Chapter 51.1

Chapter 51.1: First Anniversary in Castamere 

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Third POV

1 year timeskip 

Castamere, once a grim reminder of the Reyne and Tarbeck rebellion, had undergone a remarkable transformation in the year since Richard's arrival.

What had once stood as a symbol of Tywin Lannister's unyielding wrath was now reborn—a shining beacon of House Neméos and the rising power of the Lionheart family.

When Richard first arrived in Castamere, he brought not only a vision but the determination to see it restored. 

His first act as lord Galahad of Castamere, was to clear the rubble and begin the monumental task of restoring the castle.

Over 5,000 smallfolk, recruited from his lands, were paid generously for their labor on Castamere.

With their combined efforts, the debris that had once choked the castle and its famed mines was cleared away, paving the way for a full-scale restoration.

The first priority was the castle's defenses. The once-damaged high walls of Castamere were rebuilt with precision, their towering presence now a symbol of strength and unyielding resilience.

Stone by stone, the fortress reclaimed its former glory, standing tall as if to defy the memory of its fall.

Once the walls were secure, attention turned to the castle's heart. The crumbling structures within were carefully restored under Richard's meticulous supervision, their grandeur returning with each passing day. 

The great hall, a place once filled with silence and ruin, now gleamed with polished wood and stone. 

The kitchens, where fires had long gone cold, were reignited, filling the air with the scent of roasted meats and fresh-baked bread.

The lord's quarters, official chambers, guards' barracks, guest chambers, and servants' quarters were all revived, each space serving its purpose once more. 

Life returned to the desolate fortress as servants and workers moved about with purpose, their tasks bringing the hum of activity to halls that had been silent for decades.

Beneath the castle, the infamous mines of Castamere were being slowly reclaimed. 

The massive boulders that had sealed the gates were removed, replaced by sturdy iron gates standing as a new line of defense. 

Though progress in draining the flooded tunnels had been slow, with only 60% of the water cleared till current day, Richard's careful direction ensured the work continued. 

The mines, once abandoned, were gradually being restored to their former glory, ready to serve as a valuable resource for house Neméos and the lionheart family.

Back in the early moons of his takeover, Richard also set his sights on establishing a new port town along the nearby coastline. 

This was one of his many innovations, part of his broader plan to improve the prosperity of his lands.

What began as a modest settlement quickly grew, attracting smallfolk eager for a fresh start. Many chose to relocate to the port permanently, finding homes and livelihoods while contributing to the restoration of Castamere. 

Within eight moons of its creation, the port town's population had swelled to 10,000, its bustling docks alive with the sounds of trade and activity.

Merchants, sailors, and craftsmen had flocked to the thriving port, drawn by the opportunities that Richard's vision provided. 

Till the present day, the port, now known as Nemosport had grown even further, its population closing in on 15,000. 

The docks were now a vital artery of commerce, connecting Castamere to the wider world and cementing its place as a burgeoning center of prosperity.

As Nemosport flourished, Castamere also flourished.

With that what had once been a grim monument to destruction was now a symbol of rebirth, a beacon of hope and strength for those who called it home.

Castamere was home to nearly a thousand souls—members of the Lionheart family, loyal Capos, soldiers, associates, and their families—all united by their shared belief in the bright future Richard had promised.

A full year had passed since Richard first took action, and his lands stood as a testament to his unyielding determination and vision.

Preparations were underway for a grand occasion: the first anniversary of Castamere's restoration and the ascension of Galahad's takeover.

The anniversary celebration was planned to be a spectacle, a display of the newfound grandeur of Castamere and the rising power of House Neméos.

Feasting, music, and revelry were to mark the occasion, showcasing their achievements.

Important members of the Lionheart family came to pay their respects, each bearing gifts and offerings for the young lord who had made all this possible.

The castle gates swung wide to welcome them, and the restored walls echoed with the sounds of life and celebration.

Inside the great hall, long tables were dressed with fine linens and adorned with roasted meats, ripe fruits, and freshly baked bread. 

The air was thick with the rich, savory scent of the feast to come. Servants moved with purpose, attending to every detail, while musicians tuned their instruments in anticipation of the evening's festivities.

The transformation of Castamere and its surrounding lands was not merely the reconstruction of stone and mortar—it was a testament to Richard's unrelenting ambition and vision.

In just a short span of time, he had breathed life into a once-desolate ruin, transforming it into a beacon of prosperity, safety, and opportunity.

Castamere stood as a monument to what could be achieved with willpower, ingenuity, and the unshakable resolve of a young lord who refused to be defined by his past.

…

Alicent POV

I stood before the mirror, unable to take my eyes off my reflection. The dress Richard had commissioned for me was nothing short of extraordinary—a blend of elegance and majesty that reflected the colors of our house, black and gold.

The fabric was a deep, lustrous black, rich and smooth like velvet under the light. Delicate golden embroidery wove across the bodice and skirt, forming intricate patterns.

It felt almost too fine to belong to me, too perfect for the girl who had once roamed the streets of Lannisport barefoot and hungry.

The bodice hugged my form snugly but modestly, its neckline framed with fine golden lace that softened the dress's commanding presence. 

