DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.

Chapter rating: M (mentions birth)

Chapter Seventeen: Mourning for A Leader

(Riverrun)

News of Ned's death quickly reached the camp as Rhaenyra felt sorrow for the only father she had known all her life, she and Theon feared for the children, both the girls in the South and the boys in the North.

"If word has not reached the Wall yet, send a small letter quickly. Jon must know," she ordered a soldier who nodded, with a sharp.

"Aye, My Lady. I will have one of my sons give it to the boy themselves." He bowed and went off quickly with a maester. Robb was sitting with Grey Wind and Rhaella who coiled around him, hissing at soldiers in anger. Feeling the sorrow and pain in her mother and Robb triggered the animals to become defensive.

"Robb, have you sent word to Winterfell?" Rhaenyra asked softly as she sat beside her husband, mindful of her dragons as she settled.

"Aye, Mother sent a letter to Maester Luwin," he spoke softly while petting the direwolf who knew his master was upset.

"Oh, My Love. I am so sorry," Rhaenyra whispered, tears gathering in her eyes as she kissed his cheek. Rhaella coiled around them both while Grey Wind pushed his head into their laps.

"I knew there was a small chance of saving him. Father always told me when a lord or higher born was taken and war happened, very few times did the prisoner survive." Robb's words made Rhaenyra think of the many lessons they were taught. Their maester made sure that she knew of many possibilities while Lady Stark, as Rhaenyra knew Winterfell down to the smallest escape route for a child to crawl out of. "We will get my sisters. We will retrieve my Father's bones and bury them beside his brother and sister, and their parents. I will kill them all," he swore with a sharp bite as Rhaella shrieked frills fluffed out, hearing the anger and grief in his low voice.

"Aye. We will, My Love," Rhaenyra agreed. Feeling the same pain as her husband and people who lost Ned as well.

XVII

Rhaenyra was surprised to see Baela and Valaena side-by-side in the same boat to go to Riverrun before seeing the red-eyes in them both and knew Ned's death brought them closer. Grey Wind was helped into Robb's boat with Theon, his mother, and Blackfish. Rodrik sat with the girls as Oberyn's daughters sat around Jaime to guard him, Oberyn sat with many of the lords, talking with them. Praising Riverrun as he studied the structure and defenses he saw, even listening to a Riverrun guard explain the layout to the Prince who filed all that away for later. Rhaenyra saw the 'water castle' someone once described it because once they closed the spillways, water flooded and the moats prevented anyone from invading. But it was huge, she remembered Ned once saying that if fully stocked and manned, Riverrun could be under siege for 2 years, maybe more if they cautioned. The dragons were flying around and Rhaella surprised some by diving into the water and coming up with a small fish bringing a smile to her mother and even Robb who looked as Rhaenys mimicked her. Alysanne didn't do it as much but tried a few times, she just seemed to like the water over her scales as she flew through the throngs of boats going through the Water Gate. They flew over it too, stunning the guards who watched with awe as Edmure noticed them fly lower and landed on the walls. Shrieking and Roars now became deeper as they grew. Catelyn was the first to leave the boat and embrace her younger brother who held her in comfort, whispering his sorrow for Ned, the man who truly was like a brother to him. Brynden helped Rhaenyra out of the boat while her daughters shrieked to her before flying off, Rhaella instantly started to fish once again while the other two flew around the enclosed area. Robb allowed his mother and uncle to go and visit with his grandfather while Rhaenyra waited for her lords and planned to go pray with them in the Godswood.

"Welcome to Riverrun, Robb, Rhaenrya. The servants will show you to the Godswood," Edmure spoke as Robb nodded.

"Thank you, Uncle," Robb said while Rhaenyra followed, guided by Smalljon and Greatjon. When she saw Jaime being pulled around by Stark-Martell guards he watched Baela leave with Valaena, both of whom seem to come to an understanding now.

XVII

(King's Landing)

Sansa laid in bed as Lady slept the length of her body. Over the last few weeks, she had grown bigger. She's already towering over some of the usual hounds that litter King's Landing. They shy away from her instantly and cower as well. Sansa had been surprised when she and Leo, her Lannister guard, walked together near where the guards kept the kennels, and the dogs that were snarling and fighting each other stopped and cowered when Lady approached the fenceline. A friendly Kennel Master offered some freshly sliced meat his son hunted for him to the direwolf, something she eagerly ate.

