Sea Snakes

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Chapter 11 (Breaking Velayron Pride), Chapter 12 (Iron Sin), Chapter 13 (A Brother's Brief Shadow), Chapter 14 (A Crown of Silver-Gold), Chapter 15 (Dragons Don't Love), Chapter 16 (The Lust of The Dragon), Chapter 17 (A Dragon's Pride), Chapter 18 (Betrayer's Kiss), Chapter 19 (The Queen Who Watches), and Chapter 20 (The Alpha's Roar) are already available for Patrons.

The salt-laden breeze whipped across the courtyard of the Red Keep as Rhaenyra stood beside her father, her silver-gold hair dancing in the wind. The princess adjusted her black and red dress, adorned with intricate dragon patterns. Her father, King Viserys, looked particularly regal today in his formal attire, though she noticed his fingers nervously playing with the rings on his hand – a habit he'd never managed to break.

"You needn't hover so close, father," Rhaenyra said, keeping her eyes fixed on the gates. "I'm perfectly capable of receiving guests without causing a diplomatic incident."

Viserys turned to his daughter, his expression softening. "Is that what you think? That I'm here to prevent you from bringing shame upon us?"

"Aren't you?" She met his gaze directly, chin raised. "The way the small council whispers, one might think I'm a wild dragon ready to burn down the entire castle at any moment."

"Those are their fears, not mine." Viserys placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "House Velaryon has been our closest ally for generations. Rhaenys is my cousin, and Corlys..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Well, the Sea Snake has always had a flair for the dramatic, but his loyalty to our house has never wavered."

Rhaenyra's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Speaking of dramatic family members, where is Nuncle Daemon today? Surely he wouldn't miss such an important arrival?"

Viserys's face darkened slightly, and he let out a grunt that seemed to carry years of frustration. "Your uncle is where he always is when duty calls."

"The brothel," Rhaenyra murmured under her breath, earning a sharp look from her father.

Before he could respond, the thundering of hooves and the creaking of wooden wheels announced the arrival of their guests. Five enormous carriages rolled through the gates, each more ornate than the last. The leading carriage was decorated with intricate sea serpents carved from white wood and adorned with gold leaf that caught the sunlight like waves on the ocean.

"By the Seven," Viserys muttered, "Corlys never could resist making an entrance."

"At least he's consistent," Rhaenyra replied, watching as the procession came to a halt.

The first to emerge was Lord Corlys Velaryon himself, his silver-white hair braided in the elaborate style of the old Valyrian nobility. His sea-green cape billowed behind him, and his clothing spoke of wealth that could rival the crown itself.

"Your Grace," Corlys called out, bowing with practiced grace. "Princess Rhaenyra. The sight of you both warms my heart more than the summer sun."

Rhaenys emerged next, her bearing every bit as regal as her husband's. Despite the streaks of silver in her dark hair, she carried herself with the same pride that had once earned her consideration for the throne.

But it was the third figure that caught Rhaenyra's complete attention. Laena Velaryon stepped down from the carriage with fluid grace, her features a perfect blend of her parents' beauty. Her violet eyes met Rhaenyra's for a moment, and a small smile played across her lips.

"Princess," Laena said, dropping into a perfect curtsy. "It's been far too long."

"Indeed it has," Rhaenyra replied, suddenly very aware of her father's presence beside her. "Welcome to King's Landing."

"I trust your journey was comfortable?" Viserys asked, stepping forward to embrace his cousin Rhaenys.

"As comfortable as one can expect when traveling with enough trunks to sink a small fleet," Rhaenys answered with a laugh. "Though my lord husband insisted we bring half of Driftmark with us."

"Only the essential half, my love," Corlys defended, his eyes twinkling. "We can hardly appear before the crown in anything less than our finest."

"The crown would welcome you in sackcloth, Lord Corlys," Rhaenyra interjected, "though I must admit, your entrance was quite impressive. Tell me, do the sea serpents on your carriage truly glow in the moonlight, or is that just another tale sailors tell?"

Corlys let out a booming laugh. "Ah, Princess, you've been listening to the dockworkers' stories again! Though I must say, that's not the worst idea I've heard. Perhaps for my next commission..."

