And They Were Roommates

by rosethorns87

Summary:

Alicent and Rhaenyra were best friends until Alicent dates Rhaenyra’s older brother and they have a huge falling out. Fast forward to their freshman year of college when they are randomly assigned to be roommates. Will they find their way back to eachother?

Chapter 1

Alicent Hightower had never imagined it would end like this. She had never planned on dating Daemon Targaryen, let alone destroying her friendship with Rhaenyra over it. It just… happened. One minute, she and Rhaenyra were inseparable, finishing each other’s sentences, sharing every secret, and the next, everything was in ruins. She could still remember the way Rhaenyra used to look at her, eyes bright with trust and affection—how long had it been since she’d seen that look? 

Now, when Rhaenyra’s name came up, it was only in bitter murmurs. People gossiped about them behind closed doors, but no one truly knew the whole story. Not really. Even Alicent herself couldn’t pinpoint when it all began to fall apart. Maybe it was the day Daemon started paying her extra attention, or maybe it had been building for years—something unspoken beneath the surface. What was once so easy between her and Rhaenyra turned tense, every small comment and glance suddenly charged. 

Then came that fight. The fight. It still made her stomach turn, even thinking about it. Rhaenyra had been yelling, her face flushed with something beyond anger, something almost like betrayal. Alicent couldn’t even remember what was said, only how it felt—like a storm ripping through everything she thought was safe and steady. She had lost Rhaenyra that day, and no amount of apologies or attempts to explain seemed to matter.

And Daemon... After the breakup, whatever smoldering embers of friendship remained between Alicent and Rhaenyra were snuffed out for good. The breakup with Daemon had been brutal—he was a Targaryen, after all, and nothing with him was ever simple. The fights, the games he played, and the way he made her feel like she was both everything and nothing—it wore her down. And the worst part? The breakup seemed to make Rhaenyra hate her even more, as if losing Daemon somehow deepened their rift beyond repair. 

When Alicent got into college, she saw it as a chance to start over. She could reinvent herself, become someone who wasn’t constantly haunted by her past with Rhaenyra, someone free from Daemon’s shadow. But she should’ve known better than to hope for a clean slate.

The moment she stepped into her dorm room and saw Rhaenyra standing there—arms crossed, looking just as shocked and furious as she felt—Alicent knew her fresh start wasn’t happening.

Her heart sank. Of all people.

Rhaenyra’s gaze burned into her, ice cold, a look that sent a jolt of panic through Alicent’s chest. The last time they had been this close, they had shouted themselves hoarse in front of half the school. And now? Now they were expected to share a tiny, suffocating space, day in and day out. She could practically feel the unspoken tension swelling in the room like a balloon about to burst.

"Great," Rhaenyra muttered under her breath, slinging her bag onto the opposite bed with a frustrated toss.

Alicent didn’t even try to respond. What was there to say? She knew better than to think they could talk this out, not after everything. There was no undoing the years of resentment and misunderstanding. 

She turned back to her own bags, her fingers trembling as she fumbled with the zipper. They were stuck together, trapped in this dorm until the next semester. All Alicent could do was try to survive it.

///

Alicent’s hands trembled slightly as she zipped up her bag, her back stiff with the weight of Rhaenyra’s gaze. She could feel Rhaenyra's eyes burning holes into her, that same hostile energy she’d felt for years now practically suffocating the room.

Finally, Rhaenyra spoke, her voice cold and cutting. “Of all the people in the world, it had to be you.”

Alicent straightened, her jaw clenched. “You think I’m happy about this?”

Rhaenyra let out a short, bitter laugh. “Right. I’m sure you’re thrilled to be stuck here with me.”

Alicent turned to face her, eyes flashing. “You’re not exactly my first choice either, Rhaenyra.”

Silence fell between them, thick and tense. Alicent’s heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to back down. She wouldn’t let Rhaenyra intimidate her—not anymore. Not after everything.

Rhaenyra took a step forward, arms crossed tightly. “So what, you expect we just… pretend like the last few years didn’t happen?”

“Of course not.” Alicent’s voice was clipped, her patience wearing thin. “But we’re stuck here. We don’t have to talk. We don’t even have to look at each other. We’ll just get through this semester, and then we can switch.”

Rhaenyra’s lips curled into a slight sneer. “Ignoring each other for months? Sounds like something you’re good at.”

Alicent’s stomach twisted, but she didn’t flinch. “I didn’t ignore you, Rhaenyra. You made it impossible to even try to fix things. I tried to talk, but you—"

“You chose him, Alicent.” Rhaenyra’s voice was low, but there was venom in it. “You chose Daemon, and you know exactly what that did to us.”

Alicent’s temper flared. “I didn’t choose him over you. You stopped being my friend long before Daemon even mattered!”

“Oh, please,” Rhaenyra shot back. “You think I wanted to spend time with someone who threw away everything for—” she paused, a cruel smile twisting her lips, “—someone who doesn’t even care about you now?”

Alicent’s breath caught. She opened her mouth to retaliate, but no words came. Rhaenyra’s words cut deep, too deep.

She swallowed hard, her voice quieter but no less biting. “I’m not doing this with you.”

“Then what are we doing?” Rhaenyra snapped, her frustration spilling over. “Just going to pretend like we can coexist? We can’t stand each other.”

Alicent took a deep breath, willing herself to stay calm. “We don’t have to stand each other. We just have to get through it.”

Rhaenyra stared at her, the silence crackling with everything they wouldn’t say.

“Fine,” Rhaenyra finally muttered, turning her back to Alicent. “Fine. We ignore each other. I’m not wasting any more energy on you.”

Alicent nodded sharply, her throat tight. “Agreed. Let’s just stay out of each other’s way.”

Rhaenyra didn’t respond, only throwing herself onto her bed, her back to Alicent. The room felt colder now, the air heavy with unresolved tension, years of bitterness still hanging between them. But for now, it would have to do.

Alicent turned back to her bags, silently telling herself that she could survive this—just a few months until the semester was over. She could ignore Rhaenyra. She had to.

///

The sorority mixer was in full swing, the music blending with the excited chatter of new and returning students. Alicent had barely been at the event for ten minutes before she felt the curious glances in her direction. She had known, deep down, that this would happen. The moment she stepped onto this campus, Daemon’s reputation—his legacy, really—would follow her.

She hadn’t even wanted to come, but avoiding people wasn’t a long-term option, especially with the way things had already started with Rhaenyra. She grabbed a cup of punch from the refreshment table, hoping to fade into the background.

“Alicent, right?” A tall blonde girl called out, waving her over. Alicent offered a polite smile and walked toward the group. The blonde was joined by a few others, all of them looking far too excited for a simple meet-and-greet. 

“That’s me,” Alicent said, keeping her voice neutral.

One of the girls, a petite brunette with a mischievous grin, leaned forward. “You’re Daemon’s ex, aren’t you? I heard you dated him when you were still in high school.”

Alicent swallowed, keeping her expression carefully blank. Of course, they knew. Everyone here seemed to know. Daemon Targaryen wasn’t just some student on campus; he was infamous. Popular, charming, and reckless enough to have earned himself a reputation that spanned years.

“Yeah, we dated.” Alicent shrugged, hoping that would be the end of it.

The blonde’s eyes gleamed. “What was that like? I mean, Daemon’s been around for a couple of years now, right? He’s practically running things at Delta Sig.”

Alicent bit the inside of her cheek. Daemon had already been at this school for two years when they started dating. That older, more experienced aura had been part of what drew her in. He’d made her feel like she was special, different from the rest. But Daemon had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the world—until you weren’t.

“Daemon’s always been... trouble,” she said with a half-smile, keeping her tone light, though there was a weight behind her words the others wouldn’t understand.

The girls giggled, clearly amused by her response. To them, Daemon’s troublemaking was a badge of honor, a thrill. For Alicent, it had been a chaotic mess, one that had left her burned in more ways than one.

“Trouble in a good way?” another girl, a redhead, asked with a playful nudge.

Alicent’s smile faltered for just a second. “In every way,” she said quietly, her mind flashing back to the countless arguments, the reckless nights, the mess that their relationship had become before it imploded. She hadn’t just lost Daemon. She had lost Rhaenyra too.

The blonde leaned in conspiratorially. “You know he’s still causing chaos at Delta Sig, right? They say he throws the craziest parties.”

Alicent nodded. “That sounds about right.” She tried to hide the discomfort creeping up her spine. Of course Daemon was still making waves. That’s what he did—he blew through life, leaving wreckage in his wake, and people either adored him for it or they got out of his way.

“Well, if you ever feel like joining in on the fun,” the redhead said with a grin, “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind seeing you around again.”

Alicent let out a soft, humorless laugh. “I think I’ll pass.”

They moved on to other topics, gossiping about classes and upcoming events, but Alicent couldn’t shake the discomfort. It seemed the Targaryens were following her everywhere she went.

///

Alicent pushed open the door to the dorm room, the faint smell hitting her before she even stepped inside. Her nose wrinkled, the pungent scent unmistakable—skunk, or more specifically, weed. She paused for a second, her hand still on the doorknob, before stepping fully into the room.

Rhaenyra was sprawled out on her bed, one earbud in, the other dangling loosely against her chest as she lazily scrolled through her phone. The haze in the air only confirmed Alicent’s suspicions.

Alicent dropped her bag by her desk and turned to face Rhaenyra. “Did you smoke in here?”

Rhaenyra barely looked up, a lazy grin spreading across her face. “Yeah.”

Alicent’s lips pressed into a thin line. She could feel her patience already fraying at the edges. “Don’t do that in here again. Take it outside next time.”

Rhaenyra finally pulled her gaze away from her phone, sitting up slightly to look at Alicent with a mocking glint in her eyes. “Oh, really?” she drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I didn’t realize you were in charge of what I do.”

Alicent crossed her arms, her tone sharp. “I’m not asking for much, Rhaenyra. Just don’t make the room stink like that.”

Rhaenyra leaned back, popping her other earbud in and giving a dismissive wave. “Whatever.”

Alicent let out a slow breath, trying to keep her cool. She moved to her side of the room, pointedly ignoring the lingering smell. Rhaenyra’s nonchalance grated on her nerves, but it wasn’t worth a fight. Not again.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Rhaenyra roll her eyes, her expression one of complete disinterest.

The silence between them, thick and tense, settled back in. It was clear—neither of them had any intention of making this living arrangement any easier.

Alicent hesitated for a moment, standing by her dresser, glancing over at Rhaenyra who was still sprawled on her bed, earbuds back in place. The room still carried that lingering scent, but she was trying to push it aside. She busied herself with her clothes, pulling out a crop top and a pair of shorts, then paused. She turned towards Rhaenyra.

“Are you going out tonight?” Alicent asked, her voice casual but with a slight edge, unsure of how the question would land.

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes, pulling out one earbud but not bothering to sit up. “No. Not really my style.”

Alicent raised an eyebrow, biting back the urge to make a sarcastic remark but failing. “Of course not.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes narrowed slightly, catching the tone, but she didn’t respond. Instead, she just put the earbud back in and went back to her phone, tuning out whatever Alicent had to say.

Alicent turned on her heel, heading into the bathroom to change. She shut the door behind her, breathing in the familiar scent of clean linens and the faint smell of perfume. Slipping out of her clothes, she pulled on the cropped top and shorts, adjusting the fabric in the mirror. She ran a brush through her hair, fixing a few strands that had come loose, then leaned in to check her makeup.

She hadn’t been planning to go out tonight, but when a few friends from high school reached out, inviting her to a party at one of the frats, she figured, why not? She could use a distraction, especially after the disaster of moving into the dorm with Rhaenyra.

Alicent stepped back from the mirror, smoothing down her top one last time before grabbing her bag and opening the bathroom door. Rhaenyra didn’t even look up this time. The tension in the room felt as thick as it had been since they first saw each other on move-in day. But right now, Alicent had other things on her mind.

She gave one last glance toward Rhaenyra, silently hoping for... what? A conversation? No. That was impossible at this point. Not after everything.

She grabbed her keys and left without another word, heading into the night and toward the distraction she needed.

/// 

The party was in full swing by the time Alicent arrived. The sound of laughter, loud music, and the unmistakable scent of alcohol in the air hit her as soon as she stepped into the frat house. It was packed, with students spilling out onto the lawn and down the front steps, red Solo cups in hand. The energy was high, but Alicent felt a strange sense of detachment as she navigated through the crowd.

She spotted some of her old high school friends near the bar and made her way over, exchanging hugs and greetings. They started talking about the summer, how college was shaping up, but Alicent’s mind wandered. She smiled and laughed in the right places, but something felt off. It always did in these situations.

That was when she noticed him. Criston Cole.

He was tall, with dark hair that framed his face and deep brown eyes that had a certain warmth to them. He was talking to a group of guys across the room, but his gaze kept flicking in her direction. When their eyes met for the third time, he gave her a lopsided grin and made his way over.

“Hey, you’re new here, right?” His voice was smooth, his smile easy as he leaned against the counter next to her.

Alicent nodded, giving him a polite smile. “Yeah, first year.”

“I’m Criston,” he said, offering his hand. Alicent took it, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers. He lingered for a moment, not letting go too quickly. “You look like you’re having fun... or trying to, at least.”

Alicent laughed lightly. “Something like that.”

They fell into an easy conversation, chatting about classes, the party, and who they knew on campus. Criston was charming, in that way that guys at these parties always were. She couldn’t deny he was cute, though. Maybe a little too cute, and soon enough, they were taking shots together at the bar. The alcohol burned as it went down, but Alicent welcomed the distraction.

“You know,” Criston said, leaning in slightly, “I haven’t seen you around before. I’m glad I did tonight.”

Alicent smiled, letting her eyes linger on his for a moment longer than necessary. She wasn’t oblivious to his flirting. It was fun, harmless, and the buzz from the shots made everything feel a little lighter. So she flirted back, laughing at his jokes, touching his arm casually. But even as she leaned into it, there was something in the pit of her stomach, that gnawing feeling that it wasn’t... right. Not fully.

It never felt right with guys.

Criston leaned closer, his hand brushing her waist. “You wanna go somewhere quieter?”

Alicent’s heart raced, not out of excitement, but out of hesitation. She liked the attention, the warmth of his hand, and the way he looked at her like she was the only girl in the room. But there was always that disconnect, that sense that something was missing. It wasn’t the same.

Still, he was cute enough, and she was in the moment, so she didn’t stop him when he leaned in. His lips were soft against hers, the kiss slow and deliberate, but as much as she tried to lose herself in it, her mind kept drifting elsewhere.

She kissed him back, hoping it would feel right eventually. Hoping that with enough distractions, she could forget that it never really did.

But deep down, even in the heat of the moment, she knew. It never would.

///

Alicent fumbled with the door as she slipped into the dorm room, the handle rattling a bit too loudly in the quiet of the night. She winced, steadying herself as she managed to close it behind her, the soft click echoing in the stillness. The faint scent of alcohol clung to her clothes and skin, mixing with the stale air of the dorm. Her head felt heavy, the effects of the night’s drinks still lingering.

She glanced toward Rhaenyra’s side of the room. The dim light from the hallway cast a soft glow, enough for her to make out Rhaenyra’s figure, curled up under the covers, breathing softly, fast asleep. For a second, Alicent hesitated. Seeing her like that—so peaceful, so unaware—stirred something in her chest, something Alicent couldn’t quite name but felt deeply.

Her gaze shifted to the mirror. She moved slowly, almost reluctantly, and stared at her reflection. Her shirt was slightly askew, the neckline pulled to one side, revealing the faint marks on her neck. Criston’s doing. She absentmindedly brushed her fingers over the spots, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks.

Her hair was a mess, tangled from the night’s chaos, and her eyes looked glazed, tired. She let out a long, quiet sigh, feeling the weight of the night press down on her. The making out, the flirting—it had all been fun in the moment, but now, looking at herself in the mirror, she felt hollow. Criston had been cute, sure, but that emptiness still lingered. It always did.

She turned away from the mirror and opened her dresser, pulling out her pajamas with slow, deliberate movements. The room was quiet, save for the soft rustling of fabric as she changed out of her clothes. She slipped into her pajamas, the familiar comfort of the soft fabric against her skin grounding her in the stillness of the night.

For a moment, Alicent stood there, staring at the floor, her mind spinning with the events of the evening. She wanted to feel different, like maybe tonight would’ve changed something, made her feel more... complete. But as she stood there, under the dim light, she knew it hadn’t. Nothing ever did.

With another sigh, she climbed into bed, pulling the covers over herself and closing her eyes, trying to push away the feeling of something missing.

///

Classes had only just begun, and already, Alicent was in full swing. She had her books organized, schedules highlighted, and was mentally preparing for the day ahead. The campus buzzed with the usual first-week energy, everyone scrambling to find their way, eager to make an impression. Except, it seemed, for Rhaenyra.

Alicent glanced over at Rhaenyra’s bed. It was nearly noon, and Rhaenyra was still lounging in her pajamas, her laptop barely balanced on her lap, watching something mindless instead of preparing for class. It wasn’t just today—Rhaenyra hadn’t gone to any of her classes since the first day.

Alicent frowned, exasperated. “Are you seriously not going to class again?”

Rhaenyra didn’t even look up from her screen. “I’ll go later. It’s not a big deal.”

“Not a big deal?” Alicent scoffed, feeling her frustration rise. “You’ve already missed two days! You can’t just blow off the first week. It sets the tone for the whole semester.”

Rhaenyra lazily scrolled on her laptop, entirely unfazed by Alicent’s scolding. She reached over to her desk, grabbing her weed pen, and took a slow drag, blowing the vapor out in a long, lazy exhale.

