#dragon fics

Long done were the warm winds of summer and the sky settled into its gray blanket of clouds and mist. 

You awoke, comfortable in your bed and startled by the silence that followed. Eyra, your handmaiden, was nowhere to be seen. "Eyra." You called, but no answer came. You arose, your nightgown falling over your legs as you walked toward the window. You grasped the handles, pulling slightly. Your brows creased in confusion when they wouldn't open.

You pulled harder, but to no avail.

"How odd…" you murmured, turning your heel and walking to the door. Leaning against it, you searched for any guard or maid, any sound of clattering armor or wooden trays. Yet silence greeted you at the helm. You took hold of the door handles, pulling exceptionally harder than before, only for them to be locked.

"Hello!? What is the meaning of this!?" You yelled, your fist colliding with the wooden door. Backing away from it, the fear began to settle in. 

Where has everyone gone?

Had…had the King finally passed?

Has the Stranger finally greeted him?

Rhaenyra had departed not too long ago. If you could, you would have to get word to Dragonstone as soon as possible. Perhaps, what you both feared was finally coming true. You shook your head, banishing these thoughts as nothing more than a product of your fearful mind.

You peered through the holes in the windows, seeing that the sun had yet to rise.

Sitting down on the cool stone of the window, you waited.

—

Hours passed and still no word from either the Queen or your servants.

You paced the room, abandoning your reading. Such things become bothersome after such a long time. You felt like a prisoner in your own home, a home that looked scarce like it. The dragons had been replaced by the sigils of the Seven and while you did respect Alicent's devotion to the faith…the changes bothered you.

In a way, you believed that she was trying to erase that any of you were ever here.

Alicent…poor, lovely, beautiful Alicent.

It was as if you didn't recognize her anymore.

She used to be so…happy. Happy to dance, happy to walk with you. Happy to just be free. Now, the Queen was cold. It was duty above all else. And the way she treated Rhaenyra and Laenor…it left much to be desired.

When Rhaenyra gave birth to Joffrey, you had been the first to hold him. Aside from casting knowing glances at Ser Harwin, you congratulated Laenor all the same. Then, you handed the baby to Ser Harwin, your hand on his shoulder being enough to convey your congratulations to him. It didn't matter to you, Rhaenyra was your friend and good-sister, after all.

"The boys are beautiful, Nyra…Joffrey will be a fine knight." You had said, when the Princess came to you with the servant came to you with the Queen's order. You and Rhaenyra looked to one another, before you spoke. "Tell the Queen that the Princess needs rest and the babe shall stay with us-"

"I'll take him." 

"Rhaenyra, you just gave birth, you should rest." You responded, your voice calm and yet still outraged. "Yes, I should. Please, good-sister, help me dress." Rhaenyra had said. Whatever obsession Alicent had with Rhaenyra's sons, it had gone too far.

Your thoughts were interrupted when you heard the door opening. Eyra appeared, clad in the servants clothes and a very, very scared look on her face. Dare you assume that a red handprint was nestled comfortably against her cheek. "My lady." Eyra greeted, taking her bow.

"Eyra, what is the meaning of this?"

"I have been ordered by the Queen to bring you your food, my lady." 

Eyra moved into the room, placing a tray of food that seemed to be your favorites. Alicent must have taken special care of having it prepared for you. "Eyra I demand that you tell me what is happening. What of the King?" You said. The serving girl stopped in her steps and you could tell that she had hoped she could leave.

"I am under orders-!"

"She is under my orders, (Y/n)." Eyra bowed before the Queen, before Alicent gave her the go ahead to leave. Now, Alicent stood before you, in a simple yet dignified dress.

"My Queen…" you greeted, inclining your head in respect. "Would you mind explaining to me why I've been locked in my room and why my servants refuse to listen to me?" You inquired, your irritation shining clear to your old friend. Alicent took a breath before speaking. “King Viserys has died.’’ She said, as her eyes dropped to the stone floor.

A pained gasp escaped you, your hand going to cover your mouth. Your eyes grew glassy. “Does…does Rhaenyra know? She must be sent for immediately.’’ You exclaimed, attempting to bypass Alicent and go to find a messenger. “That won't be necessary.’’ She said, only serving to make you more confused. “What are you talking about?’’

“Before the king passed, he relaid to me that he wishes for Aegon to be king.’’ 

It was as if a cold breeze had passed through you, though your skin felt hot. You were fully aware of what this meant. Otto was behind this no doubt, rushing to have his nephew crowned and have all others put to the sword. Rhaenyra…her boys…her daughter… You realed your arm from Alicent’s grasp.