"Don't encourage him," Rhaenys said, rolling her eyes. "He'll have the entire fleet rebuilt with glowing figureheads before the month is out."

As servants began unloading the seemingly endless stream of trunks and boxes, Laena moved closer to Rhaenyra. "I heard you've been flying Syrax more frequently," she said, her voice low enough for only the princess to hear. "Perhaps you might show me your favorite routes over the city?"

"I'd be delighted," Rhaenyra responded, noting how her father's attention suddenly sharpened. "Though I'm sure my father would prefer we stick to the approved flying paths."

"The approved paths are for those who lack imagination," Laena whispered, then raised her voice. "Your Grace, might I trouble you for a tour of the gardens? I've heard they're particularly beautiful this time of year."

Viserys nodded approvingly. "Of course, though perhaps you'd prefer to refresh yourself first after your journey? We've prepared chambers in the Maidenvault—"

"The Maidenvault?" Rhaenyra interrupted. "Surely our guests deserve quarters in the main keep, father? The views of the bay from the eastern wing are unmatched."

Corlys raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased by the suggestion. "Most kind of you, Princess. Though we wouldn't wish to impose..."

"Nonsense," Viserys said, catching his daughter's meaning. "Rhaenyra is right. We'll have your things moved to the eastern wing immediately."

As the servants redirected their efforts, Rhaenyra noticed the subtle looks exchanged between Laena and her parents. 

"Shall we proceed to the great hall?" Viserys suggested. "I'm sure you're all eager for refreshment after your journey."

As they walked, Rhaenyra fell into step beside Laena. "Your father's entrance rivaled anything Nuncle Daemon has ever managed," she commented.

"High praise indeed," Laena responded with a smirk. "Though I notice your uncle isn't here to judge for himself."

"He's otherwise occupied," Rhaenyra said dryly.

"Ah yes, the usual entertainment, I assume? Mother says some things never change, no matter how many years pass."

"And some things change more than we expect," Rhaenyra replied, watching as her father engaged in animated conversation with Lord Corlys ahead of them. "Tell me, what brings House Velaryon to court with such... spectacular ceremony or are you here just for the Tourney?"

Laena's expression grew thoughtful. "Perhaps we simply missed the pleasure of royal company."

"And perhaps dragons breathe ice instead of fire," Rhaenyra countered. "Come now, Laena, we've known each other too long for such pleasantries."

"Indeed we have," Laena agreed, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "But some conversations are better held away from watchful eyes and eager ears. Perhaps during that flight you promised me?"

Rhaenyra nodded slowly, understanding dawning. Whatever game was being played here, it was far more complex than a simple social call. As they entered the great hall, she caught her father watching her with an unreadable expression. Perhaps he wasn't here just to keep her in line after all.

Later

The gardens of the Red Keep bloomed with late summer flowers, their sweet fragrance carried on the warm breeze as Rhaenyra and Laena walked side by side along the winding paths. Climbing roses in deep crimson wrapped around white stone columns, while dragonsbreath flowers blazed orange against the greenery.

"Do you remember when we were children," Laena began, running her fingers along a rose petal, "and you convinced me we could catch dragonflies in your father's crown?"

Rhaenyra laughed. "How could I forget? The look on Otto Hightower's face when he found us climbing the throne with a jar in hand..."

"You told him we were conducting important royal business," Laena recalled, her violet eyes sparkling with mirth. "I'm still amazed he believed you."

"Well, I was very convincing for a six-year-old." Rhaenyra paused near a fountain, its dragon-shaped spouts sending crystalline streams of water into the basin below. "How is your brother faring with Seasmoke? I hear they've become quite the pair."

A shadow of something – perhaps envy – crossed Laena's face before she smiled. "Laenor and Seasmoke are well-matched. Though my brother spends more time flying over the Narrow Sea than attending to his duties at Driftmark, much to Father's frustration."

"And your own dragon plans?" Rhaenyra asked, studying her companion's face carefully. "Surely you don't intend to remain groundbound while the rest of us soar?"

Laena's smile turned mysterious. "Actually, I've set my sights on a particular dragon. One that might raise a few eyebrows."

