Author's Note: Wow! So happy to see all of your wonderful comments and love for my story/Elaena. I know that the last chapter was a bit intense/maybe not what you were expecting to come, but I promise that everything I put in these chapters has a purpose. So if you're sensitive to mature themes I always recommend that you please read at your own discretion. Happy reading~
Disclaimer: Graphic Physical Violence, Graphic Sexual Content, Mature Themes
THE DRAGON & THE ROSE - EPISODE FIVE/PART TWO
Elaena had never been so terrified for a conversation in her life, she had never dreaded a moment more. But it had to be done, she had to be honest with Daemon about her being pregnant. And not only that, she needed to be honest about how she felt about it. Rhaenyra was right, she couldn't control how Daemon would react, she couldn't control the aftermath of any of it. But she owed it to both of them to be honest, no matter what the consequences, for it would be worse for them both for her to keep it hidden.
She hoped that after her conversation with Rhaenyra she would find him in their room, but when she got there it was empty. She was too tired to go out searching for him, and she wanted the complete privacy of their chambers for a conversation of this nature, so she stayed in place and waited. No more than ten minutes later, the door opened revealing a much more hostile face than she wanted to see. He stormed in, slamming the door behind him so hard she jumped a little.
"What were you thinking?" he asked, his face turning a bit red. "Leaving without a word at the crack of dawn? When you know the dangers you face here?"
"I was just taking a walk through the Godswood, trying to clear my head. Then I talked with your brother. So tell me, what danger was I in that I haven't been in my entire life living here?" she asked, trying to reign in her own anger. She didn't need him to watch her like a hawk, but she also knew he was just trying to protect her.
"It was different then," he said more coolly, "Before we made enemies of half the people in court."
"I'm sorry," she said more softly now, seeing the deep concern in his eyes. All of the enemies they had here were because of her actions, her choices. "I didn't mean to scare you."
"Just-" he stopped, inhaling a little before deeply letting his breath go. "Just don't do that again."
"I won't, I promise," she agreed. Her heart started beat twice as fast as she prepared herself for what she needed to say. "Do you have a moment? So we can we talk?"
The worry dropped from his face a bit, being replaced by curiosty. "About what's been bothering you?"
"Yes," she said quietly, twisting the ring around thumb.
"Alright." He nodded, seeming to be a bit relieved that she was finally going to open up about it. She took his hand and sat them both side by side on the bed, but she couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes.
"Will you promise me something before I say it?" she asked, feeling her voice already start to shake.
"Anything," he responded, wrapping his hands around her own. "Just tell me. Whatever it is you've been keeping it to yourself for far too long."
"Please...just don't be mad that it's taken me so long to tell you. I've been scared to, I didn't know how you were going to react."
"You're starting to scare me, Elaena, what is it?" he asked, concern rising again in his tone.
"I'm pregnant, Daemon," she mumured, unable to hardly speak above a whisper. He sat frozen for a moment, taking this in before saying anything else to her.
"How long have you known?" he finally asked, not showing any reaction to her words one way or the other.
"Only a few weeks," she whispered, feeling a tear fall onto her cheek. "But I think I've been pregnant for a few months now, I just hadn't realized."
"And why were you afraid to tell me this?" he asked, his voice nothing but calm now. All of the potential anger she had predicted was non-existent. Instead, he seemed more hurt that she would feel this way.
"We never...we never talked about this, what we wanted in this regard...I was afraid you might start to only think of me as a person to give you children," she started, keeping her eyes on their hands. She waited a moment for him to say something, but he only remained silent, listening to her carefully. So she continued, trying to keep her body from shaking, "I was afraid that you might not want me anymore because of it all, that you wouldn't...be attracted to me like you were before...that you might set me aside as only a wife by duty the way you did Rhea Royce."
She then refused to say anymore until he responded with something, until he gave her any kind of inclination as to what he was thinking about all of this. But the only thing that came from his lips was a small laugh. She looked up to him with confusion, watching as he tried to restrain himself. But what started as a chuckle was now full on laughter.
