Chapter Text
When Queen Alicent Hightower had her youngest child, Rhaella Targaryen, many worried for her health. Alicent had experienced a turbulent pregnancy, one that she had not had with her other children. She was frequently sick, constantly fatigued, and encouraged to remain on bed rest for the last trimester of her pregnancy. Even with the constant doting from the maesters and midwives, Alicent could not prolong her pregnancy, and their youngest child chose to arrive two months early. The Queen's labors were easy, but their daughter was tiny, frail, and pallid.
Young Princess Rhaella went through several bouts of ailment, and Alicent was told on multiple occasions that she should begin to prepare to grieve her youngest child. With her already present uneasiness for the survival of her sons, Alicent could barely manage the anxiety and worried about her children day and night. Only after three months and constant watch from the orderlies at King's Landing did the maesters deliver the excellent report that Rhaella would prevail, at least for now. Unfortunately, her immune system would likely make her easily susceptible to illness.
After Rhaella recuperated from her illnesses, the tense atmosphere that had settled into the castle finally dissipated. Delight filled the air-- the King had a new child, and his daughter Princess Rhaenyra had started having healthy sons around the same time. Despite Alicent's frustrations at Rhaenyra's bold-faced adultery with the Lord Commander of the City Watch, Ser Harwin, Viserys did his best to uphold the peace. He wanted to live in the bliss of having healthy children and his first grandchildren. He was content, and Alicent and Rhaenyra respected his wishes. Their developed dislike for one another was camouflaged underneath backhanded compliments and subtle glares in the other's direction. Despite the tension between his wife and his daughter, Viserys insisted on Rhaenyra's and his children growing up together. Alicent, the ever-dutiful wife her father raised her to be, reluctantly agreed with his wishes. As a result, the intermixed children trained with their dragons together. Aegon, Aemond, Jacaerys, and Lucerys sparred together with Ser Harwin and Ser Criston during the days.
When there weren't classes for the children to observe, Rhaella played with her nephews. Rhaenyra's boys, who were closest in age to Rhaella, always included her when they got to play in the castle. When they were younger, the boys would join her in her quarters and partake in the young Princess's tea parties. When the boys started to take more interest in roughhousing, the boys always tried to include her. Due to the close watch and supervision that Rhaella received as a child, she was in reasonably adequate health. However, despite being several years older than the pair, she never recovered from her early birth and grew up more diminutive than her nephews. Raised to be courteous, Rhaenyra's boys did their best to accommodate Rhaella. The two would slow down if she couldn't catch up to them; they would go gentle on her if she wanted to try and spar with them. Overall, the trio became exemplary friends despite the subtle feuds between their mothers.
In the twelve years since the birth of Aegon II, King's Landing had been filled with young princes and princesses, all with distinctive personalities. Aegon had a robust, gluttonous, and boastful character, sometimes even teasing his nephews. Alicent's youngest son, Aemond, was like the black sheep of the royal children— a quiet mama's boy with a particular attraction to dragons. Helaena was serene and kept to herself. Not particularly sociable, she usually kept to her quarters. Rhaella, her youngest daughter, was a reserved but kind girl. She was quick to feel unease, so she was often a sweet and courteous princess. If anything, it reminded Alicent of her own self in court when she was younger-- before marrying Viserys, she was a quiet, warm, and obedient lady in court. If her daughter heeded in her steps, Alicent likely wouldn't have to fear for her well-being-- it would presumably be painless to marry her off, hopefully far away from King's Landing.
If there was one thing to be known about Rhaenyra's boys, Jacaerys and Lucerys adored their mother. Jacaerys was louder and had a shorter temper than Lucerys, but the two were typically known as very kind young princes with good manners. They were sociable children and always found some activity to fill their day, whether training with Ser Criston and Ser Harwin, strengthening their bond with their dragons, or causing mischief in the castle.
Rhaella felt she fit in better with her nephews than with her siblings. Aegon was a handful of years older than her, and his interests had recently shifted from playing to drinking and women. Aemond, an easy target for mistreatment from the princes, usually kept a comfortable distance from the other boys. Helaena was not innately troublesome like her older brother, nor was she quickly picked on like Aemond. She was merely quiet. She periodically played with Rhaella when the two were younger, but she became less social over the years. Helaena interacted more with her mother than any of her siblings or nephews.
