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Alicent Hightower is a fictional character in the Fire & Blood epic fantasy novel by American author George R. R. Martin, and its television adaptation House of the Dragon, where she is portrayed by English actresses Olivia Cooke and Emily Carey (young).

Alicent is Queen of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros by marriage to King Viserys II Targaryen, following the death of Viserys II's first wife. Alicent supports her first-born son, Aegon II Targaryen, and his claim to the Iron Throne, over Viserys II's chosen heir Rhaenyra Targaryen, from his first marriage. In the wake of the king's death, the Green Council conspire to usurp Rhaenyra, sparking a war of succession known as the Dance of the Dragons between the Blacks and the Greens.

Fire & Blood
Born in 88AC and fathered by Otto Hightower, the younger brother of Lord Hightower, the Lord of the Hightower. Alicent had several brothers, including Gwayne Hightower.

When she was thirteen, Otto was named Hand of the King to Jaehaerys I Targaryen, so she and her family joined him in the Red Keep. In Jaehaerys' later years, his health faltered, so Alicent became his constant caretaker: she fetched his meals, helped him wash and dress, and read to him, so much so that Jaeherys mistook her for his own daughter. Jaehaerys eventually died in 103 AC, while Alicent was reading to him.

Alicent stayed at court, as her father continued to occupy the position as Hand under Jaehaerys's grandson and successor, King Viserys I Targaryen. Already early in the reign of Viserys, Ser Otto and Prince Daemon Targaryen were at odds with each other, and the court fool Mushroom has suggested that the quarrel between the two men began when Daemon deflowered Alicent; however, the legitimacy of this claim is questioned.

TV adaptation
Alicent is the daughter of Otto Hightower (portrayed by Rhys Ifans), who serves as Hand of the King, and his late wife. She has several brothers, including Gwayne. Due to her father's work, she was raised in the Red Keep. She is four years younger than her book counterpart and, unlike the original source material, befriends the king's daughter, Rhaenyra Targaryen (portrayed by Emma D'Arcy).

TV adaptation
Alicent Hightower is played by Olivia Cooke and Emily Carey (young) in the television adaption of the book series.

Storylines
While Alicent's storylines are mostly preserved into the adaptation, Alicent has been significantly de-aged and given a friendship with Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Season 1
Alicent is introduced as the childhood companion of Rhaenyra Targaryen, daughter of King Viserys II Targaryen. Following the death of the king's wife and newly born heir during labour, Alicent's father, Otto Hightower, conspires to have Alicent befriend a grief-stricken Viserys II. He then arranges a marriage between a teenage Alicent and Viserys II, so House Hightower accumulates greater sway over the Iron Throne. Alicent then gives birth to Viserys' eldest son, Aegon II Targaryen. Following Rhaenyra's controversial night in the Street of Silk with Daemon, Alicent defends Rhaenyra and her father, Otto, is replaced as Hand; however, Alicent later discovers Rhaenyra was lying from Lord Commander Criston Cole, who swears loyalty to her.

Alicent begins supporting the claim of her son, Aegon II, over Rhaenyra's, and loudly calls into question the legitimacy of Rhaenyra's children, Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey. Shortly before Viserys II's death, she misunderstands his final words as an instruction to install Aegon II as King, and calls a private Small Council meeting to usurp Rhaenyra's throne. Still feeling love for her childhood friend, however, she protects Rhaenyra when Otto attempts to have her and her family executed. Alicent now serves as Queen Regent with her son ascending to the Iron Throne.