"Daemon-"
"Im sorry," he chuckled, his smile wide.
"I'm being serious," Elaena responded, feeling so confused.
"How could you think that?" he asked, looking at her with a smile. "That I could ever not be attracted to you."
"This will change us both, Daemon," she said seriously, shocked at his reaction. Of all the things she thought he might do, this had never crossed her mind. "We've only been married for two months, and now a child? It'll change everything-"
"Elaena listen to me carefully," he started, his smile lessening a bit. But even though his lips turned down she could see the remainder of light in his eyes. "I never thought I would love anyone like I do you. I meant what I said during our wedding...I am yours and yours alone. This won't change that, it won't change how I see you. Will it change how you see me?"
"No, but-"
"But nothing," he said quickly. "All that matters in this world to me is you. And the piece of us that you're now carrying. Fuck everything else."
"So you mean to say that you're happy about this?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowing together nervously.
"Of course I am," he said softly, unable to contain his smile. He gently moved his hand to her stomach, feeling the barely raised bump. "You carrying our child, if anything it only makes me want you more."
"You mean that?" she asked, feeling the heavy weight of dread lift from her heart.
"I do," he laughed lightly, staring at her stomach a moment more before looking at her. His entire being was completely enamoured by her, allowing her to feel joy for the situation for the first time since she found out.
"I'm sorry it took me so long...that I feared telling you so much," she whispered, truly feeling sorry for letting her darkest thoughts and the opinions of others cloud her true judgement.
"Don't apologize to me, not for a thing. So long as you just promise to come to me earlier next time about things like this," he said gently, admiring every inch of her. He then leaned down, pressing his lips onto hers. While they had certainly had sensual and tender moments together before now, she could hardly believe how delicate he was being with her. It was as if with every movement he made to bring her closer to him he was afraid of breaking her.
Every touch his hands made against her skin, every kiss he placed on her lips was delicately filled with affection and care. She kissed him back as lovingly as was humanly possible, prolonging the moment as long as she could. But it didn't seem like he needed any convincing to keep going, for his hands started to slowly wander from her own.
She knew deep down that this tenderness was not just because of her physical condition, but because of her emotional one. She had had so much fear and dread going into this conversation, she had felt so small and so guilty. And with every affirming touch he gave her he drew those awful feelings out of her like sucking poison from a wound.
The two of them both knew what the other wanted, and they were happy to oblige. While in the past they'd ripped off each other's clothing with quick lust, they now moved slowly, removing each article carefully one at a time. In between each piece of clothing shedded he showered her with soft kisses; trailing his lips over her shoulders, down her neck, and over her chest. It felt as if he was worshipping her body and soul, admiring every inch of her skin as he did so.
She could feel him stop for a moment as he kneeled before her, hesitating ever so slightly. He looked up to her for her okay to keep going, his blonde hair falling just in front of his eyes. Feeling every inch of her soul fill with warmth, she gave a small nod. He smirked a little, glad of her permission to continue. She closed her eyes as he began to kiss her, his mouth moving even more gently on her cunt than it was on her lips. But just because he was moving gently didn't mean that we was moving slowly. With every second that passed his pace quickened ever so slightly, his fingers moving in and out of her with a rhythm to make her wetter than she'd ever been before. She felt like every piece of him was living only to please her in this moment, to see that every need she had exceeded plain satisfaction.
"Fuck-" she moaned, her desire for him rising in her throat.
"Am I hurting you?" he asked, quickly stopping to look up at her.
"No-" she breathed in heavily, squirming a little for more. "Just keep going-"
He slowly started moving her towards the bed with his face lifted into a smile, having her sit down just at the edge. She slowly laid down as Daemon lifted her legs over his shoulders, then watched as he placed his arms around them to lock her in place. His tongue immediately started swirling around her clit, the sensation so pleasurable she wanted to cry. He wasn't going to stop until she came, feeling her body twitch as she got closer and closer to the edge. And even after her body trembled with blissful release, he kept going, slowly kissing her as she shuddered.
