[Some would say love and she might argue against that. Love wasn't exactly a concept she fully believed in, save for her children. Love was an ideal that could well eventually, either be betrayed or never fully lived up to. Steadiness, comfort, warmth and desire were always better in her opinion, even before all of this. Having genuine loyalty and genuine warmth meant more than passionate words that could well be lies. Daemon hadn't spoken those nor would she ask for them. They wouldn't move her as other women.
It was small things she noticed. That he never bedded another woman, talk aside. That he stayed longer at court when she was pregnant, that he was loyal to her children whether they were his or Viserys's. He hadn't shared her confidences and they each received a thought out reply. Did it really matter if that was love or not? It was steady and it lasted years, perhaps longer. She didn't wish for it to have a name, it would ruin the beauty of the bond.
She frowned, it wasn't that she disagreed with the advice, but she knew how several of the nobles who sided with her would respond. They would be insulted by having possible bastards marry into their family. She wasn't the only one who thought such things, some were even more proud than her. Jason Lannister was the first candidate she should consider for marrying a daughter into Rhaenyra's household but he would absolutely resist any attempts. Lord Boros, perhaps? He had too many daughters to quibble over that sort of alliance. So long as a daughter married, he did not seem to care. As it stood, only Jace would be old enough for a wife, so there was time still for Lucerys.]
Suggest a Baratheon marriage for Jacaerys. I will see if I can convince others among the Greens.
[It was better to have daughters. The idea, for now, was less pleasing, but only for the long pregnancy and how cranky she felt when she was the size of horse. Her joints forever ached, her back forever ached. No matter the season, she was always hot and then at once cold. The morning sickness and tender body would be frustrating as well. There were only ever two bright spots and that was first the appetite it gave her. Food, certainly, but when she stopped feeling sick and grew enough, her body craved more moments like this. Those were the nights that Daemon never had to wake her, she would wake him. When she'd want to be taken on a table in between their meals. It was far better to go through with a partner able to feed her without sickness or pain bothering them as well. Someone young, hungry and just as voracious.
Feeling the child first move as well, she was always breathless then, never alerting anyone until the second time. That was something she could keep to herself and cherish before bringing the world around her.
It may well be that there will first be sons and then daughters, which meant long tries. Oddly, she was content with that.
She took pity on him, moving more quickly now before getting a better idea. Guiding him with the hand on his throat, she rolled back onto the couch, encouraging him to hook both legs over his shoulders. He could dictate the pace to his liking and he could be buried in her throughout it.]
[ It's no wonder why they're so good for each other. Even on these smaller issues they've never really discussed they actually agree. Daemon would reserve love as a word and concept to family, blood relation. Children, parents, siblings. Those you find a bond and connection to, well, why is there such a fluff to name it? Why can't it just exist in the way it fits between you and that person? For him, for this, he likes what they have and he's happy to just exist in it. It's worked this long without putting a name on it, and even now they're talking more children.
There's a pepper of kisses along her jaw to her nose with a smile for that frown. He doesn't need her to voice where her head went for why she's frowning. Concerned about the lineage. But if the crown laid their parentage down, if Alicent and Aegon stood with the lineage of Rhaenyra's children, her houses would follow suit at least in appearance which also means not arguing with a betrothal to one of them. ] Few would argue if you were to stand by their lineage, which was part of your dictated terms to her. No more questioning the children's fathers.
[ Did it matter that everyone new? Of course. But would the Lannisters argue it if they put their foot down, if they put the lineage to rest by standing with Rhaenyra? No, they'd grumble, they'd huff, they'd pout, but in the end they would eventually fall in line. ] But the Baratheons are a good start for Jacaerys. We have time for a match for her second son.
[ She forgot that when he wasn't fucking her hormone induced need until neither could walk anymore, he was the one rubbing her back, easing the pressure and pain from her body. All she had to do was make a pained motion, a pained sound, or a comment and that night he'd be slipping into her room to ease her pain as he could. Again, those small things because actions of their bond spoke far louder than the words he could utter. Words could be empty, but Daemon settled deep inside her to ease and sate her need or war calloused fingers working out sore feet or knots of pressure in her lower back spoke far more for them.