Alicent’s brow furrowed, and she crossed her arms, trying to hold back her irritation. “I told you not to smoke in here.”

Rhaenyra finally glanced over, her expression amused, her lips curled into a small smirk. “That’s why I switched to a pen. It doesn’t smell bad.”

Alicent threw her hands up in frustration. “That’s not the point, Rhaenyra! You’re not even trying. You haven’t gone to any of your classes, and now you’re just... doing this?” She gestured toward the pen in Rhaenyra’s hand.

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes and hit the pen again, clearly uninterested in Alicent’s lecture. “Chill out, Alicent. It’s fine. I’ll catch up. I’m not worried.”

Alicent stared at her, feeling the growing gap between them widen even further. This was the same Rhaenyra who used to care about things, who used to have a fire in her, who used to be her best friend. Now, she seemed so careless, so reckless, and Alicent couldn’t understand how she had changed so much.

With a deep sigh, Alicent turned away, grabbing her bag. “Fine. Do whatever you want.”

Rhaenyra didn’t respond, only leaning back further into her bed and taking another drag from the pen, her attention already back on her laptop.

///

A few weeks had passed, and Alicent was thriving—or at least, that’s what it looked like on the surface. Between classes, rushing a sorority, and hanging out with her new group of friends, she stayed busy. The constant activity kept her mind from wandering too much, from getting lost in the things she’d rather not think about. And then there was Criston. They had been going on a few dates, and he was sweet, charming even, but still, something about it felt hollow.

She never brought him back to the dorm. The thought of Criston seeing Rhaenyra, or worse, the tension that filled their tiny shared space, made it impossible to even consider.

Meanwhile, Rhaenyra had barely left the room. She skipped classes more often than not, spending most of her days sitting in bed, her eyes red and hazy from constant smoking. If she wasn’t smoking, she was glued to her laptop, watching TV or something that never seemed to hold her attention for long. The air between them was thick with unspoken resentment, their communication limited to cold exchanges, if any at all.

One evening, Alicent returned from a date with Criston, her heels clicking softly against the linoleum as she slipped into the room. She could feel the weight of Rhaenyra’s gaze before she even turned to look. Rhaenyra was lying in bed, as usual, the flicker of her TV casting a dull glow across her face. Her eyes were bloodshot, and there was that familiar scent of smoke hanging in the air.

Rhaenyra didn’t even wait for Alicent to speak before she made a snide remark. “Didn’t take you long to find a new Daemon, huh?”

Alicent froze, her hand gripping the strap of her bag a little tighter. She turned slowly, her eyes narrowing as Rhaenyra lazily looked her up and down. The comparison hit hard—too hard. Criston was nothing like Daemon, and yet, hearing it from Rhaenyra felt like a low blow, like she had been waiting to say something just to wound her.

“Excuse me?” Alicent snapped, her voice sharp, harsher than she intended.

Rhaenyra smirked, but it was bitter, tinged with something more than just annoyance. “Criston, right? He’s cute. Seems like you’ve got a type—boys who like to make you feel special until they don’t.”

Alicent’s breath caught in her throat, her pulse quickening. She had enough of Rhaenyra’s constant, passive-aggressive comments, her refusal to do anything but sit around and waste away. She wasn’t going to let her bring up Daemon, not like this, not after everything.

“That’s rich, coming from you,” Alicent shot back, her voice trembling with anger. “At least I’m trying to move on with my life, while you sit here doing nothing but getting high and watching TV like the world doesn’t exist outside this room.”

Rhaenyra’s smirk faded, her eyes hardening as she pulled the blanket tighter around herself. “Maybe that’s because the world outside this room isn’t worth dealing with.”

Alicent scoffed, shaking her head. “You don’t get to say that. You don’t get to judge me for trying to live my life when you’ve completely given up on yours.”

The room fell silent, the only sound the low hum of the TV in the background. Alicent stood there, chest heaving with frustration, while Rhaenyra’s expression turned cold, her gaze flicking back to the screen as if she didn’t care. But Alicent knew better. She could see the flicker of hurt beneath the surface, buried under the anger they both refused to acknowledge.

Without another word, Alicent grabbed her pajamas from the dresser and disappeared into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. The sharp sound echoed through the room, but Rhaenyra didn’t flinch.

Alicent leaned against the bathroom door, her hands shaking as she tried to calm herself. She could feel the weight of Rhaenyra’s words pressing on her chest.

///

Alicent sat with her sorority sisters in the food hall, the usual mix of chatter and laughter filling the air around their table. She was only half-listening to the conversation, distracted by her thoughts of Criston and the constant tension with Rhaenyra back in the dorm. She pushed her food around her plate absentmindedly, but something made her stop mid-motion.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Rhaenyra at the far end of the hall. For the first time in what felt like forever, Rhaenyra wasn’t alone—or smoking in their dorm. She was sitting with someone. Alicent’s stomach tightened as she tried to make out who it was.

The guy was older, that much was obvious. He leaned in close to Rhaenyra, laughing at something she said. His grin was wide, easy, and Rhaenyra looked more animated than Alicent had seen her in weeks. Alicent’s eyes were glued to them, her chest tightening with something she couldn’t quite name. She watched as Rhaenyra leaned back, her body language relaxed in a way that caught her completely off guard.

“Who is that?” Alicent asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably as she nodded toward Rhaenyra’s table.

One of her friends, a blonde named Clara, glanced over before smirking knowingly. “Oh, him? That’s Harwin Strong.”

Another girl leaned in, chiming in with an exaggerated sigh. “He’s a senior, captain of the rugby team. Total stoner, but everyone loves him.”

Alicent’s brow furrowed. “A stoner?” It suddenly clicked why Rhaenyra seemed so comfortable around him.

Clara giggled, nudging Alicent playfully. “Yeah, but don’t let that fool you. He’s super popular. All the girls are obsessed with him.”

“Is he single?” Alicent asked, still watching Rhaenyra and Harwin’s easy interaction.

Another one of her sorority friends, Jenny, nodded. “Yeah, he had a long-term girlfriend, but they broke up this semester. No one really knows why, but he’s been pretty single since then.”

Alicent’s gaze lingered on Rhaenyra, something unsettling twisting in her stomach as she watched them. Rhaenyra seemed completely at ease with Harwin, more comfortable than she ever was around Alicent these days. She didn’t know why, but it bothered her—more than it should have.

She pulled her eyes away from them, trying to refocus on her friends’ conversation, but her mind kept wandering back to the sight of Rhaenyra and Harwin.

///

Alicent pushed open the door to the dorm, the faint haze of smoke hanging in the air as she stepped inside. Rhaenyra was in her usual spot, lounging in bed, weed pen in hand, eyes red from whatever she’d been smoking. The soft flicker of the TV cast a warm glow over her face, and she looked as relaxed as ever, completely unbothered by the world outside their tiny room.

Alicent dropped her bag on the floor, hesitating for a moment as she considered how to approach the question that had been nagging at her all day. She didn’t want to seem too interested—especially not in Rhaenyra’s life—but curiosity had gotten the better of her. 

“So,” she started, trying to sound casual as she moved toward her desk, “I saw you with that guy today. Harwin, right?”

Rhaenyra didn’t even look up, a lazy smile spreading across her face as she took another slow drag from her vape. “Why do you care?”

Alicent felt her cheeks flush, though she wasn’t sure why. “I don’t,” she said quickly, shrugging as she rifled through her books. “Just noticed, that’s all.”

Rhaenyra let out a low laugh, finally glancing over at Alicent with a knowing glint in her eyes. “Sure.”

Alicent stiffened, biting back the urge to snap back. She didn’t know why Rhaenyra always got under her skin so easily, but it happened every time. Rolling her eyes, she turned away, pretending to focus on the textbook in front of her. “Forget it.”

For a moment, the room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the TV. Alicent could feel Rhaenyra’s gaze on her, though, and it made her even more aware of the tension between them.

Rhaenyra leaned back on her bed, blowing out a slow cloud of vapor, clearly amused by Alicent’s sudden interest. She didn’t answer immediately, savoring the silence between them. Finally, she spoke, her voice languid. “We met in some elective class. He’s one of the only normal people at this school.”

Alicent looked over, trying not to let her curiosity show too much. “Normal, huh?” she muttered, flipping a page in her textbook though she wasn’t really reading.

Rhaenyra gave a soft laugh. “Yeah. You know, not trying too hard to impress anyone. Just... chill.”

Alicent’s grip tightened on the page she was holding. “Right.”

There was something about the way Rhaenyra spoke so easily about Harwin, her tone more relaxed than it ever was when they talked. It bugged her, but she didn’t want to ask anything else. Whatever was going on with Rhaenyra and Harwin, Alicent wasn’t going to push. 

She had her own life to focus on, even if it seemed like Rhaenyra was slipping further into her own world.

Alicent stared at Rhaenyra for a moment, her mind racing. The way Rhaenyra seemed so detached, so indifferent to everything—classes, the future, even the people she surrounded herself with—it bothered her more than she wanted to admit. She wasn’t sure why she said it, but the words slipped out before she could stop them.

“You know,” Alicent said softly, her voice gentler than she intended, “it’s okay to care about things.”

Rhaenyra didn’t even look at her, just kept lazily exhaling vapor from the pen. She was quiet for a beat before she finally spoke, her tone low and distant. “Caring about things is painful.”

Alicent felt her throat tighten at that. Something about Rhaenyra’s words hit her harder than she expected. She cleared her throat, unsure of what to say, her mind swirling with memories.

Alicent could feel the tension in the air as she stood by her desk, her back to Rhaenyra. The words lingered between them, thick and heavy, but neither of them would say what really needed to be said. Alicent knew it—she could feel it deep in her chest, that unspoken pull, the weight of everything they were trying to ignore. But this... this wasn’t the time. It never was.

She took a breath, trying to steady herself. “It doesn’t have to be,” she murmured, her voice softer now. “Painful, I mean. You don’t have to shut everything out.”

Rhaenyra stayed quiet for a moment, the faint hum of the TV filling the space between them. She didn’t look at Alicent, but Alicent could sense the shift, the slight change in her posture, the way her fingers toyed with the vape pen. 

When Rhaenyra finally spoke, her voice was low, almost too quiet. “Maybe you’re okay with caring. But for me... caring about anything, anyone—it’s too much. It’s easier not to.”

Alicent felt the familiar tightness in her chest again. She wanted to argue, to push back, to tell Rhaenyra that she wasn’t as detached as she pretended to be. But instead, she swallowed the words, feeling that same weight settle between them again.

She cleared her throat, the tension in her body impossible to shake. “Yeah. Maybe.”

Her hands clenched at her sides, but she couldn’t bring herself to say anything more. Instead, she just let the silence grow, thick with everything they were both refusing to acknowledge.

And just like always, they left it there, the conversation trailing off into the quiet hum of the room, both of them too scared to say what was really beneath it all.

///

The night was buzzing with energy after the frat party. Alicent felt the familiar haze of alcohol settling in, her body light, her mind floating somewhere between the thrill of the night and the tension she had been trying to escape. Criston had been charming as usual, his hand resting comfortably on her waist as they walked back to her dorm. It was late, and for the first time, she felt like bringing him back—finally, with Rhaenyra gone for the weekend.

Rhaenyra had mentioned earlier in the day that she was heading home for a couple of days. Something about getting away from school and needing a break. Alicent didn’t think too much of it at the time, but now it seemed like the perfect opportunity. No tension, no awkwardness—just her and Criston. She could finally let go of everything she’d been holding onto.

They reached her dorm room, and Alicent laughed softly as she fumbled for the key, the alcohol making her fingers clumsy. Criston leaned in, his breath warm against her neck, his hand tracing lazy circles along her back. It felt good, easy, distracting. She turned to him, her lips meeting his in a quick kiss, her mind already far from the worries of her usual life.

But as she pushed the door open, still kissing Criston, her breath caught in her throat.

Rhaenyra was there.

Alicent froze instantly, her heart plummeting. She pulled away from Criston, her eyes wide, as Rhaenyra sat on her bed, her arms crossed, watching them with an unreadable expression. The air in the room felt thick, suffocating. Rhaenyra’s face was taut, her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t say anything immediately. Her eyes, however, spoke volumes. 

Alicent felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment, her hand still on the door. She couldn’t believe it—Rhaenyra was supposed to be gone. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.

“Uh... I thought you were—” Alicent stammered, her voice shaky.

Rhaenyra’s gaze didn’t falter. “Train got delayed,” she said flatly, her voice colder than usual. “I’m leaving in the morning instead.”

The tension in the room was unbearable. Criston stood awkwardly behind Alicent, clearly sensing the discomfort but unsure of what to say. Alicent glanced back at him, her face flushed with embarrassment. She couldn’t do this—not with Rhaenyra here, not with the weight of the situation crashing down on her.

“Maybe... maybe you should go,” Alicent said quietly, her voice strained as she turned to Criston. She couldn’t even meet Rhaenyra’s eyes now, the humiliation too much to bear.

Criston gave a slow nod, clearly confused but not pushing it. “Yeah... alright. I’ll text you,” he said softly, leaning in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek before heading for the door. 

Alicent didn’t watch him leave, her focus still on the space between her and Rhaenyra. The silence that followed was crushing, neither of them saying anything as the door clicked shut behind Criston.

Rhaenyra’s eyes were still hard, and though she hadn’t said much, Alicent could feel the anger simmering beneath the surface. She didn’t know what to say, didn’t know how to explain herself, or why this felt so much worse than it should.

“I didn’t... I thought you were gone,” Alicent finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rhaenyra’s jaw tightened, but she still said nothing. She just turned back to her bed, her body language stiff and cold, making it clear the conversation was over. The room was filled with everything neither of them was willing to admit, and it hung heavy between them, suffocating them both.

Alicent stood there for a moment longer, feeling the weight of Rhaenyra’s silence, before quietly moving to her own bed. Whatever had just happened, she knew it wasn’t just about Criston. It never was.

///

Alicent was in the middle of tidying up the dorm when there was a knock on the door. She wasn’t expecting anyone, least of all *him*. She opened the door, her heart nearly stopping when she saw Daemon standing there, leaning casually against the frame, his usual smirk plastered on his face.

“Daemon?” Alicent’s voice was sharp with surprise. “What are you doing here? Rhaenyra’s home for a few days.”

Daemon glanced past her into the room, but his gaze quickly returned to her, that knowing smirk still lingering. “I know,” he said, his tone light. “I came to see you.”

Alicent let out a bitter laugh, stepping aside so he could come in. “Me? You must be joking.”

Daemon’s eyes flickered with amusement. “I hear you’ve been spending time with Criston Cole.” He tilted his head slightly, his voice teasing but with an edge to it. “Dating him, are you?”

Alicent crossed her arms, her expression hardening. “I wouldn’t call it dating.”

Daemon raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? What would you call it then?”

Alicent rolled her eyes, not wanting to engage in whatever game he was playing. “What do you want, Daemon?”

He let out a soft sigh, leaning against the desk. “I’m worried about Rhaenyra. She’s not... herself. Ever since she started here, she’s been off. Skipping classes, isolating herself.” His tone was unusually serious, something Alicent wasn’t used to.

Alicent’s shoulders tightened. She wasn’t sure if this conversation was about Rhaenyra or something else entirely. “Yeah, I’ve noticed. She’s smoking all day, barely leaves the room unless it’s for God knows what.”

Daemon’s eyes darkened, concern flickering in them. “I know. Why didn’t you say anything?”

Alicent’s mouth twisted into a bitter smile. “Say something to who? You?” She scoffed, shaking her head. “Both of you hate me, remember?”

Daemon’s expression shifted, and for once, he dropped his smirk. He rolled his eyes, but his voice was quieter, almost matter-of-fact. “Rhaenyra never hated you, Alicent. You know that. It’s the exact opposite reason.”

Alicent froze, her breath catching for just a second. The weight of Daemon’s words hung in the air between them, heavy and unspoken. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she forced herself to stay composed, to ignore the implication of what he was saying.

“I’m not doing this with you,” Alicent muttered, stepping back toward the door, motioning for Daemon to leave.

Daemon studied her for a moment, his eyes lingering on her, reading her like he always could. He nodded, pushing himself off the desk and walking toward the door, but before stepping out, he looked back at her, his gaze more serious than she had seen in a long time. “Take care of her, Alicent. Whether you want to admit it or not, you’re still the person she needs.”

Alicent clenched her jaw, holding herself together until he was gone. Once the door shut behind him, she exhaled, her body tense with everything she was trying to ignore.

Daemon’s words echoed in her mind, but she forced herself to push them aside. She wasn’t going to let herself think about what he really meant, not now, not when things between her and Rhaenyra were so tangled. But the weight of it all settled in her chest, refusing to be ignored.

/// 

Alicent stirred awake to the faint sound of the door opening. She blinked groggily, her mind still fuzzy from sleep, but the weight of Criston’s arm draped across her waist quickly pulled her back to reality. Her tiny dorm bed wasn’t made for two, and yet here he was, taking up more space than should’ve been possible.

The door creaked as it opened fully, and Alicent’s heart sank the moment she saw who had come in. Rhaenyra stood in the doorway, her bags slung over her shoulder, her eyes landing squarely on the bed—on Alicent and Criston, tangled awkwardly in the too-small space.

For a split second, no one moved.

Then, Rhaenyra let out a bitter laugh, the sound cutting through the room like a blade. She dropped her bags onto her bed with a dull thud, not saying a word, but her expression was clear enough. The look on her face sent a jolt of discomfort through Alicent’s chest. It wasn’t just anger—it was hurt, disappointment, something much more complicated. 

