A/N I'm back from holiday with another update! Hope you guys enjoy and as always, let me know what you think in the review section down below or PM if it suits you :) Cheers.
Standing in front of the full length mirror, I swallowed back the yawn that threatened to leave my lips as it built in the back of my throat. Up bright and early this morning I've been standing in this one tiring position for hours on end with only a few bits of conversation to keep me going. Glancing up at my reflection, the middle aged Seamstress hovered around me with her measuring tape and books filled with designs and pencil sketches.
Discussing ideas for the wedding dress earlier on, she was quite enthusiastic but I found it hard to follow what she was saying as her Dornish accent is quite thick. But I admit, the woman has a good eye for detail and I like the way she's going with the dress so far. If only it didn't take so long.
Draped in thin white material, the Seamstress took a few pins and placed it along where she needed them to go. Eventually taking a step away, her brown eyes looked me up and down before she stepped forward again "You like the fit?" she questioned while running the palm of her hand over my stomach and up the length of my back.
I nodded "I do" it's not too tight, but form fitting and comfortable.
"Good" holding the book for me to see, she pointed at a column of numbers "Measurements of you" she flipped the page to reveal a sketch of the dress we'd designed together "To fit dress" I nodded again in understanding. Shutting the book, she sat it down on a nearby table before starting to take out all of the pins from the thin white material "I will make the dress for the wedding. Take it to here and help you. It will be ready by your day" she explained.
I smiled "Thank you" while shrugging off the thin white material. Now I was left in just my day dress. Curtsying, the Seamstress then grabbed her book and headed out of my bedroom door. Stepping down from the stool, I stretched my arms before sighing. My back and feet hurt from standing for so long but I couldn't rest now. I'd agreed earlier this week to join Mother in the garden for lunch once the Seamstress was done with me.
After checking to make sure I was presentable, I headed out of my bedroom. The guards Rhaegar had provided where of course following me every step as I made my way down and across the large expanse of the Keep to reach the Royal Gardens. And once I was there, I stopped in the first beam of sunlight so that I could soak up its warm rays. The breath of fresh air is relaxing and I hummed in satisfaction before moving on down the brick pathway.
Wounding around one of the large fountains gushing with water, I headed for the undercover area that over looked the Ocean; it had been set up with a beaded cloth table and plenty of food. Watching Mother as she sat in on one of the seats, her attention was currently on the infant in her arms as she cooed down at him.
"Mother" I announced as I neared. Looking up, she smiled while gesturing for me to sit. The guards stopped a few steps away to give us some amount of privacy and besides, there wasn't anywhere I could run off too.
"And how was your morning with the Seamstress?" she asked "Was she satisfactory?"
"Yes, she was. We discussed the designs and made a finale a decision. I think you'll like the dress when you see it" I replied while sitting down. Coming over to me with a jug of wine, I let the servant poor me a cup of the ruby liquid before picking it up and taking a sip of the strong sweet flavour.
"You're drinking wine?"
I admit, I don't drink the substance often "I've had a long and tiring morning" I explained and Mother laughed before glancing down at Viserys "Is he doing well? This is the first I've seen him outside" ever since he was born a week ago, Father hasn't approved of his new son being out in the open. Viserys is usually up in the nursery or with Mother in her room.
"I managed to convince your Father. It isn't healthy for Viserys to be locked away in the dark for so long. He needs the sun so he can grow strong and tall like his brother" she replied.
I agreed "And besides, all the clutter in his room couldn't be helping" I slightly jested. For days since the celebration, people from all over Westeros and Essos have been adorning my baby brother with gifts of all sorts – and there still coming. Viserys has even been sent one of the finest horse's money could buy and he can't even walk yet, let alone ride.
"I wonder if there'll ever be a day where it'll all stop" replied Mother with a small sigh "But never the less, it's better to receive a gift than not, and accept it with a wide smile – no matter what it may be" pausing with silence, I continued to eat a few things here and there before I heard Mother "Leave us" she spoke to the servant and my escorts. The guards were hesitant at first but eventually left when my Mother gave them a firm look.
My brows knitted into confusion as I watched them walk away, the Kingsguard's armour clinking as they strode down the pathway to stop off in the far distance. Turning to Mother, I asked "Why did you do that?" while setting down the half remainder of my strawberry tart.
