Chapter Text
Seeing Aegon smash the smaller bastard's face into the wood had a smirk crawling onto your face. On the other side of the room, Aemond and Jacaerys were standing head to head, butterflies were in your stomach at the idea of Aemond beating his face in. Rhaenyra stood panicked, and you took delight seeing your half sister's face so scared.
The fun was interrupted by Daemon, the cunt the only one that could stop your brother from killing Jacaerys with only his hands. Your smile fell when you saw your mother’s face. She looked so disappointed. Disappointed in you all for ruining this attempt at peace. Though you wondered how she could preach peace when she was the one that made you all this way, so hateful. You struggled to listen to the words spilling from the adults. You were still sitting at the table, eyes locked on your mother.
“It’s time we leave Alicent,” your half-sister sighed, it seemed the fog cleared and you could hear again.
“You must stay,” your mother begged, and for a moment she was not the Queen, just a girl clinging to her friend, the thought made you ill.
Rhaenyra smiled, though it seemed to be one of pity, “After I deliver the children to Dragonstone I shall return.”
You could see the relief take your mother, but something sick boiled in your stomach. Next to you Helaena seemed tense as well, muttering softly.
“What is it sister?” You asked quietly, hoping not to distract from the task at hand. You were the only children left in the room, speaking may take that edge away.
“Green flows into red, the green, the green. Black and green will spill, it will all spill “ she whispered, clutching your hand, nails digging into your skin.
You didn’t know exactly what the girl meant but you had heard enough of her ramblings to know that you were green and they were black. The red was your father who desperately held onto ignorance.
“We won’t allow that to happen Laena,” you promised, the panic on your sister’s face malleable.
Seeing Rhaenyra start to separate from your mother you stood, drawing everyone’s eyes to you, “Sister,” you bit out the word as if it pained you to mutter, “You should stay. With our father in poor health, your staying would bring him great peace,” seeing her face start to crack you continued, “I know Mother and I would love your support in these trying times,” your teeth clenched, but she was not fully convinced yet, “It’s time like these families need to stick together,” you finish wanting to vomit at your own words.
However, it seemed Rhaenyra was moved as Alicent nodded at your every word. She sighed, giving in at your mother’s pleading eyes, “You’re right sister. I have missed my, our, father,” she corrected and you wanted to rip her face off, “It’s important that he feels all of our support.”
Your mother grinned, pulling Rhaenyra into a hug, which shocked you, the women your mother called a whore now in her arms, “I’m glad you’re staying, Rhaenyra,” your mother’s use of her name made your stomach drop. Perhaps you were missing something.
“I’ll send the boys home,” her voice softer than you’d ever heard it, “Father doesn’t need them fighting all the time,” Your mother nodded, “Though I hope one day it won’t come to that,” she said with a tight lipped smile.
You had to try hard not to laugh at that, at your brothers getting along with your nephews, “I hope so too, sister. Once you send the boys perhaps we could go visit father?” You asked, wanting to make yourself suffer even greater apparently.
Rhaenyra looked at you suprised, “That sounds wonderful.”
She left, walking ever so gracefully. Her black dress floating across the marble floor, as if there were no feet under her. You hated the woman, or at least you were taught to hate the woman, but she was beautiful, and so graceful. If she was to sit the throne, she would look the part.
Your mother turned to you, a genuine smile on her face, “Thank you. I know you did not want her to stay, so thank you,” only ever thanking you if it benefits her.
You purse your lips, “I only want what’s best. If that means the princess stays, then so be it,” you finished.
Alicent eyed you carefully, “Even if it’s not what you want?”
“If it’s for the good of our family, without a doubt,” you insisted.
Alicent’s face seemed to hold something you couldn’t recognize, something mixed with grief, “I’ve raised you to be selfless, perhaps I should’ve taught you to be more selfish.”
“You’ve raised me to be a princess,” you insisted.
“And I should’ve raised you to be a girl,” she argued.
At that you felt a rage bubble inside you again, “I am no girl. I am a princess of the realm. The rest of your children are vengeful, drunk, or lost in dreams. Someone has to carry the weight,” you hissed.
Your mother simply nodded, eyes sad. For a moment you felt a sting of bitter relief, that you had won. The feeling was soon replaced with a thick sense of guilt, though you refused to apologize, not when you were right. You walked out of the room, shutting the door a little too hard and your feet slapping against the floor as you made your way to your father’s room.
