The Princess and the Queen 4: Alicent I
Alicent looked in her closet and all of the dresses that hung there. They were an assortment of colours. The older dresses that were collecting dust and had become threadbare were the greys and greens of House Hightower. Some of the dresses were the aquamarine of House Velaryon, somewhere between green and blue, which Alicent could not say. Those dresses were neither old nor new, but from the early days of her marriage to Ser Laenor Velaryon. The newer dresses, however, leaned more towards blue. Some were darker, with tones of cobalt and navy, whilst some were as light as the afternoon sky. There were also some aquamarine dresses amongst the newest dresses, and those were Alicent's favourite.
Even though House Velaryon, and by extension, Alicent were now part of the blue faction, she preferred to wear the aquamarine of House Velaryon's sigil. Most people would assume that she wished to display her Velaryon identity, but it was truly because it had hints of green, her maiden house.
I may be Lady Alicent Velaryon now, but that does not mean I have forgotten House Hightower and Oldtown.
It had taken some time to become fully accustomed to being Alicent Velaryon. Still, after years of marriage to Laenor, as well as two children, she had finally become comfortable with the fact. At times, however, she still thought of herself as Alicent Hightower.
Why could I not be both?
It took just as long for her to adapt to life on Driftmark too. Following her wedding on Bloodstone, she, along with Lord Corlys and all of the Velaryon household, returned to Driftmark and High Tide. On the voyage back, she and Laenor had tried and tried and tried for a child. Lord Corlys said that they would perform their marital duties every night since he knew of his son's nature. So they did, with Alicent and Laenor trying their best, her dressed in men's clothing and armour, sometimes to no avail. Most nights, Laenor said that he could not do it, and on some, he was halfway through completing his duties but grew tired and could not finish.
Despite this, Alicent was still unsure whether any of their attempts were successful. Laenor managed to release his seed, but even still, it was still uncertain that it would result in a child. Upon arrival to Driftmark, they continued trying, and some nights, Laenor brought in his companion, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, to help him with his duties. Ser Joffrey's presence did make things easier for Laenor, but it certainly did not for Alicent.
Ser Joffrey was a handsome man, but the actions he and Laenor performed on each other made Alicent shudder. She could not imagine doing that herself. Just thinking about it again sent a shiver down her spine. Eventually, Ser Joffrey resorted to using his hands, and occasionally his mouth. Those efforts were successful, and most nights following that, Alicent and Laenor performed their duties successfully.
Soon enough, Alicent's belly had enlarged, and the maester confirmed that she was with child. Her belly had enlarged so much that the maester thought it would be twins. And some moons later, the maester was proven correct, and Alicent gave birth to a boy and a girl. That brought relief to Laenor, as Lord Corlys commanded that one child would not be sufficient, and they would have to try for another.
An heir and a spare; that is what Lord Corlys said.
Following the birth of the twins, they did not need to perform their duties any longer, as Lord Corlys was somewhat satisfied. Laenor also declared that he felt he could not devote all of his attention to Alicent during the act and stated that it was less than Alicent deserved as a lady. Alicent did not mind since they still usually slept in the same bed at night, so she would not grow cold and lonely. However, she did enjoy the act of coupling and was somewhat disappointed that she would not do it anymore with her husband.
What does it matter? I performed my duty as a wife, and that is what is paramount.
After the twins were born, life on Driftmark became more enjoyable. That was not to say that it was not, however. The people were definitely friendlier than that of King's Landing but not as friendly as those in Oldtown. She also noted that she saw an even wider variety of people from different lands, from dark-skinned Summer Islanders to hairy Ibbenese traders. The accent of the people on Driftmark was different too. It was not the soothing, flowery tones of a Reacher accent, nor the formal speak of the nobility in the Red Keep and the Citadel, or even the gruff, guttural voice of the servants and peasants from King's Landing. People on Driftmark sounded like a jumbled mix of the formal Westerosi accent, Valyrian, and Crownlander. But also hints of Pentoshi, Stormlander, and Cracklaw were there too. And Alicent could have sworn that it sounded somewhat Volantene too.