After a moment of lying in place and recovering, she sat up, moving to please him the same way he pleased her, but he grabbed her hand, a small smile on his face as he paused, "Believe me...I don't need it."
She laughed a little as she pulled him towards her, locking her fingers together around his neck. "But I want to," she muttered, biting her lip a little. "It won't hurt me, I promise."
"You say that now," he smirked, placing a kiss on her lips. "As much as I'd enjoy it, this moment is about you, only you."
His hands moved down her body as if this was the first time he had ever gotten to touch her before, drawing out the suspense of what she really desired. She wanted to tell him to just fuck her, feeling so aroused she couldn't think about anything else, but she didn't have the heart to. Despite him saying this was about her, she allowed him to take this moment in the exact way he wanted. After caressing her skin he moved on top of her, hovering as he kissed her deeply.
He stopped kissing her for a moment, looking into her eyes with warning of what he was about to do. She felt him slowly push inside of her after she eagerly nodded, the pressure of his cock feeling so good. She needed this more than she knew, to be with him in this way with nothing standing between them. The weight of keeping secrets from him was heavier than she realized it would be, and to have that tension released with his affirming words and touch she had never felt happier in her life. He was giving her nothing but every ounce of adoration and respect in his soul as they fucked, the pleasure of this kind of intimacy new to both of them. And while she had never faltered in her love for him, this was the first moment where she truly felt that they were one body and soul.
As if they both understood what each other wanted without words, Daemon began to move deeper in her. Each stroke he made felt fuller and more intense, despite the gentle speed. She clutched the back of his neck with one of her hands, the other resting against the hot skin of his chest above her.
They were both so close, and she knew it. Elaena moaned underneath him with pleasure, his own breathing becoming heavy in her face. Her hand on his chest moved to meet her other, pulling him down so that when they both came every inch of their bodies were flush with another. Every muscle below her waist started to throb as he thrusted deeper, tensing up one last time before the release she desperately desired.
He began to pump faster, his member pulsing so quickly and so deeply inside of her she could barely breathe. She could tell that he was struggling to hold back his own release, wanting her to climax again before he did. His hand then moved to her clit, rubbing it gingerly so that she could get every bit of satisfaction possible. Within seconds she started whimper, feeling herself so close it hurt. And then the wave of pleasure washed over her, every muscle in her body relaxing with euphoria. As soon as he felt it around his cock he smiled at her, grunting a little as his hot seed poured into her. The sensation of it made her body ease even further to his, her breath slowly returning to her.
He remained on top of her, not letting himself rest quite yet. His hips continued to move back and forth inside her, slowing down as he kissed her. His lips moved gently against her own, giving her one last assurance that she was indeed enough for him, and always would be. Elaena moaned as he came to a slow stop, resting inside of her as they stared into each other's eyes. They didn't have the breath or energy to even kiss, they didn't need to. Their gazes were more intimate than anything else they could physically do for the other. After a moment more like this with their bodies connected, he then laid next to her, his eyes watching her intently as she rolled onto her side to face him.
"You're more than I deserve," he muttered, brushing his hands through her silver hair. "I've never seen someone so beautiful as you look right now."
Her lips lifted into a warm smile at these words, unable to take her eyes off of his as she laced her hand into his. "I love you, Daemon."
"And I you," he said, lifting her hand to his lips for a small kiss. "You think we just gave our child a twin?"
"I don't think it works like that," Elaena laughed heartily, her cheeks hurting from smiling so hard.
"I know," he smiled, looking a bit more pensive now, "I'm just excited."
"You don't wish it wouldn't have happened so soon?" Elaena asked, her eyebrows narrowing a bit.
"I don't care about timing," he shook his head, looking at her belly. "Only you and the little princess inside of you."