"Oh?" Rhaenyra's silver brows rose with interest. She stepped closer, their shoulders nearly touching. "Don't tell me you're mad enough to attempt the Cannibal? Even Nuncle Daemon says that beast is better left alone, and he's hardly one for caution."

"Gods, no," Laena laughed, shaking her head emphatically. "I may be ambitious, but I'm not suicidal. That monster has earned its name far too many times." She paused watching Rhaenyra's curious expression. "I mean to claim Vhagar."

Rhaenyra stopped walking abruptly, turning to face her friend. "Vhagar? The Queen Visenya's mount? The dragon that helped forge the Seven Kingdoms?" Her eyes widened. "Laena, she's enormous!"

"And I'm not exactly tiny myself," Laena countered, drawing herself up to her full height, which still left her looking up at Rhaenyra. "Besides, I'm two years your senior, or have you forgotten?"

"Oh, those two years clearly make all the difference," Rhaenyra teased, resuming their walk. "Though I must say, the image of you on Vhagar is... intriguing. Have you approached her yet?"

"I've been watching her habits," Laena admitted. "She tends to roost on the cliffs of Driftmark when she's not hunting. Sometimes, I sit near enough to observe her. I think... I think she's noticed me too."

They reached a secluded alcove, surrounded by climbing vines and offering a view of Blackwater Bay. Rhaenyra settled onto a stone bench, patting the space beside her. "Tell me more about these observation sessions. Does the great Vhagar deign to acknowledge your presence?"

Laena sat down, closer than strictly necessary. "Last week, she looked directly at me for nearly an hour. I didn't dare move, barely breathed. But there was something in her eyes... an intelligence, an interest perhaps?"

"Dragons are clever creatures," Rhaenyra said softly. "Syrax knew me before I knew her, I think. Sometimes I wonder if they choose us as much as we claim them."

"Speaking of choices," Laena's voice softened, "how is your mother faring? I heard her pregnancy has been difficult."

Rhaenyra's expression tightened with worry. "The maesters say she needs rest, but mother insists on maintaining her duties. She's so certain this one will be a boy..." She trailed off, picking at an invisible thread on her dress. "Everyone seems certain, actually."

"And if it is?" Laena asked carefully, watching her friend's face.

"Then he'll be heir, as is proper," Rhaenyra replied, though her voice carried a note of uncertainty. "Father needs his son."

"The throne doesn't always pass to sons," Laena reminded her gently. "My mother's claim was strong, despite what the Great Council decided."

"And look how well that turned out," Rhaenyra said with unexpected bitterness. "Though I suppose it worked out well enough for Otto Hightower."

"Court politics," Laena mused. "Almost as dangerous as trying to tame Vhagar."

"At least with Vhagar, you know where you stand," Rhaenyra replied. "Dragons don't play games or whisper behind your back about suitable marriages and proper behavior."

"Is that what they're whispering about now?" Laena asked, her hand moving to rest lightly on Rhaenyra's arm.

"When aren't they?" Rhaenyra let out a small laugh. "Though lately, they've been too focused on mother's pregnancy to pay much attention to my supposed improprieties."

"Their loss," Laena said with a slight smirk. "You're far more interesting than their petty gossip." There was silence for a moment, and eventually, Laena asked. "So, how are things between you and Alicent? Have you fucked her yet?"

Rhaenyra always liked Laena's blunt words, everyone always loved to talk with flowers, and she was happy to have someone like Laena around. Rhaenyra felt her cock throb at the thought of Alicent, still remembering her beautiful lips around her cock. Rhaenyra talked with Laena a little about what she and Alicent has been up to the last two months until they were interrupted.

"There you two are!" Alicent's voice rang out across the garden as she approached, her green dress swishing elegantly around her feet. "I've been looking everywhere."

Laena noticed how Rhaenyra's face lit up at Alicent's arrival, and how Alicent's eyes lingered just a moment too long on the princess. 

"We were just discussing the tourney," Rhaenyra said, making room on the bench. "And Laena's ambitious plans involving a certain dragon."

"Oh?" Alicent settled beside Rhaenyra, their shoulders touching. "Do tell, Lady Laena."