Alicent’s stomach twisted as Rhaenyra turned on her heel and walked out of the room, the door shutting behind her with more force than necessary.

The silence that followed was unbearable. Alicent felt awkward, exposed, and completely embarrassed. She sat up carefully, making sure not to wake Criston, though she wasn’t sure why she even cared. 

She glanced down at him, his face peaceful in sleep, completely unaware of the tension that had just stormed through the room. Her heart clenched. She didn’t really like him, not in the way she should. He was sweet, sure, but there was always that disconnect, that emptiness she could never ignore.

Criston wasn’t Daemon, but somehow, being with him felt the same. Like she was going through the motions, playing along with something that never truly fit. She supposed she liked Criston enough—enough to let him stay over, enough to kiss him when the distraction felt necessary—but it was the same hollow feeling she had when she was with Daemon. No matter how much she tried to push it away, that familiar emptiness lingered.

The problem wasn’t Criston. It was something else entirely, something that had just walked out of the room with a bitter laugh and a storm in her eyes.

Alicent sighed softly, running a hand through her hair, her mind spinning as the weight of everything settled in her chest. She didn’t know what to do about Rhaenyra. She wasn’t even sure if there was anything to do anymore.

All she knew was that the tightness in her chest hadn’t eased, especially not with Criston lying next to her.

///

Alicent spent that entire night tossing and turning. Rhaenyra hadn’t come home. Not after what had happened earlier in the day, not after the bitter laugh or the sharp look in her eyes.

Alicent had sent a few texts, each one shorter and more clipped than the last. When there was no response, she called—twice. But Rhaenyra didn’t pick up. She hadn’t been out all night like this before. Alicent tried to tell herself she didn’t care, but her mind raced with possibilities, each more troubling than the last. Why did she care so much? Why was her chest tight with something she couldn’t quite name?

When the door finally creaked open in the early morning light, Alicent sat up quickly, her stomach twisting with a strange mix of relief and frustration. Rhaenyra walked in, her expression unreadable, as if she didn’t have a care in the world. Her bag slung casually over her shoulder, she moved toward her bed without acknowledging Alicent.

Alicent got up, crossing her arms. “Where were you?”

Rhaenyra glanced over her shoulder, her tone dry as she answered, “Obviously not here.”

Alicent felt her jaw clench. “You could’ve answered my texts or calls. I was worried.”

Rhaenyra turned fully now, raising an eyebrow in genuine confusion, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “Worried?” she repeated, her voice tinged with amusement. “Why did you text me like that? That was weird.”

Alicent blinked, suddenly feeling her face flush with embarrassment. Maybe she had overreacted. It wasn’t like Rhaenyra was obligated to tell her where she was. But still, the thought of something happening to her had gnawed at her all night. She swallowed, trying to maintain some semblance of composure.

“I was just... worried, okay?” she said, her voice quieter now, almost hesitant.

For a moment, something softened in Rhaenyra’s expression. She looked at Alicent, really looked at her, the sharp edges in her gaze dulling just slightly. “I was at a friend’s,” she said simply.

Alicent nodded, but something didn’t sit right. She squinted, her eyes narrowing as she took in Rhaenyra’s appearance. The oversized shirt hanging loosely on her frame wasn’t hers. It was far too big, and the logo was unmistakable: the rugby team’s emblem emblazoned across the chest.

It clicked. The shirt wasn’t just any shirt—it was Harwin’s. She had spent the night with him.

Alicent’s chest tightened again, the realization sinking in like a weight she couldn’t shake. She nodded again, this time more slowly, her eyes flicking from the shirt to Rhaenyra’s face.

“Right,” Alicent muttered, trying to mask the sudden knot of discomfort in her throat. “A friend.”

Rhaenyra didn’t offer any more details, and Alicent didn’t ask. The tension lingered in the room, but now there was something else beneath it, something Alicent wasn’t sure she was ready to face.

///

Alicent was buzzing with excitement, finally a full-fledged member of the sorority. It had been weeks of rushing, late-night bonding sessions, and endless get-togethers, but tonight was the official celebration. The new sisters were being taken around campus, hopping from one frat party to another, the night filled with laughter, drinks, and inside jokes. Everything felt light, carefree—at least, it did for a while.

After hitting a few of the usual spots, they made their way to the rugby house. It was notorious for its wild parties, and the energy inside was already high as they walked through the door. Alicent had never been here before, but she instantly felt a strange pull in her chest. Her mind drifted to Harwin Strong, though she couldn’t pinpoint why. Something about Rhaenyra wearing his shirt the other morning hadn’t sat right with her since.

One of her friends, Clara, was chatting away, but Alicent’s focus drifted. She leaned in toward her friend and casually asked, “Is Harwin Strong here tonight?”

Clara’s eyes lit up, and before Alicent could stop it, her entire group of friends zeroed in on her. “Ooooh, what about Criston?” one of them teased, her grin mischievous. “Are you into Harwin now?”

Alicent immediately shook her head, rolling her eyes at their overreaction. “No, I’m not,” she said quickly, but her voice lacked conviction. Her friends giggled, clearly not buying it.

“He’s hot, though,” another girl chimed in, nudging her playfully. “But I heard he’s been with someone lately.”

Alicent’s heart skipped a beat, though she tried to hide it. “With someone? Who?”

Her friend shrugged, clearly unbothered by the gossip. “Don’t know. Just heard he’s been spending most of his days with her. They even went away last week together.”

Alicent’s mind raced, the pieces slowly starting to fall into place. Last week—Rhaenyra had told her she was going home. But what if she didn’t? What if she went away with Harwin instead?

Her stomach knotted as she glanced around the room, scanning for any sign of Harwin or Rhaenyra. She didn’t know why she felt this sudden urgency, but she couldn’t shake it. And then, across the room, she saw it—Harwin’s door, slightly ajar.

Rhaenyra was inside. She was sitting on Harwin’s bed, wearing another one of his baggy rugby shirts, laughing softly at something he said. The sight of her made Alicent freeze, her chest tightening with an uncomfortable mixture of emotions.

Harwin stepped out of the room just then, his expression indifferent as he moved past the party crowd, heading to the kitchen. He grabbed a bottle of vodka and two cups, barely acknowledging the noise and chaos around him. Alicent watched him, her heart pounding in her chest as he filled the cups and walked back toward his room, disappearing inside without a word to anyone.

The door clicked shut, leaving Alicent standing there, stunned.

She had put it together now—Rhaenyra hadn’t gone home last week. She had gone away with Harwin. And now, here she was again, wrapped up in his world while Alicent stood on the outside, watching.

Her friends continued talking and laughing around her, completely oblivious to the storm brewing inside her. Alicent forced herself to smile, to act like nothing had changed, but the tightness in her chest wouldn’t go away.

The night was still going strong, but Alicent could barely hear the chatter of her friends as they begged to move on to the next party. Her mind was elsewhere, her eyes constantly flicking back to Harwin’s closed door. She wasn’t sure why, but she couldn’t leave. Not yet. Something inside her churned restlessly, gnawing at her, demanding she stay.

“Come on, one more drink, then we’ll go,” Alicent insisted, plastering on a smile, though her mind was spinning. The girls shrugged, agreeing easily, distracted by the crowd and the music. Alicent nodded, her heart racing as she turned her attention back to the hallway.

It wasn’t long before Harwin emerged again, this time heading to the bathroom, oblivious to everything around him. Alicent saw her chance. Her pulse quickened as she stood up, muttering something about needing to use the bathroom too, though her friends barely noticed.

She moved quickly, slipping past the crowd, and before she could talk herself out of it, she was standing at the door to Harwin’s room. She hesitated, her hand hovering over the doorknob, but something pushed her forward, and she quietly opened the door, stepping inside.

Rhaenyra was sitting on Harwin’s bed, legs crossed, completely absorbed in the video game she was playing on his TV. A joint dangled between her fingers, and her expression was one of casual indifference. She didn’t even notice Alicent at first.

Alicent’s eyes swept over her, taking in the sight. Rhaenyra was dressed in nothing but one of Harwin’s oversized rugby shirts—just the shirt. The hem barely covered her thighs, and the collar hung loose over one shoulder, exposing more of her skin than Alicent had ever seen. The sight made Alicent’s stomach flip, a surge of anger and something else—something she didn’t want to name—rising inside her.

“Rhaenyra,” Alicent’s voice came out harsher than she intended, cutting through the room like a whip.

Rhaenyra startled, glancing up from the game, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took a long drag from the joint. She blew out the smoke lazily, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “Alicent,” she drawled, like she wasn’t at all surprised to see her. “What are you doing here?”

Alicent’s chest tightened, her fists clenching at her sides. She wasn’t even sure what she wanted to say, but the sight of Rhaenyra sitting there—so comfortable, so vulnerable in some guy’s bed—made her blood boil. “What the hell are you doing?”

Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow, clearly unbothered. “What does it look like?” she asked, taking another hit from the joint. She gestured vaguely to the room, the bed, her clothes—or lack thereof—with a casual shrug. “Just hanging out.”

“Just hanging out?” Alicent snapped, her voice low, dangerous. She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. “Rhaenyra, you never... you don’t even date. Not in high school, not ever.”

Rhaenyra chuckled softly, the sound dripping with amusement. “Yeah, so?”

“So,” Alicent stammered, her voice shaking with frustration she couldn’t fully understand. “You’re here, with him, in his bed. What the hell are you doing?”

Rhaenyra’s eyes flashed, her smirk fading slightly. “What’s your problem, Alicent?”

Alicent didn’t have an answer. She didn’t know why she was so angry, why the sight of Rhaenyra like this made something inside her snap. Maybe it was the fact that Rhaenyra had never shown an interest in men before—emphasis on men. Alicent had always thought that, deep down, Rhaenyra wasn’t into guys at all. And yet, here she was, half-naked in Harwin’s bed, smoking a joint like none of it mattered.

“I just...” Alicent clenched her jaw, the words caught in her throat. She felt exposed, raw, like everything she had buried for years was threatening to come to the surface. “I thought...”

Rhaenyra leaned back, eyes sharp now, the playful edge gone. “You thought what, Alicent? That I liked girls?”

Alicent’s heart stopped. She couldn’t say anything, couldn’t breathe. The unspoken tension between them, the thing they had both refused to name for so long, hung in the air between them, suffocating.

Rhaenyra’s gaze softened, but only slightly. She took another slow drag, the smoke swirling lazily in the air. “I’m not as simple as you think.”

Alicent felt something crack inside her, but she swallowed the tightness in her throat. She wasn’t ready for this conversation. Not now. Maybe not ever.

She forced herself to nod, her eyes burning with something she couldn’t explain. “I…I’m sorry I interrupted your night then,” she muttered, her voice quieter now, almost pleading.

Rhaenyra said nothing, only watched her, her expression unreadable as Alicent turned and left the room, her mind spinning, her heart pounding in her chest.

///

The following day, the dorm was quiet. Alicent sat at her desk, bundled up in a thick sweater, her glasses perched on her nose as she flipped through textbooks. Her hair was messy, pulled back in a loose bun, and she absentmindedly pushed her glasses up as they slipped down her nose. Rhaenyra had always teased her about this look, calling it her cutest look, though the memory of that felt far away now. Rhaenyra hadn’t come home after last night, but Alicent didn’t need to guess where she was. She knew.

Midday sunlight streamed through the window when the door opened, and Rhaenyra finally walked in. This time, she was wearing her own clothes, looking more put together than the night before. Alicent kept her gaze on her book, trying to ignore the flood of emotions that hit her as Rhaenyra entered the room.

Rhaenyra lingered by the door for a moment, awkwardly shifting before clearing her throat. “Look, about last night,” she began, her tone softer than usual. “I’m sorry. I was... crossed and shouldn’t have been so rude. I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

Alicent nodded slowly, her eyes still on the page but not really reading. “I shouldn’t have barged into Harwin’s room like that,” she admitted, her voice quiet.

Rhaenyra looked at her, her expression hard to read. “Yeah, you kinda sounded like a jealous ex,” she said, half-smiling, though her eyes were sharp, watching Alicent closely.

Alicent sucked in a sharp breath, the words hitting her harder than she expected. Jealous? The accusation made her heart race, her mind scrambling for something to say. She wasn’t jealous, was she? But as soon as the thought formed, something inside her twisted. Maybe she was.

“I—” Alicent started, but her voice caught in her throat, and before she could stop herself, she snapped, “I wasn’t—” She cut herself off, shaking her head, feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

Rhaenyra watched her carefully, her smile fading into something bitter. She let out a short, humorless laugh. “Yeah whatever,” Rhaenyra added with a sigh, her tone resigned. “I’m going to take a shower.”

Without another word, Rhaenyra disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Alicent alone in the quiet dorm, her thoughts swirling, the tension between them thick and unresolved.

///

 

It was fall break, and the campus had all but emptied out. Most of the students had gone home for the long weekend, and Alicent found herself back in her hometown, having dinner with her family at their usual spot. The restaurant was warm and buzzing with the energy of families and friends catching up, but Alicent’s thoughts were distant. She picked at her food absentmindedly, barely listening to her parents’ conversation.

That was until she saw her.

Across the room, sitting at a table with her cousins Laena and Laenor, was Rhaenyra. The sight of her made Alicent’s stomach twist uncomfortably. She hadn’t expected to see her here, back home. Rhaenyra laughed at something Laenor said, looking more relaxed than she ever did at school. The sight was jarring, like seeing two different versions of her at once.

Alicent tried to focus back on her food, but her mother, ever the stickler for politeness, nudged her. “Alicent, look it’s Rhaenyra,” she asked, her voice too loud. “Go say hello, darling. It’s rude not to.”

Alicent’s pulse quickened, every fiber of her being wanting to stay at the table, but her mother’s insistence won out. With a reluctant sigh, she pushed back her chair and got up, making her way over to Rhaenyra’s table. She could feel her heart racing in her chest with each step.

Laena and Laenor spotted her first, their faces lighting up when they saw her. “Alicent!” Laena exclaimed, smiling brightly. “It’s been forever! We’ve missed you.”

Alicent forced a small smile, her eyes flicking nervously toward Rhaenyra, who was watching her with a carefully neutral expression. “Hey guys, it’s good to see you,” Alicent said, trying to sound as casual as possible.

“You should come out with us tonight,” Laenor chimed in, his tone enthusiastic. “Everyone’s going to the lake, like always.”

Alicent hesitated, her gaze shifting to Rhaenyra. The idea of spending the evening with her, especially after everything that had happened, made her stomach churn. “I don’t think Rhaenyra would want that,” Alicent said quietly, her eyes meeting Rhaenyra’s.

But to Alicent’s surprise, Rhaenyra simply shrugged, her voice calm. “It’s fine.”

Alicent blinked, unsure what to make of Rhaenyra’s response. There was no bite to it, no bitterness. Just... indifference. Or at least, that’s what it seemed like on the surface.

Laena beamed. “See? It’ll be fun. You should come.”

Alicent nodded, though her heart wasn’t in it. “Yeah... maybe.”

She exchanged a few more pleasantries before awkwardly excusing herself, the knot in her stomach tightening as she returned to her family’s table. 

Alicent had barely sat back down at the table, her thoughts still tangled with the unexpected encounter with Rhaenyra, when Laena suddenly appeared at their table. She wore that same bright smile, full of energy, completely unaware of the turmoil brewing inside Alicent.

“Alicent!” Laena chirped, leaning in a bit closer. “I’ll pick you up at 9, okay? Don’t even try to get out of it,” she added with a teasing wink.

Alicent’s heart sank. She opened her mouth to protest, but her mother had already perked up, her eyes lighting with interest. “Oh, that sounds wonderful, dear. You should go out and have some fun with your friends.”

Alicent forced a tight smile, trying to hide the growing discomfort in her chest. “Yeah, I guess…”

Laena grinned, completely satisfied with her answer. “Great! See you at 9!” She waved cheerfully and headed back to her table, leaving Alicent staring at her plate.

Now her parents knew she was invited, and there was no way she could back out without raising questions. Alicent glanced up, her stomach twisting as she saw Rhaenyra briefly glance her way before turning back to her cousins. She still couldn’t read her expression, but something about it made the knot in her chest tighten.

“Sounds like fun,” her father added, cutting into his steak. “You’ve been working so hard, you deserve a night out.”

Alicent nodded absentmindedly, her mind already racing about what the night would hold. Now, she was stuck going to the party, stuck facing Rhaenyra again—whether she wanted to or not.

///

 

Alicent slid into Laena's car, the cool night air biting at her as she shut the door. Laena smiled warmly as she started the engine, the soft hum of the car filling the silence. "Laenor and Rhaenyra are already there, setting up the keg," Laena said, her voice casual as she pulled out of the driveway.

Alicent nodded, staring out the window. The familiar streets of her hometown blurred by as they rode in comfortable silence, the tension from earlier slowly easing in the warmth of Laena’s presence. For a moment, it almost felt like nothing had changed—like the years of distance between her and Rhaenyra hadn’t left such deep scars.

But then, Laena broke the silence, her voice gentle but curious. "Have you and Rhaenyra gotten any better? Now that you’re living together, I mean."

Alicent couldn’t help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Better? That was one way of putting it, though not in the way Laena probably meant. “No, not really,” she said, the words laced with exhaustion.

Laena sighed softly, her hands tightening on the steering wheel. “You two are both so stubborn, you know that?”

Alicent shrugged, her gaze fixed on the passing streetlights. “Yeah, maybe.”

There was a pause, and then Laena spoke again, quieter this time, her curiosity more pointed. “Are you ever going to tell me what really happened between you two?”

