𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑤𝑜 - 𝐴𝑏𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑢𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡

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"You understand better than your sister, don't you ?"

"Hmm, yes ?" Aemma's words snapped Visenya out of her reverie. Rhaenyra had just left the room to act as cupbearer to their father during his council, while Visenya had stayed with their mother. Alicent, who was still present, stood a little further back by the window.

"Where have you been ?" the queen laughed softly, an amused smile on her lips.

Visenya, caught off guard, looked questioningly at her mother, who lightly clarified her words: "You seemed a thousand miles away."

And she was.

«We have royal wombs.»

This phrase, spoken by Aemma to Rhaenyra a few minutes earlier, still echoed in Visenya's mind. She weighed its meaning and implications like a truth laden with responsibility. Then, without realising it, she had begun to imagine herself in the role of mother - a future she knew was inevitable, but found hard to imagine.

"You are always very thoughtful, and especially preoccupied when I am about to give birth". Aemma's soft voice broke the silence, her remark marked by careful observation. It was true: at the end of each pregnancy, the queen had always noticed a change in her youngest daughter's behaviour, a mixture of tension and nervousness that dated back to her most tender years.

"Rhaenyra is right. I don't get the impression that the people around you pay much attention to you." Visenya spoke in a sincere tone that revealed deep concern.

Aemma smiled slightly, trying to reassure her. "Look, Visenya, there's no reason for this to go wrong and for them to have to worry about anyone but the baby."

"It always goes wrong." Visenya's words suddenly clicked in the air, like a brutal echo of her thoughts. Aemma gasped slightly, surprised by the statement. Visenya, for her part, immediately felt a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I..."

"Shh..." Aemma cut her off gently, placing a reassuring hand on her daughter's face. Her fingers slid in a gentle caress before she took Visenya's hand on her own. "I know. Don't worry."

Visenya lowered her head, the weight of her thoughts too much to bear. "It's all... It's all..."

"I forbid you to say that." Aemma's voice grew firm, cutting short her daughter's attempt.

Visenya looked up at her, her lips quivering before she gave in. "Very well," she said. "But whether I say it or not, I know what people think."

"I do not care what they think," Aemma replied confidently, her voice vibrating with protective love.

"But I do," Visenya murmured, her voice filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation, her thoughts turning to the constant judgements and whispers that burdened her family and herself.

There was a brief silence before Visenya sat up, smiling a smile that sounded false to her mother. "I'll let you rest now."

Aemma opened her mouth to protest, but Visenya didn't give her the chance. She rose to her feet with a graceful movement, and Alicent, stationed a little further away, stepped forward to join her. She greeted the queen briefly before following Visenya out of the room.

"Visenya," Aemma's soft voice suddenly stopped them.

Visenya turned, slightly surprised.

"Will you come back with Annalys ? You know it soothes me to hear her sing, and I'd like to see you both before the baby is born."

A flash of sincerity lit up Visenya's face. This time her nod was quick, truly enthusiastic. "She can also sing for the baby when it is born !"

Aemma's smile widened, softening at this answer. It was the first time she had seen her daughter project herself into a positive future with this unborn child, and it warmed her heart. "Of course," she replied with obvious warmth.

Without another word, Visenya and Alicent left the room, leaving Aemma with the shadow of a smile still on her face.

Their footsteps echoed softly on the stone slabs, filling the heavy silence of the long corridors of the Red Keep. They advanced without a word, each lost in their own thoughts. Alicent, walking beside Visenya, felt a mixture of compassion and sadness for the young princess.

She knew that Visenya carried with her the deep-seated belief that her birth had prevented Queen Aemma from having any more children. An idea fed by the insidious whispers that crept into every corner of King's Landing. And the exchange she had just witnessed between mother and daughter confirmed that it still weighed heavily on Visenya's mind.

Alicent glanced furtively at her friend, trying to think of a gesture or a word that might appease her. But she hesitated, afraid of making her uncomfortable, of forcing a conversation she might not be ready for, or worse, of reviving melancholy thoughts that seemed to have vanished for the moment. So she contented herself with walking silently beside him, her presence willing to suffice where words might fail.

"Thank you for staying. Mother loves your company," Visenya said suddenly, turning her head towards Alicent and breaking the silence.

Alicent gave her a modest smile. "It is an honour to be here for her. She is an admirable woman."

There was another brief silence, broken only by the steady sound of their footsteps on the stone.

The situation was slightly awkward. Alicent hesitated to speak, unsure whether the silence suited the princess or weighed on her. Visenya, for her part, searched desperately for a natural way to dispel the gloom, but nothing seemed to work without sounding forced.

Finally, almost abruptly, she broke the silence once more. "So, your brother..." she began curiously. "Did he really arrive this morning ?"

