A Doe in a Lion's Den
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Throne
Warning: This chapter is Rated M
Chapter 37: The Seed is Strong
The Royal wedding was a week away. I was in Qyburn chambers as he did a urine sample collected from a chamber pot. Sitting at a chair, watching the willow man drop tonics and elixir the sounds of sizzling and bubbling could be heard along with the foul smell.
"You said you've last flower seven weeks ago?" Qyburn asked.
"Yes," I said.
"And you have been married for six weeks," he asked again.
"Yes," I said. "I know what this possibly means...I merely want to be sure."
Qyburn nodded and dipped the parchment into a pot and picked it up. The white strip soon turned blue. Never have I scene alchemy be used to check a pregnancy — not one of those questionable test involving wheat and barley. Where a woman pees on the wheat and barley, and over several days, see if the urine kills the grains or makes them grow.
"Based on the result, and your symptoms, I can say you are indeed pregnant." The once maester said. "Congratulations, your grace."
"But I haven't vomited or anything that severe," I said.
"Nausea will come soon enough," Qyburn informed. "Some women experience it early, others later, and some not at all. "
I smiled softly, placing a hand over my stomach. "Thank you, sir."
"The pleasure is all mine," Qyburn said. "Shall I inform the queen of this?"
"No, I shall tell her," I said.
Qyburn nodded. I gave him some dragons gold to keep his silence before leaving his quarters. Wensington waited outside keeping watch, ensuring privacy.
"I hope the...Qyburn helped you in what you need?" Wensington asked. "I dare say, I don't know what to call a man who is trained as a maester but isn't a maester."
"A man of logic and science," I concluded.
We walked through the palace. My husband was occupied by meeting his
Lord Hand. I'm curious about what those two have been talking about. During our wedding, they were mentioning something of a weapon. What type of weapon would they be talking about?
.o0o.
I walked through the garden seeing the minor preparations for the wedding. The wedding would take place in the royal courtyard, to get there the guest would waltz through the gardens. It was completely different from my wedding. No giant statues of a Lion's head. It irritated me that Joffrey is taking favor of the Lion more than the Stag. This public stunt basically states he was no Baratheon.
Other than Stanis, it seems House Baratheon is nearly extinct. Stanis the stag with Shireen and I the last remaining does. By law, I took my husband name. But when greeted in formal affairs, I would be addressed as Princess Elain Cassana Tyrell of house Baratheon. A middle name was rare amongst people. However, my father wanted to keep his mother name alive.
I sighed, stopping at a tree.
It won't be long before I leave King's Landing. A week after the wedding, Willas, Lord Mace, Lady Olenna, and I would be leaving the Crown Lands. The Tyrell company would attend, along with selected Stags and my ladies. Aurora would be accompanying me, although, once Lord Kevin makes a match for his daughter, she would leave. She was at an age to be betrothed. The Lannisters wait to marry off their girls until their eighteenth nameday.
"Your Highness," a unique voice spoke.
I turned and gave a curtsy to the man, "Prince Oberyn."
The Red Viper approached, providing a bow. Wensington remained on guard, his hand inching close to his sword if the Prince of Dorne dares lay harm. The snake noticed this and laughed.
"It seems I intimidate your guard," Oberyn murmured.
"Well, there is a snake in the garden," I replied.
Oberyn gave a soft laugh, "May I walk with you?"
I obliged, with a nod. We started our walk in silence. The sounds of the birds chirping could be heard.
"Are you enjoying your stay in Littlefinger's brothel?" I asked.
"Yes, many women and men to entertain," Oberyn answered.
"If you ever need more privacy, there is a villa I can arrange," I offered.
"Does our living arrangements bother you?" He asked.
"Not in what you are thinking," I answered. "But spies are in there."
Oberyn raised a brow.
"The man with the blond hair," I started.
"Olyver," Obyrn corrected.
"He's one of Littlefinger's spies," I hinted.
"Your concern flatters me," he murmured. "I assure you if he dares whispers any secrets...he will not wake."
All I could do was nod.
"The last time I was in the capital was many years ago. Another wedding," Oberyn started. "My sister Elia and Rheagar Targaryen, the Last Dragon. My sister loved him. She bore his children. Swaddled them, rocked them, fed them at her breast. Elia wouldn't let the wet nurse touch them. And beautiful, noble Rhaegar Targaryen left her for another woman."
"Lyanna Stark," I said the other woman's name. "Bethrothed to my father. "
"That started a war, and the war ended right here when your grandfather's army took the city." Oberyn continued a hint of loathing in his voice. His grip on my arm tighten. "They butchered those children. My nephew and niece carved them up and wrapped them in Lannister cloaks. And my sister, you know what they did to her?"
