasing that would follow if she said yes. “Uh, I don’t know. We’ve got plans—”
“She’ll come,” Dany interjected, grinning at Mysaria. “Rhaenyra loves hot tubs, don’t you, Rhae?”
Rhaenyra shot her a sharp look, but Dany just raised an eyebrow in return. Mysaria seemed pleased, already pulling out her phone to exchange details. After a moment of fumbling, Rhaenyra gave in and saved Mysaria’s number, feeling both flattered and a little cornered.
Once Mysaria and her group left, Dany turned to her with a smirk. “What’s the problem? She’s clearly into you.”
“I didn’t say there’s a problem,” Rhaenyra muttered, adjusting the strap on her snowboard.
“You didn’t have to,” Dany said, rolling her eyes. “Look, Rhaenyra, my sister is not into you, okay? She never has been, and she never will be. So stop turning down perfectly good options for some fairytale you’ve made up in your head.”
Rhaenyra flinched, the words hitting a little too close to home. “That’s not what I’m doing.”
“Isn’t it?” Dany pressed. “You’re not going to be seventeen forever, Rhae. At some point, you’re going to have to start living your life instead of waiting around for something that’s never going to happen.”
Rhaenyra clenched her jaw, looking away. “You don’t get it.”
“Oh, I get it,” Dany said, her tone softening slightly. “But I’m just trying to help. Go. Have fun. Kiss someone who actually likes you back.”
Rhaenyra sighed, shoulders slumping in defeat. “Fine. I’ll go.”
“Good,” Dany said, slinging an arm around her. “Now, let’s hit the slopes again before Jon starts whining about how we’re wasting daylight.”
Rhaenyra forced a smile, but the weight of Dany’s words lingered as they headed back toward the lift.
///
The steam from the hot tub curled lazily into the cold night air, and Alicent leaned her head back against the edge, eyes closed, trying to relax for the first time all day. The water lapped gently at her collarbones, and the faint sound of the lodge’s outdoor fire pit crackled in the background.
She heard the crunch of boots on snow, followed by Dany’s loud, cheerful voice. “You should’ve seen Jon, Ali—he ate it so hard on the bunny slope. Funniest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Alicent cracked one eye open and smirked. “You lost him on the bunny slope? What, did you lose Rhaenyra in the ski trees, too?”
Dany groaned, setting her gloves on the edge of the hot tub. “God, you’re so cheesy, Ali.”
Alicent rolled her eyes and closed them again, letting the warmth of the water soothe her muscles. “No, really. Where is she? I didn’t hear her come in.”
Dany hesitated for a second before shrugging. “She went to that omega’s house.”
Alicent’s eyes snapped open, and she sat up straighter, water sloshing against the edge. “What?”
“She went to Mysaria’s place,” Dany said casually, waving her hand like it wasn’t a big deal. “I had to basically force her to go, though. She’s so annoying about it. Like, seriously, just live a little, right?”
Alicent’s brow furrowed, her lips pressing into a tight line. “Dany,” she said, her voice laced with disapproval. “She might not be ready for all of that. She’s not you.”
Dany blinked, caught off guard by the sharpness in Alicent’s tone. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means you can’t just push her into something she’s not ready for,” Alicent said, leaning back again but not relaxing this time. “Rhaenyra’s not like you. She’s… different. More reserved. And if she’s not comfortable, you shouldn’t pressure her.”
Dany crossed her arms, clearly annoyed. “I wasn’t pressuring her. I was just… encouraging her. She’s the one who agreed to go.”
“Encouraging or not,” Alicent said, her voice softening slightly, “you should’ve let her decide for herself without you pushing. You don’t know how she’s feeling about it.”
Dany rolled her eyes. “She’s fine, Ali. She’s not some delicate little flower, you know.”
Alicent didn’t respond right away, her mind racing. The idea of Rhaenyra at some stranger’s house, trying to navigate a situation she might not be ready for, left an uneasy feeling in her chest. It wasn’t like Rhaenyra to jump into things like this, and it wasn’t like Alicent to worry so much. But here she was, staring at the bubbles in the hot tub, unable to shake the knot in her stomach.
///
The warm bubbles of the hot tub swirled around Rhaenyra’s body as she tried to focus on anything other than the way Mysaria’s lips felt against hers. They were soft, confident, and lingering just enough to make Rhaenyra’s pulse race in her ears. She’d never been in a situation like this before, and the sheer newness of it all was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
Mysaria pulled back slightly, her fingers tracing a teasing path along the edge of Rhaenyra’s jaw. “You’re a really good kisser, you know,” she murmured, her accent lilting and smooth. “Do you want to take this upstairs?” she asked, her voice low and inviting
Rhaenyra felt her cheeks burn despite the steam rising around them. She gave a sheepish laugh, trying to play it cool but failing miserably. “Uh… thanks. I—I’ve never really… you know. Done this before.”
Mysaria tilted her head, her sharp, playful smile softening into something more curious. “Never? You mean…”
Rhaenyra’s gaze darted to the rippling water, her hands nervously gripping the edge of the tub. “I mean, you were my first kiss. Like… ever.”