The words had barely left her lips before Visenya cursed herself inwardly. « Did he really arrive this morning ? » Really ? As if Alicent hadn't confirmed this information to her earlier, on the way from the Dragonpit.

But Alicent didn't seem to take offence. On the contrary, a slight, almost amused smile formed on her lips. She understood that Visenya was simply trying to lighten the mood, however clumsily, and chose not to point out the obvious repetition. If repeating the conversation would distract the young princess, Alicent was willing to join in.

"Yes," she replied with a hint of mischief, "and in all his dusty glory. He's crossed half the continent and still complains about the journey."

Visenya, amused, smirked. "I suppose he took his time ?"

Alicent nodded, falsely disapproving. "Oh, absolutely. Stops at cosy inns were far too tempting, I imagine. But this is Gwayne, after all."

Visenya frowned slightly, thinking. "I wonder how he finds the court after all this time. It's been a long time, hasn't it ?"

"Years," Alicent confirmed. "But I doubt he's forgotten anything. Even the dragons."

Visenya gave a puzzled smile. "Did he mention dragons ?"

Alicent replied with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Yes, but he wouldn't have needed to. The way he raised his eyes to the sky when they passed was quite telling."

Visenya laughed softly, a slight twinkle that lightened the mood a little more. "You can never really get used to them, even for us."

Alicent watched Visenya for a moment, her expression becoming more serious. "What about you ? What do you think of him ?"

The question surprised Visenya. Did Alicent really want to know her opinion of her brother ? She hadn't even met him since his arrival earlier in the day. Although she remembered meeting him a few times during his previous visits to the Red Keep, Visenya couldn't recall exchanging more than simple pleasantries with him. All she knew of Gwayne Hightower came from the praise of the King's Hand and the anecdotes his sister sometimes shared.

Taking a moment to think, she finally replied, "I don't really know him, not yet. But he seems... interesting."

Alicent, absentmindedly playing with a lock of her hair, smiled softly. "That's good. Gwayne is someone you can rely on, even if he sometimes pretends not to care."

Their conversation slowed as their footsteps mingled with the echo of the distant bustle of the courtyard. The exchange, light but sincere, marked an interlude in their busy day. And as they walked on, the silence that fell this time was no longer uncomfortable, but soothing.

✸

Visenya and Alicent strolled quietly through the gardens, their dresses brushing against the fresh grass. The afternoon sun bathed the landscape in a golden light, warming the stones of the Red Keep and making the leaves of the trees glisten. Alicent walked slightly forward, her soft voice rising above the rustling of the leaves.

Alicent commented amusedly as she turned her head towards her companion. "I get the impression that the Red Keep is noisier than usual... knights, banners... all that noise for a tournament. And yet you and your sister seem to prefer to fly above the tumult."

Visenya, a slight smile on her lips, lowered her eyes before looking straight ahead again. "There's a peace up there that these gardens can't offer. It's a perfect escape."

They turned at a fork in the path, where a large rosebush was spreading its scarlet blossoms. Not far away, Gwayne Hightower stood exchanging a few words with a member of the court. His erect, relaxed posture gave the impression of a confident but nonchalant man.

Alicent slowed down slightly, a mischievous smile forming on his face. "Ah, there he is. If you want to make up your own mind, now's the time."

Visenya frowned slightly, intrigued. "You mean your brother ?"

Alicent shrugged, feigning indifference. "Don't be so formal. He's not that impressive, I promise." She paused before adding more seriously. "But he's a good knight. Come, I'll introduce you."

Visenya hesitated for a second, her eyes fixed on Gwayne as he finished his conversation. He was dressed simply, but with an outfit that showed the quality of the fabrics and the impeccable cleanliness of his equipment, a sign of definite discipline.

Alicent, impatient and without waiting for an answer, took Visenya by the arm with a gentle gesture and led her in the direction of her brother. Now alone, Gwayne looked up, his eyes meeting those of his sister and the Targaryen princess.

Alicent's eyes flashed with amusement as she gave him a teasing smile. "So, brother, have you become a man of the garden ? Or were you just trying to convince this poor lord that you were the next champion of the tournament ?"

Gwayne, noticing the two young women, turned towards them with a calm gait and an amused smile. His eyes fell first on his sister, whom he greeted with a slight nod.

"Neither, I assure you. Although the tournament seems to be the only thing on everyone's mind here."

Alicent narrowed her eyes slightly, mockingly. "Which explains why you're so alert already. I would have thought you'd be looking for a shady spot to rest."

Gwayne replied with a slight laugh in his voice, without breaking his smile: "And miss the opportunity to be hailed by my dear sister in the middle of a walk ? Impossible."

During this exchange, Visenya watched the scene with polite reserve, her expression carefully controlled. A mixture of curiosity and caution seemed to inhabit her gaze, though she said nothing.

Gwayne, who had been concentrating on his sister, finally turned his attention to Visenya.

