Alicent Hightower | HOTD

Chapter 27 Allies and Battles

"I believe a marriage between Maelyx and Freya would be mutually beneficial for both our families," Rhaenarr said, his tone earnest.

Lord Robert considered this for a moment before nodding in agreement. "I agree, Your Majesty. It would strengthen the ties between our houses and ensure our continued loyalty to the crown."

With their agreement reached, Rhaenarr and Alicent exchanged a satisfied glance, knowing that their plans were falling into place. But the true test lay ahead as Maelyx and Freya were introduced for the first time.

As they entered the room, Maelyx and Freya's eyes met, and an instant connection sparked between them.

"I'm Maelyx." He said and Freya smiled and smiled before him." I'm Freya, your Majesty." Please, call me Maelyx." He said. They exchanged shy smiles and nervous laughter as they spoke, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they discovered shared interests and common goals.

Rhaenarr and Alicent watched with pride as their son bonded, knowing that their union would not only strengthen their family but also bring joy and happiness to Maelyx and Freya.

As the party continued, Naela found herself approached by Elaena. Naela greeted her with a warm smile, expressing how much she had missed her during her absence.

"Elaena, I'm so glad you're back," Naela said, her voice filled with genuine affection. "I missed having you by my side."

Elaena returned the smile, but Naela couldn't help but notice a faint tension in her demeanor. "Thank you, Princess Naela. It's good to be back. Being with my family during this difficult time was comforting."

Naela's brow furrowed slightly as she studied Elaena, a nagging feeling of suspicion tugging at her mind. Something about Elaena's words didn't ring true, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"Elaena, forgive me for saying this, but you seem... different somehow," Naela remarked, her voice laced with concern.

Elaena's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly composed herself. "It's just... coming out of the mourning period for my uncle has been difficult. I appreciate your concern, Princess Naela."

Despite Elaena's reassurances, Naela couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She had always trusted Elaena implicitly, but now doubts lingered in the back of her mind.

"I understand, Elaena," Naela replied, forcing a smile. "Take all the time you need to grieve. Just know that I'm here for you if you need anything."

As they returned to mingling with the other guests, Naela couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over her. She resolved to keep a close eye on Elaena, determined to uncover the truth behind her mysterious behavior.

As the party reached its zenith, with guests reveling in merriment and camaraderie, a sudden hush fell over the grand hall as Lord Alred, accompanied by a contingent of his loyal knights, stepped forward with a determined expression.

"My lords and ladies," Lord Alred's voice boomed, cutting through the silence like a thunderclap. "I come bearing news of great importance."

All eyes turned to him, anticipation hanging heavy in the air as Lord Alred cleared his throat, his gaze steady and unwavering.

"After careful consideration and deliberation, I have decided to align myself with Vanyx," he announced, his words echoing off the marble walls.

A gasp of shock rippled through the assembled nobles, followed by murmurs of disbelief and outrage. Rhaenarr's fists clenched with fury, his eyes blazing with righteous anger as he strode forward to confront Lord Alred.

"You dare betray us, Alred?" Rhaenarr thundered, his voice reverberating with indignation. "After all we have done for you, you choose to throw your lot in with a traitor and a usurper?"

Lord Alred remained unmoved, his expression stoic as he met Rhaenarr's furious gaze head-on. "I have made my decision, Your Majesty. It is time for a change in leadership, and I believe Vanyx is the one to lead us into a new era of prosperity."

Alicent stood by Rhaenarr's side, her heart breaking at the betrayal of a longtime ally. She had hoped to form an alliance with Tirianae to strengthen their position in the kingdom, but now those hopes lay in ruins.

"Lord Alred, how could you?" Alicent's voice quivered with emotion, her eyes pleading for an explanation.

Lord Alred's gaze softened momentarily, a flicker of regret crossing his features before he hardened his resolve once more. "Forgive me, Lady Alicent. But I must do what I believe is best for my people and my lands. He soon walked away with his guards.

As chaos erupted in the grand hall, Rhaenarr and Alicent found themselves locked in a tense conversation amidst the turmoil.

"We must stop Lord Alred and his men at once," Rhaenarr declared, his voice laced with urgency as he gestured to the guards to intervene.

Alicent nodded, her expression grave. "But we must also ensure the safety of our guests and the innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire."

Their words were punctuated by the clash of swords and the cries of battle as loyal guards clashed with Lord Alred's men. The air was thick with tension, and Rhaenarr's heart pounded with a mixture of anger and fear as he watched the chaos unfold.

"We cannot let Lord Alred escape," Rhaenarr continued, his jaw clenched with determination. "He must answer for his betrayal."

Alicent placed a reassuring hand on his arm, her eyes shining with unwavering resolve. "We will find him, my love. But first, we must restore order and ensure the safety of our people."

With a nod of agreement, Rhaenarr turned to the guards, issuing orders to quell the uprising and apprehend Lord Alred and his conspirators. As chaos erupted in the grand hall, Rhaenarr and Alicent found themselves at the heart of the conflict. Swords clashed and shouts filled the air as loyal guards clashed with Lord Alred's men, their movements a blur of steel and fury.

Amidst the chaos and the clash of steel, Lord Alred saw his chance to escape. With a handful of loyal men at his side, he made a break for the nearest exit, his eyes gleaming with triumph as he sought to evade capture and continue his rebellion against the crown.

Rhaenarr observed intently as the guards pursued their target. The time had come for him to exact vengeance upon the one who had betrayed him, and he vowed to end his brother's life once and for all. No longer would he attempt to forge an alliance or seek reason with him; his brother's fate was sealed. With the loss of his sister and now his son, Rhaenarr's patience had worn thin.