"Vhagar," Laena replied, watching with interest as Alicent's hand casually found its way to Rhaenyra's knee. "Though at the moment, I'm more curious about who might triumph tomorrow. Will your uncle participate, Rhaenyra?"

Rhaenyra laughed, a sound that made Alicent smile fondly. "Daemon? Miss a chance to show off and win gold? He'd sooner give up his sword. He's probably already planning which flowers to toss at the crowd."

"Your father won't be pleased," Alicent mused, her fingers absently playing with the fabric of Rhaenyra's dress. "He's still angry about that crown incident."

"Father's always angry about something when it comes to Nuncle Daemon," Rhaenyra shrugged. "Besides, he'll be too focused on mother tomorrow to worry about Daemon's antics."

A comfortable silence fell between them, broken only by the distant sound of construction in the tourney grounds. 

"Rhaenyra," Alicent said suddenly, her voice taking on a playful tone. "I was wondering if perhaps... before the tourney begins..." She glanced at Laena before continuing, "We might go for another flight?"

"Another one?" Laena's eyebrows rose. "How often do you two go flying together?"

Rhaenyra's cheeks colored slightly. "Often enough. Alicent enjoys the view from Syrax's back."

"Oh, I'm sure she does," Laena smirked, noting how Alicent's own cheeks had reddened. "The view must be... spectacular."

"It is," Alicent defended, though her voice carried a slight tremor. "There's nothing quite like soaring above the city, feeling the wind in your hair, pressed close against—" She stopped abruptly, realizing what she was saying.

"Against what, Lady Alicent?" Laena asked innocently, enjoying how the girl squirmed.

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes. "Oh, stop teasing, Laena. Yes, Alicent and I enjoy flying together. There's nothing wrong with that."

"Nothing at all," Laena agreed, her violet eyes dancing with amusement. "Though I imagine Lord Otto might have a different opinion about his daughter engaging in such... aerial adventures."

Alicent's face paled slightly. "My father doesn't need to know about every little thing I do."

"Every little thing?" Laena echoed. "Like sneaking up to the dragon pit at sunset? Or perhaps those private reading sessions in the library that Rhaenyra mentioned?"

"We do read!" Rhaenyra protested, though her blush deepened. "Sometimes."

"When you're not busy 'enjoying the view'?" Laena suggested.

Alicent buried her face in her hands. "Gods, if my father ever found out..."

"Found out what, exactly?" Laena pressed, thoroughly enjoying herself now.

"Found out that his precious daughter has excellent taste in flying companions," Rhaenyra interrupted smoothly, throwing an arm around Alicent's shoulders. "Really, Laena, you're worse than the court gossips."

"I prefer to think of myself as observant," Laena replied. "Like how I've observed that Alicent only wears that particular shade of green when she knows she'll be seeing you, Rhaenyra."

Alicent touched her dress self-consciously. "It's merely a coincidence."

"Like how you coincidentally know exactly when Rhaenyra takes Syrax out for evening flights?"

"Are you quite finished?" Rhaenyra asked, though there was no real annoyance in her tone.

"Almost," Laena grinned. "Which one of you is the better kisser?"

Alicent nearly choked, her head whipping around to scan the garden. "Laena! Someone could hear you!"

"I am," Rhaenyra declared without hesitation, causing Alicent's eyes to widen further. "Would you like to find out for yourself, Laena?"

Laena's breath caught at the princess's boldness. This was what had always drawn her to Rhaenyra – that fearless directness, the way she took what she wanted without apology.

"Rhaenyra!" Alicent hissed, her cheeks flaming red. Her eyes darted between the two of them, uncertainty written across her features.

"What?" Rhaenyra asked, rising from the bench. "Come with me. Both of you."

Alicent hesitated, but when Rhaenyra's other hand extended to her, she took it. "This is madness," she whispered, but followed nonetheless.

Rhaenyra led them through the gardens, past the carefully manicured hedges and flowering bushes, until they reached a secluded corridor formed by towering rose-covered trellises. The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves, creating dancing patterns on the stone path.

