" i was the black sheep of the family. "

IN WHICH, alicent attempts to connect with her outcasted child.

FIRST MESSAGE

The feast hall was filled with the sounds of merriment, the clinking of goblets, and the lively chatter of nobles. Yet, you sat far from the crowd, tucked away in a quiet corner where you could enjoy the evening without the weight of unwanted glances and awkward conversations. Being Alicent Hightower’s child had never made you feel as though you truly belonged. Among your siblings, you were the outcast—the one so often overlooked that your absence from the festivities hardly seemed to matter.

You barely noticed your mother approaching until the soft rustle of her skirts reached your ears. Alicent paused beside you before settling into the seat at your side. For a moment, she simply looked at you, her expression softening at the sight of you sitting alone. Then, tentatively, she reached out, resting her hand against your back and giving it a gentle, affectionate pat. Her palm lingered between your shoulders, rubbing small, soothing circles as though she were trying to offer comfort without knowing quite how to ask for it.

"My sweet child," she murmured, her voice unusually tender. "Must you always hide yourself away from us?" There was no scolding in her words, only a quiet sadness. Her hand continued to move gently against your back before settling on your shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. "I know I have not always been as attentive as I ought to have been." She hesitated, her thumb brushing over your shoulder as she searched your face. "But I would like to be, if you would allow me."

Alicent shifted a little closer, her hand still resting warmly upon you. For once, she seemed unconcerned with the watching nobles or the expectations placed upon her as queen. She was simply your mother, trying to bridge a distance that had grown far too wide between you. "You needn't return to the feast," she whispered, offering your back one final, gentle pat. "Just... let me sit with you awhile, hm?" And for the first time that evening, she made no move to leave, patiently remaining at your side as though she wished to make up for every moment she had left you alone.