Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Alicent Hightower was used to being calm under pressure, and nothing tested her resolve like starting fresh at a new hospital. As a freshly appointed pediatric surgeon, she knew she was stepping into a challenging position, but she hadn’t anticipated the warm, bustling chaos of the hospital. The long hours were an escape after her recent divorce, but despite her drive, the weight of starting over sometimes settled heavily on her shoulders.

She was introduced to Dr. Rhaenyra Targaryen during her first week, in the middle of a tense case where their departments had to work closely together. Rhaenyra, the head of neurosurgery, had a reputation for sharp instincts and even sharper words, though she balanced it with a disarming smile that felt equal parts reassuring and intimidating. Alicent noticed her strength immediately — Rhaenyra commanded respect effortlessly.

As the weeks passed, Rhaenyra and Alicent found themselves thrown together again and again in emergency cases. It wasn’t long before their interactions grew beyond the sterile walls of the OR and the strict demands of patient rounds. Rhaenyra, it turned out, was not only a brilliant surgeon but also a single mother, co-parenting with her ex-wife, Dr. Laena Velaryon, head of trauma surgery. Between shifts, Alicent would catch glimpses of Rhaenyra laughing with Laena in the break room, the two of them sharing the kind of easy camaraderie that only ex-partners who still respected each other could have. It fascinated her, the way Rhaenyra juggled the roles of doctor, leader, and mother so fluidly.

One late night, as Alicent sank onto a breakroom couch after a particularly grueling shift, Rhaenyra joined her, offering a coffee. She noticed the exhaustion and gratitude in Alicent’s gaze.

“How are you adjusting?” Rhaenyra asked, her tone softer than the usual briskness she held in the OR.

“It’s… a lot,” Alicent admitted, letting out a sigh. “The kids, the pressure. It’s intense.”

Rhaenyra chuckled, nodding in understanding. “Trust me, I know. But it helps to find little joys. Like the way kids always bounce back faster than you’d expect. Or,” she added, her smile curling up in the corner, “good coffee.”

Alicent smiled, her heart warming at the sudden ease between them. They began sharing their breaks more often, Rhaenyra opening up bit by bit. Alicent told her about her divorce, the lonely nights, the way her career was all she had now. In turn, Rhaenyra spoke of her kids, the joys and struggles of single parenting, and how she and Laena made it work — despite everything — for the sake of their children.

///

The ER buzzed with urgency as the call came in: an eight-year-old girl named Ivy, a longtime oncology patient, was en route in critical condition. Ivy had been under Alicent’s care for years, enduring rounds of chemo and surgeries to fight off a rare and aggressive type of brain cancer. Her progress had always been hard-won, but now she was back, her prognosis fragile as she fought both the cancer and complications from treatment.

As Ivy was wheeled in, a quick assessment revealed immediate concerns: her blood pressure was dangerously low, her breathing labored, and her neurological signs were fading. Alicent’s heart sank, but she quickly called on every skill she had. Rhaenyra, as head of neurology, arrived next, reviewing Ivy’s latest scans. Laenor followed, ready to weigh in on any necessary surgical intervention as Ivy's condition teetered on the brink.

“This is my patient,” Alicent said, her voice steady but firm, as she directed the team. “She has a history of medulloblastoma. The tumor regrowth was contained until last month, but she developed hydrocephalus. She’s not responding to the shunt. We need to find the cause and fast.”

Rhaenyra studied the scans over Alicent’s shoulder. “It looks like there’s some edema near the cerebellum. It’s compressing her brainstem and causing obstructive hydrocephalus. I suggest we immediately relieve the pressure, potentially through an external ventricular drain.”

Laenor crossed his arms, scrutinizing Ivy’s charts. “I agree with the compression, but I’d also bet her blood pressure isn’t stabilizing because of a bleed in the abdomen — possibly from organ damage due to prolonged chemo. Her platelets have been struggling; if we don’t go in and address it, it could tip her over before we even get to the brain.”

Alicent took a deep breath, maintaining her composure. “But her neurological function is fading by the second. We need to relieve that pressure first before anything else. She won’t last through an abdominal surgery without it.”

Laenor shook his head, meeting Alicent’s gaze. “Alicent, if we don’t stop that internal bleeding first, it doesn’t matter what we do in the brain. She’ll be gone before we close her up.”

“Listen, Laenor,” Alicent snapped, her voice sharp. “Ivy has fought harder than anyone I know. I know her history and what her body can withstand. I need you to trust me.”

Rhaenyra stepped forward, her voice calm but decisive. “Alicent’s right. Ivy’s brainstem is under too much pressure. Without relieving that first, any other intervention won’t have time to take effect. I’ll take care of the craniotomy and place the drain. Laenor, prep her for exploratory laparotomy so you’re ready if we see signs of a bleed during neurosurgery.”

Laenor’s eyes narrowed. “And what if we’re wrong? This could risk her life.”

Rhaenyra met his gaze, unyielding. “Sometimes we have to prioritize based on the most immediate threat. If anyone knows Ivy’s limits, it’s Dr. Hightower. I trust her instincts.”

Laenor held up his hands in reluctant agreement. “Alright. But if there’s any sign of instability, I’m going in.”

In the operating room, the stakes were high. Rhaenyra and Alicent moved in sync. Finally, Ivy’s brain swelling reduced, and her vitals stabilized, if only a little. Laenor stepped in, ready to begin his part as soon as Rhaenyra gave the signal.

Throughout the surgery, Rhaenyra watched Alicent closely, offering quiet reassurances when doubt flickered across her face. They worked together with a synergy Alicent had rarely felt before, each trusting the other implicitly.

After hours, they finally stabilized Ivy. As the team left the OR, Alicent released a shaky breath, feeling the weight of the past day lift.

Rhaenyra approached her, placing a steady hand on her shoulder. “You were great in there.”

“You were too.” Alicent looked at Rhaenyra, gratitude and relief in her eyes. “And thank you for backing me up. You didn’t have to.”

Rhaenyra smiled softly. “I did. You knew what she needed.”

///

The night had bled into early morning, and the on-call room was strewn with medical charts, test results, and empty coffee cups — a silent testament to the hours Rhaenyra and Alicent had poured into this case. Both women sat on the floor, backs against the small cot in the corner, surrounded by a controlled chaos of their own making. At some point, someone had suggested Chinese, and neither could remember exactly who, but here they were, sharing takeout containers and picking through dumplings and noodles as they combed over Ivy's files.

Between bites, they murmured half-formed thoughts, bouncing theories off one another. The tension between them was a live wire, sparking with each stolen glance, each brush of hands as they reached for another container, fingers occasionally lingering.

“Have you been in King’s Landing long?” Alicent asked, her tone casual, even as her gaze drifted over Rhaenyra’s face when she thought the other woman wouldn’t notice.

Rhaenyra looked up, chopsticks pausing mid-air, a faint smirk playing at the corner of her lips. “Long enough to know the best spots for coffee,” she replied, eyes glinting with a teasing warmth, “but not long enough to call it home. I’m… still figuring that part out, I guess.”

Alicent nodded, fingers idly tracing the rim of her tea cup. She understood that feeling more than she wanted to admit. “Sometimes I think ‘home’ isn’t really a place,” she murmured, her voice quiet, almost more to herself than to Rhaenyra. “Maybe it’s just... the people you end up with. I had that, once.”

Her words hung in the air, tinged with a bittersweet edge that neither woman acknowledged out loud. Rhaenyra watched her, noting the hint of vulnerability in her expression — a brief crack in the armor. She felt the tug of something more than professional camaraderie, something she couldn’t put a name to, yet didn’t want to ignore.

“So, you have kids,” Alicent said after a beat, picking up a dumpling but not eating it, just holding it as though it could tether her thoughts. She hadn’t asked directly, but she’d picked up on the small comments Rhaenyra had let slip, fragments of a life beyond the hospital walls.

Rhaenyra nodded, a slight smile breaking through as she relaxed against the cot. “Two girls. I co-parent with Laena, my ex-wife.” She watched Alicent closely, wondering what she might think. It was an unconventional arrangement, something she hadn’t planned on sharing so soon, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that Alicent wouldn’t judge — that she might even understand.

“That must take… balance,” Alicent said carefully, her voice soft but with an edge of curiosity, respect. She wanted to ask more, to understand this complex web Rhaenyra navigated, but instead, she shifted, wrapping her arms around her knees.

“Balance is putting it mildly.” Rhaenyra’s laugh was low, almost self-deprecating. She took another bite, the silence settling comfortably between them, thick with something neither had the courage to name. She noticed the way Alicent’s gaze lingered on her, and she held it, unflinching, feeling that electric tension coil tighter with each second.

And then Alicent looked away, brushing an errant strand of hair behind her ear. “I think I’m still trying to find that balance,” she admitted, voice barely above a whisper. The vulnerability was subtle, something she hadn’t meant to let slip. But Rhaenyra picked up on it, sensing the unspoken weight.

The words left her mouth before she could stop herself. “I heard you were married before.” It was soft, a statement heavy with curiosity, with understanding.

“I was.” Alicent glanced at her, a flash of something raw in her eyes, and then, just as quickly, she looked away, exhaling a soft, mirthless chuckle. “But life happened. And I guess… people change.” Her words were vague, but they held an ocean of meaning, years of love and loss packed into that simple phrase.

Their gazes met again, held longer this time, a shared understanding passing between them. Rhaenyra shifted closer without thinking, her knee brushing Alicent’s. Neither moved away, both pretending it was an accident, yet neither wanting it to end.

For a while, they ate in silence, words unnecessary in the thick quiet. Every once in a while, their hands would graze as they reached for food, each touch sending a subtle spark through the small room. Rhaenyra’s hand lingered just a second longer each time, her gaze unwavering, openly curious, challenging.

“You know,” Rhaenyra finally said, breaking the silence, her voice low, rich with unspoken intent, “for someone who just started here, you’re handling yourself well. Ivy’s lucky to have you.”

Alicent’s breath caught, but she forced a soft smile. “Thanks. I, uh… I guess I just care too much.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes darkened slightly, her gaze dropping to Alicent’s lips for just a heartbeat, barely perceptible. “I don’t think there’s any such thing as caring too much. Just…” Her voice was softer now, as though she were admitting something to herself. “Being willing to let others see it.”

The seconds stretched on, heavy with everything they weren’t saying. Alicent swallowed, feeling her pulse in her throat, her heart beating just a little too fast. She searched Rhaenyra’s face, trying to understand the pull she felt — the draw to this person who’d slipped past her walls without even trying.

“I’m not sure I’ve figured that part out yet,” Alicent whispered, her voice almost lost in the stillness.

Rhaenyra’s hand found hers, almost instinctively, resting gently atop her fingers. Her touch was light, careful, but it lingered, sending a jolt up Alicent’s arm. For a moment, neither spoke, words unnecessary against the unspoken promises in that small, quiet touch.

“Maybe you’re closer than you think,” Rhaenyra murmured, the corner of her mouth turning up just slightly. Her eyes held Alicent’s, a quiet invitation, one that left no doubt they’d both crossed a line.

But they both knew this — whatever it was between them — wouldn’t vanish by morning.

///

A few days had passed since that late-night case review, and while they’d fallen back into the rhythm of hospital life, something lingered between them, an almost magnetic pull that neither dared acknowledge aloud. The chance encounters and moments shared had become a quiet ritual — and so, when they found themselves alone in the elevator after another long shift, the silence between them felt heavier, charged with the unspoken connection they were both learning to navigate.

Alicent leaned against the back wall, arms crossed, eyes on the elevator doors as they descended floor by floor. She seemed calm, composed, but Rhaenyra noticed the way her gaze flickered, just briefly, in her direction.

“So,” Rhaenyra ventured, voice light but edged with curiosity, “any plans outside of here? Or are you one of those ‘sleep and recharge’ types?”

Alicent smirked, her lips curving in a way that was just a little teasing. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” She met Rhaenyra’s gaze with a spark, raising an eyebrow, but didn’t offer more.

Rhaenyra chuckled, leaning back against the opposite wall, watching her carefully. “Oh, I see. You’re keeping me in suspense.”

“Maybe,” Alicent replied, the word leaving her lips slowly, her eyes glinting as she spoke. She watched Rhaenyra out of the corner of her eye, testing the waters without saying too much.

A comfortable silence settled, but Rhaenyra didn’t let it sit for long. “I’ve noticed you don’t talk much about yourself,” she said, her tone gentle but laced with a hint of that persistent curiosity.

Alicent shrugged, not meeting her eyes fully. “I guess I’m just… careful with details,” she replied, her voice smooth, guarded.

“Careful?” Rhaenyra echoed, one eyebrow raised. “Or just a little mysterious?”

“Maybe both.” Alicent’s eyes held Rhaenyra’s gaze for a beat longer than necessary, her expression steady but with the faintest hint of challenge, the kind that dared Rhaenyra to push just a little further.

As the elevator continued its descent, Rhaenyra leaned a fraction closer, lowering her voice. “Aren’t you ever tempted to share a little more?”

The question hung in the air, both playful and loaded. Alicent’s guarded expression softened, if only slightly, as if she were weighing the risk. “Maybe,” she admitted quietly, her tone unreadable, “but only with the right person.”

The elevator doors slid open then, and Alicent moved to step out, casting a small, enigmatic smile over her shoulder as she walked down the hallway. Rhaenyra remained behind, watching her leave, an intrigued smile on her own lips.

She didn’t have to say anything; she could read it in the glance, the slight smile, the tension that lingered like a fingerprint. 

///

Alicent was still adjusting to the pace of the hospital, and part of that adjustment meant finding moments of reprieve wherever she could. Lunch in the cafeteria was one of those rare, low-pressure times, and when she spotted Laenor, she decided to join him. They’d clashed more than once in the OR, his style more laid-back, hers more focused — but she’d come to appreciate his wit and good humor.

As she approached, she noticed he was sitting with a man she hadn’t met before. Laenor grinned when he saw her and gestured for her to join them.

“Alicent, this is my husband, Joffrey,” he introduced, his tone light and full of pride.

“Nice to meet you,” Alicent said, extending a hand as she sat down. Joffrey, with an easy smile and a quick handshake, gave her a once-over and winked.

“So, you’re the new pediatric surgeon everyone’s talking about,” Joffrey said, his voice full of playful curiosity. “I’ve heard you’ve kept Laenor in check.”

She chuckled, glancing at Laenor. “Just keeping him on his toes.”

Laenor rolled his eyes, feigning exasperation. “Believe me, she does. It’s refreshing, though. Keeps me awake.”

They fell into easy conversation, and Alicent found herself relaxing as she listened to Laenor and Joffrey’s banter. They had an easy, affectionate rhythm, poking fun at each other in a way that revealed years of love and understanding.

Alicent spotted Laenor sitting in the cafeteria, laughing at something his husband, Joffrey, was saying. They were a mismatched but somehow perfect pair: Laenor with his easy, irreverent energy and Joffrey, the poised plastic surgeon, always carrying an air of dry wit. She hadn’t planned on joining them, but after another intense morning of rounds, she found herself drawn to their banter — and, maybe, to Laenor’s unexpected friendliness.

“Mind if I join?” Alicent asked, tray in hand.

Laenor grinned, gesturing grandly to the seat across from him. “Please, Dr. Hightower, join us. This is my husband, Joffrey.”

Joffrey gave a little wave, eyes sparking with interest. “The famous Dr. Hightower! Laenor’s mentioned how you two love to argue in the OR.”

Alicent chuckled, rolling her eyes. “We may have had a few disagreements. But it’s all for the sake of the patients… or so I tell myself.”

Laenor snorted, tossing a crumpled napkin in her direction. “Careful, or I’ll tell everyone you’re secretly stubborn and impossible to work with.”

They chatted, slipping into an easy rhythm as they shared stories from the hospital. Joffrey regaled them with a few outlandish tales from the plastic surgery floor, which had them all laughing, and Alicent felt herself relax, enjoying their company more than she expected.

In the middle of their conversation, Laena strode through the cafeteria, pausing briefly at their table to drop a set of keys onto Laenor’s tray. Alicent noticed a child’s sweater tucked into the bag she handed him.

“Here you go,” Laena said, her voice low and easy, a smile twitching at her lips. “Don’t forget, drop-off is at seven. And don’t keep them up too late, please.”

Laenor sighed dramatically. “I’m wounded by your lack of trust. Seven it is, no later, scout’s honor.”

Laena rolled her eyes but softened, smiling as she walked away. Alicent noticed the affectionate eye-roll Laenor gave her retreating figure, picking up his keys as he shook his head.

“Babysitting duty,” he explained casually and Alicent nodded, trying to piece together how everyone was connected. Laena is Rhaenyra’s ex wife so the kids Laenor is babysitting must be Rhaenyra’s kids. 

Alicent looked at Laenor, her curiosity piqued. “So you are close with Dr. Velyaron then if you’re babysitting her kids?” she asked, her tone casual as she took a sip of her water.

Joffrey burst into laughter, covering his mouth with one hand. “Oh, you are new here.”

Laenor smirked, shaking his head as he pushed his tray aside. “You didn’t know?”

“Know what?” Alicent asked, raising an eyebrow, genuinely puzzled.

“Laena is my sister,” Laenor explained, leaning back with a satisfied grin. “Different last names throw you off?”

“Oh really..” Alicent blinked, glancing between them. “Yeah I didn’t realize.”

Joffrey leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand with a soft smile. “Laenor took my last name when we got married. Quite the romantic, my husband.”

Laenor shrugged, a soft flush touching his cheeks. “It just made sense.”

Alicent looked at Laenor with a newfound appreciation, nodding. “Well, that’s… refreshing. Not many men do that.” She paused, her gaze drifting back to the baby bag Laena dropped off. She wanted to pry but decided not to. 

As their laughter softened, Laenor scooped up a stray dumpling, gesturing to Alicent with a grin. “By the way, if you ever get roped into babysitting the twins Baela and Rhaena. They are absolute three-year-old monsters.” He rolled his eyes dramatically, but Alicent caught the fondness behind it. “I swear, they’ve mastered the art of exhausting every adult in the room. Still, they’re adorable, if you can believe it.”

“Oh, I can believe it,” Alicent replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I’ve seen how kids can be charming and terrifying at once. Quite the combo.”

Joffrey gave a snort of laughter, throwing a teasing look at Laenor. “But between Laena and Rhaenyra, they have the perfect parents. I mean, Rhaenyra is practically a saint,” he added with a mock sigh. “The woman never tires, which is good because her marriage with Laena — well, let’s just say it was brief. I think their vows lasted about as long as an OR scrubbing session.”

