Chapter 6

Disclaimer: I do not own A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, nor any of George RR Martin's works

Rated M for strong language, violence, adult content, adult situations, incest, age-gap relationships, and some sexual content

Enjoy

Sunspear, Dorne, 116 AC...

Alyssa paced back and forth, walking out into the balcony and back inside. She breathed as steadily as she could, trying to focus through the pain. She grabbed onto her knees, bracing herself as pain shot through her stomach and loins. "Fuck!"

Laena appeared at her side with the other midwives. She rubbed her cousin's back. "Just breathe. Like my mother taught you. That's it, Princess."

"Laena, I love that you're here," Alyssa said through gritted teeth, "it means the world, but fuck off."

"She doesn't truly mean it," the midwife whispered.

"Fuck you to-ow!"

In the center of the room, Maester Garin was preparing the birthing pool. A special tub where many Princesses and Princess Consorts have given birth to Martells. Qoren sat near it, watching his wife pace about the room while the women followed her. Daemon sat beside him, sipping on some wine. He and Laena only arrived a month ago, causing quite a stir by bringing Vhagar. The old she-dragon and Caraxes joined Starfyre near the caves, enjoying the sun. While Daemon had kept his distance, Laena and Alyssa became inseparable. Daemon handed his goodson a fresh cup of wine. "Some liquid courage."

Qoren took a big gulp. Daemon watched his daughter suffer another contraction and then continue pacing. "Admirable custom. Husbands supporting their wives as they give birth."

"Princess Nymeria was the first. Demanding her husband be at her side," Qoren explained. He took another sip of wine. "What was Alyssa's birth like?"

"I do not know. My late wife did not want me with her," he said. "Truthfully, I doubted Alyssa was even mine until I looked upon her. It was as if my mother had been reincarnated. She, too, had different colored eyes. Alyssa was only a week old when I took her flying with me on Caraxes."

"She told me. Your mother did the same with you?" Daemon nodded his head. "Alyssa wants to uphold the tradition. Even though the thought of it terrifies me."

"My prince, it is time!" Maester Garin called.

Qoren bolted from his chair, handing his cup to Daemon. Laena and one of the midwives helped Alyssa into the tub. The Princess was coated in a layer of sweat, her hair sticking to her skin. She leaned back, grabbing onto the lip of the tub to brace herself. Qoren kneeled behind her, placing kisses on the side of her face. She vaguely heard him whisper words of encouragement. It annoyed her more than soothed her. She leaned her head back against his shoulder and focused on her breathing. Maester Garin rolled up his sleeves and eased Alyssa's legs into position. Laena took Alyssa's hand. "We're all here. Just breathe."

Alyssa felt the pain begin to build again. She nodded to the Maester and pushed. She squeezed Laena's hand hard but Laena did not care. Tears poured from Alyssa's eyes, the pain was unlike anything she ever felt. Stronger and fiercer than when she was struck by a Triarchy arrow years ago. Her body moved on its own. She pulled herself into a squatting position and Qoren moved around to the side, opposite Laena. He massaged her lower back, providing brief relief. Alyssa stopped, catching her breath. "I can see the head, Princess," Maester Garin said. "Keep pushing. You're almost there."

Qoren showered her with kisses. Her hand, her cheeks, her forehead. Anything to comfort her. Alyssa waited for her next contraction, letting it roll through her body and she pushed again. She had stifled her urge to wail, but the intense pressure caused her to scream. "The head is through. My Prince, can you see?"

Qoren leaned forward. He smiled wondrously at the small head poking between her legs. Though the water was cloudy with blood, he was sure he could see dark hair. Alyssa groaned. "I need to push again."

"Yes, push, Princess," the Maester said. "Your body knows what to do."

And she did. Alyssa leaned into Qoren and Laena's support, pushing with all her might. After what felt like an eternity, the babe slipped free. More blood filled the water. Maester Garin picked up the newborn, working quickly to check its breathing. He slapped the babe's backside and they began to wail. "Congratulations," he said with a smile. "It's a girl."

Qoren and Laena helped Alyssa sit back in the tub. Alyssa reached for her daughter, fresh tears running down her face. A midwife helped Maester Garin wrap the newborn Princess and place her in Alyssa's arms. "She is healthy?"

"Yes, Princess. Strong lungs and strong kicks."

