Pale Fire Ch. 9
Rosalind stared into the night; her mind was stuck on the last few days events. Between the death of Viscerys and the acquisition of Daenerys, she knew that things within the horde would change. Take a second to look towards the sky, she hoped that R'hllor was watching over her, and if she wasn't doing the right thing, he'd send her a sign.
Carefully moving to stand, Rose slowly walked towards her tent, knowing that her husband would soon join her. She was too tired to sit with the khalasar, and if she was being honest, she wasn't feeling up to being around many people.
Finding herself sitting on the furs, letting the stress of the week melt away, all she wanted to do was relax, and sleep, but as she watched her husband walk into the tent she knew before she rested for the evening, she'd want him to take her.
"Moon of my life, are you OK?" Drogo asked his wife, seeing the stress on her face.
Turning her attention towards her husband, "Sun and stars, I'm fine. Tired." Her eyes watching as he took a seat next to her in the tent.
Wrapping his arms around her, he gently laid her on her side, slowly lifting her dress, enjoying how her belly was swollen with their child. Rubbing her belly, Drago slowly ran his fingers up her legs, hiking it over his hip. Keeping her back against his chest, untying the top of his pants, enjoying how his cock sprang free.
"Can I feel you, moon of my life." While he wanted to drive himself deep into her body, he would never do anything to make her uncomfortable or hurt their son.
Wrapping her arm around his neck, "Always."
Slowly pushing himself forward into her body, Drogo couldn't help but groan as her body gripped his cock. Moving within her, he kept his strokes strong, wanting her to feel every inch of him as he fucked her. "Scream for me, my moon."
His arm sliding down her body, to the top of her pussy, enjoying how wet she was around his cock and now his finger.
Rosalind gasped as Drogo pushed against her clit. Closing her eyes as her body started to shake, gripping his wrist, Rose couldn't stop herself from shaking as the orgasm rolled through her body. "My Khal. Please." She begged him.
Feeling her pussy shake around his cock, Drogo couldn't do anything but moan out as his seed spilled deep into her body. "Soon, you will give our son life." His head falling onto her shoulder, enjoying how her body was still milking him.
Letting her body relax into his, "If I'm guessing correctly, sun and stars, we have 3 more full moons before he enters this world." Keeping her hand on her belly and the other wrapped around his neck, "Do you think I made a mistake by claiming Daenerys?" Wanting to know what his thoughts were on that matter.
Placing a gentle kiss on her shoulder, "No, my moon. If not, she could have been taken by one of the men." While it was the Dothraki way, he knew that his moon didn't like seeing it.
Sighing out, "It's not a tradition I am fond of." Snuggling a bit deeper, "Do you mind if I spend a bit of time with my uncle before we leave?" She asked him, hoping to get a few hours before the horde moved towards the south.
"No my moon, I will send Qotho with you, perhaps bring the silver haired girl, to collect a few things." As he spoke to her, he could feel his son kicking. "Rhogoro approves of this idea." He said to her.
Putting her hand on top of her husbands, Rose could only chuckle. Closing her eyes, she let the lull of his breathing pull her into a deep sleep, knowing that the next few months her body will be in the final stages of her pregnancy, and the less stress she could be under now the better.
Illyrio watched as Rose carefully dismounted her horse, smiling as the animal lowered herself a bit to make it easier on the woman. Not that it really surprised him, from the moment she landed in his garden, and the months since, anyone with eyes could see that she had a gift with the animals.
But what did surprise him, was Daenerys was with her, perhaps it was to keep an eye on the young woman, or perhaps to keep her safe.
Rose walked straight into his arms, "It's good to see you," feeling comfort of being his arms.
"And it's great to see you, Khaleesi." He said, snorting when he watched her face scrunch.
Rolling her eyes, "I hear that from everyone now, so, you can just call me Rose, please." Her eyes finding Daenerys looking about, "Mesi, would you please help Daenerys grab a few things."
Dani looked over at the Magister, "Thank you for your kindness." Giving him a slight bow.
Illyrio nodded, "I received a letter from King Baratheon, he accepts your terms of surrender. Know this, if you step one foot on Westeros, the crown will take that as a sign of war." Pulling out the letter he handed to her. "I'd keep this with you for the foreseeable future."