He'd also be the first to let her know at least, that she looked beautiful glowing with child. Full of the life they made together in these moments together.
Her rolling them surprised him, and a smile settled on his features as he teased a hand along her leg, settling it better over his shoulder to make sure the muscles were stretched in a way that wouldn't cramp for her. His hips rocked into hers, this position letting him sink a little deeper into her too, giving a happy groan. ]
I believe so. Make sure these fine hips are tilted and keeping all of me inside you so our daughter will take. But just so we're on the same page, twins doesn't get you out of a second pregnancy. At least two more, I think?
[ Okay, so he might have a mild breeding kink with how he loves her pregnant. ]
[They were both at least practical, which suited her better. These were small things that mattered more and were rooted in genuine fondness. It was learned over time and built against many trials and hurdles. Now that they found this more steady stride, she would take more comfort in that then say, the chivalrous romance that Ser Criston offered. That was always different, more often for the court to see, as those sorts of knightly love were popular and expected. Favors, garlands, promises of protection and duty, they had their place but it was part of the role she was expected to take. She trusted Ser Criston with her life and worked with him, but it never went past that boundary.
She hadn't forgotten Daemon was the one to rub her feet and back. She hadn't forgotten that he did seem to dote on her while pregnant, even showing more of an interest in her belly than most did. These were things she could never forget and at least eased the difficulties of carrying a child. It didn't fully remove her crankiness at the prospect though, nor did it dissuade her from annoyance at her state in the early and last months. That sort of discomfort ran deep and couldn't be fully eased.
And then the labor...Gods, she was not looking forward to most of it. The aftermath would be worth it.
He was not wrong that if she officially stood by Rhaenyra's children and declared them true born, then the Houses wouldn't talk so loudly. They would mutter, but they might be eased with some honors to keep such comments to themselves. Lord Jason and many others would sacrifice a daughter for some lucrative position.]
Just be certain the king is not aware these conversations take place. He is set in his choice.
[It would not work, it could not work. Aegon must be king.
She bit at her palm as he moved deeper in her, a better pace set. There was a risk they might be too loud, that their bodies would make too much noise, but she'd risk it for this conversation.
Though of course, he had to tell her that she would have to suffer more if she only had twins.]
[ Just as his interactions with Rhaenyra spurred a jealousy in her, so too did the jealousy in him spur with her Sir Criston Cole and the favors that she grants publicly. As much as he has accepted it, especially because people were more likely to think if she were to have an affair it would be with the Knight, it didn't mean he didn't like it. Didn't trust the knight in love with the woman he'd claimed, had given his body and oath to. Even his heart, were some to push that deep.
Trust him too, if he could be there during the labor, to give her hand to hold or shoulder to bite through the pain, he would. But as much as he would love to ease her pain during labor, to care for her as she brought their children into this world, it wouldn't be proper for him to be there for that. Not as good-brother and Uncle. It would technically even be weird were her husband to want to be with her during that, though begrudgingly allowed if requested. He would be there in spirit though, pacing quietly in his room for news to trickle through to him to let him know once the child were there.
And then likely sneak into her room once he was sure it was empty to see her and the babe in the quiet of night far before it would ever be proper for an Uncle to meet his new niece or nephew. But he couldn't wait days to finally greet the child. To ensure Alicent herself was doing okay with his own eyes after the childbirth as well. As much as he wanted more children, he was very aware of the price it can pay on the mother, and oddly enough, given the choice Viserys had been given - mother or child - he'd have chosen the mother, not the child to save.
Loyalties when one can afford to be selfish over duty bound for an heir.
There's a slow kiss as he dips to nibble at her lower lip with a happy hum. ]
I will ensure the king and council stay unaware until Rhaenyra comes to court to announce she will back Aegon as King and heir. Or would you prefer to have her sign it and we can hold it until my dear brother passes, so he doesn't make a fuss? Surprise everyone by having the issue well in hand when it is needed to be taken care of?