"Princess?" she asked, her smile widening again.
"It's only a guess," he responded, suppressing his smile. "A hope."
She watched him as he looked down, feeling this thumb stroke the back of her hand. "I think it's a girl too, or at least like you said, I hope it is."
"You do?" he asked, meeting her eyes again.
She couldn't help but laugh lightly, filled with so much joy that it hurt. He joined in with his own laughter, neither of them able to believe that this was their life. The sound echoed through the room, the sweet tones dancing in their ears as they held each other. Despite all the worries they knew waited for them outside of this bed, at least they had this moment, at least they had each other.
Three Months Later
Since Daemon found out that Elaena was pregnant, every moment of their life together at court was blissful. Despite the hateful and vengeful eyes that surrounded them, this was a life that Elaena wanted to live forever. If someone had told her any part of what her life looked like now a decade ago, that this would be who she was, she wouldn't have believed them for a second. The happiness she felt from day to day was so pure, filling her heart each morning when she woke and lasting until her head hit her pillow at night. And once her eyes were closed she fell asleep in seconds, partly from the safety and love of Daemon's arms, partly from exhaustion.
The maester had estimated that she only had three more months of pregnancy to go, which meant that she was nearing the end. In the three months since telling Daemon she felt like she had gained so much weight, her belly heavy and hanging low. The maester said this meant it was to be a large and strong baby boy, but she wasn't so quick to believe this superstition. Both her and Daemon were confident in their thinking that she was carrying a girl, a little princess.
But it didn't matter what the sex of her child was, not to either of them. In the time since she told Daemon she truly allowed herself to take her Aunt Evie's words to account, to cherish this as a blessing. Their child was the truest representation of their love, soon to be a walking and living reminder of it. She didn't care how exhausting it was to be pregnant, she was just glad to experience it at all.
Daemon insisted she spent her days calmly, reading in the Godswood or doing other relaxed activities of this like. But there were still a few things she had to do whether she liked it or not. One of those things were the uncomfortable conversations with the Velaryons for the sake of keeping the peace. Viserys had spoken to them both, taking the brunt of their anger in the month she had been away from King's Landing and the months following her return. And while they were still angry with her, the feelings simmered down as she offered simple apologies to each of them, but felt she owed them no more than that.
Thankfully, all of their eyes had been turned away from her for a while now, all of them awaiting the grand royal wedding to come for Rhaenyra and Laenor. Elaena was grateful that nobody seemed to care about her elopement scandal anymore, or the fact that she was already pregnant. All she wanted to focus on was herself, her child, Daemon, and Rhaenyra.
While Elaena had a very quick and small wedding in the Godswood, there was no chance that Viserys would miss the opportunity for a grand royal wedding. Every house of the realm worth noting would be in attendance for feasts, tournaments, celebrations, and of course the ceremony in the Sept. Each day was to be grander than the next, and Elaena couldn't wait. While she knew Rhaenyra wasn't thrilled to be marrying Laenor, she knew that her cousin also didn't seem opposed to it anymore.
Elaena sat with her feet up on the lounge in Rhaenyra's room, tasting different kinds of cakes and sweets that would be served at the wedding feast. The menu for the welcoming feast had already been planned, but Rhaenyra was stuck between all the different options for after the ceremony, which a very hungry and pregnant Elaena was happy to help with.
"I love the orange," Elaena said mindlessly, sucking some of the sweetened zest off of her finger. "And the strawberry."
"I'm thinking the lemon ones," Rhaenyra responded, taking a slice of the candied citrus off the top of one of the cakes. She popped it into her mouth, nodding a little in response to confirm her own statement.
"I say you should have them all at the feast," Elaena laughed a little, resting her hand on her stomach. Her fingers dragged in small circles over her large bump, gently touching her child to be after swallowing the last of the strawberry cakes.
"Are you feeling your baby, or were the cakes that good?" Rhaenyra asked, lifting her cup of wine to her lips to cleanse her palate.
