My stomach churns uneasily and I have to keep my hands from shaking as I pull the leather cords of my loom together. I'm making baby clothes on the sly because I haven't told anyone yet that I'm pregnant again. It's not like I'm trying to hide it or anything but Drogo has been under a bit of pressure lately with skirmishes on the outskirts of our camp and it hasn't felt like the right time yet to tell him. I also haven't wanted to take the spotlight away from Irri and sweet little Jirri. She is only a few weeks old but she sleeps wonderfully in her little basket by Irri's feet. Rhaego tumbles around in the grass, the little dragons chasing him and chirping excitedly. Drogon jumps onto Rhaego's shoulder and he lets out sweet giggle. I can't resist the grin teasing at my lips at my little son and absently stroke my flat stomach. I say a silent prayer to the Great Stallion to make this pregnancy easier. Looking at my children (human and dragon) a blanket of fatigue settles over me. I love my children and I wouldn't give them up for anything but sometimes I feel overwhelmed. A gentle chirp pulls me from my thoughts and I see Viserion is curling up against my leg, his tail snaking around my ankle. He blinks sleepily up at me before closing his eyes. I smile and reach down to lightly stroke my fingers over his scaly back. Despite the exhaustion and worry that comes from raising four little ones, moments like these make it worth it.
"I was thinking that we should just have something small but Rakharo keeps insisting we have a feast. What do you think Khaleesi?" I tune back into the conversation and smile.
"Sounds like a wonderful idea Irri." However Irri and Alva don't buy it and they both raise an eyebrow at me. I sigh and sit aside my leathers.
"I was lost in thought my friends, please start over." Irri restarts her discussion with Rakharo and this time I nod along, my attention totally on them. Irri says she doesn't want to make a huge deal out of Jirri's birth but I can see deep down she secretly does.
"I think that sounds great Irri. I'll talk to Drogo and have the cooks get on it." Irri smiles at me and resumes her knitting, her and Alva chatting about their plans for the rest of the day. I turn inward once again and contemplate on how best to tell Drogo that I'm pregnant.
...
I'm hunched over the bucket, throwing up my dinner with Rhaego watching me. His bright purple eyes shinning with curiosity. His thick black hair is undone and trails down his small back. He leans against me and sucks his thumb. He only does that when he's scared. I run my fingers through his soft hair and try my best to smile reassuringly at him. Unfortunately bile rises in my throat and quickly grab the bucket to once again throw up. Rhaego yelps in surprise and rushes from the tent. My dragons chip softly beside me in concern. I close my eyes and lean against the bucket. A cool hand against my flushed skin pulls me from my rest.
"Moon, what's wrong?" Rhaego sits in Drogo's arms, his head resting on his shoulder and his thumb in his mouth. I grab my water and swig some in my mouth before spitting it in the bucket. I hold out my hand and Drogo helps me to my feet. I sway slightly and Drogo wraps his arm around my waist.
"I wish to lay down." Drogo nods and helps me to lay back in the furs. Drogo sits Rhaego beside me and he hurries to my side. He nestles into my neck and I wrap my arms around my little son. I place a kiss to his hair and breathe in his sweet smell. It helps to calm my angry stomach. Drogo grips my hand, his face crinkled in concern.
"Are you sick my moon?" I pull Rhaego close and close my eyes.
"This isn't how I wanted to tell you, but I'm pregnant." Drogo is silent and I peek open my eyes to see his reaction. Tears fall silently down his face and he smiles brightly at me. He lays down beside us and gathers us close. He kisses my cheek and snuggles close to me.
"Thank you my moon." I smile at Drogo and turn my face for a kiss.
"I love you my sun and stars." Drogo kisses me again, his lips curving into a wicked grin. I chuckle softly and close my eyes. The dragons chirp and a moment later I feel them snuggle up beside Rhaego. Surrounded by my family, I let sleep take me.
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Much love,
MaidenP