There stood Rhaenyra, in the candle lit hallway, “The boys put up a fight,” she smiled.
“Once they all learn to behave as princes, perhaps we can live in peace,” you spat, “My brothers included,” you fixed, not wanting to send Rhaenyra packing just yet.
“Boys will never receive the same backlash as us, will they?“ she asked, voice soft and pitying.
You wanted to slap her, “No they will not. That’s just how the coin flips though, isn’t it?”
“It doesn’t have to be,” she said quietly.
You resisted the urge to ask if it would be her that would fix it. If she thought so high of herself that she could fix thousands of years of torture, but you shut your mouth before venom slipped out. Instead, opening the bed chamber door.
Rhaenyra gasped a little, seeing her father in such a horrible state. You ignored her, she’d seen him already, her reaction was dramatic. You were used to it, the drugged out nonsense. The peeling skin and rotting flesh. The smell of death surrounding him. It was what your father was, a corpse.
You found your usual seat by his bedside, used to visiting him while he was sick. Rhaenyra hesistated, before taking the seat across from you. She seemed hesitant to speak.
Your voice was quiet when you spoke, “Father, Rhaenyra and I are here to see you.”
He groaned in acknowledgment and you smiled, taking his hand, it was exceptionally cold.
“Dinner was lovely father. It was nice to be a family for a moment,” she spoke, pretending everything was normal.
Instead of replying with a normal response the King started mumbling of prophecies, of ice and fire.
“Father, you sound like Helaena,” you laughed, though your voice was trembling at the odd words and state of your father.
Rhaenyra could sense your panic, and you could see the shock on her face as well, you soon spoke again, “Father, I don’t understand,” you clutched his hand, desperate to understand what you assumed would be his end.
“The prince,” he said shakily.
“Aemond or Aegon?” You asked, forgetting Rhaenyra’s sons.
Rhaenyra spoke instead, “Aegon The Conqueror,” she said in understanding. Once again your stomach boiled knowing Rhaenyra understood and you did not.
“To unite the realm against the cold and the dark," Viserys' mumbled, "It is you. You are the one. You must do this. You must do this."
Rhaenyra had tears streaming down her face, “Yes Father. I’ll do my best.”
“You will do more than that,” he promised.
You could only sit by, rage and tears streaming down your face as your father slipped away from you. He gasped for air and you could feel the end.
You leaned down and kissed his rotting skin, despite his deep faults he was your father, “Geros Ilas, raqnon ao, Keppa,” Good bye, I love you, father.
“No more,” he groaned, “My love,” he uttered as his last breath was taken.
At that, your father was gone. In a moment of weakness a sob left your throat. Rhaenyra sat across from you tears staining her face as well. You tried to collect yourself, wiping the tears from your face, and standing on shaky legs. The King's death must be announced. A coronation must take place. This was not time for tears.
Rhaenyra stood as well, going for the door. For a moment you were faced with a decision. Your father’s wishes were clear. Rhaenyra was to sit the throne. If you let Rhaenyra walk out the door without a word that would not happen. She would be killed. Your grandfather would kill her. Aegon would be forced onto a throne he doesn’t want. Your mother would lose everyone. Yet, you hesitated. Your entire life you were told that she was a whore, a bastard maker. This woman would be the end of your family, should she sit the throne. Yet, you saw your sister for a moment, the woman your father so desperately believed in.
As her hands graced the door you spoke, “Rhaenyra,” she turned, the use of her name from your lips not something she was used to, “Before I speak, I need the promise that no harm will come to my siblings or my mother. Only Otto Hightower,” your voice stable for the first time since you opened the door.
Rhaenyra looked so sad for a moment, but the look of a queen quickly graced her face, “I promise you no harm will come to our family,” the facade fell, “I would never hurt them sister,” she promised, voice thick with emotion.
You nodded your head, so confused at her words. Otto promised she would kill all of you if she sat the throne, “The hand has been planning to crown Aegon from the moment he was born,” you sighed, “Aegon has no desire for the throne and his wife no desire to be queen,” her face dropped at the news, “Be careful as you walk out that door. Get rid of Otto and Cole before you announce the loss of the King,” you instructed, “I’ll talk to Mother and Aemond, they are the least likely to flip. Have someone find Aegon and promise him that he will not sit the throne. Call your children and the Rogue Prince back to your side,” again she nodded.