"I'm not sure, perhaps both," Elaena giggled, to which Rhaenyra laughed richly. The two girls sat for a moment together, enjoying the simplicity of this moment. They had been through so much struggle together in the past, it felt nice to do something normal together for a change.
"I'm glad to see you so happy, El," Rhaenyra smiled, her cheeks rosy from joy and drink. "After a while I was starting to think I'd never hear that glorious laugh again."
"I'm happy to be happy as well," Elaena nodded to herself, a more pensive look taking over her face. "I never thought this would be what would make me happy, being pregnant...but it does. It's hard to explain, I guess. It just feels right."
"I understand, even though I don't really," Rhaenyra responded, setting down her plate with a cheeky smile. "Sometimes it's the unexpected things that are the best in life."
"What do you mean by that?" Elaena narrowed her eyes at her, sensing that Rhaenyra was witholding from her. "Perhaps, Ser Criston is your unexpected thing?"
"Maybe," Rhaenyra shrugged casually, but her smile told Elaena everything she needed to know.
"We need to be careful being so happy, I fear the Gods might try and take it away out of spite," Elaena laughed.
"Don't be so pessemistic, we deserve this happiness. Besides, I'm sure the Gods have plenty more trouble and pain planned for us along the way. Best make the most of this while we can, regardless of the repercussions."
"Are you worried that Laenor will bring you any trouble or pain?" Elaena asked, her smile falling a bit.
"No, he's a pillowbiter just like Lucerys is. I'll be able to see Criston as much as I want with no problem. I'll be getting everything I ever wanted through this marriage," Rhaenyra sighed, grabbing a plum cake to try. Her nose wrinkled up as she bit into it, swallowing it roughly, "Oh that's bloody awful. Lemon cakes for sure."
"Just be careful," Elaena continued, ignoring Rhaenyra's attempt to change the conversation. "Even if Laenor's eyes are interested in the opposite sex, he'll still want something from you. All the Velaryons will. I'm afraid you have me to thank for that."
"I don't see any o them being a thorn in my side in the slightest, I can handle it," Rhaenyra said confidently, passing Elaena her other half of the plum cake. "Here, try it."
"No!" Elaena laughed, pushing the plate away. "You just said it was awful."
"Fine," Rhaenyra chuckled, wiping her hands with a napkin. "I hate to leave you but I have to meet with my father now. Last minute preparations for the big day next week. You can stay with the cakes if you and the little one wish, otherwise they'll go to waste."
"I may take one with me," Elaena smiled cheekily, plucking an orange one from the table. "But I should go. Daemon will be waiting for me for our walk."
"Alright then," Rhaenyra said lightly, giving her cousin a hand up from her comfortable position on the lounge. "I'll see you later for supper, yes?"
"Oh yes, if there's anything you can count on me for right now is that I won't miss a meal," Elaena sighed, walking next to Rhaenyra to leave. "I'm always hungry no matter how much I eat. If I'm not careful Daemon's going to have a very happy, yet very plump wife."
"So long as you're happy you can be as plump as you wish," Rhaenyra laughed, giving her a cousin a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you later."
"Bye," Elaena responded, walking forward through the halls. Though her feet ached she took herself to go for walks as often as she could, enjoying the fresh air. The temperature was cool today, a strong breeze pushing through the open archways of the Red Keep.
Elaena stopped in front of one of these open windows, closing her eyes to let the sun warm her skin. She hoped Rhaenyra had been wrong earlier when she said that trouble and pain would come soon enough. She wanted nothing more than for things to be just as they were: completely harmonious. Unfortunately this peaceful moment was interrupted by a voice behind her.
"You look radiant, positively glowing," Alicent started, approaching her from across the hall. "Pregnancy suits you."
Elaena turned over her shoulder, then looked back to the sun to close her eyes again. "Thank you, Your Grace."
"How far along are you again?" she asked, stopping next to her. Alicent was smiling, but Elaena could see that she was completely unnerved by something.
