Elia did not expect that Rhaegar would take her to Dragonstone. But it was just after their wedding night that he came to her in her chambers and knelt in front of her and said that he would take her to his home.

It wasn't long after she arrived in the grey, cloudy island that she began to show signs. Ashara Dayne had become her lady-in-waiting not long after the wedding, and she was the one who held Elia's hair back as she had her sickness in the mornings. She noticed Elia's fatigue and her swelling breasts.

Rhaegar still came to her every night in her chambers at Dragonstone. His body was so familiar to her, and hers to him, that every time he undressed she felt a rush of warmth at the idea that he belonged to her in a way. That in her memories she had had her hands all over that body.

He stayed the night almost every time.

Sometimes he left for long periods, travelling to Summerhall or on business for his father. Whenever he came home he would spend a whole day with her to make up for his absence.

He had been gone for a week before Ashara announced he would be returning to Dragonstone that day. Elia brightened at the news and waited until the evening when he would come to her room. She had debated with Ashara about how she would tell him the news.

"Just be frank with him. He should be happy." Ashara said.

Elia blinked at her friend, "It isn't that simple. Not with us. Not with this child being the future of his House, of Westeros." She murmured, and suddenly she felt ill.

Ashara, her beautiful friend, sat beside her and took her hand. She reminded her of Mellario. A strong woman, with set ideals. And always having a lesson for Elia.

"You love Rhaegar and he loves you. He will be pleased, and you will have a prince by your side even if the child turns out to be a girl. He will have a daughter and better yet, you will have a daughter." Ashara smiled.

Elia laughed softly, "If I can survive this pregnancy I will have a daughter. If I do not, I will be dead and Rhaegar will have a daughter and will need to marry again to produce an heir."

Ashara let out a frustrated sigh, "Why are you worrying? You haven't shown any signs of a complication, let alone died yet!"

Elia laughed and shook her head, returning to her needlework. "I know my body. And I know what my mother would say."

"Your mother isn't here." Ashara said kindly and Elia paused for a moment. She missed her mother. And Oberyn. She wanted so desperately to send them news of her pregnancy so that they could come visit her, or perhaps she could visit them. To see Dorne again would lift her spirits. And she could do something other than needlework, and waiting for her husband to return to Dragonstone.

Rhaegar's knock was soft at her door, but she her it instantly and stood. When she opened the door and saw his face, something in her heart eased and she beamed at her husband. Rhaegar's own eyes lit up at her expression and he entered her room without a word.

Almost immediately, he had his hands on her cheeks and his lips upon hers. He coaxed a kiss from her, his lips moving against her with such skill and persuasion that she parted her lips to him and let herself forget her worries for a moment.

When he did pull back, Elia stopped him from undressing with a gentle hand on his chest. He raised a brow, "You don't want me tonight?"

His words, somehow, tore at her and immediately she shook her head. "I will always want you, Rhaegar. But I have something to say."

He smiled, taking her hand from his chest and kissing it. "What troubles you?" He asked, catching the slight hesitation as she attempted to voice her thoughts.

Elia took his hand between both of hers and placed it at her abdomen. She curled his fingers around the swell of their baby inside her and Rhaegar's eyes widened.

"You are…?" He trailed off, his eyes returning to her own.

Elia smiled tentatively, "I am."

He smiled so wide she thought it had been impossible for him to be so happy. Relief washed over her as he knelt before her and pressed a kiss to her stomach. He laughed, lifting her shift up to her waist to kiss her bare belly.

Elia ran her fingers through his silver hair. Rhaegar looked up at her, "Our first dragon." He whispered.

She smiled and nodded, but inside she thought the child would be more than a dragon. They would be her sunshine too.

Elia could not have guessed that her pregnancy would leave her so weak.

Ashara had been with her when her swollen belly had ached for a moment and then liquid had run down Elia's legs and onto the stone floor of the dragon's keep.

She had yelled herself raw during the labour, and had heard only a single cry of her child before she had fallen back on the damp sheets and lost consciousness.