Qoren wrapped his arms around Alyssa as they gazed upon their daughter. Alyssa did not care that her daughter was covered in blood and birth, she was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Thick dark hair covered her head, and her face was shaped like Qoren's but she had Alyssa's lips and nose. Laena leaned against the tub to admire the babe. "She's beautiful. What will you name her?"

"Aliandra," Qoren said.

"A perfect name for the future Princess of Dorne," Laena admired.

Alyssa was too focused on admiring every detail of her daughter's face, noticing Aliandra also had Qoren's long lashes. What a beauty you will be. She happened to glance up and found Daemon staring at her. He stood behind Qoren and Maester Garin, a small proud smile on his face. Alyssa returned the smile. The umbilical cord was cut and Qoren stepped aside with one of the midwives to wash Aliandra while Alyssa delivered the afterbirth. Daemon stayed out of the way as the women helped Alyssa ease onto the bed. Laena continued to shower her cousin with encouraging words. "You were amazing, cousin."

"I don't feel amazing but I will take your word for it." Alyssa sighed. "Can you tell my husband to bring my baby over here? I only had a moment with her."

"Of course." Laena jumped to her feet and rushed over to Qoren and the others.

Daemon slowly made his way around the bed, sheepishly watching his daughter. He glanced back at the others before sitting where Laena sat. He placed his hand over hers. "Well done, my dear."

She squeezed his hand weakly. "I'm glad you're here, Father."

"I would never miss the birth of my first grandchild." He kissed her hand.

Qoren approached the side of the bed, carefully bouncing Aliandra in his arms. Daemon got up and stepped aside. He went to stand beside Laena to watch the new parents gush over their newborn daughter. Laena wrapped her arm around his. "You must be so proud."

Daemon smiled. "Alyssa is strong. I never doubted she could do it."

"Did you tell her about...?"

"Now is not the time," he whispered to her. Laena nodded, saying no more. She slid her hand down Daemon's arm to his hand, entwining her fingers with his.

That evening...

Daemon sat on the edge of a small pool in the palace gardens. The sun had disappeared behind the trees and the stares had begun to peek through the orange swirls of the sky. Daemon found the gardens quite peaceful. Very similar to the godswood in King's Landing. "There you are."

He turned to see Alyssa approaching. She had changed into her night robes and carried a sleeping Aliandra. Daemon got to his feet. "Alyssa? You should be resting."

"I'm tired of resting. And this one seems to prefer sleeping in my arms." She titled her arms to show Aliandra fast asleep, all wrapped up. "Would you like to hold her?"

Daemon's eyes lit up. "May I?"

Alyssa carefully passed Aliandra into Daemon's arms. The baby fussed for a moment, her little face pinching at her sleep being disturbed. Daemon cooed at his granddaughter, softly singing an Old Valyrian lullaby. Alyssa sat down on the pool's edge as she watched her father with her daughter. "I have a confession to make, Father."

"You intend to give Aliandra one of the dragon eggs you've been hiding?" he guessed.

Alyssa blinked in surprise. "How did you know?"

Daemon kissed Aliandra's forehead. "Because I would do the same if I were in your position. It's not in our nature to fade quietly from history, my dear. Aliandra may bear the name Martell but she is still a Targaryen. She's a dragonrider, I know it."

"I worry about appearances...about what the king will think," she said. "All I want is to strengthen the bond between Dorne and the Seven Kingdoms. I have this...vision of Targaryens ingrained in every corner of Westeros. Dragons everywhere. All pledging fealty to the Iron Throne."

"It's possible." Daemon sat down beside her, rocking Aliandra in his arms. "I think at one time King Jaehaerys shared a similar vision."

"How can we expect Westeros to become greater than Valyria if we restrict ourselves? There used to be dozens of us...now we are so few."

"You're right." He returned Aliandra to her mother's arms. "Marrying Qoren was a smart move. If Rhaenyra has sons to spare, perhaps one of them could marry Aliandra. I could remarry as well...have more children to spread Targaryen influence. On and on it goes. In less than a generation, Dorne could join the Seven Kingdoms permanently. All of Westeros fully united under the Targaryen banner."

"With dragons aplenty," she added. Alyssa thought for a moment. "'Remarry'...to who? To Laena?"

"We can discuss that later."

Alyssa shook her head and stood up. "I knew you had another reason for visiting. You've been awkward and distant ever since you arrived while Laena has been by my side more often than my own husband. She is a delight, I'll admit, but now it all makes sense." She ceased her pacing. "Since when do you need my approval to do anything? Or has Laena come to ask me for your hand in marriage?"

Daemon scratched his chin. "We eloped just before we left Driftmark."

