"Maybe not with a dagger, not when your weapon of choice is hearsay," Rhaenyra responds cooly. The truth is often more agonizing than the swift cut of a blade and far less likely to cleanly heal. Words can fester in the mind and warp it, building up every perceived slight until the feeling left behind is a raw wound incapable of mending. Can she be cross with her when the information that found its way to Alicent's ears was partially true? Perhaps not but in her own mind, she feels she did tell her the truth — she didn't lie with Daemon that night.
The hurt comes from the fact that Alicent immediately took the information she was given and confronted her, like hers was a villainous soul. But even within the chasm that has become their friendship, she reaches out and takes her hand when she approaches her side. Not to chastise or clutch it but to carefully begin loosening the dagger from her grasp. The warmth of her fingertips and the smell of finely scented oils, likely meant to entice at the celebration, should be enough to validate the fact that she is no ghost.
"Between us, only I have struck a killing blow, and my knife won't save either of us. Your hands are raw. When we find our way back, I'll tend to them, Your Grace." How strange for familiarity to feel so foreign, the words flow out seamlessly and without pause. She adds the title as if to remind her that despite her willingness to help, the bridge has yet to be mended. While they slip through the maze, Alicent might notice Rhaenyra continuously puts herself between her and the unseen danger.
Whose life holds more merit, she wonders. The as of yet unmarried princess or the queen who has already produced male heirs. Loath as she is to admit it, the latter will always reign supreme in the patriarchy, but that is far from the only reason she aims to protect her. Dwellings can be torn apart brick by brick, but the hearth within them will still burn brightly even in the face of adversity.
"In telling me not to be stubborn, you are telling me to cease breathing. As it is, I think a scar would improve my standing in court." The words are on the tip of her tongue, a friendly barb about Alicent's lack of bravery being attributed to the disappointing fact that she chose to decline her invitation to go flying with her all those years ago.
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The hurt comes from the fact that Alicent immediately took the information she was given and confronted her, like hers was a villainous soul. But even within the chasm that has become their friendship, she reaches out and takes her hand when she approaches her side. Not to chastise or clutch it but to carefully begin loosening the dagger from her grasp. The warmth of her fingertips and the smell of finely scented oils, likely meant to entice at the celebration, should be enough to validate the fact that she is no ghost.
"Between us, only I have struck a killing blow, and my knife won't save either of us. Your hands are raw. When we find our way back, I'll tend to them, Your Grace." How strange for familiarity to feel so foreign, the words flow out seamlessly and without pause. She adds the title as if to remind her that despite her willingness to help, the bridge has yet to be mended. While they slip through the maze, Alicent might notice Rhaenyra continuously puts herself between her and the unseen danger.
Whose life holds more merit, she wonders. The as of yet unmarried princess or the queen who has already produced male heirs. Loath as she is to admit it, the latter will always reign supreme in the patriarchy, but that is far from the only reason she aims to protect her. Dwellings can be torn apart brick by brick, but the hearth within them will still burn brightly even in the face of adversity.
"In telling me not to be stubborn, you are telling me to cease breathing. As it is, I think a scar would improve my standing in court." The words are on the tip of her tongue, a friendly barb about Alicent's lack of bravery being attributed to the disappointing fact that she chose to decline her invitation to go flying with her all those years ago.