Chapter 4
Sunrise casts a warm light on Duchesses Rhaenyra and Alicent's grand estate. Alicent sits across from her sister, Daenerys, in the breakfast room. Their conversation, usually filled with light-hearted banter, is noticeably tense today.
"Rhaenyra didn't come home last night," Alicent murmurs, her gaze fixated on the untouched tea before her.
Daenerys lifts an eyebrow, her tone icy. "She probably sought comfort with Talisa."
Alicent winces, the sting of betrayal gnawing at her heart. Yet, she can't shake off the guilt. "I know I was wrong, Dany. I let my insecurities control me."
Daenerys' hands pause over her teacup. "You were rash, Alicent. But you're family. I'll stand by you."
///
Rhaenyra wakes up in the familiar surroundings of her parents' house. Her mother, Aema, sits by her side, concern etching lines on her face.
"I can't believe Alicent did this, Mother," Rhaenyra whispers, her voice hoarse.
Aema sighs, her hand gently patting Rhaenyra's. "Childbirth is difficult. Alicent wasn't herself. But, she was wrong."
Rhaenyra's eyes fill with pain. "I want separate lives."
Aema's gaze hardens. "Are you ready for the repercussions, Rhaenyra?"
Rhaenyra leaves without a word, her heart heavy. When she returns to their shared home, Alicent is waiting. They stare at each other, a silence heavy with unsaid words filling the space between them. Rhaenyra retreats to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.
Alicent hesitates before following her. She breathes in deeply, searching for a hint of betrayal but finds nothing but the familiar scent of her mother's house.
Relief floods her but it's short-lived. Rhaenyra's voice cuts through the silence, "I haven't been with anyone else."
Alicent leaves the room, her heart shattering. She seeks solace in their son's nursery, cradling Jace tightly as tears stream down her face.
///
As the sun dips low, casting long shadows over London, Rhaenyra finds herself standing in the disarray of boxes and crates that once was Talisa's store. Her heart lurches at the sight of her former love, Talisa, packing away her life.
"Stay, Talisa," Rhaenyra implores, her voice echoing in the hollow shop. "I can arrange a divorce for you."
Talisa halts, her silhouette stiff against the dying light. "Rhaenyra," she replies softly, her tone resolute, "I love my husband. We have a family."
Rhaenyra’s heart clenches at the mention of Aegon – their son. "The sea voyage is dangerous, Talisa," she warns. "It's no place for children."
Talisa sighs, her gaze distant and full of longing. "Yes, but the New World promises a fresh start."
The shrill cry of Aegon from another room cuts through their conversation. Rushing to him, Rhaenyra clings onto him, murmuring sweet nothings into his small, delicate ear.
She rounds on Talisa again, her voice thick with determination. "I refuse to let you leave with Aegon. I will acknowledge him as my own, legitimate bastard son."
Talisa laughs, a bitter, hollow sound. "You think Alicent would accept that?"
With a steely gaze, Rhaenyra declares, "Alicent and I... it's over."
Talisa’s knowing gaze burns into her. "That's a lie, Rhaenyra."
Rhaenyra clings to Aegon tighter. "Leave Aegon with me, Talisa."
Talisa remains unmoved, her voice firm. "It's too late. My husband has already sold the store."
"But I can buy it back," Rhaenyra insists.
Talisa shakes her head, her eyes shadowed with resignation. "That would cause a scandal, Rhaenyra. This is our fate."
Rhaenyra stares at Talisa, searching her eyes. "Is this what you truly desire?"
Talisa hesitates, her voice barely a whisper against the stillness. "It's not about what I want. It's about what my husband needs."
///
Upon returning home, Rhaenyra finds Alicent waiting for her. The silence is tangible, the tension between them as thick as the London fog outside.
"Rhaenyra, we need to talk," Alicent begins, her voice soft.
"I don't want to talk to you right now, Alicent," Rhaenyra retorts, her tone bitter. "How's Jace doing?"
Alicent extends Jace towards her. "Why don't you hold him yourself?"
A scoff escapes Rhaenyra's lips. "That's all I've been trying to do, but you've been refusing my help at every turn."
