A/N Another update! Let me know what you think :) Cheers for reading.
It was a beautiful day today, not a cloud in the sky, no sign of rain or a storm, just the distance chirp of birds and the fresh but salty scent of the air. Walking down one of the many hallways inside of the castle walls, Mother kept pace beside me; the sound of our shoes making a light click against the stone floors "Have you decided on what you might wear?" spoke Mother "The festival is in a weeks' time from now"
A long day of celebration, eating and activities, the Festival is one of many we have throughout the year. This particular one happens to be in honour of the Mother; who represents motherhood and nurturing. She's prayed to by many for things such as fertility and compassion.
I nodded "One of the gifts I received for the wedding was a dress made in Essos. It's beautiful. I think it would suit me for the day"
"Good, then you're settled. And you mustn't forget, the last of the nobles will be leaving this afternoon. It would do you well to see them off" I nodded, although Mother caught the little sigh that slipped from my lips "I know it isn't the most exciting, but we all have to do things we don't want to do sometimes"
"I know" I replied with an apologising tone "But doesn't it ever grow tiring? Don't you ever get sick of playing pretend? It must hurt your cheeks to have to smile that much and not mean it"
"Of course it's tiring, but it's your duty to pretend. It makes a difference for them and for you" she replied. Walking through an archway we turned into another hall and continued down until we reached a set of carved wooden doors; two Gold Cloaks standing either side of it. It's Mother's bedroom.
Entering inside, the room is quite large with a queen sized bed, a mahogany dining table and open view to the shining expanse of the sea-side. A perfect place to be for when the sun sets. In fact I remember when Mother used to take me and Rhaegar to the docks. We'd stand at the very end of the peer and watch into the distance as the glowing orb in the sky lowered itself into darkness. It's one of my more favourable memories as a child.
Heading over to one of the chairs, I sat down opposite Mother. Watching as she poured us a glass of wine, I couldn't help the raise of my eyebrow but I didn't say anything toward it. Clutching the glass I took a sip and savoured the fruity but strong taste "It's been a week since the wedding" she spoke, her eyes on me "How are your more personal affairs?"
A breath hitched in my lungs but I quickly swallowed it down. Is that why she gave me the wine, I wondered. Looking down, the cup was settled on my lap and I glanced at my distorted reflection in the dark red liquid "Persistent" I then replied with a gentle sigh "He's always so suggestive – always trying"
"And you don't approve?" she asked with a slight tilt of her head.
"It's not that I disapprove" I said with a shake of my head "I just feel as if he's eager for something other than that, but he never talks about children – I'm not quite sure what to make of it just yet"
"I understand, and you're right about your suspicion. All men are the same when it comes to matter of an heir. Being of royalty doesn't help the situation. I suspect your Father would have shared words with your brother no doubt" my brows knitted together in confusion.
"Your saying he's under pressure?" I questioned "For what urgent reason?"
"As much as I hate to admit it, we're getting old Rhaella. We're no longer young and to a degree, neither is your brother. With your late birth comes doubt and complication. Producing a child early would ease a lot of pressure from Rhaegars shoulders as well as your Fathers"
"This isn't making me feel any better" I teased.
"Perhaps not" she smiled before turning serious "But never the less, I wouldn't worry yourself over it. When the times comes, it will happen. No one is ordering you to do anything as of now. You both have years of life yet" nodding my head, Mother's words eased me a little about the subject. At least now I know what's going. At least now I can prepare myself a little more "Although I wouldn't keeping shutting him out too much" she teased "He may have more patience and understanding than most, but he's still just a man"
Lifting my drink to my lips, I took a much longer and drawn out sip than was really necessary, but anything to hide the blush rising to form on my cheeks. Eventually lowering my now empty glass, I smiled as the wine started to hit my senses.
Standing on the descending steps located at the front of the Keep, I stood in the line of our family – Father, Mother, Rhaegar and myself. With my hands by my side, I stood patiently while the nobles spoke their good-byes "Again I congratulate you on your marriage. My family and I wish you the very best your grace" spoke Lord Vance; an old man with shoulder length grey hair and foggy blue eyes lined with crow's feet.
Taking my hand, he placed a kiss on the back "Thank you Lord Vance, and I wish you safe travels on your journey home" he gave a curt nod in return.
Taking a few steps back Lord Vance turned around to step down the slope of thin stairs. Waiting at the bottom are his wife and two young daughters. Getting up onto his horse, the rest of family went inside the awaiting carriage that held their luggage on top. With Sir Vance's green, black and white banner flapping in the wind, the group started off down the cobbled road to the city. They were the last family to leave the Keep, and the first to depart without another word is of course the King.
Stalking off back inside the walls of his castle, Mother soon followed along while I trailed behind; Rhaegar keeping pace at my side "I want to show you something. It might take your mind off your troubles" he spoke and I looked at him.
"My troubles?" I questioned.