"No one comes here," Rhaenyra explained, pulling them deeper into the green sanctuary. "The servants think it's haunted, and the nobles find it too wild for their tastes."

Once they were well hidden from any prying eyes, Rhaenyra turned to face them. Without warning, she stepped forward, cupped Alicent's face in her hands, and kissed her.

It wasn't a chaste kiss. Rhaenyra kissed like she did everything else – with absolute conviction and command. Alicent melted into it, her initial tension dissolving as she returned the kiss with equal fervor, her fingers tangling in Rhaenyra's hair.

Laena watched, transfixed. The sight of them together was intoxicating – Rhaenyra's pale hair contrasting with Alicent's dark locks, the way they moved together. This wasn't their first kiss, not by far.

When they finally parted, Alicent's chest was heaving, her lips reddened. Rhaenyra turned to Laena with a knowing smile. "Well? What do you think of my technique?"

Laena didn't answer with words. Instead, she closed the distance between them, one hand sliding to Rhaenyra's waist as the other cupped her jaw. Their lips met, and it was everything Laena had imagined and more. Where Rhaenyra had been commanding with Alicent, now there was a push and pull, neither willing to completely yield to the other.

Rhaenyra tasted of honey and something wilder. Her fingers dug into Laena's hips, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened.

When they finally broke apart, both slightly breathless, Rhaenyra's violet eyes were dark with desire. "Well?" she asked again, her voice husky.

"I think," Laena said carefully, "that your confidence is well-earned."

A small sound from Alicent drew their attention. She stood watching them, her chest rising and falling rapidly, her eyes wide and dark. There was uncertainty there, but also unmistakable desire.

"Feeling left out?" Rhaenyra asked her softly, extending her hand once more.

Alicent took a step forward, then stopped. "This is... we shouldn't..."

"Why not?" Laena asked. "Because it's improper? Because your father would disapprove?"

"Because..." Alicent struggled for words. "Because it's complicated enough with just two people, let alone three."

"Everything worth having is complicated," Rhaenyra said, moving to take Alicent's hand. "You taught me that."

The tension hung heavy in the air as Alicent stood frozen, clearly torn between desire and duty. Then, slowly, she nodded.

Rhaenyra's smile was triumphant as she drew Alicent closer, but this time, she guided her toward Laena. "Show her," she whispered to Alicent. "Show her what I taught you."

Alicent's kiss was different from Rhaenyra's – softer, more hesitant at first, but with an underlying heat that built slowly, inexorably. Laena found herself responding in kind, one hand cupping the back of Alicent's neck as their lips moved together.

She felt Rhaenyra press against her back, the princess's lips finding her neck, and Laena gasped into Alicent's mouth. Alicent's soft lips, Rhaenyra's teeth grazing her skin, the warmth of bodies pressed together in the secluded garden.

When they finally separated, all three of them breathing heavily, Laena couldn't help but laugh. "Well, I suppose that answers my question about who's the better kisser."

"And?" Rhaenyra asked, her arms still wrapped around Laena's waist.

"I think more research is needed before I can make a final determination," Laena replied with a smirk.

Alicent touched her lips, still looking slightly dazed. "If my father ever found out..."

"He won't," Rhaenyra said firmly. "This is ours. Just ours."

"Like our flights?" Alicent asked, a small smile playing at her lips.

"Better than flights," Laena said, pulling them both closer. "Though speaking of flights, I do believe someone promised me a demonstration of their aerial skills."

Rhaenyra's laugh echoed through the garden corridor. "Greedy thing. First kisses, now dragon rides?"

"I prefer to think of it as ambitious," Laena replied, echoing their earlier conversation.

 "Rhaenyra's never been one to settle for just one of anything."

"Why should I?" Rhaenyra asked, pressing a quick kiss to each of their lips. "When I can have everything I want right here?"

Night

The torchlight flickered across the stone walls as Rhaenyra entered the great hall with Laena at her side, their footsteps echoing on the polished floor. The hall was already filled with the realm's nobility, their voices creating a steady hum of conversation and laughter.

"There she is," Laena whispered, nodding toward Alicent.