Alicent raised her eyebrows, biting back a chuckle. “Oh… well.” She chose her words carefully, glancing between the two men. “That must have been… interesting.”

Laenor smirked, nudging her lightly. “You’re too polite to pry, Dr. Hightower. But I suppose you should know the dirty details if you’re going to work here…Laena and Rhaenyra got married after her and Laena got accidentally pregnant. They tried to make it work — but romantically?” He shrugged. “Oil and water. The girls weren’t even born by the time they split.”

“Yet somehow, they make co-parenting look easy,” Joffrey added, swirling his drink with a bemused shake of his head. “Laena and Rhaenyra are much better as friends than as a couple.”

Laenor leaned back, stretching as he reached for his drink. “Honestly, it’s a blessing that Laena and Rhaenyra still get along,” he said, chuckling softly. “Rhaenyra’s one of my best friends, so it’d be awkward otherwise.”

Alicent tilted her head, looking at him with genuine surprise. “Really? I didn’t know you two were that close.”

“Oh, definitely,” Laenor said, his grin widening. “Who do you think put in a good word when the head of neuro position opened up? She’s brilliant, of course, but a little nudge from a friend didn’t hurt.”

“Well, she’s lucky to have someone like you on her side,” she said, her voice soft but sincere.

Laenor shrugged, glancing toward Joffrey, who smirked knowingly. “Rhaenyra’s got this way of inspiring loyalty,” he replied. “Even when she’s driving you nuts in the OR, you still want her to succeed.”

Joffrey snorted, leaning in with a teasing look. “Ah, and maybe just a bit because she’s terrifying when she’s not happy. I mean, let’s be honest.”

Laenor laughed, rolling his eyes. “There might be a shred of truth in that.” He looked back at Alicent, eyes glinting with something knowing. “But seriously, she’s one of the good ones.”

Alicent nodded, her mind wandering to Rhaenyra and the glimpses she’d had of her, a fierce presence tempered with moments of warmth and insight

As Alicent’s expression softened at the mention of Rhaenyra, Joffrey and Laenor shared a knowing glance across the table. There was a flicker of amusement in Joffrey’s eyes, a hint of a smirk he quickly hid behind his coffee cup. Laenor’s lips quirked up, and he glanced down at his tray, seemingly engrossed in his food.

They didn’t say a word, letting the conversation flow naturally, but there was an unspoken understanding between them. Alicent’s interest in Rhaenyra hadn’t gone unnoticed. And they both happened to love to meddle.

///

It was nearing midnight when Alicent’s pager buzzed, the sharp sound breaking through her focus as she reviewed patient notes. She glanced down, eyes widening slightly at the message: Rhaenyra had requested her help with an urgent case.

She made her way to the neuro floor, her mind already running through possible scenarios. When she entered the dimly lit exam room, Rhaenyra was leaning over the chart, brows furrowed in concentration. Her face softened when she noticed Alicent, a small, almost relieved smile breaking through.

“Glad you’re here,” Rhaenyra murmured, her tone warm but businesslike, handing over the file. “I could use a second opinion on this.”

Alicent scanned the chart quickly, her eyes flickering up to meet Rhaenyra’s. “A complex seizure case?” she guessed. “We don’t see many of these in peds.”

“Exactly,” Rhaenyra said, moving beside her so they were shoulder to shoulder. “It’s one of those tricky situations where her pediatric history might impact the neuro workup. And I figured… well, you’d be the best person to help me piece this together.”

Alicent’s lips curved, a bit of amusement sparking in her gaze. “So I get a late-night page for your trickiest patients, huh?”

Rhaenyra chuckled, low and soft. “What can I say? I have high standards.”

Their hands brushed as they moved to study the imaging scans together, neither pulling away. The small, accidental touches felt charged, each one lingering just a bit too long. Alicent glanced up, finding Rhaenyra watching her intently, her eyes sharp but softened with something else Alicent couldn’t quite place.

“Well, I’ll try not to disappoint,” Alicent murmured, feeling her heartbeat pick up under that steady gaze.

Rhaenyra’s lips quirked up, a playful glint in her eyes. “I doubt you ever do.”

They fell into a rhythm, discussing possible treatments and outcomes, but every so often, their conversation drifted into something quieter, more personal. Alicent caught herself watching the way Rhaenyra’s mouth moved as she spoke, realizing only a moment too late that Rhaenyra was looking back at her with that same intensity.

Rhaenyra cleared her throat, a faint smile playing on her lips. “You know, I don’t usually pull in extra help unless I really need it,” she said, almost casually.

Alicent arched a brow, leaning slightly closer. “Is that right?”

Rhaenyra’s smile widened, her voice dropping to a murmur. “It is. So don’t go thinking I page just anyone at this hour.”

Their eyes locked, the silence between them filling with a tension they both felt but didn’t name. 

Alicent leaned over the scans, tracing a line with her finger as she spoke, her voice steady but soft. “It looks like there might be an issue with the hippocampal region… That could explain the seizures but also the emotional instability they reported.”

Rhaenyra nodded, close enough that her shoulder brushed Alicent’s. “I thought so too. But it’s rare in someone so young. Maybe it’s a long-term effect of the treatments she had as a toddler?”

“Could be,” Alicent replied, frowning slightly in concentration. “It’s the kind of case that makes you wonder if all we’re doing is buying time — for better or worse.”

Rhaenyra’s gaze softened, and she glanced at Alicent, sensing something unspoken in her tone. “You sound like you’ve seen it happen before.”

Alicent hesitated, but only briefly. “It happens more than I’d like,” she said, her voice almost a whisper. “With kids, you see them fight harder than anyone, but you also see what it costs them. And sometimes… sometimes, it feels like we’re just making promises we can’t keep.”

The words lingered in the quiet room, heavier than either of them intended. Rhaenyra tilted her head, her voice warm but tinged with understanding. “And yet, you keep doing it. Day after day.”

Alicent met her gaze, the weight of Rhaenyra’s words settling in. “I guess I’m just… stubborn,” she said, trying for a small smile. But there was a vulnerability in her eyes that she couldn’t quite hide.

Rhaenyra’s expression softened further, a rare tenderness flickering in her gaze. “Well, I think that’s one of your better qualities.”

They both fell silent for a moment, the hum of the hospital quieting around them. The proximity, the shared understanding — it felt like an invisible line had been crossed, yet neither of them moved away.

Rhaenyra’s voice was softer when she finally spoke. “You know, there’s something to be said for stubbornness. It’s what keeps us fighting for them, even when it feels impossible.”

Alicent’s gaze lingered on Rhaenyra, her heart pounding in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time. “I think it’s easier with people like you in the fight.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes held Alicent’s, a quiet intensity in them, as if she were weighing the words. “Funny… I was just about to say the same thing about you.”

A faint flush crept up Alicent’s cheeks, and she quickly looked down at the scan, hoping to mask her reaction. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, trying to focus on the familiar comfort of medical terminology, but her mind kept drifting back to the way Rhaenyra’s eyes had lingered just a moment too long.

Rhaenyra cleared her throat, her own voice suddenly taking on a slightly brisker edge, though there was a softness that lingered underneath. “Right… so, about the treatment plan,” she said, gesturing to the scan with a slight nod, her tone shifting back to professional. “If we focus on managing the hippocampal damage first, it might alleviate some of the more severe symptoms.”

Alicent blinked, catching herself, and nodded quickly. “Yes, yes, that sounds right,” she replied, her voice just a bit steadier. She leaned in, refocusing. “We could start with a targeted medication regimen, maybe something to control the seizures while we address the underlying inflammation.”

Rhaenyra’s expression grew thoughtful, and she nodded, the comfortable ease returning to her voice. “That’s a good call. We might even consider some early neurostimulation therapy. If her hippocampal response improves, we could avoid invasive options down the road.”

They continued discussing treatment options, each idea building on the other’s in a seamless rhythm, but Alicent could feel the aftereffects of that fleeting moment. Every so often, Rhaenyra’s hand would brush against hers as they reached for the same page or scan, and each time, a slight charge seemed to pulse between them, unacknowledged but undeniable.

///

Alicent unlocked her apartment door, stepping into the quiet, dimly lit space. The empty stillness greeted her like an old companion, and as she slipped off her shoes, she sighed, setting down her keys on the small table by the door. Her feet were sore, her mind still humming with thoughts of the case, and, if she was honest, a lingering sense of Rhaenyra’s warmth that she couldn’t quite shake.

She tossed her bag onto the counter and pressed play on her voicemail, switching the phone to speaker as she moved through her nightly routine. Her mother’s voice filled the room first, bright and upbeat as always.

“Hi, sweetheart! Just wanted to check in. Your father and I were talking about visiting soon, but no pressure — just when you’re settled, okay? Love you. Call me sometime!”

Alicent smiled, a pang of homesickness settling in her chest, though it quickly faded as the next message began to play. Her best friend’s voice chimed in, distant but familiar, with that easy, teasing tone she’d missed.

“Alicent! I hope King’s Landing hasn’t swallowed you whole yet. Drop me a line when you get a chance. And please, tell me you’re at least pretending to have a social life?”

She chuckled softly, the warmth from the message lingering as she moved to the fridge, pulling out a container of leftovers that were at least a day past their prime. She heated them up, the hum of the microwave filling the silence as the last voicemail began to play.

“Hey, Ali,” the voice started, smooth but laced with something hesitant. Alicent paused, her shoulders tensing involuntarily as she recognized her ex’s voice. “I know it’s been a while, but I wanted to check in, see how King’s Landing is treating you. I heard it’s a good move for your career and—”

Before the message could finish, Alicent pressed delete, the voice cutting off mid-sentence. She closed her eyes, exhaling as she rubbed her temples. She didn’t need that voice lingering here, not in her new city, not in this fresh start she was trying to build.

The microwave beeped, and she pulled out her barely-warm leftovers, sinking onto the couch with the container and a fork in hand. She took a few bites mechanically, her mind already wandering, filling the quiet with memories and unfinished thoughts. Eventually, she set the container down, too tired to bother finishing. She sank back into the cushions, letting herself drift, alone but feeling a little less weighed down, her mind settling on the one unexpected bright spot of her week: that magnetic pull she felt whenever Rhaenyra was around.

///

It had been a brutal day — one that left Alicent feeling hollowed out. The child, a six-year-old boy who had come in with a respiratory infection that worsened faster than anyone could anticipate, hadn’t made it. Despite every intervention, every frantic effort to save him, he slipped away. The parents' devastation still echoed in her mind, and all she could feel was a raw sense of failure.

Alicent found herself in an empty hallway, her chest tightening as the reality sank in. She leaned against the wall, struggling to keep her breathing steady, but each attempt at composure unraveled faster than she could hold it together. Her mind was spiraling, thoughts racing in jagged fragments that felt impossible to control.

Rhaenyra was making her usual rounds, a stack of charts in hand, when she spotted Alicent at the far end of the hallway, leaning against the wall near the pediatrics wing. Normally, she’d have tossed a quick, playful remark her way — something lighthearted. But as she drew closer, she noticed the unfocused look in Alicent’s eyes, her grip on the wall, the way her shoulders were hunched as if she were trying to hold herself together.

Rhaenyra paused, the teasing smile fading from her face as she took in the scene. She glanced around the empty hallway, her instinct kicking in as she quietly approached, her voice softer than usual.

“Alicent… are you okay?” she asked gently, her tone free of the usual banter. But Alicent didn’t respond, her gaze fixed somewhere in the middle distance, her breathing shallow and quick.

Realizing the situation, Rhaenyra didn’t hesitate. She placed a reassuring hand on Alicent’s shoulder and guided her down the hall to the nearest on-call room, careful and unobtrusive. Once inside, she closed the door and turned to face her, worry etched in her features.

“Alicent,” she said softly, reaching out but stopping just short, unsure of how close was too close. “Hey, you’re alright. Just… try to breathe with me, okay?”

Alicent’s chest rose and fell unevenly, and she looked like she was struggling just to hold on. Rhaenyra carefully took her hands, pressing them gently to her own chest. “Here,” she murmured, her voice a steadying force. “Match my breathing. In… and out.”

Slowly, Alicent’s frantic breaths began to slow, each one deeper than the last as she focused on the warmth and steadiness beneath her hands. The tightness in her chest began to ease, and the dizziness started to dissipate. She closed her eyes, following the rhythm of Rhaenyra’s breaths, letting herself be anchored by the other woman’s calm presence.

“There you go,” Rhaenyra whispered, her hands still resting lightly over Alicent’s, grounding her. They stood there in silence for a moment, their faces close, breaths steadying in sync, the weight of the day falling away bit by bit.

When she finally opened her eyes, the two of them were closer than she’d expected, her face inches from Rhaenyra’s, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the small room. Alicent felt her cheeks heat as she became acutely aware of their proximity, but Rhaenyra only offered a gentle, understanding smile before she released her hands, taking a step back.

“I’m sorry,” Rhaenyra said quietly, her voice tender but full of respect. “I didn’t mean to cross any lines.”

Alicent shook her head quickly, embarrassment prickling at her as she stepped back, clearing her throat. “No, it’s… I’m the one who… lost it,” she said, struggling to find the right words. “Thank you. I — I didn’t mean to act so… unprofessional.”

Rhaenyra’s expression softened, a hint of compassion in her eyes. “You’re human, Alicent. We all break sometimes.”

Alicent straightened, willing herself back into professional composure. She took a steadying breath, nodding as she met Rhaenyra’s gaze with a small, grateful smile. “I appreciate it. I’m… ready to get back to work.”

Rhaenyra’s nod was both understanding and a quiet reassurance. “If you need anything, you know where to find me.”

They left the on-call room together, slipping seamlessly back into their roles as doctors, but something unspoken lingered between them.

///

When Alicent finally made it back to her apartment, the weight of the day hung over her like a storm cloud. She set her bag down with a thud, her shoulders slumping as she kicked off her shoes and moved into the living room. The apartment felt oppressively quiet, every echo of the empty space amplifying the ache she’d been holding back since that awful moment in the hospital.

She sank onto the couch, her fingers grazing over her phone, hesitating before she unlocked it and pulled up her voicemail history. Her thumb hovered over the deleted messages, heart pounding as she hovered over her ex’s message from earlier. She’d deleted it without a second thought, needing to push it away, but now… now, she felt compelled to listen.

Taking a deep breath, she pressed “undelete” and hit play.

“Hey, Ali,” her ex’s voice began, the familiar softness hitting her like a punch to the chest. “I know it’s been a while, but I just… I wanted to check in. I’ve been thinking about you. I heard you took a position at the hospital in King’s Landing — that’s amazing. I know how hard you’ve worked to get there. I hope it’s everything you wanted.”

There was a pause, a faint sigh on the other end, and Alicent felt her throat tighten. She could almost picture her ex, the way she used to speak with that same gentle tone, the one that always made Alicent feel understood, even in the hardest moments.

“I just… wanted to let you know I’m here. If you need someone. I know things ended… not the way we wanted, but I still care. And I hope you’re happy. Or… at least, I hope you’re okay.”

The message ended, her ex’s voice fading into silence, leaving Alicent alone with a hollow ache in her chest. She didn’t know why she’d needed to hear it — or maybe she did, deep down. The reminder of something familiar, something safe, cracked something open inside her that she’d been trying to hold together all day.

Her hand fell to her lap, the phone slipping from her fingers as a choked sob escaped her. She curled into herself, wrapping her arms around her knees as tears blurred her vision, her body trembling with the weight of it all. She cried for the child she couldn’t save, for the pressures she carried, and for the pieces of her life she’d left behind.

Eventually, her sobs quieted, and exhaustion overtook her. She drifted off on the couch, the empty silence settling around her once again, leaving only the quiet reminder of what she’d lost — and maybe, what she’d still hoped to find.

///

The steady hum of the OR surrounded them as Rhaenyra and Alicent worked in sync, hands moving confidently as they managed a delicate procedure together. They had fallen into an easy rhythm, their voices low as they chatted about life, each word blending seamlessly with their focused work.

"So," Rhaenyra started, glancing at Alicent with a slight grin, "what’s a glamorous doctor like you doing without a social life in King’s Landing?”

Alicent chuckled, rolling her eyes. “It’s only glamorous if your idea of fun is paperwork and leftovers.” She glanced back at Rhaenyra, catching the faint twinkle of amusement in her eyes. “But then again, you’re not exactly living it up either, from what I hear.”

Just then, Rhaenyra’s pager went off, the distinct code flashing for her kids in the hospital’s daycare. With a sigh, she motioned to an intern nearby. “Can you do me a favor and check on Baela and Rhaena in the daycare? They probably forgot their snack or lost a shoe. Again.”

The intern nodded, hurrying off, and Rhaenyra returned her attention to Alicent, her expression softening. Alicent watched her, a hint of curiosity in her gaze. “Did you… always know you wanted kids?”

Rhaenyra let out a surprised laugh, shaking her head. “One day, maybe. But Baela and Rhaena? Total surprise.” She chuckled, her eyes flickering with a fondness that softened her usually sharp demeanor. “Laena and I… we weren’t exactly planning it.”

Alicent’s smile widened, recalling something Laenor had mentioned. “Yeah, Laenor might’ve let it slip. Said something about your marriage barely beating Kim Kardashian’s record?”

Rhaenyra’s laugh echoed through the OR, surprising a few of the nurses nearby. “Oh, that story? Yes, our grand record-breaking marriage.” She shook her head, still smiling. “Laena and I… we’re great friends. We thought maybe we could be something more, but once the romance started… well, let’s just say we both knew very quickly we were much better as friends.”

Alicent nodded, sensing the honesty and ease in Rhaenyra’s voice. “I can understand that. It sounds like it took a lot to even try.”

Rhaenyra shrugged, a knowing glint in her eye. “It did. And as awkward as it was, it was one of the best decisions I made. Co-parenting with her has been… amazing. I think we both knew from the start that what we had was a friendship, nothing more, and that’s where we thrive.”

Alicent’s gaze softened, an understanding smile on her lips. “Not everyone could manage that.”

“Maybe not,” Rhaenyra replied, her tone almost conspiratorial as she looked at Alicent. “But you’d be surprised what people can do when they care enough.”

As they continued working, Alicent found herself unable to resist asking more. “So, what are they like? Baela and Rhaena, I mean.”

At the mention of her daughters, Rhaenyra’s entire face lit up, a genuine, beaming smile replacing her usual poised expression. “Oh, those two… they’re everything,” she said, her voice softening with pride. “Baela’s the adventurous one. She’s always climbing, exploring, trying to get into every corner of the world. She’ll drag you along with her, too, if she thinks she can get away with it.”