The weather was the most significant change for Alicent, however. The difference between the climate of King's Landing and Oldtown was surprisingly not too different, despite the two cities being a continent apart. Both became scorching hot in the summer, whilst the winter saw heavy rain and harsh winds. Driftmark, however, was windy throughout the entire year. Even during the height of summer, the winds smacked Alicent's body, and during the autumn and winter, storms were extremely common, as opposed to being rare in King's Landing and non-existent in Oldtown.
One thing that Alicent loved about Driftmark, however, was the food. Feasts on High Tide were just as extravagant as Oldtown and King's Landing, with pies and mutton and boar and honeyed cakes and cheeses and hot bread being served. The extravagance was similar, yet banquets of such magnitude were common, with Lord Corlys loving to treat his household to only the finest of foods. The biggest difference, however, was that food came from even more distant parts of the world. Alicent was accustomed to tasting wines and fruits from the Free Cities, but here she was treated to foods and drinks and spices from even the furthest lands on a regular. Some were delightful, like the noodles from Yi Ti and the bitter drink made of brown beans from Qarth. Some were horrific, though. Once, she tried jellied dog brains from Meereen, and she was sick for two weeks. Meals were not always from far away; however, they usually also ate seafood fresh from the waters around Driftmark. Alicent had especially taken to enjoying lobster and winter crabs, served with steaming butter mixed with garlic and herbs, and covered with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice from Dorne.
All in all, I could not complain. Life here on Driftmark has been pleasant and likely better than almost any other place in Westeros.
The Velaryon family were also great company. Laenor was gentle and honourable, whilst his mother, Princess Rhaenys, treated Alicent like a daughter. Lord Corlys, despite being proud and arrogant, was a good-hearted man that deeply cared about Alicent's children. The other Velaryons were also pleasant individuals: Ser Vaemond and his japes, Daeron and his piety, and Rogar and his kindness. Daeron's wife, Lady Hazel Harte, had become a good friend of Alicent too. They spent time praying together in the sept, and Alicent was one of the first people to hold Lady Hazel's daughter, Daenaera.
When I first came to Driftmark, the sept was almost in ruins, but Lord Corlys made sure to refurbish every inch of the place.
Alicent finally took a loose aquamarine dress from the closet and wore it, along with a large white wool cloak to protect her from the cold winds of the Blackwater. She broke her fast on eggs, smoked salmon, and fresh bread from the ovens washed down with her favourite drink, a pale green pear wine from Tyrosh.
The pear juice has almost finished, due to no new imports due to the Stepstones War all those years ago. I must savour every last drop of the drink.
She walked down the hallway of the castle, passing by tapestries of the Merling King, and the legendary Corlys Velaryon, who was the first ever Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, and the current Lord Corlys' namesake. Eventually, she came to the door that she was looking for. It was made of heavy mahogany and lined with steel and silver. Alicent pushed the door open, which did not creak whatsoever, but it closed behind her with a heavy slam.
Inside, her niece, Jocelyn, was sitting on the bed, reading an illustrated book about the legendary Nymeria and her thousand ships. The room was spacious, with a bed much too large for a six-year-old and fancy blue decorations hanging from the wall, including a seven-pointed star made of expensive platinum, which Alicent had commissioned herself. Despite Jocelyn not having any connection to the Velaryons yet, everyone residing at High Tide treated her with excellent courtesy. Princess Rhaenys loved Jocelyn as if she were her granddaughter, and Lord Corlys always ensured that whatever demand Jocelyn had (no matter how rare it was, considering Jocelyn's timid nature) was accommodated. Alicent sometimes even felt that Lord Corlys treated Jocelyn even better than he treated her.
Of course, that is because, in time, she is to be our queen.