"The maester guesses six months but it's hard to be certain," Elaena responded, trying to remain polite. But she was in no mood for an interrogation by this woman. They had managed in the three months of Elaena's return to court to not speak to each other, the both of them avoiding the other like the plague. Elaena wondered what had changed in this regard for Alicent.
"Six months? Has it been that long since you and Daemon married?" Alicent asked, a hint of amusement in her voice. "My how the time flies, I would have bet my life that it was only five months ago since you eloped, since my father was killed."
"What point are you trying to make?" Elaena asked flatly, every ounce of politeness fading from her voice. She didn't want to dance around this subject matter in the slightest.
"I want to tell you that I haven't forgotten what you did to my father," Alicent said stronger now, her smile gone. "You butchered the only person I had left in King's Landing."
"I butchered him for murdering my mother, you know that. It was your own husband, the King, who pardoned me for it," Elaena responded coolly, "And as for you having had nobody else in King's Landing...I think we all know whose fault that is. Your choices landed you in the isolation you face, Alicent."
"They weren't ever my choices," Alicent fumed, tears springing to her angry eyes.
"Either way you still have to live with their consequences," Elaena said, tilting her head to the side. She stopped for a few moments, staring at Alicent as the young Queen chose her next words.
"As will you and Rhaenyra," Alicent said, smiling bitterly.
"What do you mean by that?" Elaena asked, feeling uneasy by her words.
"The only choices I ever made were those that my father made me do," Alicent nodded, "You and Rhaenyra have more freedom than any other woman in the Seven Kingdoms and yet you both choose to act like you're somehow oppressed. You make choices that cause tidal waves in effect with no regard for any of it but yourself. And somehow you always come out unscathed."
"Unscathed?" Elaena scoffed, raising her eyebrows. "In case you hadn't noticed I carry the wounds of my past with me every day, physical or not. The choices I have made have been just. Killing your father was just."
"It wasn't-"
"But it was!" Elaena barked, standing closer to Alicent now with. She took a shaky breath in as she spoke, her voice lowering into a menacing tone. "Your father admitted to poisoning my mother, then admitted to trying to have me raped and killed when I knew. On top of it all he tried to kill me again at Oldtown with his bare hands. So I dare you to say one more time that what I did to him wasn't just."
"I don't believe you," Alicent responded quietly, "He wouldn't have done that. My father has always been loyal to the Targaryens, and in the end he remained that way."
"Do you really believe that?" Elaena laughed dryly, shaking her head. "Is it not jealousy making you think this way?"
Alicent's face flushed a brighter shade of red, matching her dress she wore. But while Elaena thought she might stumble on her words, Alicent responded with venom. "Why would I be jealous of two whores?"
"Two whores?" Elaena asked, feeling true anger rise in her.
"Yes," Alicent said firmly, though Elaena could see the fear in her eyes. "You and Rhaenyra both slept with men outside of the bounds of marriage, sullying yourselves as maidens all in the name of lust. You got lucky marrying Daemon before it became a scandal, but Rhaenyra might not be."
Elaena couldnt care less about the accusations against her and Daemon, but hearing Alicent attack Rhaenyra made her want to claw the Queen's eyes out. "You leave her alone."
"Or what?" Alicent asked, "You'll kill me? Good luck creating an excuse for murder this time."
"I never liked intimidation," Elaena said viciously, "Not when it's threatening those I love. It makes me vengeful and hateful, just ask your father... But I like threats even less now that I'm responsible for the life inside me,"
"Oh yes, a motherly instinct. I know it all too with my own children," Alicent responded. "It's for this reason I speak to you now about any of this. I know in my bones Rhaenyra doesn't deserve to succeed her father, not when she's abandoned all morals for self-interest. But if she does it will be my children slaughtered in their cribs."
