[ There was a chance the Maester might question it, but at the same time, the second round of bruising left it looking quite believable. Especially here where it's wet, slippery, and there are some vines around the area and in the water. There's also the fact that Viserys wouldn't question or look to close himself, more concerned for his wife's safety and the assurance that she'd be okay given rest and elevation of the ankle.
Truthfully, while the bruising and swelling look bad, the pain itself should fade in a day or so, he had tried to be gentle even in twisting it. It's his grip on her skin and the muscles that left it looking so bad.
Reaching, he runs a gentle thumb across her lower lip where she's worried and bit it so it's such a sight. ] Glutton for pain, my Queen, even when offered a reprieve of it in little ways. [ It's not chastising or surprised, but there's a softness to the words that says he was trying to save her some pain. To offer a shoulder, literally, to help with what she would have to go through.
Kneeling as he is, the knees and lower portions of his pants are now grime covered, and he shifts to settle the stocking and shoe in her lap before lifting her into his arms. ] Are you ready to go back? Or do you need a minute more to take a breath? [ She feels slight and little, even with the gown she wore, in his arms, legs up and over his arm to keep her foot elevated as he could while carrying her. ]
And no, we're not going to have you limp back to the entourage. There's nothing you can threaten to have me set you down verses carrying you back injured.
Truthfully, while the bruising and swelling look bad, the pain itself should fade in a day or so, he had tried to be gentle even in twisting it. It's his grip on her skin and the muscles that left it looking so bad.
Reaching, he runs a gentle thumb across her lower lip where she's worried and bit it so it's such a sight. ] Glutton for pain, my Queen, even when offered a reprieve of it in little ways. [ It's not chastising or surprised, but there's a softness to the words that says he was trying to save her some pain. To offer a shoulder, literally, to help with what she would have to go through.
Kneeling as he is, the knees and lower portions of his pants are now grime covered, and he shifts to settle the stocking and shoe in her lap before lifting her into his arms. ] Are you ready to go back? Or do you need a minute more to take a breath? [ She feels slight and little, even with the gown she wore, in his arms, legs up and over his arm to keep her foot elevated as he could while carrying her. ]
And no, we're not going to have you limp back to the entourage. There's nothing you can threaten to have me set you down verses carrying you back injured.
[ There's a gentle kiss to her temple and he can't help but smile at him winning this at least. Though he'd noticed that lowering of her eyes, the way she sent from wonton and commanding him to claim her, to now barely able to look at him. He hadn't meant it as an introspective way, but more, that she liked pain with her pleasure.
Though he might have hit a little of a nail on the head with her some too. Unintentionally. But no, he's not letting her walk back on an injured ankle. First and foremost, even if he hadn't been the one to give it to her, he'd have insisted on carrying her. He's not one to let a woman suffer in pain. ]
No choice at all. But you can ride back with Helaena and I'll guide your horse back with me. You won't be bale to ride with the ankle like this either.
Though he might have hit a little of a nail on the head with her some too. Unintentionally. But no, he's not letting her walk back on an injured ankle. First and foremost, even if he hadn't been the one to give it to her, he'd have insisted on carrying her. He's not one to let a woman suffer in pain. ]
No choice at all. But you can ride back with Helaena and I'll guide your horse back with me. You won't be bale to ride with the ankle like this either.
[ Daemon would laugh if he wasn't ready to find any excuse to take Sir Criston's head from his shoulders for some kind of public slight. He was too forward with Alicent? Pot calling the kettle, and all considering he's much more aware of the lingering glances and touches Cole tries to initiate with Alicent when he thinks no one is paying attention. Daemon notices though. He's also noticed that Alicent seems to extract herself far faster than she used to, compared to when they'd first started sleeping together.
Only spurred to more jealousy because he does have to just sit by and let Cole train his own sons. It's not that he doesn't like using his private time to have Alicent, but part of him wished that he had some way of being a little more with the sons too. Even if he had to include Aegon to not appear weird.