Alicent chuckled, charmed by the image. “And Rhaena?”

“Rhaena’s… different,” Rhaenyra said, her tone affectionate. “She’s thoughtful, observant. She’ll sit and watch Baela go wild, but she’s the one who knows where all her sister’s hidden treasures are.” She paused, a laugh bubbling up. “They’re opposites in so many ways, but inseparable. If you see one, you’ll find the other right behind.”

Alicent found herself smiling, absorbed in the image Rhaenyra painted. “Sounds like they keep you busy.”

“Oh, that’s an understatement,” Rhaenyra replied with a laugh, her eyes bright with that unmistakable love. “I don’t know where they get the energy. But no matter how exhausting they are, they’re… well, they’re my everything.”

Alicent nodded, sensing how deeply Rhaenyra meant every word. There was a kind of warmth in Rhaenyra’s face she hadn’t seen before, a vulnerability that softened her usual composed exterior. And in that moment, Alicent felt a quiet awe at the side of Rhaenyra she was privileged enough to see.

“They’re lucky,” Alicent said quietly. “To have you.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes flicked up, meeting Alicent’s with a hint of surprise, and then a smile — softer, deeper than before. “Thank you, Alicent,” she murmured. “Do you want kids? Someday, I mean?”

Alicent’s hands stilled for just a moment before she forced herself to keep moving, swallowing hard. The question hung in the air, touching on something she didn’t often talk about. “I do,” she admitted softly. “One day… with the right partner.”

Rhaenyra nodded, but a flicker of something almost hesitant crossed her face, a brief moment where she seemed to be holding her breath. “Right. The right partner,” she murmured, glancing down at her work. “And are you seeing anyone now?” There was a subtle, almost nervous edge to her tone, as if the idea of Alicent having that person already unsettled her.

Alicent noticed, and a wry smile tugged at her lips. “God, no, I don’t have anyone like that,” she said, her laugh soft but genuine, breaking the tension that had briefly settled between them. “Far from it.”

Rhaenyra’s shoulders relaxed, the faintest hint of relief passing through her gaze. But before either of them could say more, the steady beeping of the monitor escalated, jolting them back to the present. Instantly, they snapped into focus, the shift abrupt but instinctive.

The conversation was cut off, the delicate thread between them slipping back into the background as they dove into the intense focus of the procedure. But in the silence that followed, the lingering traces of their words remained, quietly resonating beneath the sterile hum of the OR.

///

It was late, and the hospital had finally quieted, the hum of voices and footsteps fading as the last of the day’s staff filtered out. Alicent was gathering her things when Rhaenyra spotted her, leaning against the counter in the dim light, looking tired but content after a long shift. 

As they walked toward the exit, Alicent let out a small laugh, brushing a loose strand of hair back as she looked over at Rhaenyra. “You know, I haven’t seen much of King’s Landing beyond the hospital and my apartment,” she said lightly. “Feels like the city has so much more to offer than takeout and late-night rounds.”

Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Well, maybe that’s because you haven’t had the right guide,” she replied, her tone playful, testing the waters.

Alicent chuckled, raising her hand in mock surrender. “Maybe I’m waiting for an invitation.”

There was a pause as they reached the lot, and Rhaenyra’s heart skipped a beat. Alicent’s words hung in the air, a glimmer of something that made her wonder — just for a moment — if there was something more here. Gathering her courage, she took a small step forward as Alicent reached her car.

“Actually speaking of that,” she started, voice just a bit softer. Alicent turned to face her, curiosity in her eyes. Rhaenyra cleared her throat, attempting to keep her tone light. “Would you… want to go out with me sometime? Like, as in, a date?”

Alicent blinked, visibly caught off guard. She hadn’t expected that — hadn’t expected Rhaenyra to be so direct, or for her heart to skip the way it did at the invitation. Part of her wanted to say yes without hesitation, to lean into that warmth and connection she’d felt building between them. But a quiet ache reminded her of the emotional ground she was still navigating, the unresolved pieces she was still trying to put together after her divorce.

“Oh, Rhaenyra…” She swallowed, managing a soft, appreciative smile as she looked down, gathering her thoughts. “I’m… flattered, really. And you’re… incredible.” She met Rhaenyra’s eyes, her own filled with a quiet sincerity. “But I think it’s… it’s just too soon. I’m still sorting myself out after the divorce. I’m… not quite there yet.”

Rhaenyra’s face softened, a glimmer of understanding breaking through her initial disappointment. She nodded slowly, offering a gentle smile that reassured more than it pressured. “Of course,” she murmured, her voice warm and genuine. “I get it completely.”

Alicent’s shoulders relaxed, her hand dropping from the car door. “Thank you,” she said softly, truly grateful for the understanding in Rhaenyra’s eyes. “It means a lot that you… that you asked.”

They lingered there for a moment, an unspoken understanding settling comfortably between them. Rhaenyra stepped back, giving her space, and with a final shared smile, Alicent climbed into her car. She drove away, the quiet excitement of Rhaenyra’s invitation still lingering in her heart, leaving her with the thought that, when the time was right, maybe… just maybe… she’d be ready to say yes.

///

Alicent held the phone between her shoulder and ear, stirring the pot on the stove with increasing frustration. The sauce was too thick, and she could already tell it wasn’t going to turn out the way she’d hoped.

“Mom, are you sure this is right?” she asked, glancing skeptically at the bubbling mixture. “It’s clumping.”

Her mom chuckled on the other end. “Did you add enough liquid? You’re probably rushing it. You always do that.”

Alicent rolled her eyes but smiled despite herself. “Okay, okay, fine. I’ll add more.” She reached for the broth and poured a little in, watching as it thinned out.

There was a small pause before her mother’s voice softened. “So… have you talked to her lately?”

Alicent’s grip tightened slightly on the spoon, and she took a steadying breath. “No, I haven’t,” she replied, keeping her tone even. The silence stretched, but the tension was unmistakable.

Her mom’s voice was gentle but firm. “Good. You’re moving forward, not looking back. That’s what matters.”

“Right,” Alicent murmured, focusing on the sauce to avoid letting the emotions slip through. The familiar ache was still there, but she’d gotten better at keeping it in check.

Her mom hesitated before switching topics. “Maybe it’s time to… start dating, you know? You deserve some happiness, Ali.”

Alicent huffed a small laugh, deciding to humor her. “Actually… a coworker did ask me out.”

Her mom’s interest piqued immediately. “Oh! That’s wonderful! Tell me about her.”

Alicent could almost see her mom leaning forward with excitement. She smiled, letting herself think of Rhaenyra for a moment. “She’s… well, she’s amazing. She’s head of neurosurgery — an alpha. Smart, really compassionate. A bit intense, but in a good way.” She stirred the sauce, her smile fading just slightly. “But I told her no.”

There was a beat of silence before her mom spoke, confusion evident in her tone. “Why not?”

Alicent sighed, the words coming out slowly. “Because I’m not ready, Mom. She deserves someone who is, someone who’s fully… there. She’s a good person, and I wouldn’t want her to feel like a rebound. And I don’t want that either.”

Her mom’s voice softened, carrying both understanding and that firm motherly wisdom. “Honey, sometimes things come to you when you least expect them. Just because it’s unexpected doesn’t mean you should walk away from it.”

Alicent’s voice tightened a little. “It’s not that.“

Her mom sighed on the other end, the sound gentle but tinged with that all-too-familiar wisdom. “Ali, all I’m saying is… you’ve got this habit of creating a story in your head, convincing yourself that everything will fall into place one day, all picture-perfect. But life doesn’t always wait for that, sweetheart. Sometimes, you only get one chance at something. And if this alpha is as amazing as you say, well… I don’t think she’ll be on the market for very long.”

Alicent rolled her eyes, stirring the sauce with a little more force than necessary. “Even if she is amazing, I’m not ready,” she said, her voice a bit sharper than she intended. She hesitated, the words catching in her throat. “I still think about…” Her voice trailed off, and she shook her head, swallowing back the thought. “Well, it doesn’t matter.”

Her mom’s sigh was soft, understanding. “Okay, honey. Just… think about what I said, alright?”

“Yeah,” Alicent murmured, the weight of the conversation settling over her like a heavy blanket. She quickly changed the subject. “So, how’s Dad?”

“Oh, you know him,” her mom said, her tone shifting to a lighter, familiar warmth. “He’s in the garage tinkering with that old lawn mower again. He’s convinced it’ll last another ten years if he can just figure out what’s rattling in the motor.”

Alicent laughed, the tension easing just a bit. “He’ll keep that thing running forever if it’s the last thing he does.”

“That’s your father.” Her mom chuckled. “Stubborn as anything.”

They chatted a bit longer, the conversation shifting to family updates and little stories that made Alicent smile. But as they said their goodbyes and she hung up, her mom’s words lingered in her mind, pulling at her heart. She didn’t want to admit it — didn’t want to face the possibility that her mother might be right about the walls she’d built around herself.

///

Alicent was deep into the case, her focus razor-sharp as she worked alongside Criston Cole, one of the hospital’s top cardiac surgeons. It was a complex and heartbreaking surgery on a young child, the kind that forced every bit of skill and stamina from everyone involved. Rhaenyra wasn’t around — she was at a medical conference in Boston, some big event for her research. Alicent had known about it for weeks, but somehow, she hadn’t realized how much she’d feel her absence.

The surgery was grueling, the kind that stretched hours on end, pushing everyone’s focus and patience to their limits. To keep themselves sharp, Alicent and Criston had fallen into a rhythm of quiet conversation, bits of personal life filling the sterile silence of the OR.

They’d covered the usual topics: favorite restaurants in town, the ridiculous hours they kept, and the kinds of cases that had defined their careers. But as the hours wore on, the conversation turned a little more personal.

“So,” Criston said, glancing over at her between sutures, “do you have anyone waiting at home? Partner, spouse…?”

Alicent’s hands didn’t falter, but she felt a pang, the familiar sting of a still-fresh wound. She kept her tone steady, her expression neutral. “No, I’m… recently divorced.”

He nodded, processing the brief response, and then gave a faint smile, one laced with understanding. “We’re in the same boat, then. My mate and I just… unmated. It’s been… complicated.”

Alicent glanced at him, surprised by the honesty. Criston had always come across as confident, even arrogant, but there was a vulnerability in his voice that softened her initial perception of him.

“I didn’t expect it to be this hard,” he admitted, his hands steady as he worked, but his voice carrying a weight she recognized all too well. “You go through so much together, you know? Building a life, making plans… and then it’s just… gone.”

Alicent nodded, her gaze steady on the surgical field but her attention caught by his words. “It’s like you’re free, but at the same time, you’re constantly haunted by what’s left behind.”

Criston exhaled a quiet laugh, one tinged with a bitterness she could understand. “Yeah, that’s exactly it. People don’t tell you how heavy that freedom can feel.”

She allowed herself a small, understanding smile, the tension easing slightly in the shared camaraderie. Despite his cockiness, Criston’s words resonated, hitting close to home in a way she hadn’t expected.

They fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts, but the brief exchange settled something between them. For the first time, she saw Criston as more than just the self-assured surgeon he projected. In that long, challenging night, they were simply two people finding their way through heartbreak, doing what they could to rebuild — one careful stitch at a time.

///

The surgery took a grim turn. No matter how hard they worked, no matter how many interventions they tried, the child’s condition spiraled beyond their control. Blood loss, organ failure — each complication seemed to cascade, an unstoppable tide that left Alicent and Criston fighting with every ounce of skill and determination. But it wasn’t enough. The monitors went silent, leaving a ringing stillness in the OR, thick with the weight of defeat.

Alicent stood there, feeling the blood still staining her gloves, her breaths shallow and strained as the reality settled over her. She could see the anguish etched on Criston’s face, the usually cocky surgeon now wearing an expression that looked far too vulnerable.

Criston pulled his gloves off, tossing them aside with a resigned sigh. “Is your shift over?” he asked, his voice rough.

Alicent nodded, still numb. “Yeah… it is.”

“Good,” he said, scrubbing a hand over his face. “Let’s go. There’s a bar across the street. I could use a drink, and I’m willing to bet you could too.”

She shook her head, managing a weary smile. “Criston, really, it’s fine. I just need to… clear my head.”

He raised an eyebrow, giving her a look that was almost challenging. “Come on, Hightower. Don’t do the stoic thing. Consider it a favor to me, okay? I’m not sure I want to be alone after… that.”

Alicent hesitated, feeling the weight of his request. She wasn’t one for post-shift drinks, and Criston wasn’t exactly the person she’d expected to be leaning on after something like this. But something in his eyes told her he wasn’t just doing this for himself.

Finally, she sighed, nodding. “Alright. Just one drink.”

Criston offered a small, grateful smile, and they left the OR together, both carrying the weight of a night they’d be unable to shake for a long time.

///

Alicent didn’t remember how one drink turned into three, or how three drinks turned into her stumbling through the door of Criston’s sleek, meticulously clean apartment. She was barely aware of the laugh that slipped from her lips as she kicked off her shoes, her fingers fumbling at his collar. Criston’s lips found hers, and they kissed with an intensity that surprised her, fueled by a cocktail of grief, exhaustion, and that hollow ache that had taken up residence in her chest for far too long.

The kisses were fierce, almost desperate, but as they moved in sync, Alicent felt strangely detached. She wasn’t really here, wasn’t really feeling much, but that didn’t matter. She knew Criston wasn’t, either. They were two people caught in the same storm, each haunted by memories of someone else, someone lost to them. And in that unspoken understanding, there was a comfort she couldn’t find anywhere else.

His hands gripped her waist, pulling her closer, and she let herself lean into the sensation, if only to forget the weight of the bad case, the silence that lingered in the wake of a life lost. She knew that for Criston, this was just as much about forgetting as it was for her. There were no promises here, no emotional entanglements, just a shared moment of escape.

For the first time in a long time, Alicent let herself not care — not about tomorrow, not about what any of this meant. She just wanted to feel something other than the emptiness that had clung to her for so long. And with Criston, in the hazy blur of it all, it was easy to pretend, if only for a little while.

///

Alicent was in the on-call room with Criston. It was a week after their one night stand and he messaged her to meet him this morning. She was a bit hesitant but ended up heading over anyways.

Criston had just handed her a small, neatly folded pair of underwear.

“Criston..I hate to break it to you but these aren’t mine.” Alicent chuckled, holding them up with a raised eyebrow.

Criston’s eyes widened, the smug grin on his face gone. “Oh my god…are you serious? I’m so sorry I-“

Alicent waved him off. “Relax it’s fine. They are nice though. She has good taste.”

They both laughed. They knew whatever had happened between them was nothing more than a shared escape, and they were both fine with that.

Just as Alicent was about the hand the underwear back to him, still laughing, the door swung open. She looked up, freezing instantly, as Rhaenyra stepped into the room.

Rhaenyra’s gaze flicked between the two of them, taking in Alicent’s flushed face, Criston’s easy grin, and the underwear in Alicent’s hand as she tried to hide the evidence. Her expression shifted, a flicker of something unreadable passing over her face before she cleared her throat.

“Oh… am I interrupting something?” she asked, her tone perfectly casual but her gaze lingering on Alicent.

Alicent’s cheeks flushed, her smile faltering as she stammered. “No — no, not at all. Just… talking.” She shot Criston a quick, helpless look, and he only shrugged, looking entirely unbothered.

“Right,” Rhaenyra replied, her eyes narrowing slightly, though her face remained impassive. She moved to grab the chart she’d come for, the silence in the room thick with awkwardness.

“Well,” Criston said, breaking the tension with a shrug. “I’ll leave you two to it.” He gave Alicent a casual nod, glancing at Rhaenyra with an indifferent smile before slipping out of the room.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Alicent was left standing there, her face still pink as she looked at Rhaenyra, who now regarded her with a look that was half-curious, half-something else.

“So,” Rhaenyra said slowly, folding her arms as her gaze lingered on Alicent. “That looked… interesting.”

Alicent cleared her throat, trying to force a smile. “It’s nothing. Really.”

Rhaenyra’s expression softened, but there was a hint of something guarded in her eyes. She nodded, her lips pressing into a small, unreadable smile. “Alright,” she said, her tone light but her gaze still lingering as she turned back to her chart, leaving the words — and everything left unsaid — hanging in the air between them.

///

Alicent and Rhaenyra were elbow-deep in a particularly complex case, their conversation brisk and efficient, focused solely on the work at hand. Rhaenyra’s tone was polite, her words professional, every bit the accomplished head of neuro. But Alicent could feel the difference, the subtle shift that reminded her painfully of the warmth she’d once felt, now replaced by this careful distance.

Rhaenyra wasn’t being cold — quite the opposite. She was being kind and supportive, but it was the kind of niceness Alicent knew was reserved for acquaintances, colleagues… not for whatever closeness they’d once been building. And Alicent knew exactly why.

The tension lingered as they worked, every word exchanged adding to the weight of the unspoken. Finally, Alicent couldn’t stand it anymore. She waited for a lull in the conversation, heart pounding as she glanced at Rhaenyra.

“Look, Rhaenyra,” she started, swallowing back the nervous edge in her voice, “the thing with Criston… that was casual.”

Rhaenyra didn’t look up from the chart, her expression remaining impassive. “It’s really none of my business,” she replied smoothly, her voice calm but unmistakably detached.

Alicent’s chest tightened. She took a breath, forcing herself to press on. “I know it isn’t. But I just…I mean you asked me out and I said no and then I turned around and-.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes flicked up, just briefly, meeting Alicent’s with an unreadable expression before she focused back on the notes. “Alicent,” she cut the other woman off softly, her voice gentle but firm, “I meant what I said before. You don’t owe me an explanation.”

Alicent nodded, feeling a knot of frustration and regret twist in her chest. 

Rhaenyra’s gaze softened, the hint of something genuine breaking through her composed expression. She looked up slowly, her lips curving in a small, understanding smile. “I promise you, we are good,” she said, a hint of warmth returning to her voice. “Truly.”

They shared a quiet look, something unspoken passing between them, a truce of sorts.

///

Two months later and everything between Alicent is the same. It’s good actually. Alicent considers Rhaenyra to be a good friend now. They don’t really talk about stuff outside of work but it’s nice. It’s what Alicent can handle.

The bar across the street was buzzing, filled with the relaxed chatter and laughter of hospital staff unwinding after a long day. Alicent rarely joined them, usually opting to head straight home, but tonight she’d let herself be convinced by Laenor and Joffrey, who’d been relentless with their teasing about her “work-only” routine.

They were two drinks in, Laenor and Joffrey telling a ridiculous story from their honeymoon that had Alicent laughing louder than she had in a long time. She was just starting to feel at ease when Joffrey’s eyes flicked toward the door, and he nudged Laenor with a smirk.

