“Ser Harrold, please…”
When Ser Harrold hears those words, he is reminded of his time as her sworn shield. Rhaenyra had always been a small child, sickly almost, but as adventurous as any little rascal might have been. That sweet, brave girl now looks like the light has left her long ago, and the blood that drips down her wrist reminds him of the roses she used to love so much. It is a sad sight, his princess so devoid of trust in her father that she calls out for him instead, and the king who hardly reacts to either of his children's injuries. Ser Harrold might not care for the boy, but surely him losing an eye should mean something to his father. Viserys has not even offered any words of comfort for the child, nor has he called for someone to stitch his daughter up.
Instead, they all stand in silence as the Queen stares down in shock at what she had done. It was all just sickening, he had seen the two girls grow and form a bond he thought unbreakable. But, the King seemed to have some skill at shattering all bonds, especially where ever his daughter was concerned. He had stripped his daughter of all her friends and allies, yet was blind to see why the girl was so distrustful of him now. It was infuriating, Ser Harrold loved that girl as if she were his own, and yet her father failed her time and time again. Ser Harrold refused to be another man who has failed her.
He strode over quickly and stood in front of the princess, unsheathing his blade and pointing it toward the Queen. He stood protectively in front of Rhaenyra and her children, as Viserys called for all this fighting to stop. It was a mockery the way he only cared when someone finally attempted to protect his daughter, it was shameful no less that it was his wife. Ser Harrold ignored his orders and some of the Kingsguard stood with him, Ser Darklyn and Ser Erryk both standing at his side. “Are you ok, my princess? I apologize for not getting to your side quick enough.” Ser Erryk asked, ashamed at his inability to protect his charge. Rhaenyra smiled back faintly at her sworn shield, “I am just thankful you are here, Ser. Thank you, all of you, but I will be okay after the Maester attends to me. So, sheath your blades.”
At her command, all three lowered their swords but stayed by her side for protection, as they glared back at the Queen. Who seemed shocked that anyone, let alone a Kingsguard would attempt to defend Rhaenyra. “You see her deception, my King? How she has taken control of your sworn protectors for herself, she must be punished for this.” Lord Otto chimed in from Viserys’ side, “Enough! Guards seize the Queen and her household, they will all be made to answer for this.” Everyone was taken aback by that order, as Lord Corlys had made no move before this moment. But, he too stood at Rhaenyra’s side, as Alicent and her father both looked to the King for protection.
“Surely there has been enough bloodshed tonight, Corlys,” Viserys asks in defense of his wife. Lord Corlys only looks more enraged at that, “That woman that you call wife, has just wounded the heir to the Iron Throne. If you believe that acceptable, then you might as well kill your daughter now. That woman will not be satiated until she has your daughter's life taken.” The King tries to deny it but is interrupted once again, “For god's sake Viserys, she has wounded your heir and even your Kingsguard can see how this is wrong.” Daemon chimes in, before standing next to his brother and showing his disappointment. “Is this how you choose to honor Aemma, by leaving her daughter to the vipers as your Queen slithers around the keep,” Rhaenys words are undoubtedly the most damning. And so Viserys stands aside as the guards move to take the Hightowers away, they fail to notice the tightened grip Alicent has back on the dagger.
As the King turned his back to her, she struck and she stood back as his body fell Lifelessly. If she was to die tonight, she’d take him down with her. With that everyone was moving toners their weapons, and the Kingsguard looked confused as to what to do. Rhaenyra sunk to her knees mournfully as she called out for her father, her son’s desperately trying to comfort her. “Stand down, the King would hardly want his mother killed,” Lord Otto insisted as he pulled Aegon by his arm. “Oh shut up, you fool. Rhaenyra was Viserys’ heir and I’ll personally take care of anyone who means to challenge that.” Daemon says before pointing Dark Sister directly at Otto, “Now would you prefer your tongue or your head, Otto.” The room was in chaos as everyone argued, with Rhaenyra too distraught to care and Alicent watching the girl with sad bitter longing.
“Daemon, take Lord Otto into custody and find out just how many of my father’s council were plotting against me,” Rhaenyra orders as she stands and wipes her eyes. “Princess Rhaenys, please see all the children to bed.” Rhaenys nods and departs with all the children, even Aegon who seemed happy to be away from his grandfather. “Ser Harrold and Lord Corlys, stay so we can discuss what will happen next. The rest of you are excused to return to your posts.” “What about me,” Alicent asks her old friend and stepdaughter. Who does not even spare her a glance, “Ser Erryk escort the former Queen to her chambers. Be sure that she remains there, I’ll see to her punishment later.” With that, everyone left to accomplish their tasks leaving Rhaenyra with the two she named.
“So, what now my Queen,” Ser Harrold asks. “Now? I will need you to overlook the current Kingsguard and remove anyone who would seek to dispose of me as Queen.” She replies, with one man flashing in both of their thoughts. “Yes, my Queen,” and with that Ser Harrold departs leaving Rhaenyra with Lord Corlys. “So it seems the time has come, as you are aware Laena and I had discussed betrothing Jacaerys to Baela and Lucerys to Rhaena. Is that still agreeable?” Lord Corlys stares at the girl his daughter was ever so fond of, and nods. “As for my council, there are a great many men I will need to replace.” Rhaenyra sighed then continued, “I plan to bring you back on as my Master of Ships and offer your wife the position as my Hand.” Any anger over not being named hand fades from Corlys the second she says Rhaenys’ name.
“That would be acceptable, my Queen.” With that, the matter was settled, and Rhaenyra had only just one last person to deal with. Alicent had killed the King, Rhaenyra’s father, and now she would finally have to answer for the years of mockery and abuse she put Rhaenyra through. It would almost be enjoyable if it were anyone but Alicent, despite everything Rhaenyra had loved her once and wished that things could have been different for them both. She nods to See Erryk, before entering Alicent’s chambers alone. She freezes when she doesn't see her, but then she is quickly pushed against a wall. As Alicent pops out from the shadows and kissed Rhaenyra as if her life depended on it, she attempts to struggle but ends up with her hands in Alicent’s hair.
Maybe Rhaenyra should be ashamed of how easily she let herself fall into Alicent’s arms or how she allowed herself to be pressed into the mattress. But, she didn't care, this was the woman who made her blood boil with hatred, and her heart long for what they once were. Tomorrow, Alicent would have to answer for what she had done, but for tonight they could forget all of that and just be Alicent and Rhaenyra. As they always should have been, there are tears in both their eyes as they kiss. And the way they hold each other is bruising, but the love in undeniable. And maybe that is all that truly matters, despite all the years of pain and suffering, the love remains.