As happy as playing with her nephews made Rhaella, if it were up to Alicent, she would have kept and raised her children isolated from Rhaenyra and her boys. She and her father aimed to place her eldest son Aegon, the rightful heir to Viserys, to take the throne from Rhaenyra. It would likely make things easier for her children if they were not so close with Rhaenyra's boys. Unfortunately, though, it was not up to her. Instead, Alicent had to agree with Viserys' decision to have his children and grandchildren grow up together.
"It's good, is it not, my love?" Alicent broke her train of thought, her gaze snapping from her young daughter to her comfortably seated husband. She forced a tight-lipped smile in Viserys' direction. "It is good that they are friends. I do not want to have to greet my grandchildren in the afterlife because they all killed each other for the throne." Alicent nodded a quiet hum in half-agreement. She shifted her gaze back to her children, observing them from the balcony of King Viserys' quarters. Aegon and Aemond were closer to the gates, practicing their sparring with Ser Criston. Helaena was not to be found, though Alicent was sure she was likely residing in her quarters.
Rhaella was out playing with Jacaerys and Lucerys in the courtyard. Despite the maesters declaring Rhaella healthy, Alicent often worried her daughter would exert herself trying to keep up with her playmates. Brows furrowed with worry, Alicent felt Viserys squeeze her waist in reassurance.
"Rhaella is fine, my love."
"I'm aware, husband. I just worry about her," Alicent sighed as her fingers fidgeted with the fabric of her dress. Despite her absent-minded fidgeting, Alicent kept her gaze focused on her daughter as she ran through the grounds.
"I know. But Rhaella's nephews will take good care of her."
"Of course," She conceded, not having the effort to push back against Rhaenyra and her sons today. Instead, she chose to keep a close eye on Rhaella.
"I'll find and sell you both for candies!" Rhaella exclaimed excitedly, running around the courtyard for both of the young boys. From Alicent's position, she could see where both of them were. After several minutes of trying to find the boys, Rhaella glanced up at her mother, silently asking for help. Withholding a smile, Alicent gave a subtle point to the haybale that Lucerys was hiding behind. Rhaella giggled, sprinting towards Lucerys' hiding spot and pulling him out from behind.
"I have your brother now, Jacaerys! It's not long before I find you…." Rhaella taunted, shooting to the ground to look underneath a nearby wheelbarrow, though she came up with nothing. She wandered around, searching through the stables and bushes, to no avail. After several minutes of being unable to locate Jacaerys from his hiding spot, Rhaella once again looked to her mother for support. Alicent gave her a small smile, gesturing towards the weapons table. Her daughter gave her a confident nod before sprinting toward the area.
"Yes! Sweet victory!" Rhaella exclaimed as she pulled Jacaerys from his hiding spot. "Now, onto selling you to pirates for those candies…." She trailed off, tapping her chin in thought.
"Princess, you don't need to sell your nephews off for sweets!" Viserys interjected playfully. Alicent glanced over to her husband. He'd always had a stronger fondness for Rhaenyra and her children than he did for his children with Alicent. If it was supposed to be a secret, it was undoubtedly the most poorly kept one in King's Landing. It was a surprise, though welcome, to see him interacting with his other children in a way other than irritation. "I'll make sure the chef gives you an extra dessert at tonight's dinner."
"I suppose if we do that, then I won't have to lose my playmates either. 'Tis a good deal, father!" The King chuckled, looking down happily into the courtyard. "But I do have a stipulation." Viserys raised his eyebrows in intrigue, offering her a nod to continue.
"I found both Jacaerys and Lucerys, father. Should that not count for two desserts rather than one?"
"It is bold of you to try and negotiate with The King. I am only willing to concede an extra and half portion of dessert, so your meal does not spoil, though." Rhaella let go of Jacaerys' sleeve, looking deep in thought as she considered Viserys' offer.
"Very well, father! An extra portion and a half of dessert in return for not selling your grandchildren to the pirates." The girl only lingered for a moment longer before sprinting after the boys, who had taken off running while she was negotiating with her father.
"Our daughter is an excellent negotiator, Alicent. Perhaps we should be bringing her to some of these peace talks," Viserys chuckled, clearly amused by his own joke. Alicent offered a half-hearted chuckle as she turned to face her husband.
"If she is so good at getting the King to concede at nine, imagine what she will accomplish in adulthood." The two laughed before Alicent leaned down and kissed Viserys' forehead. "I should go check on Rhaella, husband. I know you say she's fine, but a mother cannot help but worry." He offered a nod in return to Alicent's words.