“Oh… now that’s interesting,” he murmured.

Alicent followed their gaze, her laughter fading as she saw Rhaenyra walk in, dressed in casual clothes and looking more relaxed than Alicent had seen her in months. Beside her was Margaery, one of the nurses from the peds floor, leaning close and saying something that made Rhaenyra laugh.

Laenor raised an eyebrow, glancing back at Joffrey with an amused expression. “That’s new,” he said, tilting his head thoughtfully.

Alicent looked between them, feeling a twist of something unfamiliar in her chest. “Wait… is that—” she began, her voice dropping as she struggled to piece together the words. “I mean… are they…?”

Laenor shrugged, taking a casual sip of his drink. “If they are, that’s news to me.” He shot a quick look at Joffrey, who chuckled and gave a small, knowing shrug.

Alicent felt her gaze drifting back to Rhaenyra and Margaery, watching as they made their way to the bar. Margaery leaned close to say something, and Rhaenyra smiled, nodding along, her attention entirely on the nurse. Alicent’s stomach twisted, and she forced herself to look away, refocusing on her drink.

She tried to shake it off, reminding herself that whatever was or wasn’t happening between Rhaenyra and Margaery was none of her business. But she couldn’t quite ignore the flicker of jealousy that lingered, a reminder of a chance she’d turned down and couldn’t easily take back.

Alicent slipped away from Laenor and Joffrey, needing a refill and, if she was honest with herself, maybe a closer look at whatever was going on between Rhaenyra and Margaery. She approached the bar, waiting for the bartender when she felt someone’s gaze on her. She glanced over and saw Rhaenyra, who smiled and gave a small wave, motioning her over.

“Hey, Alicent,” Rhaenyra greeted, her tone warm. “Do you know Margaery?”

Alicent offered a polite smile, nodding. “Yeah, we both work in peds, so… safe to say we know each other.”

“Right, of course,” Rhaenyra replied, looking just a touch sheepish, though her smile didn’t waver. She turned to the bartender, motioning for two drinks.

Margaery leaned in, her expression friendly. “Alicent, can I ask you about the MRI protocol for the kids? I heard you changed it up last week.”

Alicent nodded, grateful for the distraction, and they quickly fell into a brief, work-related conversation, discussing the adjustments she’d made and how it was already improving turnaround times for the young patients. She kept her focus on Margaery, trying not to look over at Rhaenyra as she handed her credit card to the bartender, paying for both drinks without a second thought.

The casual gesture made Alicent pause, a faint pang of something unidentifiable settling in her chest. She’d never seen Rhaenyra look quite so at ease with anyone outside of work, so comfortable. She forced a polite smile, but her attention drifted to the quiet dynamic between Rhaenyra and Margaery — the easy way they leaned into each other’s space, the casual familiarity that felt so different from what she’d seen with Rhaenyra before.

When the bartender returned, handing Rhaenyra both drinks, Alicent’s gaze lingered, feeling suddenly out of place in a way that was difficult to ignore.

///

Alicent was doing her best to stay engaged in the conversation with Laenor and Joffrey, but her gaze kept drifting over to Rhaenyra and Margaery. She watched as the two women shared quiet smiles, occasionally leaning in close. Every now and then, Margaery would say something that made Rhaenyra laugh, and Alicent felt a tightening in her chest she hadn’t expected.

A few minutes later, Rhaenyra and Margaery finished their drinks, and Alicent watched as they slipped out of the bar together, heads close as they talked on their way to the door. She felt a pang of something she didn’t want to name as they disappeared into the night.

“Well,” Joffrey murmured, raising an eyebrow with a smirk. “I guess Laena has the kids tonight.”

Laenor chuckled, but his gaze drifted back to Alicent, a knowing look in his eyes. “You know,” he started gently, “it’s none of my business, but… if you’re interested in her—”

Alicent quickly cut him off, a bit too forcefully. “Oh, I’m not. Really.” She fumbled, trying to find the words. “I’m still… healing after the divorce, and I couldn’t… I wouldn’t…”

Laenor studied her for a moment, his expression softening. He nodded slowly, understanding in his gaze. “Right,” he said, his tone gentle. “Well… I think you already know where she stands.”

Alicent swallowed, the unspoken truth lingering between them. She managed a small smile, grateful that Laenor didn’t push further, and they slipped back into lighter conversation with Joffrey. But as the evening wore on, a quiet realization settled over her — one that she wasn’t quite ready to confront.

///

Alicent was finishing up her rounds on the peds floor when she spotted Rhaenyra near the nurses’ station, handing a coffee to Margaery. They were talking, their laughter soft but unmistakable as Margaery accepted the drink with a smile that Alicent recognized all too well. She quickly looked down at her clipboard, pretending to focus on her notes, but she couldn’t ignore the light, familiar way Rhaenyra touched Margaery’s shoulder before she turned to leave.

Alicent barely had a chance to gather her composure when Rhaenyra spotted her and, with a smile, walked over. “Hey, Alicent,” she greeted, her voice warm but professional. “I was meaning to ask you about that case with the congenital neuro disorder we discussed last month. I heard the treatment results were interesting?”

Alicent felt her heart quicken but kept her expression composed, nodding as they fell into step together down the hallway. “Yes, actually. We tried a new regimen, and the improvement’s been… promising,” she replied, glancing up at Rhaenyra, who was watching her intently, the faintest hint of admiration in her gaze.

As they walked, Rhaenyra’s hand brushed Alicent’s arm in a casual but lingering gesture, her fingers just barely skimming her elbow. It was subtle, probably nothing to anyone else, but Alicent felt the warmth of the touch linger, her pulse quickening. Rhaenyra’s attention was fixed on her, listening intently, her focus unwavering in that way Alicent knew by now — but it felt different, more personal somehow.

“So, you’ve managed to adjust the meds without compromising liver function?” Rhaenyra asked, nodding thoughtfully. As they rounded a corner, she leaned a little closer, just enough that Alicent could catch the faint scent of her perfume, something warm and subtle that made her stomach flip.

“Yes,” Alicent replied, her voice softer than intended, glancing at Rhaenyra out of the corner of her eye. “It took a bit of trial and error, but… I think we found the right balance.”

Rhaenyra smiled, her expression lighting up as she met Alicent’s gaze. “That’s impressive,” she murmured, the words filled with an admiration that left Alicent momentarily speechless.

They stopped near the end of the hall, both still as the sounds of the hospital drifted around them. For a moment, neither moved, caught in the quiet between words, the unspoken tension lingering. Rhaenyra glanced down at Alicent’s hand, her fingers hovering just an inch away as if considering reaching out.

But then, Rhaenyra straightened, breaking the spell, her usual composed expression slipping back into place. “Thank you for the update,” she said softly, her gaze holding Alicent’s a moment longer. “I’ll be interested to see how the patient progresses.”

Alicent managed a small nod, the warmth of Rhaenyra’s presence still clinging to her as she watched her walk away.

///

The ER was chaos. Calls echoed through the halls, a constant hum of frantic movement as staff scrambled to handle the flood of patients from a massive six-car collision. Bloodied stretchers lined the hall, each patient’s case more severe than the last. Alicent and Rhaenyra found themselves working side-by-side, deep into a particularly brutal case. The patient’s injuries were extensive, and despite their combined efforts, it was a losing battle.

They tried everything, pushing themselves past exhaustion, but eventually, the monitor flatlined, the heartbeats fading into silence. Alicent felt the weight of failure settle over her, thick and suffocating, but before she could process it, she saw Rhaenyra storm out of the trauma room, her face twisted in frustration and grief. She followed, just in time to see Rhaenyra’s fist collide with the wall, the dull thud echoing down the hallway.

“Rhaenyra!” Alicent hurried over, grabbing her arm and pulling her toward an empty on-call room. She pushed the door shut behind them and immediately turned to Rhaenyra, her gaze sharp, eyes flicking down to her hand, already swelling. “Do you have any idea what you could’ve just done? If you broke your hand…” Her voice was firm, but her grip gentle as she took Rhaenyra’s hand, inspecting the knuckles carefully, her fingers cool and steady against Rhaenyra’s warm, battered skin.

Rhaenyra’s jaw tightened, her breaths coming quick and shallow. “It’s fine,” she muttered, trying to pull her hand back, but Alicent didn’t let go.

“No, it’s not,” Alicent said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “You could have destroyed everything you’ve worked for — your career, your surgeries.” She looked up, her eyes fierce and unyielding. “What were you thinking?”

Rhaenyra exhaled a shaky breath, the frustration in her gaze softening as she met Alicent’s eyes. “I just… it wasn’t supposed to go like that,” she admitted, her voice breaking slightly. “We did everything we could, and it still wasn’t enough. I hate that.”

Alicent’s expression softened, her thumb brushing over Rhaenyra’s bruised knuckles in a soothing gesture. “I know,” she said quietly, grounding her with her calm presence. “But you can’t lose control like that. You know that better than anyone.”

Rhaenyra’s shoulders sagged, the tension draining as Alicent’s steady presence grounded her, soothing the raw edges of her anger and grief. “I just… I don’t know why it hit me like that. I felt like I failed them.”

Alicent held her gaze, her voice gentle but firm. “You didn’t fail. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how good we are, how hard we try. There are things we can’t change.”

They stood there in silence for a moment, the weight of the loss settling between them, both of them absorbing it in the quiet of the room. Alicent’s hand lingered on Rhaenyra’s, steady and reassuring, until Rhaenyra’s breathing finally slowed.

“Thank you,” Rhaenyra whispered, her gaze softened with gratitude, vulnerability shining through.

Alicent nodded, giving her hand one last squeeze before letting go. “Next time you want to punch something, maybe… pick something that won’t ruin your hands?” she murmured, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

Rhaenyra chuckled softly, the tension easing further. “Noted.”

///

Alicent was finishing up a late chart when she passed by the locker room, glancing in to see Rhaenyra by the lockers, changing out of her scrubs. She hesitated, feeling her cheeks warm as she caught sight of Rhaenyra’s back, bare under the dim light, revealing a large, intricate tattoo that spanned her shoulder blade. Alicent tried to look away, but her gaze lingered, and that’s when Rhaenyra looked up, catching her.

“See something interesting?” Rhaenyra asked, her voice soft but laced with a sad humor that mirrored the weight they were both carrying from earlier. Despite the attempt at levity, Alicent could still see the sadness in her eyes, that flicker of grief that hadn’t left since they’d lost the patient.

Alicent flushed, fidgeting with the hem of her jacket. “I just… I didn’t know you had a tattoo. It’s… big.”

Rhaenyra’s lips quirked in a small, wry smile as she pulled on her shirt, covering the design. “Yeah, I have three, actually. Hidden in plain sight, I suppose.” She turned back to her locker, slipping into her casual clothes.

Before she could stop herself, Alicent blurted out, “Do you want to get a drink?”

Rhaenyra paused, turning slowly, her eyebrows raised in surprise. “What?”

Alicent swallowed, feeling her cheeks flush deeper. “A drink. As… coworkers. Friends.” She shrugged, trying to sound casual. “It was a rough one today, and… well, it might help. You know. To talk or… just… I don’t know.”

For a moment, Rhaenyra looked as though she might say no, her usual composed expression slipping back into place. But then, something softened in her gaze, and she nodded. “Sure. A drink sounds good.”

Alicent felt herself exhale, her heartbeat a little quicker than she’d like to admit as they left together, the quiet understanding between them deepening with each step out into the night.

///

The bar was dim, casting warm shadows across the room, and Alicent and Rhaenyra sat across from each other in a corner booth, drinks in hand. The air between them was thick with unspoken words, a tension that neither could ignore but neither dared acknowledge. They hadn’t spoken much since sitting down — just small talk, the kind that skimmed the surface, polite and noncommittal. But every glance, every shift in their posture, felt loaded.

“So…” Alicent said, finally breaking the silence, her voice soft. “Three tattoos?” She glanced up from her glass, her gaze lingering on Rhaenyra’s shoulder, as if she could still see the faint outline of ink beneath her shirt.

Rhaenyra’s lips quirked in a faint smile, her eyes glinting with something that sent a quiet thrill through Alicent. “Three tattoos,” she confirmed, her tone casual but her gaze intense. “People tend to be surprised when they find out I have tattoos, not sure why.”

Alicent felt her cheeks warm, her fingers playing absently with the edge of her glass. “I suppose there’s a lot more than meets the eye.”

Rhaenyra’s smile deepened, a hint of something almost challenging in her eyes. “I could say the same for you.”

Alicent’s breath caught, and she shifted slightly, the warmth spreading as she held Rhaenyra’s gaze. “Maybe,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She wanted to say more, to ask what Rhaenyra meant, but the weight of their words hung between them, heavy and magnetic, pulling them into a silence that felt anything but empty.

Rhaenyra’s fingers brushed against her glass, tracing its rim, her eyes never leaving Alicent’s. “It was a hard day,” she said finally, her voice low, almost a murmur.

Alicent nodded, her gaze dropping to Rhaenyra’s hands, the delicate movement of her fingers. “Yeah,” she replied softly, feeling the exhaustion mixed with something she didn’t quite want to name. “One of the hardest in a while.”

For a moment, they fell quiet again, the bar’s noise fading around them, leaving only the space between them.

Rhaenyra finally broke the silence, her voice a little softer. “Thanks for… helping me keep it together earlier.” Her eyes flicked down, just for a second, her fingers resting close enough to Alicent’s hand that she could feel the warmth, almost but not quite touching.

Alicent managed a small smile, feeling her pulse quicken. “Anytime… I mean, you’ve done the same for me.”

Rhaenyra tilted her head, her eyes softening with a warmth Alicent hadn’t seen in a while. “Well, I guess it’s just my instinct,” she replied with a faint smile, leaning back slightly.

Alicent hesitated, then let out a soft laugh, the words slipping out before she could stop herself. “That was… the first time I’ve ever seen the alpha in you come out.”

Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow, an amused spark lighting her gaze. “What — I don’t seem like an alpha to you?”

Alicent flushed, her own laugh quieter but more genuine than it had been in a while. The alcohol was making her feel bold, loosening her up in a way she hadn’t expected. “Oh, no, you definitely do,” she replied, a teasing glint in her eyes. “It’s just… you don’t do that alpha thing. You know, where you freak out or… get all ragey.”

Rhaenyra chuckled, looking almost sheepish. “Well, maybe I got all the ‘alpha rage’ out of my system as a kid. I had my fair share back then.” Her expression softened, the amusement fading as she looked at Alicent, her voice dropping to a murmur. “Today was an exception, I guess. Usually… nobody can calm me down. But you did.”

The words hung between them, the intensity thickening as they held each other’s gaze. Alicent’s heart raced, her cheeks warming as she felt the weight of Rhaenyra’s confession settle over her. For a second, she didn’t look away, lost in the quiet intensity in Rhaenyra’s eyes, the warmth, the trust, the connection neither of them dared to name.

Then, finally, Alicent broke the gaze, her eyes flickering down as her hand brushed against her glass. Rhaenyra cleared her throat, the spell breaking as she shifted back, her voice soft. “I’m, uh… I’m gonna grab another drink.”

Alicent nodded, feeling her cheeks flush even deeper. “Yeah, sure. I’ll… I’ll be here.”

She watched as Rhaenyra moved to the bar, feeling the tension still buzzing between them, a magnetic pull neither of them seemed ready to let go of.

A few drinks later, the cautious distance that usually lingered between Alicent and Rhaenyra had all but disappeared. They were sitting close, shoulders brushing, voices dropping to murmurs as they laughed and flirted with an ease that felt both thrilling and unfamiliar.

Rhaenyra leaned in, her eyes glinting as she teased, “So… three tattoos, huh? That impressed you?” Her voice was soft but filled with a playful challenge that made Alicent’s heart race.

Alicent let out a tipsy laugh, her cheeks flushed, the alcohol giving her a boldness she hadn’t felt in ages. “Maybe it did,” she replied, giving Rhaenyra a mock-serious look.

Rhaenyra smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, who knew all I needed to do was take my shirt off to impress you? I would have done that a long time ago.”

Alicent rolled her eyes, biting back a smile. “Oh I’m sure you’d find any excuse for that.”

Rhaenyra laughed, nudging Alicent’s shoulder with her own. “You’re probably right. But you don’t look like you mind.”

“Maybe I don’t,” Alicent replied, voice teasing but her gaze lingering a little longer than intended.

They both chuckled, their laughter softer, the teasing lighthearted but wrapped in something unspoken.

For a second, they were locked in each other’s gaze, the tension building to a near-breaking point, and Alicent felt the dizzying thrill of just how close they were. She didn’t know who might move first, but part of her didn’t care. It was as if the world had shrunk down to this — to the warmth of Rhaenyra’s presence, the unspoken promises in her gaze, the charged silence hovering between them.

Rhaenyra’s hand rested on the table, close enough that Alicent could feel the warmth radiating off her fingers. Without thinking, Alicent’s hand drifted closer, her fingers brushing Rhaenyra’s. The contact was brief, electric, and it lingered between them like a spark ready to ignite.

They both pulled back slightly, their laughter softer now, almost breathless. But the unspoken tension was undeniable, simmering beneath the surface, waiting for one of them to cross the line they’d been dancing around all night.

The tension between them was almost tangible, a magnetic pull they both felt but danced around, neither fully giving in. But just as the moment seemed to stretch to a breaking point, Alicent cleared her throat, cutting through the charged silence. “So… are you seeing that peds nurse?”

Rhaenyra let out a soft laugh, unfazed by the sudden shift in the conversation. “Would it bother you if I was?”

Alicent gave a light, easy laugh, playing it off with a shrug. “No, of course not.” But she could feel the warmth in her cheeks as she took a sip of her drink.

Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow, surveying Alicent with a playful glint in her eyes. She took a sip of her beer, her gaze lingering. “It’s casual,” she said finally, her tone light. “Sort of like… you and Criston.”

Alicent scoffed, rolling her eyes. “That thing with Criston…It only happened once,” she replied, shaking her head, amused but hoping her casual tone covered her surprise at Rhaenyra’s reference.

Rhaenyra’s eyebrows lifted slightly, as though she hadn’t expected that answer, and a faint hint of something unreadable flickered in her expression. “Once?” she echoed, her tone neutral, though her gaze had an intensity that made Alicent’s pulse quicken.

“Yeah,” Alicent replied, laughing lightly, though she couldn’t ignore the way Rhaenyra’s attention seemed to zero in on her. “It was… well, it didn’t mean anything.”