There was a beat of silence, and Rhaenyra dared to glance up, half-expecting Mysaria to laugh or make some teasing comment. Instead, Mysaria’s expression softened even further, and she gave Rhaenyra a quick, reassuring kiss on the corner of her mouth. “That’s not lame at all,” she said warmly. “Honestly, it’s kind of sweet.”
Rhaenyra swallowed, her nervousness easing slightly under Mysaria’s kindness. “You think so?”
“I do.” Mysaria smiled, brushing wet strands of hair away from Rhaenyra’s forehead. Mysaria leaned back, her eyes searching Rhaenyra’s face before she nodded. “We can just stay here and keep making out, if that’s more comfortable for you.”
Rhaenyra’s shoulders relaxed, and she let out a quiet laugh. “Yeah… I think I’d like that.”
“Good.” Mysaria grinned, her fingers brushing lightly against Rhaenyra’s neck before she pulled her in for another kiss. “I like kissing you, anyway.”
///
Alicent leaned against the kitchen counter, her hands wrapped around a warm mug of tea, the faint hum of the dishwasher filling the silence. The house was quiet, except for the faint laughter and conversation drifting in from the living room. It was late, and though she tried to focus on unwinding, her attention kept flicking toward the voices.
Dany’s voice carried easily, her tone laced with excitement. “Okay, come on. Tell me everything. What happened? Don’t hold out on me!”
Alicent raised an eyebrow, her grip tightening on her mug. She wasn’t intentionally eavesdropping—though that didn’t mean she was about to walk away either. The name “Mysaria” had floated around a little too often over the past day, and something about it had been gnawing at her.
“Nothing happened,” came Rhaenyra’s voice, quieter but tinged with a soft laugh. Alicent could almost hear the way she was probably smiling, trying to downplay whatever Dany was pushing for.
“Bullshit,” Dany retorted, her voice dripping with playful disbelief. “You’ve got that dumb look on your face. So? What happened? You hooked up, right?”
Alicent froze, her mug hovering just below her lips. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her heartbeat skipping in some faint, inexplicable rhythm. Rhaenyra kissed her? She frowned, not in disapproval exactly—just… confusion. Curiosity. Rhaenyra had always seemed so composed, so careful about how she moved through the world. The idea of her getting swept up with someone, especially someone like Mysaria, made Alicent feel… unsettled.
“Yeah,” Rhaenyra finally admitted, her voice a little quieter. “We kissed.”
There was an unmistakable pause on Alicent’s part. She blinked, staring down into her tea as if it held the answers to whatever strange emotion was brewing in her chest. Not jealousy. Definitely not that. Just… unease. Concern. Mysaria wasn’t the type to tread carefully—Alicent knew that much from years of dealing with people just like her.
“Was it good?” Dany pressed, her voice brimming with a teasing glee that only made Alicent’s brows furrow deeper. “Like, scale of one to ten?”
“Dany, I’m not doing this,” Rhaenyra groaned, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
“Come on!” Dany whined, dragging out the words with exaggerated disbelief. “You have to tell me. Are you gonna see her again? Did she try and do more?”
Rhaenyra hesitated, the pause loud enough to make Dany sit up straighter. “Okay, I mean… yes, she tried,” Rhaenyra admitted, the words coming out stiff and awkward. “But I said no.”
Dany’s gasp was immediate, overly dramatic as she leaned closer. “Oh my god, did she try to blow—”
“Dany!” Rhaenyra hissed, her cheeks blazing red as she cut her off, shooting her an incredulous glare.
Dany burst out laughing, falling back onto the couch. “What? I’m just asking! You’re so tense about it, I had to!”
Rhaenyra shook her head, dragging her hands down her face in mortification. “You’re the worst. Truly, the worst.”
From the kitchen, Alicent gripped her mug tightly, her lips pressing into a thin line. The idea of that girl—Mysaria—trying anything more with Rhaenyra made her stomach twist. Her mouth moved before her brain could stop it, a muttered, “Slut,” slipping out under her breath.
She didn’t mean Rhaenyra. Never Rhaenyra. But Mysaria? Absolutely. Alicent couldn’t stop herself from imagining the scenario, her irritation bubbling over. She took a long sip of tea, trying to shake the image from her head, but her chest tightened at the thought of Rhaenyra being pushed into anything she wasn’t ready for.
Dany laughed from the living room, blissfully unaware of Alicent’s grumbling. “You’re so lame, Rhae. You finally make out with someone, and you’re still acting all chaste about it!”
“Yeah whatever,” Rhaenyra mumbled. “I’m just waiting for the right person.”
Alicent’s lips twitched into a faint smirk, her annoyance easing for just a moment. Good, she thought. At least Rhaenyra had the sense to hold her ground. Still, she couldn’t shake the protective irritation simmering in her chest.
Turning back to her tea, Alicent let the warmth settle her nerves, but her mind lingered on Rhaenyra longer than she cared to admit.
///
The fluorescent lights of the indoor tennis court buzzed faintly, the polished wooden floor reflecting their movements as they warmed up. Alicent adjusted the grip on her racket, rolling her shoulders as she eyed the opposing team: Dany and Jon, who were already bickering about strategy like they were playing in the finals of some grand tournament.
“Dany, you don’t have to micromanage me,” Jon grumbled, tossing the tennis ball in the air to test his serve.
