❛ what if she's fine
it's my mind thats wrong?
and i just let bad thoughts
linger for far too long❜

CHAPTER TWO | DARK RED
only you darling only you.

She didn't know if she was supposed to feel that way, but she did. Rhaenyra hasn't really felt this way for someone before, well- for anyone, ever.

"This discomfort is how we serve the realm." The words Aemma shared still continue to Rhaenyra. Was this what she had to succumb to? Rhaenyra would rather jump into the Narrow Sea than deal with suitors and marriage. She'd rather rule the Iron Throne and deal with all of Westeros, but that was a dream too far. Her father hasn't even settled on who his heir would be, which frightens Rhaenyra the most. All the princess wanted was to feel a sense of normality for a day or two, no worries about her mother's pregnancy, no trouble about heirs, and no fear of waking up to some other threat to the throne. On days like this, she would think of hopping onto Syrax's back and flying away. But the girl knew that it would never be easy to just leave.

Rhaenyra spent the evening circling around her room, lost in thought. Maybe she was still too young to decide if she actually felt that way for Alicent or not, or maybe she wasn't. Was it too early to tell? She was only in her teens, she didn't know anything. But Rhaenyra knew she couldn't tell anyone, she wouldn't dare to. That night wasn't the best evening to stay up, however. To be a princess is to smile and wave at people, especially during tourneys. The next morning, she had to do exactly that.

-

She was late, terribly late to the event. The princess had to get her hair ready and rush to put on her red dress. Not that she was worried that she was late, but rather what the people would think if she was.

As soon as she finished her look, the girl was rushed to the tourney. She drew in a long breath before walking up the steps, already hearing her father give out a speech. Rhaenyra stuck to the sides as she tried to excuse herself to her seat, a sigh of relief came from her when she noticed that Alicent was already by the front. The brunette's gaze only fixated on whatever was happening in front of her, a little surprised when Rhaenyra ushered herself to sit at the empty seat beside her. The two looked at each other for a moment, sparing a quick smile as Viserys continued to speak.

"Queen Aemma has begun her labors!" cheered Viserys, causing everyone in the crowd to cheer. Even Rhaenyra resorted to clapping happily, it meant her mother would be able to get a restful sleep after such a long time. "May the luck of the Seven shine upon all combatants!"

Though in the midst of happiness, Rhaenyra notices Alicent, trying to bite on her nails once more. It was an odd habit- to Rhaenyra at least. She didn't dare to question her friend about it, she hasn't even tried to. Rhaenyra did, however, try to stop Alicent from harming her fingers any further when she attempted to bite into them once more. It was probably a nervous manner of the brunette's, but either way, the princess didn't want to see her wince every time the wounds were touched by some other sources. Out of instinct, she took Alicent by the hand, pulling it closer to her body and further away from Alicent's. Rhaenyra did this every time she'd see her friend reach for her mouth, and every time she does it Alicent is still surprised. The brunette looked towards the princess, a smile creeping onto her face. This prompted Rhaenyra to smile back, her hand never leaving the other's for a rather long time.

Crimson was the color of Alicent's nails, crimson was the color of Rhaenyra's dress, and crimson was the faint color of their cheeks. The two girls continued to gossip with one another, about different lords and their wives.

"A mystery knight?" then the princess asked, watching the tourney. Alicent shook her head in response.

"No, a Cole, of the Stormlands."

"I never heard of House Cole." The young girl turned to call for Ser Westerling. "What do you know about this Ser Criston Cole, Ser Harold?" Rhaenyra could feel Alicent's eyes burn her skin. Intense, it was really intense. Alicent couldn't bother to listen to Ser Westerling's words any further, she gave a silent huff and faced back to the front where the tourney continued.

Was she not interested about any information on the Coles?

Their eyes were fixated on the competitors once more. Daemon was jousting now, but it wasn't interesting to Rhaenya— at least not right now. With a busy crowd, Rhaenyra felt like she could tell Alicent what she was troubled with for the whole night. Drawing in a sharp breath, she turned to look at the girl. "Alicent—"

"Look, your uncle's approaching us," whispered Alicent, taking a leave from her seat and urging Rhaenyra to follow. All the princess could do was sigh.

❮♡❯