They held each other’s gaze, and for a moment, the playful tone of their conversation gave way to something deeper, the question hanging between them unspoken: Does this mean something?

Rhaenyra moved closer, and Alicent felt her entire body tense, her breath caught somewhere between fear and anticipation. Rhaenyra’s gaze was intense, locked on her, and Alicent felt exposed, as if Rhaenyra could see everything she was trying to hold back. Her heart raced, her pulse a wild beat that matched the tension in the air.

Rhaenyra shifted closer, so close that Alicent could feel the warmth radiating from her skin, the tension thick between them, an electric charge that made the world around them blur and fade. Alicent’s breath hitched as Rhaenyra’s hand lifted, her fingers brushing ever-so-gently against Alicent’s cheek before sliding down to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The touch was soft, lingering, Rhaenyra’s fingers barely grazing the sensitive skin just beneath her ear.

Alicent’s heart pounded in her chest, her pulse quickening as she felt Rhaenyra lean in even closer, their faces mere inches apart. She felt frozen, caught between terror and anticipation, her mind racing but her body rooted to the spot, unable to move. Deep down, she knew what was happening, knew what she wanted — but the thought of actually allowing it to happen was terrifying.

Rhaenyra’s gaze dropped to Alicent’s lips, her own breath shallow as she took in the sight of her, her eyes half-lidded with something that looked dangerously close to desire. She moved impossibly closer, and Alicent’s breath caught, her fingers curling tightly around the edge of the table, bracing herself for something that felt inevitable, unstoppable.

Alicent’s entire body tensed, every nerve on edge, her heartbeat deafening in her ears. Rhaenyra’s lips were so close now, hovering just above hers, and Alicent could feel the faintest brush of warmth as Rhaenyra’s breath mingled with her own. The urge to close the distance was overwhelming, but she couldn’t bring herself to move, rooted in place by the dizzying mixture of fear and want.

Rhaenyra paused, her eyes flicking up to meet Alicent’s, searching her face with an intensity that left Alicent feeling exposed, vulnerable in a way she hadn’t expected. Rhaenyra’s hand lingered against her cheek, her thumb tracing a soft, featherlight line along her jaw, her gaze dark with something Alicent couldn’t name. The air between them was thick with tension, a delicate, trembling thread that could snap at any second.

But then, just as Rhaenyra’s lips seemed about to brush against hers, she stopped. Rhaenyra exhaled, her breath ghosting over Alicent’s lips, and Alicent felt herself shiver, her heart aching with the longing left unresolved.

And then, as if realizing the weight of the moment, Rhaenyra pulled back, just barely, her gaze lingering on Alicent’s face. The silence was thick, their unspoken desires lingering, tangible but unfulfilled, leaving Alicent with a breathless ache she couldn’t quite explain.

Rhaenyra pulled back, a look of regret flashing across her face as she raked a hand through her hair, exhaling sharply. “Oh god, I’m so sorry,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. “You made yourself so clear months ago… I don’t know what that was on my part. I’m so, so sorry.”

Alicent felt her heart sink, the disappointment settling in her chest like a stone. She hadn’t realized how much she’d wanted it to happen until it hadn’t. But she forced herself to stay composed, swallowing the lump in her throat as she offered a reassuring smile. “No, it’s… it’s so okay,” she said gently, reaching out and placing her hand over Rhaenyra’s. “I promise. It’s okay.”

They both looked down at their hands, Rhaenyra’s thumb just barely brushing against Alicent’s. The touch felt fragile, like something that might slip away if either of them moved. The weight of everything unspoken lingered between them, and Alicent held her breath, feeling the unfulfilled tension still pulsing in the air.

But before either could say a word, the door swung open, and Criston strolled in, oblivious to the moment he’d just interrupted. “Hey,” he greeted, his tone casual as he looked between the two of them.

The spell shattered, and Alicent pulled her hand back quickly, feeling the warmth of Rhaenyra’s touch lingering even as she folded her hands in her lap. Rhaenyra cleared her throat, her expression slipping back into something carefully neutral, as if nothing had happened at all.

“Hey, Criston,” Rhaenyra replied, her tone steady, but Alicent could sense the subtle shift, the way they both retreated back behind the walls they’d built.

///

Alicent cradled her phone between her ear and shoulder, scrubbing down her kitchen counter with an intensity that barely matched the casual tone she was trying to project. Her best friend’s voice came through the line, teasing and animated.

“So… let me get this straight,” her friend said, laughing. “The hot neuro chief almost kissed you and then the cute heart surgeon you hooked up with walked in, ruining the moment? This sounds like a scene straight out of Grey’s Anatomy!”

Alicent rolled her eyes, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. “It wasn’t exactly like that.”

“Oh, sure,” her friend replied, voice dripping with sarcasm. “What’s next, a dramatic confession of love during a surgery?”

Alicent huffed, rolling her eyes as she moved to the stove to stir the simmering pot. “You watch too much TV.”

“Ali, come on,” her friend persisted, her tone shifting to something softer, more serious. “You clearly like her, and I don’t think the almost-kiss was a one-sided thing. Maybe it’s time to go for it?”

Alicent swallowed, turning away from the stove to busy herself with wiping down an already-clean countertop. “Maybe,” she mumbled, but the uncertainty lingered, gnawing at her. She changed the subject quickly. “Anyway… have you seen her?”

Her friend sighed, and the silence that followed felt heavy, laced with something Alicent couldn’t quite name. “Ali…”

Alicent stopped cleaning, her heart sinking a little. “What? What is it?”

Her friend took a breath before answering, her voice hesitant. “Yeah, I have. A couple of times, actually.”

Alicent felt her chest tighten, bracing herself for the answer. “And?”

There was a pause, then a quiet exhale. “And… she’s seeing someone.”

Alicent stood still, the weight of those words settling over her. She let out a shaky breath, trying to keep her voice steady. “Oh,” she said softly, more to herself than to her friend.

She focused on the clatter of the spoon against the pot, trying to swallow the sudden ache that came with the news.

///

The room was dark, save for the faint glow of the city lights filtering in through the window. Alicent lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling, her chest rising and falling in slow, measured breaths. Criston was beside her, already drifting off, his breathing deep and even. She lay still, feeling the sheets tangled around her legs, her mind too loud, too crowded.

She didn’t know what she’d expected, really. Maybe a distraction, maybe a way to drown out the lingering ache of the almost-kiss with Rhaenyra, or the sting of hearing that her ex had moved on. But now, with Criston asleep next to her, all she felt was the emptiness pressing down, leaving her with a hollow regret that gnawed at her.

She turned her head slightly, glancing over at Criston’s sleeping form, but quickly looked away, staring back up at the ceiling. Why did I do this? The question hung in her mind, heavy and unavoidable, echoing with an uncomfortable finality. She wanted to feel something — anything that might dull the ache she’d been carrying around. But now, lying there in the silence, all she felt was the weight of a choice that left her feeling even more alone than before.

She closed her eyes, willing sleep to come, but she knew it wouldn’t.

///

Alicent cursed under her breath as she tried the ignition again, only to hear the same dull, lifeless click. Her car was stubbornly, frustratingly dead.

She sighed and thankfully Criston hadn’t pulled out from her driveway yet. He took one look at her defeated expression and smirked.

“Trouble with the car?” he asked, moving toward her. “Come on, I’ll give you a ride.”

Alicent hesitated, biting her lip. “I don’t know… I don’t want people to see us arriving together and assume… things.”

Criston waved a hand, brushing off her concern. “They won’t. Rounds are about to start. Everyone’s probably already there. Trust me, no one will notice.”

Reluctantly, Alicent nodded, slipping into the passenger seat. The ride to the hospital was uneventful, and just as Criston had assured her, the parking lot looked mostly empty. But as they stepped out of the car, her heart sank.

Rhaenyra was just across the lot, her twins in tow, balancing one on her hip while wrangling the other into their stroller. Alicent could feel Rhaenyra’s gaze as they closed the car doors, and when she looked up, she saw that brief flicker of something unreadable cross Rhaenyra’s face — a hint of surprise, maybe even disappointment.

Rhaenyra quickly recovered, her expression softening into a polite smile. She gave them a small wave, her attention quickly returning to the twins.

Baela reached for her, and Rhaenyra leaned down to tuck a stray curl behind her daughter’s ear, her focus entirely on her kids, her warm smile reserved for them alone.

“See?” Criston said, sounding unconcerned as he grabbed his bag. “No big deal.”

Alicent managed a faint smile but said nothing, the knot in her chest tightening as they walked into the hospital.

///

The silence between them stretched on, each day heavier than the last. Alicent found herself missing Rhaenyra’s presence more than she cared to admit, the quiet distance between them gnawing at her every time she caught a glimpse of Rhaenyra in the hall. They’d barely spoken since that almost-kiss in the bar, and with no cases to force them into the same room, their once-easy camaraderie felt like a distant memory.

Whenever she saw Rhaenyra, there was an awkward exchange of polite nods or strained smiles, but nothing more. Rhaenyra’s expression was guarded, her tone always cool and professional when they passed each other. And while Alicent tried to respect the distance, a part of her ached, wanting to reach out, to break through the wall that had gone up between them.

She hated the silence, the way it left her feeling off-balance and uncertain, and more than that, she hated that it was all over something that never even happened. If she was honest with herself, she wanted to talk about the kiss — or the almost-kiss. She wanted to tell Rhaenyra that whatever she thought she’d seen with Criston wasn’t what it looked like. But every time she thought about reaching out, the weight of their distance kept her silent.

Weeks passed like this, each day feeling a little colder, a little emptier without Rhaenyra’s warm, challenging presence beside her.

///

After weeks of silence, Alicent found herself waiting by the elevator after work, steeling herself before approaching Rhaenyra, who was gathering her things nearby. “Hey, Rhaenyra,” she started, trying to sound casual. “I was wondering if you might want to grab a drink tonight?”

Rhaenyra looked up, a polite but slightly hesitant smile crossing her face. “I’d love to, but… my rut’s coming tomorrow, so I think it’s probably best if I head home.”

“Oh.” Alicent’s cheeks warmed as she registered the scent, now faint but unmistakable. She managed a small smile, nodding. “Yeah, I… I can tell. About the rut.”

Rhaenyra nodded sheepishly, her gaze flicking down. “Sorry about that.”

“No, no, it’s fine!” Alicent replied quickly, her voice perhaps a bit too high-pitched, the silence stretching awkwardly between them. She cleared her throat, hesitating before asking, “Do you, um… have anyone helping you? For the rut, I mean, or…”

Rhaenyra paused, glancing away before answering, “No. I don’t usually like being with people during it. Unless it’s a partner, it feels… risky.”

Alicent nodded, forcing herself to relax, trying to mask the pang she felt at the idea of Rhaenyra going through it alone. “Right. That makes sense,” she said softly, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag. “Honestly… I don’t know much about ruts.”

Rhaenyra’s brow furrowed, her eyes flicking back to Alicent. “Really?”

Alicent’s cheeks flushed. “Yeah, I… my ex-wife is an omega too,” she explained, stumbling over her words a bit too quickly.

“Oh,” Rhaenyra said, an understanding glint in her eyes. She paused, surveying Alicent thoughtfully. “So… you don’t like alphas, then? I mean, Criston’s a beta, and I know some people avoid alphas.”

Alicent shook her head, swallowing as her voice softened. “No, I do.”

The tension between them returned in an instant, thick and undeniable. Rhaenyra’s gaze held Alicent’s, her eyes darkening just a little, and Alicent could feel her heartbeat quicken as that magnetic pull between them threatened to snap.

Rhaenyra cleared her throat, breaking the moment. “Right, well, I should… get going.” She shifted her bag on her shoulder, a hint of warmth in her smile. “But… I’d be up for a drink next week when I’m back. As friends.”

Alicent managed a smile, nodding. “Sure. Friends.”

They exchanged a lingering look, each feeling the weight of the word they’d chosen to leave unspoken.

///

Alicent spotted Rhaenyra down the hall, her heart giving a quick, involuntary leap as she caught sight of her. Rhaenyra was back, looking refreshed and at ease, her posture relaxed as she moved through the familiar hospital halls. Alicent took a deep breath, gathering her composure before heading over.

“Hey,” she said with a small smile as she approached. “You’re back.”

Rhaenyra looked up, her face lighting up with a polite warmth. “Hey, Alicent. Good to see you.”

The invitation for drinks came naturally, a continuation of the promise they’d made before. But as they settled into a quiet corner of the bar later that evening, Alicent could feel a subtle distance. Rhaenyra’s demeanor was warm, friendly even, but there was a guardedness to her, a sense of boundary that made it clear they were here as friends, no more.

Alicent did her best to go along with it, matching Rhaenyra’s tone, letting the conversation flow with light topics and harmless anecdotes. She laughed when Rhaenyra shared a funny story about one of her patients and returned the favor with a few of her own, carefully keeping her tone light, her smile easy. But underneath, Alicent could feel the quiet ache of something unsaid, something she knew she couldn’t force.

Rhaenyra, for her part, seemed determined to keep things safe and easy between them. Her eyes would occasionally linger, just for a second longer than necessary, but she’d always pull back, quickly steering the conversation back to neutral ground.

“So,” Rhaenyra said, swirling her drink as she smiled politely, “how’s peds going? You mentioned taking on a bigger caseload?”

Alicent smiled softly. “Yeah, it’s uh… I’m doing fine. Busy, as usual.”

Rhaenyra gave a faint nod, and the conversation drifted on. She laughed along with Rhaenyra’s stories, kept her own tone light and casual, but with each passing moment, she felt the weight of what they weren’t saying, what neither of them dared to address.

They left the bar that night with polite smiles, each walking away with the unspoken knowledge that they’d held back, staying safe in the friendship they’d set as their boundary. And as Alicent watched Rhaenyra walk away, she couldn’t shake the quiet ache that lingered, the sense that they’d both felt the tension but chosen, for now, to let it lie in silence.

///

A few weeks later, Alicent and Rhaenyra found themselves pulled into a high-stakes case that stretched long into the night. It was the kind of challenge that brought out the best in both of them, their minds in sync as they bounced ideas back and forth, discussing treatment plans and mapping out every possible scenario.

The hours passed in a blur of focused energy, their quiet camaraderie gradually slipping back into place as they worked side by side. They talked in low voices, occasionally sharing a faint smile as they anticipated each other’s thoughts, each of them absorbed in the work and in the comfort of the other’s presence.

Finally, as the first light of dawn began to seep through the window, they wrapped up, each too exhausted to go any further. The small on-call room was quiet, filled only with the soft hum of the equipment. They both sank onto the bed they’d been working on, too tired to think of moving to separate chairs or finding a second bed.

Alicent leaned back, letting out a long, slow exhale. “I don’t think I can move,” she murmured, a sleepy smile tugging at her lips.

Rhaenyra chuckled softly, her voice warm and worn-out. “Then don’t. We earned this.”

They lay in comfortable silence, the weariness settling over them like a blanket, and before long, the exhaustion took over. Alicent felt herself drifting, her head resting on the pillow as her body relaxed, her breathing slowing.

She wasn’t sure how much time passed, but at some point, she felt the gentle weight of Rhaenyra’s arm against hers, their shoulders brushing. Rhaenyra’s breathing was soft, rhythmic, and Alicent found herself lulled by the quiet, steady warmth beside her.

Without a word, they fell asleep like that, side by side, a quiet intimacy settling between them that spoke more than either of them could say. It wasn’t planned, but it was so nice.

Hours later, Alicent blinked awake, her mind foggy and warm, her body nestled against something solid, familiar. It took her a moment to realize where she was — in the on-call room, lying close to Rhaenyra. Her face was pressed against the soft skin of Rhaenyra’s neck and shoulder, the faint, steady rhythm of her heartbeat gently thrumming beneath Alicent’s cheek.

She could feel Rhaenyra’s arm around her, holding her in a gentle, unconscious embrace, her breathing slow and even as she slept. The scent of Rhaenyra, warm and subtle, filled the small space between them, and Alicent found herself frozen, not daring to move, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment.

Alicent’s heart fluttered, her face warming as she processed just how close they were, the quiet softness of Rhaenyra’s hold feeling more natural than it should have. She didn’t want to pull away, didn’t want to break the spell of this unguarded moment where everything felt so… easy. Safe.

She let herself relax, letting her eyes drift shut again, listening to the gentle rise and fall of Rhaenyra’s breath. She could have stayed there for hours, lost in the warmth of Rhaenyra’s presence, but then — her pager went off, the loud beep breaking through the quiet.

Alicent’s eyes snapped open, her pulse spiking as she reached for the pager with a fumbling hand, the moment shattered as Rhaenyra stirred beside her. She felt Rhaenyra’s arm shift, her breathing hitching as she slowly woke up.

Alicent quickly pulled back, her cheeks flushed, trying to suppress the rush of emotions that lingered from the warmth of Rhaenyra’s hold. “Sorry,” she mumbled, glancing at her pager as she tried to gather her composure.

Rhaenyra stirred as the pager’s insistent beeping filled the quiet room. She blinked sleepily, stretching as she sat up for a moment, her gaze hazy as she took in her surroundings. Alicent, already feeling flustered, scrambled to her feet, quickly throwing on her white coat and hoping her flushed face wasn’t as obvious as it felt.

“Duty calls,” she murmured awkwardly, trying to manage a casual tone as she avoided Rhaenyra’s sleepy gaze.

Rhaenyra gave a small, understanding nod, letting out a soft sigh as she sank back down onto the bed, clearly too exhausted to fully wake up. “Good luck,” she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep as she closed her eyes again.

Alicent gave her a quick nod, clutching her pager as she slipped out of the room, her heart still pounding from the closeness they’d shared. She scurried down the hallway toward her case, the warmth of Rhaenyra’s hold lingering with her, no matter how hard she tried to shake it off.

///

Alicent was double-checking a patient chart when she heard Margaery’s familiar voice drifting over from the nurses’ station. She wasn’t intending to eavesdrop, but then she caught the name Rhaenyra and froze, her ears attuning to the conversation almost instinctively.

One of the other nurses laughed softly. “So, are you still sleeping with Dr. Targeryen? You’re one lucky girl.”

Margaery let out a knowing, satisfied chuckle. “Oh, believe me, she’s… memorable,” she replied, her tone low but teasing. “Let’s just say she’s very well-endowed. Hands down, the best I’ve ever had…and she’s so generous in bed if you know what I mean.”

Alicent felt a strange, sharp pang twist in her chest, jealousy simmering beneath her carefully composed expression. She forced herself to keep her gaze fixed on the chart in her hands, her fingers tightening around the edges as Margaery’s words echoed in her mind.