Alicent’s breath caught for a second. The question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of everything she hadn’t been able to admit to herself, let alone anyone else. She forced a small, tight smile, turning slightly to look at Laena.

"Once I find out," Alicent replied, her voice soft but with a hint of humor, "you’ll be the first to know. Don’t worry."

Laena glanced over at her, raising an eyebrow, but didn’t push further. They fell back into silence, the ride continuing in a comfortable quiet, though Alicent’s mind was anything but still. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever figure out what had really happened between her and Rhaenyra—or if she even wanted to.

///

 

The lake was buzzing with energy by the time Alicent and Laena arrived. The familiar sounds of laughter, music, and the crackle of a bonfire filled the air as people milled about, cups in hand, already well into the night. Alicent scanned the crowd, and sure enough, there was Rhaenyra, standing near the fire with Laenor, talking to some girl from the town over. She was smiling, but there was something off about it—something Alicent couldn’t quite place.

Before Alicent could dwell on it, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Well, look who finally decided to show up,” Daemon drawled, stepping into her line of vision with that same smug grin he always wore. He had a drink in hand, his eyes gleaming mischievously as he looked her up and down. “Missed me?”

Alicent rolled her eyes, trying to brush him off with a casual shrug. “Hardly.”

But Daemon wasn’t easily discouraged. He leaned in closer, his smirk widening. “Oh, come on, Alicent. You’re not still mad at me, are you?”

“Not mad,” she said, stepping back, trying to put some distance between them. “Just... not interested.”

Daemon chuckled, clearly enjoying the game. “Still the same old Alicent, huh? Stiff as ever.” He leaned against the side of the car they were standing near, taking a slow sip of his drink. “I guess Criston must be keeping you company these days.”

Alicent ignored the comment, her eyes flicking back toward Rhaenyra, who had drifted off a bit further, now deep in conversation with the girl she was talking to. Rhaenyra hadn’t even acknowledged Daemon’s flirtations, only rolling her eyes before walking away, leaving Alicent feeling more unsettled than usual.

Daemon, noticing where her attention was, let out a low laugh. “Still watching her, I see.” His voice was teasing, but there was a knowing edge to it. “You’ve got it bad, you know that?”

Alicent’s jaw tightened, but she said nothing, refusing to let Daemon get under her skin any more than he already had. She didn’t want to admit he was right. She didn’t want to acknowledge the knot twisting in her chest every time she saw Rhaenyra with someone else.

As if sensing her discomfort, Daemon took another sip of his drink and leaned in again, his voice quieter this time. “It’s obvious, Alicent. You’re never going to get her out of your head.”

Alicent clenched her fists, the words hitting too close to home. She forced herself to look away from Rhaenyra and the girl, focusing instead on the flickering fire. She wasn’t going to let Daemon have the satisfaction of getting a rise out of her.

“Whatever you say, Daemon,” she muttered, her voice cold.

Daemon just laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement as he watched her carefully. “Oh, I don’t have to say it. You know it better than I do.”

Alicent’s heart pounded in her chest as Daemon wandered off, leaving her alone with her thoughts—and the sight of Rhaenyra still talking, laughing softly with someone else, as if nothing in the world could touch her.

///

 

Alicent was wandering near the edge of the lake, trying to escape the noise and chaos of the party, when she stumbled upon Rhaenyra. She was off by herself, hunched over, throwing up into the grass, her body heaving with the effects of too much alcohol. Alicent’s heart tightened at the sight, a mix of concern and something else—something she wasn’t ready to name—swirling in her chest.

Without thinking, Alicent rushed over, immediately pulling Rhaenyra’s hair back, holding it out of her face as she vomited again. Rhaenyra was a mess, barely able to keep herself upright, and Alicent’s arm instinctively wrapped around her shoulders to keep her steady.

After a few minutes, Rhaenyra slumped down into the dirt, her head hanging low, her breathing ragged. Alicent sat beside her, still holding her hair, her other hand resting on the ground for balance. The cool night air swirled around them, but it wasn’t enough to dissipate the tension that always seemed to hang between them.

Rhaenyra groaned, wiping her mouth clumsily with the back of her hand. “I saw you... with Daemon,” she slurred, her voice thick with alcohol, the words tumbling out messily.

Alicent smiled sadly, staring out at the dark water in front of them. “Yeah and I saw you with that girl.”

Rhaenyra huffed out a laugh, but it quickly turned into a sigh. She burped, the sound loud and ungraceful, and Alicent couldn’t help but feel a strange affection for her in that moment. “She was just a girl,” Rhaenyra muttered, her head rolling back slightly as she leaned against Alicent. 

Alicent nodded, though something in her chest felt heavy. “Right,” she mumbled, her voice distant, unsure what to make of the admission.

They sat in silence for a moment, the sounds of the party fading into the background as Alicent absentmindedly stared at the stars. She had so many questions she wanted to ask, so many things she wanted to say, but the words stuck in her throat, buried under years of unspoken tension.

Rhaenyra shifted, her head lolling slightly as she turned to look at Alicent. Her eyes were bleary, unfocused, but a soft smile tugged at her lips. “You know,” she said, her voice slow and slurred, “you still look cutest with your glasses on.”

Alicent felt her cheeks flush at the comment, a rush of warmth spreading through her. It was the first time Rhaenyra had said something kind to her in what felt like years. She instinctively touched her glasses, suddenly self-conscious, her heart pounding in her chest.

Before she could say anything, though, Rhaenyra lurched forward again, retching violently into the grass. Alicent immediately moved to hold her hair back again, her hand steady despite the whirlwind of emotions she was feeling.

Alicent sighed, glancing down at Rhaenyra who was slumped in the dirt, eyes half-closed and a faint smirk playing on her lips. “I’m taking you home,” Alicent said firmly, trying to pull Rhaenyra up by her arm.

Rhaenyra groaned, resisting the movement. “No, the dirt is my home tonight,” she slurred, waving her hand dramatically as she flopped back down.

Alicent rolled her eyes, exasperated but amused despite herself. “Why are you so stubborn?” she muttered, kneeling beside her, tugging at Rhaenyra’s arm again.

But then Rhaenyra, still dazed and unfocused, mumbled something that stopped Alicent cold.

“Why did you have to date my brother?”

The question hit Alicent like a punch to the gut. Her hands froze, her breath catching in her throat as the words registered. She stared down at Rhaenyra, eyes wide, shocked by what she had just heard. “What?” she whispered, barely able to form the word.

Rhaenyra looked up at her, her gaze unfocused but serious, the alcohol making her more open, more vulnerable than she ever was sober. “You could have picked anyone... anywhere... but you dated my brother,” she slurred, her voice tinged with frustration and something deeper. “You made it so... nothing could ever happen.”

Alicent felt the world around her tilt. Her pulse quickened, the blood rushing to her head so loudly she could barely hear anything else. Nothing could ever happen. The words echoed in her mind, and for a moment, everything else disappeared—the party, the noise, the cold night air. It was just the two of them, sitting there in the dirt, and the weight of everything left unsaid crashing down around them.

“What do you mean... nothing could happen?” Alicent asked quietly, her voice barely audible, almost afraid of the answer.

Rhaenyra blinked slowly, her expression softening as she let out a tired sigh. “Forget it,” she mumbled, shaking her head as she swayed slightly. “I’m too dizzy for this conversation.”

Alicent sat there, stunned into silence, watching as Rhaenyra leaned back into the dirt, her eyes fluttering shut. The implications of Rhaenyra’s words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Alicent could barely breathe, her mind spinning as the truth—whatever it was—slipped through her fingers like sand.

Alicent leaned against the car, her arms crossed as she watched Daemon and Laenor carry a barely conscious Rhaenyra back toward the parking lot. She had texted Laena for help, and as expected, the cavalry arrived in the form of her two cousins, who, despite their teasing and banter, handled Rhaenyra with care. Daemon shot Alicent a brief, grateful nod as they loaded her into the car.

“Thanks,” Daemon muttered, his usual cocky demeanor subdued for a moment.

Alicent nodded, barely managing a tight smile before stepping aside and getting into Laena’s car. Laena, the designated sober buddy of the night, had volunteered to drive Alicent home after everything had unfolded. As they pulled away from the party, the car was silent at first, the hum of the engine the only sound between them.

But Alicent’s thoughts were anything but quiet. She stared out the window, her mind replaying the conversation she’d just had with Rhaenyra. You made it so nothing could ever happen. The words echoed in her head, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was so much more beneath them.

Finally, she spoke, her voice hesitant. “Laena... did Rhaenyra ever... date anyone after our fight in high school?”

Laena glanced at her, the question catching her off guard. “Why are you asking about that after all these years?” she asked, a playful smile tugging at her lips, but her eyes were curious.

Alicent didn’t answer, just looked at her, waiting for an actual response. Laena’s smile faltered, and she sighed, shaking her head slightly before answering. “Yeah, she did. She dated this girl from the town over. She was at the party tonight, I think.”

Alicent felt her breath hitch. “A girl?” she repeated, her voice quieter than she intended.

Laena shot her a quick, almost amused glance. “Yeah, Alicent. It’s not exactly a secret that Rhaenyra likes girls.”

Alicent blinked, trying to process the information. Rhaenyra likes girls. She had always suspected it, but hearing it confirmed like this, after everything... it hit her differently. “I didn’t know that. I mean... I didn’t know for sure,” she admitted, her voice shaky.

Laena laughed softly, the sound kind rather than mocking. “Oh, Ali, come on. If anyone knew Rhaenyra liked girls, it had to be you.”

Alicent frowned, her heart racing. “What do you mean by that?”

Laena glanced at her again, this time with a knowing smile. “You’ll figure it out.”

The rest of the drive was silent, but Alicent’s mind was anything but.

///

 

Fall break had come to an end, and the dorm felt stuffy as Alicent sat at her desk, pretending to be engrossed in her notes. She heard the door creak open and glanced up just in time to see Rhaenyra walk in, a duffle bag slung over her shoulder. Alicent quickly looked back down, her mind buzzing with everything that had happened during break.

Rhaenyra shifted awkwardly as she set her bag down and started unpacking. After a moment, she cleared her throat. “Thanks for, uh, helping me out when I was... you know, sick at the lake party.”

Alicent glanced up, managing a small, tight smile. “No problem,” she said softly.

Rhaenyra fidgeted for a moment, avoiding eye contact as she began unpacking. After a beat, she spoke, her voice quieter than usual. “I didn’t say anything embarrassing, did I? I don’t really remember much from that night.”

Alicent looked up, her heart skipping a beat at the question. “No,” she said, forcing a small smile, even though her mind was replaying everything Rhaenyra had actually said. “You didn’t say anything embarrassing.”

Rhaenyra let out a soft breath of relief and nodded. “Good. I was pretty out of it.”

Alicent bit her lip, watching her as she unpacked, the memory of Rhaenyra slurring about Daemon—and the strange confession about nothing ever happening between them—playing over and over in her head. 

The room fell into an awkward silence, only the soft rustling of fabric filling the space. Alicent stared at the open book in front of her, her mind elsewhere. The image of Rhaenyra talking to that girl at the lake party still lingered. Laena’s words echoed in her head—Rhaenyra dated a girl. How had she not known? She’d practically lived at Rhaenyra’s house during high school, though lately, her time had been spent with Daemon rather than Rhaenyra. Maybe that was why she hadn’t noticed. Maybe Daemon just didn’t care enough to mention that his sister was dating someone.

But still... it unsettled her, the thought that something so significant had slipped right past her.

Alicent fidgeted with her pen, the question on the tip of her tongue. “Rhaenyra, the girl you were talking to at the lake party... was she—?”

Before she could finish, she stopped herself, the words dying in her throat. What was she even doing? Did it matter? She could feel her heart beating too fast, and her stomach twisted with something she couldn’t quite name.

Rhaenyra paused for a split second, but kept unpacking, not looking up. “What about her?”

Alicent felt her pulse quicken. She could feel herself teetering on the edge of asking what had been haunting her since the party, what Laena had hinted at. 

“Forget it,” Alicent mumbled, her voice barely audible, her hand tightening around the pen in her fingers.

Rhaenyra didn’t press. She just nodded, her focus still on unpacking, not looking up. “Okay.”

The silence returned, heavier this time, thick with everything that wasn’t being said.

///

Alicent had been casually dating Criston for weeks now, though it still felt more like a routine than something real. Tonight was supposed to be another night at his place, just like every other. They had swung by her dorm to pick up some clothes for the night, but the moment she opened the door, her heart dropped.

Harwin was standing in the room, wearing nothing but a towel slung low on his hips. Alicent froze, feeling her stomach twist uncomfortably. Before she could process what she was seeing, Rhaenyra stepped out of the bathroom, also wrapped in just a towel, her hair still damp from the shower.

The air in the room grew thick, and Alicent felt her pulse quicken, a sudden nausea rising in her chest. She didn’t want to be here, didn’t want to see this.

Rhaenyra’s eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I thought you were staying at Criston’s tonight,” she said quickly, her voice awkward and defensive.

Alicent couldn’t find the words. She muttered, “I was,” barely managing to look at either of them, her heart pounding in her ears. The last thing she wanted was to be standing in this room, but the image of Harwin and Rhaenyra—together, vulnerable—was burned into her mind.

She didn’t even bother grabbing her clothes. Instead, she turned on her heel, leaving the room as fast as she could without saying another word. Criston followed behind her, clearly confused.

Once they were out in the hall, Criston frowned, glancing at her. “What’s wrong?”

Alicent swallowed hard, forcing herself to take a breath, but her chest felt tight, like she couldn’t quite get enough air. “Nothing,” she said quickly, shaking her head, her voice strained.

Criston gave her a skeptical look, but didn’t push further. Alicent stayed silent, but inside, everything felt wrong. The sight of Rhaenyra and Harwin together wouldn’t leave her mind, and the pit in her stomach only seemed to grow deeper with every step she took away from the dorm.

///

The next morning, Alicent returned to the dorm, still feeling the heavy weight of the previous night. She’d barely slept at Criston’s, her mind too full of everything she didn’t want to think about. When she opened the door, Rhaenyra was sitting on her bed, fully dressed this time, her expression tense.

Rhaenyra glanced up as Alicent walked in, her face softening slightly. “Hey,” she said, her voice quieter than usual. She stood up, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “About last night... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make things awkward.”

Alicent shrugged, trying to act like it didn’t matter, though her chest still felt tight. “It’s fine,” she muttered, moving toward her side of the room, avoiding Rhaenyra’s gaze.

But before she could reach her dresser, Rhaenyra stepped forward and gently touched her hand, stopping her in her tracks. The contact was light but enough to make Alicent freeze.

“It’s not fine,” Rhaenyra said softly, her eyes searching Alicent’s, as if she was trying to gauge what was really going on beneath the surface.

Alicent looked up, their eyes locking for the first time since the night before. The room suddenly felt too small, the air between them thick with tension. Neither of them moved, and for a moment, everything hung in the balance, all the things they weren’t saying filling the space between them.

Alicent’s breath caught in her throat, but she couldn’t bring herself to say anything. The silence stretched on, weighted by the unspoken feelings they both seemed to be dancing around.

Rhaenyra’s hand lingered on hers for a second longer before she let it drop, stepping back just enough to give them both some space. Alicent turned away, feeling the familiar swirl of emotions she couldn’t quite name, and neither of them said anything else.

But the tension remained, thick and undeniable, leaving Alicent feeling more conflicted than ever.

///

Alicent walked into the dorm and immediately noticed the tension. Rhaenyra was pacing back and forth, biting her nails, her usual cool demeanor replaced by an anxious energy that filled the room. Alicent paused by the door, her brow furrowed as she watched her.

“What’s up?” Alicent asked, her tone light but laced with concern.

Rhaenyra glanced at her quickly, then looked away, her fingers still nervously at her lips. “Nothing,” she mumbled, trying to shrug it off.

Alicent wasn’t buying it. She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as she tried to catch Rhaenyra’s gaze. “No, something’s up. What’s going on?”

Rhaenyra’s movements faltered for a moment, her eyes darting toward the nightstand before quickly looking away. Alicent followed her gaze, her breath catching when she saw it: a pregnancy test, still in its box, sitting on the edge of the table.

“Oh my god, Rhaenyra,” Alicent breathed, her heart racing. She could feel the panic rising, but she forced herself to stay calm.

Rhaenyra raised her hands defensively, her voice tense. “I haven’t taken it yet, okay? No need to freak out.”

But Alicent was already freaking out, though she did her best to keep it inside. She took a deep breath, stepping forward carefully, her tone soft and steady. “Okay. It’s okay. Let’s just... take it one step at a time.”

Rhaenyra swallowed hard, the weight of the situation hanging heavily between them. She nodded, grabbing the test from the table before disappearing into the bathroom. Alicent stood by the door, her heart pounding, trying to steady her nerves. Everything felt overwhelming, but she knew she had to stay calm for Rhaenyra’s sake.

Alicent sat on the edge of the bed, her heart pounding as she watched Rhaenyra emerge from the bathroom, the pregnancy test in her hand. Rhaenyra’s face was tight with nerves, and Alicent immediately scooted over, making space for her on the bed. She gently reached for Rhaenyra’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“Come here,” Alicent whispered, her voice soft. They both sank onto the floor, side by side, knees pulled up, their backs resting against the bed frame. Rhaenyra sat with the test in her lap, staring at it like it was the weight of the world.

The silence stretched between them for a long moment before Alicent spoke, her tone gentle. “Do you remember when we were kids and used to sneak out to the gardens at your house?”

Rhaenyra’s lips twitched slightly, a faint smile flickering across her face. “Yeah... when we’d hide behind the big trees so your mom wouldn’t find us.” She laughed softly, the tension easing just a little.