But now she rarely left her mistress' side, Sansa would weep, sleep, and cry a bit more when she woke. She rarely ate the food that now sat in her window, even Lady barely ate, only when Leo offered it to her and left to allow them privacy. Sansa's grief was present and obvious, her only comfort was Lady as all her northern ladies were removed. The new Southern ones would try and talk to Sansa only to be snarled at by Lady when they'd push Sansa too much. At one point Sansa's grief almost made her jump from the window as Lady latched onto her dress in sudden fright, whimpering at her change in demeanor. That alone seemed to snap Sansa back as she staggered in with Lady moving between her and the open shutters. Growling and sharp barks left her throat as her ears were pinned, teeth showing. Giving the obvious signs of her displeasure at Sansa's actions.

"I'm sorry, Lady," Sansa apologized as she brought the wolf closer. The direwolf was now on edge, more than anything. Grand Maester Pycelle could barely approach the young girl and nearly lost a hand from Lady when he needed to examine her. But when she was encouraged to go to the throne room she had one of her maids remain beside the wolf in her chambers, not feeling like it would be good for her to be on the loose. "I'll be a good girl, I promise," Sansa swore as her favorite southern girl sat with her book and stitch.

"Do not worry, My Lady. I will look after Sweet Lady," Roan swore as she offered some handpieces of meat that were usually in a small tin from Leo who switched it out himself. Many of her nicer girls called the direwolf Sweet Lady as they called Sansa by her title, it was easier for them.

"Thank you, Roan. If you need anything send Echo," Sansa ordered as the girl nodded with a serious expression.

"Of course, My Lady. I will ask Rudy and Emory if we need something with Leo going with you," she added as Sansa nodded. Some of her personal guards or maids were sympathetic to her since Ned's death as he was a good man, Leo had personally told her he refused to believe the lies about Lord Stark. The former Lord had been well-liked by many who knew him personally for the many months he and his girls had lived here.

"He was always a good man. A well-meaning lord who did everything for his people, his King, and for you and Lady Arya," Leo explained while they sat in the gardens away from spying ears. "No matter what they say, those who truly knew Lord Stark know that he lives within the arms of our Gods' beside our King, his best friend," Leo smiled at the thought as Sansa gave a smaller smile. Lady was seen bringing back a small ball before Leo threw it back out into the open field as she raced after it happily. It was one of the ways she got her energy out before retiring to the Red Keep walkways for exercise near nightfall.

"Thank you, Leo." Sansa was grateful for the words he spoke as he smiled back.

"I am sorry, My Lady. For he was slandered wrong." And with that, they stopped talking about it. It was enough for Sansa to know that those who knew Ned, knew how honest and true he was.

Sansa loved that memory from a few days ago, it eased her heart as they made it to the throneroom with Leo guiding her through for him to give a soft 'oh no.' In her confusion, Sansa turned to see the singer Marillion finishing a song Sansa remembered hearing before in the streets with her handmaidens. But his punishment in creating the song was either to lose his hands or tongue, Joffrey chose his tongue as the singer begged his forgiveness.

"I'm done for the day. I'll leave the rest of the matters to you, Mother," Joffrey said as Cersei nodded, a smile plastered on her face. "You look quite nice," he praised as he approached her with Meryn Trant and the Hound.

"Thank you, my lord," Sansa thanked him with a gentle hesitance.

"Your Grace. I'm King now," Joffrey spoke with a frown growing on his face. Ignoring the screams in the background. "Walk with me. I want to show you something," he ordered as Sansa almost didn't to Leo's worry.

"Do as you're bid, child," The Hound helped encourage her as she nodded. Sansa followed Joffrey outside, walking past across a row of spears in the Red Keep. Trant and Clegane follow behind them with Leo behind the Hound mostly.

"And as soon as you've had your blood, I'll put a son in you. Mother says that shouldn't be long now," he continued, having been talking as Leo wished he could look away in disgust but it would insult his King if he did so. Sansa finally saw the pikes had impaled heads on them. Sansa looks away.

"No! Please, no!" Trant stopped her fleeing as Leo swallowed thickly.

"This one's your father. This one here. Look at it and see what happens to traitors," Joffrey sneered as he grinned, a gleeful look in his eyes.

"You promised to be merciful," Sansa whimpered as the King looked to her with a frown, displeased.

"I was," he started, coming a bit closer to her. "I gave him a clean death. Look at him," he ordered, becoming angry.

