Only when the food is changed and a taster is added does Alicent give in to her thirst. Having abstained all day, both as a sign to the Maiden, and out of looming dread, her throat felt dry. Her first cup is drained quickly, which many would like interpret as a maid, preparing herself for the night ahead. She saw a few titters behind hands and whispered conversation. As there was no baby bump clearly on display, the gossip would shift to something else. There might even be new bets taken, whether or not Daemon Targaryen would lose interest after one night with such a fragile creature. At least Rhea Royce was a woman of the Vale, they weren't so wilting or innocent as Reach women.
Where she had been near frantic to defend against whatever might have been planned, she missed the subtleties of the night that she was now only growing aware of. Various men visited her father's and brothers at their table, many a low toned conversation happened, but it was hard to say what might be sinister and what was more likely business. Laena Velaryon was placed in the King's presence more than once. Now that one potential marriage candidate was gone, another House seized eagerly on taking Alicent's place. Without a companion by her side, Rhaenyra seemed a bit more lost in thought, though nearing the end of the night, Laena was seated by the princess and the two were happily chatting. Apparently Laena Velaryon would soon be subject to what once was or what might have been Alicent's.
Alicent felt far more languid by the third glass of wine that when the shout came up, 'It's time to put the bride to bed!' she never noticed her brothers and father had long since departed. The sudden convalescing of the men towards her earned laughter and hoots. Her nails went instinctively towards her fingers but found only cloth in its place.
Dark hair leaned closer to her, murmuring near her ear, "I will vouchsafe your modesty, my lady." Alicent glanced up, only half remembering Criston Cole from the tournament, now dressed in the attire of a King's Guard. He looked at her sincerely, perhaps assuming she was afraid what might be done? Or it might well have been kindness? After so long with Daemon, she was looking for secondary motives almost by instinct. "I won't let any take untoward advantages."
It was the earnestness of it that was touching, one of the few genuine kindnesses of the evening, where most had been spent in hurried anticipation for what her father would do.
Corlys Velaryon and Tyland Lannister lifted her over the table and into the waiting hands of the crowd. One shoe fell by the wayside, then a stocking was flung in the air, her glove followed and the laces to the back of her gown. There were japes, ribald comments and a few eager eyes that tried to see as much as they could of her. Ser Criston kept his word though and each time a hand strayed far too close to some intimate part of her or someone tried to pull both dress and shift from her body, he was quick to shove their arm away. By the time she was in the wedding chamber, she was left in a shift, but no other compromising situation.
Alicent slipped beneath the covers of the bed, noticing the smell of lavender and mint beneath the sheets. Her eyes darted towards Rhondra, either she had seen that the coverlets were changed moments ago or Cerdyc had seen to it himself.
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Date: 2022-08-26 12:30 pm (UTC)Where she had been near frantic to defend against whatever might have been planned, she missed the subtleties of the night that she was now only growing aware of. Various men visited her father's and brothers at their table, many a low toned conversation happened, but it was hard to say what might be sinister and what was more likely business. Laena Velaryon was placed in the King's presence more than once. Now that one potential marriage candidate was gone, another House seized eagerly on taking Alicent's place. Without a companion by her side, Rhaenyra seemed a bit more lost in thought, though nearing the end of the night, Laena was seated by the princess and the two were happily chatting. Apparently Laena Velaryon would soon be subject to what once was or what might have been Alicent's.
Alicent felt far more languid by the third glass of wine that when the shout came up, 'It's time to put the bride to bed!' she never noticed her brothers and father had long since departed. The sudden convalescing of the men towards her earned laughter and hoots. Her nails went instinctively towards her fingers but found only cloth in its place.
Dark hair leaned closer to her, murmuring near her ear, "I will vouchsafe your modesty, my lady." Alicent glanced up, only half remembering Criston Cole from the tournament, now dressed in the attire of a King's Guard. He looked at her sincerely, perhaps assuming she was afraid what might be done? Or it might well have been kindness? After so long with Daemon, she was looking for secondary motives almost by instinct. "I won't let any take untoward advantages."
It was the earnestness of it that was touching, one of the few genuine kindnesses of the evening, where most had been spent in hurried anticipation for what her father would do.
Corlys Velaryon and Tyland Lannister lifted her over the table and into the waiting hands of the crowd. One shoe fell by the wayside, then a stocking was flung in the air, her glove followed and the laces to the back of her gown. There were japes, ribald comments and a few eager eyes that tried to see as much as they could of her. Ser Criston kept his word though and each time a hand strayed far too close to some intimate part of her or someone tried to pull both dress and shift from her body, he was quick to shove their arm away. By the time she was in the wedding chamber, she was left in a shift, but no other compromising situation.
Alicent slipped beneath the covers of the bed, noticing the smell of lavender and mint beneath the sheets. Her eyes darted towards Rhondra, either she had seen that the coverlets were changed moments ago or Cerdyc had seen to it himself.
'Here comes the bridegroom!' The shout went up.