"You've hidden it well, but I can still see you're upset by the loss of your friend" I looked away. He was right, I am still upset and I suppose I have hidden it rather well, all things considered.
"And what exactly are you going to show me?" what exactly would remove the dreary sadness enough to really enjoy myself?
"You'll just have to wait and see, won't you?" following beside Rhaegar, we'd made our way into the outer courtyard near the stables. Waiting for us was the familiar boy servant I'd last seen in the stables a few weeks ago. He was standing with a hold of the reigns to Rhaegars black Stallion; the beast of an animals beady black eyes staring us down as we approached.
"We're going riding? Now, at this time of the day?" I questioned with a gesture. The afternoon is fast approaching, the sky already turning. It would be dark by the time we went anywhere outside the city walls and back again.
"You'll be safe" Rhaegar said as his hand patted the slope between the horse's eyes. Taking a quick glance around, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to go for a ride. It would do me good to get out of this place for an hour or two, depending on where exactly we're going.
"Alright" I agreed.
Turning to me, Rhaegar came over; his hands gripping under my arms to picking me up onto the saddle. Adjusting myself, I decided I wasn't going to sit sideways like I should and so I subtly placed my legs on either side of the horse. Fluently getting up to seat himself behind me, the servant boy handed Rhaegar the reigns and his arms came around my waist to hold onto them and steer.
With the a kick of his boot, the Stallion moved forward and we made our way out of the courtyard to travel through the thick of the city. After a few minutes of silence, we'd reached one of the gates of the city; the Gold Cloaks bowing their heads in respect as we rode past "Now that we're away from prying eyes and ears, are you going to tell me where we're going?"
"You're not very good at waiting" he replied with a tease in his voice.
"I suspect that's a no"
He sighed "It's a nice place" he explained after a moment of silence "One you've never been to before. A secret place of my own. Magical"
"Magical you say" a smile crept onto the corners of my lips as I leant back into his chest, the wrists of his hands resting on my thighs so that they didn't get tired "In what way?"
"Its beauty. Its seclusion" he replied "A place man hasn't touched and where nature still thrives undisturbed" hearing the emotion of his description made me already believe it was indeed magical and I have yet to see it.
Riding along the two-lined dirt trail, it wasn't until we diverted to the base of a nearby mountain that we'd left from the main road. Heading through the long blades of grass, we then ventured deep into the woods and the trees grew thicker the further we went. Listening to the wind as it blew through the trees; swaying them a little at the top. A few leaves here and there fluttered down to rest on the ground and I could hear the buzzing of insects, the crack of a few branches and the whistle of birds high above.
This place felt more alive than the rest of the world.
Tugging the horse to a stop, Rhaegar dropped the reigns in order to get off. Landing on the ground with a light thud of his boots and a crunch of the brown leaves that had fallen, he tied the leather reigns to a solid branch "We'll walk the rest of the way" he instructed while reaching up to help me off the saddle.
Not arguing, I followed close behind Rhaegar as we went a little more ways up the mountainside. It wasn't that steep which was a relief, but as I glanced up ahead I could see a clustering wall of deep green shrubbery and thin trees as well as the sound of rushing water – a waterfall perhaps. Finding a decent opening, he gestured and I walked through first.
What laid on the other side was breath taking.
Like I'd thought, the sounds I heard did indeed belong to a waterfall; streaming down the mountain side to fill the relatively medium sized lagoon below. The water is a cloudy greenish blue with large and small rocks surround it to also be hidden away by a circling of tall trees and thick greenery. No wonder no one's ever found it, you wouldn't know where it was unless you really looked.
With a wide smile going from ear to ear, I was so caught up in the mesmerising view that I didn't see Rhaegar swoop in from behind me. Gasping, he'd plucked me from the ground to hold me in his strong arms and with a steady stride he headed straight for the water.
"What are you doing?" I questioned sternly. He didn't stop "No. Wait. Put me down" I demanded as I tried to wiggle from his grip "Stop. No!" squealing, Rhaegar tossed me into the water and I landed with a splash; the cold water drenching from head to toe.
Pushing my way to the surface, the water level wasn't that deep yet and so I stood up with a sharp gasp as I clutched my arms; my white hair sticking to my face as I shivered. I could hear his laughing "Enjoying the water?" he questioned with a smirk on his lips.
"It's freezing" sloshing my legs through the water, it was hard to move with the added weight of my clothes. But as I got half way to shore, Rhaegar had covered the distance to meet me in the middle. He'd removed his leather vest and I imagine his boots as well. All I could see is his undershirt and black breeches. Turning me around, he nudged me back into the depths of the water.
"You'll get used to it" he spoke with a chuckle "But you can't keep these. They'll way you down" standing waist deep in the cloudy water, I felt Rhaegars hands reach around to unclasp the clip at the front of my dress. Pulling down the shoulders, my arms slipped free with a tug and he pushed the rest of the dress down my waist. Tossing it to the rocky bank along with my undergarments, I stepped further into the water until I could no longer feel the sandy floor.