She didn’t say anything, didn’t let herself react. But inside, the jealousy was fierce and undeniable, an ache she hadn’t expected. She tried to focus on her work, pushing the thoughts away, but the conversation left her feeling oddly unsettled, a bitterness lingering that she couldn’t quite shake.

///

Alicent was more short-tempered than usual as she and Rhaenyra reviewed a patient’s file later that day. She could feel the tension in her shoulders, her responses clipped and her focus scattered, still distracted by what she’d overheard earlier. Rhaenyra, ever perceptive, finally raised an eyebrow, pausing in her notes to look at her.

“Are you having a bad day or something?” Rhaenyra asked gently, a hint of concern in her tone.

Alicent let out a sigh, feeling a wave of guilt for snapping at her. “Yeah… sorry,” she muttered, hoping her frustration wasn’t as obvious as it felt.

Rhaenyra gave her a reassuring smile, her gaze warm. “Don’t worry about it. Whatever case has you stressed, you’re an amazing doctor — you’ve got this.” She gave a slight shrug. “And I’m happy to help however I can.”

Alicent forced a small smile, her heart sinking a bit at the genuine kindness in Rhaenyra’s eyes, completely oblivious to the real reason for her mood. Rhaenyra’s words lingered, a gentle encouragement she didn’t deserve, not when her irritation had nothing to do with the work at hand and everything to do with her jealousy over Margaery.

“Thanks,” Alicent replied quietly, forcing herself to focus on the file. She wished she could just let it go, but Rhaenyra’s kindness only made the ache of jealousy sting that much more, leaving her feeling torn between gratitude and frustration.

///

As Alicent wandered into the bustling backyard of Laenor and Joffrey’s home, she spotted a familiar face standing by the grill. Laena was laughing at something her brother said, her presence as lively and confident as it was within the hospital walls. They hadn’t worked together directly yet, but they’d crossed paths enough to be on friendly terms.

“Alicent!” Laenor called out, waving her over with a broad grin. “Glad you made it!”

Alicent approached, giving Laenor and Laena a warm nod. “Hey, good to see you outside the chaos of the hospital.”

“Same here,” Laena replied with a smile. “You look less stressed in daylight.”

Alicent laughed, but before she could respond, two small voices interrupted. “Mama!” cried the twins, running up with their little arms outstretched. Baela, the bolder of the two, looked up at Alicent with wide eyes, her curiosity evident.

Laena knelt down beside them, introducing them with a playful grin. “This is Baela,” she said, ruffling the older twin’s hair, “and this is Rhaena.”

Alicent’s face softened as she greeted the twins, who stared up at her with wide, curious eyes. “Hi, Baela. Hi, Rhaena,” she said gently, smiling as Rhaena clung shyly to her mother’s side while Baela, with more confidence, took a tiny step toward her.

As Alicent chatted with the twins, she couldn’t help but glance around the party, wondering if Rhaenyra would show.

///

A little while later, Alicent noticed Rhaenyra arriving, catching her breath slightly as she watched her approach Laenor with a small but beautifully packaged bottle of whiskey. The two exchanged a warm embrace, and Laenor’s eyes lit up as he took the bottle from her.

“Of course, you bring the good stuff,” Laenor laughed, examining the label with an approving nod. “Only the best for you,” Rhaenyra replied, grinning as they poured themselves a quick shot, clinking glasses before tossing it back.

As they shared a laugh, Baela and Rhaena spotted Rhaenyra and ran toward her, squealing with excitement. Rhaenyra turned just in time to catch them, swooping down and scooping both girls up with practiced ease, laughter bubbling up as she balanced one on each hip.

Moments later, with the twins still in her arms, Rhaenyra made her way over to Alicent, her smile softening as their eyes met. “Hey,” she greeted, her voice warm, her gaze lingering.

“Hey,” Alicent replied, feeling a little breathless as she took in the sight of Rhaenyra with the twins. There was a comfort and ease in her stance, the way she held them close.

Rhaenyra shifted slightly, bouncing Baela as she spoke. “Glad you came. These two have been excited for days about Laenor’s ‘big party,’” she laughed, looking down at Baela, who was now leaning forward, watching Alicent with a curious smile.

Alicent chuckled, meeting Baela’s inquisitive gaze. “Well, it’s not every day you get to see everyone outside the hospital walls,” she said.

As they stood there, Baela’s curious gaze fixed on Alicent, and with a small, delighted smile, she reached out, her tiny fingers brushing against a strand of Alicent’s hair. “Pretty,” Baela murmured, her eyes wide with admiration.

Alicent felt a warmth spread through her, touched by the unexpected sweetness. “Well, thank you, Baela,” she replied softly, her smile widening.

But Baela wasn’t content with just admiring from a distance. She wiggled a bit in Rhaenyra’s arms, her eyes fixed determinedly on Alicent. “I wanna go with her,” she said, a pout forming when Rhaenyra didn’t immediately set her down.

Rhaenyra chuckled, glancing between Baela and Alicent, amused by her daughter’s sudden insistence. “You’ve got a fan,” she said to Alicent, raising an eyebrow. “She doesn’t usually warm up this fast.”

Baela, growing more impatient, tugged on Rhaenyra’s shoulder. “Please, Mama. I wanna go with pretty lady.”

With a small sigh and a smile, Rhaenyra gave in, gently shifting Baela over to Alicent’s arms. “Alright, alright, Baela. Alicent can hold you for a bit.”

Alicent carefully took Baela, surprised at how natural it felt as the little girl wrapped her arms around her neck, resting her head comfortably on Alicent’s shoulder. “Hi, Baela,” she whispered, touched by the easy trust in the toddler’s grip.

Rhaenyra watched them, a soft look in her eyes. “She knows how to pick good people,” she murmured, her smile a mixture of fondness and something else, something deeper that Alicent couldn’t quite place.

Baela giggled, snuggling into Alicent’s hold, and Alicent glanced over at Rhaenyra, her heart fluttering. “Looks like I have a new friend,” she said, a hint of nervousness and warmth in her voice.

Rhaenyra chuckled, watching them closely. “Lucky you. She doesn’t give her approval easily.”

///

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Alicent found herself still carrying Baela, who was now rubbing her eyes, fighting back yawns as she clung tightly to Alicent. The little girl’s head rested on Alicent’s shoulder, her grip stubborn.

Laena approached with a gentle smile, reaching out to smooth a hand over Baela’s hair. “Alright, sweetheart, it’s bedtime. You’ve had a long day.”

“No, Mama,” Baela mumbled, nestling further into Alicent’s arms. “Stay here.”

Alicent chuckled softly, giving Laena an understanding look as she adjusted her hold on Baela. “I think she’s quite set on staying, but… I’ll let you handle the negotiations,” she teased, gently easing Baela over to her mother.

Laena took her daughter with a soft smile, Baela pouting in protest but too sleepy to resist further. Rhaenyra, who’d been watching with a fond smile, stepped forward, giving Alicent an apologetic look. “Sorry,” she said, though her smile was warm. “She can be a bit… stubborn.”

“It’s okay,” Alicent replied, her own smile softening. “She’s sweet.”

Rhaenyra glanced at Laena, then nodded toward the house. “I’ll help you put them down. Laenor and Joffrey set up a little nest for them in the guest room.”

Laena nodded, adjusting Baela’s sleepy weight in her arms as Rhaenyra took Rhaena’s hand. She turned back to Alicent, her expression warm. 

“Thanks for spending time with them. I think they’re a little obsessed with you now,” she joked, giving Alicent a wink.

Alicent laughed, feeling a flutter of warmth as she watched them head into the house, Rhaenyra glancing back for a brief second, her smile lingering before disappearing inside with the twins.

///

The doctors had all gathered around the backyard, glasses clinking as laughter and light conversation filled the night air. Alicent was standing by the fire pit, nursing a drink, when Rhaenyra reappeared, having just put the twins to bed. She approached Alicent with an easy smile, and they quickly fell into conversation, sharing anecdotes from work and chuckling over the quirks of the other doctors at the party.

Not long after, Joffrey wandered over, his own drink in hand and a mischievous glint in his eye. “So, Rhaenyra,” he began casually, “did you invite Margaery?”

Rhaenyra’s expression faltered slightly, her smile turning awkward. “I didn’t… it’s not my party to invite people to,” she said with a slight shrug, glancing at Alicent as if looking for backup.

Joffrey gave an exaggerated shrug, teasing. “Well, you could have, if things were, you know… becoming something,” he said, raising an eyebrow suggestively.

Rhaenyra chuckled but looked uncomfortable. “It’s not like that, Joffrey,” she replied, forcing a smile. “You know that.”

Joffrey rolled his eyes playfully, giving Rhaenyra a light nudge. “God, Rhaenyra, you’re such a stubborn alpha. Margaery’s sweet, fun — how much better can you get?”

Rhaenyra laughed it off, but Alicent noticed the slight tension in her eyes. She could tell that Rhaenyra didn’t really want to continue the conversation, and a part of her couldn’t ignore the flash of jealousy she felt at the mention of Margaery. She took a sip of her drink, trying to keep her expression neutral, though her mind was racing with the subtle implications.

“Well, maybe Rhaenyra just has high standards,” Alicent said lightly, unable to resist adding a little edge to her tone, her eyes flicking between Rhaenyra and Joffrey.

Joffrey smirked, catching the subtext. “Well, if she does, she’s going to have to find someone who can meet them,” he teased, winking at Rhaenyra before he wandered off, leaving them alone again.

Rhaenyra let out a sigh, shaking her head as she turned back to Alicent with a wry smile. “He’s incorrigible,” she muttered, her tone half-amused, half-exasperated.

“Maybe he’s not entirely wrong,” Alicent murmured, her own voice soft but filled with a subtle tension that lingered between them.

Rhaenyra’s gaze lingered on Alicent, her expression curious but unreadable. “What do you mean?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Alicent hesitated, feeling the weight of her words suddenly catch up with her. “It’s… none of my business,” she murmured, glancing away as she fidgeted with her drink. “Sorry.”

But Rhaenyra’s gaze softened, a small, reassuring smile forming on her lips. “No, really. Tell me. I value your opinion.”

Alicent took a breath, looking back at her, unsure if she should go there but unable to hold back. “Well… you are looking to settle down, right?”

Rhaenyra’s eyes flickered, the question striking a chord. “One day,” she replied softly, her voice almost vulnerable. “With the right person.”

Alicent nodded, feeling the quiet pull of the conversation, something heavier beneath the surface. She looked down, gathering her thoughts. “How do you know she’s not the right person if you don’t give her a real shot?”

Rhaenyra’s smile faltered, her gaze drifting away as a faint discomfort passed over her features. The question lingered in the air, touching on something that neither of them was fully willing to confront. Rhaenyra’s voice dropped, soft but laced with something unspoken as she finally replied, “Is that… what you’re doing with Criston? Giving him a shot?”

The question held a weight that went beyond casual curiosity, a quiet intensity in Rhaenyra’s eyes that made Alicent’s heart race. She felt the tension tighten around them, the unspoken words pressing in on all sides.

“God, no,” Alicent replied, the words slipping out before she could stop them, her voice firmer than she’d intended.

“Good to know,” Rhaenyra said with a bit of light in her eyes before taking a long sip of her drink.

///

As the birthday BBQ wound down and guests began to filter out, Alicent found herself lingering beside Rhaenyra, the two of them quietly enjoying the last moments of the evening. Laenor had given her an encouraging wink earlier, letting her know Laena would be staying with the twins for the night. The casual family atmosphere had made it easy for Alicent to feel at ease around Rhaenyra again, so when Rhaenyra looked over with a mischievous grin, she felt her pulse quicken.

“Alright, since Laena’s got the kids and you’re free tonight…” Rhaenyra began, raising an eyebrow. “We’re going out for more drinks.”

Alicent laughed, shaking her head. “You haven’t had enough?”

Rhaenyra’s grin only widened. “Not even close. Besides, I heard that you haven’t gone dancing since… undergrad?”

Alicent flushed, caught off guard. “Who told you that?” she asked, though she knew very well it could only be Joffrey or Laenor.

“Oh, I have my sources,” Rhaenyra teased, eyes sparkling. “Come on, I insist. You owe it to yourself to let loose for once.”

Alicent hesitated, feeling her heart flutter with both excitement and a hint of nerves. “Alright,” she said finally, giving in to the warmth in Rhaenyra’s gaze. “But you’d better not embarrass me on the dance floor.”

“No promises,” Rhaenyra replied with a laugh, already leading the way out. They left the comfort of Laenor’s backyard and made their way into the night, the hum of the city and the thrill of the unexpected buzzing between them.

///

The first bar they found was lively, filled with music and laughter, the kind of place Alicent would have avoided on her own.

Alicent wasn’t sure how many shots they’d taken, but each one blurred the edges a little more, filling her with a warmth she hadn’t felt in years. 

She and Rhaenyra moved from the bar to the dance floor. The music pounded around them, and Alicent found herself laughing, her inhibitions slipping away entirely as she reached for Rhaenyra’s hand and pulled her closer.

They danced, their movements swaying together, bodies close. Rhaenyra’s hands slid to her waist, her touch lingering, as though they were both daring themselves to test the limits of the moment. Alicent felt Rhaenyra’s breath close to her ear, her laughter mingling with the beat of the music.

Alicent leaned in, her face close to Rhaenyra’s, her heart pounding as her hand drifted to rest on Rhaenyra’s shoulder, fingers grazing her collarbone.

The music thumped around them, but Alicent barely registered it; all she could hear was Rhaenyra’s low voice close to her ear, each word sending a shiver down her spine.

“I didn’t know you dance like this, Dr. Hightower,” Rhaenyra murmured, her lips brushing just close enough that Alicent felt the warmth of her breath. There was a teasing glint in her eye as she held Alicent’s gaze, their bodies swaying together in perfect rhythm.

Alicent laughed, her hand trailing from Rhaenyra’s shoulder down to her arm, fingers lingering. “You haven’t seen all my moves yet,” she replied, emboldened by the alcohol.

“Is that so?” Rhaenyra whispered, her hands tightening slightly on Alicent’s waist. “Guess I’ll have to stick around to see them all.”

Alicent’s heart raced, her fingers curling around the back of Rhaenyra’s neck. “Might take all night,” she whispered, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “Think you can handle that?”

Rhaenyra’s gaze flickered down to Alicent’s lips, her own smile tilting, her tone dropping. “With you? I think I can manage.”

They held each other’s gaze, the tension between them as intoxicating as the shots they’d taken, the unspoken challenge hanging in the air, both of them daring the other to close the last inch between them.

And then Rhaenyra did, her lips crashing against Alicent’s with an intensity that stole the breath from her lungs. Alicent’s eyes fluttered shut, her hands sliding up to cup Rhaenyra’s face, pulling her closer as they kissed deeply, their tongues dancing together in a wild, unbridled passion that neither of them had expected. The world around them faded away, the only sounds the thump of the bass and the ragged breaths they shared.

Their bodies pressed together, the beat of the music pulsing through them as their hands roamed, exploring each other with a hunger that was both surprising and exhilarating. Alicent’s fingertips found the hem of Rhaenyra’s shirt, slipping underneath to trace the lines of her abs, feeling the firmness of her body and the heat of her skin.

Rhaenyra’s grip tightened on Alicent’s hips, her hands sliding lower to cup her ass, pulling her in closer as they grinded together, the friction igniting a fire that burned away the last of Alicent’s hesitance. They kissed like it was their first time — like it could be their last — their movements hungry and uninhibited, leaving no room for doubt or fear.

Their kisses grew sloppier, more desperate, as they stumbled through the crowd, not caring about the stares or whispers that followed. They found a shadowy corner of the bar, the darkness wrapping around them like a cocoon. They were a mess of tangled limbs and desire, the barest of barriers keeping their most intimate parts from touching, and yet it was almost too much.

They broke apart, panting, their eyes locked as they struggled to regain their bearings. The air was thick with want, the unspoken question hanging in the space between them. Alicent’s heart was racing, her pulse hammering in her ears as she looked at Rhaenyra, her eyes filled with a need that matched the alpha’s own.

Rhaenyra’s voice was low, a whisper that sent shivers down Alicent’s spine. “Come home with me,” she murmured.

Alicent’s cheeks were flushed, her breath coming in short gasps as she nodded.

///

They stumbled into Rhaenyra’s house, the door swinging shut with a thud that echoed through the hallway. Alicent’s hands were everywhere, pulling at Rhaenyra’s shirt, her breaths coming in quick, desperate gasps. Rhaenyra’s own need was palpable, her eyes dark with want as she returned the favor, her hands roaming Alicent’s body with an urgency that mirrored the racing beat of their hearts.

“Bedroom, now,” Alicent murmured, her voice thick with desire, tugging Rhaenyra by the hand.

Rhaenyra didn’t need any further instruction. They didn’t bother with the lights, the dim glow from the street lamps outside filtering through the windows.

The bed was unmade, a testament to the chaotic life of a single mother and dedicated doctor. Alicent didn’t care; all she cared about was the woman standing in front of her, the woman she hadn’t allowed herself to truly want.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” Rhaenyra murmured, her voice low.

“Prove it,” Alicent whispered, her voice a challenge, her eyes never leaving Rhaenyra’s.

Their kiss was explosive, all the pent-up tension and desire from months of flirty glances and unspoken longing coming to a head in a crush of lips and tangling tongues. Alicent’s hands found their way under Rhaenyra’s shirt, feeling the warmth of her skin, the softness of her curves.

They moved together, shedding clothes as they went. Alicent’s heart hammered against her ribs, her breath coming in short bursts as Rhaenyra’s hands moved over her, exploring every inch of bare skin revealed to her.

“You’re so sure of yourself, aren’t you?” Rhaenyra murmured against her neck, her breath hot as she kissed along Alicent’s collarbone.

“You don’t mind, do you?” Alicent gasped, her hands fumbling with the button on Rhaenyra’s pants.

“Not at all,” Rhaenyra said with a smirk, her own hands sliding under Alicent’s shirt, cupping her breasts. “But let’s not forget who’s in charge here, darling.”

Alicent’s eyes flashed with a playful challenge as she stepped back, pulling her shirt over her head. “You think you can handle me?”

“I think I can try,” Rhaenyra replied, her gaze raking over Alicent’s body, lingering on the lacy bra that barely contained her breasts.

Alicent stepped closer, her fingers tracing the outline of Rhaenyra’s erection through her pants. “Good, because I’m not sure I can handle you.”

Rhaenyra’s breath hitched, a smile playing on her lips as she reached for the nightstand, pulling out a condom. She ripped it open with her teeth, her eyes never leaving Alicent’s.