What he was grateful for, was teaching Alicent that lullaby all those moons ago so she could bond better with Helaena and getting to spend the time with his niece. He'd happily endure the whispers of wondering if he was wanting to marry her, because Viserys knew that wasn't the case and so did Alicent. For two different reasons, but still. ]
Alright. I'll have her sign something, bide her time in Dragonstone while we wait. Though, reason for my visit could be, Viserys' ailing health. You are offering an olive branch for her to come and visit her father at court. To ensure she gets to see him before anything ill toward happens. Or my concern, since I was hear before seeing her.
[ It's not quite a wonder to him, he's been going a little light on her while she continues to think. But this is basically settled, which means he shifts just a little to push harder and a little faster in his thrusts, shifting toward guiding her to that level of pleasure that shuts off her thinking brain and sinks her more into her needy, wonton self. The one that battles him for how many times they go before needing a rest, because she is just as hungry as he is when given the chance to be herself.
Though her grumble has his hand tease along her belly, before moving up to cup a breast. ] You will never be stout. And even if you were, it would not make you less beautiful, Alicent. But I'll be sure to continue putting you through a rigorous nightly exercise to ensure you get your figure back after each pregnancy.
Only spurred to more jealousy because he does have to just sit by and let Cole train his own sons. It's not that he doesn't like using his private time to have Alicent, but part of him wished that he had some way of being a little more with the sons too. Even if he had to include Aegon to not appear weird.
What he was grateful for, was teaching Alicent that lullaby all those moons ago so she could bond better with Helaena and getting to spend the time with his niece. He'd happily endure the whispers of wondering if he was wanting to marry her, because Viserys knew that wasn't the case and so did Alicent. For two different reasons, but still. ]
Alright. I'll have her sign something, bide her time in Dragonstone while we wait. Though, reason for my visit could be, Viserys' ailing health. You are offering an olive branch for her to come and visit her father at court. To ensure she gets to see him before anything ill toward happens. Or my concern, since I was hear before seeing her.
[ It's not quite a wonder to him, he's been going a little light on her while she continues to think. But this is basically settled, which means he shifts just a little to push harder and a little faster in his thrusts, shifting toward guiding her to that level of pleasure that shuts off her thinking brain and sinks her more into her needy, wonton self. The one that battles him for how many times they go before needing a rest, because she is just as hungry as he is when given the chance to be herself.
Though her grumble has his hand tease along her belly, before moving up to cup a breast. ] You will never be stout. And even if you were, it would not make you less beautiful, Alicent. But I'll be sure to continue putting you through a rigorous nightly exercise to ensure you get your figure back after each pregnancy.
[ He would be a little curious about that feeling shame and uncertainty, but it's not his nature. And this is new to both of them. There's still a learning curve on figuring this out. Either way, he'll let her process this as she needs to too.
He's well aware why else she can't ride, but he's saving her some by blaming the ankle. Besides, even if she could ride with the ankle, and only the ankle, she shouldn't be. It needs to be elevated with what he did to it so it won't swell too much more. Hurt enough not to walk, hurt enough to take the rest of the afternoon with the ladies of court, but well enough to be able to limp around the keep at least in a few days. If she stayed off it.
There's a small bow of his head. at her assertion that Aegon should stay with her and Helaena. ] If he pouts, we can tell him he needs to use that dragon toy of his to guard you and his sister on the way home. It should lessen any sadness of not riding back with me, because he gets to be strong and a knight to his queen mother.
[ Give the boy a job, make him a hero for his mother and sister. Because as much as he'd enjoy having Aegon ride with him, he's well aware this will leave him alone with her knight, and neither like each other. So he gets it and wouldn't want to put Aegon in the middle of that. This also lets her escape any questioning glances Criston might try to throw at her. ]
He's well aware why else she can't ride, but he's saving her some by blaming the ankle. Besides, even if she could ride with the ankle, and only the ankle, she shouldn't be. It needs to be elevated with what he did to it so it won't swell too much more. Hurt enough not to walk, hurt enough to take the rest of the afternoon with the ladies of court, but well enough to be able to limp around the keep at least in a few days. If she stayed off it.