The skirt flared gracefully, its layers heavy with golden embellishments that shimmered when I moved. It was unlike anything I had ever worn, almost otherworldly in its beauty.

I turned slightly, watching the embroidery catch the light, I felt truly transformed. 

In this dress, I wasn't just Alicent, the street girl turned lady of the Lionheart family—I felt like the princess I used to dream of becoming as a child.

"Wow, Alice," Lady Ellara's voice came warmly from behind me. "You look stunning."

I turned toward her, my cheeks warming under her kind gaze. 

Lady Ellara, hired as my etiquette teacher a year ago, had become a trusted friend and teacher, her wisdom and humor a steady presence in my life.

"Thank you," I said softly, my lips curving into a smile.

"Now then, let's get your hair done," Rosa said as she approached, her hands already reaching for her tools.

Rosa, with her quick fingers and soft laugh, had become something of a sister to me. 

Two years ago, Richard had freed her from the clutches of debt collectors, and since then, she'd found her place among us, mastering the art of weaving and styling.

"Sit here, darling," said Sharra, stepping forward with a brush in hand. "We need to make sure you're absolutely perfect for tonight."

Sharra had her own story of resilience, having been saved by the Lionheart family from the life of a courtesan. Her strength had inspired me countless times, and her sharp wit often made me laugh when I needed it most.

I rolled my eyes playfully as I sat down. "Is all this really necessary? I think I already look amazing." I japed.

The room erupted into laughter. Rosa chuckled as she began brushing through my hair, and Sharra shook her head, waving the makeup brush at me as if it were a sword.

"You're impossible," Sharra teased, her grin broad.

The lightness in the room was infectious, and as Rosa deftly wove golden ribbons into my hair and Sharra applied delicate touches of color to my cheeks.

I let myself sink into the peaceful moment. 

A knock at the door broke the quiet of the room. Lady Ellara rose smoothly, her gown swishing softly as she moved to answer it.

"I'll get it," she said with a smile.

I barely noticed, my attention fixed on Rosa's delicate tugs and the calming rhythm of Sharra's brush. But when Lady Ellara spoke again, my heart skipped a beat

"Oh, Lady Maria. Please, come in."

I turned instinctively, still caught in Rosa's gentle grip, and there she was—my mother, standing in the doorway. I hadn't seen her in a year.

"Mom," I whispered, my voice trembling, barely more than a breath.

I stood quickly, the layers of my dress swishing as I rushed to her. Without hesitation, I threw my arms around her, burying my face in her shoulder. Her familiar scent of lavender and honey wrapped around me, and I felt myself crumble.

"It's been so long," I whispered, my voice cracking. "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you, too, my sweet girl," she murmured, pulling me close, her arms warm and steady.

Her presence made everything else fade away. The room felt smaller, quieter, as if nothing mattered except her. She pulled back slightly to study me, her sapphire eyes glistening with pride and tenderness.

"Look at you," she said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. "So beautiful, so grown. I barely recognized you, it's only been a year."

I smiled shyly, blinking away the tears that threatened to fall. "I'm going through womanhood, mom," I said quietly, my face heating as I spoke. "Six moons ago, my body started changing so fast… it's all been a bit embarrassing."

Her smile softened, warm and understanding. "It's normal, darling. My baby girl is becoming a woman." She pinched my cheek playfully.

"Mom!" I raised my voice playfully. "You'll ruin my makeup," I said, pouting as I tried to bat her hand away with a grin.

She chuckled, the sound rich and comforting, filling the room with warmth. Her gaze drifted down to my gown, her eyes softening as she took in the intricate golden embroidery.

"This is exquisite," she said. "You look like a noble lady. Where did you get such a dress?"

"Richard had it made for me," I said, my voice filled with pride as I smoothed the fabric with my fingers.

"Of course he did," she replied with a knowing smile. "He always thinks of new things."

With a gentle smile, she led me back to my seat. "I'll stay and watch you finish getting ready," she said, settling beside me.

I held her hand tightly as Rosa and Sharra resumed their work, finding comfort in her closeness.

The conversation flowed easily, light and familiar. I told her about my life in Castamere, about my 13th name day celebration I'd had two weeks ago, and about the preparations for tonight's event. 

Every detail spilled from my lips, eager to share it all with her.

She listened carefully, her expression thoughtful, offering the occasional question or words of encouragement.

When Rosa pinned a golden necklace around my neck and Sharra slipped delicate earrings into place, I turned to the mirror once more. The girl who stared back was someone new—elegant and poised, yet the same in the glow of her smile.

My mother rested a hand on my shoulder, her reflection meeting mine in the mirror. 

"You're beautiful, Alicent," she said softly. "But more than that, you're clever and kind. Everyone here speaks so highly of you. You've made me so proud."

Her words wrapped around my heart, filling it with a warmth I hadn't realized I needed. I placed my hand over hers and met her gaze. "I'm so glad you're here, mom."

"And I'm glad to be here," she replied, pressing a soft kiss to the top of my head.

The room felt brighter, lighter, as laughter and conversation filled the air once again. But with my mother by my side, I felt a completeness I hadn't known I was missing.

…