“Alicent, you can not be serious...’’

“He said it to me, (Y/n)...he wants Aegon to be king.’’

She spoke with such sincerity, despite her words being nothing but lies. Your face drew on the confusion you felt. “Alicent…sweetling, you must understand that Viserys’s words were not his own....they have not been for a long time.’’ You approached slowly, your voice calm. It was almost as if you were speaking to a cornered animal, desperate in its attempt to escape. One wrong move and you would end up with Cole’s sword at your neck. He had a knack for masking his bloodlust through his undying loyalty to the Queen.

You were there that night, among that many guests that watched on in horror, as Ser Criston Cole beat Joffrey Lonmouth till the poor boy stopped moving. Once the shock and disgust wore off…you waited. Waited for something to be done about him. Surely, a kingsguard would be tried for not only attacking a member of the royal entourage but for also endangering the life of the heir to the Throne. Imagine your surprise when the only justice came in the promotion of Cole to the Queen’s personal guard. You had spoken to the King, citing the inappropriate behavior and absolute shame that Criston had brought forth on not only the Kingsguard, but the Crown itself.

 The King had grown too tired to hear of any complaints and so you let the matter be. 

Ser Harrold had been the only one to share your sentiment. 

Rapid dogs should be put down.

Alas, this dog would live to see another day.

Alicent scoffed, her hand going over her face. “You do not understand (Y/n), this was the way it was always meant to be.’’ She said, moving to take your hands into hers. “We aren't meant to rule..but we can aid the men who do.’’ She said, half expecting you to believe her. It was in those passing moments that you realized just how much time had passed. Long gone were the days of lounging in the gardens, reading and chasing Rhaenyra around, trying to get her to finish the work the Septa’s had given you. The nights you and Alicent spent together, where under constant moonlight, you danced. 

Only Rhaenyra knew. 

Only she knew the secrets of your heart and how it pined for Alicent. 

The realm would never have accepted it, that much was clear. So you had to hide yourself, for both yours and Alicent’s sake. Gods know what sort of torment her father would put her through…You buried your heart the day the marriage of King VIserys and Lady Alicent Hightower was announced. You and Rhaenyra had grown impossibly closer, while you and Alicent drifted apart

There was an ocean between you now.

As you stood before the woman you loved, a thought passed your mind. One that you had gone long without thinking. 

Was it better to speak or to die?

Would Alicent embrace you and love you the way you had for so long?

Or would that ocean only grow wider and deeper?

Deep down, you feared that you knew the answer.

Your grip on Alicent’s hands was tight, as you felt her soft hands under your more calloused ones. “Rhaenyra will never accept this.’’you whispered. Rhaenyra would never bend the knee. Neither would Daemon, he would rather feed himself to Caraxes. One must be rid of any challenges to the succession and you were certain that Criston would deliver Rhaenyra’s head on a platter had Alicent asked him to. “Aegon will give his sister the chance to swear obedience…she isn't foolish.’’

“Have you truly forgotten us, Alicent?’’

A silence passed. 

Alicent sighed, her dark eyes not meeting your (e/c) ones.

“You don't remember the hotheaded girl we used to chase around the gardens? Oh how afraid you were that the Septas were going to yell at us.’’ You recalled, laughing softly. “And what if Rhaenyra rejects it? What then?’’ You inquired, voice raised. The situation was beginning to get to you it seemed. If Alicent chose to go through with this nonsense, all you could think about was getting to Dragonstone as quickly as you could. Alicent remained silent. All she wanted was for you to be by her side. 

If not for the love of lovers…than for that of friends.

Alicent had always wished that she could have just married you. 

You, of great beauty and life. 

Unmistakable, brave…lovely.

“There is going to be retaliation…if not from Rhaenyra than from Daemon himself.’’ You said. Ever the loyal acolyte, carrying Rhaenyra’s torch. Yet that acolyte was willing to put any one to that torch, should the orders come. War was as inevitable as death now, it would seem. Your brilliant (e/c) eyes looked to Alicent, your hand going to move stray hairs from her face. It took everything for Alicent to not melt into your touch, once it laid gently upon her cheek. 

“For the sake of all that we once were…don’t do this.’’

And with those words, Alicent imagined you in a coat of black. 

‘’Aegon needs you, (Y/n)...I need you. You know that this is the right thing to do.’’ 