"I need to speak to you about something important, and I didn't think you'd want me to say it in front of them. You know how they like to gossip" she replied. A little tightness formed in my chest at all the bad thoughts that suddenly crossed my mind. Is there something wrong? Is someone sick? I felt a little dread and panic before an immediate deep flush of red flooded my cheeks "Your wedding night" she added.
Almost chocking on the few bits of left over crumbs and saliva in my mouth, I sat up right in my chair as the warmth of embarrassment coursed through my body. Surely there's a proper place and time for this sought of talk. I don't think the open garden is quite the place and especially while I'm eating. I already feel a little light headed and Mother's barely said anything yet.
"My – wedding night" I repeated in a whisper and slight stutter.
"Yes" she replied while gently patting Viserys back in a light rhythm "I know the subject is sensitive for you, it has been for years. But as your Mother I worry. I think it would be wise you knew"
"I know"
Mother raised an eyebrow in uncertainty "I don't think you do Rhaella. There's a difference between the little fantasy gossips of a girl, than the truth of reality"
"Just because I don't talk about it, it doesn't mean I'm naïve" I defended "I've heard all about it from the other woman in the castle. I know it's not the most glamorous of things at first and I know it's not painless – and as for the rest"
"You'll learn soon enough" finished Mother. Almost immediately I sighed before slouching in my seat, the jealousy conjured by my thoughts seeping into my veins. Mother's somewhat stern expression softened "I know what you're thinking, and there's no use in being angered by it. It's a simple fact all women must accept"
"That he's been with a woman or women other than me?" I almost scowled back "How are we supposed to accept the blatant acts of men, when we ourselves must wait until marriage and then never touch anyone but him? It isn't fair"
"Life isn't fair" Mother replied and I scoffed. How many times has someone said that to me? Too many "But when you are married, it'll change"
"Or it won't" I retorted.
Mother look at me before glancing at the guards who are now stationed further away "He hasn't taken them from your side I see" I didn't reply "He's only trying to protect you. He worries" she justified.
"So everyone keeps telling me, but I don't understand why. There's no reason to. I'm fine. I didn't try to drown myself on purpose, but no matter what I say no one will listen to me" I replied "I can see it in their faces. They all think I'm this fragile girl that's breaking down when I'm not – I've accepted my past and I'm trying to move on"
"It's difficult I know" nodded Mother "But it's only for now. When he's comfortable, things will move back to the way they were – they may even be forgotten all together" I can only hope. I don't know what I'd do if this is the way I'd have to live the rest of my life; constantly being watched and criticized.
It would be complete torment.
After the lengthy conversation with Mother, we'd settled on more pleasant topics for the remainder of the lunch. With the afternoon soon fast approaching, I'd decided it was time to head back to the castle. Getting up from my seat, I rounded the table to kiss my Mother on the cheek "I had a good lunch. Thank you for inviting me"
"Your Father wants us to have dinner tonight" announced Mother "Try not to be late"
I nodded my head "I'll endeavour not to be" planting a gentle peck on Viserys' forehead, I then started my trek back to the Keep. Walking down the bricked path with green hedges either side speckled with an array of colourful flower, I'd approached the guards and they fell into step behind me once again. Not a word leaving their lips.
Crossing the fountain and the rest of the garden, I entered into the main large courtyard; my gaze to the ground when I heard the sound of horse hooves clicking along. Looking up, I found a young servant boy leading the giant beast I knew to be Rhaegars horse into the stables. Following closely behind, I watched the boy as he secured the horse inside his stall and when he saw me approach he turned to bow his head in respect.
"Your grace" he murmured in greeting.
"Did Rhaegar go riding today?" I asked while walking up to the horse and softly petting its forehead; its beady black eyes staring back at me.
"No your grace. I was exercising him for the day. The Prince likes to keep him active" he explained. Bending over, I picked up a small bundle of hay and fed the horse. Its snout nuzzled my hand as he greedily took the food with a grind of his teeth "Apologise, but did you need something your grace?"
"No" I said with a shake of my head. Dusting my hands, I turned and left the stables without another word. Heading across the courtyard to the double doors of the Keep, I entered inside and slowly made my way to my room. Feeling a little exhausted as I climbed the stairs, it wasn't fatigue as such but as if my energy had somehow been drained. I felt a sense of melancholy.
Walking the rest of the way, I entered into my room and the guards stayed outside as usual "Back already your grace" Septa got up from her spot by the fire place, an embroidery hoop in hand.
