CHAPTER FIFTEEN
❛ never be the same ❜

𓆩♰𓆪┊REBEKAH AND MAL MADE IT JUST IN TIME FOR THE ROYAL WEDDING. When they arrived, the King and Queen were already there with the children and many other noble families to greet the Princess and her consort. 

"Bekah Bekah!" Aegon turned to his mother, "Mama down!" 

Alicent obliged with a mocked sigh, "I'm starting to think you love her more than me."

Not that she could blame the children ━ Rebekah Targaryen was everything. She was perfect whether it was beauty or her sword. Never did she care for the silly rules of how she'd dress in court. She was the perfect lover and wife, and soon she'll have children of her own. Alicent feared that her children ━ their children, would be so easily replaced by the ones fathered by Mal. 

The Princess grinned finally making her way over to the little ones with her arms open, "Egg ━ Hel oh you've gotten bigger!" she collapsed on the ground not caring if her dress got dirty. 

The children giggled happily as Rebekah pressed loving kisses all over their faces. Helaena and Aegon snuggled in her embrace, missing their older protector dearly. 

As she lifts them into her arms, she makes her way over to the King and Queen and bows her head, "Your Grace,"

Viserys smiled at his niece, "Welcome back Rebekah. Your presence was greatly missed." he glanced down at the children in her arms. Aegon and Helaena shy away from his gaze. 

Rebekah noticed this and turned to the Queen, "My Queen," 

"Welcome home, Princess. It is wonderful to have you back. The children have missed you dearly." Alicent greeted, her eyes held other meaning as well. 

I have missed you. 

Rebekah also seemed to detect that and beamed, "It's good to be back."

I've missed you as well. 

Mal bowed his head respectfully, "Your Graces." 

The King took note of his closeness with his niece ━ "You do right by her do you understand?" his eyes narrowed threateningly at the man. 

Aegon eyes flared up too waving his tiny fist, "Hurt Bekah and you get the fist!"

"Aegon!" Alicent's face flushed in embarrassment. 

"Your Grace, Rebekah means too much to me," Mal said wholeheartedly. "Driftmark has made his closer."

This time he ruffled Aegon's locks and the boy laughed. 

Rebekah's eyes fell on Rhaenyra and saw how her fists balled up. Rhaenyra's eyes never wavered from her Aunt. The Summerhall Princess sets the children down yet the little ones refused to let go of her skirts. 

"Rhaenyra," Rebekah uttered, unsure of what else there is to say. They weren't exactly on good terms because of Alicent and Ser Criston. Neither had spoken of what happened in her bathing chamber. 

"Rebekah, congratulations on your marriage. I wish you both happiness." 

Mal could sense the bitterness in her tone and was amused at her bitterness. He coiled a hand around his betrothed's waist, earning a sour look on the Heir's face. "Thank you for your kind words, Princess."

Rebekah resisted scowling seeing the two stare at one another daringly waiting for the other to strike. 

"Shall we go inside? I prepared a feast for your arrival."

This time many let out a quiet scoff or looked away. King Viserys would always find an excuse to throw a feast. 

♰

That night Rebekah had dressed in the colors of her House wearing black and red. Ophelia styled her hair in a braided bun while some rested on her back. 

As for Mal he dressed in the same colors and stated that despite not being married yet, he must start acting upon his future role as Prince consort to the Princess of Summerhall. 

When Ophelia finished Mal had arrived into the room. He couldn't but be in awe at her beautiful she looked. He cupped her face and brought her into an affectionate kiss. The Princess brought her hands on his shoulders and pulled away to look at him. "You look like a Goddess." 

his eyes shined in sheer love and Rebekah smiled wholeheartedly at him, she stood on her toes and kissed him on the lips once more. Rebekah let out a small laugh seeing how shy he became and his face in her neck to hide the blush creeping in. "Thank you, Mal. You look amazing in Targaryen colors."

"Shall we head out?" Mal held out his arm for her to take and Rebekah lopped her arm around his as they made their way to the special occasion. 

They weren't exactly late but not on time either. Ser Harrold bowed his head respectively at the couple and announced their arrival, "Princess Rebekah Targaryen; Lady of Summerhall, and Malyen Velaryon, future Prince consort." announcing their respective titles with a hint of pride. 

The King was already seated with Rhaenyra at his left and Hand on his right. The rest of the Velaryons were sitting right beside Laenor who smiled at the couple making their way down the steps. 

Rebekah smiled widely when her eyes met the Velaryons whose eyes shined with pride. Rhaenys gave her a slight nod of approval and smirked. Rebekah held her head up high when the whispers started. Mal was wearing a smug grin while Rebekah's eyes searched for the Queen. Her eyes met Rhaenyra's and it felt like the world had stopped.

It was just them in the room and no one else. 