“I’m not micromanaging. I’m coaching,” Dany replied with a smirk, spinning her racket theatrically. “I just want to make sure we crush you guys.”
Alicent snorted, exchanging a quick glance with Rhaenyra, who stood beside her on their side of the court. “They’re not even on the same page,” Alicent said, amused.
“That’s good for us,” Rhaenyra replied, giving her racket a practice swing. She wasn’t dressed like the others; her athletic shorts and t-shirt had clearly seen better days compared to Alicent’s sleek tennis skirt and fitted tank top. But the casual look suited her, and Alicent found herself appreciating the way Rhaenyra carried herself—more confident now, but still quietly thoughtful.
“You’ve played before, right?” Alicent asked, adjusting her visor as she moved to her position.
Rhaenyra nodded. “A few times. Not great, but not awful.”
“Good enough,” Alicent said with a grin. “Let’s show them how it’s done.”
The match began, and it was immediately clear that Dany’s “coaching” was more of a hindrance than a help. Alicent and Rhaenyra, despite having barely communicated strategy, fell into an easy rhythm. Alicent’s sharp, precise shots paired well with Rhaenyra’s surprisingly powerful returns.
“You’ve been holding out on me, Rhae,” Alicent teased after Rhaenyra sent a serve flying past Jon’s racket.
“Lucky shot,” Rhaenyra said, though the faint blush on her cheeks gave her away.
On the other side of the net, Dany groaned. “Jon! Move your feet!”
Jon threw his hands up in exasperation. “Maybe if you didn’t yell at me every five seconds!”
“Maybe if you didn’t miss every five seconds!” Dany shot back.
Rhaenyra laughed softly under her breath, leaning against her racket as they waited for Dany and Jon to regroup. Alicent glanced at her, a smile tugging at her lips. “They’re going to implode before we even finish the set.”
“Probably,” Rhaenyra agreed, her gaze lingering on Alicent for a moment too long before she quickly looked away.
The next round was more of the same, with Alicent and Rhaenyra’s teamwork only getting better. Alicent’s competitive streak came out in full force, her serves cutting through the air with a satisfying pop. At one point, she stepped up beside Rhaenyra, her hand brushing lightly against her arm as she leaned in to give a quick pointer. “Step into it more. You’ve got the power, just aim for the corners.”
Rhaenyra nodded, her heart skipping for reasons she didn’t fully understand. “Got it.”
By the end of the match, it wasn’t even close. Alicent and Rhaenyra had wiped the floor with Dany and Jon, who were now arguing over whose fault it was.
“Good game,” Alicent said, extending a hand to Rhaenyra, her smile warm and genuine.
“You too,” Rhaenyra replied, her grip firm but slightly hesitant, the faintest flush still on her cheeks.
As they packed up their gear, Dany flopped dramatically onto the bench. “I hope you two know you’ve ruined my relationship.”
Jon rolled his eyes. “You’re the one who yelled at me the whole time.”
“Not my fault you’re bad at tennis,” Dany retorted.
Alicent laughed, her eyes flicking to Rhaenyra again. “Remind me never to team up with Dany.”
“Noted,” Rhaenyra said, a small smile tugging at her lips as they walked out of the court together.
///
The house was unusually quiet that evening, save for the occasional creak of the old wooden floors. Dany and Jon had gone out for a dinner date, their voices fading into the crisp night air as they left. The parents were out too, leaving the sprawling ski house feeling emptier than usual.
Alicent had settled on the couch, a glass of wine in her hand and a blanket draped over her lap. The soft glow of the fireplace bathed the room in a warm, flickering light. She hadn’t expected Rhaenyra to stay behind, but when the younger woman padded into the living room with two mugs of hot chocolate, she wasn’t surprised either.
“I figured wine isn’t really my thing,” Rhaenyra said, offering Alicent one of the mugs with a small, sheepish smile. “So I made you one in case you wanted to switch it up.”
Alicent set her glass of wine on the coffee table and accepted the mug. “Hot chocolate? What are you, eight?”
“Try it before you judge,” Rhaenyra shot back, dropping onto the opposite end of the couch and curling her legs beneath her.
Alicent took a sip, the rich, sweet warmth spreading through her chest. She glanced over at Rhaenyra, eyebrows raised. “Okay, not bad.”
“Told you,” Rhaenyra said, her grin widening.
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the crackle of the fire filling the space. It was nice, Alicent thought, this rare moment of quiet. But Rhaenyra, ever the curious one, broke the silence soon enough.
“So, what’s it like living in L.A.?” she asked, her tone casual but her eyes alight with genuine interest.
Alicent tilted her head, considering the question. “It’s… busy. Loud. Always something happening, which is good when you need distractions, but sometimes it feels like there’s no room to breathe.”
“Sounds exhausting,” Rhaenyra said, leaning back against the armrest. “Why do you stay?”
Alicent chuckled softly, running her thumb along the rim of her mug. “Work, mostly. And… I guess it’s familiar now. You get used to the chaos.”
Rhaenyra nodded, her gaze steady on Alicent. “Do you like it, though? Or are you just… stuck?”
The question caught Alicent off guard. She blinked, looking over at Rhaenyra, who was watching her with an expression that was far too thoughtful for someone her age. “I… don’t know,” Alicent admitted quietly. “Sometimes it feels like I’m chasing something I can’t quite catch. But other times, I think maybe that’s just life.”