"Yes, I'm not feeling all too well" I explained "I think I'll lay down for a little while"
"Are you sure you don't need the Maester?" I shook my head. The last thing I need right now is an old man poking and prodding at me.
"No. I'll be alright" I said with a hint of a smile.
Setting down her embroidery, Septa flattened the skirt of her grey dress before departing toward the door "I'll leave you to your rest then" leaving the room, I was left alone in silence apart from the crackling wood in the fire place. Taking a deep breath, I went over to the balcony and slid closed the folding doors in order to block out the day light. And on my way to my vanity I unclipped the ruby red necklace from around my throat, but just as I was taking out my earing's the door opened again.
"Did you leave something behind?" I called over my shoulder as my back faced the door, but as Septa didn't answer and the door closed with a thud I turned around to see who it was. I sighed "What are you doing here?" it was Rhaegar.
Placing my jewellery into the bowel on my vanity table, Rhaegar approached me "I wanted to ask how your fitting was today"
"It went well" I replied "I found something I liked and she'll have it made and ready for next week" standing in front of me, Rhaegars deep eyes weren't focused on me exactly but rather on something in my hair "What's wrong?" I asked with a confused expression as he reached out to pluck something from my silver locks. Holding it up to me, it was revealed to be a straw of hay.
"Where else were you today?" his voice was solid with a hint of accusation.
I wanted to roll my eyes and slap him at the same time "I stopped to pet your horse in the stable on my way back from lunch with Mother" I answered firmly. I'm doubting what Mother said to me earlier, I don't think he'll ever really forget. The past will always be there to bite me like it is now "If you don't believe me, ask your guards – since there still following me"
Making my way over to my bed, Rhaegar grabbed my arm to tug me into his chest. He held me in his arms as I looked up at his face "I'd prefer it if you told me the truth"
"I am telling you the truth"
"Then I believe you" he said. Eyeing him carefully, I was a little hesitant at his reply. I was expecting us to have an argument. I didn't expect him to 'give in' so soon. Pulling on my arm to try and free myself from his hold, Rhaegar didn't let me go. Instead he leant down to kiss me. His soft lips warm and inviting.
Returning the favour for a few moments, I felt Rhaegars firm hands wandering down to rest on my waist and I pushed my hand against his chest "What are you doing?" I asked sceptically. He didn't answer me. Instead, he picked me up from the ground and a small gasp left my lips as my hands rested on his shoulders for balance.
Opening my mouth to ask him again, I was cut from my words when Rhaegar dropped us down onto the feather stuffed mattress. Bouncing a little as his weight pressed down on top of me, his body rested between my legs; my dress riding up past my thighs. Looking down at me with his deep eyes, I felt the pad of his thumb tickle me as he gently brushed it over my bottom lip.
"Why aren't you answering me?" I questioned.
"Because I don't have to" he replied "Because I'd rather do something else with my mouth other than talk" an unexpected warm heat fluttered in my belly, however I was completely confused as to what Rhaegar is talking about. Pressing his lips back against mine, I'd soon forgotten for a short amount of time as we kissed.
Brushing the ends of his fingers up along my right thigh to slither underneath my dress, Rhaegar dipped his hand inside my undergarments and a hitched moan escaped me as he found my sensitive bundle of nerves. Kissing him more feverishly as he ran smooth, deep circles, I could feel my body tremble from nerves and excitement.
Pressing a small peck on the corner of my mouth, he wandered them down the side of my face and along my neck. My breaths were laboured as my eyes fluttered closed to feel the warmth of Rhaegars lips trailing further down to the top of my breasts. Hooking his arms under my knees he pushed me a little ways up the bed with a quick thrust of his strong arms. Leaning up on my elbows to peer down at him, I raised an arched brow as Rhaegar knelt on the floor at the edge of the bed.
"Kneeling before me already?" I jested at the site.
"Only for you" Rhaegar replied in a deep voice, his eyes locking with mine as he reached up my dress to hook his fingers in the waist band of my undergarment. Pulling them down my legs to discard them onto the floor, I watched curiously confused. What in the world is he doing? Pushing the skirt of my dress to rest at my hips, my knee's closed to touch together instinctively "Relax"
"I can't" I replied with a shiver. I suddenly felt cold and utterly exposed to his plain view.