Rose watched as the young woman took it from his hands, almost terrified that it wasn't real, knowing that they didn't have too much time, "Daenerys, grab a few of your items, and let's get heading back, the khalasar will be on the move soon." As much as the letter gave her freedom, she knew for a while, people loyal to Robert my take it upon themselves to harm her.
Daenerys nodded, her eyes finding her Khaleesi watching her, giving her a small smile, she turned to Illyrio, "I hope that one day I can repay your kindness." Turning towards the manor, she quickly made her way towards her former room.
Rose watched as she scurred away quickly, chuckling. Her eyes finding Qotho watching her. Smirking at his face, "When she is more comfortable within the khalasar, and if she is amicable, you have my blessing for her."
Qotho smiled at his Khaleesi. "I am honored my Khaleesi." Standing a bit straighter, he couldn't keep the smile off his face.
Illyrio helped her sit down in the chair, finding himself sitting across from her, "Does young Daenerys know that you're playing match maker?" He asked, his voice teasing.
Taking a glass of water, "No, but that's not something I'll be doing until after my son is born, so who knows perhaps it will happen without too much intervention." Not that it was really needed, with the looks that Daenerys kept giving the man, she was sure that it would eventually head that way on their own.
Enjoying some of the wine that was poured for him, "Everyone needs a project." Leaning against the chair, "Do you have an idea of when he's going to make an appearance in this world?" Figuring with her healer knowledge from her world, she would know a bit more than the average woman.
Rubbing her belly, "In about 3.5 months or so." If she did the math correctly that would put her between 38 and 41 weeks.
"Are you ready for this?" Wondering about how she was preparing for the coming of her son.
Looking over at him, "Medically, yes, the woman of my old home believed in natural child births, so I know what I'm in for, but I've never been a mom." Taking a second, her eyes looked down at her belly, "But I have a great support system, between the khalasar and my husband."
Finishing his wine, "Well, you're a smart woman, Rose, I'm sure you'll make it work." Placing his hand on hers, "Is there anything you think you'll need that I can provide you?" Hoping that he could give her something to make this pregnancy easier on her.
Looking over at him, "Actually, would you be opposed to me taking a few things of fabric? I need to make a baby carrier." While she could get it all from the market, Rose was aware that Illyrio and his wife didn't have children, so this would be very much like them having a grandchild.
"Of course, my dear. You can have anything you want." Turning towards the servant, "Please bring out the material for my sweet girl."
Rose watched as the young woman darted into the house, "Where is your wife?" she asked him, she hoped that she would be able to see her before she left.
Giving him a sad smile, "She has gone towards Norvos, her father has taken very ill, and doesn't have much time left in this world." He would have loved to go with her, but with some of the unrest happening withing Pentos, mostly from Iagan, trying to convince the other Magisters to remove him as the head of Pentos, he couldn't risk a coo.
Moving to stand, Rose couldn't help but chuckle as Illyrio helped her, "Thank you. It's getting a bit harder to move so quickly. I almost never leave the khalasar without Drogo." While she was confident that she could protect herself, being with child made it a little more difficult.
Illyrio pulled her into a deep hug, "I'm sure, and Drogo doesn't want his Khaleesi so far away when she is in such a delicate condition." Unable to help the image of Drogo standing over her.
Rose could see that he was laughing, "What is so funny?" she asked, her voice light with curiosity.
Rubbing his beard, "The image of your large, scary, deadly husband standing over you, scaring away the threats towards you and your child." His face still holding the smile.
Covering her mouth, Rose couldn't help but laugh a bit. "He is extremely protective now, for which I am grateful, hard to look intimidating when you are waddling about." She joked.
The pair spent the rest of the time they had together looking over the fabrics that were brought out, trying to determine what would be better for the cooler months coming. However, all too soon, it was time for Rose to head back to the Khalasar.
With a small kiss to her forehead, "The next time I see you, you'll have a baby in your arms. Have you chosen a name for him?" Curious to see what she selected for her son.
Getting on top of her horse, she smiled as she looked down at the man that became more like her father than an uncle, "His name is Rhogoro." Knowing that he would spread the word that the Khal Drogo was having a son.
"A strong name for a strong boy." Giving her a small smile, his eyes found Daenerys looking at him, "Remember my dear, choose you path wisely, for Westeros has a long memory." Hoping that with Rose's help, young Daenerys would find her place in the world, and forget all about the Iron Throne.