Alicent nods, her eyes downcast. "I was wrong. I've been so confused, feeling so alone since the childbirth..."
"All I wanted was to be there for you, Alicent," Rhaenyra interrupts, her voice choked with emotion.
"I know," Alicent admits. "I've been struggling, and I've let my insecurities take over."
Rhaenyra sighs heavily. "That much is obvious."
Alicent's plea hangs in the air. "Please, don't joke."
"I'm not joking, Alicent," Rhaenyra insists, her eyes serious. "I've tried to be there, to support you. But you've destroyed my trust."
"I understand if you went to Talisa," Alicent ventures, her voice barely a whisper.
Rhaenyra shakes her head, her gaze fiery. "No, Alicent. You don't understand. We are mates. I am loyal to you, and only you. But if Aegon leaves, I will never forgive you. It's as if you sent Jace away. It's an act of cowardice and selfishness."
Alicent falls silent, her face a mask of regret. "I'll do anything to fix this."
Rhaenyra’s gaze hardens. "It's too late, Alicent. Talisa's husband has made the arrangements to leave in a week. Your plan worked perfectly."
///
In the pale blush of dawn, Alicent ventures out into the crisp London morning, pushing Jace's pram along the cobblestone streets. Her steps echo in the still-sleeping city, leading her to a destination she'd been avoiding for weeks - Talsia's quaint little dress shop.
As she steps over the threshold, the scent of fresh linen and the faint fragrance of Talisa's perfume stir memories. Alicent's gaze sweeps over the once vibrant shop, now filled with half-packed boxes and discarded bolts of fabric. In the midst of this chaos stands Talisa, her hands stilled in surprise as her eyes meet Alicent's.
The sound of her bitter laughter reverberates through the emptiness. "Well, this is an unexpected surprise." Her voice drips with sarcasm. "Here to see us off? How kind of you, Duchess-to-be."
Alicent's gaze drops to the worn wooden floor, her cheeks burning with shame. "Talisa, I’ve behaved improperly," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. "And for that, I apologize."
Talisa stands, frozen in stunned silence. Alicent's apology is the last thing she expected. She'd prepared herself for gloating, for Alicent's triumphant smirk, but this...this was unexpected.
The silence stretches between them, a chasm filled with unsaid words and regret. Talisa breaks it, her voice laced with bitterness and hurt. "You know, I tried to help you, Alicent. I thought we had a bond, as fellow Omegas. I thought you understood there was nothing between Rhaenyra and me. How wrong I was."
Talisa resumes her packing, her movements sharp and swift. "Do see yourself out, Miss Hightower. I’m closing up. It’s my last day before the new dressmaker comes to town.”
As Alicent stands there, struck by the finality of Talisa's words, she opens her mouth to protest, to plead, but the dismissive wave of Talisa's hand silences her. With a heavy heart, she steps out into the cold morning, leaving behind the echoes of their shared past.
///
Upon returning home, Alicent carefully nestles Jace into his crib, the rhythmic lullaby easing him into a peaceful slumber. She stands there for a moment, watching his chest rise and fall gently, before turning her attention to the other room.
There, hunched over a desk strewn with documents, is Rhaenyra. Under the soft glow of the candlelight, her silhouette is a poignant reminder of the love they once shared.
"Rhaenyra, we need to talk," Alicent pleads, stepping into the room.
Rhaenyra chuckles, her eyes never leaving the parchment. "There's nothing to talk about, Alicent. I need to work on forgiving you, and I need space to do that."
Alicent nods, her heart heavy. "But you will forgive me?"
Rhaenyra pauses at this, her quill hovering over the paper. Slowly, she rises from her chair, her gaze meeting Alicent's. She strides over, her movements graceful and purposeful. As she backs Alicent against the wall, there's no aggression in her touch, only a passion that Alicent had sorely missed.
Rhaenyra places her hand on Alicent's cheek, her touch gentle yet firm. Alicent closes her eyes, reveling in the contact. But when she opens them again, she finds Rhaenyra looking at her intensely.