"Lay back and close your eyes – trust me" looking at Rhaegar for a second longer, I decided to do what he said – to trust him. Laying back, I stared up at the canopy of my bed before closing my eyes to darkness. Wrapping his warm fingers around my ankles, he positioned them so that the backs of my knees rested on his strong, broad shoulders. I could feel it then as he lent closer – his warm breath fanning over my thighs and the tingling area in-between.
Fisting the sheets in my hands, the anticipation made my stomach flutter until a fiery desire suddenly took over. The wave of warmth worked its way up from the tips of my toes to settle into a tingle at the back of my throat. Dragging his wet, textured tongue from my entrance to the sensitive bundle at the top felt like a luscious gentle whip of pleasure.
Squeezing my eyes so tight I could almost see stars, he did it again and again – one lick at a time. It clicked then about what Rhaegar meant before, it made sense. I now know what he wanted to use his mouth for and if it weren't for the incredible twist I was feeling, I would have giggled. But instead the only noise I could make were moans.
Swirling and grinding his tongue, I could feel the ache begin to form in the pit of my belly and a trail of wet slick drip down to soak a spot into my bed covers. Plunging his tongue inside of me, my back arched a little as I opened my eyes to look down at the sight of Rhaegars face buried between my legs. The faint of echo of slippery wet sounds making me blush a no-doubt deep red. Focusing on the pleasure as it build higher and higher, I somehow felt the need for something more. I just wasn't quite sure what it was exactly.
Remaining unrelenting in his ministrations, Rhaegar never once stopped but instead he kept going and going until the walls of my internal damn started to crumble. Feeling a slight sheen of sweat form on my porcelain skin, the room became hot as my toes started to curl. Holding onto my thighs so that my legs didn't involuntarily close on his head, Rhaegar's slippery tongue left me to soon be replaced with two of his long, thick fingers.
Pushing them deeper and deeper inside of me, I felt my walls stretching a little uncomfortably as they did. Wincing a little, I bit my bottom lip as my head turned to the side; my brows knitted together. Placing his mouth back onto my bundle of nerves he licked and sucked while slowly driving his fingers in and out of me at a hypnotic pace. It felt better than before. I felt in a sense – full, but not as much as I really craved.
Picking up the speed of his hand, it started to hit the right spot inside of me and I mewled and moaned embarrassing sounds that I was too intoxicated to really care about. Getting up from the ground, Rhaegar didn't stop as he climbed back on top of me; my legs falling from his shoulders. Spreading them wider myself and a little higher angled, he kept going as he latched his mouth onto mine. I could smell and taste the sweet flavour on his mouth.
Wrapping my arms around his neck to keep him close to me and a little still, my legs started to tremble and twitch as the coil in my belly wound tighter by the second. Thrusting his fingers particularly deep, it was enough for the gush of pleasure take over me in almost paralysis. Gripping the leather of his black vest for something to hold onto, I muffled my loud moan into his shoulder.
Feeling my muscles spasm and clench around him in aftershocks, Rhaegar slowly pulled his fingers out as I still clung to his vest; my legs slouching on the bed either side of his waist. I feel exhausted and breathless as my chest heaved. Nuzzling my cheek on his shoulder as I tried to regain myself, I could feel his fingers massage along the slick folds between legs; smearing the sticky flow around and a little onto my thighs. But I involuntarily twitched when he ran over my clit, the sensitivity making me wince – and then he stopped and moved his hand away, letting me come down from my euphoric high.
Unlatching myself when Rhaegar pulled away from me, I watched as he stood up before making his way to the adjoining bathing room. Coming back a short moment later, he held a towel and was wiping his fingers dry. With my legs still wide open in a limp like state, he started wipe away at the wetness and grabbed his arm to sit up "Why do you do this? It can't be just because you can"
He looked down at me "And what if it is?"
"Then I don't believe you" I replied "What's the real reason? Are you jealous?" I quirked an eyebrow "Lonely?"
He chuckled "It's for your own benefit" it was answer, but it could also mean a lot of things. Benefit for what exactly "Would you prefer it if I stop?"
"I wouldn't let you touch me if I didn't want you to" I answered "I'm just – curious"
"You're always looking for an answer. Maybe you should stop worrying as to why and just enjoy what happens and when" leaning down, he gave me a brief kiss "Life is a lot more exciting that way" watching Rhaegar as he dropped the towel onto the nearby table, I tugged down my dress and stood up. I could feel the dull sore ache now present between my thighs – just like last time.
