was getting set up for the wedding that would take part this evening. And as the hours passed, Rhaenyra was getting increasingly anxious; this was the moment she had dreaded for the past few weeks. Things were only harder after Rhys' death,but she had to keep going. Rhaenyra had avoided her father and Alicent as much as she could, but she was now forced to assist with the celebration.
Servants were running all over the place, some carrying food, others carrying drinks. Rhaenyra spotted Selena in the chaos that was becoming her home. If only this day could pass already, that would be much easier than having to watch as her father got married to her former best friend.
"Rhaenyra."
Rhaenyra turned around, coming eye to eye with her father. "Yes, Your Grace?"
Viserys scowled at her formal tone but quickly recovered. "You are to help Lady Alicent into her gown this evening and accompany her to the banquet."
Rhaenyra felt anger rise within her chest. "Why must I help her father? There are many different servants that could help her far better than I." In truth, Rhaenyra wasn't sure what would happen if she faced Alicent.
"Rhaenyra, as the Princess, it is your duty." Viserys told her, "And Alicent wanted you to help her prepare for the ceremony."
"Is it your command, Your Grace?"
"Yes—"
"Then, of course," Rhaenyra bowed her head and went to find Alicent.
***
Rhaenyra brushed and braided her hair in silence, and when she was finished, Rhaenyra grabbed the wedding gown. Alicent offered her a tight smile as Rhaenyra tied the laces, but Rhaenyra didn't offer her anything in return as she quickly placed the crown on her head. Tears were running down Alicent's face as she stared at herself in the mirror.
As Rhaenyra made her way to leave, Alicent gripped her arm.
"Where are you going?"
"My room, I must dress for the ceremony." Rhaenyra replied, slipping out of Alicent's hold.
Rhaenyra hurried through the halls, passing many servants who eyed her curiously as she passed. Arriving at her chambers, Rhaenyra immediately opened the door and was surprised to find Lyra and Elena holding a beautiful gown between their hands.
"What are you doing here?"
"We came to support you," Elena said.
"And to make sure that you are the prettiest maiden in that room tonight." Lyra interjected.
"I appreciate it, but I honestly don't feel like dressing up super fancy."
Lyra grabbed her hand and said, "I know things are hard, but come on, at least have a little fun tonight. I'll be there with Elena, Talon, and Nimbus, and if things go wrong, at least we'll get to drink the night away."
"Lyra's right, you should be able to enjoy yourself tonight, even if it is the definition of the worst night in history for you, Rhaenyra."
Rhaenyra nodded reluctantly, and the girls squealed.
Rhaenyra was dressed in a simple but elegant gown by the girls.Elena braided her hair while Lyra searched for jewelry, finally settling on her Valyrian steel necklace, which she clamped around her neck.The girls stepped back to admire their work and told Rhaenyra to open her eyes.
Rhaenyra exclaimed as she looked in the mirror; the dark circles that had formed under her eyes had vanished, despite the fact that she was surprisingly thin.Rhaenyra turned away, unable to look at herself any longer. "Let's go, shall we?"
They nodded.
***
The ceremony was quick; her father and Alicent had finally kissed and now the true celebration began. Nimbus and Talon asked her for multiple dances and she was happy to oblige, Elena and Lyra watched her from afar enjoying conversation with other young Lords. The wine was flowing frequently, and Rhaenyra felt numb as she down every cup that passed her.
"Be careful, Princess, you might get sick." Talon nodded towards the servant, "and she might be cleaning up your vomit later."
"Don't be a prick Talon. I'm allowed to drink as much as I want, especially tonight, so if you don't like it, you can find somebody else to dance with or you can leave entirely." Rhaenyra hissed.
A smirk made its way onto Talon's face, and Rhaenyra wanted nothing more than to slap him and put him in his place, but before she could do anything, she felt a hand grasp hers. Elena narrowed her eyes on Talon daring him to speak, then she leaned close and whispered: "Your father and Alicent are watching you."
Rhaenyra turned and sure enough her father's eyes were locked on hers, his face molded with confusion or perhaps curiosity, Alicent's expression mimicked his own. Rhaenyra fought back a smirk, it was unlike her to show any sort of attention to men of any kind and somehow seeing their expressions Rhaenyra couldn't help but feel satisfied.
Perhaps this wedding is fun after all, Rhaenyra thought as she made her way across the dance floor and joined both Lyra and Elena, who were currently stuffing their faces full of food. And as Rhaenyra reached for one of the lemon cakes, Elena threw a grape at her face.
Rhaenyra gasped "Elena!"
Elena shrieked and soon Lyra was following suit, the three girls broke out into a fit of laughter. They ran after one another, startling many lords and ladies as they chased each other. Nimbus watched with a smile as the girls smiled and laughed, enjoying the company of one another.
***
And the hour had grown late, Rhaenyra. She felt tiredness poke at her limbs. She made her way up to the high table, where her father sat in deep conversation with Otto. Alicent gave her a smile and cleared her throat, getting Viserys' attention.
"Ah, my darling girl, you seem to be enjoying yourself tonight." Viserys said, "happy.
"Yes, Your Grace It seems I am, but it has grown quite late, and I'm getting quite tired. If it is alright with you, I would like to retire for the night." Rhaenyra wanted nothing more than to go to her room and retire for the night.
Viserys looked disappointed, shaking his head as he met her gaze. "If that is what you wish, daughter, I will see you when the sun is high."
Rhaenyra nodded, "Farewell, my lords, and good night."