Chapter 6
As Rhaenyra's ship docks at Dragonstone, the salty sea breeze tousles her hair, and the weight of her decision weighs heavily on her shoulders.
With Aegon nestled in her arms, she steps onto the familiar shores, her heart torn between relief at returning home and apprehension about the reception that awaits her, especially from Alicent.
Walking beside her, Talisa's presence is a source of both comfort and concern. Rhaenyra knows that bringing Talisa and her children back with her may not sit well with Alicent, but she refuses to apologize for prioritizing the well-being of Aegon and his family.
Talisa's voice breaks the tense silence as she voices the question that lingers on both their minds.
"What do you think Alicent's reaction will be to my return?" she asks, her tone cautious.
Rhaenyra's jaw sets in determination as she meets Talisa's gaze.
"Alicent will deal with it," she asserts firmly, her voice tinged with resolve. "It was the right decision to bring you and the children back with us, especially after what happened to your husband. I couldn't leave you alone in the new world, especially with Aegon's condition."
Talisa nods, understanding the gravity of the situation, yet a flicker of worry remains in her eyes.
"I just hope Alicent sees it the same way," she admits, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Rhaenyra offers a reassuring smile, though her own apprehension remains.
"She'll have to," she says, though her tone lacks the conviction she tries to convey.
As Rhaenyra walks the streets of Dragonstone, Aegon cradled in her arms, her thoughts swirl with a tumult of emotions. The weight of her son in her embrace serves as both a comfort and a reminder of the family she longs to reunite with.
With each step, Rhaenyra feels the eyes of the island's inhabitants upon her, their curious gazes stirring a mix of apprehension and determination within her. She knows that her return will inevitably spark whispers and rumors, but she presses on, fueled by the hope of reconciliation.
The letter from her mother, tucked safely within the folds of her cloak, serves as a silent reminder of the precious bond she shares with her newborn son. The news of Luke's birth fills her with a sense of longing and regret, knowing that she has missed out on so much in her absence.
Yet, amidst the bustling streets and the whispers of gossip, Rhaenyra's heart remains steadfast in its resolve. She knows that facing Alicent will not be easy, but she clings to the hope that their shared love for their son will serve as a beacon, guiding them back to each other.
With Aegon nestled close to her chest, Rhaenyra strides forward, her footsteps steady and determined. She may not know what the future holds, but she is ready to confront whatever challenges may come, fueled by the unwavering bond between a mother and her child.
///
As Rhaenyra leads Talisa to the rented home, she can't help but feel a twinge of guilt at the thought of leaving her there alone. The house is a testament to the Targaryen riches, luxurious yet tastefully appointed, offering Talisa and her children a comfortable refuge amidst the uncertainty of their circumstances.
"This will be your home for now," Rhaenyra says softly, her voice tinged with concern.
Talisa's eyes widen with gratitude as she takes in the sight of the elegant residence.
"Thank you, Rhaenyra, I never wanted to need this from you,” she murmurs, her voice filled with emotion. "But I’m so thankful for you. I don't know how to repay you for all that you've done for us."
Rhaenyra offers a reassuring smile.
"There's no need for repayment," she insists gently. "You're family, Talisa, and family takes care of each other."
"I'll come back in a few days," she says, her tone resolute. "We'll plan for you to move to a town a few miles over, where you'll be safe from scandal and rumors. I'll make sure you and Aegon are taken care of, I promise."
Talisa nods, her eyes brimming with gratitude.
"Thank you, Rhaenyra," she whispers, her voice filled with emotion. "For everything."
///
As Rhaenyra approaches her home, her heart pounds with nervous anticipation. She knows that facing Alicent will not be easy, especially after the news conveyed in her mother's letter. The tension between them hangs heavy in the air, thick with unresolved emotions and unspoken grievances.
With each step closer to the familiar entrance, Rhaenyra's apprehension mounts, a knot of anxiety tightening in the pit of her stomach. She knows that Alicent is furious with her, and the thought of their impending confrontation fills her with a sense of dread.
As she pushes open the door and steps inside, she looks for Alicent to no avail.
Rhaenyra's brow furrowed in confusion at the servant's words.
"But my mother assured me she would be watching after Alicent," she murmured, more to herself than to the servant.
The servant shifted uncomfortably, clearly unsure how to respond.
"I... I'm not sure, my lady," he stammered, avoiding Rhaenyra's gaze.