It was a blur of days and images. Her child, tiny and red, only a flash of an image as she opened her eyes, then fell back under from the effort. Rhaegar was there, his warm hand on her own. Ashara and Arthur Dayne, speaking by the door. She wondered faintly how Rhaegar was. But most of her blurry thoughts revolved around her baby. She had not even held her child, she could not go till she had held her baby.

Elia woke two moons after the birth of her child. Ashara was beside her, holding her hand. "Elia?" Her friend looked tired and strained, as though she had been the one about to die. "Oh, thank the seven! Elia's awake!" Ashara called to someone out of view.

Elia shifted with a groan, attempting to sit up. With Ashara's help, she managed to rest back on the cushions, her body weak and frail from the movement. She panted from the effort, and fear coursed through her at the severity of her situation. She could not even sit up on her own, and even then without getting winded.

Those fears left her head when she saw Rhaegar enter the room, a small bundle of cloth in his arm that was wiggling about. He smiled to her and Elia almost burst into tears at that sight.

As Rhaegar approached, Elia straightened to try to get a look at her child. "A boy?" she asked, her voice soft and hoarse.

Rhaegar's smile faded, "No, a daughter."

Elia searched his face for his disappointment, but she found nothing but relief and love for the child in his arms. It was puzzling. Shouldn't he be disappointed that she did not give him an heir?

She couldn't focus on those thoughts when Rhaegar lowered her daughter into her lap. The little girl was a Martell in appearance and Elia could not hide her smile of pride as she stroked her little girl's dark hair.

Elia kissed her daughter's little face and the child gurgled, wiggling in her lap. A sob broke out of her at that. Rhaegar smiled softly and placed a hand on her shoulder, gently squeezing.

"Your father?" Elia looked up at Rhaegar's puzzled face. He realised what she was asking a moment later, and his expression fell.

Ashara shared a look with him before she spoke, "He wants a boy. And he said she… is too Dornish."

Elia knew those had not been the king's exact words. And she was glad she did not know what he had said, for it was sure to anger her and that seemed too much effort at the moment.

"I am sorry, Rhaegar." she whispered, ever the dutiful wife.

Rhaegar frowned and shook his head. "I wanted her. I want her. And I am grateful you brought her to me." He said. "My Rhaenys."

Ashara shot him an angry look as Elia stiffened.

"Rhaenys?"

Rhaegar swallowed nervously and nodded, "I have named her Rhaenys."

Elia was calm, but she could feel the anger bubbling up inside her. Rhaenys had been Aegon the Conqueror's sister-wife. And when she had come to Dorne, after being warned once to never return, the Dornish had killed her dragon - Meraxes - with a scorpion bolt through the eye, and Rhaenys had fell to her death.

The second Rhaenys - The Queen Who Never Was - had died during The Dance of the Dragons, where she had been on the side of Rhaenyra, the late king's daughter who he had legitimised before his death. Unfortunately for Rhaenyra, her father had remarried to a Hightower and their son claimed the Iron Throne after the king's death. Rhaenys had flew her dragon Meleys into a trap during the war. Her half-brother, King Aegon II, and the Prince Aemond One-Eye had fought her atop their dragons, Sunfyre, and Vhagar, respectively. Rhaenys perished that day, burned to a crisp till she was unrecognisable. And Rhaenyra had ended up in the jaws of Sunfyre by the end of the dragon war.

It was a name riddled with misfortune. And Rhaegar had given it to their daughter.

"You know the history of the name." Elia said, her jaw clenched.

Rhaegar nodded, "I do. But it is a strong Targaryen name. And she is a Targaryen."

"Does she look like a Targaryen?" Elia demanded, letting her anger enter her voice. She knew she should not have said it.

Rhaegar's face tightened. "She is a Targaryen. Whether she resembles one or not."

"Why that name? My people killed the first Rhaenys. The second perished at the battle of Rook's Rest. Why would you give our daughter such a tragic legacy?" Elia demanded, her breathing heavy.

The baby squirmed in Elia's lap and began to whine. Ashara swept her up and took her from the room. Took Rhaenys from the room. Her daughter, Rhaenys. Elia could not keep the sneer of disgust from her face, too tired to school her features into a more agreeable expression.

Rhaegar's fist clenched, "Elia."