"A worse fate any woman and mother should endure," I whispered, unable to say the horrible acts that were committed on the Princess.
"Yes," Oberyn agreed. "I keep hearing is that Gregor Clegan, the Mountain, raped Elia and split her in half with his greatsword. If the Mountain killed my sister, your grandfather gave the order."
"I wasn't born at the time," I reasoned.
"But your father let it happen," he insisted.
I shoop my head, "I won't lie. My father hated the Targaeryns. But so did the Seven Kingdoms. During one of his drunken woes, he confessed he never wanted your sister murdered. Would have taken Jon Arryns advice of keeping the dowager princess hostage with her children and have made a deal with Prince Doran. Their lives in exchange for a truce."
Oberyn stopped and looked at me, I continue to speak, "They say you are a man of love. My father loved Lyanna. He did anything for her. The rebellion wouldn't have been the same if Rhaegar hadn't broken Elia and Robert's hearts. It would have still happened against the Mad King. But don't forget, it was the Mad King who kept Elia and her children hostage during the siege. He could have saved them when sending his wife and children to Dragonstone. Instead, he kept her here to ensure Ser Lewyn; your uncle remains in the kingsguard and Dorne's alliegence."
"You know your history," Oberyn noted loosening his grip.
"History is something we should know, to prevent it from happening again," I said. "You're not the only ones who hate the Lannister. Half of the seven kingdoms despises them."
Oberyn raised a brow, his dark eyes reading into my soul. "And you? I have heard rumors that revolved around you and your family."
I bit my lips not wanting to confess my anger towards my closes family. However, the family I have made, Willas is my family. Those of my blood that I would consider family was Tommen and Myrcella. The Red Viper seemed to have read my mind and nodded. My father was dead, no doubt murdered, my uncle Renly is dead, killed by his brother, in which that uncle abandons the faith for a violent fanatic. My mother and Uncle Jaime committed incest, my brother Joffrey has tormented me and sold my life out of jealousy, if not stolen my inheritance. And lastly, uncle Tyrion and Grandfather Tywin, saying they will bring justice found the accuse and swept it under the rug because he was the king.
"Seems we've something in common," He murmured and whispered into my ears. "We both hate Lannisters."
I don't know if he was offering an olive branch of peace or accepted I had no part in his vendetta. In the end, he merely kissed my hand and left. Ser Wensington came over, "Are you alright?"
"I am," I said.
"Should we deem him a threat?" Wensington asked.
"More like an ally," I answered. "A poisonous ally."
"One that we should be cautious with," Wensington noted.
I nodded in agreement.
.o0o.
I stood on the wall facing the ocean. It was near dusk, and the torches were lit to illuminate the kingdom. Ships in the bay lighting their lanterns.
"Darling," Willas spoke, walking over. His cane was echoing on the stone.
"Husband," I murmured turning to face him.
"I've been looking for you everywhere," Willas said. "I wanted to make sure you are all right with my grandmother's grand plans for our siblings' wedding, with everything."
"I was just looking at my home," I assure. "So many places to run and hide." I turned to a tree in the corner of the bay. " I learned how to climb in that tree over there. Although, I bet the trees in Highgarden would be sturdy enough for small climbers, or the hills have a gentle slope that could... .propel one if you were . . . Say learning how to walk."
Willas merely nodded then stopped. His expression changed from relaxed to question then eyes widen grasping my words, gazing down to my stomach and back to my eyes.
"You aren't..."
I nodded with a smile, "I am. It's been some weeks now, but I wanted to be sure. And I am sure. Had Qyburn even check and he confirmed it. I am with child, our child."
Willas smiled, practically dropped his cane and embraced me in a hug kissing with passion. I cradle my hands along his jaws, kissing him back with the same affection. Suddenly he spun us around, making me laugh at how childish we seem.
.o0o.
Like hormonal fools, we enter our apartment in a rush. Shutting the door, our lips met and hands exploring each others body. The countless layers of silk falling onto the floor. It wasn't long until we were laying on the bed, naked before each other. Willas kissed me for a moment, before kissing down giving attention to my breast causing a moan. How sensitive they have become under his attentive fingers and hungry lips.
He kisses further, paying more attention to stomach, primarily the spot where my womb would be. The gentle touch was holding so much admiration. Meanwhile, his fingers were inside, teasing me for arousal. After several minutes, he kissed up to my lips. His erection beat a few taps against my stomach. I laughed in his call to arms, spreading my legs wide, adjusting my position and allow him access, guiding his member between my legs. He hugged his face against my neck, kissing there as he moved inside, with slow, gentle thrusts.