"Why didn't you say anything? And why elope?"

"Laena was betrothed to the son of the former Sealord of Braavos. Lord Corlys was looking for a way to break the betrothal..." he shrugged.

"I would have liked to attend your wedding, Father."

"Yes, well, after Lord Corlys agreed to the match, I sent word to my brother for permission to wed Laena," he said. "He refused to grant it and demanded I return to the capital so that a new wife could be chosen for me. Hence, the elopement."

Alyssa raised an eyebrow. "Laena deserves better than an elopement."

"I know."

She sat back down beside him and slumped her shoulders. "Fuck, I can't find a reason to hate her. She really is wonderful."

"We intend to tour the Free Cities. Laena wants to see every inch of the Rhoyne," he said. "But I wanted to see you first. See my grandchild."

"Aliandra will need cousins to play with. Or rather...aunts and uncles," she teased. "At long last, I will cease to be an only child."

He threw his head back and laughed. The sound made Alyssa smile. There was unspoken tension hanging around the palace since he had arrived, and only now did she begin to feel it lessen. She had truly missed him. "Will you stay? For the egg ceremony, I mean?"

Daemon tucked a curl behind her ear. He leaned in and kissed her forehead. "I wouldn't dare miss it."

A week later...

Aliandra's room had grown hot from the roar of the fireplace. Qoren held the heir to Sunspear while Alyssa prepared the egg. Daemon, Laena, and Maester Garin stood off to the side, silent and observant. A smaller, portable cradle had been built for this occasion. One side of it was open and curved around the small brazier that held the egg Alyssa had chosen. It was a deep red-orange color, a perfect mix of Caraxes and Starfyre. Alyssa touched the egg, unbothered by the heat. There was life within, twisting and turning and ready to break free. She glanced over at Qoren. "Set her down in the cradle."

He knelt down beside her and gently placed their daughter into the cradle. Alyssa took his hand, squeezing it reassuringly. Qoren's eyes flicked back and forth between the egg and Aliandra. "What now?"

"Just wait," she said. "Any moment."

Aliandra's little eyes looked around, taking in everything. The egg in the brazier began to move. Little by little, the scales of the egg began to break apart. A chunk fell off and a little red-orange wing stretched through. Alyssa felt the urge to reach for it, to help it, but she held herself firm. The baby dragon pushed off more chucks, slowly raising its head. Little golden eyes blinked through the slime and the bit of blood. Aliandra made a squeaky noise and the dragon turned its head. It broke through the rest of the egg and crawled toward the edge of the brazier. Qoren motioned to intervene, but Alyssa kept him back. "It's alright. It's safe."

The hatchling plopped inside the cradle. Aliandra made another squeak and the dragon mirrored her noise. Its wings made the crawl awkward and the dragon slipped on the soft fabric of the cushion. But it was determined. It was nearly as big as Aliandra. The hatchling purred as it tried to settle atop Aliandra's stomach. Coiling itself like a snake. Aliandra sighed contently, soothed by the newborn dragon's warmth. Alyssa gave Qoren a reassuring smile. "They've bonded."

"Truly?"

"Yes. If Aliandra wasn't meant to be a dragonrider, the hatchling would've ignored her." She led Qoren to the cradle and they sat down, watching Aliandra ease into sleep while the hatchling dozed peacefully. Daemon, Laena, and Maester Garin moved closer to admire the two newborns. Alyssa stood up, letting Qoren move closer to watch them. Laena hugged Alyssa. "Congratulations, Princess."

Alyssa welcomed the embrace. "Thank you, Laena. The hatchling is almost a perfect blend of Starfyre and Caraxes. Quite beautiful."

"May I take a closer look?"

"Of course." Laena beamed and hurried over to kneel beside Qoren and Maester Garin. Alyssa turned to Daemon. "Would you like a closer look as well?"

"The hatchling will not like being crowded," he said. Daemon placed his hand on her shoulder. "I am proud of you, daughter. Truly."

"Thank you, Father." Alyssa could see the emotion in his eyes. They hadn't addressed what happened the night of Rhaenyra's wedding. She knew he would never voice the words, but she could see the regret on his face. The plea for forgiveness. But she was her father's daughter, and would never voice the absolution he begged for. "When do you leave for Pentos?"

"On the morrow."

Alyssa hugged her father, surprising him. Daemon happily accepted it. They stayed like that for a moment. Just a father comforting his daughter. Alyssa withdrew and nodded toward Laena. "Be good to her."