Rhaenyra's breath caught slightly. Alicent was wearing a stunning yellow dress that left her shoulders bare, the fabric clinging to her figure before flowing gracefully to the floor.

"She's beautiful tonight," Laena murmured in Rhaenyra's ear, her breath warm. "Though I suspect she chose that dress knowing you'd be looking. We could always invite her to join us later... share her between us."

Rhaenyra felt heat rise to her cheeks, but she smiled. "Careful, Lady Velaryon. Someone might hear your wicked suggestions."

"Let them," Laena replied with a smirk. "They'd never believe it anyway." She added as Rhaenyra took a good look at Laena.

Laena Velaryon was a vision that made Rhaenyra's cock throb with need. She wore a form-fitting dress of deep sea-blue silk that clung to every luscious curve, the neckline plunging daringly low to reveal the swell of her full, creamy breasts. The fabric hugged her waist before flaring out over her magnificent ass - an ass that Rhaenyra yearned to grab and squeeze.

Her face was pure Valyrian beauty - high cheekbones, full pouty lips that begged to be kissed, and striking purple eyes. 

Those breasts... Gods, they were magnificent. Larger than Rhaenyra's own, they strained against the bodice with every breath, threatening to spill over completely. The dress's tight cut emphasized their fullness.

But it was that ass that truly caught Rhaenyra's attention - a perfect, round bubble that swayed hypnotically when she walked. The silk dress did nothing to hide its generous curves, and Rhaenyra found herself constantly fighting the urge to reach out and grab those cheeks.

Rhaenyra's cock throbbed painfully as she imagined marking that perfect skin with her teeth, claiming every inch of Laena's magnificent body for herself. 

As they made their way through the crowd, Rhaenyra's eyes swept the hall. Her mother's absence was expected – Aemma had been confined to bed rest for weeks now. But the lack of her uncle's distinctive presence was curious. Usually, Daemon could be found at these events, cup in hand, making pointed comments just loud enough for her father to hear.

"Princess Rhaenyra," Lord Corlys greeted them first, his white-gold hair gleaming. "You look radiant tonight."

"Thank you, Lord Corlys," she replied with courtesy. "The Sea Snake honors me with his compliments."

Rhaenys stepped forward to embrace her. "Come sit with us, dear. Though I suspect you've already chosen your preferred company for the evening," she added with a knowing look at both girls.

Laenor approached next, bowing slightly. "Cousin," he said to Rhaenyra, then smiled at his sister. "Laena, I see you've been keeping our princess entertained."

"Someone has to," Laena replied smoothly.

They made their way to the high table, where Otto Hightower stood beside his daughter, his sharp eyes missing nothing. "Princess," he said with a bow. "We are honored by your presence."

"Lord Hand," Rhaenyra acknowledged, then turned to her father. "Father, you look well tonight."

Viserys beamed at her, his face flushed with wine and excitement. "My dear daughter! Come, sit! The feast is about to begin."

Rhaenyra took her place beside Alicent, with Laena settling on her other side. Under the table, Alicent's hand briefly squeezed her knee.

"That dress suits you," Rhaenyra murmured to Alicent as servants began bringing out the first course.

"I hoped you'd think so," Alicent whispered back, her eyes sparkling.

Laena leaned closer to Rhaenyra's other side. "Tell her what else we think about her dress," she suggested quietly, making Rhaenyra choke slightly on her wine.

The feast proceeded with course after course of elaborate dishes – roasted peacock arranged with its own feathers, lamprey pie, honeyed duck, and countless others. The wine flowed freely, and the hall grew louder with each passing minute.

Finally, Viserys rose, cup in hand, and the hall fell silent.

"My lords and ladies," he began, his voice carrying across the room. "We gather tonight not just for feast and celebration, but in anticipation of a blessed event. Soon, the gods willing, Queen Aemma will give birth to our son – the heir that the realm has long awaited!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd, but Rhaenyra felt her chest tighten. 

"I ask you all to raise your cups," Viserys continued, "and pray for an easy birth, for the health of both mother and child, and for the future of House Targaryen!"

The assembled nobles lifted their cups with enthusiastic shouts. Rhaenyra raised hers as well, but her toast was silent and singular: "For mother's health," she whispered.