"Jocelyn, dear, how do you fare today?" gently asked Alicent as she went to sit beside her niece.
"Good," smiled Jocelyn, turning a page of the book.
"Did you eat well this morning?" Alicent asked.
"Yes..." Jocelyn replied. "I did not eat the sausage, however. Sorry, Aunt Alicent."
Alicent stroked the girl's long brown hair and put an arm around her.
"It's no matter, dear. So long as you ate well."
Jocelyn usually ate whatever was on her plate, but as of late, Jocelyn did not enjoy the taste of meat, be it mutton, pork, or chicken. Alicent found it quaint, but there were plenty of other foods Jocelyn could eat before she went hungry.
"What are you reading?"
"Nymeria..." she replied.
The illustration on the page depicted Nymeria and her fleet arriving in Dorne with her thousand ships. It seemed strangely reminiscent to Alicent, as if it were some important part of her distant past. She looked at the drawing, made with colourful inks, and felt the soft parchment on her skin as she caressed the page.
That was the same page that Rhaenyra ripped out all those years in the godswood. How long has it been now?
"I've read that one..." Alicent said sadly, thinking of the times she spent with Rhaenyra in the godswood.
I miss those days, and it has been so long since I last saw her... the last time I did, I hated her guts, now I can scarcely remember why...
The reason why she did eventually come to Alicent, but now she thought it was all a bit silly.
My anger may have been justified, but was it truly worth destroying all those years of friendship over? Maybe... I do not know...
A small tear came to Alicent's eye, but she quickly wiped it away with her aquamarine sleeves.
What I would do go back to those days with Rhaenyra... but even if we could make amends, we are now on opposing factions to one another...
"Are you enjoying the book thus far?" Alicent asked, her voice croaking slightly due to the lump in her throat.
"Not really... Septa Leona said I must read it... but it has too much sadness and dying for me..."
Oh, you sweet summer child.
Jocelyn always had been a gentle girl. She did not enjoy being on the deck of a ship nor the sounds of swords clanging in the training yard. Whenever something unpleasant befell her, be it a slight reprimand by the Septa, or a tumble on the ground, she would usually start to cry, but never loud enough to inconvenience whoever was minding her. She remembered her courtesies and sometimes reminded Alicent of a younger version of her, but softer and timider.
When Alicent told her that she would eventually become the Queen one day, Jocelyn hated the idea. But she hated it not because she would be a queen, but because she thought she would not do a good enough job at it.
"You shall do an excellent job at it, my lady," laughed Lord Corlys upon hearing that, to reassure Jocelyn.
At least Jocelyn had also become accustomed to living on Driftmark, however long it took. It was clear that she missed Oldtown and her cousins, but Alicent had noticed she was much more upbeat and happier than when she first arrived. That being said, Jocelyn never did truly voice her displeasure about Driftmark much; it was more due to Alicent knowing when she was unhappy.
"What stories do you like, instead, dear?"
"I like the happy ones, like Jonquil or Spotted Pate, but not the sad ones about killing..."
The death and sadness remind her of her late mother and father.
"Why don't you ask the Septa to give you more happier books, then?"
"I could... but..."
"Come," Alicent said, standing up and offering her hand to Jocelyn. "We'll go to the Septa, and you can have a happier book to read."
Jocelyn's brown eyes widened, and a small smile appeared on her face.
"Really?" she gasped.
"Yes, now come."
They both went to Septa Leona's quarters, and Alicent told Jocelyn to ask for a new book to read instead. Jocelyn was all courtesies but almost stumbled on her words which brought a small chuckle to the Septa. Of course, the Septa could not say no and gave Jocelyn a more upbeat story about a septon's travels around the world, spreading the Faith to everyone he came across. Jocelyn ran off to her room with the book stuck to her chest, excited to read it.
Alicent kept the book about Nymeria and took it to her quarters after spending some time reading the new book with Jocelyn. She looked at the page again as she placed it on her table. She left the book on that page about Nymeria arriving in Dorne before she went to her children's quarters.