Rhaenyra's mind raced with questions, her heart heavy with uncertainty. If her mother hadn't mentioned Alicent's absence, then where had she been all this time? And why hadn't she told Rhaenyra about it?
With a furrowed brow and a sense of unease gnawing at her, Rhaenyra resolved to seek answers. She knew she needed to speak with her estranged mate.
///
As Rhaenyra entered the halls of her in-laws' home, her apprehension grew with each step. She knew that speaking to Alicent's father, Otto, would not be an easy task, especially given the strained state of their relationship.
"Lord Otto," Rhaenyra greeted him respectfully, her voice tinged with unease.
Otto's expression was stern as he turned to face her, his disapproval evident in the lines of his brow.
"Lady Rhaenyra," he acknowledged with a curt nod.
Straightening her shoulders, Rhaenyra braced herself for the conversation ahead.
“I came to speak with Alicent," she began, her tone firm yet measured. "I was surprised to hear she was not at home."
Otto's gaze hardened as he regarded her.
"And why should she be?" he retorted sharply. "You abandoned her, Lady Rhaenyra. You left her alone to bear our grandson, Luke, and take care of Jace all alone. Now you return and come seeking her when it suits you?"
Rhaenyra's heart sank at his words, the weight of his accusation hitting her like a physical blow.
"I had no choice but to leave," she protested, her voice trembling with emotion.
“No choice?" he echoed incredulously. "You are to be the Duchess of Dragonstone. There will never be a day in your life where you don’t have a choice, where you don’t have endless opportunities in front of you.”
Rhaenyra's throat tightened with guilt as she struggled to find an adequate response.
"I had hoped she would find comfort with my mother," she murmured, her voice laced with regret. "I never meant to cause her harm and I never meant to stay away this long. The journey was treacherous."
"Comfort?" Otto's tone was tinged with bitterness. "Alicent has refused to open any of your letters, instead sending them to the Duke’s estate."
Rhaenyra's heart sank at the revelation, a lump forming in her throat.
“I had no idea," she whispered, the weight of her actions pressing down on her shoulders. Tha eyes assumed Alicent read the letters, but was choosing to ignore her. Somehow this is worse.
"She's at the park with the babies," Otto interrupted Rhaenyra’s train of thoughts.. "She's been spending most of her time there lately."
A sense of urgency gripped Rhaenyra as she absorbed the news.
"Thank you, Lord Otto," she said hastily, her mind already racing with thoughts of finding Alicent. "I'll go to her right away."
With a nod of gratitude, Rhaenyra hurried off, her heart heavy with the knowledge of the pain she had caused. She knew that rebuilding her relationship with Alicent would not be easy, but she was determined to try.
///
The warm summer air caressed Rhaenyra's skin as she hurried through the crowded park, her gaze darting left and right in search of Alicent. The laughter of children and the chirping of birds filled the air, creating a cacophony of sounds that competed for her attention. She felt a pang of longing as she spotted Alicent sitting on a nearby bench, gently rocking Luke in her arms. Beside her, Jace played contentedly with a stick, digging small holes in the soft earth.
Rhaenyra approached her mate cautiously, not wanting to startle her. When she was close enough, she cleared her throat to get her attention. Alicent's head snapped up, her eyes wide with surprise. For a moment, they locked gazes, the tension between them palpable. Then, slowly, Alicent set Luke down on the blanket beside her.
"Rhaenyra," she breathed, her voice barely audible. Her face was a mask of conflicting emotions: shock, sadness, anger. Rhaenyra bit her lip, unsure how to respond. She wished she could reach out to Alicent, take her hand, but she dared not move. The air felt heavy with their unspoken words, with the weight of their past.
Rhaenyra's heart ached as she heard Alicent say her name. She wanted to apologize, to explain herself, but she didn't know where to begin. Instead, she reached out and gently took Alicent's hand in her own. The touch was tentative, almost hesitant, but it seemed to calm them both.
Rhaenyra's gaze lingered on Alicent, her heart heavy with the knowledge of all that had transpired during her absence. Alicent's presence, once a source of solace and companionship, now stirred a mixture of emotions within her—sadness, regret, and a lingering affection that time could not erase.
But then her attention shifted to Luke, the living embodiment of a new beginning. He was the product of a life she had missed, a reminder of the moments she could never reclaim. Yet, despite the ache of what could have been, there was an undeniable love and awe in her eyes as she looked upon him—a love that transcended the boundaries of time and distance.
