[ act i - lies kept ]

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄

episode eight || the lord of the tides

— DELIA TREADED QUICKLY through the Red Keep, her mind spinning through the events that had occurred at the dinner. All directed at her sudden betrothal to one of her closest friends. To say the union had caught her by shock was putting it lightly, she knew she'd eventually be wed off— whether it'd been to her brothers or some Lord for an alliance— but the haste announcement had certainly been an abrupt one.

Delia's footsteps came to a sudden stop on instinct upon hearing her mothers voice behind the doors that led to Otto Hightowers office.

"I can wed my daughter to whom I see fit." The Queen Alicent viciously snapped before the young princess' grandsire spoke, clear agitation noticeable in his tone, "I will not have you marry her off to Rhaenyra's bastard. Delia was to marry Aegon or Aemond and I had thought we'd settled on you making the choice between the two."

Delia's tainted lips parted as her tongue darted out to lick her seemingly dried lip, surprise filling her expressive eyes. After so many years and Otto still pressed about her betrothal to Aegon— the cunt who already had a wife he barely ever paid mind to.

A soft scoff from her mother could be heard, "I will not wed my youngest daughter to her brothers, especially not after what Aegon pulled many years ago."

"The boy was wasted away on wine, Alicent."

"I don't care! I am the Queen and Viserys gave his blessing to wed Lucerys Velaryon and Delia so we will proceed as such. Aegon has one wife and that itself is more than enough, Aemond and Delia are always at each others throats and I'd rather not have to deal will their never ending complaints. Rhaenyra's son is a fit match, the two get along well and it can allow some good peace between our families."

"You are placing her in a dangerous situation. She is close enough with that family as it is, do you think strengthening that bond will do us any good? Are you willing to lose your daughter to the enemy?" Otto's tone seethed with manipulation, doing what he did best to always get what he wanted.

Alicent stayed silent as her father continued to press, "If you are to wed her to Aegon or Aemond it would strengthen the Targaryen line, securing this families bond tightly. We wish for him to be seen as Aegon the Conqueror once was, give Delia's hand to him. He'll marry his sisters just as the Conqueror once did and in the eyes of people he will be seen more adequate to rule the Seven Kingdoms than Rhaenyra and her bastard heir."

Delia grit her teeth in anger, irritated by Otto's constant names directed at Jacaerys and Lucerys. She'd rather be beheaded for treason than marry Aegon. Her older brother did not deserve to sit the throne, by all rights it was not his. Viserys had named Rhaenyra his heir more than twenty years ago and that matter never changed— nor did his mind.

The princess was through with hearing the talks of usurping the throne from her, it had no right to even be thought. How Aegon was seen more fit to rule than Rhaenyra was an absurd opinion, all because he was born with a dick and she was not.

A heavy breath from her mother caught her attention, "This matter has been settled. Delia will marry Lucerys and I will not hear entertain anymore chatter of Aegon and Aemond."

"Alicent—"

"I said the matter is finished."

Delia had never appreciated her mother more than that moment, her relief showing on her features due to being saved from the fate of a horrific marriage. Though the ache that her marriage to another along with Jace's own betrothal still lingered regretfully near. The red head wished for nothing more than the ability to be joyed with his union to Lady Baela, truly she tried.

Yet thoughts of what could've and should've been ambushed that hope, leaving only despair with her. Delia pulled herself out of her troubling thoughts, straightening up as she quickly scurried away from the door, avoiding the possibility of being discovered.

Delia raked her hands through her ruffled red waves, letting out a heavy sigh when her name was suddenly called.

The princess perked her head up to see Rhaenyra a few feet away, kindly smiling at her with a hand in her growing womb.

Delia tipped her chin up as the eldest princess approached, "I'm glad I was able to catch you."

Alicent's youngest offered the Targaryen a small half smile, "Dinners with our family never seize to be entertaining."

Rhaenyra let out a soft chuckle, nodding in agreement, "I agree. I am sorry about the whole betrothal suddenly being dropped upon you and my son. We hadn't planned to announce it yet but when father spoke I knew Luke would begin questioning."

Delia swallowed thickly, holding a somewhat understanding expression, "It is quite alright, princess. The news was taken with open arms I assure."

Rhaenyra relaxed the slightest bit, relief filling her violet eyes, "I'm gladdened to hear. I know my son Lucerys and you have always been close since children and wished nothing but the perfect match for him."

"I hope I live up to the expectations then." Delia lightly spoke in a kind tone, but nerves began to swell in her whilst she fumbled with her hands.

Rhaenyra placed an affectionate hand upon the girls shoulder, her eyes tender and full of assurance, "You are more than perfect, my dear girl. Our family will be more than delighted to welcome you, although you already are apart of it."