There's a small bow of his head. at her assertion that Aegon should stay with her and Helaena. ] If he pouts, we can tell him he needs to use that dragon toy of his to guard you and his sister on the way home. It should lessen any sadness of not riding back with me, because he gets to be strong and a knight to his queen mother.
[ Give the boy a job, make him a hero for his mother and sister. Because as much as he'd enjoy having Aegon ride with him, he's well aware this will leave him alone with her knight, and neither like each other. So he gets it and wouldn't want to put Aegon in the middle of that. This also lets her escape any questioning glances Criston might try to throw at her. ]
[ It took almost everything not to actually growl at the knight when Ser Criston had tried to take Alicent from his arms. But he's also happy that he doesn't have to give her up until he's helping her settle in the wheelhouse, as best he can before her servants and nurse take over to get her settled as was their place more than his.
He's also glad the suggestion about giving Aegon a job, protection, had quieted him down, because he could see, as he gathered his horse and the horse Alicent had used so they could head back.
He's watching the wheelhouse as they settle everyone, watching Alicent some as the door is closed. He knows that there's no getting close to her now that they're back to being surrounded by everyone. But the feel of her still lingered in his head, under his hands, on his body. He knew it would for days to come, dreams to fester as he watched her quietly from afar. Biding his time, because as they returned to reality, he's not sure things would ever go back to what had been normal.
Not for him. Or her, if he could help it. ]
He's also glad the suggestion about giving Aegon a job, protection, had quieted him down, because he could see, as he gathered his horse and the horse Alicent had used so they could head back.
He's watching the wheelhouse as they settle everyone, watching Alicent some as the door is closed. He knows that there's no getting close to her now that they're back to being surrounded by everyone. But the feel of her still lingered in his head, under his hands, on his body. He knew it would for days to come, dreams to fester as he watched her quietly from afar. Biding his time, because as they returned to reality, he's not sure things would ever go back to what had been normal.
Not for him. Or her, if he could help it. ]
[ As much as it frustrates him, he's tried to be delicate about it because at the end of the day one misstep could cost her her life. She's not wrong, they both know it, that if it were to come to light she would suffer the consequences. Well, in truth, with how ill his brother is, he may be the one the council punishes more. Her father finding a way for her to potentially just be exiled. So he's allowed her to dictate how much time he gets with his sons, what was best for all of them and their family. And at the same time, letting himself be content with having her all to himself, knowing that his sons were well cared for, safe as he kept his distance.
This was also the difference between Alicent and Rhaenerya. His niece let her sons father be close, show his hand in some ways, which also helped the whispers that Alicent had started about questioning their parentage. Daemon's distance helped fuel the idea they were Viserys' children, though to be far, the idea of Alicent letting Daemon touch her at all would blow some minds. If anyone were to question Alicent's children's father, they'd loo more at the knight always by her side, raising them as his own in Viserys' stead.
And Daemon in the end has proven time and again that even with the risks, even with the pushing to get here with her, he'd do everything in his power to keep his family safe. And Aegon and Helaena by proxy because they were important to her, and his niece and nephew. So he would do what he could to keep the two oldest safe as well, to see his nephew on the throne.
Though he can't help the soft chuckle at her comment. ]
I will visit her as that then. For our sons and family, my Queen. My Alicent.
[ It's the closest he'll do to calling her out on her jealousy and trying to sooth it in the same breath. That he's going to visit his niece for her, for them. Not because he had any interest in anything past being an Uncle to his niece.
his hips rolled, faster, harder, pushing her to let her mind go and not give into that jealousy. Though his eyes darken as they watch her hands run along her chest, teasing herself and earning a very gentle growl. One of his own hands teasing up to cup her hand, her breast, to work it with her. Gods but she was beautiful, has aged lovely even with all the pregnancies and stress. ]
Never more beautiful than bare save for the silver moonlight for me. Mine as I am yours.