Rhaenyra nodded again, her fingers tracing patterns along the edge of her mug. “What were you like at my age?”
Alicent laughed, the sound light and nostalgic. “At seventeen? God, I was a mess. Thought I had everything figured out, and of course, I didn’t. I was… ambitious, I guess. But also scared, though I’d never admit it.”
“Scared of what?” Rhaenyra asked, her voice gentle.
Alicent hesitated, her eyes flicking to the fire. “Of failing. Of not being enough. Of… disappointing everyone.”
Rhaenyra leaned forward slightly, her brows furrowing. “You could never disappoint anyone, Alicent.”
Alicent glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “That’s sweet, but you didn’t know me back then.”
“I know you now,” Rhaenyra said firmly, her voice soft but steady. “And you’re… incredible.”
The words hung in the air, warm and sincere, and Alicent felt a strange tug in her chest. She looked at Rhaenyra, really looked at her, and for a moment, she was struck by how much she’d changed. There was something about the way she carried herself now—quiet confidence mixed with a gentleness that was disarming.
“Thank you,” Alicent said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
They talked late into the night, the conversation weaving through memories and dreams, laughter and moments of quiet understanding. Alicent found herself sharing more than she intended, but Rhaenyra listened with a patience and attentiveness that made it easy.
By the time the fire had burned low and the mugs were empty, Alicent felt lighter somehow. And when Rhaenyra finally stood to head to bed, she paused by the door, glancing back with a soft smile.
“Goodnight, Alicent.”
“Goodnight, Rhaenyra,” Alicent replied, watching her go with a warmth in her chest she couldn’t quite explain.
///
The steam from the hot tub swirled in the chilly air, rising in soft, lazy tendrils as the three of them relaxed in the bubbling water. Dany and Jon were perched at one side, close but not obnoxiously so, while Rhaenyra sat a little apart, her arms resting along the edge, doing her best to seem unbothered.
The sliding door behind them creaked open, and Alicent stepped out, wrapped in a thick robe with a towel slung over her arm. Her hair was down, soft and wavy from the humidity in the house, and for some reason, Rhaenyra’s heart jumped into her throat. She quickly looked away, staring down at the rippling water.
“Oh,” Alicent said, her voice a little surprised. “I didn’t realize you guys were out here already.”
“Come in!” Dany said, her voice way too enthusiastic. She nudged Jon with her elbow and smirked. “The water’s perfect.”
Alicent hesitated for only a second before shrugging. “Why not?” She set her towel and robe aside, revealing a sleek black bikini, simple and understated, but on Alicent, it looked like something straight off a magazine cover. Rhaenyra’s eyes darted up before she could stop herself, then immediately back down to the water.
Dany, of course, noticed, and Rhaenyra could practically feel her smirk without even looking. “See? Told you the hot tub was a good idea,” Dany said to Alicent as she sank a little lower into the water, trying to contain her glee.
Alicent slid in gracefully, sighing as the warm water hit her skin. “Okay, you were right,” she admitted, leaning her head back and closing her eyes. “This does feel amazing.”
They chatted casually for a few minutes, mostly about skiing plans and the snow conditions, but Rhaenyra could barely focus. She was hyper-aware of Alicent’s every movement, the way her fingers trailed lazily through the water, the soft sound of her laugh when Dany told some joke. It was torture, sitting this close and trying to act normal.
After a while, Dany suddenly perked up, her eyes darting to Jon. “Oh! Jon, we should go check on that thing. You know, the… uh… the thing.”
Jon blinked, clearly confused. “What thing?”
“The thing,” Dany hissed, kicking him under the water. “Come on.”
“Oh. Right. The thing,” Jon said, catching on belatedly. He climbed out of the hot tub, shivering as the cold air hit him. “We’ll be back in a bit.”
“Don’t take too long,” Alicent said, her tone distracted as she rested her arms on the edge of the tub, her head tilted back to look up at the stars.
Dany gave Rhaenyra a quick, meaningful glance before following Jon inside, leaving Rhaenyra alone with Alicent. For a moment, the only sound was the bubbling of the water and the faint rustle of the wind through the trees.
Rhaenyra swallowed hard, her mind racing. This wasn’t the first time they’d been alone, but something about this moment felt… different. The dim light from the patio lanterns cast a soft glow over Alicent’s face, and Rhaenyra couldn’t help but notice how serene she looked, like she belonged in a painting.
“You okay?” Alicent asked suddenly, her voice pulling Rhaenyra out of her spiral. She turned her head to look at her, eyes soft and curious.
Rhaenyra nodded quickly, her heart pounding. “Yeah. Just… thinking.”
“About what?” Alicent’s tone was casual, but there was a hint of genuine curiosity there.
“Nothing important,” Rhaenyra said, her voice a little too high. She cleared her throat, trying to sound more natural. “Just… stuff.”
Alicent chuckled, a low, warm sound that made Rhaenyra’s chest ache. “You’re terrible at lying, you know.”
Rhaenyra looked down at the water, her cheeks burning. “I’m not lying.”
“Sure you’re not,” Alicent said, her voice teasing. She leaned back against the edge of the tub, closing her eyes again. “You’re as easy to read as Dany. Maybe even easier.”