Gwayne spoke, politely, with a hint of sarcasm "Sister, are you bringing me company ? What's more, such a noble one."

Alicent replied, also with a hint of sarcasm. "I had to distract you from your monotonous routine." She turned to Visenya with a knowing smile. "This is Visenya Targaryen, the King's daughter." Although they already knew each other, Alicent adopted a formal tone, as befitting the princess's rank. Then, with a hint of mischief, she added : "She wanted to meet you."

Visenya nearly jumped, her eyes widening in surprise. She cast a stunned glance at Alicent, completely taken by surprise, before turning her attention back to Gwayne, feeling her cheeks flush slightly. "I never said that," she replied quickly, a little too defensively.

Alicent smiled mischievously, not helping her out of this embarrassing situation. "You didn't have to."

Gwayne, amused by the exchange, tilted his head slightly with a smile that was both polite and teasing. "Princess."

Visenya, though still embarrassed, tried to keep her composure. She shyly held out her hand in a princely gesture. Gwayne bowed without hesitation and planted a light kiss on the back of her hand. The knight's lips touched her skin with controlled delicacy, but this simple contact was enough to make Visenya's heart beat a little faster.

"It is an honour," Gwayne added as he straightened, his gaze lingering on her for a moment, his expression calm but attentive.

Visenya, trying to shake off her embarrassment, replied in a measured voice, "The honour is shared, Ser."

The conversation took a lighter tone, with Alicent casting a mischievous glance at her brother. "So you never learn to rest ?"

"It's more like Father doesn't know the word," Gwayne replied with a grin.

Alicent couldn't help but reply, crossing her arms with a fake look of annoyance. "Let me guess, he wanted to present his big, young, strong son to the court."

"And handsome," Gwayne added, looking serious, as if that detail was important to remember.

Alicent shook her head and rolled her eyes in amusement. "And handsome, of course."

For her part, Visenya, once again walled off in cautious silence, watched the exchange with a discreet smile, holding back an amused laugh. She found their complicity genuinely refreshing, a pleasant contrast to the often heavy discussions at court.

Without really thinking about it, her gaze fell more attentively on Gwayne. It was true, he was very handsome. His dark red hair, slightly tinted with brown, was reminiscent of his sister's, but his eyes were different. Where Alicent had deep brown eyes, Gwayne had captivating blue eyes, almost clear in the sunlight. This made him even more impressive, a harmonious blend of strength and gentleness.

Visenya looked away quickly, aware that she was in danger of lingering a little too long. But her smile remained, brighter this time, as if the observation had taken her by surprise.

Otto Hightower had deprived his son of all rest to reintroduce him to the court, to show the court how much his son had grown, to say that the next day the rigorous training of the Knights of Oldtown would be highlighted during the tournament thanks to his son, to praise his exploits and encourage people to bet on him. From conversation to conversation, Gwayne found himself navigating the sometimes stormy waters of the court. Between two exchanges, his father would disappear in a flash, caught up in his duties.

Alicent broke the silence, a little mockingly. "So there's been no rest since we parted."

Gwayne, amused, shrugged slightly. "If only, but no. I was talking to a certain lord who thought a tournament would be an excellent opportunity to forge alliances. For him, of course," he said with a hint of irony.

Curious, Visenya finally joined the conversation, though her tone remained neutral. "And you, Ser, what do you think ? Is the tournament the place for it ?"

Gwayne turned his head towards her, studying her expression for a moment before shrugging. A slight grin appeared on his face. "That depends on what you're looking for. But personally, I prefer not to mix the alliance game with what I consider to be a simple test of skill."

Visenya, surprised and somewhat impressed, considered his words. For a young man of sixteen, only two years her senior, he spoke with a rare wisdom. Perhaps it was true, as was often whispered, that the men of the Reach and those educated in Oldtown reached a certain maturity more quickly.

Alicent couldn't help but intervene, mockingly. "You mean you care more about your spear than the tales of love and glory some hope to write when they return ?"

Gwayne laughed lightly, his deep, warm tone resonating pleasantly and sending a discreet shiver down Visenya's spine. He cast an amused glance at his sister. "Exactly. Love stories are more useful in songs than in my life."

Visenya, sincere but slightly defensive, replied, "That is an unusual approach. Many at court regard alliances as their first duty."

Gwayne replied with a discreet but respectful look, his tone calm. "And perhaps they are right. But everyone has a role. Mine is to serve and protect, not to get lost in intrigues or empty promises."

A moment of silence fell between them. Alicent, attentive, watched the scene with an amused smile, clearly pleased to see her brother and her friend talking.

Alicent, breaking the tension with a light tone. "And now, my dear friend, you have met my brother and his minimalist view of the world."

Visenya replied with an almost mischievous gleam in her eye: "At least it's a clear vision."

