Without any noise for a few hours, they would like grow bored anyway and would go off to search for women of their own. She didn't protest being drawn back against him. With only a torn pillow, it would have been another uncomfortable rest, not that she pictured having much sleep tonight to begin with. So long as this wasn't an oft repeated exhibition, she could manage the men outside the room and the destroyed cushion.
When she finally did get her hot bath in the morning, she gladly sinks into the water, her body aching and sore, painted with different bites and bruises. At the very least, Rhondra doesn't seem disconcerted by her appearance, only asking if the night was easy for her with a bit of a smile. Appearing in court with a high collared gown would likely only set people talking, letting them guess what she was hiding, so Alicent remains in the prince's section of the castle. Her own rooms, while not as grand or nice, had at least been decorated comfortably for her with blues and greens, as well as with a seat by the windows so she could read.
It is the place that she likes to return to in the coming months. The early days of their marriage long over, the court shifts their attention from one sort of excitement to another. Hardly a surprise for Alicent, it is announced that Rhaenyra is to marry soon. The council would be locked in debate for awhile over who the bridegroom should be, but there were bets being made almost immediately, with most taking the odds on the Velaryons. Her father's hand is in this, she's certain of it. To offset Daemon's own ambitions, Rhaenyra would be ushered into a marriage bed of her own.
With a household of her own, it doesn't bother Alicent to consider very much what Daemon might be doing or that the days of his promise to her near ending. She's followed his lead, taking that lesson of how to win loyalty to heart. Rhondra has been given a closer position to Alicent, overseeing her staff. She now even has a group of girls to oversee, training them to be laundresses. They had been found among a few starving families in Flea Bottom, granting them an education, regular pay and food. Rhondra's cousin is made Alicent's tailor, making several new styles of gown (all with convenient high necks) for her to wear. She made certain to visit the city often, patronizing local merchants and shops. Whenever she returns home, she has fresh pastry or a new book or silks. Local poets and singers are encouraged to see the Princess Alicent. Those that can please her with music or verse earn a pretty purse, but those that manage to surprise her, they receive a place in her household.
It's an easy existence, suiting her ambitions. The people always cheered the Targaryens, but now a Hightower was earning the same sort of love and esteem. The court as well paid her more mind. From among House Hightower's liege lords, Alicent had collected a number of young women to act as her handmaidens and companions. Brought to court and placed at her side, these women were like to soon become prized matches for the gentry. Their families would now be grateful to her as would their husband's families, when the time came.
Along with these women at her side, Ser Criston Cole often came to visit. There is never a day he doesn't bring her flowers or a book he thought she might like. In suitable company, the pair will sit together in the gardens or in her adjoining rooms and talk. Rumor about the court is that he is far more attentive to the Princess Alicent than to the king, while Mushroom had a far more colorful descriptor of this friendship. It was well known, after all, that she had 'tended' to King Jaehaerys in his final days, that she had 'comforted' King Viserys, and 'seen to the needs' of Prince Daemon. It is a surprise for the dwarf to see the maid move from Dragon to King's Guard, but his opinion of Alicent has never been very high.
There is other talk as well, more interesting than Alicent's life or another wedding. Many whisper that Daemon Targaryen isn't content at court and is planning some other move to fulfill his ambitions. The Hand's daughter can only offer so much, but she can't grant a crown. What has left many surprised is that Corlys Velaryon, who preferred a steadier course than chaos, had idled many late hours in Daemon's company. Whatever they plan, whatever they discuss, it was enough to keep the prince occupied in the Red Keep longer than any thought possible.
Certainly he would be back in Flea Bottom again after his first night with his wife?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2022-08-26 09:57 pm (UTC)When she finally did get her hot bath in the morning, she gladly sinks into the water, her body aching and sore, painted with different bites and bruises. At the very least, Rhondra doesn't seem disconcerted by her appearance, only asking if the night was easy for her with a bit of a smile. Appearing in court with a high collared gown would likely only set people talking, letting them guess what she was hiding, so Alicent remains in the prince's section of the castle. Her own rooms, while not as grand or nice, had at least been decorated comfortably for her with blues and greens, as well as with a seat by the windows so she could read.
It is the place that she likes to return to in the coming months. The early days of their marriage long over, the court shifts their attention from one sort of excitement to another. Hardly a surprise for Alicent, it is announced that Rhaenyra is to marry soon. The council would be locked in debate for awhile over who the bridegroom should be, but there were bets being made almost immediately, with most taking the odds on the Velaryons. Her father's hand is in this, she's certain of it. To offset Daemon's own ambitions, Rhaenyra would be ushered into a marriage bed of her own.
With a household of her own, it doesn't bother Alicent to consider very much what Daemon might be doing or that the days of his promise to her near ending. She's followed his lead, taking that lesson of how to win loyalty to heart. Rhondra has been given a closer position to Alicent, overseeing her staff. She now even has a group of girls to oversee, training them to be laundresses. They had been found among a few starving families in Flea Bottom, granting them an education, regular pay and food. Rhondra's cousin is made Alicent's tailor, making several new styles of gown (all with convenient high necks) for her to wear. She made certain to visit the city often, patronizing local merchants and shops. Whenever she returns home, she has fresh pastry or a new book or silks. Local poets and singers are encouraged to see the Princess Alicent. Those that can please her with music or verse earn a pretty purse, but those that manage to surprise her, they receive a place in her household.
It's an easy existence, suiting her ambitions. The people always cheered the Targaryens, but now a Hightower was earning the same sort of love and esteem. The court as well paid her more mind. From among House Hightower's liege lords, Alicent had collected a number of young women to act as her handmaidens and companions. Brought to court and placed at her side, these women were like to soon become prized matches for the gentry. Their families would now be grateful to her as would their husband's families, when the time came.
Along with these women at her side, Ser Criston Cole often came to visit. There is never a day he doesn't bring her flowers or a book he thought she might like. In suitable company, the pair will sit together in the gardens or in her adjoining rooms and talk. Rumor about the court is that he is far more attentive to the Princess Alicent than to the king, while Mushroom had a far more colorful descriptor of this friendship. It was well known, after all, that she had 'tended' to King Jaehaerys in his final days, that she had 'comforted' King Viserys, and 'seen to the needs' of Prince Daemon. It is a surprise for the dwarf to see the maid move from Dragon to King's Guard, but his opinion of Alicent has never been very high.
There is other talk as well, more interesting than Alicent's life or another wedding. Many whisper that Daemon Targaryen isn't content at court and is planning some other move to fulfill his ambitions. The Hand's daughter can only offer so much, but she can't grant a crown. What has left many surprised is that Corlys Velaryon, who preferred a steadier course than chaos, had idled many late hours in Daemon's company. Whatever they plan, whatever they discuss, it was enough to keep the prince occupied in the Red Keep longer than any thought possible.
Certainly he would be back in Flea Bottom again after his first night with his wife?