"Please let me go home. I won't do any treason, I swear-"

"Mother says I'm still to marry you. So you'll stay here and obey. Look at him!" Joffrey snarled, angrily. Sansa looked up at the head of her father, eyes red but no tears fell.

"How long do I have to look?" she asked.

"As long as it pleases me. Do you want to see the rest?" he asked, displeased about her reaction.

"If it pleases Your Grace," Sansa agreed as he walked down the line.

"That's your Septa there." Sansa saw her teacher, head more rotted than her father's. "I'll tell you what. Instead of giving me a gift for my nameday, I'm going to give you a present. After I raise my armies and kill your traitor brother and his whore, I'm going to give you their heads as well." Joffrey's grin made Sansa defiant.

"Or maybe he'll give me yours." She gave him a dead look that surprised Joffrey before he scowled.

"My mother tells me a king should never strike his lady," Joffrey paused for a moment then smiled. "Ser Meryn," he ordered as Ser Meryn struck Sansa repeatedly with the back of his heavy hand, her lip bloodied from his armor as Leo clutched his fist. Sansa noticed the stone bridge Joffrey was on led to a street some feet below. She moved forward to push him from the edge, but she was stopped by the Hound as Leo gently guided her back.

"Here, girl," he urged softly, cleaning her bloody lip with a rag. "Have her cleaned up," he ordered the younger guard who nodded about to guide her away.

"Will you obey now? Or do you need another lesson?" Joffrey asked as she shook her head. "I'll look for you in court," he said, giving the guard a look as he nodded.

"Yes, Your Grace," Leo agreed. It pained him to have to agree to the King over his charge. With that the King and Ser Trant left with a simple turn, The Hound remained.

"Save yourself some pain, girl. Give him what he wants," Clegane urged as she looked down before trying to give him the handkerchief back. "You'll be needing that again," he reminded her as she nodded while pocketing it. "Return her back to her chambers and keep her wolf close," Sandor ordered with a sharp bark to her guard and left, leaving Sansa alone at the bridge with her guard. She looked at the heads atop the pikes and cried as Leo sighed before softly urging her to return to Lady or to walk around a bit.

XVII

(East)

Daenerys sighed softly as she rubbed her growing belly as she marched along with her people, her husband joking and entertaining his men as Irri walked beside her, hand resting against her Khaleesi's leg.

"Khaleesi?" she asked, worried.

"I am fine, Irri. He just moves so much," Dany spoke while Jorah frowned.

"He might come early if he moves this much," he cautioned while Rakharo went ahead to his Khal and told him what he learned beside Dany. Drogo praised the news and sent his scouts ahead to try and find a location in case she went into labor. But they'd continue if they had to.

"No. He must come when it is time," Dany worried about her child coming early. She and Rhaenyra did and her mother died from it.

"Worry not, Khaleesi. You will survive this," Jorah urged, softly as they continued. The sweat gathered on her skin made her uncomfortable as they trekked on. Continuing, they made it past abandoned settlements before deciding to rest as they found a grassy patch. Pitching tents, Dany moaned softly in discomfort as Irri sat behind her, rubbing her lower back to soothe her.

"Be easy, Khaleesi," she urged as Dany breathed in sharply. Many have said she might feel 'false' contractions that she thought might be from actual labor.

"I wish to walk around," Dany spoke suddenly, Irri nodded while she and Doreah gathered the eggs as Rakharo helped Dany stand. Drogo had ordered him to not leave Dany for more than a minute unless ordered by her or him. Carefully, Dany made her way around camp as everyone asked if she was well. Irri carried her eggs as Doreah retrieved some water and meat for Dany if she wished to eat.

"Khaleesi, you should not walk too much," Rakharo cautioned as she nodded.

"I will be fine, Rakharo. I need to walk around, I've been told it settles the baby," she countered as he nodded.

"Yes, Khaleesi," he agreed as they made it to the herd of horses. Many of the steeds approached Dany, enjoying the touch of humans. Drogo watched as Dany pressed her forehead to the cream stallion whose future foal Drogo planned to give his son.

XVII

(Riverlands)

Catelyn and Edmure went to see Hoster while the northerners went to the weirwood tree to pray. Rhaenyra joined her husband and his people in praying to their Gods, she was loved by the few lords loyal because she prayed to the Old, Valyrian was kept to her in heritage and kinship, Valaena and Baela adopted the Old Gods. The elder maid had been raised in the New Gods' eyes and mostly took to the Northern Gods so she could blend in better with her lady and daughter.