Gwayne, holding her gaze with a spark of humour in his, saluted with a slight bow of the head. "I take that as a compliment, Princess."

A brief silence fell between them, broken only by the distant sounds of the courtyard as it continued to bustle. Finally, Alicent, ever the mischievous one, decided to break the ice.

"Visenya is far more fascinated by dragons than by our poor earthly knights. I doubt if your tales of swords can compete with her flights above the clouds."

Gwayne, amused but serious, replied calmly. "I would never claim to rival dragons, but I am curious... The view from up there must be incomparable."

Visenya hesitated for a moment, as if weighing her words, before answering in a slightly puzzled tone. "The view is indeed incomparable. Perhaps one day you'll understand why we find such freedom there."

Gwayne blinked slightly, a flicker of questioning in his eyes. Was this simply a polite reply or a veiled invitation ? Despite his momentary confusion, he maintained his composure and continued with a sincerity tinged with admiration. "I don't doubt it. But it must take courage to ride such power."

Alicent, keen to keep the atmosphere light, immediately intervened with a mischievous smile. "Don't flatter him too much, Visenya, or he might convince himself that he's capable of riding a dragon too." She accompanied her words with a theatrical gesture, as if warning her friend.

Gwayne retorted softly, her lips stretching into a slight smile. "I think I'll be content to play my part on the lice. That will be quite enough."

There was a shorter silence this time, less heavy, almost comfortable. Gwayne finally offered, still with measured politeness, to accompany them to the next path. Alicent accepted nonchalantly, making a few teasing remarks about his endurance and the need to save his energy for the tournament. Her jokes kept the discussion light, although the look on her face clearly indicated that she was enjoying her brother's company.

Visenya grew quieter as the conversation dragged on, letting her thoughts wander. Gwayne Hightower. He wasn't quite what she'd imagined. More than just a talented knight, he seemed to have a thoughtful vision and a simplicity in his words that betrayed an unsuspected depth. She said nothing, but her gaze became more observant as she began to form an opinion of her friend's brother.

As they reached a rose-lined path leading to an elegant fountain, a natural crossroads appeared before them, inviting them to take different directions.

Alicent turned to his brother, a mischievous smile on his lips. "Well, brother, you survived our walk. I'm almost impressed."

Gwayne bowed slightly, taking on a false air of seriousness. "It seems I am capable of more than just wielding a sword. But I wouldn't want to abuse my good fortune by following you any further."

Visenya, who had kept a more discreet role so far, added quietly with a slight smile, "You have been a surprisingly pleasant companion, Ser. Perhaps the court will benefit from seeing more of you in the gardens."

Gwayne replied with a gleam of amusement in his eyes. "And perhaps the court would benefit from seeing less of you in the sky, Princess. It would make our feet on the ground a little more bearable."

Alicent laughed slightly and shook her head, clearly amused by the exchange. If the flattery seemed harmless to her, it struck a chord with Visenya, who felt a familiar warmth creep into her cheeks.

Alicent smiled teasingly, "Don't start giving advice to dragon riders, Gwayne. You'll soon find yourself reduced to ashes."

Gwayne replied lightly, a mischievous smile on his lips. "A risk I'm not prepared to take. I'll stick to my jousting."

He bowed his head respectfully to Visenya. "Princess."

Then he turned to Alicent, a more relaxed, almost knowing smile lighting his face. "Sister. If you're looking for me, I'll probably be..." He paused, searching for the right words, before finishing with a touch of self-mockery. "Convincing Father to spare me one or two more conversations about alliances."

Alicent raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Good luck with that. Father's more persistent than you on that front."

Gwayne just smiled and bowed one last time before walking away, leaving the two young women alone by the fountain.

As Gwayne walked away, Visenya couldn't help but look over her shoulder one last time. She watched as the handsome Hightower walked confidently away, his stride calm and controlled, as if he carried all the pride of his house with him. A small smile formed on her lips, though she tried to hide it.

As Gwayne disappeared around a bend in the path, Alicent and Visenya resumed their walk, their steps light on the gravel.

"He's insufferable, isn't he ? Always that little touch of false modesty," Alicent said, slightly mocking her brother as she looked straight ahead. Her arm was naturally wrapped around Visenya's, a sign of their complicity.

Visenya, with a hint of mischief in her voice. "I'd say he's... unexpected. He has more spirit than I thought."

Alicent, smiling and a little amused. "A spirit he hides behind armour and a smile, unfortunately."

Their voices faded softly as they walked away, enveloped in the murmur of the wind in the leaves and the scent of the royal gardens.

In the great game of court, where every move was calculated, Visenya wondered if Gwayne Hightower was playing a game, or if he was simply being true to who he appeared to be.

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I don't know how long I'm going to keep posting chapters on a regular basis, but I suggest to just enjoy it lmao.

I hoped you enjoyed it ! Have a good day/night <3