"Very well, my love. I cannot argue against a mother's institution." With that, Alicent moved to exit the King's chambers and move toward the courtyard.
"Ser Criston!" Alicent called as she entered the grounds below Viserys' room. "Let Aegon and Aemond train with the other knights for now. I have matters to attend to."
"Of course, Your Grace." Criston sheathed his weapon and directed the boys to another knight for the time being. Recently, his main goal was to train Aegon and Aemond for battle, but Alicent still enjoyed having him as her knight companion. Once Ser Criston caught up to the Queen, his armor clinking echoed throughout the dimly lit hallway with each step.
"I can tell you want to say something," Alicent spoke, offering a lazy glance in his direction.
"If I could speak freely, Your Grace." With a hum in agreement from the Queen, Ser Criston gathered his resolve.
"I feel it would do better not to have your daughter interact so closely with the princess's sons."
"You know I share the same sentiments as you, Ser Criston. Yet, my feelings aside, other factors contribute to my decision."
"What would those be, Your Grace?"
"Firstly, it is what my husband wishes. As his wife, I must follow through with his desires as best I can. The King wishes for his children and grandchildren to bond and grow together; therefore, I must do my part to ensure that. My feelings regarding the matter are irrelevant." Alicent spoke evenly, her hands tucked comfortably behind her back as she walked.
"Secondly, and more selfishly- my children's friendship with their nephews is strategic." Ser Criston glanced over at the Queen, intrigue etched into his features. "My father and I have been strategizing Aegon's ascension to the Iron Throne for the last several years. Should things go awry, I thought that if my efforts to protect my children were in vain, perhaps Rhaenyra's sons might beg for their lives. If not because they all liked one another, then at least to spare their closest friend from having to experience the grief of losing one's entire family."
In the years that Alicent had her first child, her father had instilled a sense of dread within her. This... looming sense of constant anxiety, and impending doom. Otto convinced Alicent that to guarantee her succession to the throne, Rhaenyra may be moved to kill her threats to the throne. If Rhaenyra was not sympathetic to spare Alicent's children for the friendship the two once had, perhaps she would be moved for her Jacaerys and Lucerys' sake. As Jacaerys and Lucerys loved their mother, she adored her sons. Bastard children aside, Alicent found Rhaenyra's desire to shield her children from danger and the critical eyes of the court admirable. If Rhaenyra did feel it necessary to eliminate other threats to her rise as Queen of the Seve Kingdoms, should her sons beg to show mercy, she would likely try to oblige her sons' wishes as best she could. Even if it meant banishing or removing their peerages, at least their lives would be spared.
When Alicent was younger, she never would have dreamed that she would have to worry about Rhaenyra threatening her lineage. But a lot can change over a decade, clearly. Alicent had admired Rhaenyra's independence and assertiveness as a young lady of the court. Her best friend was a strong woman that Alicent secretly aspired to be. Yet, after her marriage to Viserys, Rhaenyra became utterly different from Alicent- nearly unrecognizable as her once closest ally and confidant. She had lied about her virtue and chose to sacrifice Otto's job to try and continue the lie. Following her marriage to Ser Laenor, it was clear that Rhaenyra was participating in an extramarital affair with Ser Harwin, considering her now three curly, brown-haired sons. Viserys ignored the apparent fact that his grandsons were bastards. His love for Rhaenyra blinded him from seeing the truth, and it felt like a strike to Alicent's face. The King, who expected his wife to be dutiful and loyal, was willing to let his daughter romp around whomever she wished. Ready to let his grandchildren, bastards, assume the throne following the end of Rhaenyra's rule. The ire that resided in Alicent after seeing Viserys' voluntary blindness to her acts only fuelled her desire to place her eldest son on the throne. At least Aegon was a true-born Targaryen, poor habits and personality aside.
As such, with her wish to have Aegon on the throne, Alicent needed to ensure preventative measures were in place to protect her children. That could consist of cutting Rhaenyra out of the picture before tensions could fully rise, or it could be her children relying on the bonds they'd formed in childhood. It would be ideal not to have to rely on the empathy of her rival's sons, as that was less predictable than simply removing Rhaenyra from the line of succession. But, a mother desperate to protect her children would resort to any possible option that might save them. "As I have instructed you to sculpt my sons into fine warriors, I have ensured that Rhaella becomes close with her nephews.