Alicent grinned, leaning her head back against the bed, her fingers still intertwined with Rhaenyra’s. “You always got me in trouble. But I never minded.”

Rhaenyra let out a small sigh, the sound more relaxed, as if she was slowly shedding the fear she’d been carrying. “You never told on me,” she added, her voice quieter now. “No matter what we did.”

Alicent smiled softly. “Because you never gave me a reason to. It was always us against the world back then.”

The words lingered between them, bringing back a flood of memories—late nights talking about their futures, the secrets they shared, and how easy things used to be. For the first time in a long time, they were reconnecting, slipping back into the familiarity of the bond they used to have.

Rhaenyra squeezed Alicent’s hand a little tighter, her voice filled with quiet regret. “Sometimes I miss those days,” she admitted, her gaze fixed on the floor. “Before everything got so... complicated.”

Alicent’s chest tightened. She didn’t want to acknowledge how far apart they’d drifted over the years, but in this moment, she felt that same connection, that same spark between them. “Me too,” she whispered, her eyes drifting to their clasped hands. “It feels like a lifetime ago.”

They sat there in silence for a moment longer, the tension between them softening into something familiar and comforting. For the first time in a long while, it felt like the walls between them were coming down.

Finally, Rhaenyra glanced down at the test in her hand. She inhaled deeply, then turned it over. Alicent held her breath as Rhaenyra’s eyes scanned the result.

Rhaenyra exhaled in relief. “It’s negative.”

Alicent let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her chest loosening. Without thinking, she pulled Rhaenyra into a hug, wrapping her arms around her tightly. It was a moment of pure relief and comfort, the two of them holding on as if trying to make up for lost time.

The hug lingered far longer than Alicent expected. What had started as a simple embrace—one of relief and shared vulnerability—quickly became something heavier, more complicated. Rhaenyra held her tight, her arms wrapped firmly around Alicent, as if letting go would break whatever fragile connection they had just rebuilt. Alicent felt the warmth of Rhaenyra’s body against her, and the tension in her own chest grew unbearable.

Alicent’s breath hitched slightly as she burrowed her head into the crook of Rhaenyra’s neck, her heart pounding in her ears. The familiar scent of Rhaenyra’s skin, mixed with the softness of her breath, made her feel dizzy, like she was standing on the edge of something she couldn’t fully grasp. Rhaenyra exhaled softly, her breath brushing against Alicent’s temple, and they both sighed, neither of them moving, as if any shift would shatter the delicate moment.

Alicent could feel Rhaenyra’s hands gently resting on her back, the touch light but grounding. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to push down the feelings that were rising inside her—feelings she hadn’t been able to fully name or confront for years. Her pulse quickened, the proximity to Rhaenyra making everything feel too close, too real. Yet, she didn’t pull away.

Rhaenyra’s breathing had slowed, but Alicent could feel the tension in her, too. The steady rise and fall of Rhaenyra’s chest pressed against her own felt like a silent conversation, an exchange of emotions that neither of them could speak out loud. Every second that passed only made the air between them thicker, more charged with the weight of what they had never said.

Alicent’s fingers tightened slightly on Rhaenyra’s back, her own breath shallow, her mind racing with questions she wasn’t ready to ask. All she knew in this moment was the softness of Rhaenyra’s touch, the quiet sighs between them, and the way the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them.

Rhaenyra hesitated as she slowly loosened her arms, the hug slipping away with a reluctance that neither of them wanted to acknowledge. Alicent didn’t move at first, her body still pressed against Rhaenyra’s, and when their eyes finally met, the air between them crackled with something unspoken. The room seemed to shrink, and the silence between them grew heavier.

Rhaenyra’s gaze was intense, her eyes soft but searching, like she was trying to read every thought that was running through Alicent’s mind. Her eyes flickered down, lingering on Alicent’s lips for just a moment longer than they should have. Alicent felt the heat of that gaze like a pulse, her breath catching in her throat.

She sucked in a soft breath, her heart pounding in her chest, but she didn’t move. She couldn’t. The weight of the moment held her in place, frozen by the intensity of Rhaenyra’s eyes on her, by the sheer electricity that hummed between them. The quiet tension was almost unbearable, each second stretching out longer than the last.

Alicent’s thoughts spiraled—everything she’d been pushing away, every feeling she’d buried—it all came rushing back at once. The weight of it was suffocating, and the intensity of Rhaenyra’s stare was too much. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t think.

Finally, the tension broke. Alicent cleared her throat, the sound too loud in the quiet room, and she quickly got up, putting some much-needed space between them. Her movements were hurried, almost awkward, but she couldn’t stay in that moment a second longer.

Rhaenyra stayed seated, her eyes still on Alicent, but she said nothing. The intensity that had passed between them hung heavy in the air, but neither of them dared to acknowledge it.

///

As the semester neared its end, Alicent noticed a gradual shift in Rhaenyra. She was starting to go out more, hanging out with a new group of friends she’d made in one of her business classes. It was a relief, in a way—Rhaenyra was no longer constantly cooped up in their dorm, and the tension between them had eased. They had been... kinder to each other, more like old friends than whatever they’d been before. There were no more awkward silences, and they could talk without the weight of their past hanging over every conversation.

But one thing hadn’t changed—Rhaenyra was still with Harwin. Alicent hated seeing them together, especially on campus. She couldn’t stand how casually they held hands, how Rhaenyra would lean into him when they sat on the lawn with her new friends, laughing and completely at ease. Every time Alicent saw them together, a familiar knot twisted in her stomach, the sight of them touching sparking a jealousy she couldn’t shake.

And yet, Alicent was walking around campus holding Criston’s hand too. Somehow, she had become Criston’s girlfriend, though she couldn’t quite figure out when that had happened. He had just started introducing her that way, and she hadn’t said anything to correct him. The sorority girls were all jealous, whispering about how lucky she was, how sweet Criston was. On the outside, everything looked perfect—Criston was attentive, kind, and always made sure everyone knew they were together.

But Alicent felt indifferent about it. Criston didn’t stir anything inside her the way Rhaenyra did, even with all the tension and confusion. She held his hand, smiled when she was supposed to, played the part of the girlfriend, but her mind was always elsewhere—always circling back to Rhaenyra and the way things had never quite resolved between them.

It frustrated her. Criston was everything she was supposed to want, yet she couldn’t feel that deep connection with him, no matter how hard she tried. 

///

The dorm room was quiet except for the soft sound of pages turning and the occasional tap of a pen against paper. Finals were right around the corner, and both Alicent and Rhaenyra were in full study mode. Alicent sat at her desk, pouring over notes, while Rhaenyra lounged in her bed, a textbook open in front of her.

“Nice glasses,” Rhaenyra said suddenly, her voice breaking the silence.

Alicent felt her cheeks flush at the comment, her hand instinctively reaching up to adjust her glasses. She didn’t respond immediately, trying to focus back on the notes in front of her, but the warmth from those two simple words made her heart skip. It was ridiculous—two words from Rhaenyra had made her feel more than anything Daemon or Criston had ever said to her. She could feel the weight of that realization, but she wasn’t ready to unpack it, so she pushed it down and tried to ignore the flutter in her chest.

The silence returned, but it wasn’t as comfortable as before. Alicent could sense Rhaenyra shifting in her bed, like she wanted to say something else. After a few minutes, Rhaenyra spoke again, her tone more thoughtful this time.

“Listen, I know this semester has been... weird and tense between us,” Rhaenyra started, her voice soft but steady. “But I kind of feel like maybe we should room together again next semester. I mean, instead of being stuck with strangers... if you’re cool with it.”

Alicent paused, her pen hovering over her notebook. Her mind spun with conflicting emotions—part of her wanted to distance herself from the confusing feelings she’d been having all semester, but another part of her couldn’t imagine not having Rhaenyra around. Living with her had been challenging, tense, even frustrating at times, but they had also found their way back to some kind of connection. And deep down, Alicent knew she wasn’t ready to let that go.

She looked up from her notes, meeting Rhaenyra’s gaze for a moment. She couldn’t quite read the expression on Rhaenyra’s face, but there was something hopeful in her eyes.

“Yeah,” Alicent said softly, nodding as she tried to keep her voice steady. “I think that could work.”

Rhaenyra smiled, and for a moment, the tension between them eased. The future still felt uncertain, but in that small exchange, it felt like they were taking a step forward, even if neither of them knew exactly where they were headed.

///

Winter break had come and gone without much interaction between Alicent and Rhaenyra. They had exchanged a few texts, but for the most part, it was a quiet few weeks apart. But when the new semester started, and they found themselves back in the dorm together, something about Rhaenyra was... different.

Alicent stood by her bed, unpacking her things when Rhaenyra walked in. She looked up, and her breath caught in her throat. Rhaenyra looked completely transformed. Her hair was longer, falling in waves like it had when they were sophomores in high school, giving her that same wild, untamed look from back then. But it wasn’t just her hair—Rhaenyra was... ripped. She was wearing a cropped tank top that showed off her toned arms and abs, and her tight leggings only emphasized how much she’d physically changed.

Alicent felt her throat go dry, her hands frozen mid-unpacking. She blinked, trying to make sense of the transformation, but her brain was spinning. The sight of Rhaenyra like this—so confident, so effortlessly stunning—threw her off completely.

Rhaenyra, oblivious to Alicent’s reaction, was busy unpacking her own things, tossing her bag onto her bed with a casual ease. She hadn’t said much yet, too focused on getting settled, but Alicent couldn’t stop staring. The difference between the Rhaenyra of last semester and now felt overwhelming.

Alicent swallowed hard, trying to push down the flood of emotions rising in her chest. She forced herself to look away, her hands fumbling with her clothes as she tried to concentrate on something else—anything else—but her mind kept drifting back to Rhaenyra, to the way she moved with such ease, to the way her new look made Alicent feel uncomfortably aware of her own thoughts.

“So... break was good?” Alicent finally asked, her voice a little too forced as she tried to sound casual.

Rhaenyra nodded, barely glancing up. “Yeah, I got really into working out. Kind of needed a reset, you know?”

Alicent nodded, her heart still racing as she tried to focus on anything but the sight of Rhaenyra in that tank top. “Yeah... I can tell.”

Rhaenyra flashed a brief smile, and Alicent quickly turned back to her own things, trying to ignore the heat that had crept up her neck. As they continued unpacking, Alicent couldn’t shake the feeling that this semester was going to be very different—whether she was ready for it or not.

///

Later that day, as Rhaenyra was heading out the door, she stopped abruptly, lingering by the entrance of their dorm room. Alicent, who had been distracted by her phone, glanced up and smiled, waiting for Rhaenyra to speak. There was a moment of hesitation in Rhaenyra’s eyes, like she was deciding whether or not to say what was on her mind.

"Do you... want to come with me to the gym?" Rhaenyra asked, her voice casual, but there was an undercurrent of something else. It felt like an olive branch, an attempt at connecting in a way that had been missing for so long.

Alicent froze for a moment, surprised. She wasn’t a gym person by any stretch, but the idea of turning down this opportunity—this rare moment of Rhaenyra reaching out—felt impossible. She couldn’t say no, even though the thought of going to the gym wasn’t exactly appealing.

"Sure," Alicent stuttered, scrambling to her feet. She rushed to grab some workout clothes, her heart beating faster than it should have for such a simple invitation.

As she quickly changed, she couldn’t help but feel a mixture of nerves and anticipation. This was new—Rhaenyra asking her to join her at the gym of all places. But something about it made her feel... excited? Or maybe it was just the idea of spending more time with Rhaenyra that had her heart racing.

A few minutes later, they headed out together, and though Alicent wasn’t sure how this gym thing would go, she knew she wasn’t going to let this chance slip by.

///

"So you want to have your legs more like this," Rhaenyra said, her voice low and steady as she gently adjusted Alicent’s posture. Alicent’s heart raced as Rhaenyra’s hands rested briefly on her hips, guiding her into the correct position. Rhaenyra was so close, the warmth of her presence nearly overwhelming.

Alicent let out a nervous chuckle, feeling like she was about to combust from the proximity. “Right... like that,” she muttered, her voice shaky.

They continued working out, though it was mostly Rhaenyra doing the heavy lifting—literally. Alicent found herself more of an observer than a participant, watching as Rhaenyra moved through exercises with ease. She had no idea how to do half of what Rhaenyra was showing her, but she pretended to follow along, her attention drifting to Rhaenyra’s toned arms, the way her muscles flexed, and the sheen of sweat glistening on her skin.

By the end of the session, Rhaenyra was drenched, taking long sips from her water bottle as they gathered their things to leave. Alicent couldn’t help but stare, watching Rhaenyra drink in slow, deliberate gulps, her throat bobbing as the water slid down. There was something mesmerizing about it, something Alicent couldn’t explain.

On the walk back to the dorm, Alicent finally broke the silence, curiosity getting the best of her. “When did you get so into the gym?” she asked, glancing over at Rhaenyra, still a bit in awe of the transformation she had seen.

Rhaenyra shrugged, adjusting her gym bag over her shoulder. “It was a good breakup distraction,” she said casually, like it was nothing.

Alicent stopped in her tracks, blinking. “Wait, what? When did you and Harwin break up?”

“The day after I got home,” Rhaenyra replied, her tone nonchalant. “Honestly, after that pregnancy scare, I was already kind of fading away from him. It just... wasn’t working anymore.”

Alicent’s mind spun at the news, trying to process what she had just heard. Harwin and Rhaenyra were over. She didn’t know why, but the news hit her harder than she expected. Something deep inside her twisted, a strange combination of relief and confusion. She had no idea what she was supposed to feel. Relief that Rhaenyra was single? Guilt for feeling that way?

She glanced at Rhaenyra, trying to act normal, but her thoughts were swirling. “I didn’t know,” she muttered, her voice softer now.

Rhaenyra just smiled faintly. “Yeah, it was time. I needed something different.”

Alicent nodded, unsure of what to say, her mind still reeling from the revelation. The breakup had clearly been brewing for a while, but it still left Alicent with an unsettling mixture of emotions. She was confused—by the relief, by the strange sense of hope that tugged at her chest. Whatever it was, she wasn’t sure what to do with it.

///

Later that night, Alicent was sitting on her bed, glancing at her phone and debating whether or not to head to the party her sorority sisters had been buzzing about. She turned toward Rhaenyra, who was sprawled across her own bed, lazily flipping through a textbook.

"Hey," Alicent said, feeling a rush of nerves she couldn’t quite explain. "There’s a party tonight. Want to come with me?"

Rhaenyra looked up, eyebrows raised in surprise. “You want me to come to a sorority party?”

Alicent shrugged, trying to act casual. “Why not? It’ll be fun.”

Rhaenyra smirked, but there was something almost teasing in her eyes. “Alright, sure. Let’s go.”

They arrived at the party not long after, and the buzz of music and laughter filled the air. The vibe was carefree, electric—exactly the kind of energy Alicent needed. She and Rhaenyra took a few shots together, the alcohol quickly loosening the tension that had always seemed to linger between them. Rhaenyra leaned in close, her smile mischievous. “I thought you didn’t do tequila.”

Alicent grinned, her cheeks already warm from the alcohol. “I make exceptions,” she teased back, bumping Rhaenyra’s shoulder playfully.

The night continued like that—filled with quick smiles, shared glances, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of flirty banter. The warmth between them felt easy, natural, and for a brief moment, Alicent let herself get lost in it.

“You always drink this fast?” Rhaenyra teased, raising her glass to Alicent’s, their hands brushing as they clinked them together.

Alicent smirked, eyes locked on Rhaenyra’s. “Only when I’m trying to keep up with you.”

Rhaenyra laughed, her voice low and smooth, the sound sending a shiver down Alicent’s spine. “Good luck with that.”

The moment felt charged, the air between them crackling with something unspoken, and Alicent found herself drawn in, her heart racing in a way that had nothing to do with the alcohol.

But then, just as the mood seemed to shift into something more, Criston walked over, grinning as he slid his arm around Alicent’s waist. Without warning, he leaned in and kissed her—straight on the mouth.

Alicent froze, startled by the suddenness of it. Her mind spun as she tried to process what had just happened, and when she pulled back slightly, she saw Rhaenyra standing there, her expression tight. Rhaenyra gave a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes—it was more of a grimace, an awkward attempt to mask whatever she was feeling.

“Um, I’ll be right back,” Rhaenyra mumbled, her voice slightly strained as she glanced around, clearly looking for an escape. “Need to find the bathroom.”

Alicent watched helplessly as Rhaenyra backed away, disappearing into the crowd before she could say anything. Her chest tightened, the warmth from earlier vanishing as she stood there, Criston still holding her.

Alicent stood there after Rhaenyra left, the weight of Criston’s arm around her feeling heavier than usual. He turned to her, pouting slightly. “Don’t leave me,” he said, his voice almost whiny. “I didn’t see you all break. I missed you.”

Alicent forced a smile, doing her best to keep from rolling her eyes. She knew she should feel more excited to see Criston, but all she could think about was the way Rhaenyra had grimaced and slipped away. The tension between them had been electric all night, and now it felt like the connection had snapped.

She gave Criston a quick kiss, muttering, “I’ll be right back,” before slipping out of his grasp and weaving through the crowded house in search of Rhaenyra.

It took her a few minutes to check the different rooms and bathrooms, her stomach tightening with every step. She could still feel the ghost of that kiss with Criston on her lips, but it felt wrong somehow, especially after how the night had been going with Rhaenyra.

Finally, she reached one of the bathrooms. The door wasn’t locked, so she hesitantly pushed it open.

And then everything stopped.