[ Confirmation of her beauty from him, enjoying that little bit of vanity under him and more than happy to feed it. The claiming and yet also offering one more piece to help settle that jealousy, because he's offering himself as hers. No question to where his body, heart, and loyalty stand. Or well, fuck in this case. The way he moves with her, working her body with his for both their pleasure, both their release. And yet not fast enough to give it to either of them just yet. Taking his time because they'll have all night. ]
This was also the difference between Alicent and Rhaenerya. His niece let her sons father be close, show his hand in some ways, which also helped the whispers that Alicent had started about questioning their parentage. Daemon's distance helped fuel the idea they were Viserys' children, though to be far, the idea of Alicent letting Daemon touch her at all would blow some minds. If anyone were to question Alicent's children's father, they'd loo more at the knight always by her side, raising them as his own in Viserys' stead.
And Daemon in the end has proven time and again that even with the risks, even with the pushing to get here with her, he'd do everything in his power to keep his family safe. And Aegon and Helaena by proxy because they were important to her, and his niece and nephew. So he would do what he could to keep the two oldest safe as well, to see his nephew on the throne.
Though he can't help the soft chuckle at her comment. ]
I will visit her as that then. For our sons and family, my Queen. My Alicent.
[ It's the closest he'll do to calling her out on her jealousy and trying to sooth it in the same breath. That he's going to visit his niece for her, for them. Not because he had any interest in anything past being an Uncle to his niece.
his hips rolled, faster, harder, pushing her to let her mind go and not give into that jealousy. Though his eyes darken as they watch her hands run along her chest, teasing herself and earning a very gentle growl. One of his own hands teasing up to cup her hand, her breast, to work it with her. Gods but she was beautiful, has aged lovely even with all the pregnancies and stress. ]
Never more beautiful than bare save for the silver moonlight for me. Mine as I am yours.
[ Confirmation of her beauty from him, enjoying that little bit of vanity under him and more than happy to feed it. The claiming and yet also offering one more piece to help settle that jealousy, because he's offering himself as hers. No question to where his body, heart, and loyalty stand. Or well, fuck in this case. The way he moves with her, working her body with his for both their pleasure, both their release. And yet not fast enough to give it to either of them just yet. Taking his time because they'll have all night. ]
[ He'd tried his best to lessen what he could for them and their arrival. Lord Baratheon had also wanted a few of the lesser houses to have some time after the tours of the grounds. But some things, per her comment too, just couldn't be held back or wait until tomorrow. Seeing that the Lord of the House didn't feel slighted was important, which meant giving when he insisted on showing them around, talking to them, and ensuring that everyone was able to see the greatness of Storm's End.
Daemon had already had talks, been shown the grounds, and generally been done with everything Lord Baratheon could do for a Prince of the Realm. Which meant that after seeing them some and greeting his brother, he'd given the royal couple reprieve of his company until the feast. Feasts at the Red Keep were grand, but being the family that holds the house, the Targeryens were allowed to take their reprieve of the feast when they wanted. As guests, even Daemon was stuck waiting until his brother decided it was time to retire for the night.
Time was everything though, biding it felt like ever shift of the moon as he waited for her to get back to her room. He'd seen the bath water being brought in, and he'd listened from his own room next door for her to send her servants away. What's lovely about his room, next to hers, is that the balcony's share a view, share a railing. It's an easy slip over to her room, no one the wiser, no one having to worry about seeing him in the hallway to her room.
That she's bare in the water, there's so much temptation there. But he's quiet as he stands at the vanity that's been settled for her, the glass reflecting the tub so he can still see when she surfaces. He turns slightly, but doesn't move toward her just yet, letting her take him in as he bows his head slightly. ] You look exhausted, my Queen. Would you like some help washing your hair before you turn in for the night?