"I love you with everything I am, Alicent," Rhaenyra says, her voice thick with emotion. "There was nothing that could have ever stopped us from being together forever. But you destroyed my trust. And what is love without trust?"
She leans in, her forehead resting against Alicent's. "We are mates, mated for life. So, I shall have to find a way to get past my anger for you."
As Rhaenyra nestles her head in the crook of Alicent's neck, Alicent wraps her arms around her, pulling her close. She inhales Rhaenyra's scent, the familiarity of it tugging at her heartstrings. For a moment, they stand there, lost in each other's embrace.
///
Rhaenyra lifts her head, her gaze meeting Alicent's. Her eyes flash with a potent mix of emotions - anger, betrayal, and a lingering trace of the love that once was. She leans in, capturing Alicent's lips in a fierce kiss.
Alicent kisses her back, their fervor fueled by the swirling maelstrom of emotions between them. Their kisses are heated, a turbulent dance of pent-up frustrations and unspoken confessions. Rhaenyra clears the desk, not out of love but out of a raw, primal need.
With heavy breath and a pounding heart, Alicent breaks the silence. "What does this mean, Rhaenyra?"
Rhaenyra kisses her hard. "It's likely my rut," she says, her voice muffled.
Alicent’s heart squeezes unpleasantly at that but decides to let herself enjoy the passionate touches and pleasure from her mate.
Rhaenyra quickly lifts up Alicent and pushes up Alicent’s dress. Alicent sighs into the kiss as Rhaenyra slides her underwear off of her.
“I know we are still fighting but..you’re sure this is okay?” Rhaenyra asks before going further. Alicent smiles softly as the gentle tone change in Rhaenyra’s voice before pressing her lips to her mate’s once more and mumbling out a quick ‘yes.’
Rhaenyra pushes inside her in a steady rhythm and Alicent moans softly as both of their respective orgasms build until completion. Once they are done, they both get dressed, the silence between them seems louder than ever. As she reaches for the door, Rhaenyra's voice stops her.
"Alicent, wait," Rhaenyra calls out, her voice softer. Alicent turns around, her heart pounding in her chest.
Rhaenyra looks at her, her expression unreadable. "I do love you," she admits, her voice barely a whisper. "But I need time."
Alicent nods, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Time," she echoes, stepping out of the room. "Time I shall give you." The door closes behind her, leaving Rhaenyra alone with her thoughts.
///
Time passes in a blur. Weeks turn into a monotonous cycle of silent breakfasts and lonely nights. Egon and Talisa leave the next day, their departure leaving an even greater void in Alicent's life.
Rhaenyra, once a vibrant and lively presence, becomes a ghost of her former self. She withdraws into herself, her usual spark replaced with a sullen silence. She barely eats, and her days are spent outside the house, returning only when the moon is high and the town is asleep, reeking of alcohol.
Their intimacy, once a bond of their love, becomes a mere necessity – a way to satiate the primal needs of their wolves. There's no tenderness in their touches, no love in their kisses.
One evening, Alicent finds herself standing over the sink, her reflection staring back at her from the polished silver. Tears blur her vision as the weight of their crumbling relationship bears down on her.
A knock on the door breaks her out of her thoughts. It's the Grand Maester, come for an indiscreet check-up she had requested. The news he delivers is unexpected - she is pregnant.
Alicent's heart flutters with a mix of fear and joy. She hasn't told Rhaenyra yet. She has no idea how she will react. The uncertainty of it all leaves her feeling lost and scared.
As the Maester leaves, Alicent stands alone in the silent house, the news of her pregnancy echoing in her mind. She rests a hand on her belly, a small sigh escaping her lips. She is pregnant, and she has no idea what to do.
///
The air was thick with tension as Alicent entered Rhaenyra's chamber. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the flickering candles on the mantle. Rhaenyra sat on the edge of the bed, her back ramrod straight, her eyes as cold as ice.
Alicent approached her cautiously, her heart pounding in her chest. "Rhaenyra," she began, her voice quiet, almost a whisper.
Rhaenyra didn't respond, merely turned her gaze towards Alicent. Her expression was unreadable.