"Rhaenyra would never do that to a child, to her own brother-"
"Wouldn't she to make sure she got what she wanted? We've both seen how she's done it in the past, how you both have," Alicent said strongly, her face stone cold. "I won't let either of you touch a hair on my children's heads, not if I can help it. No matter what I have to do."
"And I won't let you touch a hair on hers."
Nine Days Later
"Presenting Princess Elaena Targaryen and her husband Prince Daemon Targaryen," Ser Harrold announced to the rest of the hall, to which all eyes in the room turned to the doors.
Elaena stood tall next to Daemon as she rested her hand on his arm, waiting a moment before continuing their walk to the high table where Viserys and Rhaenyra sat. The Lost Princess was dressed in a beautiful pale blue dress that hung off of her shoulders. The chiffon material flowed over her the bump of her stomach and down behind her on the ground. Daemon's necklace of pearls and valyrian steel sat proudly on her neck, and matching tiny pearls no bigger than a raindrop were scattered in the cascading silver hair that hung down her back. Every inch of her radiated with beauty and glowed with happiness, and the rest of the room could see it.
This was the first time since her elopement that she had been seen by everyone at court all at ounce, and here they all were together and staring at her as she descended the stairs with her husband. She knew that her marriage had been the cause of gossip, but she didn't care. She wasn't here to flaunt the benefits of her selfish choice like Alicent had accused her of, she was here to support her most beloved cousin, Rhaenyra. So she avoided the eyes of everyone in the great hall as she walked, looking only to Daemon with a small smile. When she saw his face she could see the pride in his eyes, the pride of having her on his arm.
As they approached the high table both Rhaenyra and her father stood, but both of them had very different looks on their faces. Rhaenyra seemed overjoyed, happy to have her cousin and uncle their to celebrate this day. But Viserys looked like the rest of the room, his eyes a bit deadened as he realized that everyone was looking at both Daemon and Elaena and not him. Elaena had hardly spoken to Viserys in the time since their meeting in the small council chambers, the one where he told her that Daemon's love couldn't be trusted. She found it hard to look him in the eye since then, to even be in the same vicinity as him for trying to widen the divide between her and her husband. So Elaena turned from Viserys and towards Rhaenyra, reaching across the table to hold her hand with a large smile.
"You have my most heartfelt congratulations," Elaena said, ignoring the King as she looked at both Rhaenyra and Laenor. "I'm sure your union with Ser Laenor will bring you both untold happiness."
"Thank you, sister," Rhaenyra smiled warmly, squeezing her hand with a knowing look before letting go.
Elaena then turned to Laenor's parents as Daemon spoke with his brother, looking first to Rhaenys then to Corlys. "I know that your family and myself have had our shares of trouble in the past, and for that I once again apologize. But I mean it when I say that I am happy for your union with our house. We make stronger allies than enemies."
"Of course, my dear cousin. We are family after all." Rhaenys leaned over the thin table and gave a small kiss to each of Elaena's cheeks, holding her hands with a polite smile. Elaena knew this was all a show, that the matter of her elopement would never fully be at rest, but she was glad that at least in the public eye they could squash the strife between them.
"Yes, let our houses be as one as they once were before in the tradition of Old Valyria. Together." Corlys nodded, taking her hand to kiss it once.
Elaena smiled, hearing a small round of applause behind her as she took Daemon's hand to sit on Viserys' end of the table. The high table was full now save for one person, the Queen. Daemon seemed to feel the same uneasiness about her absence, having been told of her and Elaena's conversation the week prior. Elaena made it her perogative to tell him everything now, and the threats Alicent made to her and Rhaenyra certainly wouldn't have gone unrepeated to her husband.
"Where is she?" Daemon murmured, keeping his eyes on Viserys who motioned for everyone to sit down.
"I don't know," Elaena responded, trying to keep her smile on her face and not let any worry show. Daemon took her hand into his own under the table in solidarity, the two holding onto each other as the King began his speech.
