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[chainedqueen]

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[chainedqueen]

[There was a chance a maester might see through such a trick, but it had to be weathered in stride. If that came about, she would think of another means to protect her reputation. Daemon had at least not hesitated to help her, managing a part that she might have waivered in, had it been left completely to her. When he twisted and bruised her ankle, she hadn't bitten him, instead tearing at her lip. Worrying the skin herself and digging her teeth into it would lower the fullness of her lips. Her flush might well go down, both sources of pain turning her pale.

Her ankle was quick to swell and her flesh started to turn into a more appropriate color for such an accident. Any defect in her appearance would be ignored in the face of an injury. The grime and scrapes on her hands, the dampness of her dress and the sweat could be better explained. It merely meant that she had to sacrifice the rest of the hunt and remain surrounded by the ladies of court. A momentary annoyance, but there was a price for stepping too far from her morality.

It was agony to move, but all the better. She would not have been able to fake such a thing.]

The rocks are slippery. [She glanced around them, at least his own state was better explained as well.] We were forced to wait a moment for my ankle to heal, but as you see, it was badly twisted.

[valyrianprince]

[ 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.

[chainedqueen]

[Ser Criston didn't seem to like Daemon any better. There was hostility still, likely starting from that first tournament, then Rhaenyra and now a sense of Daemon being far too forward. He complained of it each time Daemon came to court and again when Daemon left. She could only find her own means to divert the conversation to other things or simply pointed out that the king wanted his brother around.

Unfortunately, Ser Criston was allowed to act more fatherly towards her children, which she regretted allowing as she knew Daemon despised the idea. Being a kingsguard, he was expected to train her sons from a young age. Too often with Daemon and they might well think it odd a man with his reputation would dote on children pushing him further down the succession. Perhaps she was paranoid and restricted too much out of fear, but she still had her head on her shoulders and her children would outlive the king. She was selfish enough to keep Daemon to herself during the nights they were able.

Daughters, there were no expectations with daughters and no one thought much of him showering his attention on Helaena and other girls Alicent might have. He had lain the groundwork for that with his connection to Rhaenyra. There was no reason for caution there. A few might whisper he wanted to marry Helaena, but it was never given much notice. No one thought often of whom Helaena might marry or her future. Rhaenyra, for now, was the heir.]

We keep it a quiet agreement until Viserys passes. Any change like that would open questions and he would suspect my involvement.

[It's a wonder her mind can still work as they move together and he buried himself fully in her. His breath on her thighs and the sting of each thrust had her head reeling. She wouldn't manage much scheming beyond these initial thoughts. Soon she would be far more consumed with him and the act itself.]

I am going to grow stout from all these pregnancies.

[A grumble, but not a truly irritated one.]

[chainedqueen]

[She didn't push his hand away as he ran his thumb over her lip, but lowered her gaze instead. They had been bent over each other, but she was still hesitant to look at him with such a gentle gesture. Was she a glutton for pain? She had never once protested wherever her father sent her. She lower her guard against Rhaenyra when it should have been clear things could not return to normal. Now she was being pinned against rocks and being taken roughly out of a...what? Passing moment of madness? It may well be she was a glutton. It was difficult to truly argue with that.

He's quicker than she is and gathers her up in his arms before she can push him away. He was right, she was intending to limp back, if only to make her ankle swell all the more. Viserys wouldn't protest this action as much as others might, but it still felt unseemly, given all that had happened. Without control, she could only be lifted up with a sputter of protest. Little else would stop this.

Perhaps truthfully, she didn't want to walk back so far with a bloodied ankle.]

It seems you give me little choice.

[valyrianprince]

[ 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.

[valyrianprince]

[ 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.

[chainedqueen]

[It was far from his words that left her unable to meet his gaze. Instead, it was the hint of shame and uncertainty. A gentle touch was a bit difficult to process after all they had done, where there had been no real gentleness there. It made the moment more tangible and real. She couldn't simply ignore it when it was brought back to her in that moment.

It wasn't the foot that would honestly keep her from riding, but it made a convenient excuse. She couldn't explain being sore or bruised otherwise. A cushion, her feet up and maybe some wine to clear her mind. It seemed far better than a saddle so soon after. It mean, however, Ser Criston would be left with Daemon for company, which was unwise for multiple reasons. He was about to see her carried by Daemon, there would likely be affronted feelings.]

I know. [Aegon would likely want to ride with Daemon, but the idea was not a good one. Without her there, both Ser Criston and Daemon already assertive men, she didn't want the further presence of her son to make matters into a rivalry.] Aegon should stay with me as well.

[valyrianprince]

[ 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. ]

[valonqri]

No, but otherwise I gather you'll remain to be nothing more than an extension of your father's decrepit grip as I suppose I remain a conniving power-hungry cunt.

[ Does this mean they have to strike a truce? Despicable. ]

[chainedqueen]

What are you suggesting then?

[If you want a truce, well, give her some terms to negotiate with.]

[chainedqueen]

[She was perhaps too hypervigilant when it came to her sons. She allowed Ser Criston the chance to train them and teach them because it was expected, but any time that Daemon approached them, she felt her chest seize at the very thought that someone might notice or see something more than what they should. Alicent heard enough of the talk around Ser Harwin and Rhaenyra, true that she started much of it, but others seemed to see how small gestures translated to fatherly concern. She couldn't take the same risks, even if she had mirrored Rhaenyra's choices.

With Aemon and Daeron, they were both her precious children. She hadn't made a secret that Aemond was her favorite, given how similar they both were. Though Daeron never suffered from lack of attention either. It was only Aegon, her first, that she seemed a bit more at odds with, despite her love. His safety now was her concern and she'd do everything she could to see that he came to the throne easily. Once he was safe, had his heirs and his wife, she might be able to rest a little.]