"For your mother," Alicent echoed softly beside her.

"And for you," Laena added from her other side.

The feast continued around them, but Rhaenyra found herself lost in thought. Her father's words about an heir echoed in her mind, along with her uncle's conspicuous absence and her mother's empty chair.

"You're brooding," Alicent murmured, moving to refill Rhaenyra's cup.

"I'm thinking," Rhaenyra corrected.

"About your uncle's absence?" Laena asked perceptively.

"Among other things. It's not like him to miss an opportunity to vex my father."

"Perhaps he's planning something more interesting than mere verbal barbs," Laena suggested.

"That's what worries me," Rhaenyra admitted.

"Then let us distract you," Alicent said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "After the feast, perhaps we could continue our... discussion from the garden?"

Laena's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I still haven't made my final determination about who's the better kisser, after all."

If Otto Hightower noticed anything unusual in his daughter's behavior, he gave no sign. If Rhaenys saw the way Laena's eyes lingered on both Rhaenyra and Alicent, she kept her observations to herself. And if Viserys noticed his daughter's distraction, he was too consumed with thoughts of his coming heir to comment.

The great hall's doors swung open with dramatic flair, and Prince Daemon Targaryen strode in. A collective hush fell over the gathering, followed by hurried whispers.

"Brother!" Daemon called out, his voice carrying across the hall. "I trust you haven't finished all the good wine without me?"

Viserys's smile became rather fixed. "Daemon. We... hadn't expected you."

"What, miss my dear sister-in-law's health celebration?" Daemon made his way to the high table. "I'm wounded that you'd think so poorly of me."

He took the empty seat beside Viserys, throwing a quick wink at Rhaenyra as he settled in. The servants scrambled to bring him wine and food.

"Uncle," Rhaenyra greeted him, not bothering to hide her amusement.

"My favorite niece," he replied, though she was his only niece. "I see you're well-accompanied tonight." His eyes flicked meaningfully between Alicent and Laena.

Rhaenyra felt Alicent tense beside her, but Laena merely raised her cup in Daemon's direction with a knowing smile.

"I hear you've been busy with the City Watch," Viserys said, clearly trying to direct the conversation to safer waters.

"Oh yes, very busy. Though not as busy as you've been, brother. Planning for an heir while the realm's waters run red with pirate blood." Daemon's smile was sharp as a blade.

Viserys shifted uncomfortably. "This is hardly the time—"

"When is the time?" Corlys interjected, leaning forward. "The Triarchy grows bolder by the day. Just last week, three trading vessels were taken near Bloodstone."

"We are here to celebrate Aemma and the child," Viserys insisted, but Daemon was already nodding along with Corlys.

"The Stepstones have become a viper's nest," Daemon continued, taking a long drink of wine. "Of course, if someone were to clear them out, establish proper control..." He left the suggestion hanging.

Rhaenyra watched the exchange with interest. Her uncle had always had a gift for turning any conversation to his advantage.

"Perhaps my brother forgets this is a feast, not a war council," Viserys said tightly.

"Everything is a war council these days, brother. Even feasts." Daemon's smirk widened. "But please, don't let me interrupt your celebrations. Though I notice our dear Queen is absent."

"She is resting," Viserys snapped.

"As she should be," Daemon agreed smoothly. "I'm sure this heir will be worth all the trouble. Though you already have such a capable heir right here." He gestured to Rhaenyra with his cup.

Rhaenyra felt warmth bloom in her chest at her uncle's words, even as she saw her father's jaw tighten.

"The Stepstones situation cannot be ignored," Corlys pressed, either oblivious to or ignoring the tension. "The trade routes—"

"Are we discussing trade routes at a feast now?" Viserys interrupted, his voice rising slightly. "Have we all forgotten why we're here?"

"I haven't forgotten," Daemon said. "We're here to drink to the health of your wife and unborn son. Though some of us might also be interested in discussing how to prevent the realm from bleeding gold while we wait."

"It wouldn't take much," Corlys added. "A strong fleet, a capable commander..."

"Like yourself, Lord Corlys?" Alicent asked quietly, speaking for the first time since Daemon's arrival.

