Queen Alyce

Alyce Stokeworth is Edric II's young wife and mother of his son, Robert. She is a graceful and beloved queen, a kind hearted lady and devoted mother and wife. She struggles with her marriage to His Grace, feeling there's little love between them. She has a wonderful bond with her sister, though often feels jealous of her.

## The Reign of Raymont I

Alyce is born in 351 in Stokeworth on the twelfth day of the Eleventh Moon, second daughter of Lord Eustace Stokeworth, King Raymont's Master of Coin, and Lady Meredyth Hayford. Her oldest sister and only sibling, Lady Arabella, is her father's heir and is nine years her senior. Alyce grows up in the countryside, in a serene environment. Her Lady mother oversees the girls' education with an iron fist, hoping to shape them into perfect ladies. During those peaceful years, Alyce learns a lot about the History and Culture of the Seven Kingdoms, and proves to be a faithful child, with a keen eye for beauty and a great talent for embroidery and sketching. During her childhood, she creates a deep bond with her older sister, whom she regards as a younger, less inflexible mother. Alyce looks up to her, admiring her greatly. In 364, "Bella" marries and starts having children of her own. Though she tries to hide it, for her sister's sake, Alyce feels a little neglected and jealous, and wishes to find a husband for herself as well.

## The Reing of Edric II

In 366 King Raymont is succeded by King Edric II, and Lord Stokeworth retains his position in the new, young King's council. As Edric officially breaks his wedding pact with the Martells, Lord Eustace seeks to bring his daughters to court, hoping Alyce, who is yet to be married, might interest his Grace. Arabella is named to the King's Cunter, and Alyce, instead, becomes a companion to the Princess Jocelyn Baratheon, Lord Velaryon's wife. At court, she makes many friends, making good use of her mother's teachings and her father's position. After a year of nagging from his councillors, King Edric decides to choose a bride. His choice is almost casual, and falls on her, much to her excitement and surprise. They are engaged for several months, and marry midway through the year, in 397. Her marriage to the King is nothing like she would have imagined. While her new position as Queen keeps her constantly safe, catered to and revered and though she enjoys her new influence at court, the King and his Consort sleep apart, each in their own quarters, sporadically spending time together in private, trying to produce an heir that doesn't come. For many tense months, Alyce is terribly afraid of disappointing everyone, failing their expectations. Her family and companions confort her, telling her not to worry, and she starts visiting the Royal Sept to a candle at the mother's altar every day. Her father abruptly leaves court, blaming stress and the desire to retire in the countryside and Arabella becomes Mistress of Coin in his stead. Alyce starts growing envious of her sister, already a mother and with a purposeful, active life. In the tenth month, however, her prayers are answered, and her fears and ill-feelings disappear: Queen Alyce remains pregnant with her first child. This sparks a little interest in His Grace. Alyce's pregnancy is a moment of great joy for the budding family. The baby, called Robert - and, affectionately, "Robin" - is born during the Seven days of the Mother's Festival, a great blessing and a good omen. The pair prepare to host a feast in honour of their newborn prince, a source of joy for the whole realm.