Dani nodded towards the man who not only took them in and showed her kindness even when her brother mistreated him. "I promise my Lord, my path is far from the throne." Smiling when she said so.
Illyrio watched as they headed off his estate, feeling a bit of relief and panic. He was happy for her, but with how Iagan was speaking with the council, it was only a matter of time before the idiot offended the Khaleesi which would result in a very painful death.
Looking over his smaller estate, Iagan couldn't help but feel relief when the word of the khalasar was starting to head out, while there was a peace between Pentos and the savages, he always felt that their tributes to them was too much. Perhaps the men that were sentenced to death, and maybe a whore or two, but the grain, silver, and horses.
It angered him as a child, but even his father told him to weigh the cost of the items verses the horde laying waste to their beautiful city. In his mind, they were weak, but Pentos wasn't really known for their army, a few hundred unsullied were purchased to watch the city, but the council of leaders refused to put the money together to by a smaller army, Iagan knew that if they had that they'd be able to take on any horde that dared threatened their way of life.
Turning his attention to the man sitting next to him, "I want you to kill the Khaleesi." His voice filled with venom. He never understood why Illyrio wouldn't let him offer his ships for her, but they were both about to pay for such an insult.
Brune looked over at his employer, "I can do that." Wondering about how he would do it, perhaps cut out the baby before he takes his first breath.
Iagan couldn't help but smile, while he could see the twisted man's mind wandering to the most horrific scenarios, he wanted it to be clean, no way to lead it back to him or Pentos. Figuring that it would break the Dothraki Horselord, break Illyrio, and they wouldn't be able to pin it on anyone, which would leave it a gapping wound in their souls.
"As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm, it's not the message I'm wanting to send." Grabbing his wine, his eyes looking around making sure that there wasn't anyone that could overhear him. "I want you to trail the horde, and when she is at her biggest in her pregnancy, set the tent or building she is in on fire. She'll be to large and slow to escape." Wishing that he would be there to hear her screams as she burnt.
Reaching into his pockets, he handed him a flint, which had his house insignia on it, "Use this. While I wish I could be there, this will be as though I struck the fire." His voice filled with glee.
Chuckling darkly, Brune couldn't help but laugh, "Of course, my Lord." Moving to stand, "I need to gather a few things, the horde is moving out sometime today." Giving him a slight bow, he made his way to his quarters, knowing that the next few months would be hard on him, but if he was successful, Iagan would reward him well, as he always done.
Watching his man head out, Iagan couldn't help but feel pleased with the outcome, Rose would suffer greatly for choosing that savage over him, Illyrio would be so distraught about the loss of his only niece, and the Khal Drogo wouldn't have anyone to blame, it was almost perfect.
Finishing his wine, he stood and made his way into his estate, ready to capitalize on Illyrio's suffering and take control of the House of Leaders and become the Prince Magistrate.
TIME JUMP 3 MONTHS
Drogo watched as his heavily pregnant wife sit with his sister, Irri, and Dani. Smirking as he watched his sister rub her newly showing belly. Looking over at his bloodriders, he knew that Qotho was wanting to claim the silver haired woman, and that Haggo was pleased that his wife was finally with child.
Sparing a look over a Losho, "Is she with child yet?" He asked, mostly out of curiosity, but concern, if they weren't a good breeding pair, she couldn't be his wife.
Losho could feel the men around him watching, shaking his head, "No my Khal, but it is by choice, not difficulty." Drinking his mare's milk, he could see that they wanted an explanation, "She wants to make sure the Khaleesi has help for the first few months of your son's life, and she said if she was pregnant, she wouldn't be able to help."
Drogo looked down at the man, "Is this something you agreed to as well?"
Nodding, "Yes, my Khal. We are planning to trying once your son enters this world." Unable to keep the smirk off his face, knowing that it was almost anytime now that the Khaleesi would soon be in labor.
While it was something that wasn't common for a married couple, Drogo wasn't going to comment one way or another, it seems as though the pair were in agreement. "Well, as soon as he takes his first breath, you have my blessing to find your wife."
Losho couldn't help but laugh, and looking around, he could see that his brothers agreed with their Khal. "I look forward to it, my Khal."