With a sigh that carried the weight of missed opportunities and newfound hope, Rhaenyra settled down beside Alicent, reaching out to hold Luke close.
Alicent cradled Luke in her arms, her touch tender and protective as she gazed down at his peaceful slumber. Rhaenyra hesitated for a moment, her heart yearning to hold the child she had missed so dearly.
"May I?" Rhaenyra's voice was soft, tentative, as she reached out towards Luke.
Alicent looked up, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions—uncertainty, but also a flicker of understanding. Without a word, she carefully passed Luke into Rhaenyra's waiting arms, their fingers brushing briefly in the exchange.
Rhaenyra held Luke close, her breath catching as she felt the weight of his small body against her chest. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she pressed her lips to his forehead, a silent promise of love and devotion.
"Thank you," Rhaenyra whispered, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked up at Alicent, gratitude shining in her eyes.
Alicent's gaze softened as she watched them, a silent acknowledgment of the complexities of their shared history and the unspoken bonds that still held them together.
Rhaenyra took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, and then reached out to cradling Luke close. He was so small, so fragile, and yet there was something so powerful about him too.
She could feel Alicent's eyes on her, and she knew that her sister-in-law was still hurting, still angry. But she also hoped that maybe, just maybe, there was a spark of understanding there as well.
Rhaenyra cradled Luke in her arms, her gaze shifting to Alicent with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Was it... was it an easy birth?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Alicent’s laughter rang hollow in the air, a bitter echo of pain and regret. "Easy?" she echoed, her voice laced with bitterness. "No, Rhaenyra, it was anything but easy."
Rhaenyra's heart sank at the tone of Alicent's response, a pang of guilt twisting in her chest. Without a word, she reached out, her fingers trembling as she gently took hold of Alicent's hand, seeking solace in their shared connection.
But Alicent recoiled subtly, her hand slipping away from Rhaenyra's grasp, leaving behind an empty space that seemed to echo with the weight of unspoken words. There was a distance between them now, a chasm of pain and betrayal that seemed impossible to bridge.
“We will figure this out, Alicent.” Rhaenyra says quietly.
“There’s nothing to figure out.” Alicent says clearly, her voice detached.
Rhaenyra's heart ached at the words, a silent reminder of the wounds that still lingered between them. Only time will tell if they can mend what’s been broken between them.
///
Three Months Later
Rhaenyra blinked awake, her eyes adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. She found herself in Talia’s home, the familiar scent of lavender and vanilla comforting her senses. Stretching her arms above her head, she let out a soft yawn before sitting up in bed.
Talisa entered the room, carrying a tray laden with breakfast delights. "Good morning," she greeted with a warm smile, setting the tray down on the bedside table. "I hope you slept well."
Rhaenyra returned the smile, albeit a bit tiredly.
"Morning. Thank you, I did." She glanced at the tray, her stomach rumbling at the sight of fresh fruit and pastries.
"Here, let me pour you some tea," Talisa offered, reaching for the teapot. "Aegon has been babbling for you all morning."
Rhaenyra's smile faltered for a moment before she nodded. “I'll go see him after breakfast."
As Talisa left the room, Rhaenyra picked up a piece of toast, absently tracing her finger along the empty space on her ring finger. The absence of her wedding ring weighed heavily on her heart, a constant reminder of what was lost.
After finishing her breakfast, Rhaenyra made her way downstairs to the study room. Aegon sat on the rug playing with his toys.
Rhaenyra forced a smile, pushing aside her own thoughts. "Hey buddy."
They spent the next hour playing with his dragon toys. But as they played, her mind kept drifting back to the memories of happier times, of a love that had once filled her heart.
Rhaneyra pulled him into a hug, holding him close. As they parted, Rhaenyra watched her son from afar, a sense of gratitude filling her heart.
Just as Rhaenyra was about to gather her thoughts, a knock echoed through the hallway. She furrowed her brow, wondering who could be visiting at this hour. With a sigh, she made her way to the front door and opened it.
Standing on the doorstep was none other than Alicent. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hung heavy in the air.
"Hello, Rhaenyra," Alicent greeted in a strained voice, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Rhaenyra nodded in acknowledgment, her expression guarded. "Alicent."
“May I come in?” Alicent said quietly, peeking inside the home.
With a small nod, Rhaenyra opened the door, mentally preparing for whatever lay ahead.