[ It's not a small offer. Not just because he's a man, but for a man of his status. But it also allows him a closeness with her, to touch her and technically have her permission. ] And have you given much thought on me teaching you that lullaby?
Daemon had already had talks, been shown the grounds, and generally been done with everything Lord Baratheon could do for a Prince of the Realm. Which meant that after seeing them some and greeting his brother, he'd given the royal couple reprieve of his company until the feast. Feasts at the Red Keep were grand, but being the family that holds the house, the Targeryens were allowed to take their reprieve of the feast when they wanted. As guests, even Daemon was stuck waiting until his brother decided it was time to retire for the night.
Time was everything though, biding it felt like ever shift of the moon as he waited for her to get back to her room. He'd seen the bath water being brought in, and he'd listened from his own room next door for her to send her servants away. What's lovely about his room, next to hers, is that the balcony's share a view, share a railing. It's an easy slip over to her room, no one the wiser, no one having to worry about seeing him in the hallway to her room.
That she's bare in the water, there's so much temptation there. But he's quiet as he stands at the vanity that's been settled for her, the glass reflecting the tub so he can still see when she surfaces. He turns slightly, but doesn't move toward her just yet, letting her take him in as he bows his head slightly. ] You look exhausted, my Queen. Would you like some help washing your hair before you turn in for the night?
[ It's not a small offer. Not just because he's a man, but for a man of his status. But it also allows him a closeness with her, to touch her and technically have her permission. ] And have you given much thought on me teaching you that lullaby?
[ He's well aware the people at the door, listening carefully in case their lady, their queen called for help, assistance, or screamed in danger so they could come charging to the rescue. But he also caught that she didn't call for them, something he'd held just the lightest breath for because there was always that chance she might have.
And yet it's just that warning glance she gives him.
Her words instead of a shout for help have him move near silently from her vanity to the tub. Eyes are dark, but he can't help taking in her wet form, even if some if it is hidden beneath the water she rested in. Fingers tease along the edge of the tub's rim once he's close enough. ] Clearly or you wouldn't have sent them away. That wasn't the question. I'm offering my services to my Queen.
[ There's a slight heat to his words, because they both know that he's offering more than a hair wash. They both know if he washes her hair, there will be touching. It may not be full sex, but the heat will be there. The reminder of him inside her will be all the more prominent.
Fingers catch a wet strand of her hair gently, helping it to slip behind her ear as he slips down to one knee next to her. What would she like him to say to her? That she looks good bare? That he wants nothing more than to lift her out of the tub, lay her on the bed and have her again, over and over until the sun rises and he has to see himself back to his own room? ] How was the trip? Truly? How are you fairing?
[ Preoccupied with his brother, with the Lord, he knows. Which is why he's offering her care instead of pushing a little more for what he wants. To see and tend to her because she doesn't have anyone to do for her what she does for Viserys. And she deserves to be cared for. ]
And yet it's just that warning glance she gives him.
Her words instead of a shout for help have him move near silently from her vanity to the tub. Eyes are dark, but he can't help taking in her wet form, even if some if it is hidden beneath the water she rested in. Fingers tease along the edge of the tub's rim once he's close enough. ] Clearly or you wouldn't have sent them away. That wasn't the question. I'm offering my services to my Queen.
[ There's a slight heat to his words, because they both know that he's offering more than a hair wash. They both know if he washes her hair, there will be touching. It may not be full sex, but the heat will be there. The reminder of him inside her will be all the more prominent.
Fingers catch a wet strand of her hair gently, helping it to slip behind her ear as he slips down to one knee next to her. What would she like him to say to her? That she looks good bare? That he wants nothing more than to lift her out of the tub, lay her on the bed and have her again, over and over until the sun rises and he has to see himself back to his own room? ] How was the trip? Truly? How are you fairing?
[ Preoccupied with his brother, with the Lord, he knows. Which is why he's offering her care instead of pushing a little more for what he wants. To see and tend to her because she doesn't have anyone to do for her what she does for Viserys. And she deserves to be cared for. ]
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