Rose looked up at the sound of the men laughing around the fire. Rolling her eyes, regardless if it was her world or this one, men were pretty much the same when they were around their friends. Drinking her water, she found Dali looking at her, "What?" she asked her sister-in-law.
Rubbing her small belly, "When did you start feeling the baby move?" She asked her friend, already impatient.
Looking at her, Irri, and finally Dani, "My sweet impatient friend, you're just about 3 months into your pregnancy, so another 2 months or so, you'll start to feel the fluttering of your child."
Rose took her hand and placed it on the young woman's belly, "It's the most amazing feeling in the world, but you need to wait." Giving her a smile as she frowned.
Hissing out in frustration, "I hate the idea of having to wait, but" Dali said rubbing her slight tummy, "I guess it won't be too bad, since I'll be the first one to feel my son kick." She said hopefully. While she would love to have a daughter, she wanted to have a son first, as did all the woman of the Dothraki.
Irri just chuckled, "This will be a very long pregnancy, you don't like to wait." Her eyes finding all three women staring at her.
Dani chuckled a bit at that, "I'm just learning about you, but I would have to agree, great sister of the Khal." Taking a piece of meat, slowly chewing it, while it wasn't bad, it was something that she was getting used to, like the rest of culture that she was now apart of.
Dali could only just agree, "I feel bad for my poor husband, having to put up with this. Perhaps I should go call him to our tent, I'm sure I could find ways to make him happy."
With that Dali moved to stand, and walked towards her husband, Rose couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of him damn near dropping his cup and tossing her over his shoulder.
Shaking her head, she was ready for the days that she could sleep on her stomach again, but mostly for her husband to be able to be rough again. Moving to stand, she found it extremely difficult, "A little help please." She said to the ladies sitting with her.
Dani shared a look with Irri, both laughing as they stood and pulled her to her feet.
Looking over at her friend, "At least you are almost there my Khaleesi, soon you'll be able to move more easily." Or at least that she was told about women who've had babies. In truth, Dani was far from an expert about the matter.
Lightly touching her shoulder, "One could hope," Seeing her eyes find Qotho, "Would you please ask Qotho to butcher a goat, I'm tired of horse." Resisting the urge to smile as she watched the girls face light up.
Bowing slightly, "Of course, is there anything else you need Khaleesi?" she asked her.
Waving her hand, "No, Irri is going to show me the birthing building, I'll be by the fire soon enough." Her eyes turning towards her handmaiden, she too was smiling like a cat that caught something.
Irri watched as Dani ran towards the men, "Do you think she knows how she feels yet?" She asked her.
Linking her arm through hers, "Probably just a little bit, but she knows that nothing can come of it until I grant her permission, which will be done after my son is here."
Leading towards the birthing building, Irri couldn't help but smile at the Khaleesi, "You're too kind." Letting out a sigh, "Do you know that this is the first time that the horde has been this close to Lhazareen without raiding the village?" she asked her.
Taking a second to absorb her words, "Well to the Dothraki, they are called Lamb Men. Silly theory that they sleep with their herds of sheep." Shaking at the thought, but she knew that while they looked similar to Dothraki men, they were completely opposite.
Rolling her eyes, "I would never say this in front of the Khal, or my husband, but perhaps leading a bit more peaceful life wouldn't be that bad." Her eyes finding the Khaleesi looking at her, wondering if she offended her.
Nudging her with her shoulder, "Me to. Your secret is safe with me, as long as mine is safe with you." She teased.
Irri couldn't help but nod at her Khaleesi, as they walked through the outskirts of the village, she pointed out what the city has set aside for the passing khalasars. "This is where you'll give birth my Khaleesi." Gently pushing the door open, "It's big enough for you, and the midwives."
Rose looked around the building, while it wasn't the sterile hospital that she was wanting, it was better than just being outside. However, it was the fireplace that made her smile, while a little rough around the edges, it reminded her of the one that was in her dad's home. Just thinking about it made her smile.
"What has you smiling so, my Khaleesi?" she asked her.
"My father. I know he's somewhere watching over me." Closing her eyes as she said that a warm liquid poured down her legs. Gasping, Rose looked down, "Irri, go get the midwives, and tell my husband, my son is coming."