"Or perhaps someone with more... direct royal authority," Daemon suggested, his violet eyes glinting.

Rhaenyra watched her father's knuckles whiten around his cup. This was why she enjoyed her uncle's presence – he could upend any careful plan or polite conversation with a few well-chosen words.

"I find it fascinating," Laena whispered in Rhaenyra's ear, "how quickly your uncle can turn a celebration into a war meeting."

"It's a gift," Rhaenyra murmured back. "Watch how red father's face gets when Daemon mentions the cost of the City Watch next."

Sure enough, Daemon smoothly shifted the conversation to the expenses of maintaining order in King's Landing, and Viserys's complexion took on a distinctly ruddy hue.

"To think," Viserys finally burst out, "that what should have been a simple toast to my wife's health has become a discussion of pirates and politics!"

"Life is pirates and politics, brother," Daemon replied cheerfully. "But very well – to Queen Aemma's health!" He raised his cup high. "May she birth a strong son, though not one quite as capable as your daughter, of course."

The compliment, wrapped in that subtle barb, made Rhaenyra hide her smile in her cup. Beside her, she could feel Alicent's silent laughter, while Laena made no attempt to hide her appreciation of the verbal sparring.

The feast continued, with Daemon and Corlys occasionally dropping comments about the Stepstones situation, each one making Viserys more agitated. Yet Rhaenyra noticed how her uncle's eyes kept darting to Corlys, how their comments seemed almost coordinated. There was something brewing there, but she decided to ignore it and enjoy herself.

Rhaenyra lounged in her seat, sipping Dornish red and watching her father attempt to mediate between Daemon and the Sea Snake's increasingly heated debate about trade routes.

Alicent sat primly to her left, barely touching her wine. But it was Laena on her right who commanded Rhaenyra's attention. The Velaryon beauty had been casting heated glances her way all evening.

Suddenly, Rhaenyra felt fingers brush against her thigh, sliding beneath her dress. Her cock, already half-hard from the wine and proximity to two beautiful women, twitched to life. She knew it wasn't Alicent - the Hand's daughter would never dare such boldness in public.

Looking to her right, she met Laena's innocent smile even as the girl's hand wrapped firmly around her hardening length.

"My lady," Rhaenyra whispered, feigning shock while her cock throbbed eagerly. "What exactly do you think you're doing?"

"I have no idea what you mean, Your Grace," Laena replied sweetly, her skilled fingers beginning to stroke and squeeze. "I'm simply enjoying the feast."

Rhaenyra bit back a moan as Laena's thumb circled her sensitive tip. She gripped her wine goblet tighter, trying to maintain her composure as pleasure coursed through her.

"You're playing a dangerous game," Rhaenyra breathed, her hips subtly pushing into Laena's touch.

"Am I?" Laena's innocent expression never wavered, though her hand moved faster. "I thought I was just... strengthening our houses' alliance."

Rhaenyra had to stifle a groan as Laena's fingers found a particularly sensitive spot. Her cock was fully hard now, straining against her smallclothes as the Velaryon girl continued her torment.

"If my father sees..." Rhaenyra warned, though she made no move to stop her.

"Then perhaps you should be very, very quiet," Laena whispered, her breath hot against Rhaenyra's ear. "Though I've heard that's not one of your strengths."

Rhaenyra's breath hitched as Laena's grip tightened. To her left, Alicent was watching the hall with careful attention, completely unaware of what was happening beside her. Or was she? The thought only excited Rhaenyra more.

"You know," Laena murmured, her hand never stopping its delicious torture, "there are many empty chambers in this castle. Perhaps after the feast, Your Grace might give me a... private tour?"

Rhaenyra's cock throbbed at the suggestion. "Careful what you wish for, my lady. I might just take you up on that offer."

"I'm counting on it," Laena purred, giving one final squeeze before withdrawing her hand just as Lord Corlys looked their way.

Rhaenyra grabbed her wine, taking a long drink to hide her flushed face. Her cock ached for release, but she forced herself to remain still. After all, the night was young, and she had plans for both these beautiful women beside her.

Let her father worry about alliances and trade routes. She had her own diplomatic methods to employ.

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