This was no ordinary sex, not filled with passion and lust. No, it was gentle. Willas lifted his head, and our eyes gazed upon one another. Blue and brown, staring into our souls. Seeing the joy and warmth in the child, we have created. There was something different, my feelings changing. I started off respecting him, bound by duty as a woman, admiring his intelligence and looks. Now the past few weeks have changed. I don't know what these feelings were.
He placed a hand on my mons, fingers teasing along my clit until I came by the feeling of his manipulation. Not long he came quietly, shuddering against me, clutching at my hips, my arms, and hair. And with a kiss to the side of my mouth, hovering over me remained joined. We panted, catching our breaths.
"How did you managed to keep it a secret from me?" Willas asked.
"A secret, I have a feeling you had your speculation," I teased, tapping his nose.
"Well, your breast has become sensitive," he murmured gently cupping them that caused a moan. "And your appetite."
"And it's still very early," I reminded. "I want to keep it a secret. I don't want to ruin Margaery's wedding."
"Agreed," Willas murmured, and pecked my lips.
We began kissing, hands caressing one another when the door slammed open.
"Good evening!" Lady Olenna burst in. "How is the happy trinity?"
"No! Don't come in," Willas exclaimed, rolled off me, trying to cover our bodies with a blanket.
"Father, mother, unborn son." Lady Olenna said, making her way filled with excitement. She clapped her hands together. "Oh, I'm hoping for a son. Plenty of time for daughters later. Although, they are wiser than a lot."
She strolls closer, standing at the edge of the bed.
"How could you possibly know?" I asked, baffled by the intrusion. I only confirmed my pregnancy this morning.
"I'm familiar with the condition, and I had my eye on you," Olenna said. "Your waist, it's tiny as ever, though a bit queasy here and there, no? Also last week I had your chamber pot tested. It's the usual exam. It's . . . Horse urine and Arbor wine. It's very reliable."
I looked at Willas in disbelief.
"And yesterday one of my ladies, she was very touched by your joyous embrace at the water's edge."
"You've been having your little birds following us?" I concluded.
"I was discreet," Olenna said. She moved over and sat on the bed. "I was waiting to let you be the one to tell Willas."
We adjusted the blankets to cover ourselves more.
"Willas," I pleaded.
"Grandmother, I thought that we might keep it a secret for now," Willas said, very uncomfortable in the vulnerable state he was in. "Be considerate to Margaery's wedding."
"Of course, of course," Olenna agreed the clapped her hands. "Enter!"
Grooms and handmaidens from Highgarden entered the room, carrying trays of food and a case filled with vials, even one came in holding rolled up sage. Willas and I were bewildered by all this. How is this supposed to be discrete? Lady Olena got up, pulling a vial out of the case.
"Ah. Skin tonics from Lys," she said rubbing her belly. She then moves to the handmaiden holding a tray of food. "And food to help aid in the baby's development. And . . . Sage to ward off restless spirits. There are many in the castle after the Mad Kings reign. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable. "
I turned to Willas giving him a look, "Tell me how happy you are."
He rubbed his neck, "I didn't think I have ever been this..."
He groaned as Lady Olenna had her bird set the tray of food on the bed. She sat on the bed, handing a bowl filled with strawberries.
"Your figure's gonna go to hell anyway, so you might as well eat up." She said. She plucked a strawberry and placed it against my lips. "You are feeding the future heir of Highgarden."
I took a bite not to offend the Queen of Thorns.
"Grandmother, I love you, but please leave." Willas pleaded, a bit of fluster.
"As if I haven't seen you naked before," Lady Olenna said. "But all right, I'm expecting breakfast with you tomorrow."
"And please keep this a secret," I begged.
"You have my word, dear," Lady Olenna promised. She and her birds left the room, giving us privacy.
"Remind me to scold my Stags ears off," I sighed.
They were to prevent anyone from coming into our room. They were station at the end of the corridor. Should have been able to prevent such alone announce if there was supposed to be a company. Has the Queen of Thorns terrify my Stags with quick whims and sharp tongue.
Willas gave a soft chuckle and placed a hand on my stomach, "Thank you."
"For what?" I asked.
"For this, the little one." He murmured and pecked my temple.
I smiled softly. Although there is so much negativity in the world. How I want revenge and feel a sense of justice, the baby reminds me that the Baratheon furry is not the answer.
Like I promise. Two chapters in one day.
The CW Reign inspired some scenes.
Next Chapter will be the purple wedding.
Thanks for reading and please leave a review