Frozen for just a moment, Irri looked down at the puddle under the Khaleesi then back up to her eyes, "I will be right back my Khaleesi." Turning on her heels she darted towards the horde, screaming at the top of her lungs, wanting to get everyone's attention as quickly as possible.
Leaning against the wall, Rose couldn't help but laugh at her, cringing at the first real contraction hit. "You my dear boy seem to have a flare for the dramatic."
Brune hid within the horde carefully, posing as a goat herder, they had so many slaves that one more wasn't even noticed. For the last few months he's watched how the Khal was never too far from the woman, and while he wanted to give his master what he wanted, it was starting to become more and more unlikely.
As he was beginning to give up hope of making it look like a tragic accident, he watched as the Khaleesi and her handmaiden walked towards the birthing building that the Khalasars used when their women were in labor in Lhazareen. Perhaps this was the opportunity he needed.
Grabbing a few supplies, he put a hood over his head, and stared following behind them, but keeping his distance so not to alert the ladies. It was almost too easy, he was slightly disappointed that now the moment was finally upon him, there wasn't much of a challenge.
Checking behind him, neither the Khal nor his horde saw that the Khaleesi was in danger. Watching them enter the building, he moved to crawl under them, wanting to make sure that when he started this fire, that it would surround the doors as well as the one window, there would be no escape for anyone in there, while it wasn't his mission to kill the other girl, it sold the story better of a tragic accident.
Getting the last of the oil spread underneath and around the 3 walls, he heard the Khaleesi cry out that she was ready to give birth. Brune couldn't help but chuckle as the servant ran out of there, screaming at the top of her lungs, this was too perfect, the Khal and the horde wouldn't be able to save her.
Using the flint, he quickly struck a spark, crawling out from underneath, Brune quickly made his way to the front, slamming the door shut, jamming a rock under the door, she was stuck. Hearing the sound of the horde coming, he turned and ran, dropping the flint in his rush to get as far away from the gathering people.
Rose looked up as the door slammed shut, "Irri?" she asked out.
Carefully moving to stand, Rose pushed against the door, frustrated it wasn't budging. "Fuck." As she attempted to push the door open, she could smell smoke. Looking around for the source, she could see the smoke starting to come through the cracks of the floor. "Oh God."
Pushing a little harder against the door, Rose was doing what she could not to panic, but that was becoming a lot harder. Taking a step back, she attempted to kick the door, but as she lifted her foot, a wave of pain coursed through her body brining her to her knees.
Screaming out, she could feel her body tearing itself apart to bring her son into this world. "No, this is not how this is supposed to happen." She cried. Her eyes turning towards the ceiling, seeing the flames roll over the top. Tears slid down her face, moving towards the fireplace, hoping that the stones would protect her until someone could break down the door.
Folding herself as much as she could to fit, but being a small fireplace her legs wouldn't survive, and that was fine, she just needed to protect her son. Wiping her face, her eyes turned towards the sky, "R'hllor, I don't know if this counts as an emergency or not, but PLEASE HELP!" she screamed out.
Drogo followed closely behind Irri and the rest of the midwives, pleased that his son was finally coming into this world, but as the horde came to a stop, the birthing building was engulfed in flames.
Dropping to his knees, he couldn't help the scream that escaped him. Half filled with agony, but mostly filled with rage. "IRRI, what happened!?" Standing, making his way towards the woman who was crying against her husband.
Losho could see the rage flowing off his Khal, and he would protect his wife to the best of his abilities, he knew that he was no match for the Khal.
Irri never taking her eyes off the building, her heart breaking at the sight, but her Khal was standing in front of her, shaking with rage, "My Khal, she told me to run and get the midwives, that was it. There was nothing lit when I left the building." Dropping to her knees, "I beg of you, I would never betray my Khaleesi."
Dali watched her brother shake with rage, wrapping her arms around her body, she started walking towards the building, she could feel her husband walking with her, "Protect my brother, he'll be on a warpath now." Knowing that anything that moved now was going to fall to his sword.
Haggo watched as his Khal stepped away from Irri, not sure if it was because he believed her, or because he wanted to watch his family burn. "He is my Khal, and when he is ready, I will burn the world with him."
Nodding, Dali watched as the building started to crumble, placing her hand on her stomach, she couldn't help but cry out, her child's aunt was killed, her nephew taken from this world before he could be born, this was not how the Mother of Horses was supposed to die.