Rhaenyra was inside, kissing Clara. Clara—one of Alicent’s closest sorority sisters, who had always seemed so incredibly straight—was pressed up against the sink, her arms loosely around Rhaenyra’s neck. The sight was like a punch to Alicent’s gut, her mind struggling to process it. Rhaenyra was kissing a girl—kissing Clara—and the shock of it left her rooted to the spot.

Alicent’s mouth went dry, her heart pounding as the reality of what she was seeing sank in. Rhaenyra, who had just been flirting with her not long ago, was now wrapped up in a moment with one of her closest friends. It didn’t make sense.

“I—” Alicent stuttered, her voice catching as both Rhaenyra and Clara pulled apart, looking just as shocked to see her standing there.

“Sorry,” she mumbled, barely managing to get the word out before she quickly shut the door and backed away, her pulse racing. She could hardly think straight, her mind spinning with what she’d just witnessed.

Without another thought, Alicent turned and numbly walked back to where Criston was, her heart still pounding in her chest. As she slipped back into his arms, the weight of everything hung over her like a storm cloud. Nothing made sense anymore, and as Criston hugged her close, she felt more distant from him than ever.

///

Flashback to the Summer before Junior Year of High School

 

It was the summer before junior year of high school, and the night was hot, thick with the sound of music and laughter as Rhaenyra’s party kicked into full swing. Alicent had always loved these parties—the carefree vibe, the freedom of summer, the closeness she shared with Rhaenyra in moments like these. They had been inseparable for most of the night, sitting so close that their legs brushed against each other, laughing a little too loudly, touching a little too often.

Alicent couldn’t deny how it felt being near Rhaenyra, the way her heart would race every time their hands touched or when Rhaenyra leaned in to whisper something in her ear, the warmth of her breath sending shivers down Alicent’s spine. The unspoken tension between them was always there, bubbling beneath the surface, but neither of them ever crossed that line. Not really.

The air felt thick with possibility as they flirted openly, tipsy from the drinks and the easy atmosphere of the night. It was all fun, maybe even a little dangerous. Alicent found herself wondering, as she often did, if this could be the moment they stopped dancing around the tension between them.

But then Daemon walked in, crashing the party like he always did—cool, cocky, and demanding attention. Rhaenyra’s face lit up when she saw him, her excitement palpable as she jumped up. “I’ll get him a drink,” she told Alicent, her hand brushing lightly against Alicent’s arm before she left. “I’ll be right back.”

Alicent nodded, watching her disappear into the kitchen, her heart still fluttering from their closeness. But as the seconds stretched into minutes, she felt a shift in the air. Without Rhaenyra by her side, something felt off. She scanned the room, looking for her, but her attention shifted when she saw Daemon moving through the crowd toward her.

Daemon, the older brother she’d known for years, with his charming smirk and easy confidence, sauntered over, a glint in his eyes that made Alicent’s stomach flip. He stopped in front of her, offering that same cocky grin he always did.

“You’ve been hanging out with my sister all night, huh?” he teased, his voice low, leaning in a little too close.

Alicent felt the familiar rush of adrenaline when he spoke to her like that. Daemon had always had this effect on her—he made her feel noticed in a way that was exciting, thrilling, and a little dangerous. She smiled back, maybe because it was easier than facing what was happening with Rhaenyra.

One thing led to another, and suddenly they were alone in the bathroom, the alcohol fuzzing her mind, Daemon leaning closer, his lips brushing hers. There was something reckless about the way she kissed him, as if part of her was trying to escape everything she was feeling for Rhaenyra, trying to forget how intensely she felt when she was near her.

His hands were on her hips, pulling her closer, and she let him, because it was easier than facing the storm of emotions inside her. His mouth was on hers, hungry and demanding, and she kissed him back, letting the taste of him fill her senses. But even as he pushed her against the sink, his fingers fumbling with the buttons of her shirt, her mind was elsewhere.

All she could think about was Rhaenyra—how her laugh had sounded earlier in the night, the way the light had caught her hair as she danced, the warmth of her skin. And now, as Daemon’s hands roamed over her body, all Alicent felt was a deep, aching guilt. This wasn’t what she wanted, not really. But she couldn’t stop, not with the heat of him against her, not with the whiskey making everything feel fuzzy and out of focus.

But then, the door creaked open.

Alicent’s heart stopped mid-kiss, her stomach dropping. She pulled back from Daemon just in time to see Rhaenyra standing in the doorway, her face a mask of shock and hurt. Rhaenyra’s eyes flicked from Alicent to Daemon, and in that instant, Alicent knew she had made a huge mistake.

Rhaenyra’s hand slipped, the cup of beer she was holding falling to the floor with a hollow thud, spilling across the tiles. For a moment, it was dead silent, the music from the party muffled behind the door.

“Rhae—” Alicent started, her voice shaky, but Rhaenyra didn’t give her a chance. She turned and walked out without a word, her footsteps quick and heavy.

Alicent felt her heart slam against her chest, guilt and regret surging through her. She wanted to run after her, to explain... but what could she say? She hadn’t even fully understood what had just happened herself. She had kissed Daemon, but it wasn’t him she wanted. It never had been.

But it was too late.

Daemon stood there, oblivious to the damage he’d caused, still smirking like it was all some joke. Alicent, however, was frozen, staring at the door where Rhaenyra had just disappeared, the weight of what she’d just done crashing down on her.

She had ruined everything.

///

Back in the present, Alicent sat on the couch beside Criston, a drink in her hand, but her mind was far from the conversation around her. Criston was talking, something about his classes or his frat, but Alicent barely registered his words. Her thoughts kept circling back to what she had just seen—the kiss between Rhaenyra and Clara. It hit her in ways she didn’t fully understand, stirring old feelings and unresolved emotions she had pushed down for so long.

The door to the bathroom opened, and seconds later, Rhaenyra and Clara emerged. Alicent felt her stomach twist as they awkwardly walked over to the drink table, clearly trying to blend back into the party. Clara looked embarrassed, her face slightly flushed, and she avoided eye contact with anyone. Rhaenyra, on the other hand, was cool and composed, though Alicent could see the tension in her shoulders, the stiffness in her movements.

Alicent took a slow sip from her drink, her eyes fixed on the floor. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Rhaenyra, not after what had just happened. Her mind was still spinning, and the last thing she wanted was to be pulled into another wave of confusion, jealousy, or whatever it was she was feeling. But the air felt thick, charged, like there was a conversation that desperately needed to happen but would remain unspoken.

Rhaenyra and Clara found a spot on the opposite end of the couch, sitting down as the group transitioned into a round of Never Have I Ever. The atmosphere was buzzing, filled with laughter and playful accusations, but for Alicent, everything felt surreal. The distance between her and Rhaenyra on that couch felt larger than the few feet separating them.

Clara shifted uncomfortably beside Rhaenyra, clearly aware that something was off, but she didn’t say anything. The tension in the room was palpable, but no one else seemed to notice. Criston, oblivious to the undercurrent between the girls, threw his arm over Alicent’s shoulders, his body language relaxed and carefree.

"Never have I ever kissed someone I shouldn’t have," someone called out, laughing at the outrageous suggestion. The group erupted in groans and laughter as people lifted their drinks.

Alicent, who had been staring at her drink, hesitated for a second before lifting it to her lips and taking a slow, deliberate sip.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Rhaenyra do the same.

“Never have I ever... skinny dipped,” one of the guys said, grinning as a few people around the circle took drinks.

Alicent, still distracted, drank automatically, barely registering the question. Rhaenyra raised her cup as well, taking a long sip, her eyes briefly flicking up to meet Alicent’s. The brief connection was enough to send a jolt through Alicent, and she quickly looked away.

The questions continued, each one more playful and mischievous than the last, but Alicent could feel her pulse racing every time Rhaenyra took a drink.

“Never have I ever hooked up at a party,” someone said with a sly grin, prompting a wave of laughter and several raised cups. Rhaenyra took a long drink, and Alicent couldn’t help but wonder if it had been Clara she was thinking about. Her stomach twisted at the thought.

The tension in the air only grew with each question, and finally, one of the girls spoke up, her voice teasing but pointed. “Alright, here’s a good one. Never have I ever... had feelings for a friend.”

The group fell quiet for a second, a ripple of nervous laughter passing through the circle. Alicent’s heart pounded in her chest. She hadn’t expected it, but the moment the question hung in the air, her thoughts immediately went to Rhaenyra.

Almost without thinking, Alicent raised her cup to her lips, her hands trembling slightly as she took a drink. The taste of alcohol burned her throat, but the feeling in her chest was worse.

She glanced across the circle, and her breath caught in her throat when she saw Rhaenyra slowly lifting her own cup and drinking as well. Their eyes met again, this time more intense, the weight of what they were both admitting hanging heavy between them. Neither of them spoke, but the silence that followed felt charged, as if the unspoken tension between them had finally surfaced.

Criston laughed, oblivious to the moment, but Alicent couldn’t tear her gaze away from Rhaenyra. The game continued, but for the two of them, everything had shifted. The truth was out there now, even if neither of them was ready to say it.

///

After the tension-filled game, the party started to wind down. Alicent could still feel the weight of that last question—Never have I ever had feelings for a friend—lingering in the air between her and Rhaenyra. She had barely said a word since, and neither had Rhaenyra. It was as if they were both trying to act like nothing had happened, even though everything felt different.

As the group started to disperse, Criston put his arm around Alicent’s waist, pulling her closer. He was warm, solid, a distraction from everything running through her mind, but somehow it didn’t feel like enough. She turned to him with a small smile, then looked over at Rhaenyra, who was standing by the door, fiddling with her phone.

Alicent swallowed hard before speaking. "I’m, uh... I’m going to Criston’s for the night. Will you be okay getting home?" Her voice came out softer than she intended, as if she were offering something more than just a polite check-in.

Rhaenyra looked up, her expression guarded but calm. “Yeah, sure. I’ll be fine.” She offered a tight smile, but her eyes didn’t quite match it.

Alicent hesitated, feeling the words stick in her throat. She didn’t want to leave things like this, with so much left unspoken. But Criston was already pulling her toward the door, eager to get going.

Rhaenyra turned, heading for the exit without another glance back, her steps brisk as she disappeared into the cool night air.

Alicent watched her go for a moment, feeling a pang of something she couldn’t quite name—regret, guilt, maybe even longing—but she shook it off and let Criston lead her away, trying to ignore the hollow ache building in her chest.

///

Alicent lay on her back, her head hitting the bedframe rhythmically as Criston moved above her. The squeak of the bed filled the room, a stark contrast to the deafening silence of her thoughts. She stared at the ceiling, the plaster swimming in and out of focus as the alcohol and the intensity of the moment blurred her vision. Each impact sent a jolt through her body, but her mind remained fixated on the unspoken confession from the game.

Her breath hitched as she felt the warmth of Criston's chest pressing against hers, his muscles flexing with each thrust. His face was a mask of concentration, the glow of the moonlight casting shadows across his features. But it wasn’t his face she saw. It was Rhaenyra’s, the way she had looked at her during that last round, the question hanging in the air like a challenge. Alicent’s eyes fluttered closed, and she tried to push the image away, but it lingered, a ghostly presence that seemed to follow her wherever she went.

Her heart pounded in her chest, not from the passion of the act, but from the tumultuous emotions she had been holding at bay. She felt guilty for using Criston as a distraction, for letting him fill a void that was clearly reserved for someone else. Yet she couldn’t help the way her body responded to his touch, even as her thoughts strayed to the girl who had once been her closest friend.

The room grew hot, the scent of sweat and sex mingling with the faint aroma of the candles they had lit earlier. The heat of their bodies created a cocoon around them, a temporary escape from the cold reality of what had just transpired. Alicent’s thoughts grew more frantic, her breaths coming in short, desperate gasps as she felt the familiar pressure building within her.

Her mind’s eye conjured up Rhaenyra’s smile, the way her eyes had searched hers in the dim light of the room before the truth had come spilling out. The memory of that moment was a knife twisting in her gut, a reminder of the friendship she had once cherished so deeply.

The crescendo of their lovemaking reached its peak, and Alicent bit her lip to keep from crying out the wrong name. Her body tensed, and she clutched at the bedsheets, trying to find solace in the physical pleasure as she thought of the emotional turmoil she had left behind.

Afterwards, as they lay tangled together, their breathing ragged and uneven, Alicent couldn’t shake the feeling that she had made a mistake. The weight of her secret was a heavy burden, one that she wasn’t sure she could bear alone anymore. She rolled over, her back to Criston, and listened to the steady rhythm of his breathing as he fell asleep, the silence between them now filled with unspoken words and unanswered questions.

The night stretched out before her, a dark canvas painted with shades of doubt and desire. She knew she had to face Rhaenyra eventually, but the thought of it made her stomach turn. 

///

 

A week passed, and things between Alicent and Rhaenyra settled back into a somewhat normal rhythm. The tension from the party had faded, though it still lingered in the background, unspoken but ever-present. Rhaenyra invited Alicent to the gym again, and despite her usual lack of enthusiasm for working out, Alicent agreed. It had become something of a routine now, and even though Alicent mostly stood on the sidelines, watching Rhaenyra move with effortless strength, she didn’t mind. It gave her time to think, to process.

But today, as they finished a set, Alicent’s thoughts drifted back to the party, to that moment in the bathroom. The image of Rhaenyra and Clara kissing still stuck in her mind, and she couldn’t shake the curiosity gnawing at her.

“So um I don’t mean to pry but um..,” Alicent started, wiping her face with a towel, her voice hesitant. “Why did you... kiss Clara at the party?”

Rhaenyra paused mid-sip from her water bottle, her brow furrowing slightly as she shrugged. “I don’t know. It was just one of those things that happens at parties, I guess.” She didn’t seem too concerned about it, like it hadn’t been a big deal at all.

Alicent nodded, though her mind was still racing. She sipped her water, trying to sound casual as she asked, “Do you... do that kind of thing often?”

Rhaenyra laughed, a genuine sound that broke through some of the awkwardness. “What? Hook up with people?”

Alicent blushed, her face turning pink as she stammered, “I-I mean, not exactly... I just... you know what I mean.”

Rhaenyra smirked, but there was a hint of nervousness in her voice when she answered. “No, I don’t, actually. If you’re asking how many people I’ve been with... it’s just two. Harwin and... someone else.” She avoided Alicent’s eyes for a second, shifting awkwardly.

Alicent nodded, feeling her own nerves rise. “Oh... same.”

Rhaenyra’s gaze flickered over to her, her expression softening slightly. “Really?”

Alicent nodded again, her throat dry. “Yeah.”

For a moment, they just stood there, both of them a little more exposed than they had been moments ago. The silence stretched between them, not uncomfortable but definitely charged.

As they moved through their workout, the silence between them started to build again, and it wasn’t long before Rhaenyra turned to Alicent, her eyes soft but curious. “So Daemon was your first?”

Alicent froze for a second, not expecting the question. She fumbled with the weights in her hand, feeling her heart speed up. “Um... yeah, he was,” she admitted, trying to keep her voice steady.

Rhaenyra nodded, looking away, her expression unreadable. The atmosphere shifted, becoming heavier, and the silence stretched out, filled with things unsaid.

Alicent hesitated, then decided to ask something she’d been wondering about. “Was Harwin your first, or...?”

Rhaenyra shook her head, her lips pressing together in a thin line. “No, he wasn’t,” she replied quietly.

The weight of that answer lingered between them, and Alicent felt the urge to ask more, to understand the pieces of Rhaenyra’s life that she didn’t know about. After a moment, she dared to ask, “Was it that girl? From the lake party? You dated in high school right?”

Rhaenyra’s head snapped toward her, eyes wide with surprise. “How do you know about that?”

Alicent shrugged, trying to play it off as casually as possible, though her nerves were buzzing. “Laena mentioned something about it that night. I didn’t really know, but I guess... it just came up.”

Rhaenyra nodded slowly, the tension in her body easing slightly. “Yeah. It was her.”

The air between them grew thick again, both of them suddenly too aware of each other, of the unspoken things that seemed to be bubbling just beneath the surface. Alicent was about to ask another question, her curiosity getting the better of her, but before she could say anything, someone walked up to them.

“Hey, are you guys still using this machine?” the gym-goer asked, oblivious to the intensity of the conversation they had interrupted.

Rhaenyra quickly turned to the person, giving them a polite nod. “Oh, no, we’re done. Go ahead.”

The moment was gone. The tension that had been building dissipated as they were both forced back into the present. Alicent let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, feeling the weight of the conversation settle, but the chance to push further had slipped away.

///

 

Alicent was standing by the bar, half-focused on the party around her, nursing her drink as the music pulsed through the room. She was trying to blend in, letting the chatter and laughter wash over her, when Clara approached, her smile bright and carefree.

“Ali, hey,” Clara greeted, leaning in slightly to be heard over the noise. “Where’s your roommate Rhaenyra tonight? You should invite her out.”

Alicent stiffened at the mention of Rhaenyra. She hadn’t expected Clara to bring her up so casually, especially after everything that had happened. The memory of finding them in the bathroom still left a sour taste in her mouth, and the thought of inviting Rhaenyra now made her uncomfortable in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

Alicent hesitated, the question lingering in the air between them. Something about this whole situation still didn’t sit right with her, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on why. Trying to change the subject, she blurted out, “Wait.. are you like... bi?”

Clara shrugged, completely unbothered. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe? Rhaenyra’s really funny and cute. And, honestly, a good kisser,” she added with a grin. “So yeah, I’d be down to try that again.”

Alicent felt her chest tighten at Clara’s words. The idea of Clara being interested in Rhaenyra—even casually—sent a wave of discomfort through her. She tried to ignore the pang of jealousy that suddenly reared up, but it wasn’t so easy to shake off.