“What should I do to Otto and Cole? Their supporters will rally?” She asked.
You smiled sickly, the Queen begging for her sister's help, “I’m sure your husband will have no problem cutting the traitor’s heads. Mother will understand with time,” you promised.
“Thank you,” she whispered, “Our family will live on because of you.”
“I’m killing my family because of you,” you repsonded.
Her face soured, “I’m sorry sister.”
“It’s a princess’ duty to protect the throne,” you replied dryly, tired of this conversation.
She stared for a moment. You hesitated again before getting on your knees, “I pledge allegiance to the rightful heir, Queen Rhaenyra.”
You heard an odd noise and looked up. Rhaenyra pulled you up, holding your face in her warm hands, “There is no need for the Princess to be on the floor. No need for my sister to dirty her dress when she has saved my life,” she kissed your forehead softly, “It will be alright raqnon,” she promised. Love
With that she flew out of the room, no longer floating, but running. You walked out the door and spoke to the guards, “No one is to enter these chambers. The King is asleep, he wishes for no interruptions, that includes the maesters,” you ordered and they nodded, “I mean it. Send them to me if they have an issue,” you say, walking away to find your mother and brother.
You didnt bother knocking on Aemond’s door, just storming in. He sat in his bed, reading by candlelight. He was in his night clothes, eyepatch at his bedside, a sapphire staring back at you where an eye used to be. He glared at you as you came in unannounced.
“I need you in Mother’s room,” you demanded.
He rolled his eyes, closing his book, “For what? For you two to yell at Aegon and I about our behavior?”
“No, I thought it was entertaining. Though, in the future I wouldn’t advise hurting the heirs to the throne,” you reminded.
Aemond paused, “That’s if Grandfather ever allows her to sit the throne.”
You paused, “Aegon does not want the throne.”
“When does what we want matter?” He smiled, though it held no joy.
You agreed, “It matters what Father wanted, and that’s for Rhaenyra to sit the throne.”
Aemond paused, his one eye widening, “Sister, was wanted a grammatical error?” He seemed to be holding his breath.
You shook your head, “The King is dead. Our sister is aware of the plans to usurp the throne. She has promised all our safety in return for Cole and Otto’s head.”
Aemond stood from the bed, cornering you, eye wild, “You gave our whore of a sister, our grandfather's life and our mother’s protector. You fool,” he shouted.
“Am I the fool?” you pushed him back some, “Or are you? Falling for Otto’s words. That man wants his blood on the throne. He would have you lose limbs to gain a dragon. He ignores Aegon’s indiscretions and had Helaena, our sweet sister spit out his children. He has mother wrapped around his finger, so much so that he pushed her into bed with a man older than him!“ you screamed, “He will have us wed on the morrow if it’s announced the King is dead. You will turn to the whores of Silk Street, of a different flavor, and give into your bloodlust. I will be left locked in a tower producing heirs until it kills me,” you spit.
“Rhaenyra loves our mother. She is safe under her rule. Aegon and Helaena can have their marriage annulled. Aegon can drink to his heart's content and our sister can be free. You can marry who you wish, or never at all. I saved us all, while you participated in our downfall. You are the fool,” He looked shocked for a moment, “It is too late. If you wish to die at the Queen's hand that is your choice, but the rest of our family shall live in peace or I will die trying.”
“No one will die, sister. I may not fully agree with putting Rhaenyra on the throne but I do wish for our families happiness, and I am not fool enough to think she will be a bad leader. I commend you for your work. You’re kinder than you let on,” he pulled you into him, ending any doubt you had, that with your words, he would support you, and by proxy Rhaenyra.
“I love you, brother,” you said into his shirt, “But I have no wish to marry you.”
He laughed, “And I you sister. Now shall we try to convince Mother?”
“May the old gods and the new help us,” you laughed, releasing him and walking with him hand in hand.
Walking down the halls Aemond froze in the face of your grandfather, “What are you two doing out so late?” He stared at your hands, “Being alone in the night is not advised for your reputation.”