Dani held Qotho's hand, tears rolling down her face, what cruel God would allow such a travesty? Turning her eyes to the sky, her silent threats to the God's were her declaration of revenge.
Drogo kneeled down, not caring if the horde saw his tears, he would never hold his moon again, nor see his son's face. Letting his head fall forward, his heart starting to fill with hate and rage, as soon as the fire was put out, he would bring the horde to the nearest town and burn it to the ground, if he was to suffer the loss of his love and child, he would bring the same misery to anyone that he encountered.
Crying out, Rose screamed as another contracting hit her, gaging they were 3 minutes apart. Closing her eyes, with how the fire was raging there was no way that either one would survive if she stayed in the fireplace.
With a strangled cry, Rose carefully stood, holding her belly, hoping to protect her son until she could get outside, her life meant nothing, Rhogoro needed to survive, he would have Dali, Irri, and Dani to show him love as a mother, and with his father would teach him everything he needed to a great Khal.
Rubbing her belly, "I will never know you my son, but you will live." Rose closed her eyes, taking a second to center herself, she knew that this was going to be extremely painful, but her son was worth every moment of agony.
Opening her eyes, she could see that the door was crumbling, grateful that she wouldn't have to push so hard to get out. Wiping another tear that slid down her face, "I love you Rhogoro."
Stepping down, she moved as quickly as she could to the door, but as she moved over the floor without falling through, she looked down realizing that other than her dress, she wasn't burning, "What the fuck?"
Shaking her head, she'd worry about that in a moment, pushing the door with all her strength, Rose could feel the door give way. "Come on you bastard." With the last bit of strength Rose felt the wood crumble under her hands.
Rose stumbled out, just barely catching herself with her hands, crying out as a contraction tore through her.
Drogo watched as his moon feel forward, not caring about himself he rushed forward, scooping her up in his arms, the heat from her body was almost too hot for him. Pulling her to his chest, "My moon, are you alright?" he asked, coming out in a rushed breath.
Screaming out, "He's coming." Rose squeezed her husband's shoulders, "Put me down on the grass."
Placing her as gently as he could, his eyes looking over her body, while her dress was burnt, her skin was unmarred by the flames, turning his eyes towards the horde that was now kneeling around her, he watched as the midwives ran towards her, holding her back to his chest, he watched as they lifted her dress to help her deliver their son.
Rose screamed out as she pushed her son out of her body, holding Drogo's hand squeezing for everything that she was worth.
"You can do it my Khaleesi." Irri said, wiping her face from the sweat.
Baring down, Rose cried, "FUCK!"
Libi gently pulled and twisted the baby out of the Khaleesi's body, with her final push, she rolled the baby and pulled him out of her body. Turning him to his belly, she patted his back wanting to hear his scream.
Drogo felt her relax against him, "My moon," he started but soon the sound of a screaming baby took his attention.
Holding the baby up, "Rhogoro, my Khal, my Khaleesi. He is here." Cutting the umbilical cord, she tied if off and placed the babe in his mother's arms.
Rose kissed his bloody head, crying at the sight of him, for a moment she truly thought that she would never get to see him, more or less hold him, whatever kept her from burning was a gift, and she would send her prayers to the Gods everyday for giving her a chance to raise her son.
Drogo looked down at the squirming baby in his moon's arms, his skin was a shade lighter than his, but his hair was deep black, and as he opened his eyes, he could see his own reflecting back at him. "My moon, he is perfect, and strong." Placing a kiss on her forehead, "Like his mother."
A part of her didn't want to let him go, especially after the ordeal that just happened, but it was his right as the Khal and father to present his son to the horde. Handing the baby to her husband, she smiled as Drogo stood with him.
"The Stallion that Mounts the World has come. Praise Rhogoro, for he has come!" His voice carrying over the roar of the fire that was once a building.
As the Khalasar took to their knees again, Dani saw something reflecting in the sun, picking it up, she gasped, realizing that this was the flint that started the fire, this was no accident, someone tried to kill the Khaleesi. Closing her eyes around the object, once her Khaleesi was safe in her tent, she would tell the Khal, but for this moment, she would let the parents enjoy the fact that neither lost their lives.