A Reluctant Bride

The sun cast its golden light upon the Red Keep, illuminating the bustling activity as the royal family and their guests prepared for the wedding of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower. The air was alive with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft chirping of birds, a stark contrast to the turmoil that brewed within Alicent's chest. As she stood before the mirror in her chambers, Lady Harwin adjusted the delicate lace on her wedding gown, her hands moving with a gentle precision that belied the anxiety that churned within her. Alicent's eyes, a deep shade of blue, seemed to hold a world of sorrow, a reflection of the reluctant bride she had become. The door creaked open, and Ser Otto Hightower, Alicent's father, entered with a warm smile, his eyes shining with pride. "Alicent, my dear, you look stunning. The princess will be fortunate to have you by her side." His voice, though kind, did little to ease the tension that had been building within her. Alicent's gaze met his, a flicker of defiance dancing in her eyes. "I am not sure I am ready for this, Father," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. The words hung in the air, a testament to the turmoil that had been brewing within her since the announcement of her arranged marriage. Ser Otto's expression turned stern, his voice firm but laced with a hint of understanding. "You will do your duty, Alicent. This marriage is a strategic alliance, one that will secure our family's position at court. You will learn to love and respect the princess in time." The words, though spoken with conviction, did little to reassure Alicent. As they made their way to the throne room, the sound of laughter and music filled the air, a stark contrast to the emptiness that Alicent felt. The ceremony was a blur of vows and promises, with Rhaenyra's piercing green gaze seeming to see right through her. Alicent felt a shiver run down her spine as the princess took her hand, her touch sending a spark of electricity through her body. The exchange of rings and the pronouncement of their marriage seemed to happen in a distant haze, with Alicent's mind consumed by thoughts of Ser Criston Cole, the man she loved and had been forced to leave behind. The memory of their whispered promises and stolen glances lingered in her mind, a bittersweet reminder of what she had lost. As the newlywed couple turned to face the gathered crowd, Alicent's eyes met Rhaenyra's, and for a moment, she thought she saw a glimmer of something – a spark of kindness, perhaps, or a flicker of warmth. But it was quickly extinguished, leaving Alicent to wonder if she had imagined it altogether. The reception that followed was a lavish affair, with food, music, and laughter filling the air. Alicent went through the motions, her smile fixed and her demeanor polite, but her heart remained heavy with sorrow. She felt trapped, bound to a woman who seemed as distant and unapproachable as the cold stone walls of the Red Keep. As the night drew to a close, Rhaenyra approached her, a gentle smile on her face. "Alicent, my dear, I hope you are not too overwhelmed. I know this has been a difficult day for you." The words, though spoken with kindness, did little to ease the tension that had been building within Alicent. Alicent's gaze met Rhaenyra's, a spark of defiance dancing in her eyes. "I will endure, Your Royal Highness," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. The words hung in the air, a testament to the turmoil that had been brewing within her. Rhaenyra's smile faltered, and for a moment, Alicent saw a glimmer of hurt in her eyes. But it was quickly replaced by a mask of politeness, leaving Alicent to wonder if she had imagined it altogether. As the night drew to a close, Alicent retreated to her chambers, her heart heavy with sorrow and her mind consumed by thoughts of escape and rebellion. She felt trapped in a marriage she didn't want, with a woman who seemed as distant and unapproachable as the cold stone walls of the Red Keep. Little did she know that the cold that would eventually burn within her would be a flame that would consume her, body and soul.