Your concern would be easier to accept than my sending an olive branch. She is more likely to think that you only wish to see her.

[Which grated Alicent, but she would swallow those thoughts for now. All of this was too important to be burdened with her petty jealousy. It was rather hard to even think of it now, given their position and what they were doing.

But with the shift of his attentions and pace, she started to let go. Her body started to relax and arch into his hold. She still had to bite her lip to keep from making much sound. But he would hear her breath harsh through her nose. It puffed each time his thrusts became more rough and hurried. Her hands ran up over her chest, playing with her breasts for him to see.]

I take great pride in my appearance.

[If only because it enticed him. She hardly ever expressed vanity, but here was a brief glimpse.]

End Scene?

[chainedqueen]

[When they returned, Ser Criston was quick to dart to her, as did the various other servants. There was a hint of a struggle between Ser Criston and Daemon for who would carry her, but given that he didn't want to jostle her, Ser Criston held back. She offered a sympathetic look, but there were so many others swarming around that there was little room to meet his eyes.

There was a rush to gather up everything and herding the nurse to the wheelhouse. Helaena didn't seem too bothered, but Aegon fussed quite a bit. First, she was settled inside, placed on her seat with her foot put up. A few brief reassuring words to Aegon and giving him his dragon toy again, he was less bothered by not riding the horse again.

With Helaena and the nurse settled, the door was shut before Alicent could even look back at Daemon. With one sweep, it seemed as if the matter was done and it was time to return to reality.]

[chainedqueen]

Will you have a glass ready for me?

End Scene!

[valyrianprince]

[ 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. ]

Storm's End

[chainedqueen]

[ooc: Continued from Here]

[Getting Viserys comfortable and see that he rested took more time than Alicent expected. As he had in Driftmark, he had made a show of his health, brushing away any help or concern to make it seem that he was far better than he was. Whether Lord Baratheon had noticed was anyone's guess, but Princess Rhaenys had. It was a further reason for their delay, as she had, rightly, decided Viserys needed more time before traveling again. Here, he needed to be seen as a strong king, which meant exhausting himself with long talks and exploring the grounds for hours. True, it gave the servants time to unpack their rooms, but it wasn't wise for someone so ill.

By the time he made it back to his room to rest, there had been only two hours before the banquet. Alicent barely had time to bathe, to dress and then to return Viserys's rooms to see that he was readied as well. So much time and focus, she didn't see the flowers, she didn't notice the view, she only felt exhausted. It was all made worse with the banquet itself, forcing her to smile through a headache, to act as though she weren't exhausted as she made small talk with the ladies. Worse was having to endure it all and not retire until Viserys finally did.

Even then, she had to help bathe him, had to help him dress, put him in bed and wait until he was asleep to return to her own room. It was late into the night when she could be alone. A bath had been prepared for her and she happily sank down into the tub, dismissing the servants for some much needed rest. Dipping below the water, she didn't hear if anyone else entered, simply assuming she was alone. When she finally came out from under the water, she noticed a shadow in the room.]

[valyrianprince]

[ 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. ]

[valyrianprince]

[ 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?

[chainedqueen]

[The water was warm and scattered rose petals floated across the surface. For that alone, she was slightly covered when she rose to the surface, but still wrapped her arms over her chest. It was more reflex, more surprise at the sudden presence of someone in a vulnerable position. Despite that, she doesn't scream for the maids or guards, instead glancing over her shoulder towards the door. They would be outside, waiting for her. Her glance at him held a warning.

In a whisper, she frowned at him, brushing her wet hair from her face. It seemed a bit pointless to hide herself completely, given that he was here and he'd already seen most of her naked. She could at least give him a reproachful look at his reckless behavior.] I have no need of a maid at the moment.

[A lullaby? That was what he had to say to her?] Not currently, my prince. At present, I was preoccupied.

[halfyeared]

Consider it already poured.

[valyrianprince]

[ 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. ]

[chainedqueen]

[The audacity of him. She smacked his hand away, not aggressively, but a light smack. He was far too close for her comfort and far more intimate than he should be. It was a mistake to have let him have her. She had done contrition, alms distributed, fasting, more time in the sept than usual. None of it assuaged her guilt. Eventually, even Viserys asked if she was well, noticing her pale skin. She near confessed, but simply brushed it aside with not sleeping well from nightmares.

There was no question he would find her alone again. She knew him well enough to expect that, though she had hoped that he may have moved on and found another, now that the chase ended. Instead, he climbed into her room on her first night in Storm's End, audaciously and recklessly. She could slap him for that. Had he shown discretion, perhaps her heart would not be beating so quickly, for what other reason could it be but fear?

She glanced over her shoulder, praying that no one heard their voices.]

If you mean to be of service, then hand me my robe. [She nodded to the brocade cloth draped over the chair to her vanity. She wasn't about to let him close enough to her hair and the bath was growing tepid. The moment that she was out, the water could be carted away and she could be alone with less fear.

The moment it was brought to her, she stood, pointing her body away from him (though there was little she could do for her buttocks. She was quick to let him slip it on before pulling it tight over herself. Another glare of disapproval, despite allowing him that much. She stepped out and pushed him back towards the balcony.]

Talya, have my bath taken away.

[valonqri]

Return to begrudging pleasantries. Not that it matters much longer.

[ He knows his brother's warming to his return from exile will not last much deeper into the princess's wedding festivities. ]

[chainedqueen]

With all the sincerity you inspire in me.

[valonqri]

Did I not find it in my heart to alert you of ill-intended slander?

[chainedqueen]

Your heart truly is giving.

How shall I repay you?