"I came to talk," Alicent continued, her hands nervously playing with the hem of her dress. She took a deep breath, summoning the courage to say what she came to. "I...I'm pregnant."
Rhaenyra's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. She stood up abruptly, her gaze never leaving Alicent. "Pregnant?" She repeated, her voice devoid of any emotion.
"Yes," Alicent nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I wanted to tell you first."
For a moment, Rhaenyra was silent. She looked at Alicent, her expression inscrutable. Then, she sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I see," she said softly, her voice barely audible. "Well, thank you for telling me."
Alicent nodded, a single tear rolling down her cheek. She turned around, about to leave the room when Rhaenyra called out, "Alicent."
"Yes?" Alicent turned around, her heart pounding.
Rhaenyra looked at her, a strange light in her eyes. "I...this is good news." she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Alicent nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes..it is." she said, before walking out of the room, leaving Rhaenyra alone with her thoughts.
///
Alicent steeled herself as she stepped into her mother's drawing room, the heavy oak door closing behind her with a soft thud. The room, usually a comforting place filled with the familiar scent of her mother's perfume and the faint rustle of turning pages, now felt stuffy and intimidating. Her mother sat at her usual spot by the window, her knitting needles clicking away rhythmically.
"Mother," Alicent began, her voice trembling slightly. She cleared her throat and continued, "There's something I need to tell you."
Her mother looked up, her hands pausing midway through a stitch. "What is it, Alicent?" she asked, her tone filled with concern.
Alicent shook her head, her hands moving instinctively to rest on her stomach. "I am pregnant."
For a moment, her mother just sat there, her eyes wide with shock. Then, she rushed to Alicent, her arms enveloping her daughter in a tight hug. "Oh, my dear child," she whispered, her voice filled with relief and joy. "That is wonderful news."
Alicent nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yes, it is, mother," she said, the weight on her shoulders feeling slightly lighter. "Yes, it is."
///
Alicent stood by the window, her heart pounding in her chest as she nervously awaited Rhaenyra's arrival. The room was dimly lit, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows on the walls. The air was heavy with tension, the weight of their recent argument hanging between them.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Rhaenyra entered the room with a determined stride. Her dark eyes were filled with a mix of anger and hurt, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. Alicent could feel the tension in the air grow even thicker as Rhaenyra took in the scene.
"What are you doing here, Alicent?" Rhaenyra demanded, her voice sharp and filled with accusation.
Alicent swallowed hard, trying to find her voice. "I... I wanted to talk," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rhaenyra scoffed, her eyes narrowing. "Talk? After everything that has happened, you think we can just talk?"
Alicent took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening. "I know we've had our differences, Rhaenyra," she began, her voice steady. "But we can't keep fighting like this. We need to find a way to move forward."
Rhaenyra crossed her arms over her chest, her expression guarded. "And why should I listen to you? You betrayed me, Alicent. You went behind my back and sent Aegon away."
Tears welled up in Alicent's eyes as she took a step closer to Rhaenyra. "I did it because I was scared," she admitted, her voice filled with remorse. “I wasn’t thinking and it’s not an excuse..I regret it deeply."
Rhaenyra's anger seemed to waver, replaced with a flicker of vulnerability. "You should have talked to me about your fears, Alicent," she said, her voice softer now. "We are supposed to be partners, to face these challenges together. Instead, you sent away my son."
Alicent nodded, her voice filled with regret. "You're right, Rhaenyra. I should have talked to you. I let my fear cloud my judgment."
There was a moment of silence as the weight of their words hung in the air. Then, Alicent mustered the courage to make her request. "Rhaenyra, I... I don't want to be alone tonight. Can I stay in your room?"
Rhaenyra's eyes softened, her anger melting away. She reached out and gently touched Alicent's arm, “Alicent," she said, her voice filled with a mix of understanding and tenderness. "We may have our differences, but you are still my mate. We will find a way to move forward, together."
Alicent's eyes filled with gratitude as she nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Rhaenyra," she whispered, feeling a glimmer of hope that perhaps their fractured relationship could be repaired, one step at a time.