As they entered the woods, Rhaenyra saw the men who followed the Old Gods, swords out in front while praying; the Umber father-son duo side-by-side as more men were spread out before some got up to leave, having finished their prayers.

Robb led his wife to a secluded part of the Godswood, facing the Heart tree as Rhaenyra knelt and bowed her head, Robb followed and produced his sword, point in the ground, hand on his hilt. Soft shrieks and chirps echoed as the dragons joined the prayers while Rhaenys lightly nipped her mother's cloak, Rhaella though just sat there watching her mother as Alysanne looked around before flying up, enjoying the trees. Robb knelt beside his wife as he watched the dragons pester her for either attention or to play, Rhaenys in particular, he saw Rhaella look at the tree. But she continued to sit there, moving with the dragons as they moved her while she continued to keep her hands together in her lap. He noticed a few looked to her and seen amusement through some, but when Rhaella hissed sharply the two ceased their movements as they sat in silence for a few moments before she flew off, her sisters following.

"Quite a sharp personality she has," Rhaenyra spoke softly, surprising her husband who looked to her as she looked down, having watched them leave. "I don't know how to handle that," she whispered as he frowned.

"Like any mother, trial and error," he whispered as she frowned.

"I'm praying they remain loyal. Don't turn on me for nothing," she whispered as he frowned. Taking her hand he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand, he didn't like how she was degrading herself.

"You are the very first person to ever have dragons, you will learn. Your Grandfather could not birth dragons despite his attempt," he hissed as she looked down, remembering the story of her brother's birth at Summerhall.

"I think I can do this," she whispered as he smiled. "With help," she hinted as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Is that all?" he asked.

"No. I prayed for all of your siblings' safety. And mine. The safe path to the Gods our fallen have to take to them; Ned, Dany's baby," she sniffed as he sighed. Not having known Dany and Drogo's whereabouts after they entered the Red Waste. Drogo had told them through his letter, it might be some time before they can send word. But Daenerys was reaching her ninth month soon, Rhaenyra worried she would not know her outcome until after.

"Good prayers. Loving ones," he whispered. Praying to the Gods to listen to hers. She looked to the face as her husband bowed his own head with his prayers. She thought of the few times she was in the Godswood, most with Robb, and a few times would make anyone blush. Robb standing is what brought her out of her thoughts before he helped her up and turned, coming face to face with Catelyn who must have been in thought as well.

"Cat?" Rhaenyra called out softly as she took her hand, gently shaking her head she gave a soft smile.

"Mother. I'm calling a council," Robb spoke, hand against his wife's back.

"You should see your grandfather, he asked to see you," Catelyn tried before Robb shook his head.

"I will. But we need to have a meeting," he demanded as Catelyn frowned.

"He is sick Robb, very."

"Ser Edmure told us," Robb spoke when Rhaenyra looked down, the old man seemed so nice from the stories she heard. "I am sorry Mother, for all. But we have a problem," he started.

"Renly has vowed for his brother's crown," Rhaenyra started, knowing the problem. It had confused her as she assumed he'd join Stannis, his elder brother and so did Catelyn it appeared.

"Renly?" she questioned as Robb nodded and watched the rest of his men rise and sheathed their own swords.

"Aye, My Lady," Lord Glover spoke up as he came closer. "We all thought he would join his brother too," he knew that's what she meant. As the group marched into the Keep the dragons followed with Grey Wind, once they entered Rhaenyra was curious to see the tables arranged in a square. The growing dragons were situated a bit in the back with the girls joining, Rhaella's growing neck situated her head in her mother's lap. Once everyone sat she saw Edmure sat in the high seat of the Tullys, with Blackfish at his side, and his father's bannermen arrayed to right and left and along with the side tables that the young woman did not know. She sat with her husband and mother by law facing the current Lord Tully across the tables while the northern lords sat opposite, fewer they were. The Greatjon sat at Robb's left hand, and then Theon Greyjoy; Galbart Glover, and Lady Mormont on the right of Catelyn.

