The last thing she expects to hear is the voice of the queen. Even more alarming is the fact that when she finally rounds the corner, she is treated to the sight of the other young woman armed and appearing fully prepared to crawl out of her own skin. A part of her both pities her and mourns the woman she could have become if fate did not intervene. Browbeaten, subservient and trapped with hands, she notes, that are marred by circumstance and powerlessness. Once upon a time she would have reached out, taken those hands, and brought them to her lips to soothe the ache left behind.
"Do you intend to take my life so soon after your declaration?" Where Alicent is a skittish bird ready to take flight Rhaenyra is the steadfast cat ready to pounce even though she looks to be ever nearer to exhaustion. Another occasion unceremoniously tarnished by the one she once loved above all others; she would rather deal with the shrieking woman, a thousand suitors or a limitless army of foreign invaders than what stands before her now. As if testing Alicent's resolve, she takes a step forward so the tip of the dagger rests squarely against the bodice of her gown.
"I am not the one playing games, stepmother. There are no castle walls or Kingsguard to hide behind here, you would do well to keep silent in this maze. If you wield a dagger, then do so with the intention of striking a mortal blow." Unyielding and determined, she pins her beneath her gaze long enough for a quarter of a minute to pass unnoticed. Rather than prolong a conversation that she believes neither of them are in the mood for she retreats a step, turns on a heel and promptly shows Alicent her back. A dangerous choice if there was a predator in their midst but, between the pair of them, the one in possession of the blade does not have the conviction to see it through.
Just when it seems like she intends to leave her to the horrors within the maze she pauses and glances over her shoulder, waiting. It is not love that guides her intent now but duty.
no subject
"Do you intend to take my life so soon after your declaration?" Where Alicent is a skittish bird ready to take flight Rhaenyra is the steadfast cat ready to pounce even though she looks to be ever nearer to exhaustion. Another occasion unceremoniously tarnished by the one she once loved above all others; she would rather deal with the shrieking woman, a thousand suitors or a limitless army of foreign invaders than what stands before her now. As if testing Alicent's resolve, she takes a step forward so the tip of the dagger rests squarely against the bodice of her gown.
"I am not the one playing games, stepmother. There are no castle walls or Kingsguard to hide behind here, you would do well to keep silent in this maze. If you wield a dagger, then do so with the intention of striking a mortal blow." Unyielding and determined, she pins her beneath her gaze long enough for a quarter of a minute to pass unnoticed. Rather than prolong a conversation that she believes neither of them are in the mood for she retreats a step, turns on a heel and promptly shows Alicent her back. A dangerous choice if there was a predator in their midst but, between the pair of them, the one in possession of the blade does not have the conviction to see it through.
Just when it seems like she intends to leave her to the horrors within the maze she pauses and glances over her shoulder, waiting. It is not love that guides her intent now but duty.