Rhaenyra was being responsible, and that only turned her on more. She watched as Rhaenyra approached, her eyes dark with lust and something else — something that made Alicent’s heart race even faster.

You’re so fucking amazing, you know that?” Rhaenyra whispered, her hand cupping Alicent’s cheek as they kissed again, slower this time, more deliberate.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” Alicent murmured, her voice thick with desire.

They stumbled toward the bed, Rhaenyra’s hand never leaving Alicent’s face as they kissed, their tongues dancing together. Alicent felt Rhaenyra press against her. She just wanted more of this — more of Rhaenyra.

They tumbled onto the bed, the springs squeaking in protest as Rhaenyra’s body covered hers. The weight of her was surprising, and Alicent moaned, arching her back as Rhaenyra’s hand slid between her legs, teasing her.

“Tell me what you want,” Rhaenyra murmured against her ear, her voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down Alicent’s spine.

“You already know,” Alicent managed, her breathing erratic.

“Say it,” Rhaenyra demanded, her hand stilling.

“I want you inside me,” Alicent whispered, the words a plea that hung in the air, raw and desperate.

Rhaenyra’s eyes searched hers, and Alicent saw something soften in their depths. “I want that too,” she murmured before kissing her again, their bodies moving in a slow, sensual rhythm that made Alicent’s skin feel like it was on fire.

The moment Rhaenyra entered her, Alicent’s eyes rolled back in her head, a low moan escaping her lips. It had been so long, and it was nothing like she remembered. This was different — it was everything she hadn’t known she needed. Rhaenyra’s strokes were deep and sure, each one hitting that perfect spot that had Alicent’s toes curling.

They talked through it all, their words a mix of encouragement and need, their breaths mingling as they found a pace that had them both racing toward the edge.

“You feel so good, Alicent,” Rhaenyra groaned, her hips moving in a steady rhythm that had Alicent’s body responding in kind.

Alicent’s thoughts drifted to Margaery’s words — how she’d claimed Rhaenyra was the best she’d ever had. A flicker of possessiveness ignited in her chest, and she wrapped her legs around Rhaenyra’s waist, pulling her closer, needing her to feel every part of her.

Their kisses grew deeper, more urgent as Alicent’s legs tightened around Rhaenyra, her heels digging into her back, pushing her deeper. Rhaenyra’s eyes widened with surprise, a gasp escaping her as she felt the newfound depth of Alicent’s need.

“Mm, that’s it,” Alicent whispered, her voice a seductive purr as she watched Rhaenyra’s reaction, feeling a heady rush of power. This was her territory now, and she wasn’t going to let anyone else claim it.

The sound of their skin slapping together filled the room, a testament to their urgency. Rhaenyra’s hands slid up Alicent’s body, finding her breasts again. She pinched her nipples, rolling them between her thumbs and forefingers as Alicent’s hips bucked up to meet her, her legs tightening even further.

“Fuck, yes,” Rhaenyra growled, her eyes fluttering shut with pleasure. Alicent felt a thrill of victory, knowing she was the one making the alpha feel this way.

Their pace grew more frantic, the room spinning around them as they reached the peak of their desire. Alicent’s nails dug into Rhaenyra’s back. This was what she needed — this raw, unbridled passion that left no room for doubt or fear.

“Fuck…oh gods yes,” Alicent cried out, her orgasm crashing over her like a wave, her body convulsing around Rhaenyra.

Rhaenyra’s own climax followed, her eyes tightly shut as she clutched onto Alicent for dear life. They stared into each other’s eyes, the intimacy of the moment almost too much to handle.

As they both came down from their high, their bodies still joined, Alicent felt something shift inside her. The possessiveness she’d felt moments ago grew into something more — something that scared her.

“That was... amazing,” Rhaenyra murmured, her voice a low rumble against Alicent’s neck.

“Yeah,” Alicent agreed, her voice breathless.

They lay there, tangled in the sheets, their hearts hammering against each other’s chests. 

In a soft, sleepy mumble, Rhaenyra whispered, “Stay over.”

Alicent’s heart jolted at the words, and she felt herself tense, a quiet panic bubbling beneath the surface. Stay. The word echoed in her mind, and though it was such a simple, natural request, it felt like a step she hadn’t fully prepared herself for. She could feel her emotions swirling — the warmth of Rhaenyra’s touch, the safety in her presence, mixed with the raw vulnerability of letting herself truly be with someone again.

She swallowed, trying to keep her voice steady as she replied, “Okay.”

The quiet stillness settling around them like a warm blanket. The gentle rise and fall of Rhaenyra’s breathing filled the room, her arm draped lightly over Alicent’s waist, grounding her with a warmth that somehow felt both comforting and electrifying.

But as much as Alicent tried to let herself relax, her mind was racing. She felt so much for Rhaenyra, more than she’d anticipated, more than she’d let herself acknowledge until now. Every little detail about Rhaenyra — her laugh, her kindness, the way she looked at her with such quiet intensity — made her heart ache with a mixture of fear and longing.

She felt vulnerable, exposed in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time. And yet, even with her heart pounding in her chest, she knew this was something she didn’t want to run from.

After a while, Rhaenyra stirred beside her, pressing a soft, sleepy kiss to her shoulder before drifting back to sleep, her breath warm against Alicent’s skin. Alicent lay still, letting her heart slow as she focused on Rhaenyra’s peaceful presence, feeling herself slowly relax.

Eventually, sleep claimed her too, and the last thing she remembered was the warmth of Rhaenyra’s arms around her, holding her close, making her feel safe.

///

Alicent blinked awake, the early morning light filtering through the curtains as a dull, throbbing ache pulsed through her head. She clutched her temples, wincing as she slowly took in her surroundings. This wasn’t her room.

She reached for the glass of water on the nightstand, chugging it in one go, desperate to ease the pounding in her head. As the fog cleared just slightly, her gaze drifted to the other side of the bed — and her heart skipped.

Rhaenyra lay beside her, her bare back turned toward Alicent, smooth skin peeking out from beneath the sheets, her hair splayed across the pillow. Alicent’s stomach did a flip, memories from the night before swirling in fragments — dancing, laughter, Rhaenyra’s hands at her waist, and then… well, the rest was a blur.

She let out a slow, shaky breath, leaning back into the pillows, pressing her hands over her eyes. Her headache was too intense to process any of this yet, so she decided to lie still, letting the throbbing ache drown out the rush of thoughts. She’d figure it all out — whatever “it” was — later. For now, she just needed to survive this hangover.

A soft rustle moments later beside her made Alicent open her eyes, and she found herself looking directly into Rhaenyra’s. Rhaenyra stretched, a slow, lazy smile forming on her lips as she greeted her with a low, “Hey.”

Alicent felt a blush creeping up her neck, her voice coming out barely above a whisper. “Hey.”

Rhaenyra sat up, the sheet slipping down to reveal her bare shoulders, her gaze lingering on Alicent with a warmth that sent a fresh wave of nerves through her. “Rough morning?” she teased, the playful glint in her eyes only adding to Alicent’s flustered state.

Alicent shifted, trying to find the right words, her cheeks still hot as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She clearly looked nervous…and dare she say, mortified?

Rhaenyra’s expression softened, a hint of caution flickering across her face as she watched Alicent. “Hey, listen,” she began, her voice gentle. “I know last night got a little… out of hand. If you want to forget this ever happened—”

But before Rhaenyra could finish, Alicent shook her head quickly, her voice more insistent than she’d expected. “I don’t. I don’t want to forget this happened.”

Rhaenyra’s gaze steadied on her, the caution in her expression shifting to something else, something warmer.

“My memory might be a bit foggy at moments,” Alicent continued, her voice soft but steady as she held Rhaenyra’s gaze, “but I definitely don’t want to forget it.”

A small, genuine smile spread across Rhaenyra’s face, her hand reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from Alicent’s cheek, her fingers lingering just a second too long. “Good,” she murmured, her voice barely more than a whisper, but filled with a quiet relief.

As Alicent sat up, clutching the sheets, Rhaenyra stretched and flashed her a warm smile. “You know, I make a mean breakfast,” she offered with a playful tilt of her head. “Or at least something to ease that hangover.”

Alicent smiled, but shook her head quickly, swallowing back the queasiness that had been her constant companion since waking. 

“Thanks, but I should get home.” She forced a small laugh. “Pretty sure just the sight of food would send me running for the nearest trash can.”

Rhaenyra chuckled softly, but as Alicent turned to stand, she felt a gentle hold on her wrist. She looked down to see Rhaenyra’s hand, warm and steady, before Rhaenyra leaned in and placed a soft, lingering kiss against her lips. It was gentle, sweet, nothing like the whirlwind of last night, and Alicent’s heart seemed to skip a beat.

When Rhaenyra pulled back, her gaze softened. “Can I finally take you out on a real date?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alicent felt her chest tighten, her mind racing. This was different. Rhaenyra was different. Her feelings for her were different, and that terrified her, pulling her back to all the memories, the fears that lingered after everything she’d been through with her ex. But when she looked into Rhaenyra’s eyes, she felt that fear soften, just enough to make room for something else.

Biting her lip, she nodded slowly, feeling the thrill and the fear collide in her chest. “Yes… you can,” she whispered, her voice almost shy but filled with a quiet certainty.

Rhaenyra’s smile was radiant, and for a moment, the weight of everything else fell away, leaving just the two of them, together and ready to take whatever came next.

///

Alicent glanced at her reflection in the mirror, smoothing out the soft fabric of her skirt and adjusting the neckline of her top. It was a little more revealing than her usual style, the smoky eyeliner accentuating her eyes, giving her an edge she didn’t often show. Her hair fell in loose waves, the result of a careful blowout that felt just right for tonight — for Rhaenyra.

Her phone buzzed, and she felt a flutter of nerves as she read the message.

Rhaenyra: I’ll be there in 5.

Alicent exhaled, her heart picking up speed. She typed back a quick reply — Can’t wait :) — before checking herself one last time in the mirror, the excitement bubbling beneath her nerves.

She couldn’t deny the thrill that had been building between them over the last few days, each text, each stolen glance in the hallway adding to the quiet intensity she felt every time she thought of tonight. This was her first date since her ex, and though the nervousness lingered, it was overshadowed by the warmth she felt whenever she thought of Rhaenyra, her laughter, her touch, and the way she looked at her like there was no one else in the room.

The doorbell rang, and Alicent felt her breath hitch, her heart pounding as she stepped toward the door.

Alicent’s heart dropped as she opened the door, expecting to see Rhaenyra’s warm smile and instead facing someone she hadn’t seen in months. Her ex stood there, looking just as surprised, her gaze drifting over Alicent’s outfit, taking in the carefully chosen skirt, the smoky eyeliner, the hair she’d spent the last half-hour perfecting.

“Alicent…” her ex murmured, a hesitant smile tugging at her lips, though there was a flicker of something else in her eyes — maybe recognition, maybe regret. “You look… wow. I didn’t expect to see you like this.”

Alicent swallowed, forcing herself to hold her ground despite the wave of emotions crashing over her. She hadn’t prepared herself for this, for the person who’d left her heart bruised and guarded to show up on the night she was finally trying to move forward. “What… what are you doing here?”

Her ex hesitated, shifting slightly before answering. “I was… I wanted to check on you. I know it’s been a while, and I heard things were different now, and I just… I guess I wanted to see for myself.”

Alicent forced a tight smile, feeling the weight of everything she’d been trying to leave behind. “I’m doing fine,” she said, her voice firmer than she felt inside. “Really.”

Her ex looked down, nodding slowly. “I’m glad. I just… you were on my mind, and I wanted to see you.”

Alicent felt her phone vibrate in her hand and glanced down to see Rhaenyra’s message lighting up her screen: Here. The timing felt like a lifeline, a reminder of the warmth waiting for her outside.

Taking a deep breath, Alicent looked back at her ex, her mind clearer now. “Thank you for coming by, but I… I have plans.” Her voice softened, a quiet strength settling in as she took a step back, ready to close the door.

Alicent’s hand froze on the door just as her ex’s voice came through, soft but insistent. “Can I come in? Just for a few minutes, please?”

Alicent clenched her jaw, glancing at her phone, Rhaenyra’s message still lighting up her screen. She turned back to her ex, whose eyes held a pleading look that was all too familiar. Alicent sighed, feeling the stir of old habits and emotions she thought she’d moved past.

“No,” she said, her voice firm, but her ex’s expression didn’t waver.

“Please, Alicent,” her ex repeated, the look in her eyes softening. “Just for a few minutes.”

Alicent felt herself waver, rolling her eyes as she took a step back, reluctantly gesturing for her to come in. “Fine. But only a few minutes,” she muttered, feeling a twist of frustration and nerves knotting in her stomach as her ex stepped inside.

The door clicked shut behind them, and Alicent crossed her arms, keeping a safe distance as she waited, her expression guarded. “So… what is it?”

Alicent’s ex looked at her, eyes filled with a determination that Alicent hadn’t seen in ages. “I want you back, Alicent,” she said quietly, her voice intense. “I’m going to fight for you.”

Alicent blinked, completely taken aback. “What?” Her voice was sharp, barely concealing the mix of shock and frustration rising inside her. “You’re the one who left. You walked out on me.”

Her ex nodded, regret flashing across her face. “I know,” she admitted, her voice softer, vulnerable in a way Alicent had rarely seen. “And it was the biggest mistake of my life. I didn’t know what I was doing. But I’m here now, and I want to make it right.”

Before Alicent could respond, the doorbell rang, echoing through the quiet room. Her heart raced, dread settling in her stomach as she glanced toward the door, knowing exactly who it was.

Her voice was urgent, almost panicked. “You need to get out. Now.”

Her ex’s eyes narrowed, a hint of suspicion crossing her face. “Who is that?” she asked, her tone low and searching.

Alicent felt herself trapped, a sinking feeling building as she realized that if she opened the door now, Rhaenyra would see her ex standing in her home, drawing conclusions she had no way of controlling. And she knew how it would look — and how much it could ruin everything with Rhaenyra.

“Please,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady as she looked at her ex. “Just… go. We can talk another time.”

But her ex stayed rooted in place, her gaze flicking from the door to Alicent, clearly unwilling to leave without getting what she’d come for.

Alicent took a deep breath, rolling her eyes in frustration as she opened the door just a crack. Rhaenyra stood there, smiling warmly, a beautiful bouquet of flowers in her hand. The sight was almost enough to make Alicent forget everything — almost. But the situation in her living room weighed too heavily for her to fully appreciate the gesture.

“Hey,” Alicent said, trying to sound casual, even as her heart pounded. “I’m… not quite ready yet. Would you mind waiting in your car? I’ll be right there.”

Rhaenyra’s smile faltered just slightly, but she nodded, her voice soft. “Oh, okay. Sure, take your time.” She turned, glancing back at Alicent once before making her way down the path.

Alicent exhaled, beginning to close the door, but before she could, her ex stepped forward, suddenly appearing behind her. “Who was at the door, Ali?” she asked, voice feigning innocence, but there was a sharp edge to it.

Alicent felt a surge of frustration and panic. She turned to her ex, eyes blazing. “Don’t. Just… don’t do this,” she hissed, her tone low, but her ex’s expression didn’t soften, instead shifting to one of curiosity, almost amusement.

Outside, she could see Rhaenyra slowing, glancing back with a hint of confusion as if sensing something was off. Alicent felt her heart drop, realizing the moment she’d feared was happening — the situation spinning beyond her control.

Rhaenyra had barely taken two steps away from the door when Alicent’s ex suddenly appeared in the doorway beside her. “Hi, I’m Alicent’s wife,” the ex introduced herself smoothly, offering her hand to Rhaenyra, a faint smirk on her face.

“Ex-wife.” Alicent quickly cut in, absolutely mortified. 

Rhaenyra glanced between them, a casual smile masking her confusion. “Oh um okay…what are you doing here?” she asked, her tone polite but with a hint of surprise.

The ex didn’t miss a beat, turning back to Alicent with a triumphant glint in her eye. “Ah well you see…me and Ali are getting back together,” she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

Rhaenyra’s face fell, shock and a hint of hurt flickering across her features. Alicent’s stomach twisted as she saw the misunderstanding flash in Rhaenyra’s eyes.

“Oh my god, no we aren’t!” Alicent burst out, her voice filled with exasperation as she turned to her ex, stepping in between her and Rhaenyra. “Jesus, will you please go away?” Her tone was sharp, leaving no room for doubt.

She looked back at Rhaenyra, her face softening as she tried to explain. “This… she just showed up out of nowhere. I promise.”

Rhaenyra’s gaze lingered on Alicent’s, her hurt shifting into something guarded, though her expression softened just slightly as she took in Alicent’s frustration and sincerity. She nodded, slowly, though the air between them remained tense, the weight of the moment hanging over them.

The ex narrowed her eyes, her tone dripping with bitterness as she looked Rhaenyra up and down. “So, are you screwing my wife?”

Alicent’s patience snapped. “I am your ex-wife,” she said firmly, her voice low but unyielding. “And you really need to leave. Now.”

Her ex hesitated, her expression flickering between defiance and frustration, but she took a step back, clearly not willing to push it further in front of Rhaenyra. “Fine,” she said, raising her hands in mock surrender. “But we’ll talk later. I’m not giving up so easily on you.”

She threw one last nod in Rhaenyra’s direction, a half-smile that felt more like a challenge than a goodbye, before turning and walking away.

Alicent let out a long, shaky breath, her hand gripping the door as she looked back at Rhaenyra. “I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice filled with both frustration and embarrassment. “I… didn’t expect any of this.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes softened, the initial hurt giving way to something more understanding. “Are you okay?” she asked gently, her voice low as she took a small step closer, her concern clear.

Alicent nodded. “I…yes..yeah I am,” she whispered, giving a faint smile.

Rhaenyra’s eyes searched Alicent’s, her voice soft as she asked, “Do you… want me to go?”

Alicent felt a pang in her chest, the weight of the disrupted evening hanging between them. “No,” she replied quietly, almost pleading. “Please don’t.”

Rhaenyra nodded, her expression gentle but tinged with hesitation. “Okay,” she said softly. But Alicent could see the change in her demeanor, the warmth and excitement they’d both shared now dulled, the tension from her ex’s visit lingering like a dark cloud.

Alicent felt a wave of disappointment crash over her, frustration twisting in her chest. She bit her lip, looking away for a moment, before giving a resigned sigh. “Actually… maybe we should call it a night,” she murmured, the ache of the missed chance settling heavily.

Rhaenyra gave her a small, understanding nod, though Alicent could see a trace of regret in her eyes too. “Oh um…alright,” she said, her tone gentle. “We’ll… try again another time?”