Inside, the two children were lying in their cribs, along with Laenor standing protectively over them. He wore a loose blue and grey doublet with grey breeches and boots. His long curly silvery white was tied into a bun on the top of his head, and his purple eyes shone as he smiled at the sight of his wife.
"My lady," Laenor said, taking Alicent's hand and kissing it.
"Lord Husband," Alicent replied, smiling. He was a comely man, and despite their marriage being quite different from both, she still felt a deep affection for him. After all, he was the father of her children. "How are they?"
"They are both asleep," he replied, touching the babe on the right's curly hair.
Both children were essentially indistinguishable from each other, apart from the fact one was a boy, and one was a girl. They both had curly silver hair with streaks of black, similar to their grandfather, and the pale lilac eyes of their grandmother. The babe on the right wore a blue and silver doublet, while the babe on the right wore aquamarine and white. Alicent and Laenor could easily distinguish both babies from one another, but most others could not, so the boy would wear blue, and the girl would wear aquamarine.
Alicent and Laenor were allowed to choose a name for one babe, and they drew lots to decide who would name who. Laenor selected the name of the girl, whilst Alicent decided that of the boy. Laenor had named her Valaena as a tribute to the mother of Aegon the Conqueror, as well as towards his sister. Lord Corlys said that the boy should have a traditional Velaryon name, or at least a Valyrian name, if not that. Alicent's primary choice satisfied Lord Corlys' request regardless. She had chosen to name him, Vaegon in honour of Archmaester Vaegon, who was such an important mentor to Alicent's father.
It has been too long since I have seen Father. I know that he would love to meet his first grandson.
She smiled at the thought, imagining her father holding Vaegon and Valaena in his arms, just like he once did with Alicent so long ago. Vaegon's other grandfather, Lord Corlys, loved the boy too, proudly declaring that he shall make a fine Lord of the Tides someday.
Resting by each of the children were two dragon eggs, both of which Princess Rhaenys had gifted from Meleys' clutch. Vaegon's egg was a dark green that reminded Alicent of pine trees and mint. It also had shiny red and orange streaks running through it that became more prominent when placed under light. Valaena's egg, meanwhile, was pale pink with black streaks. Vaegon's egg reminded Alicent of a forest erupting in angry flames, whilst Valaena's was more akin to a peaceful sunrise.
Alicent and Laenor left the babies to their rest and went to the other chamber within their quarters to sit. Laenor gracefully pulled out a seat for Alicent and poured her a cup of Arbor Gold and then another for himself before he sat.
"How was your day, then, yesterday?" Laenor calmly asked, taking a sip of his wine.
"It was the usual," Alicent sighed, smiling. "I was in the sept in the morning, and then with Jocelyn, and some time with the children."
Life in Driftmark was like that most of the time. But Alicent liked it. It was simple, albeit somewhat mundane. Mundaneness was good sometimes, and she felt comfortable here, despite her father or brother being miles away.
However long I spent in King's Landing, I never was comfortable there.
"Where were you all day, Laenor? I hardly saw you yesterday. Last night, did you even sleep in our bedchambers?"
"Ahh... maybe? No... actually..." Laenor laughed, rubbing his eyes. Alicent only then notices the red in the white of his eyes and the bags under them. "Joff and I went out into Spicetown last night; I needed some bloody wine after the day..."
Laenor often went into Spicetown or spent time in Ser Joffrey's chambers. Alicent didn't mind, but even if she did, she would not be able to do much about it.
Actually, if I did mind, I could tell Lord Corlys.
"Did you have another... discussion... with your father?" Alicent asked, crossing her legs. "I heard shouts coming from your father's chambers yesterday. I meant to ask, but of course, I did not have a chance to meet you after."
He frowned and poured himself another cup of wine.
"Yes... this matter concerns you, as well, in fact..."
Alicent turned her head slightly.