Aegon and Aemond can defend themselves and win, should it come to it. My daughters would have their lives spared. Helaena has no interest in the throne, and Rhaella's relationship with Jacaerys and Lucerys should shield her from any looming dangers."
"Yes, but—"
"That is enough, Ser Criston," Alicent spoke, cutting off Ser Criston's protests. "Your focus is to train my children, not to question my judgment." Ser Criston offered a clearly insincere apology to the Queen as they walked to the entrance of the young princess' room. The guards outside Rhaella's room opened the doors to the Queen and her knight.
"Wait outside, Ser Criston. I need to attend to my daughter." Ser Criston bowed in silent agreement and took his place amongst the other knights as Alicent entered the youngest princess' quarters.
"Rhaella?" Alicent peeked around the corner towards her daughter's play area. She spotted the back of her daughter's blonde head and two dark-haired boys across from her. Once Jacaerys and Lucerys recognized the presence of the Queen, the two got up from their seats and offered her a bow.
"Hello, boys. Thank you for keeping my daughter company today. However, she must recuperate after running around all day. You may go." Rhaella opened her mouth to protest her mother's wishes, as she wanted to spend more time with her playmates. Yet, Alicent had no interest in hearing it and instead held up a hand to silence her daughter from continuing. Clearing her throat, Alicent continued, "I'm sure your mother is wondering where you two have been all day, anyways."
"Yes, Your Grace," Jacaerys spoke quietly, though Alicent could see his nose scrunch up in discontentment at the Queen's jab toward his mother. Lucerys stood behind his older brother, timidly gripping at his sleeve. Jacaerys' younger brother echoed his words, and the two hurried from Rhaella's room.
"My darling," Alicent spoke, sitting on the ground next to her daughter. Brows furrowed with concern, she raised a hand to rest on her daughter's flushed cheeks. "You know it is dangerous for you to exert yourself running around."
"They're the only ones who will play with me, Mother," Rhaella mumbled, pulling away from her mother's touch.
"What will you do when they get even bigger than you? Run after them and faint from exhaustion when you cannot catch up to them? They are strong boys, after all." Too young to notice the double entendre lying in her mother's words, Rhaella frowned.
"I'm only nine years old. I still have time to grow." Her daughter huffed, frustrated. However, her nervous tick of picking at the cuticles on her fingers betrayed the confident stance she tried to display.
"As much as I would like to see you tall and healthy like your siblings,” Alicent spoke gently, a hand combing through her daughter’s knotted hair. "The maesters have made it very clear to your father and me that you will stay weaker than the others, even when you grow."
"I don't want to be weaker than them! I want to keep playing with Jace and Luke."
"Even if that is what you want, we do not always get to fulfill those wishes, my love." Alicent's hand reached for her daughters, halting her from picking at her already bloodied fingers. "I know you want to keep up with Jacaerys and Lucerys," Alicent emphasized their full names to show her quiet discontentment with her daughter's nicknames for Rhaenyra's sons. "But you are stronger than them in other ways, yes? The septas tell me you excel above all others in your lessons. Perhaps soon, we should shift your focus to lessons. You will no longer have to worry about tuckering yourself out with the boys, and you can become the smartest person in the room." Rhaella offered a soft nod, despite the frown settling on her face. Alicent gave her daughter's hand a gentle squeeze. She did not speak it, but she had a soft spot for her youngest children- particularly Rhaella. Perhaps the fear of losing her when she was an infant strengthened their bond along with Alicent's wish for her daughter's happiness.
"For now, though, your nephews are close to your size. Perhaps we will not have to worry about that transition for the next few years." Relieved at her mother's words, Rhaella looked up at her mother and gave a squeeze of her mother's hand back. "As long as the maesters have cleared you for playing, you can continue."
"Along with telling you what we talked about during the day?"
"Yes, but remember--"
"It is a secret only you and I can talk about.
"Exactly, my love." Alicent nodded at her daughter's words. Some parts of her felt guilty using her daughter for information about Rhaenyra, but it was justified. Rhaella didn't know what she was doing- she simply thought she was playing with her friends and telling her mother about her day. She wasn't technically wrong about that, as she got to play with her nephews. Perhaps once her daughter became more aware of her interactions, they would have to revisit the topic. But for now, all was calm.
"Now," Alicent spoke, shifting into a more comfortable position beside her daughter, "Tell me all about what happened today."