She avoided his eyes.

"Elia, she must be named Rhaenys. You do not understand."

Elia waved a dismissive hand, leaning back on the pillows in exhaustion. "You're right. I don't. But I will not fight. I assume her name has been announced?"

Rhaegar nodded. "I would have waited for you to wake. But it was growing late…"

Elia shook her head, "It does not matter."

Rhaegar left then, leaving her to fall into a deep sleep, her exhaustion taking over her.

Despite her weakness, and her anger over Rhaenys' name, she could not help but fall in love with her daughter.

Ashara helped her take slow walks about the keep, and Rhaegar came and went as he did.

Four moons after the birth of Rhaenys, Rhaegar announced they would be returning to King's Landing. Elia knew why. They had been away too long, and with Rhaenys old enough to travel it was time to return to court.

Elia was too tired to do much, but she knew she would need to at least look stronger for fear of the gossip that her weakness would breed in King's Landing.

King's Landing was ever the same, and when she arrived Elia was greeted by Queen Rhaella. The Queen had a bruise on her wrist when she cupped Elia's cheek in greeting. Elia did not say anything, but she could see the dark marks were in the shape of fingers.

King Aerys was dismissive of her, as usual. He spoke only of how she had yet to bring Rhaegar a son. And he referred to her as 'that Dornish girl', as if reminding the court of who she was, and how she was different from them.

Elia didn't mind as much as she should have. She was glad to be thought of as different. She did not think she would want to be thought of as the same as King Aerys.

It was time for Elia to wake up. Dragonstone had lulled her into a sense of security, and it had brought her comfort. But now the court had their eyes on her and Rhaenys. And she did not have Rhaegar here to help her.

She was given a grand set of chambers, and Rhaenys enjoyed the new toys gifted to her by the lords and ladies of Westeros who had heard news of the princess' coming to King's Landing.

Elia was surprised to find a friend in Viserys, Rhaegar's younger brother. The little boy was but four years old. Elia thought that he would get along well with her niece, Arianne, who was the same age as the boy. He reminded Elia of her niece, with his bright smile, and the way he would hold to her skirts and follow her around.

Ashara laughed one day when Viserys peeked into Elia's chambers, searching for her with those purple eyes. "He has come again. The second Targaryen prince to fall in love with you."

Elia laughed and stood from her seat to beckon Viserys to her. The little boy walked over to her with a smile. Rhaenys, still a little babe, leaned on Ashara and chewed on a doll gifted to her by the Hightowers.

"Elia!" Viserys held to her skirts and looked up at her, and she stroked his silver hair gently.

"Hello, Viserys. How are you today?"

"I'm okay. My mama said that-" the little boy was distracted by Rhaenys, and he fiddled with Elia's red skirts. Of course, she was wearing red and black.

"Yes? Your mother said what?" Elia prompted.

Viserys nodded and looked back up at her. "She said she want to speak to you."

Ashara and Elia exchanged a look and Elia took Viserys' little hand in hers. "Why don't you bring me to her then, little one?"

Viserys smiled and nodded, leading her to the door.

The little boy walked with her through the corridors of the Red Keep. Two Kingsguard followed them, Ser Jonothor Darry, who had escorted Viserys to her chambers, and Ser Barristan Selmy, who was posted outside Elia's chambers with Ser Oswell Whent. Whent remained behind to protect Rhaenys as Viserys and Elia left for the Queen's quarters.

Outside Rhaella's door stood Elia's uncle, Lewyn Martell. Aerys had called for Barristan to replace Lewyn as Elia's guard, since he felt uneasy having the two Martells so close together.

Her uncle nodded to her as she passed by and entered Rhaella's chambers. There was an uneasiness in the air and Rhaella's ladies-in-waiting shifted as Elia entered with Viserys.

"Please take Viserys to the gardens." Rhaella spoke, her voice low and deep. One lady moved to take the little boy's hand, and he waved goodbye to Elia as they both left the room. Elia caught sight of Jonothor Darry following them before the doors shut.

"Elia." Rhaella spoke, beckoning her over to where she sat on a chair in the middle of the sitting room.