Rhaenyra opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. She clenched her hands under the water, willing herself to stay calm, but her pulse was racing, and her thoughts were spinning in a million different directions. She was hopelessly, completely in love with Alicent, and sitting this close to her, in this moment, felt like both heaven and hell.
“Relax, Rhaenyra,” Alicent said softly, her eyes still closed. “I can practically feel you vibrating over there.”
“Sorry,” Rhaenyra mumbled, sinking lower into the water. She wished the bubbles could swallow her whole.
Rhaenyra shifted slightly, trying to appear nonchalant as she swirled her hand through the bubbling water. Her heart pounded in her chest as she tried to gather the courage to ask what she wanted to ask without sounding too obvious.
“So,” she began, her voice slightly hesitant. “Are you… seeing anyone?”
Alicent opened one eye, an amused smile tugging at her lips. “What kind of random question is that?” she asked, her tone light and teasing.
Rhaenyra shrugged, hoping she looked casual and not like her brain was doing flips. “Just trying to make conversation,” she said, her voice a little softer than intended.
Alicent chuckled and leaned her head back against the edge of the hot tub, closing her eyes again. She looked so effortlessly relaxed, like she didn’t have a single care in the world. “Not really right now,” she said after a beat, her voice casual, as though the question hadn’t fazed her at all.
Rhaenyra nodded, her throat suddenly dry. “Oh. Cool,” she said, as if it wasn’t the most important thing she’d heard all week.
“Why? Are you taking notes?” Alicent teased, her lips quirking into a small smirk without opening her eyes.
Rhaenyra laughed awkwardly, brushing a hand through her wet hair. “No, just… curious.”
“Well,” Alicent said, sighing lightly, “you’ve got nothing to be curious about. My love life is basically non-existent right now.”
Rhaenyra didn’t know what to say to that. Her mind was spinning with a thousand thoughts, none of which felt safe to say out loud. She settled for another shrug, her gaze fixed firmly on the water in front of her. “Their loss,” she muttered, almost too quietly to be heard.
But Alicent heard her. She cracked one eye open again, her expression softening just slightly as she studied Rhaenyra. “You know,” Alicent began, her tone light but with a teasing edge, “your love life seems more active than mine these days.”
Rhaenyra’s head snapped up so fast it sent a little splash of water her way. “What?” she stammered, her voice cracking slightly.
Alicent’s lips curved into a sly smile as she turned her head to fully look at her. “Oh, come on. I overheard you and Dany the other day.”
Rhaenyra blinked, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “You—you did?”
“Mhm.” Alicent hummed, her expression entirely too amused as she lazily swirled her hand through the water. “You two weren’t exactly subtle, you know.”
Rhaenyra’s cheeks burned, the heat of the hot tub suddenly feeling suffocating. She didn’t know whether to laugh it off or sink beneath the bubbles and disappear. “It wasn’t anything serious,” she mumbled, her voice barely audible over the bubbling water.
“Oh, I know,” Alicent said, her grin widening as she leaned a little closer. “Based on the sound of it, it was anything but serious.”
Rhaenyra’s face felt like it was on fire. “It really wasn’t a big deal,” she said quickly, her words tripping over themselves in her rush to downplay the entire situation.
Alicent leaned back again, looking far too satisfied with herself. “Relax, I’m just teasing,” she said, her voice softer now. She glanced over at Rhaenyra, her expression soft but thoughtful, as though she was turning something over in her mind “But seriously, I know you’re young and things can get… complicated, especially when you’re an alpha.”
Rhaenyra shifted uncomfortably, her gaze flicking from Alicent to the water. “It’s not complicated,” she muttered, but even she didn’t sound convinced.
Alicent tilted her head slightly, watching her with an almost maternal curiosity. “I’m just saying, you don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for. Just because you’re an alpha doesn’t mean you have to live up to some expectation, you know? It’s okay to take your time.”
Rhaenyra’s cheeks burned again, though this time it wasn’t from embarrassment but something closer to gratitude. Alicent’s words caught her off guard, the sincerity in them making her heart twist in a way she didn’t entirely understand.
“I know,” Rhaenyra said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alicent gave her a small, reassuring smile and leaned back into the water. “Good,” she said simply, her tone casual again as she closed her eyes and let the bubbles carry the conversation away.
Rhaenyra watched her for a moment longer, trying to make sense of the strange, warm feeling that had settled in her chest.
///
Alicent sat at the dining table, her laptop open and papers spread out like a fortress around her. Her glasses sat low on her nose, and she pushed them up absently as her fingers flew across the keyboard. She barely glanced up when Dany, Jon, and Rhaenyra entered the room, all dressed and ready to go.
Dany leaned on the back of a chair, watching her sister. “What are you doing?”
“Working,” Alicent replied flatly, her focus still on her screen. She paused to make a note on one of the papers next to her laptop. “Some of us don’t get to take endless vacations, you know.”
“We’re going to dinner,” Dany announced, clearly trying to bait her into joining. “You should come.”
Alicent shook her head, her gaze still on her work. “I really can’t. I have too much to do.”
Dany rolled her eyes dramatically. “Ali, come on. You never do anything fun when we’re all here. Just one night. Jon’s paying.”
Jon raised his hands in mock surrender. “Apparently, I’m paying.”
