A Secret Kept

The darkness of the night provided the perfect cover for Alicent's clandestine meetings. She slipped out of the castle, careful not to draw attention to herself as she made her way through the winding streets of King's Landing. The cool night air carried the scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of laughter, but Alicent's heart was elsewhere. She had told no one of her plans, not even her lady-in-waiting, and felt a thrill of excitement mixed with guilt as she navigated the narrow alleys. The flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the walls, and the sound of her footsteps echoed off the buildings. Her destination was a small tavern on the outskirts of the city, a place where she knew she could find Ser Criston Cole. Alicent's heart skipped a beat as she pushed open the door and scanned the room for a glimpse of his familiar face. Criston was already seated at a table, nursing a mug of ale as he listened intently to the bard in the corner. His eyes locked onto Alicent's, and a warm smile spread across his face as she made her way towards him. "Alicent," he whispered, rising from his seat to greet her. "What brings you here tonight?" Alicent's cheeks flushed as she allowed Criston to take her hand, feeling a rush of emotions that she couldn't quite process. She had missed him, missed the way he made her feel when they were together. "I couldn't stay away," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Criston's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, pulling her close. "I'm glad you didn't," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear. The world outside receded, and all that mattered was the two of them, lost in their own little bubble of love and desire. But as they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Alicent couldn't shake the feeling that she was living a lie. She was married to Rhaenyra, the princess of the realm, and yet she found herself sneaking out to be with Criston, the man she truly loved. The guilt gnawed at her conscience, but she pushed it aside, unable to bear the thought of giving him up. As the night wore on, Alicent and Criston talked and laughed, sharing stories and secrets. The tavern was warm and welcoming, filled with the smell of roasting meat and freshly baked bread. Alicent felt at home, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of the tavern. But as the hours passed, Alicent knew she had to leave. The sun would soon rise, and she couldn't risk being discovered. Criston walked her back to the castle, his arm around her waist as they navigated the deserted streets. As they stood outside the castle gates, Criston pulled her close, his eyes burning with intensity. "I'll find a way to make this right, Alicent," he whispered. "I promise." Alicent's heart ached as she pulled away, knowing that she had to return to her duties as Rhaenyra's wife. She smiled, trying to reassure him, but the doubt lingered in her mind. As she slipped back into the castle, Alicent felt like she was trapped in a web of her own making. She was torn between her duty to Rhaenyra and her love for Criston, and she didn't know how much longer she could keep her secret hidden. The castle was quiet, the only sound the distant clanging of pots and pans from the kitchens. Alicent made her way back to her chambers, her heart heavy with the weight of her secrets. She slipped into bed, trying to shake off the feeling of guilt that lingered long after she was alone. But as she lay there, she couldn't help but think of Criston, and the love they shared in secret. The darkness closed in around her, and Alicent knew that she would have to face the consequences of her actions soon. But for now, she just lay there, lost in her thoughts, and the love that she kept hidden.