Delia pulled her brows together in confusion, her lips parting before she questioned, "I am?" The red head expected some sort of hostility towards herself since she was the daughter of Alicent— and Otto being her grandsire didn't help at all either.

Rhaenyra smiled widely, "Of course. Do not think I don't know it was you who constantly stood for my two sons when you all were children. I heard you even defended them to your brothers" The mother gently squeezed Lia's shoulder, "You will forever have my gratitude for that. My sons enjoyed the castle only because of you. I still remember the fight Jace put up when we were leaving to Dragonstone."

A curious brow quirked up at the sudden mention, "He did?"

Rhaenyra nodded, "He threw a fit, I'd never seen him act so angered and out of line. He'd even demanded to see you the night after Aemonds incident knowing your family would be leaving at the first sight of light."

Delia breathes softly, her mind spinning back to the time that was so long ago, "I didn't see him after we all dispersed."

Rhaenyra hummed, pulling her hand away to place it upon her swelling belly, "No, the Queen Alicent had placed three guards at your chambers, with the order that no one but herself was allowed in."

The red head blinked as she recalled the moment, remembering how livid her mother was that dreadful night. Alicent was more than outraged that young Delia had done nothing for her brother— nothing to salvage his lost eye and claimed she'd always had part in its loss.

Delia licked her tainted lips, "Your sons have always been true friends to me, I would and will always defend them."

Rhaenyra smiled gratefully, "I know, I am more than pleased that you will officially be joining our family."

"You're too kind, princess."

The mother rubbed her stomach before speaking, "The hour is late, my apologies for keeping you from your chambers."

Delia shook her head quickly, "Nothing to apologize for, I am most pleased we were able to speak."

Rhaenyra gazed at the younger princess for a short moment before walking back down the dark lit corridor.

Delia took a deep breath, her ability to uphold conversations draining quickly as she moved on her feet.

The girl picked up the front of her skirts to pick up her pace, her mind darting towards Jacaerys. Now they were both betrothed to others when their hearts longed for the impossible.

Delia knew she had to bury her feelings deep within her heart, she now owed her loyalty to Lucerys. The princess pushed away her thoughts when a hunched figure, sitting upon a bench meeting her line of sight.

The girl tilted her head slightly, the familiar figure turning into Lucerys the closer she got to him.

"Luke?"

The prince perked his head up, turning to meet the girls bright blue eyes peering down at him. The young boy straightened up slightly, "Delia."

Delia eyes glanced over at the empty spot beside him, "May I?"

Like quickly realized what she was referring to and nodded, "Of course." The older girl took the place on the bench, her head turning to face him, "Everything all right? You seemed deep in thought."

The Velaryon boy cleared his throat nervously before shaking his head, "Yeah, I was just thinking."

Delia raised a curious brow, "About?"

Luke clasped his hands together, his leg slightly bouncing— showing his nerves, "I just feel for you and my brother, first he was betrothed to Baela and now you're stuck with me. I feel slightly guilty about it too."

Delia pressed her lips together, "You have nothing to be guilty for, Luke. Decisions were made that caused a rift between us— yes. But don't for a second feel as though it is your fault." The princess placed her hand upon his bunched ones, "For what it's worth, I am at least relieved my mother chose you."

It wasn't a lie, the princess was glad to have Lucerys chosen— though she did not love him as a husband but more as a friend she was still relieved. He was the better suited than either of her brothers in her mind.

Lucerys blinked at her, "You are?" Delia nodded firmly, a small smile gracing her pursed lips, "I am."

"But what about Jace? I know you two had feelings for one another, anyone who looks close enough can see it from miles away."

Delia cleared her throat, slight heat rising to her cheeks before mumbling, "Okay, I get the picture." Lucerys let out a humorous laugh while the girl spoke, "I fear I will always feel for Jacaerys, even if it becomes my wish not to. For as long as I can remember he was it for me. But circumstances have changed, you have always meant much to me as well Lucerys. I promise I will try and be the wife you deserve, and my loyalties lie with you now."

Luke gave her a half smile, "I know my brother will always be in your heart, and if it calms you, I will never hold any hurt or anger towards it."

Delia squeezed the boys hand, "You are too pure for this world I'm afraid." Luke dryly laughed, "Says you."

Only a few feet away from the two, behind the hall they were in, stood Jace, lingering by the wall as he listened to the two.

His hands clenched themselves, his hatred growing for the world they lived in. Anger courses through him knowing Delia and himself had been placed into the arms of others.

Knowing what they truly longed for was far from reach.

AUTHORS NOTE,
delia and luke are and will continue being purely platonic until yk