[ Again, he's deferring to her. Because he is loyal to the woman he's sinking slowly into, happily. If her legs weren't over his shoulder, he'd offer her his shoulder and neck to bite into to muffle her sounds. As it is, his head turns to groan against the skin of her calf where it rests, teeth grazing softly.
The follow up to his comment about two more pregnancies though, earns a soft chuckle and he shifts carefully to steal a kiss. ] But that I could, my Queen, I would gladly carry them for us, if only to give you a reprieve.
[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.
[ 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.
[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.]
[ 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. ]
[If only Viserys remembered he had children outside of Rhaenyra. After Aemond was blinded, it had never been more clear to Alicent that she could never rely on the king for protection. Her children had no father to guide them, only a sworn knight and a grandfather, but even then that did nothing to give them the love they needed. There was the obvious solution before her, but her paranoia would not abate long enough to allow such things. Daemon must be kept at a distance. If Viserys would not punish those that blinded Aemond, she could not trust him to spare the children's lives, shoulder actions be discovered. While she cared for Daemon and kept close to him all these years, no passion would induce her to sacrifice her children.
It was something she believed he understood.
It was a hypocritical place, given her own words regarding Rhaenyra. Either it never occurred to her or she never thought much of it. She had a lover, she bore children that she passed as her husband's. She was now in the process of getting another. It should rankle her conscience, but as it always was when Daemon was close, she seemed to forget duty rather easily. He at least understood her and the way her mind worked, the avenues and byways it took to reach whatever conclusion she came to. Her scheming, her sometimes harsh nature and her piety. He seemed to know it well and weathered it, as she weathered his unpredictable actions.
It was an easy partnership, for whatever this might be or have become.
She grinned as he toyed with her breast, teasing her as she expected and wanted. Her body eased under him, warming and increasing in need as he continued to move in her. She grinned, wishing she could make more noise but letting him see her pleasure in her eyes.]
[ Him understanding is the only reason he has never pushed or argued her decision but instead has abided it. It goes against everything he wants, to be able to know the sons, not just because they're his but because they're family as a whole. But mostly, he'd love to know the boys as more than the occasional Uncle that visits or stays around, to give them the attention he's allowed to give Alicent's daughter.
But he gives her what he can't give the boys. Letting that be enough. It's his sacrifice to prove he loves them and her, in some way deep down, that he gives in and holds his tongue and attention. If anyone loves the kids as much as they should, outside of Alicent, it really is Daemon.
Just as he'd never called her out on her jealousy, he'd never called her out on the hypocrisy that has led them to two sons. Will lead them to at least two more children to give their sons siblings and wives. He knew better than to call attention to it, but also, he knew that it would lead no where to get her to see the similarities. All it would do is anger and break her in some way, which was the exact opposite of what Daemon wanted. No, he cared enough for her that he'd protect her, follow the rules she needed to keep to stay strong.
He's happy to give her what she expects, what she wants. What he knows that her body needs and craves after all these years together. His hips roll, giving her hard and fast even if they have all night, because he knows she loves it, can take it, will arch for him all the better. He'd love to hear those sounds in her throat, caught quietly to not give them away, even as he knows she can't let them escapes.
He takes in that look, that pleasure in her eyes and gives it back to her in his own. Though it's not enough for him, so he'll dip to nip at her jaw and let her feel the growls of pleasure she earns that are soft enough not to travel past a reverberation on her skin. ]
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It was small things she noticed. That he never bedded another woman, talk aside. That he stayed longer at court when she was pregnant, that he was loyal to her children whether they were his or Viserys's. He hadn't shared her confidences and they each received a thought out reply. Did it really matter if that was love or not? It was steady and it lasted years, perhaps longer. She didn't wish for it to have a name, it would ruin the beauty of the bond.
She frowned, it wasn't that she disagreed with the advice, but she knew how several of the nobles who sided with her would respond. They would be insulted by having possible bastards marry into their family. She wasn't the only one who thought such things, some were even more proud than her. Jason Lannister was the first candidate she should consider for marrying a daughter into Rhaenyra's household but he would absolutely resist any attempts. Lord Boros, perhaps? He had too many daughters to quibble over that sort of alliance. So long as a daughter married, he did not seem to care. As it stood, only Jace would be old enough for a wife, so there was time still for Lucerys.]