As the night continued, the dragons became agitated when men shouted too loudly or slammed their cups too hard. Rhaenyra was soothing them when Valaena joined with Baela, the other dragons fled to them instantly as the golden one hissed and almost took a chunk from a river lord's hand when he accidentally caught her tail with his foot. They were getting bigger and more aggressive in their caution, Rhaella had already bitten a few guards who claimed fault and Grey Wind protected them with no problem, he seemed to be the only one not getting snipped at. It was bad that Rhaenyra started to tune herself out while petting Rhaella who purred and trilled at being stroked. Robb knew when he looked to her and saw her eyes lower and stared at her dragon who he softly stroked as well, she seemed to accept his petting more and more each day.

"Renly is not the king," Robb called out, deciding to get his wife's attention again as she looked at him.

"You cannot mean to hold to Joffrey, my lord. He put your father to death," Galbart Glover spoke in disbelief.

"Then it makes him evil. I do not know that it makes Renly king. Joffrey is not Robert's trueborn son as are Myrcella and Tommen, so the throne is rightfully Stannis Baratheon by all the laws of the realm. If Joffrey were to die, and I do mean to see that he will, we would deliver it to Stannis," Robb spoke out as Valaena bit her lip, leaning down to Rhaenys a bit more who trilled curiously. Baela frowned noticing as Alysanne nudged her hand for attention while the girl frowned once more and tried to push the creature off her. Robb had shown everyone the letter from Ned claiming the royal Baratheon children bastards from Jaime and Cersei Lannister. Many were horrified and appalled by the audacity of Cersei, the Targaryens had reason to do it.

"He is a Lannister," another lord called out while Rhaenyra frowned.

"But Lord Renly is still the youngest of the three Baratheons," she spoke softly, though many quieted down to listen. "If Joffrey or Tommen were to die, Lord Stannis would ascend next, as he is Lord Renly's older brother," Rhaenyra finished as Robb smirked.

"My wife is correct. If Bran cannot be lord before me, Renly cannot rule before Stannis," he spoke with Lady Mormont agreeing while Rhaella growled when Robb stopped petting her but purred as her mother continued.

"Renly is crowned," said Marq Piper. "Highgarden and Storm's End support his claim. If Winterfell, Riverrun, and the Dornish add their strength to his..."

"We will not follow a Baratheon," Obara spoke out as she came up from switching her guard with Tully men as her father agreed.

"He should," one demanded as Nymeria hissed causing Rhaella to suddenly lift her head with a small growl. Robb worried it'd cause a fight before soothing every one with his own demand.

"Stannis has the right by being the second born and his brother's true heir," Robb called out.

"Do you mean for us to declare for Stannis?" Edmure asked.

"I do not know," Robb frowned, Rhaenyra mirrored it too wishing she could answer for her husband. "I prayed to know what to do but no answer came from the Gods," he spoke with a defeated tone. "My father was killed on false lies. We will be the traitors if Joffrey is the lawful King," he claimed as Rhaenyra frowned.

"We should wait for the two kings to fight each other and sue for peace. That is what my Lord father would do," Stevron Frey grinned, with a smile that made Rhaenyra's back crawl with ice spiders. Rhaella growled softly, feeling her mother's uneasiness.

"We will never give Lannisters peace," she snarled as her dragons echoed it with growls. The sound reverberated off the stone walls as many shifted. The Frey man slunk into his seat from his reprimanding by the Targaryen woman. "They lost that when they killed Eddard Stark, an innocent and honest man," Rhaenyra spoke as Catelyn looked down, having thought to ask about it herself.

"The only peace the Lannisters will get from me is this," Robb snarled as he unsheathed his sword as the men cheered along with the Sand sisters who had joined, hovering near the Velaryon duo.

"Must we have bloodshed?" Catelyn asked not wanting to listen anymore. Many growled out their versions of yes while Rhaenyra held Catelyn's hand tight, understanding the gentle heart her mother by law held. Rhaella confusingly trilled and licked Catelyn's hand softly to comfort her.

"Had they not killed my father, your lord husband, they may have had a chance, now there will be no peace," Robb called as men echoed his cheer, pounding on the tables and drawing their own swords.

"Some women do not understand men, they are too gentle. The softer sex," Lord Karstark spoke softly as all the women present sent him a withering glare.

"Give me Cersei Lannister and I will show you how gentle I truly am, Lord Karstark," Catelyn spat out as some drew back, not expecting that from the once gentle-natured woman. Her childrens' safety withdrew all others' from Catelyn's mind, other than her own blood and wards she raised, she would risk everything to protect her sons and daughters. Rhaenyra saw it and held the woman's hand more, wishing she could aid her mourning mother by law, she could tell her dragons were some help, their constant need for attention.

