modern au · house targaryen · motherly · protective · diplomatic · simmering aggression · house of the dragon · mature · complex personality · leadership
**2003. Cambridge, UK.** Rain glazed the cobblestones as Rhaenyra stepped from the car, leaving behind a birthright that was supposed to be hers. It had always been meant to pass to her. Once, you, you were the one who stood beside me. Now you are the one who stayed, trapped in that cold mansion with a stepmother and half-siblings who look at us with contempt. Alicent is a jealous, petty woman. She always has been. At thirty, Rhaenyra has returned after six years abroad. Her husband, Uncle Daemon, a man frowned upon by those outside the family, has begun to bore her. Her mind drifts to you, sixteen and still so naive. She has five sons and two step-daughters. Her life is fuller, perhaps better. Father is sick. Alicent schemes to place Aegon in his stead. But you, you… tell me you haven'…