Rhaenyra stood quietly to the side, watching Alicent intently. She felt her stomach twist when Alicent finally glanced up, looking adorable in her glasses and oversized cardigan, her hair a little messy from hours of concentration. She was so effortlessly herself, and it made Rhaenyra’s heart ache in a way she could barely handle.
“You should come,” Rhaenyra said softly, her voice cutting through Dany’s teasing. Alicent’s eyes flicked to her, and for a moment, the chaos in the room seemed to quiet.
Alicent sighed, closing her laptop with a decisive thud and pulling off her glasses. “Fine,” she said, standing and stretching. “But if I get behind on this, I’m blaming all of you.”
Dany grinned. “That’s the spirit! Go get changed.”
Alicent smirked as she headed toward her room. “I’m not getting changed. You’re getting dinner with this.” She gestured to her sweater and jeans, still looking unfairly good.
Rhaenyra glanced away quickly, fighting the heat rising to her cheeks. She caught Dany’s knowing smirk out of the corner of her eye and groaned internally.
As Alicent returned, grabbing her coat, she met Rhaenyra’s gaze for a fleeting second, her usual no-nonsense attitude softening ever so slightly. “Happy now?” she asked dryly, but there was a hint of warmth beneath the teasing.
Rhaenyra nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah.”
///
The restaurant was cozy, with low lighting and the hum of quiet chatter filling the air. Dany and Jon slid into one side of the booth without hesitation, leaving Alicent and Rhaenyra to take the other side. Rhaenyra hesitated for a moment before sitting down, her heart thudding a little harder in her chest as Alicent slid in beside her.
It wasn’t anything. It was just seating, practical and simple. She knew that. But still, the heat of Alicent’s presence so close to hers made her pulse quicken. Alicent’s shoulder brushed hers as she adjusted her coat, and it sent a shiver through Rhaenyra that she hoped no one noticed.
“So,” Dany began, leaning over the table with an amused smirk, “what’s everyone ordering?”
Jon flipped open the menu, distracted by the options, but Rhaenyra barely glanced at hers. She was hyper-aware of everything about Alicent: the way she tucked her hair behind her ear, the soft curve of her mouth as she skimmed the menu, the way her knee was just a little too close to Rhaenyra’s under the table.
It wasn’t a double date. Of course, it wasn’t. But sitting there, across from Dany and Jon, who were laughing together and leaning into each other in that way couples did, it was easy for Rhaenyra to imagine it could be. She glanced at Alicent out of the corner of her eye, trying to commit the image to memory: Alicent relaxed, her face lit by the soft glow of the overhead lights. If only this were real.
“Rhaenyra?” Alicent’s voice broke through her thoughts, and Rhaenyra’s eyes snapped back to the menu she hadn’t even opened.
“Uh, yeah?” she asked, flustered.
Alicent raised an eyebrow, amused. “You’ve been staring at that menu like it’s written in a different language. Know what you want?”
“Um, not yet,” Rhaenyra muttered, fumbling to actually open it.
Dany snorted, and Rhaenyra shot her a look across the table, daring her to say something. Dany just grinned and turned back to Jon, her attention mercifully elsewhere.
Alicent leaned back, taking a sip of her water. “Take your time. It’s not like we’re in a rush.”
Her voice was so calm, so easy, and Rhaenyra’s chest felt tight. She couldn’t help but glance at Alicent again, watching her as she crossed her legs under the table and tapped her fingers idly on the edge of her glass. This wasn’t a date. It wasn’t anything like that. But for just a moment, Rhaenyra let herself pretend.
///
Alicent leaned back in her seat, her glass of wine poised in her hand as her gaze drifted across the table. Dany and Jon were in their own little world, their heads bent together, whispering and laughing about something only they could understand. Alicent let out a quiet sigh, shaking her head. They were so young, so infatuated. She didn’t envy it. Not one bit.
Rhaenyra, on the other hand, seemed less amused. Alicent’s eyes flicked to her, noticing the way she picked at the edge of her napkin, her lips pressed into a thin line as she avoided looking at the couple across from them.
“You okay?” Alicent asked softly, tilting her head toward her.
Rhaenyra startled slightly, her dark eyes meeting Alicent’s. “Yeah, fine.”
Alicent smiled faintly. “They’re insufferable, aren’t they?”
“Completely,” Rhaenyra muttered, and Alicent chuckled, a warm sound that made Rhaenyra’s shoulders loosen.
They slipped into easy conversation, discussing the food, the music playing faintly overhead, and the annoyances of living in a house with Dany. Alicent found herself relaxing, the weight of her long workday fading as Rhaenyra spoke. Her voice had changed since the last time they’d been together before this trip, Alicent realized. It was deeper, steadier. And so was she.
Alicent let her eyes wander, taking in the subtle but undeniable changes in Rhaenyra’s build. Her shoulders were broader, her arms more defined. The hoodie she wore stretched slightly across her chest and biceps, and Alicent caught herself thinking it probably didn’t fit the same way it had last year. She was taller, too, her posture more confident, less that of a lanky teenager trying to shrink into herself.
And then there was the scent.