"Not all women feel the same, some will happily watch another die a slow, agonizing, painful death," a voice spoke as everyone turned to see a hateful Baela glaring in a direction.

"And who would you like to see die?" the Lord asked, wanting to know.

"Any Lannister who doesn't leave us alone; Tywin, Cersei, Joffrey. The lot of them," she snarled as Alysanne growled softly. Robb had furrowed his brows when a name hadn't passed her lips but he knew better. That brought a war of words from the men who shouted their own desires of death and revenge for their fallen families. The Dornish also shouted their own desires, mostly for the Clegane responsible for their aunt and cousins' death. Oberyn agrees with the Lannister's demise. Robb had sat back down on a bench, listening to the responses, a frown on his own face before Rhaenyra took it, leaving Rhaella to comfort Catelyn, the woman didn't mind as she continued to pet the dragon. He looked at her and stared into her violet eyes, feeling more confident as she smiled at him, cradling his hand in both of hers. But the louder the men became the louder her dragons started to growl and become more agitated before the Greatjon spoke out, loudly.

"My Lords!" he boomed as the dragons growled softly and even they quieted down, surprising the Stark trio who looked to them in shock. "Here is what I say to those kings." He spat before bowing his head at the women surrounding Robb with an apology. "Renly Baratheon is nothing to me, nor Stannis neither. Why should they rule over me and mine, from some flowery seat in the South? What do they know of the Wall or the wolfswood or the barrows of the First Men? Even their gods are wrong. The Others may take the Lannisters too." He reached and drew his immense two-handed greatsword that Rhaenyra thought of Ice for the moment. "Why shouldn't we rule ourselves again? It was the dragons we married, and the only dragon left is ours!" He pointed at Robb and Rhaenyra, with the blade. The actual dragons growled and hissed surrounding their mother and father, protectively. "There sits the only king and queen I mean to bow my knee to, m'lords," he thundered. "The King and Queen in the North!" Kneeling with his sword at their feet as they rose together, Rhaenyra felt weird as Robb grabbed her hand.

"I'll have peace on those terms," Lord Karstark said. "They can keep their red castle and their iron chair too." He eased his longsword from its scabbard. "The King and Queen in the North!" he said, kneeling beside the Greatjon as Rhaenyra felt tears prick her eyes, willing them to stay down as her dragons growled softly. Lowering their heads and narrowing their eyes, shifting softly feeling the excitement rush through them.

"Am I your brother, now and always?" Theon asked as he stood, willing to pledge to them.

"Now and always," Robb spoke as the dragons chittered and hissed, Rhaenyra nodded, not being able to speak.

"Then my sword is yours in victory and defeat, from this day until my last day," Theon knelt, sword out.

"The King of Winter! The Dragon Queen!" Maege Mormont screamed as the lords all stood to join in as the dragons shrieked loudly from the noises their sounds deafening many as Baela smiled, watching not seeing her mother sneak out. But they continued to chant and bang on the tables the words muffled to Robb and Rhaenyra who smiled at him when he looked down to her.

"The King in the North," she added as he grinned, looking back at their people.

XVII

"Sounds like quite a party out there," Jaime spoke softly as he stared into the blue eyes of sorrow.

"You know why I'm here," she asked, coming closer as the two guards bowed their heads and walked a bit away to give her some privacy.

"I had no idea you were here," he tried desperately as she swallowed.

"Does it matter?" she asked as he winced. "I know, Jaime," she hissed as he looked at her feeling desperate again.

"Val, I swear-"

"I don't want to hear it. Why did you do it?" she asked as he bit back a retort.

"There are quite a few things that could be the answer to that question," he barked back as she glared.

"You know which one I care most about," she growled, eyes burning with fire as he looked down.

"I can't answer you, Valaena. I am sorry," he apologized as she scoffed.

"You know, I actually thought you once loved me," she commented softly as he looked at her, shock in his eyes. "Stupid, right?" she asked as he stuttered. "Goodbye, Jaime," she spoke before turning and walking out, willing her tears down as he watched her. Feeling true defeat settle in.

XVII

(East)

Dany moaned in discomfort on her fifth night like this, the herbwomen were constantly surrounding her, claiming that she should be resting. Dany though refused. Doreah was constantly trailing after her with the pack of eggs. Khal Drogo would watch over her as she'd be among his horses, finding strength and comfort in them.