“Your father will put Rhaenyra to the sword, Alicent…both her and her children…and I will not stand by as you let that drunken fool take hold.’’ You spat. Never had you thought to spit such venomous words, let alone at the woman who unknowingly held your heart. It was apparent that your words had struck a chord, as Alicent too stepped away from you. Her eyes had lost that sheen they previously had, the one that kept you believing that the Alicent you loved was still there, somewhere. But now, as she took to stand before you, it was made clear that you were no longer speaking to a friend.

This was now the Queen.

“You shall be given more time to think your answer, Lady (Y/n). You shall report it to me and only to me on the morrow…have I made myself clear?’’

‘’As dragons tears.’’

The meeting ended with you slamming your fists against the door, as Alicent made quick work of erasing the tears that threatened to escape.

The morning passed and the sounds of bells surrounded you. In those moments, you wept for Viserys and you wept for the unknown future that was ahead. You could only think of Rhaenyra and her boys. Night came with the cold wind, as you found yourself tucked into the covers. Your doors opened once more, only to be met with Ser Criston Cole and some other servants. You recognized Eyra among them. 

Dresses were placed down on the table and chairs, as Cole was seemingly sent to make sure you didn't try and escape. “Ser Criston.’’ You greeted, as the knight bowed his head toward you. ‘’Lady (Y/n).’’

“Has the good Queen finally decided to let me go?’’

“The Queen wishes for you to bear witness to his majesty’s accession. I shall be here to escort you on the morrow.’’ Criston replied. You had long realized that he knew of your distaste for him. Word travels fast and one isn't really truly alone in the King's council, are they? There are always little flies, seeking to tell all. By the way Criston stared at your every move, you took a plausible gander that had the servants not been there and had not his honor been at stake, Criston would deal with you himself.

And maintain the charade that he was only doing it for his Queen. 

Peeking at the dresses laid out for you, you came to notice that they all shared amazing shades of green. 

The enmity that rose was unavoidable.

The servants excused themselves, leaving you and Criston alone.

“I didn't think you could stoop any lower, Cole. A murderer and a traitor.’’ You spat, malice laced into each syllable of every word. For a passing moment, you swore you saw Criston smile. “I serve the rightful king of the Seven Kingdoms. I believe it is truly you, Lady (Y/n), who is the traitor. Supporting a cunt and her bastard children.’’ 

“Than strike me down now.’’ You growled. Whatever restraint the dornishman had, it was at the forefront now. Your keen eyes saw the way his hand tightened at his sword handle. Criston was well within his reasons to want you dead. In some sad, twisted way…Cole reminded you a lot about yourself. You were both devoted to the same woman and at one point, you were willing to do anything for Alicent. 

You understood the fear that should Rhaenyra succeed the throne, she would be advised to do the very same thing she was now in danger of. But Rhaenyra wasn't a tyrant. Mothers understand each other in that way.

Rhaenyra would not make Alicent bury her children.

“This sentence isn’t mine to pass.’’

“That has never stopped you before.’’

A momentary fury passed Criston’s features, his face contorting in a way that made you believe that he was about to charge you. Yet the dornishman simply took his leave, opting to return at daybreak. You sighed, taking a look at the dresses. They were beautifully decorated, with small imagery on the cuffs and the ends of the skirt. You recognized most of the flowers, each occupying a special place in your heart. Your (e/c) reached what seemed like a rose, its petals wide and strong. 

Your eyes filled with tears, each droplet falling onto the fabric.

Your reason for sadness was now something else entirely.

You wept for what could have been and what could never be.

One becomes cold to other horrors of the world when they accept that their happiness will never truly be theirs. 

Taking the gown into your hands, you flung it to the floor, ignoring the tears that poured. You let out a dry gasp. It was as if daggers had pierced your heart, the pain sending you to your knees. You heaved and heaved, till the tell-tale pain in your temple began. You sobbed for what felt like hours, even neglecting to touch the food brought to you. Being too caught up in your heartbreak, you scarcely heard your door open once more. The cursed door squeaked and squealed.

“Lady (Y/n)?’’

The voice sounded familiar. 

“Ser Arryk?’’

“Come with me, my lady.” the knight said, moving to crouch down next to you, “But the Queen-’’

“She doesnt know we are here and it better stay that way.’’ Rhaenys interrupted, keeping her eyes to the doorway. “Princess Rhaenys?’’ You called, confused. “Alicent had me imprisoned as well, (Y/n). Not let's move, doodling will only get us killed.’’ She ordered. You nodded, opting to compose yourself later. There was a far more crucial task now at hand.

Getting out of King’s Landing.