Alicent nodded, her heart sinking as she watched Rhaenyra leave.

///

The next day, Alicent spotted Rhaenyra in the hallway, her heart sinking as she saw the faint hint of awkwardness lingering in Rhaenyra’s expression. She approached carefully, trying to keep her tone casual, hoping to bridge the distance that had formed between them.

“Hey,” Alicent greeted, giving a tentative smile.

“Hey,” Rhaenyra replied, her voice polite but cool, not quite meeting Alicent’s gaze. She took a breath, then, as if to avoid lingering in the tension, launched straight into work mode. “So, I was looking over the pre-op notes on the neurological case we’re consulting on. I think if we review the imaging one more time, there’s a possibility we’ve missed an anomaly in the scans…”

Alicent blinked, trying to keep up with the sudden shift to medical talk, her mind still lingering on the night before. She nodded, slipping into professional mode as best she could, though the words felt distant, her focus scattered. She followed along, offering input where she could, though each word felt more forced than usual.

They continued to discuss the case, both leaning heavily on the familiar comfort of their work, the shared language of medicine acting as a barrier between them. But Alicent couldn’t help but notice the unspoken tension underneath, the way Rhaenyra’s words were a little sharper, a little more precise than usual, as though she were deliberately keeping a safe distance.

Finally, when there was a break in the conversation, Alicent took a quiet breath, glancing over at her. “Rhaenyra… about last night—”

But before she could continue, Rhaenyra shook her head, her tone brisk, cutting her off with a practiced smile. “Let’s just focus on the case.” The words hung heavy between them, leaving Alicent with the unmistakable feeling that the conversation — and maybe more than that — was now off-limits.

Alicent took a steadying breath, glancing around the quiet hallway before looking back at Rhaenyra. “No, I want to talk,” she said, her voice firmer than she’d expected.

Rhaenyra paused, meeting her gaze with a guarded expression.

Alicent’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she held Rhaenyra’s gaze, determined. “I didn’t mean for my ex to show up like that. It… it caught me off guard too.”

Rhaenyra nodded slowly, her expression softening a bit, though a trace of resignation lingered in her eyes. “Look, this is my fault,” she said gently. “I pursued you, even after you said you weren’t ready. You told me you weren’t over your ex, and I just… ignored that.” She gave a slight, rueful smile. “I should have listened.”

Alicent felt her chest tighten, guilt and frustration knotting together as she shook her head. “It’s not like that. I don’t want her back, Rhaenyra. I was… I am trying to move forward.” She took a breath, gathering her thoughts. “And I wanted that with you. Last night… she just showed up out of nowhere. It wasn’t because of anything I wanted.”

Rhaenyra’s expression softened, her eyes searching Alicent’s. “So you’re sure?” she asked quietly, her voice tinged with vulnerability she rarely let show.

Alicent nodded, her voice steady. “Yes. I’m sure.” She took a small step closer, her tone soft but sincere. “If you’re still willing, I’d really like to go on that date.””

Rhaenyra held her gaze, the tension between them easing just slightly as she nodded. “Alright,” she murmured, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Then… we try again?”

Alicent smiled, her relief palpable. “Yes,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “We try again.”

///

Alicent was rounding on the peds floor when she caught a glimpse of Viserys, the chief of all surgery, standing by the elevators, shaking hands with a familiar figure. Her stomach dropped as she recognized her ex, smiling politely as they exchanged pleasantries. She waited, watching as her ex finished the conversation with Viserys and finally stepped away.

Without hesitation, Alicent marched up to her, her voice sharp and low as she demanded, “What are you doing here?”

Her ex turned, a faint smile tugging at her lips as if she’d been expecting this reaction. “I’m the new ortho surgeon here. Starting today,” she replied smoothly, clearly enjoying the moment. “Just got my privileges approved.”

Alicent’s face hardened, her fists clenching at her sides. “Like hell you are,” she bit out, unable to keep the edge of anger from her voice.

Her ex raised an eyebrow, clearly unfazed. “It’s a done deal, Ali. You might not like it, but I’m here. Guess we’ll be seeing each other around a lot more.” She tilted her head, a hint of challenge in her eyes.

Alicent felt a wave of frustration rise within her, the implication clear. “This has nothing to do with the job, does it?” she demanded. “You’re here because of… us.”

Her ex shrugged, feigning innocence. “I’m here because I’m a talented surgeon who deserves a position at one of the top hospitals.” Her ex’s smirk deepened, a glint of determination in her eyes. “And yes,” she said, her voice lowering, carrying a quiet intensity. “You already know I’m here to get you back.”

Alicent felt her stomach twist, frustration and disbelief battling inside her. She took a step back, crossing her arms as she held her ex’s gaze. “You can’t just… walk back into my life and expect things to pick up where you left off. I’ve moved on.”

Her ex chuckled softly, unfazed. “Have you?” She took a step closer, her gaze challenging. “You say that, but the way you reacted last night tells me otherwise. I don’t think you’re as over me as you’d like to believe.”

Alicent’s face hardened, her voice steady but cold. “Believe what you want, but I meant what I said. I’ve moved on, and you need to respect that.”

Her ex shrugged, unaffected. “You can try to convince yourself of that all you want, Ali. But I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be around, and eventually, you’ll remember what we had.” She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a murmur. “This is only the beginning.”

Alicent’s blood boiled, her fists clenching as she watched her ex walk away, leaving her standing there, a knot of frustration and dread settling heavily in her chest.

///

Later that day, Rhaenyra was heading down the hallway when she found herself face-to-face with Alicent’s ex, who gave her a once-over and raised an eyebrow with a smug grin.

“Hey,” the ex greeted casually, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You’re the one who has been keeping my side of the bed warm for me right?”

Rhaenyra’s expression turned icy, refusing to rise to the bait. “Why are you wearing King’s Landing Hospital scrubs?”

The ex’s smirk widened. “I work here now. Guess Alicent didn’t tell you?”

Rhaenyra felt a chill run through her, but she kept her composure, her gaze unwavering as the ex walked past, throwing a smug smile over her shoulder. 

///

After finishing her surgery, Alicent took a deep breath and pulled out her phone, sending a quick text to Rhaenyra. Can we get coffee? she typed, hoping to keep things as calm and normal as possible.

A few moments later, her phone buzzed with Rhaenyra’s reply. Sure. See you in a bit.

When Alicent arrived at the coffee shop, she spotted Rhaenyra immediately, her usual warm expression replaced by a guarded, unreadable look. Alicent felt her stomach twist as she approached, forcing herself to sit down across from her.

“Oh god,” Alicent muttered, reading the look on Rhaenyra’s face. “You know already, don’t you? I can see it on your face.”

Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of sympathy and frustration. “I ran into her. She made sure I knew.”

Alicent closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose as the weight of the situation settled on her shoulders. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea she’d… that she’d somehow end up working here, of all places.”

Rhaenyra sighed, leaning back in her chair as she looked at Alicent. “So, she’s back… and determined to make things as complicated as possible, it seems.”

Alicent nodded, her voice quiet. “Yeah. She’s here to try to get me back. But, Rhaenyra, that’s not what I want.”

Rhaenyra’s gaze softened, her shoulders relaxing just a little as she kept her eyes on Alicent. “I believe you,” she said, her voice steady but with a hint of caution. “But… if for whatever reason that changes, if she starts to get to you… I’d appreciate it if you’d give me a heads up. Just so I’m not blindsided.”

Alicent squeezed her hand, nodding earnestly. “I promise, Rhaenyra. You won’t be blindsided. I know what I want… and it’s not her.”

Rhaenyra held her gaze for a long moment, a quiet understanding settling between them. “Okay,” she murmured, her lips curving into a small smile. “Let’s plan that date then.”

///

Finally, the night of their long-awaited date arrived. Alicent stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the fabric of her dress and adjusting the delicate earrings she’d chosen. She took a deep breath, feeling the excitement bubbling just beneath the surface, her heart racing with anticipation. This was different from anything she’d felt in ages.

The doorbell rang, and Alicent felt a smile form as she walked over to open it. There, on her doorstep, stood Rhaenyra, dressed sharply and holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. The soft smile on Rhaenyra’s face sent a warm flutter through Alicent’s chest.

“For you,” Rhaenyra said softly, holding the flowers out with a warmth in her eyes that made Alicent feel like she was the only person in the world.

Alicent accepted the flowers, her cheeks flushing slightly as she looked up at Rhaenyra. “You didn’t have to do that… but thank you. They’re beautiful.”

Rhaenyra’s gaze softened as she took in Alicent’s dress, her eyes lingering just a moment longer than usual. “Not as beautiful as you,” she murmured, her voice low, an easy smile gracing her lips. Alicent laughed lightly, feeling a rush of warmth at the words, realizing just how much she’d been looking forward to this.

As they left for the evening, Alicent’s heart swelled, feeling the promise of a night filled with laughter, connection, and the quiet, undeniable spark between them that had only grown stronger.

///

Dinner had been perfect — full of laughter, lingering glances, and little touches that left Alicent’s pulse racing. The conversation had flowed easily, each of them letting their guard down in a way that felt natural, even effortless. By the time they returned to Alicent’s apartment, there was an unspoken energy between them, a warmth that neither wanted to let go of just yet.

Now, back on Alicent’s couch, that energy had found its outlet. They leaned into each other, the soft glow of the room casting gentle shadows as their lips met in a kiss that started slow, tentative, but quickly deepened. Alicent’s fingers threaded through Rhaenyra’s hair, pulling her closer, as if she couldn’t bear even the slightest distance between them.

Rhaenyra’s hands rested on Alicent’s waist, her touch warm and grounding, sending a thrill through her with every gentle squeeze. The world around them faded, leaving only the sound of their breaths, the taste of each other, and the feel of their bodies pressing closer together, all pretense and hesitation gone.

Alicent’s head spun as she melted into Rhaenyra’s touch, her heartbeat quickening as Rhaenyra’s lips moved from her mouth to her jaw, trailing soft, heated kisses down her neck. Alicent closed her eyes, letting herself get lost in the moment, in the feel of Rhaenyra’s breath on her skin, savoring the connection that felt long overdue, unhurried and deeply, undeniably real.

Their clothes started to come off in a tangle, the air thick with anticipation as bare skin met. They paused to catch their breaths, to take in the sight of each other — the rise and fall of chests, the tremble of a lip, the question in their eyes that was met with a nod of consent, a silent agreement to take this further.

Alicent’s thoughts raced as Rhaenyra’s hand brushed over her collarbone, sending shivers down her spine. They were a jumble of dirty details and half-whispered confessions, a symphony of desire that grew louder with every touch.

Rhaenyra’s eyes searched hers as she unbuttoned Alicent’s shirt, her gaze never leaving Alicent’s as she revealed the soft, pale skin beneath. Alicent’s eyes grew heavy-lidded, her breath coming in ragged gasps as Rhaenyra’s hand cupped her breast, thumb flicking lightly over the hardened nipple.

Their kisses grew more urgent, more demanding, as Alicent’s hands found their way under Rhaenyra’s shirt, her skin hot and smooth beneath her fingertips. 

Rhaenyra leaned back, her hand lingering on Alicent’s waist as she took in the sight of her. Her eyes traced the curve of Alicent’s body, the dip of her waist, the flare of her hips. 

They continued to kiss as Alicent’s hand slipped down, finding the bulge in Rhaenyra’s pants. She gasped, the memory of their previous encounter flooding back to her in a rush. It had been a drunken blur, but the feeling of Rhaenyra filling her was something she hadn’t been able to forget.

Alicent’s cheeks flushed as she whispered, “Last time I was so drunk but um..gods I don’t know how to say this.”

“What is it?” Rhaenyra said softly, kissing the tip of her nose cutely. 

“I um…you’re so big..” Alicent said with flushed cheeks and Rhaenyra’s eyes went a bit wide.

“Did I hurt you last time? Because if I-” Rhaenyra started to worriedly ramble.

“Oh no..no not at all. But we were so drunk and I just..well if you could just go slow to start out.” Alicent mumbled out and Rhaenyra softly nodded and kissed her gently. 

She kissed Alicent again, slower this time, letting her know without words that she heard her, that she cared about her pleasure as much as her own.

Rhaenyra’s hands moved to her belt, her eyes never leaving Alicent’s, a silent question in her gaze. Alicent nodded, the tension in the room palpable as Rhaenyra’s pants hit the floor.

They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, before Rhaenyra stepped closer, her member brushing against Alicent’s thigh. Alicent’s eyes widened, her breath hitching.

They kissed again, their bodies entwined, as Rhaenyra reached down to unbuckle Alicent’s pants. She slid them down, her fingertips brushing against Alicent’s skin, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

Alicent’s heart raced as Rhaenyra’s hand found her, her touch gentle at first, exploring, before she slid a finger inside, making Alicent gasp into her mouth.

They moved to the bedroom, the need for more space, for more of each other, becoming too much to ignore. The bed creaked softly as they tumbled onto it, their bodies a tangle of limbs and passion.

Rhaenyra hovered above her.

“Look at me,” Rhaenyra murmured, her voice soft. Alicent’s eyes fluttered open, meeting Rhaenyra’s intense gaze. Rhaenyra’s hand moved between Alicent’s thighs. Alicent’s body arched off the bed as Rhaenyra’s thumb found her clit, stroking it softly, teasingly.

They moved together, their bodies syncing as if they’d been doing this for years. Rhaenyra’s touch grew bolder, her fingers moving faster, as Alicent’s breaths grew more ragged.

Finally, unable to wait any longer, Rhaenyra positioned herself, her eyes never leaving Alicent’s. She pushed inside, inch by agonizing inch, watching Alicent’s face for any sign of discomfort, ready to stop if she asked.

Alicent’s eyes squeezed shut tightly, her teeth biting into her bottom lip, but she didn’t protest. Instead, she wrapped her legs around Rhaenyra’s waist, urging her deeper.

They moved together in a slow, loving rhythm. Each stroke was deliberate. They kissed as they moved, their eyes speaking volumes of what their mouths could not.

Their bodies grew slick with sweat, their breaths mingling, their hearts beating in time with each other’s.

"Feels so good," Rhaenyra moans out softly, trying desperately not to rut into the girl below her.

"Yeah?" Alicent breathelessly asks.

Rhaenyra nodded, her eyes never leaving Alicent’s. She didn’t want to miss a single reaction, every gasp, every quiver. She leaned down to kiss her again, their foreheads pressing together as they both fought to maintain control.

Alicent’s hands roamed over Rhaenyra’s back, her nails digging in gently as she met Rhaenyra’s every thrust with a roll of her hips. She felt so alive, so seen in this moment.

They didn’t speak, their eyes telling each other everything their mouths couldn’t.

“Open your eyes. I want to see you,” Rhaenyra whispered. Alicent complied, her eyes fluttering open to meet Rhaenyra’s gaze, which was filled with a tenderness that made her feel exposed and vulnerable, yet completely cherished.

They continued to move at a gentle pace, their eyes locked, punctuated by their soft gasps and sighs.

Alicent’s shyness grew into a fiery need as she watched Rhaenyra’s expression, the way her eyes darkened and her cheeks flushed with every stroke. She reached up, her hand trembling slightly, and traced Rhaenyra’s jaw with her fingertips.

Rhaenyra’s breath hitched, a soft whimper escaping her lips, and she leaned into the touch, her eyes never leaving Alicent’s. The connection between them grew stronger with every beat of their hearts, every shared breath.

Alicent’s mind suddenly was racing. This felt too intimate, too much like love making. It terrified her. 

Her ex had never looked at her like this, never made her feel like this. It was a feeling she hadn’t even known she craved until now. But she couldn’t let it happen. She needed to regain control, needed to end this before it spun out of control.

So she took control, breaking the gentle rhythm with a rough tug on Rhaenyra’s hair, a bite to her bottom lip.

“Let me get on top,” Alicent whispered out and Rhaenyra moaned at the suggestion, nodding and already pulling out.

Alicent straddled Rhaenyra, her eyes fluttering shut as she sank down onto her, feeling every inch of her fill her up. She set the pace now, hard and fast, the friction making her toes curl and her breath catch in her throat.

Rhaenyra’s hands gripped the sheets tightly, her eyes squeezed shut as Alicent took charge, her body responding instinctively to the new rhythm.

It was raw, it was intense, and it was exactly what Alicent needed to keep her emotions in check.

But even as she rode Rhaenyra, the tenderness between them remained, a silent understanding that this was more than just sex, more than just two bodies coming together.

And as Alicent felt herself getting closer to the edge, she knew she was falling for Rhaenyra, even though she hadn’t allowed herself to look into her eyes for fear of what she might find there — the reflection of her own growing love.

The room was filled with the sound of skin slapping against skin, the wetness of their joining, and the guttural moans that spilled from both their mouths. It was raw, it was animalistic, and it was exactly what Alicent needed to keep her from falling.

All that mattered was the friction, the pressure building within her, the way Rhaenyra’s name sounded on her lips like a curse and a prayer at the same time.

And then it hit her, the orgasm that seemed to go on forever. Her body clenched around Rhaenyra, muscles contracting intensely. Her eyes squeezed shut as she threw her head back, crying out and gripping her headboard for dear life.

It was intense, more intense than anything she’d ever felt, and it left her trembling and breathless. Rhaenyra’s grip tightened, her own release following closely, a deep groan resonating through her chest as she buried her face in Alicent’s neck, her teeth grazing the soft skin.

Alicent’s body shuddered with each aftershock, her legs giving out beneath her. Rhaenyra caught her, pulling her down onto her chest, holding her tightly as they both rode out the waves of pleasure.

Their breaths mingled, their hearts hammering in sync. The intensity of their climax had left them both weak, but somehow stronger than before.

They lay there for a moment, panting, their bodies slick with sweat, before Rhaenyra finally spoke.

“That was...” she began, but her voice trailed off, unable to find the words to describe what had just happened between them.

Alicent nodded, her cheek pressed against Rhaenyra’s damp skin. She knew exactly what Rhaenyra meant. It was more than just physical pleasure–and that terrified her.

When it was over, they lay there, panting and sweaty, their hearts racing in tandem.

Alicent’s chest rose and fell with the effort of her breath. She had taken control, she had kept herself from falling, but somehow, the intimacy of the moment had only served to pull her closer to the edge of the very thing she feared most — love.

And as she watched Rhaenyra’s chest rise and fall with her own, she realized she didn’t want to pull away. Not tonight. Not with Rhaenyra.

For now, she would revel in the afterglow, the sticky sweetness of their shared passion, and hope that come morning, she would have the strength to keep her heart in check.