Suggest a Baratheon marriage for Jacaerys. I will see if I can convince others among the Greens.
[It was better to have daughters. The idea, for now, was less pleasing, but only for the long pregnancy and how cranky she felt when she was the size of horse. Her joints forever ached, her back forever ached. No matter the season, she was always hot and then at once cold. The morning sickness and tender body would be frustrating as well. There were only ever two bright spots and that was first the appetite it gave her. Food, certainly, but when she stopped feeling sick and grew enough, her body craved more moments like this. Those were the nights that Daemon never had to wake her, she would wake him. When she'd want to be taken on a table in between their meals. It was far better to go through with a partner able to feed her without sickness or pain bothering them as well. Someone young, hungry and just as voracious.
Feeling the child first move as well, she was always breathless then, never alerting anyone until the second time. That was something she could keep to herself and cherish before bringing the world around her.
It may well be that there will first be sons and then daughters, which meant long tries. Oddly, she was content with that.
She took pity on him, moving more quickly now before getting a better idea. Guiding him with the hand on his throat, she rolled back onto the couch, encouraging him to hook both legs over his shoulders. He could dictate the pace to his liking and he could be buried in her throughout it.]
A better position to get children, I believe?
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There's a pepper of kisses along her jaw to her nose with a smile for that frown. He doesn't need her to voice where her head went for why she's frowning. Concerned about the lineage. But if the crown laid their parentage down, if Alicent and Aegon stood with the lineage of Rhaenyra's children, her houses would follow suit at least in appearance which also means not arguing with a betrothal to one of them. ] Few would argue if you were to stand by their lineage, which was part of your dictated terms to her. No more questioning the children's fathers.
[ Did it matter that everyone new? Of course. But would the Lannisters argue it if they put their foot down, if they put the lineage to rest by standing with Rhaenyra? No, they'd grumble, they'd huff, they'd pout, but in the end they would eventually fall in line. ] But the Baratheons are a good start for Jacaerys. We have time for a match for her second son.
[ She forgot that when he wasn't fucking her hormone induced need until neither could walk anymore, he was the one rubbing her back, easing the pressure and pain from her body. All she had to do was make a pained motion, a pained sound, or a comment and that night he'd be slipping into her room to ease her pain as he could. Again, those small things because actions of their bond spoke far louder than the words he could utter. Words could be empty, but Daemon settled deep inside her to ease and sate her need or war calloused fingers working out sore feet or knots of pressure in her lower back spoke far more for them.
He'd also be the first to let her know at least, that she looked beautiful glowing with child. Full of the life they made together in these moments together.
Her rolling them surprised him, and a smile settled on his features as he teased a hand along her leg, settling it better over his shoulder to make sure the muscles were stretched in a way that wouldn't cramp for her. His hips rocked into hers, this position letting him sink a little deeper into her too, giving a happy groan. ]
I believe so. Make sure these fine hips are tilted and keeping all of me inside you so our daughter will take. But just so we're on the same page, twins doesn't get you out of a second pregnancy. At least two more, I think?
[ Okay, so he might have a mild breeding kink with how he loves her pregnant. ]
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She hadn't forgotten Daemon was the one to rub her feet and back. She hadn't forgotten that he did seem to dote on her while pregnant, even showing more of an interest in her belly than most did. These were things she could never forget and at least eased the difficulties of carrying a child. It didn't fully remove her crankiness at the prospect though, nor did it dissuade her from annoyance at her state in the early and last months. That sort of discomfort ran deep and couldn't be fully eased.
And then the labor...Gods, she was not looking forward to most of it. The aftermath would be worth it.
He was not wrong that if she officially stood by Rhaenyra's children and declared them true born, then the Houses wouldn't talk so loudly. They would mutter, but they might be eased with some honors to keep such comments to themselves. Lord Jason and many others would sacrifice a daughter for some lucrative position.]
Just be certain the king is not aware these conversations take place. He is set in his choice.
[It would not work, it could not work. Aegon must be king.