"I must," he said with a smirk. "Or else Vhagar would eat me."

A month later...

"Dragons approaching!"

Alyssa stood beside Qoren in the main courtyard of the palace. It was the only place large enough inside the city for dragons to land safely. Even large ones like Caraxes. Two dragons circled the city, a shiny yellow one that blended in with the sun, and a grey one almost as pale as the clouds. Syrax and Seasmoke dove down and landed in the center of the courtyard. Some guards backed away. Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor dismounted their dragons. They held hands as they walked over to the Prince and Princess Consort of Dorne and bowed. "Princess Rhaenyra, Ser Laenor," Qoren greeted. "Welcome to Dorne."

They gathered in the main reception room. A handmaid brought Aliandra to present to the guests. The princess and her consort gushed over the girl. Aliandra's hair had grown slightly, according to Qoren, and had begun to curl. Her dark eyes were big and when she met Rhaenyra's gaze, she smiled. Then the babe began to fuss. "She's hungry," Alyssa said. "Excuse me a moment."

"May I accompany you, Princess?" Rhaenyra asked.

Alyssa blinked, taken aback by her cousin's request. She nodded and Rhaenyra followed her to Aliandra's nursery. Qoren and Laenor remained in the reception room, their laughter spilling out into the hall. In the nursery, a few handmaids prepared Alyssa's chaise with comfortable cushions. When she sat down, another handmaid brought over a special-made pillow meant to curve around the body. Rhaenyra sat on the ottoman beside her, observing quietly as Alyssa unlaced the front of her gown. Aliandra latched onto her breast eagerly. "Does it hurt?"

"Not unless she bites," Alyssa said, resting her arms on the pillow.

"How can she bite? She has no teeth."

"You'd be surprised." Alyssa swept her hair to the side, leaning back more comfortably. "And you? Can I expect a cousin for Aliandra to play with soon?"

Rhaenyra gave a thin smile. She fiddled with her rings. "We are...trying. It's been hard on Laenor. He misses Joffrey terribly."

"Ser Joffrey was a good man. He didn't deserve to be savaged like that." Alyssa checked on Aliandra who had huffed, spilling a bit of milk. She grabbed a cloth one of the handmaids had laid on the armrest for her and cleaned Aliandra's chin. "Who was chosen as Ser Criston's replacement?"

"No one."

Alyssa raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Oh? Is the king content with just six Kingsguards?"

"No," she said. "Ser Criston is still alive."

"What? Why? He beat an anointed knight to death!"

"I know, I...the Queen vouched for Ser Criston," the princess said. "She said that Ser Joffrey provoked Ser Criston who was only defending himself."

"Wha...? And the king pardoned him?" Rhaenyra nodded. "I don't understand. Ser Criston is your sworn protector. Why would Alicent vouch for him? Is she fucking him?"

"Well, for one, Ser Criston is no longer my sworn protector, Ser Steffon Darklyn is," she explained. "And I thought the same of Ser Criston and the Queen until two weeks ago when she bore my father another son."

Alyssa shook her head, incredulous. "I didn't even know she was pregnant."

"No one did," she confessed. "Her belly hardly grew and Mellos said that while rare, some babes grow inward into the body rather than out. She named him Aemond."

"A handsome name, I suppose." Aliandra released the nipple, sighing contently. Alyssa pulled her dress back into place to cover herself and sat her daughter on her lap, supporting her little neck as she patted her back. "How is Daella?"

"Good. I'm often told she is my twin born fifteen years late. She's very smart. Adventurous, too." Rhaenyra smirked as she leaned forward. "She's not fond of Aegon, though. Much to the Queen's frustrations."

Alyssa rolled her eyes. "Oh, gods, does she seek to betroth them?"

"I suspect so. Just the other day, she hit Aegon for trying to take a toy from her hands." They both laughed. "And when Alicent tried to discipline her, Daella screamed in her face. I'd never seen her do such a thing."

"Honestly, that sounds like normal behavior for a four-year-old," she said with a chuckle. Aliandra finally burped, her little arms flailing. Alyssa wrapped her up once again and gently rocked Aliandra in her arms.

Rhaenyra's smile fell. She placed her hand on Alyssa's knee. "I'm sorry I wasn't here, cousin. The king did not wish for me to leave, but I should've fought harder to be by your side."