"Me?"
"My father wishes for us to have another child."
"Another child?" repeated Alicent. "I thought he stated that Vaegon and Valaena were enough?"
"I thought the same too. But Laena sent a raven from King's Landing, stating that Princess Baela may be forced into a betrothal with Princess Rhaenyra's eldest son. He said that we would need another child now, in order to forge further alliances with other Great Houses." Laenor replied, frowning.
Of course, it's about bloody alliances.
Lord Corlys' primary goal was to place Prince Daeron on the Iron Throne. And for that, he needed the support of houses from across the realm.
"But surely Vaegon and Valaena should suffice? That, along with Prince Aemon?"
"That is what I told him."
"And you said that Princess Baela may be forced into a betrothal, not that she is betrothed."
"I told him that too, but it's as if I am speaking to deaf ears." Laenor scoffed.
"If he demands it..." sighed Alicent. "I would be..."
"Yes, but I wouldn't," Laenor bluntly said. "You remember how bloody horrible it was when we were trying for Vaegon and Valaena. I do not wish to do it again."
Alicent looked at Laenor. He had tears welling in his eyes, and his face was pinched. She sighed.
"If you do not wish to, then we shall not... you have an heir and a spare; that is enough, no? W-We can tell Lord Corlys that we are trying, but to no avail... he shall understand... it is not as if you do not have any children... it is for the purpose of alliances..."
A small smile started to appear on his face.
"I guess we could... seven hells... thank you, Alicent, thank you so much."
"Yes," smiled Alicent.
I would wish to perform our marital duties once again, but if my Lord Husband does not wish to, I would not object to his decision.
Laenor sighed again before pouring another cup of Arbor Gold and finishing it with one gulp.
"I'm sorry, Alicent. I've failed you... I should be able to do my duty... but.. but..."
"It's no matter; you have not failed, I assure you. We have a son and a daughter. How is that failing me?"
He leaned back in his seat and let out a breath.
"You know why... even though I did my duty with you... I hated every bloody second of it... that is no way for a true man to feel about his wife... seven hells... sometimes I hate that the gods have made me the way they did."
"Sometimes I do, too," Alicent mused. "But I do not hate how the gods have made your character... the Father has made you a good father, and the Warrior has made you an honourable man... you have a good heart, Laenor. We may never be able to do our duties as the usual husband and wife may do, and we never love each other in the way that a man and woman do, but you are still the father of our children, and you love them, and that's enough, and nothing shall change that."
Both of them were weeping now, and Laenor took Alicent's hand in his. It was warm and skinny, and felt nice to hold.
They spent some time like that, hand in hand, reminiscing about the good times they had during their years of marriage. It was concluded by a tearful vow by Laenor, that even if he could not perform his husbandly duties in the bedchambers, he would not forgo all his other duties to Alicent, and he would continue to be the best father he could be to Vaegon and Valaena.
Eventually, they were interrupted by a page boy, who brought an unravelled piece of parchment with him.
"Lord Corlys said to bring this to you," the boy said.
Laenor took the parchment and sent the boy on his way.
"It brings news from King's Landing," Laenor said as he read through it. "Some glad tidings... Princess Rhaenyra has welcomed a second child. She has named the boy Joffrey of all names," he smirked.
"Oh... that is good news indeed," smiled Alicent.
His eyes widened as he read further, before sighing heavily.
"What is it?" Alicent cautiously asked.
"Lord Jason Lannister has passed away as well..." he remarked in surprise.
"Seven hells..." Alicent gasped. "Such a bittersweet moment for her..."
He continued to read through it, and when he did, a small smile appeared on his face.
"And that means the role of Master of Ships has opened up. He has invited my father to return to the Small Council."
"Does that-"
"Yes, it does. My father also added his own remarks, and that we are to return to King's Landing."
Alicent let out a small chuckle.
Just as I had finally become accustomed to Driftmark, I am to return to King's Landing.