"Khaleesi?" Irri called, worriedly as Dany accepted the bag of eggs from Doreah who would go retrieve a mare for Dany to examine.

"I'm fine, Irri," Dany reassured her softly rubbing her companion's back with Jhiqui agreeing.

"Our Khaleesi is strong as will her future son," she beamed. "The Stallion Who Mounts The World." The two bowed their heads as did the guards who overheard nearby. Daenerys smiled, she remembered reading the confusion in letters from Rhaenya and Robb. They did not understand the meaning. But Daenerys compared it to the old Westerosi prophecy of The Prince that was Promised, which made Rhaenrya understand and pull an old book their uncle had given her about prophecies. Dany suddenly groaned in pain when Doreah pulled the mare closer before allowing Rakharo to take her as Irri, Jhiqui, and Doreah surrounded their Khaleesi.

"Khaleesi?!" Irri called before shouting to the other guards as Dany breathed harshly. A nearby goat woman eyed Dany's stomach with contempt before ushering off with other slaves who hurried her along, not wanting to anger their 'guards.'

"Come, Khaleesi," Rakharo urged, picking her up and moving with fast movement shouting for his Khal to be told as Dany moaned in pain.

"He is early," she whimpered as her guards shushed her.

"Be at ease, Khaleesi. My children all came early," an old guard soothed her as she groaned in pain. "Our Khalakka will be strong as our Khal and you." Many who did have kinder hearts knew their Khaleesi was trying and was adapting, fast. Drogo was seen moving quickly with Jorah and Cohollo following.

"Moon of My Life," he called as she reached out, he took her hand.

"My Sun and Stars," she responded before crying out as Irri frowned.

"Her contractions are too close," the girl worried to the other women and eunuchs present. Instantly she was urged into the tent to birth her son. And many sat outside the tent with their Khal to await his son's birth. Jorah asked if he could sit beside the Khal as well and the man accepted, happily welcoming the comfort as Jorah prayed for their Khaleesi.

"She will be fine," the herbwoman urged while feeling Dany's belly. "The belly is full and ready. Your child is ready to come, Khaleesi." The women smiled happily as the eunuchs readied everything just in case, the herbwomen surrounded Dany while midwives joined, all soothing Dany as Irri sat behind her.

Dany laid there for what felt like hours as her midwives tended to her with her handmaidens who soothed her and gave whatever news to Drogo who waited patiently outside.

"I must write a letter to her sister just in case," Jorah spoke as Drogo looked to him. "I will accept, it is an odd custom of ours but I feel like Rhaenyra would know before I tell her," Jorah spoke softer as his Khal nodded.

"Twins are closer," Drogo's Common was a bit broken but getting better before switching to Dothraki. "I knew a pair of brothers, one raged when his Khal brother was killed on the other end of the battle, he avenged him. But you should write it, we will send it once we reach a place should she pass," he agreed as Jorah saw the slight emotion that he would have claimed fear had it not been from a Dothraki Khal. Jorah stood and wavered at hearing the silver-haired woman's wails of pain.

"Please protect and look after your child, Queen Rhaella," Jorah whispered in desperation.

Dany continued to wail softly in pain as Irri whispered loving words to her, soothing her with a Jhiqui aiding while Doreah freshened the water when needed.

"I will die," Dany whimpered in fear. It was true, a daughter would follow her mother in death by childbirth.

"No, Khaleesi. Stop this," Irri ordered, becoming firm. "You are strong. You are the dragon as you have said, your son will be the Stallion Who Mounts The World. He will need you and our Khal together," she whispered desperately against her Khaleesi's temple as the other women cried while the eunuchs prayed she made it through as well. "Now push, Khaleesi," Irri ordered when the midwife told her Dany was ready. Daenerys nodded before pushing back against Irri who held her close while Jhiqui and Doreah joined, gripping her legs as well. Dany started to strain as she pushed, taking breaths when ordered, and soon was ordered to start again. Dany continued thinking of her copper skin boy with his violet eyes and Targaryen hair, but something that startled her last night was a young girl with him, she had black hair, some white streaks, the rest was Dothraki but she shared his violet eyes as well. When she expressed these concerns to Irri, the young girl smiled before reassuring her that maybe it was a future child. The Dothraki girl claimed that she would be happy to help raise a young girl of a Khal and Khaleesi.

"Would Drogo accept a girl as well?" Dany had worried, she wanted a boy more than anything. As any woman wished for her husband.