Alicent knew better than to focus on it, but it was difficult not to notice when they were this close. That subtle shift that happened after an alpha’s first rut—it was unmistakable. Richer, stronger, more complex. Every omega responded differently to an alpha’s scent, and Alicent wasn’t immune. It wasn’t overwhelming, but being this close to Rhaenyra was… strange. Not bad, she quickly told herself. Just new. Different.
It was biology, pure and simple. A byproduct of her anatomy, nothing more. Her body recognized that Rhaenyra was no longer a pre-rut alpha. That was all. But the idea of her brain treating Rhaenyra—Rhaenyra—as anything resembling “fair game” was ridiculous.
She pushed the thought aside, shifting slightly in her seat. “So,” she said, her tone light, “I haven’t seen you in months, and you’re already turning into a bodybuilder?”
Rhaenyra blinked, then glanced down at herself, a faint flush creeping up her neck. “What? No. I just… work out sometimes, I guess.”
“Sometimes?” Alicent teased, her smile softening. “You could give Jon a run for his money.”
Rhaenyra shrugged, looking almost bashful, and Alicent felt a pang of something unfamiliar. It wasn’t attraction—not really. She wouldn’t let it be. It was just… acknowledgment. Recognition that Rhaenyra wasn’t a kid anymore. She had grown into her alpha in a way Alicent hadn’t fully noticed until now, and that realization was confusing in more ways than one.
“You’re doing well,” Alicent said after a moment, her voice softer now. “You’ve really grown up.”
Rhaenyra looked at her, something unreadable in her gaze, and Alicent quickly averted her eyes, focusing on her wine glass instead. Whatever her body or her mind might think, this was Rhaenyra. Dany’s best friend. A kid.
She wasn’t going to let herself think anything else.
///
Alicent wasn’t expecting much when she stepped into the garage. She’d only come out to grab a bottle of sparkling water from the secondary fridge, but the moment she opened the door, the heat and musk hit her like a wall.
The first thing she noticed was the smell—Rhaenyra’s scent. Strong, unmistakable, and more pronounced than ever, it seemed to wrap around her like a tangible thing. Alicent stopped in her tracks, blinking against the haze that suddenly felt thicker in the room.
Rhaenyra was lifting weights with Jon, her shoulders glistening under the overhead light. She was in a black sports bra and gray sweatpants that hung low on her hips, her hair slightly damp at the edges. Her muscles flexed with each rep, her biceps straining as she pressed the barbell above her head with ease.
Alicent tried not to stare, but her eyes lingered longer than they should have. The garage was warm, humid from the exertion of two alphas working out, and Rhaenyra’s scent was sharper, richer, carried by the light sheen of sweat glistening on her skin.
It was… distracting. Too distracting.
She glanced over at Jon, who was standing to the side, spotting Rhaenyra. He didn’t seem fazed, barely reacting as Rhaenyra finished her set and lowered the bar with a sharp exhale. Rhaenyra stood, rolling her shoulders as she wiped her face with the hem of her shirt. For a brief second, Alicent caught a glimpse of her toned stomach, and her stomach twisted in an unfamiliar way.
Alicent forced herself to move, to head toward the fridge and focus on what she came for. But her movements felt mechanical, her mind too loud and muddled with thoughts she didn’t want to acknowledge.
She yanked the fridge door open and grabbed the bottle of water, trying to calm the strange sensation in her chest. Why is this happening? she wondered, pressing the cold bottle to her forehead for a moment. Her heat wasn’t due for at least another two weeks, and yet her body felt like it was reacting in a way it absolutely shouldn’t.
“Hey, Alicent,” Rhaenyra said casually, her voice slightly winded.
Alicent flinched, startled by the sound of her name. She turned to see Rhaenyra standing there, wiping her hands on a towel. Her scent was even stronger now that she was closer, and Alicent’s brain immediately kicked into overdrive. She took a small step back, forcing a polite smile.
“Hey,” she said, her voice tighter than she intended. “How’s the workout?”
“Good,” Rhaenyra said with a small shrug. “Jon’s kicking my ass, though.”
Jon snorted from across the room. “Please, I’m the one struggling to keep up.”
Rhaenyra grinned, and Alicent swore she saw a flicker of pride in her expression. It was such a subtle thing, but it made Rhaenyra look… different. Older. More self-assured in a way that Alicent wasn’t used to.
“I’ll leave you to it,” Alicent said quickly, her voice clipped as she turned toward the door. “Don’t overdo it.”
Rhaenyra frowned slightly. “You okay?”
“Fine,” Alicent replied, a little too fast. She pushed the door open and stepped out into the cooler air of the hallway, exhaling sharply as she closed the door behind her.
Leaning against the wall, she pressed the cold bottle to the back of her neck, trying to cool the heat rising in her chest. She needed to get a grip. This was Rhaenyra. Dany’s best friend. A kid. And yet, her body didn’t seem to care about those facts right now.
“It’s just the scent,” she muttered to herself, closing her eyes. “It’s biology. That’s all.”
But deep down, Alicent wasn’t entirely sure if she believed that.
///
The house was quiet, save for the soft hum of the central heating and the faint ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway. Alicent sat at the dining table, her laptop open, her notes spread out in neat but overwhelming piles. The glow of the screen illuminated her tired features, and she rubbed her temples in frustration.