Rhaenyra's eyes stared longingly at Rebekah, eyes gleaming with the love she still held for her and it made Rebekah's heart clench. She was the first to look away but when she did, she finally took note of Daemon sitting there at the edge of the table watching in hurt. 

Daemon's smirk dropped at her arrival with Mal. He didn't believe the rumors of her engagement. He didn't believe that his friend and the love of his life would be betrothed. His eyes swam with sadness, hurt, and rage. 

When they made it to the head of the table King Viserys nodded his head in pride, "Rebekah, Ser Mal." Viserys' mood returned back to normal after the arrival of Daemon ( who came back only to cause havoc and annoy his brother ). 

The two sit down at the seats that were next to the Hand Lyonel Strong. Unfortunately, Mal had to sit next to Daemon. The Rogue Prince's eye contact never wavered from the Princess. 

"Princess, congratulations on your engagement," Daemon uttered with a hint of venom in his tone. 

Rebekah let out a sigh and merely responded with a fake smile, "Thank you, My Prince. I am quite happy with the match." she jabbed. 

Viserys finally begins his speech and Rebekah tunes him out, too busy not looking at Daemon who was staring at her with those puppy eyes. 

The whole time Rebekah's eyes fell on Rhaenyra and found the Heir looking right back at her in despair. 

Rhaenyra blinked back the tears and gave her a small nod, I'm sorry.

I know. Rebekah gave her a hint of a smile. 

Daemon seemed mildly annoyed at how Rhaenyra and Rebekah seemed to be ignoring him. 

Their eyes never sway away from one another until the double doors open.  

The welcoming dinner was interrupted by Alicent's sudden appearance. She was dressed in an emerald green dress, the color of the Hihghtowers. Once again, murmurs filled the room. While Oldtown stood up along with some houses that seemed to show signs of respect as she walked by and toward her seat beside the King. 

Rebekah's eyes were wide-eyed in absolute amazement. A part of her felt angry about what this meant but at the same time, she felt genuinely proud to see Alicent finally spreading her wings and accepting the power she has. 

As for Rhaenyra she was silently watching coldly at her former friend and sipped her wine while rolling her eyes. 

Daemon's face held ridden rage at Alicent, almost amused by her move of wearing green to show that she was declaring war. 

Everyone stood up for Alicent except for Daemon and Rebekah. The majority at the table including the Velaryons did not either. Alicent came over and kissed Viserys on the cheek before turning to Rhaenyra plastering a fake smile, "Congratulations stepdaughter. What a blessing this is for you." 

Alicent then greeted Mal with a genuine smile gracing her lips with hidden maliciousness. "And to you as well Ser Malyen. You are lucky to be graced with such a beautiful wife." her eyes shamelessly stared at Rebekah with such tenderness, not caring for the onlookers or husband. 

Mal only glared at the Queen. 

Viserys continued his speech once more and soon the wedding switched over to the dance between Rhaenyra and Laenor. Rebekah couldn't help but admire the beautiful performance. Rhaenyra was absolutely amazing in her white dress and couldn't help but picture herself standing in Laenor's place. 

After their dance, Rebekah noticed a pair of eyes looking at her across the table. "Dance with me, Auntie?" Laena got up from her seat and held out her hand. 

The Princess gladly accepted before either Daemon or Mal could bother to ask.

Rhaenys and Corlys watched Daemon's face turn bitter and Mal pout in amusement. 

"Tough luck brother, Rebekah has many admirers. You should know that by now." Corlys stated while Rhaenys shot Daemon a glare. 

"Stay away from her." Rhaenys sipped on her drink and gave him a menacing look. 

Daemon scoffed and ignored her. He stood up and joined the floor leaving the three sitting there with the King's company along with his hand. 

"Aren't you going to join them Surely Dameon will sink his claws into Rebekah? You must go and make sure he stays away." Rhaenys stated with a snarl, remembering what he had done to her little cousin, almost comprising her reputation. She won't allow another Targaryen woman to fall into the curse of a tragic life. 

Mal shook his head, "I trust Rebekah. She's made it obvious that she doesn't want anything to do with him.

"Thank you for that. I thought I was going to die from all those stares." Rebekah huffed in relief, yet a slight squeal escaped her throat when Laena brought her close by the waist. 

"I thought I'd save you from childish men and my jealous cousin. She looks ready to claw at my face actually . . . and the Queen hasn't stopped staring at you either. Auntie, you truly are a gem."  

Rebekah chuckled and affectionately cupped her face, "I believe that's all you niece. You look so grown up." she stated with a hint of sadness despite being close in age. 

Next, she began her dance with Ser Harwin. It was quite adorable with their height difference. He lifted her and spun her around earning a round of laughter. 