"Yes, Khaleesi. He would accept a girl. She would be given as a wife to another Khal or a Khalakka." Irri had reassured her and eased her worries that a midwife agreed on the same thing.

"Push, Khaleesi, push," the midwife ordered as Dany sighed before pushing up, she took a big breath and strained to push her baby out, crying out louder as the women cheered at seeing the baby.

"A boy!" Jhiqui squealed, her voice nulled by the infant's cries.

"A boy, Khaleesi! Rhaego is here," Irri spoke as Dany smiled, red-faced as she laid a hand on his belly when the midwife showed him. Doreah smiled as she ran out, landing beside the Khal, and informed him of the birth. The Khal broke into a bright smile with his men as Jorah returned, tucking the letter in his belt, Doreah bolted right up retelling the news which brought a hearty laugh from the knight as she hugged him when he accepted it, praising all the Gods in her survival and healthy boy. But a sudden shout to Doreah made her frown and dart back in before yelping. Drogo and Jorah frowned, standing with the knight the Khal almost marched in as his men and Jorah calmed him. Jorah quickly summoned a young girl and asked her to go find out what is happening. The small slave girl raced in quietly while seeing her naked Khaleesi, legs spread as her newborn son wailed in a eunuch's arms while a midwife checked the baby.

"What are you doing in here, child?" A midwife demanded. Confused as to see the child there. The girl pointed to the Khaleesi with a curious look. "Khaleesi is birthing her second babe. Now out," the woman ordered, softly pushing the girl out. The little one ran right to her Khal with a bright smile.

"A second baby," she said simply before bolting away to her curious mother and warrior father who asked what she was doing with the Khal. But both broke into bright smiles at the prospect of a second heir for Khal Drogo.

"A second?" Jorah asked with a smile. "Congratulations," the knight praised in Dothraki as he hoped it was another boy.

Inside, Dany was now sure her dream was a warning, her pregnancy had two babies. Twins ran strong in her family, though one always died. But the fact that she and Rhaenyra were both strong and healthy, gave her strength and her depleted energy renewed as Irri prayed with her friends.

"Good, Khaleesi. Push, be strong, and push!" The old woman urged aiding her Khaleesi by rubbing her leg. "Good, Khaleesi, good!" Dany was pushing harder and trying to relieve herself of the pain faster. She did not understand how women could have multiple births. This one alone might pray she is done.

"He is almost here," Doreah eagerly urged as Dany groaned between a contraction.

"A girl. This one might be a girl," she whimpered softly as the women urged, eager if they had a boy and a girl heir for the Khal.

"You have given your Khal a boy, let us pray he gave you a girl as well," one midwife hoped as a eunuch laid the newborn boy down to watch over him. Looking at him gave Dany the strength to finish pushing her second babe out. Gripping her girls' hands she squeezed and pushed with all her remaining strength before falling back against Irri who beamed as the women talked eagerly about the quiet baby girl. Dany frowned as her daughter made no noise.

"What is it? What is wrong with her?" Dany asked as the eunuchs tended to her.

"Worry not, Khaleesi," Jhiqui urged but she held a worried look as well. It was only moments before a wail erupted from a startled midwife who jumped softly as the sudden noise came from a small creature. Dany laughed with tears as Irri, Doreah, and Jhiqui held her close, the eunuchs laid a blanket over her legs.

"Khaleesi, you have birthed two healthy babies. A boy and a girl," the midwife told her with a proud smile. Dany cried in happiness as Doreah went to go tell Drogo he could enter. The eunuchs had removed all the birthing remnants just as he entered quickly and looked relieved at seeing a tired but healthy-looking Dany and two infants laid naked side-by-side as he approached before smiling. A hand on both for a moment as he touched her cheek to show his gratitude and kissed her forehead as she smiled. Dany held his hand as their babies made noise. Irri and Jhiqui quickly swaddled them at Drogo's behest and the furs given to them from the Northern continent in Westeros were laid under the babies in their 'bassinets' and Daenerys received the Shadowcat blanket for now.

"Idañī," (Twins,) Dany spoke exhausted. "Sepār hae īlva." (Just like us.) She quickly fell asleep with her handmaidens caring over her while she slept. Dreaming of her children growing up leading a Khalassar and with dragons, and beside her was a large black dragon with eyes and fire red as blood.

XVII

End of the chapter! I have a plan for the Dothraki, I hope you enjoy it.

~Rusty14~