“Is she single?” Clara asked, her tone light and curious.

Alicent, barely thinking, hummed a quiet yes, then quickly added, “But she’s busy tonight.” It was a lie, but she didn’t want Clara pressing any further.

Clara shrugged again, taking the answer in stride. “Oh well. Maybe next time.”

Alicent forced a smile as Clara wandered back into the crowd, but her mind was spinning. She hadn’t expected the conversation to affect her so much, and now, as the party continued around her, all she could think about was Rhaenyra and the strange, unsettling feelings that kept rising to the surface.

///

 

As the night wore on, Alicent found herself drinking more than she usually would. The conversation with Clara had left her unsettled, and the weight of it was harder to ignore as the alcohol loosened her inhibitions. Each sip seemed to stoke the fire of frustration simmering beneath the surface, but she didn’t care—she just wanted to forget, to drown out the confusion that had been plaguing her ever since that night at the party.

Criston found her in the middle of the crowd, his arm slipping around her waist as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. She flinched at the contact, her thoughts still stuck on Rhaenyra. Criston pulled back, frowning slightly. “What’s going on with you tonight? You’ve barely said a word to me.”

Alicent turned to him, her head spinning with alcohol and emotions she couldn’t quite place. “I’m fine,” she said sharply, though her voice betrayed the tension boiling inside her.

Criston frowned, clearly not buying it. “You don’t seem fine. You’ve been weird ever since we got here.”

Alicent’s irritation flared, the alcohol only adding fuel to the fire. She pulled away from him, her movements more exaggerated than intended. “I said I’m fine,” she snapped, her voice louder than she meant it to be.

Criston, taken aback by her tone, crossed his arms. “What’s going on? You’ve been distant all week. Is this about Rhaenyra or something?”

Alicent’s heart skipped at the mention of Rhaenyra, and something inside her snapped. “Why does everything have to be about Rhaenyra with you?” she shot back, her voice shaking with a mix of frustration and something deeper she wasn’t ready to admit.

Criston’s frown deepened, confusion mixing with his irritation. “I don’t know, Alicent, you tell me. You’ve been acting weird since that party, and every time she comes up, you get all—”

“All what?” Alicent interrupted, her voice slurring slightly from the alcohol. “Maybe I’m just tired of pretending everything’s fine when it’s not!”

Criston’s expression hardened. “Pretending? What the hell are you talking about?”

Alicent’s chest tightened, the alcohol making her bold in a way she regretted immediately. “I don’t even know why we’re doing this anymore, Criston. This—us—it doesn’t feel right. It never has.”

Criston’s eyes widened in shock, hurt flickering across his face. “Are you serious right now? After everything—”

“Yeah, I’m serious,” Alicent muttered, her voice cracking as she looked away. She hadn’t meant to say it out loud, but the words were already out, and there was no taking them back.

Criston stood there, stunned, the hurt and anger clear on his face. “I don’t get it. I thought we were good. I thought you wanted this.”

Alicent felt the weight of her words sinking in, the alcohol blurring the edges of her emotions, but the truth of it was undeniable. She didn’t want this—not with Criston, not in the way he thought.

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled, feeling the room spin around her. “I didn’t mean...”

Criston shook his head, the disappointment in his eyes cutting deeper than she expected. “You know what, Alicent? I don’t even know what to say to you right now.”

Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone in the middle of the crowded party. 

///

 

Alicent, stumbling out of the party, pulled her phone out and, without thinking too much about it, dialed Rhaenyra’s number. Her head was spinning, her heart still heavy from the fight with Criston, and in her drunken haze, there was only one person she wanted to talk to.

Rhaenyra answered after a few rings, her voice cautious. “Alicent?”

“Can you... come get me?” Alicent slurred, her words blending together. “I don’t want to be here anymore.”

There was a brief pause on the other end before Rhaenyra sighed. “Where are you?”

A few minutes later, Rhaenyra pulled up near the park that was close to the party, and Alicent, feeling a little too wobbly for her own good, stumbled toward her. They didn’t say much as Rhaenyra helped her to a quiet spot in the park, where the ground was soft and muddy from the rain earlier in the day.

As they sat down, Alicent sighed and half-laughed, leaning into Rhaenyra as she plopped down in the dirt. “We’re always getting trashed and sitting in mud, huh?”

Rhaenyra grimaced at the mud staining her leggings but eventually laid down next to Alicent, the dirt cold beneath them. “Seems to be our thing,” she muttered, glancing at Alicent.

Alicent looked up at the sky, the stars blurry above her, and sighed again, feeling the cool night air on her face. “I got in a fight with Criston,” she mumbled, reaching out to take Rhaenyra’s hand without thinking.

Rhaenyra’s fingers curled around hers, her grip gentle. “Why?” she asked softly, her voice neutral.

Alicent shrugged, her eyes still fixed on the sky. “I don’t love him.”

Rhaenyra let out a quiet breath. “Then end it.”

Alicent shifted, the confession she hadn’t wanted to make bubbling to the surface. “I didn’t love Daemon either.”

Beside her, Rhaenyra tensed, her body going still at the mention of her brother. “He’s still my brother, Ali,” she said quietly, her voice tighter than before.

Alicent sighed, feeling the weight of that hanging between them. “I know. That’s the problem. That’s always been the problem.”

Rhaenyra was silent for a moment, and then she shifted slightly, turning her head to look at Alicent. “That wasn’t our problem,” she said softly, her voice carrying more weight than Alicent expected.

Alicent blinked, turning her head to meet Rhaenyra’s gaze. “Then what was it?”

Rhaenyra’s eyes flickered with something Alicent couldn’t quite name. Her voice was soft but certain as she replied, “We were. We were our biggest problem.”

The words hung in the air between them, thick with everything they hadn’t said over the years. Alicent felt her heart clench, her fingers tightening slightly around Rhaenyra’s hand. She didn’t know what to say, but in that moment, with the stars overhead and Rhaenyra’s hand in hers, the weight of the truth between them felt both terrifying and inevitable.

///

 

Days passed, and the weight of her decision settled heavily on Alicent’s shoulders. She knew what she had to do—it had been building ever since the fight, ever since that drunken night in the park with Rhaenyra. So, when she finally went to Criston’s place, she was determined to end it, even if the thought of the conversation made her stomach turn.

When she arrived, Criston greeted her with a hopeful smile, clearly trying to brush off the tension from the last time they’d spoken. But Alicent couldn’t return the smile. Her heart was already racing, her throat tight with the words she had been rehearsing in her head for days.

“We need to talk,” Alicent said, her voice quiet but firm.

Criston’s smile faltered immediately, and his expression shifted to something more guarded. “Okay,” he said slowly, crossing his arms.

Alicent stood in Criston’s apartment, the tension thick between them. She had rehearsed this moment over and over in her mind, but now that she was actually doing it, the words stuck in her throat. 

“I think we need to end this,” Alicent finally said, her voice quieter than she intended.

Criston blinked, his expression hardening immediately. “What? Is this because of our stupid fight the other night?”

She swallowed, trying to keep herself composed. “It’s just not working. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now, and it’s not fair to either of us if I—”

“Not working?” Criston interrupted, his voice sharp. “You’re just going to drop this out of nowhere? After everything?”

“It’s not out of nowhere,” Alicent said, her voice wavering. “I’ve been feeling this way for a while. I just don’t think this is right for me anymore.”

Criston’s jaw clenched, and his expression twisted into something colder, more cutting. “For you?” he scoffed. “You’ve never been normal, Alicent. There’s always been something off about you.”

Alicent flinched, his words hitting harder than she expected. “What are you talking about?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Criston stepped closer, his eyes hard and angry. “You’re cold, distant. I’ve tried to break through, but it’s like you’re emotionless. You barely even act like you care, like you’re going through the motions. No wonder it’s not ‘working.’ You’re not even here half the time.”

Alicent’s stomach twisted at his words, her heart pounding in her chest. She hadn’t expected him to lash out like this, but the truth of it stung. She had been distant, not just with Criston, but with herself—never fully in the relationship, never fully present. But to hear him call her cold and emotionless felt like a punch to the gut.

“That’s not fair,” Alicent said, her voice trembling, but Criston wasn’t done.

“Is it?” he shot back, his frustration boiling over. “You’ve always been like this. You put up walls, you shut people out, and then you wonder why things fall apart. You’re not normal, Alicent. You act like you’re above feeling anything, like you’re too good for this.”

Alicent stood there, her heart racing, trying to fight back the tears that were threatening to spill over. She didn’t know what to say—didn’t know how to respond to the accusations that cut too close to the truth. The worst part was, deep down, she knew Criston wasn’t entirely wrong. She had been distant. She had never fully let him in.

But that didn’t make his words hurt any less.

“I’m sorry,” Alicent finally whispered, the words feeling hollow as she said them. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Criston’s expression hardened, his frustration finally boiling over. “Fine,” he snapped. “Do whatever you want. I’m done trying.”

Alicent turned and left, her heart heavy but relieved to have finally ended it. But as she walked away, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something else—something she hadn’t fully admitted to herself yet.

///

 

Alicent walked into the dorm with swollen, red eyes, her emotions still raw from the breakup with Criston. She had done what she needed to, but the weight of it lingered, leaving her feeling vulnerable and drained. Rhaenyra, who was sitting on her bed reading, looked up the moment she saw Alicent’s face and immediately set her book down.

"Uh oh, what happened?" Rhaenyra asked gently, already sensing the answer.

Alicent sniffled, wiping at her eyes. "I... I broke it off with Criston. Officially."

Rhaenyra didn’t hesitate. She hopped up from her bed and made her way to the mini-fridge. “Okay, ice cream and movie night. That’s what you need.”

Alicent blinked through the tears, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” Rhaenyra said with a grin, pulling out a tub of ice cream. “Go get your PJs on.”

A few minutes later, Alicent returned in her pajamas, feeling a bit lighter at the idea of spending the night with Rhaenyra. When she came back, Rhaenyra was already in bed, propped up with pillows, holding two spoons and a tub of ice cream.

Alicent returned to the dorm in her pajamas, feeling a strange mix of exhaustion and relief. When she saw Rhaenyra already in bed, holding two spoons and a tub of ice cream, she couldn’t help but smile, though there was a heaviness in her chest that wouldn’t quite go away.

“Come on,” Rhaenyra said, patting the bed beside her. “Get in. Like old times.”

Alicent hesitated for just a moment. It had been a long time since they’d shared a bed like this—since they’d shared anything so intimate. The thought of it stirred something inside her, something complicated and a little confusing. But the pull of comfort, of Rhaenyra’s familiar presence, was too strong to resist. She climbed in beside her, the soft warmth of the blankets immediately enveloping her.

Rhaenyra shifted, wrapping an arm around Alicent’s shoulders and pulling her in close. The casual ease with which she did it made it feel normal—like nothing had changed between them. But something had. Alicent could feel it, a low hum of tension just beneath the surface. Rhaenyra’s body was warm against hers, and the simple act of being held by her felt almost too intimate, too close, even though it was exactly what Alicent needed.

They started the movie, but Alicent found it hard to focus. Rhaenyra’s arm was draped across her, her hand resting lightly on Alicent’s arm, and each touch sent small ripples of awareness through her. She tried to relax, tried to let herself sink into the familiarity of it, but there was a quiet tension there, one that made her heart race a little faster.

As the movie played on, Alicent shifted slightly, settling more into Rhaenyra’s embrace. Her head rested on Rhaenyra’s shoulder, and she could feel the steady rise and fall of her chest with each breath. The closeness was intoxicating, a mix of comfort and something more—something unspoken that neither of them had acknowledged yet.

Rhaenyra’s hand tightened ever so slightly around her, a silent reassurance, and Alicent felt a warmth spread through her. It was nice. More than nice. It was the kind of comfort she hadn’t realized she’d been missing, and it made her chest ache in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

Eventually, the exhaustion from the day began to catch up with her, and her eyelids grew heavy. The sound of the movie faded into the background as she focused on the quiet rhythm of Rhaenyra’s breathing, the softness of her touch. Alicent let out a soft sigh, her body finally relaxing as she leaned further into Rhaenyra, feeling safer in her arms than she had in a long time.

As she drifted off to sleep, Rhaenyra glanced down at her, her own breath catching for just a second. The tension between them was still there, lingering in the air, but in that moment, Rhaenyra didn’t move. She just held Alicent a little tighter, allowing herself to enjoy the closeness, even if they weren’t ready to talk about what it meant.

For now, they stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, the quiet tension between them softening into something more gentle, more real.

///

 

Alicent stirred awake slowly, her senses adjusting to the quiet room and the gentle warmth enveloping her. It took her a moment to realize where she was, to feel the weight of Rhaenyra’s arm draped over her waist, their bodies pressed together under the covers. Her head was resting against Rhaenyra’s chest, and she could feel the steady rise and fall of her breath, soft and rhythmic.

For a few fleeting moments, it was just warmth and comfort, the kind of calm she hadn’t experienced in ages. She felt safe here, cocooned in this closeness with Rhaenyra, her usual anxieties and doubts kept at bay. But then, reality began to seep in, the realization of how close they really were, how intimate this moment had become. A wave of panic slowly rose in her chest, tightening her throat.

Rhaenyra’s arm was still around her, holding her as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And maybe it was. Maybe this was how friends comforted each other. But Alicent couldn’t ignore the way her heart was hammering against her ribcage, how her body felt hyper-aware of every tiny movement, every soft breath Rhaenyra took.

This is normal, she tried to tell herself, forcing her mind to push away the thoughts creeping in. You’ve slept next to her a hundred times before. But it didn’t feel normal anymore. Not after everything, not after the way things had shifted between them over the past few months.

Alicent’s thoughts spiraled, her pulse quickening. She shifted slightly, just enough to feel the warmth of Rhaenyra’s skin against hers, and suddenly, the weight of Rhaenyra’s arm around her felt like it was suffocating her, pulling her deeper into thoughts she wasn’t prepared to face. What was this? What was happening to her?

Her chest tightened as her mind raced. She felt… things. Things she couldn’t quite name, things that scared her. It wasn’t just comfort. It wasn’t just friendship. Her heart was betraying her, reacting in ways she couldn’t control, and it terrified her. She could feel herself unraveling, the delicate balance she’d kept for so long slipping through her fingers.

Do I have feelings for her? The question hit her like a wave, crashing over her with a force she wasn’t ready for. Her heart pounded, louder now, filling her ears with the deafening rush of blood. This is wrong.

But the more she tried to convince herself, the more it all fell apart. The way Rhaenyra held her, the way it felt like home in her arms, how much she wanted to stay here, close and warm, was undeniable. She couldn’t stop herself from wondering what it would mean to admit it, to allow herself to feel this, to admit that maybe—just maybe—there was something more here. Something she had been avoiding for too long.

Her thoughts swirled, her body frozen in a strange limbo between wanting to pull away and wanting to stay exactly where she was. Panic clawed at her chest, but there was something else too—something tender, something that made her chest ache in a way that had nothing to do with fear.

Beside her, Rhaenyra shifted slightly, still half-asleep, and her grip tightened around Alicent’s waist, pulling her closer. “You awake?” Rhaenyra murmured, her voice soft, her breath warm against Alicent’s skin.

Alicent froze, her breath catching in her throat. Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure Rhaenyra could hear it. “Yeah,” she whispered back, her voice tight, strained, as if saying anything more would break her.

Rhaenyra didn’t move, didn’t press. She just held her, the same way she always had, as if nothing had changed.

///

 

Spring break was right around the corner, and Alicent had been quietly debating how she wanted to spend it. She had no interest in the wild party invites or beach trips that some of their friends were excited about. But, as usual, it was Rhaenyra who brought up something that shifted her plans entirely.

“So, my family’s going to the house in Ireland for break,” Rhaenyra said casually one evening while they were both lounging in their dorm. She didn’t need to explain further—Alicent had been to the Targaryen’s Irish estate more times than she could count. It was practically a second home to her by now, a sprawling, ancient castle nestled in the countryside, filled with memories of them running through its halls like they owned the place.

Alicent looked over, feeling a mix of nostalgia and uncertainty. “The castle, huh?” she joked like old times, trying to sound neutral.

“Yeah,” Rhaenyra said, her tone light, though she quickly added, “You should come with me. It’s been a while since we’ve gone together.”

Alicent hesitated, biting her lip. The last time they’d gone to the castle had been… complicated. Daemon had been there. And though they’d managed to avoid anything too awkward, the thought of spending another week in close quarters with him made her stomach twist.

“I don’t know, Rhaenyra,” Alicent said, her voice trailing off. “Wouldn’t that be… weird? You know, with Daemon?”

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes with a grin. “Daemon? Please. He’s not coming. He’s going to Fiji with his friends.”

Alicent blinked, feeling her shoulders relax in immediate relief. “Oh,” she said, exhaling. “Well, that’s... a relief.”

Rhaenyra chuckled. “Yeah, I thought that might sway you.” She leaned in a little closer, her voice softening. “Come on, Ali. It’ll be fun”

Alicent felt the familiar tug of nostalgia. Rhaenyra was right—despite everything, those trips had always been filled with good memories, and the idea of escaping to the quiet beauty of Ireland was tempting.

“Okay,” Alicent said after a long pause, her voice hesitant but steady. “Yeah, I’ll come.”

Rhaenyra’s face lit up with a grin, and Alicent couldn’t help but smile back, though a flicker of nerves stirred in her chest.

///

Spring break in Ireland began just as Alicent had expected—Rhaenyra’s parents were off doing their own thing, leaving the two of them with free rein over the castle. Rhaenyra practically had her own wing, which gave them privacy, a sense of freedom, and a familiarity that felt both comforting and a little thrilling.