"It's alright. Your letter eased my sadness and you're here now." Alyssa nudged Rhaenyra with her foot, earning a smile. "Laena was with me, though. She is a great friend and-"

"Laena? Why?" Rhaenyra stopped herself, embarrassed that she sounded so offended. "I mean, why was she in Dorne?"

"She was accompanying my father who wanted to visit and meet his grandchild," she said.

"Laena was...with Daemon...?"

Alyssa furrowed her brows in confusion. "Yes. They're married." She studied her cousin's blank look. "Did you not know? My father said he requested permission from the crown to do so."

"The king denied it."

"And they married anyway," she said. "I figured that was known to the Small Council. My father will always do as he pleases."

Rhaenyra nodded contemptuously. Alyssa studied her cousin's demeanor. "It's for the best, Rhaenyra. Laenor will serve you well as a consort. My father, gods know I love him, would see you as a means to an end. You are the future Queen. And he would love nothing more than to stand behind you and pull your strings."

"You think me so easily overpowered?" she asked.

"When it comes to my father? Yes." Alyssa titled her head. "Would you rather I lie to you?"

"There are times I wish you would," Rhaenyra grumbled. She sighed audibly, rolling her shoulders. "I value your honesty, cousin. You've never told me what I wanted to hear...only wanted I need to hear. The lords of the realm could learn a great deal from you. I daresay you would make a fine Hand of the Queen."

"You flatter me." Alyssa reached for her cousin and Rhaenyra placed her hand in Alyssa's. "We cannot always be together, I'm afraid. But...never forget, I will always be your ally."

King's Landing, one year later...

Rhaenyra paced back and forth, walking from one end of her room to the other. She breathed as steadily as she could, trying to focus through the pain. She grabbed onto her knees, bracing herself as pain shot through her stomach and loins. "Fuck!"

The midwives assembled around her. One of them rubbed her back, trying to provide some relief. "That's it, Princess. Just breathe."

"I am fucking breathing!"

Two of the other midwives were preparing the birthing tub for the Princess. Rhaenyra had spurned Grand Maester Mellos from her chambers. She did not wish to suffer as her mother had. The old man was always rough in his monthly inspections of her pregnancy. Every time he poked and prodded, Rhaenyra vowed not to let him touch her during the birth. Another contraction rippled through and then she continued pacing. "How much longer?"

"Let me check, Princess," said Willow the head midwife. Rhaenyra grabbed onto the back of the sofa and spread her legs a bit so that Willow could check. "It's time!"

She vehemently shook her head. "No, no, I need to wait for-ow! Fuck!"

"The baby is coming now, Princess," Willow urged.

Rhaenyra could only whimper as the midwives helped her into the tub. The Princess was coated in a layer of sweat, her hair sticking to her skin. She leaned back, grabbing onto the lip of the tub to brace herself. She shook her head again, crying. "I can't do this. I can't."

"You can, Princess. You can," Willow said.

"I-I can't!"

The doors burst open. A woman swept into the room and tossed her cloak upon the sofa. Ser Steffon hurried inside. "Princess Alyssa Targaryen!" he announced.

Rhaenyra cried out in a mix of pain and relief. "Alyssa? Alyssa?!"

Alyssa hurried to the side of the tub. Her hair was wild and her face was red from the cold. She stunk of dragon and was still in her riding clothes. She tossed her gloves aside and took Rhaenyra's hand. The princess smiled through her tears. "You're here."

"I'm here." Alyssa brushed the hair off Rhaenyra's forehead.

Rhaenyra squeezed her cousin's hand desperately. "I-I can't do this. I don't know what to do. Tell me what to do-"

"Listen to your body," she said calmly. "It knows what to do. Focus on your breathing. You'll know when it's time to push."

Rhaenyra nodded, and she leaned her head back against the lip of the tub. Alyssa moved around to kneel behind her, letting Rhaenyra rest her head on her shoulder. The midwives rolled their sleeves up and moved Rhaenyra's legs into position. The princess took a few more breaths, feeling the pain building once more. She squeezed the tub hard and pushed. Tears poured from Rhaenyra's eyes, the pain was unlike anything she ever felt. "I can't...I..."

"I see the head, Princess," Willow told her.

"Hear that?" Alyssa asked. "You can do this, Rhaenyra."

"But...but what if I...?"

"Don't think about that. Think about your baby, and how in a few moments they will be in your arms. Safe and healthy." Her words soothed Rhaenyra a bit. She cried for a few moments and found her resolve. She re-focused her breathing and leaned into Alyssa, nodding. "Good. Now, push!"

End of Chapter 6