Turning around in the water, the coldness didn't bother me as much as before as I acclimated to the temperature. With a little distance between, I kept away from the crash of the waterfall and instead swam in a small circle. I stopped to look at Rhaegar as he hovered in the water, watching me as I enjoyed myself "Why have you never taken me here before?" I asked curiously.
"I was waiting for the right time, the right reason"
Swimming over to him, my arms wrapped around his neck and my legs around his waist; I could feel his hands skimming up my thighs to rest underneath "Thank you" I spoke in a soft tone. Leaning in, my body pressed against his through the water as I planted a lingering kiss. Reaching up, Rhaegar held the back of my head so I couldn't pull away.
Moving my lips against his, my eyes pressed closed and the moment went from one of thanks to that of heated desire. Feeling the tingling pool form in my core, I felt the tip of his swelling member prod at me from beneath the water's surface. Reaching down, I lift myself up just enough with what leverage I had to guide him into me before pushing back down. Moaning as buried himself to the hilt, stretching me along the way, I clutched myself tight around his body.
With the rush of water roaring not far away, it was hard to hear ourselves and I didn't noticed we'd wandered near the rocky wall until a slight bump jolted us. Thankfully the rocks weren't jagged and sharp but fairly smooth from the lap of the water over the few years. Gripping onto the stone wall with one of my hands, I used the leverage to move up and down; Rhaegars arms helping me along the way. Moaning, my voice echoed a little which seemed to spur him on even more.
Slipping out of me, Rhaegar tugged us through the water to head toward the grassy and sandy shore and once we got out footing he picked me up by my thighs; our bodies slippery and wet from the water. Clutching the sides of his face, my lips crashed against his in a heated kiss. Taking a couple more steps, he crouched down to the ground to lay us down before leaning back on his knees.
Looking up into his deep and dilated eyes, I didn't get to stare long as Rhaegar grabbed my legs and flipped me over onto my stomach; a breath of air escaping my lungs. Pulling my hips up into the air, his legs knocked mine farther apart and my forearms held me an inch off the ground. Thrusting back into me from behind with little warning, I swallowed with a moan. Hitting deeper with the new angle, he went slow and hard at first; his hand holding my hips with a vice like hold so he could pull me into his thrusts.
Squeezing my eyes closed every now and then, I looked out into the shrubbery ahead of me as moans were forced from me as my body jolted forward with every slam of his hips. Gripping the blades of grass and grains of sand covering the ground, the wind was chilly as it blew over my damp skin "Faster" I gritted as the pleasure built, but enough to push me over.
Ramming himself in me with a single hard jolt of his hips, I yelped as he hit the wall of my uterus. Threading his fingers into a patch of hair at the base of my skull, Rhaegars pace fastened to form a punishing rhythm. Hearing the distinct slap of skin amidst the crashing of water, I moaned at the firm grip of my silver locks as well as the pleasurable friction he was providing.
Feeling the familiar clench of my abdomen as it wound tighter and tighter, I could feel the ticklish trail of stickiness running down between my thighs as well as the wet coating of my walls as it made a sucking noise. Letting go of my hair, Rhaegar leant more on my body to pin me flat on the ground; his forearms resting beside mine with his fists clenched.
With his lips beside my ear, I could hear Rhaegars ragged breaths as he continued to pound into me; his speed never falling. Spreading my legs a little wider and my backside a fraction higher, a trail of moans left my open mouth as I gaped. Feeling the beginning of my orgasm, my eyes squeezed close and my entire body tensed as a wave of euphoria shot through me like bolts of lightning in the sky.
Gasping with a moan, it lasted longer and more intense than last time and I saw stars in my blackened vision. I'm not sure why that is though. Maybe it was because of the thrill the location and circumstance offered, or maybe it was because of how rough Rhaegar handled me. The last few times have always been gentle and careful, as if he's scared I might push him away if he did something too surprising.
Spilling himself into me a few more strokes later, a deep moan rumbled near my ear and I shivered at the sound. Still on top of me, I turned my head and leant to press a gentle kiss to his forearm. Tired and satisfied, my lashes fluttered with fatigue but I forced myself to stay awake. We still have the journey home yet "You're not as delicate as you might seem" Rhaegar muttered, his voice gravely as he spoke "Not if you'll let a man do that to you"
Leaning up off of me, the warmth of his body disappeared along with the heavy force. Giving a sudden and unexpected sharp swat on my backside, a sting rippled along my flesh but I didn't complain. It wasn't like the pain of being disciplined as a child, it was different – sensual. Slowly sitting up on my knees, I turned to look into his deep eyes. A flush of pink pigmented my cheeks as he looked down at me.
"What happened to life being exciting?" I defended quietly. Unsure of myself.
Leaning down, Rhaegar pressed his warm lips against mine for a kiss "I never said it was a bad thing" he replied after pulling away.
A/N What if I told you I've already written the next chapter? o.O