Meanwhile, Daemon and Rhaenyra, have snuck through the back of the crowd, speaking in High Valyrian. 

"Is this what you want?"

"I was not aware what Rebekah and I wanted mattered to you ━" Rhaenyra spoke fiercely. 

"━This is not for you," Daemon interrupted. "Laenor and Ser Harwin is a good man and a fine knight. But Laenor will bore you senseless. Mal will only hold Rebekah back from her true potential. He may be honorable but is he enough to tame our beloved Rebekah? Her flames are something that he cannot establish." 

Rhaenyra scoffed at him, "Marriage is only a political arrangement I hear. You had no problem leaving Rebekah."

"And yet you did the same," Daemon argued. "Mine was recently dissolved."

"So take us then," Rhaenyra held her head up high, "Has this not been your purpose? I am not yet married, and Rebekah isn't either. But the hours pass swiftly. You are surely armed."

By now two Targaryen were standing close to one another, "Cut through my father's Kingsguard. Take Rebekah and I to Dragonstone and make us your wives. Marry me for duty and you and I will marry Rebekah out of love."

Daemon's eyes darkened at her words. A feeling of shock, pride, and hunger clouded his vision, and cupped Rhaenyra's face, pulling her closer. He would m

It was a nice wedding. 

Joffrey and Rebekah are seen dancing together. 

"You must be the lucky man that Laenor loves so much," Rebekah said, earning a cheeky smile from the Lonmouth. "This must not be easy for you," she whispered with a sad smile. 

"I love him."

"The things we do for the people we love." Rebekah sighed wistfully. "If only the world was a better place."

Criston's fists clenched at the sight and there was a brewing hatred building up at Joffrey. He was feeling guilty and felt pressured to keep secrets about Rhaenyra, and his unrequited feelings for Princess Rebekah. 

Joffrey and Rebekah were laughing about something when out of nowhere Criston stormed over and attacked Joffrey. 

"Ser Criston!" Rebekah yelled and was shoved amid the crowd. The screams of women filled the air as grunts and clashes of metal were heard. 

Fear struck her when she noticed Joffrey crying out. "Joffrey?" she choked out. Just like that, Rebekah tried shoving people away to get back to where Joffrey was being brutally beaten by Criston, "JOFFREY!"

Over the chaos, Rhaenyra had managed to reach for Rebekah's hand, "Bekah!"

"Rhaenyra!" cried Rebekah, embracing the Princess. They let go and clenched their hands together in support so they wouldn't be separated. The two had long forgotten their quarrels and now wished to be near one another. It was clear that they had forgiven one another and wished to move past everything. They did not expect a fight to break out. 

"Beks, what's happening?" Rhaenyra asked fearfully, clutching her tightly. The two struggled in the crowd trying to avoid the commotion. 

"Just stay by my side," Rebekah pulled her close, ready to fight anyone that came in their way no matter how big they were. 

King Viserys and lord Corlys were scanning the crowd looking for their children. Alicent eyes darted frantically for Rebekah, "Where are Rhaenyra and Rebekah?" the King exclaimed, trying to look for both his daughter and niece, knowing they were attached to the hip. 

"Find her!" Alicent screamed, for the first time letting her mask down. 

Meanwhile, Harwin had already begun his search for the two along with Mal who refused to just sit and stand by while his future wife was in danger.

Laenor tried to intervene to help his lover but Criston punched him sending him back.

"Mal!" Rebekah cried out this time and Mal sighed in relief when he saw her. He continued to shove and hit people that were in his way. The man was relieved to see her unharmed. 

Harwin also seemed to arrive as well, already taking Rhaenyra over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "Let go of me!" Rhaenyra protested, hitting her small fists on his back like a child. 

Mal hurriedly carried her away from the fight before she could manage to speak. 

The sight of Rhaenyra and Rebekah being right was enough for King Viserys I to sigh in relief, despite being faint and sick. Alicent was only concerned for Rebekah and finally relaxed knowing that she was safe. 

Suddenly it felt like time had stopped. Some had left while others tried to look away from the gruesome scene of Criston punching Joffrey repeatedly in the face until he was no longer responsive.

Once he got up, he looked at himself. scared at what he has just done.

Mal had tried to shield her eyes but Rebekah merely pushed his hand away. The crowd had been dispersed by King Viserys. 

Her heart dropped seeing Laenor on his knees cradling Joffrey's body, sobbing historically. 

Rebekah realized one thing, and that Kingslainding would never be the same. 

©𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘵

THE END OF ACT 1. 

The beginning of Act 2 will begin now! Thank you all for enjoying this as much as I did! I'm writing this while I'm sick, ugh. 

What are you hoping to see in the next act?

UPDATEED NOTE:

Many of you have been asking about Mal's faceclaim and for some reason I can imagine Regé-Jean Page. Honestly they look good together.