The first couple of days passed in a blur of long walks through the countryside, exploring the ancient halls of the castle, and lazily lounging around the grand estate. But the real fun started when they ventured out to the local pubs, something they’d done a few times before during their previous trips. This time, though, it felt different—more electric, more daring.

One evening, after spending the day exploring, Rhaenyra suggested they go out for a few drinks. By the time they found themselves at a small, lively pub in the nearby village, the mood had shifted entirely. The dark wood, the dim lighting, the cozy atmosphere—it was the perfect setting to unwind, and the drinks were flowing.

As the night wore on, the alcohol loosened their usual boundaries. They were sitting close at the bar, and Rhaenyra started to flirt—at first, it was subtle, playful, the way they’d always bantered. But as the night progressed, it became bolder, more suggestive.

“Honestly, you look so good tonight,” Rhaenyra said at one point, her voice lower than usual, her eyes lingering on Alicent a little longer than they should have. “I’m surprised none of these guys have tried to hit on you.”

Alicent blushed, her heart skipping at the unexpected compliment. The way Rhaenyra was looking at her sent a rush of heat through her, and she couldn’t help but smile back. “Maybe they know better than to compete with you,” she teased, her voice a little too coy.

Rhaenyra’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Oh, is that what you think?”

Alicent giggled, the alcohol making her feel bold, more open than usual. “I mean, maybe.”

The back-and-forth continued, and before they knew it, they were deep into their flirtation, both of them leaning into the charged atmosphere between them. Rhaenyra would brush Alicent’s arm with her fingers, and Alicent would return the gesture with a light touch on Rhaenyra’s leg. It was intoxicating, and not just because of the drinks.

By the time they were on their third round of shots, the lines between friendship and something more had blurred beyond recognition. They were laughing, talking too close, their voices lowered to a whisper, as if sharing some kind of secret. Rhaenyra’s hand brushed against Alicent’s back as they leaned in, and Alicent didn’t shy away.

In fact, she leaned in further.

“I think I’m getting a little too drunk,” Alicent confessed, her words slurring slightly but her eyes locked on Rhaenyra’s.

Rhaenyra smirked, her gaze lingering on Alicent’s lips for just a moment before she replied, “I think we both are.”

The tension between them was palpable, charged with the alcohol, the atmosphere, and something that had been simmering for a while. They weren’t just playing around anymore—they were on the edge of something, and neither of them was holding back.

Alicent felt the room spinning around her as the drinks finally caught up to her. The pub was loud, the music blending with laughter and chatter, but it all felt distant. She blinked, trying to clear her head, but the warmth in her cheeks and the dizziness told her she needed a break.

“I’m gonna... I’ll be right back,” she slurred, slipping off her barstool and grabbing the edge of the table to steady herself. Rhaenyra watched her with a knowing smile, but didn’t protest.

Alicent stumbled her way to the bathroom, pushing the door open and heading straight to the sink. She leaned against the counter, her reflection blurry in the mirror. Her makeup was smudged—her mascara dark beneath her eyes, her lipstick faintly smeared. With a frustrated sigh, she turned on the tap and splashed cold water on her face, hoping it would shock some sense into her.

But no amount of water could wash away the tension that had been building between her and Rhaenyra all night. The way they had been flirting, touching, the way Rhaenyra’s eyes had lingered on her lips—it was all too much, and the alcohol wasn’t helping her think clearly. She stared at her reflection, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions inside her.

After a few minutes, the bathroom door creaked open, and Rhaenyra slipped inside, her gaze immediately locking on Alicent. “You’ve been in here a while,” she said softly, her voice steady, but her eyes glinting with something deeper.

Alicent glanced at her through the mirror, her breath catching at how close Rhaenyra suddenly seemed, though she hadn’t even moved yet. “Just... trying to sober up a little,” Alicent mumbled, turning back to the mirror and wiping at her face with damp hands.

Rhaenyra stepped closer, her presence filling the small space between them. She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked Alicent over. “You’ve got a little... something,” Rhaenyra murmured, reaching out to wipe the smudged mascara from beneath Alicent’s eyes with her thumb.

Alicent froze. The touch was soft, deliberate, and suddenly everything felt too intense. Rhaenyra’s hand lingered near her face, her fingers brushing against her skin as she carefully cleaned up the mess of makeup. Their bodies were only inches apart now, and the proximity made Alicent’s heart race in a way that had nothing to do with the alcohol.

“Your lipstick, too,” Rhaenyra said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, her thumb grazing the corner of Alicent’s mouth, smudging away the red tint.

Alicent’s breath hitched, her pulse thundering in her ears as Rhaenyra wiped the lipstick away, her fingers ghosting over her lips in a way that felt far too intimate. The room seemed to shrink around them, the soft yellow lights casting a warm glow, but all Alicent could focus on was Rhaenyra’s touch and how close they were now.

She didn’t move. She couldn’t. Her mind was spinning, and it wasn’t just the alcohol—it was the way Rhaenyra’s fingers lingered on her skin, the way her gaze never left Alicent’s face, the unspoken tension crackling between them.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the air around them thick with everything they weren’t saying. Alicent’s breath came out shaky as Rhaenyra’s hand finally dropped, but the closeness remained. They were inches apart, so close that Alicent could feel the warmth of Rhaenyra’s breath on her skin, and the weight of that closeness was impossible to ignore.

“You okay?” Rhaenyra asked softly, her voice lower now, her eyes searching Alicent’s.

Alicent swallowed, trying to find her voice, but all she could manage was a quiet, “Yeah.”

The moment between them hung in the air, thick with tension, both of them standing so close it felt like the world had narrowed down to just the two of them. Rhaenyra's fingers still tingled where they’d touched Alicent’s skin, and Alicent’s heart was racing, her breath coming out uneven. Neither of them moved—until the sound of the bathroom door creaking open startled them both.

A girl stumbled in, oblivious to the charged atmosphere, laughing with someone on the phone as she made her way to the mirror to fix her makeup. The spell between Alicent and Rhaenyra broke instantly, the moment shattering like glass, leaving them standing awkwardly apart, the air between them still thick with what could have been.

Alicent cleared her throat and turned back toward the mirror, avoiding Rhaenyra’s gaze as the other girl chattered away. “We should probably go,” she muttered, trying to shake off the haze of the near-miss.

“Yeah,” Rhaenyra agreed, her voice quieter now, but her eyes lingered on Alicent for a second longer before she pulled out her phone to call an Uber.

They left the pub in silence, the cold night air wrapping around them as they waited for their ride. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence—more like both of them were still caught in the aftershocks of whatever had just happened. The Uber arrived, and they slid into the backseat, sitting close but not touching, the tension still there, just beneath the surface.

By the time they got back to the castle, the alcohol had them both giddy again. The strange, almost-kiss moment in the bathroom seemed to melt into the background as they stumbled into the kitchen, giggling and whispering like teenagers sneaking snacks after a party.

“I’m starving,” Rhaenyra announced, rummaging through the fridge with all the grace of someone several drinks deep. “What do you want? Cheese? Bread? Oh, we’ve got eggs!”

Alicent, leaning against the counter and laughing at Rhaenyra’s drunken enthusiasm, shook her head. “Please, no eggs. I’m too drunk for that.”

Rhaenyra grinned, grabbing a random assortment of snacks—cheese, crackers, and something Alicent couldn’t quite identify. “Fine, no eggs. Just a masterpiece of mismatched food.”

They ended up sitting on the bedroom floor, a spread of snacks between them, still laughing about nothing and everything. The alcohol made everything feel funnier, lighter, and all the tension from earlier seemed to dissolve into this warm, drunken haze of comfort.

Rhaenyra popped a piece of cheese in her mouth, then pointed at Alicent with a cracker, eyes glinting mischievously. “You know, I think this is the best snack I’ve ever made. You’re welcome.”

Alicent laughed, leaning back against the bed frame, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol and the lingering warmth of the night. “Yeah, sure. A culinary masterpiece,” she teased, throwing a cracker at Rhaenyra’s lap.

They both dissolved into laughter again, the kind that comes too easily when you’re drunk and happy and sitting on the floor of a castle in Ireland with your best friend. 

Alicent leaned back against the bed, her head buzzing not just from the alcohol but from the warmth of the night, the comfort of being with Rhaenyra. They’d laughed until their sides ached, sharing stories and memories that made the years melt away. But now, as the laughter settled into a softer, more intimate silence, she found herself thinking about the past—the space that had grown between them before they had found their way back to this moment.

“I’m really happy we’re close again,” Alicent said, her voice soft but sincere.

Rhaenyra glanced at her, a small, genuine smile tugging at her lips. “Me too.”

Alicent hesitated, her mind turning over a thought she had kept buried for a long time. She didn’t want to ruin the moment, but the curiosity, the need to know, gnawed at her. “Why did we even fight in the first place?” she asked, her voice quieter, more cautious.

Rhaenyra sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. She picked at a cracker, her expression suddenly guarded. “I don’t think we should go there,” she said, her voice hesitant.

Alicent frowned, shaking her head. “No, I want to go there. I want to know.”

Rhaenyra let out another sigh, this one heavier, as if she’d been carrying the weight of this conversation for years. “You were really drunk one night at a party,” she began, her voice more serious now. “And things hadn’t been good between us since you started hooking up with Daemon, like, three months before.”

Alicent nodded slowly, her stomach twisting. “Yeah, I remember that.”

Rhaenyra gave her a long, searching look. “God, Alicent, you really don’t remember this?”

“I remember parts,” Alicent admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “But it’s... hazy.”

Rhaenyra let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “Well, let me refresh your memory. That night, you said I was a freak. You said I had feelings for you, and that it was weirding you out.”

Alicent’s eyes widened, her heart lurching in her chest. “No way. I didn’t say that.”

“You did,” Rhaenyra said bitterly, her voice tight. “And then I snapped. I said some really nasty things about you and Daemon. And I called you..well I called you..”

Alicent winced, the memory of that argument flooding back. “A whore…yeah..” she muttered. “I remember that part.”

“Of course you remember that part,” Rhaenyra said dryly, shaking her head with a sad smile.

Alicent sighed, her chest tightening with guilt. “God, Rhaenyra, I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “I didn’t know..I didn’t remember saying that at all.”

Rhaenyra shrugged, but there was a heaviness to the gesture. “You were drunk. It was messy. But... you weren’t wrong, you know. I mean obviously the term freak was messed up but...” She paused, her eyes flickering to the floor. “I did have feelings for you.”

The admission hung in the air, heavy and raw. Alicent’s heart stuttered, her mouth going dry. She hadn’t expected that—hadn’t let herself think it was true, even after everything.

She swallowed hard, the weight of Rhaenyra’s words sinking in. “I...”

Rhaenyra looked at her, her expression a mix of vulnerability and guardedness, like she was bracing herself for Alicent’s response.

Alicent didn’t know what to say. 

Rhaenyra waved her hand dismissively, though her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “See? This is why I said we shouldn’t go there.”

Alicent, fueled by the alcohol and a sudden burst of bravery, sat up a little straighter, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t want to back down. “What if I want to go there?” she blurted out, her voice more forceful than she intended.

Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?” she asked slowly, her gaze narrowing as if she were trying to figure out what Alicent was getting at.

Alicent’s pulse quickened, and she could feel the words bubbling up, threatening to spill over. Her hands fidgeted in her lap as she stumbled over her own thoughts. “I mean... what if I want to... um...”

Rhaenyra leaned in slightly, her eyes never leaving Alicent’s. “What if you want to what, Ali?” she asked, her voice soft but insistent. “Say it.”

Alicent’s heart pounded louder, her throat tightening as she felt the weight of the moment settle on her shoulders. She was so close to saying it, but the words felt impossibly heavy. “Don’t make me say it,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“I’m going to make you say it,” Rhaenyra replied, her tone firm but teasing, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Come on, Ali. Just say it.”

Alicent’s frustration boiled over. She exhaled sharply, leaning toward Rhaenyra, her eyes narrowing. “You’re so fucking annoying,” she muttered.

And before she could second-guess herself, before she could overthink it, Alicent leaned in and kissed her.

The kiss was sudden, quick—an impulsive, frustrated act—but the moment their lips touched, the air between them crackled with an intensity that neither of them had been prepared for. Rhaenyra’s breath hitched in surprise, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she kissed Alicent back, her hand coming up to gently cup the side of Alicent’s face as the kiss deepened.

Alicent’s hands found Rhaenyra’s waist, her fingers digging into the soft fabric of her dress as she pulled herself closer. They tasted like whiskey and the remnants of laughter, a potent mix that made Alicent’s head spin even more. Their kiss was messy, full of teeth and tongue, a dance of passion that was more about feeling than finesse.

Their bodies collided on the floor, a tangle of limbs and desperation. The room swirled around them, the edges of their vision blurring as they clung to each other, the only solid things in a world that had suddenly turned fluid. They were lost in the moment, their inhibitions stripped away by the warm embrace of the alcohol.

Alicent straddled Rhaenyra’s hips, her legs wobbling slightly as she tried to keep her balance. Her heart was racing, a thrill coursing through her veins like a wildfire out of control. This was new, this raw, primal need that was consuming her. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

Their kiss grew more urgent, more heated, as Alicent’s hands roamed over Rhaenyra’s body, seeking out every curve and plane. The fabric of their clothes seemed like an unbearable barrier, and she wanted nothing more than to tear it away, to feel skin on skin. Rhaenyra’s own hands weren’t idle either, gripping Alicent’s hips, sliding up her back, pulling her closer still.

They broke apart for a moment, both panting, their eyes locking in a silent question that neither could answer. But before the doubt could take root, Alicent leaned back in, her mouth finding Rhaenyra’s neck, her teeth grazing the soft skin as she whispered, “Don’t stop,” into her ear.

The air was thick with the promise of something unspoken, something that had been building between them for years, hidden beneath layers of friendship and propriety. But now, in this moment, with the alcohol lowering their guards, it was all coming to the surface—fast and hard and utterly unstoppable.

Their kisses grew more frantic, more urgent, as they rolled over, their bodies moving in a silent conversation that needed no words. The room was spinning, the world outside forgotten as they lost themselves in each other, the only sound the desperate gasps of their breaths and the rustle of fabric.

Rhaenyra’s hand slid up Alicent’s thigh, her thumb brushing against the edge of her underwear, sending a jolt of pleasure through her that made her moan. Alicent’s hand mirrored the movement, her fingers finding the zipper of Rhaenyra’s dress, pulling it down with trembling fingers.

Their kisses grew sloppier, their movements more erratic as the weight of their drunkenness began to take hold. They were a mess of limbs and emotions, a storm of passion that had been brewing for far too long.

But even as the fog of alcohol clouded their judgment, there was a spark of clarity that pierced through the haze. They both knew that this was a line they were crossing, a boundary that once crossed could never be uncrossed. And yet, neither of them had the strength to stop.

Their kisses grew softer, more exploratory, as the gravity of the situation began to sink in. They pulled back slightly, their breaths mingling as they stared into each other’s eyes, the unspoken question hanging in the air like a fine mist.

Alicent’s hand hovered over Rhaenyra’s chest, her fingertips tracing the outline of her breast, the fabric of her dress the only barrier between them. Rhaenyra’s eyes searched hers, looking for an answer, for some sign of what this meant, what would happen next.

With a sudden jolt of passion, Rhaenyra pulled Alicent’s hair, eliciting a moan that seemed to come from the very core of her being. It was a sound Alicent had never made with anyone else, not even with Daemon or Criston. It was raw, unfiltered, and it sent a thrill through Rhaenyra’s body that made her feel alive in a way she never had before.

Alicent’s eyes widened, but she didn’t protest. Instead, she leaned into the sensation, her hips bucking involuntarily as Rhaenyra’s mouth moved to hers again. The feeling was overwhelming, a sudden revelation that made her realize just how much she had been craving this connection.

Rhaenyra’s hands were everywhere, stripping away the layers of clothing that separated them. Alicent’s panties were torn away, leaving her bare and exposed. 

The sound of their breathing filled the room. Alicent watched, her eyes glazed over, as Rhaenyra moved down her body, her mouth leaving a trail of kisses and bites along the way. She had never felt like this before, never been so consumed by someone else’s touch. With a fierce hunger, Rhaenyra settled between Alicent’s legs, her eyes never leaving hers as she lowered her mouth to her most sensitive spot.

The sensation was like nothing Alicent had ever experienced. With every stroke of Rhaenyra’s tongue, every suck and nip, she felt a part of herself come alive that she didn’t even know existed. She had never really enjoyed sex, but this was different. Sex finally made sense.

Her hands clenched at nothing, her back arching off the floor as Rhaenyra’s mouth worked its magic. The words she had held back for so long played on repeat: "Fuck, oh fuck, don’t stop." This was what she had been missing, what she had been longing for, even if she hadn’t known it until now.

Her body tightened, the pressure building, and she could feel herself approaching the edge. She had never come so quickly, never been so lost in the moment. Rhaenyra’s touch was like a spell, drawing her deeper into a world she didn’t understand but desperately wanted to explore.

And then she was falling, her orgasm crashing over her like a wave, stealing her breath and her sanity. She cried out, the sound echoing in the quiet room, a declaration of pleasure that seemed to shake the very foundation of their friendship.

For a moment, they lay there, panting, the reality of what they had just done settling over them like a blanket of both exhilaration and dread. They had crossed a line, one that could never be uncrossed. But as Alicent looked into Rhaenyra’s eyes, she knew that she didn’t want to go back. This was a new chapter in their story, one that she was ready to write, no matter the cost.