She bit at her palm as he moved deeper in her, a better pace set. There was a risk they might be too loud, that their bodies would make too much noise, but she'd risk it for this conversation.
Though of course, he had to tell her that she would have to suffer more if she only had twins.]
You carry the next one then.
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Trust him too, if he could be there during the labor, to give her hand to hold or shoulder to bite through the pain, he would. But as much as he would love to ease her pain during labor, to care for her as she brought their children into this world, it wouldn't be proper for him to be there for that. Not as good-brother and Uncle. It would technically even be weird were her husband to want to be with her during that, though begrudgingly allowed if requested. He would be there in spirit though, pacing quietly in his room for news to trickle through to him to let him know once the child were there.
And then likely sneak into her room once he was sure it was empty to see her and the babe in the quiet of night far before it would ever be proper for an Uncle to meet his new niece or nephew. But he couldn't wait days to finally greet the child. To ensure Alicent herself was doing okay with his own eyes after the childbirth as well. As much as he wanted more children, he was very aware of the price it can pay on the mother, and oddly enough, given the choice Viserys had been given - mother or child - he'd have chosen the mother, not the child to save.
Loyalties when one can afford to be selfish over duty bound for an heir.
There's a slow kiss as he dips to nibble at her lower lip with a happy hum. ]
I will ensure the king and council stay unaware until Rhaenyra comes to court to announce she will back Aegon as King and heir. Or would you prefer to have her sign it and we can hold it until my dear brother passes, so he doesn't make a fuss? Surprise everyone by having the issue well in hand when it is needed to be taken care of?
[ Again, he's deferring to her. Because he is loyal to the woman he's sinking slowly into, happily. If her legs weren't over his shoulder, he'd offer her his shoulder and neck to bite into to muffle her sounds. As it is, his head turns to groan against the skin of her calf where it rests, teeth grazing softly.
The follow up to his comment about two more pregnancies though, earns a soft chuckle and he shifts carefully to steal a kiss. ] But that I could, my Queen, I would gladly carry them for us, if only to give you a reprieve.
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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.]
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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.
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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.]
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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. ]
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It was something she believed he understood.
It was a hypocritical place, given her own words regarding Rhaenyra. Either it never occurred to her or she never thought much of it. She had a lover, she bore children that she passed as her husband's. She was now in the process of getting another. It should rankle her conscience, but as it always was when Daemon was close, she seemed to forget duty rather easily. He at least understood her and the way her mind worked, the avenues and byways it took to reach whatever conclusion she came to. Her scheming, her sometimes harsh nature and her piety. He seemed to know it well and weathered it, as she weathered his unpredictable actions.
It was an easy partnership, for whatever this might be or have become.
She grinned as he toyed with her breast, teasing her as she expected and wanted. Her body eased under him, warming and increasing in need as he continued to move in her. She grinned, wishing she could make more noise but letting him see her pleasure in her eyes.]
Bound in some strange twist of fate.
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But he gives her what he can't give the boys. Letting that be enough. It's his sacrifice to prove he loves them and her, in some way deep down, that he gives in and holds his tongue and attention. If anyone loves the kids as much as they should, outside of Alicent, it really is Daemon.
Just as he'd never called her out on her jealousy, he'd never called her out on the hypocrisy that has led them to two sons. Will lead them to at least two more children to give their sons siblings and wives. He knew better than to call attention to it, but also, he knew that it would lead no where to get her to see the similarities. All it would do is anger and break her in some way, which was the exact opposite of what Daemon wanted. No, he cared enough for her that he'd protect her, follow the rules she needed to keep to stay strong.
He's happy to give her what she expects, what she wants. What he knows that her body needs and craves after all these years together. His hips roll, giving her hard and fast even if they have all night, because he knows she loves it, can take it, will arch for him all the better. He'd love to hear those sounds in her throat, caught quietly to not give them away, even as he knows she can't let them escapes.
He takes in that look, that pleasure in her eyes and gives it back to her in his own. Though it's not enough for him, so he'll dip to nip at her jaw and let her feel the growls of pleasure she earns that are soft enough not to travel past a reverberation on her skin. ]
A bond I will never give up.