[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.]
[ 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?
[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.
[ 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. ]
[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.]
[ It's hard not to want to be more intimate than he should be, after just how intimate they were. It gives a level of closeness, a level of connection that they now shared, even if she tried to pretend she regretted it. Though he would also argue that he wouldn't want to cause her sleepless nights and guilt strong enough to make her sick. If that's what it was completely. But not enough to stop, to leave her alone either.
Not after knowing that she did want him in some sense.
It said a lot about his interest in her being more than just the flesh or conquest though, that he hadn't moved on and had no interest in finding another. It wasn't just the thrill of it, or being able to say that he was able to lure her into that position. No. He's more interested in her. In her mind. In her thoughts and opinions. In showing her that she can be more than what his brother treats her as.
He can see the backbone under all that prim and proper and wants to lure that out. To show her she can be more. ]
As my Queen commands. [ He moves easily enough to pick up the cloth and bring it to her. He can't help taking in that beautiful body as she stands though, before it's covered by the robe. Eyes far darker than they were before as she shoves him toward the balcony. He's quiet, though he can't help the slight amused lift of the corner of his mouth. Still and patient as he listens to her summon the maid to take the bath away.
Still and silent as he listens to the woman do just that, remove it.
Once he's absolutely sure that it's done, that Alicent's alone again, he'll shift to peak out from where he's hidden. Not saying a word though, wanting to be sure. The last thing he wants is to actually get them caught. ]
[Talya had seen that the water was quickly taken away, bringing in a string of servants girls to cart the water out. Her maid seemed to suspect nothing, but it was difficult to say with servants. They saw and heard more than they let on and secrets never stayed concealed for long. On progress, there was the greater chance of making a mistake, of being caught in some way. That Daemon would choose to come to her now only proved how reckless he was. However meticulously he planned where she stayed and how close he was, he still did not know better to keep his distance.
While Alicent waited, she brushed her hair at the vanity, trying to keep herself occupied rather than give any indication there was someone close by. Talya offered to do such things for her, but Alicent dismissed her after requesting a glass of spiced wine. Something warm to fend off the coming storm outside. Once served, she sent the girl away for the night, assuring her she would need nothing. It would at least limit the number of ears at the door to only her guards.
She had set her comb down by the time Daemon peered in, having had no intention of telling him it was safe. Again, she had hoped he'd grow bored and return to his own room rather than wait out a woman's fripperies. Alas, it seemed that he was determined to catch her alone. She frowned as he met her eyes. Having grown up at court, he must know that she was still not fully alone. Guards, servants, there was always someone closer than he...they might want.]
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Storm's End
Date: 2022-11-14 11:07 pm (UTC)[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.]
no subject
Date: 2022-11-14 11:48 pm (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2022-11-15 12:11 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2022-11-15 01:57 am (UTC)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. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-11-16 06:16 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2022-11-27 01:20 am (UTC)Not after knowing that she did want him in some sense.
It said a lot about his interest in her being more than just the flesh or conquest though, that he hadn't moved on and had no interest in finding another. It wasn't just the thrill of it, or being able to say that he was able to lure her into that position. No. He's more interested in her. In her mind. In her thoughts and opinions. In showing her that she can be more than what his brother treats her as.
He can see the backbone under all that prim and proper and wants to lure that out. To show her she can be more. ]
As my Queen commands. [ He moves easily enough to pick up the cloth and bring it to her. He can't help taking in that beautiful body as she stands though, before it's covered by the robe. Eyes far darker than they were before as she shoves him toward the balcony. He's quiet, though he can't help the slight amused lift of the corner of his mouth. Still and patient as he listens to her summon the maid to take the bath away.
Still and silent as he listens to the woman do just that, remove it.
Once he's absolutely sure that it's done, that Alicent's alone again, he'll shift to peak out from where he's hidden. Not saying a word though, wanting to be sure. The last thing he wants is to actually get them caught. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-11-27 01:32 am (UTC)While Alicent waited, she brushed her hair at the vanity, trying to keep herself occupied rather than give any indication there was someone close by. Talya offered to do such things for her, but Alicent dismissed her after requesting a glass of spiced wine. Something warm to fend off the coming storm outside. Once served, she sent the girl away for the night, assuring her she would need nothing. It would at least limit the number of ears at the door to only her guards.
She had set her comb down by the time Daemon peered in, having had no intention of telling him it was safe. Again, she had hoped he'd grow bored and return to his own room rather than wait out a woman's fripperies. Alas, it seemed that he was determined to catch her alone. She frowned as he met her eyes. Having grown up at court, he must know that she was still not fully alone. Guards, servants, there was always someone closer than he...they might want.]
You should return to your rooms.