She’d been trying to focus for hours now, but her mind kept wandering back to the morning. To Rhaenyra. To the image of her in the garage, sweaty and flushed, her muscles taut under the strain of her workout. The scent had been overwhelming, too much to ignore. It lingered in her mind, invasive and unwanted. Alicent hated how it made her feel—off-balance, restless, and frustrated in a way she couldn’t explain.
“God, this is ridiculous,” she muttered, slamming her laptop shut. She sat back in her chair, arms crossed, glaring at nothing in particular.
Maybe she just needed to blow off some steam. Maybe she was wound too tight, and this wasn’t about Rhaenyra at all. It had been months since she’d been with anyone. Work had kept her busy, and her recent dates had all been disasters—nothing worth remembering, let alone pursuing.
Her gaze drifted to her phone, lying face down on the table. Normally, she’d never consider it. Not here, in her parents’ vacation home, surrounded by family. It felt inappropriate, like an intrusion into a space that was supposed to be safe and separate from the chaos of her personal life.
But tonight, Alicent felt desperate. She needed a distraction, something to pull her out of her head before she drove herself insane.
She grabbed her phone, hesitating for only a second before unlocking it and opening the app she swore she’d deleted weeks ago. The interface was familiar, almost comforting in its simplicity. She updated her location—rural Vermont—and began scrolling through the profiles that popped up.
It didn’t take long. Alphas were everywhere, and one in particular caught her eye. He had the clean-cut, easygoing look that Alicent usually avoided—too predictable, too safe—but tonight, she didn’t care. His message arrived almost as soon as she swiped.
Hey, you look gorgeous. Want to grab a drink?
Alicent stared at the message, her thumb hovering over the screen. Her first instinct was to ignore it, to close the app and pretend she hadn’t even entertained the idea. But then she thought about the way her stomach had twisted this morning, the way her mind kept replaying images of Rhaenyra that made her skin crawl with discomfort. She couldn’t let herself spiral.
Sure, where? she typed back, hitting send before she could second-guess herself.
The response was immediate, and the location was a bar not far from the house—casual, public, safe. Alicent nodded to herself, rising from her seat and heading upstairs to change. As she pulled on a pair of jeans and a fitted sweater, she caught her reflection in the mirror.
“Just a drink,” she told herself firmly. “That’s all this is.”
She didn’t want to think about why she needed to remind herself of that.
///
The alpha’s bed was big, too big for the sparse decor of the room. Alicent could hear the muffled bass of a playlist coming from a speaker on the nightstand, but it didn’t do much to drown out the creak of the bed frame as he moved above her. The sheets were soft against her skin, smelling faintly of detergent and cologne—a sharp, earthy scent that felt too curated, too deliberate. His hands gripped her thighs, rough and confident, and she arched into him, trying to lose herself in the moment.
Her eyes fluttered shut, her lips parted as she let herself sink into the sensation. The heat of his body against hers, the firm rhythm of his hips, the sound of his breath coming faster in her ear. She was trying—trying so hard to focus on the physicality of it, the mechanics of release, and the primal buzz in her omega brain that told her this was exactly what she needed.
But something was off.
Alicent couldn’t pinpoint it at first, but as his hands moved up her sides, brushing against the curve of her waist, she felt her stomach twist—not in pleasure, but in discomfort. She clenched her fists in the sheets, forcing herself to stay in the moment, but the harder she tried, the more her mind drifted. Drifted to her.
It hit her all at once, like a splash of cold water. Rhaenyra. The memory of her in the garage—sweaty, flushed, the faintest hint of her alpha scent cutting through the air—flashed through Alicent’s mind with startling clarity. She saw the way Rhaenyra had glanced at her that morning, the way her muscles flexed as she lifted the barbell, her brows furrowed in quiet concentration. She felt the weight of Rhaenyra’s gaze, lingering on her just a little too long, and her breath caught in her throat.
“Fuck,” Alicent whispered, her hands tightening on the sheets as the alpha above her groaned in response, mistaking her reaction for enthusiasm.
She couldn’t stop it now. The image of Rhaenyra was burned into her mind, and the contrast between what she was doing here, with him, and what her mind was conjuring, with her, was almost too much to bear. It was Rhaenyra’s voice she imagined, low and husky in her ear. It was Rhaenyra’s hands, firm and steady, guiding her hips. It was Rhaenyra.
Her body shuddered as she finished, the tension snapping in a rush of pleasure that left her trembling and breathless. But as soon as it was over, the euphoria gave way to something colder, heavier. Guilt settled in her chest like a stone, and Alicent lay there, staring at the ceiling, as the alpha beside her rolled off and mumbled something she didn’t quite catch.
She didn’t respond. She didn’t trust herself to speak. Her mind was still reeling, her pulse erratic, as she tried to process what had just happened.
What the hell is wrong with me? she thought, closing her eyes and taking a shaky breath. This was supposed to help—to clear her head, to reset, to get her out of this… whatever this was. But now, lying here in the dark, all she felt was confusion. Confusion, and the lingering phantom of Rhaenyra’s presence in her mind.
“Hey,” the alpha said, his voice low and groggy. “You okay?”
Alicent forced a small smile, brushing her hair back from her damp forehead. “Yeah,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m fine.”
But she wasn’t. And deep down, she knew this wasn’t the last time Rhaenyra would haunt her like this.