Elia smiled and moved to take her good-mother's hand. She liked Rhaella, and always worried for the queen when the king was in one of his moods. As of late, Rhaella had been calling for her more often, and sharing more details of what the king would do. Elia was filled with rage each time, and not for the first time did she wish she were a man so that she could do more for the queen. Although, she knew even a man could not stand against the king.

Elia suspected that Rhaella was lonely. And she did not mind spending a few hours with her, if only for the chance that the king would be deterred from visiting her during those hours.

Elia took a seat beside the queen and Rhaella smiled. "My son has sent word. He will return within the week." She smiled and Elia returned the smile, her heart lifting.

"You have been writing to him?" Rhaella asked.

Elia nodded. She wrote him weekly, giving him updates on Rhaenys and putting in a line or two about how she was faring. He always responded with a promise to return soon, and his letters never failed to make Elia smile, and feel a little less alone.

Rhaella patted Elia's hand. "How is your mother?" she asked.

Elia and Oberyn had been corresponding as well, although her brother was not as prompt as her husband with his replies. His last letter had informed her that their mother was not faring well with the illness that had come over her. Elia knew somewhere inside that she may not last two moons. She desperately wanted to see her mother, but Aerys had forbid it when Rhaella had asked on her behalf.

The king's paranoia had grown to new heights. Elia was used to the snide comments and abrasiveness of the king whenever she attended court. But to forbid her to see her dying mother was something she could not abide. Rhaegar had promised to take her to Dorne, but Elia knew it was a bad idea. If he openly disobeyed his father there was no telling what Aerys would do.

And Aerys had become increasingly suspicious of Rhaegar and his popularity. He had made many remarks on the prince's image, and how he would need to keep him away from court for fear the people would fall deeper in love with him. His comments were not rooted in approval, but in jealousy. And Rhaella had advised Rhaegar to remain away from court as much as he could.

"Oberyn has said she is growing worse." Elia murmured.

Rhaella sighed her sympathy and patted Elia's hand gently. "I am sorry to hear it. Your mother has always been a good friend of mine."

Elia smiled and noticed the bruise on her forearm as the sleeve of Rhaella's gown slid up. She said nothing, but she knew Rhaella would speak to her should she wish it.

"I remember when Joanna and Loreza were my ladies-in-waiting." Rhaella smiled, her purple eyes warm. Elia watched her queen with admiration. She didn't know how Rhaella found it in herself to smile, after all the king had done to her.

"They were good friends, your mother and Joanna Lannister. And they treated me well." Rhaella sighed at the memory.

Elia didn't voice what she was thinking. That now both her ladies-in-waiting would soon be dead.

Rhaella smiled and launched into her plans for a banquet to celebrate Rhaegar's return. Elia found it a welcome distraction and stayed in the queen's chambers until the moon rose in the sky.

Rhaegar came to her chambers the night he returned. He was gentle with her. Too gentle. And Elia grew increasingly frustrated.

When they were finished, he held her close, his fingers stroking through her hair and over her back.

She thought of Rhaenys' face when her father had returned, how her little girl had lit up. And Rhaegar had beamed from ear to ear, lifting her into the air and spinning the baby before he kissed her face. He had whispered soft words to Rhaenys that night before a handmaiden had taken her away to her cot. He had whispered so sweetly that Elia had rushed over once Rhaenys was gone, and she had kissed him deeply.

Elia looked to her husband lying beside her, bathed in moonlight, and she smiled. She brushed a kiss to his lips as he slept, watching as his eyes moved beneath his closed lids.

Her heart beat heavy in her chest. And although his gentleness during their couplings irritated her, she was grateful for his gentleness as he slept beside her. The way he held her like she was precious. And the way he looked at her like he loved her.

It had taken Elia a while to come to terms with what she felt for Rhaegar. And it was a thought that both frightened and thrilled her. Elia knew that she loved him. She did not think she would marry a man she would love. But Rhaegar had a kind soul, a gentle touch, and a wit that made her laugh.

And he was a good husband. A good father. A better prince. And possibly, a great king.

That thought made Elia smile, until she remembered Aerys. And she prayed to all the seven that he would leave his wife alone tonight.