Aemond moved to release your hand but you squeezed it, keeping it in your grip, “Not to worry, Grandfather, we just visited father. He is dead asleep and demanded peaceful rest,” you laughed with a wide smile, “Now, we’re off to see Mother, to wish her goodnight,” he eyed you oddly.
Aemond spoke, “We have decided to spend more time together, for when duty calls we will answer,” he said through tight lips.
A wicked smile crawled across Otto’s face, “I’m proud of you two. Not fighting duty is important.”
“Of course Grandfather, we’ve matured,” you said easily, “Goodnight, I’ll see you on the morrow,” you finished.
He nodded and continued to walk, “Good cover,” Aemond commented.
“Not much was a lie. I just came from seeing Father, and he is dead asleep, I told the guards no visitors, and we are off to see Mother. I never lied outright. Neither did you, we are protecting the throne, our duty,” you replied.
Aemond laughed, “Ever the ruler.”
You knocked on your mother’s door softly, ignoring Cole’s looming presence outside of it, and the way his stare made your skin crawl. She opened the door surprised, but smiled when she saw the two of you.
“What do I owe the pleasure,” she asked as she let you in.
You weren’t quite sure how to approach this, taking a moment to gather your thoughts, but Aemond spoke, “Father is dead.”
Your mothers hand flew to her face, eyes wide, “What?” She breathed.
“You’re so fucking stupid,” you hissed, he was so blunt.
You walked to your mother, taking her hands and sitting her down, she looked at you eyes wide, “Mother, Rhaenyra and I went to visit Father. We were with him the whole time, he went peacefully. Even in his death he spoke of Rhaenyra on the throne,” you smiled, trying to broach the topic slowly.
“But if she sits the throne, what will happen to us? Our lives are a challenge to the throne. I will not allow for my children to be killed,” she tried to stand but you pulled her back down slowly.
“I was with Rhaenyra. My sister promised me that in trade for information that we will all remain safe. She has no ill will,” you promised.
She seemed relieved for a moment, but her eyes went large, “What information?”
This would be the hard part, “The information that there are plans to usurp the throne from under her. That those people are Otto Hightower and Criston Cole. In trade for their lives we will keep ours.”
She ripped her hands from you, as if burned, “What have you done?” She cried.
Aemond spoke in your defense, “Prevented war. Aegon has no desire to rule, and Rhaenyra would not settle for anything but. She was born to rule mother.”
She had a wild look in her eyes, “That is fine. Viserys wanted her in the throne and I will honor my husband and the King, but my father’s life should not be the sacrifice,” she yelled, “And Cole,” she hissed, “Has been nothing but kind to you.”
The mention of Cole and his kindness, made you want to vomit, “What would you like Mother? For Grandfather to go to Oldtwon, collect allies and come back and slaughter Rhaenyra and her children, until Aegon is forced on the throne? Then what? We wait until Rhaenyra’s supporters fight back and we are all killed. Until Jaehaerys’ and Jaehaera’s blood is spilt? Is that what you would like? For all of us to live in misery and manipulation?”
“He wouldn’t do that,” she shook her head, insistent.
“Oh, as he stayed in Oldtown the last time? The hand did not die, and he did not take his place? Wake up Mother. You’re an idiot to believe in the likes of Otto Hightower,” you spat.
Tears were running down her face, “It is my duty to protect my family.”
“And it is mine. I have done that. He is not my family. He has poisoned your mind, into a zombie that follows his every word. Perhaps your head should come off alongside his,” she gasped, shocked at your words.
Aemond stepped in, “She is angry, Mother. She does not mean those words, just that if you don’t come to your senses it may be your head too. Rhaenyra has given us much grace, I’m afraid that Grandfather’s head must be taken for ours to remain. And in truth Mother, this loss may mean freedom,” he explained. Alicent nodded, the kinder words easing her mind, her favorite son easing her heart.
“Mother, I want your safety and happiness. This is how we get it. Rhaenyra loves you, and does not wish to hurt you, but this is the only way,” you promised.
“Fine,” she sighed, “I would like to speak to her when she has the time. And the coronation and execution need to happen as soon as possible,” gone was your mother and there was the Queen.
“Yes, your grace. Once the Princess’ safety and the capture of the traitors are secured then I will send her to you,” you assured, “And I will bring Helaena and Aegon to you when the dust has settled,” She nodded, and with that you left, bile in your mouth and tears in your eyes