"Be welcome as we join together in celebration. Tonight is only it's beginning as we honor the crown's oldest and fiercest ally reaching back to the days of Old Valyria and the Age of Dragons. With house Targaryen and hou-"
Elaena's eyes narrowed a little at him as he paused, unable to speak any further. Because of the known status of his health, she thought something might be wrong. But she quickly saw that his eyes were focused at the door beyond him, watching as someone else came in.
Elaena turned her eyes to see Alicent walking silently and alone, interrupting his speech to finally make her entrance. The entire room stood as she entered, small murmurs and whispers sounding as they saw Queen Alicent. She was dressed in Oldtown's shade of deep green, only worn when the banners of her house were to be called to war. It was an abrasive and obvious symbol of solidarity to Oldtown and House Hightower, alerting everyone that she did not stand with Princess Rhaenyra or any of the other Targaryens. She stood for herself, her own family, her son.
Elaena's smile dropped as she watched Alicent take her seat next to the King, knowing this bold statement would have serious repercussions in the future. Rhaenyra looked no more happy about this than she, none of the high table did.
"Please be seated," the King repeated, looking a bit flustered as he coughed. "With House Targaryen and House Velaryon united, I hope to herald in a second Age of Dragons in Westeros."
Elaena and Daemon clapped alonside the rest of the great hall, looking to each other with a knowing look in their eyes. They both exhaled a little as the King continued to speak, but knew that it wasn't him on either of their minds.
"And after tonight's affair, after seven days of tournament and feasting, a royal wedding... between my daughter and heir, your future queen...and Ser Laenor Velaryon the heir to Driftmark."
Elaena held back her smile as she watched Alicent clap bitterly out of duty, knowing the Queen was anything but happy about this union. Elaena worried that Alicent might do something tonight, something against Rhaenyra. She had made it clear in her last conversation that she hated both Elaena and Rhaenyra...she made it clear that the threats she made were to be carried out should they continue to misbehave without consequence.
Viserys sat down, the end of his speech marking the start of the evening's celebrations. Drumming immediately chorused throughout the room as Rhaenyra and Laenor made their way for their first dance together, the whole room watching their future Queen and King Consort dance.
"They make a hansome pair do they not? With handsome children for our own to grow up with one day," Elaena said mindlessly to Daemon as she watched them dance. She couldn't worry about Alicent, not right now. She wouldn't dare make a move against them during this feast. She was a problem for another day.
"Yes, I suppose they will," Daemon laughed lightly, looking to his wife. "Shall we dance as well or is it too tiring for you in this condition?"
"Tiring, yes, but not enough to stop me," Elaena smiled brightly, "But we should wait a while. I fear we might have rubbed our happiness in the Velaryon's noses too much already. Besides, it's Rhaenyra's night, we don't need to draw any more attention off of her and to ourselves. We can go later."
"So what?" he asked, a glimmer in his eye. "Why should our happiness bother anyone?"
"Because we snubbed one of the greatest houses in Westeros to get it," Elaena responded more quietly, suppressing a small smile.
"I don't care, I just want to dance with my wife," Daemon said cheekily, standing as the rest of the room applauded the end of Rhaenyra's dance. He held his hand out to Elaena in front of everyone before she could refuse, forcing her to take it so as not to snub him.
"You're terrible," Elaena laughed, her smile widening as she took his hand. He walked her down the stairs from the high table to the floor where everyone else was joining in on the dancing.
The drums picked up the tempo, allowing for a more upbeat tune to guide the next dance. Daemon made room for them in the sea of people, then stood across from her to bow before her. She curtsied to him, shaking her head. But this action couldn't hide her joy from anyone in the room watching. In the sea of dark colored dresses and vests, her light blue gown shone just as brightly as Rhaenyra's white one did. If eyes weren't attracted to her cousin, they were attracted to Elaena, and they saw the intimate bliss she shared so openly with Daemon.
Elaena decided in this moment to pay no mind to any of their opinions, only looking at her husband with excitement as they walked towards each other. With the beat of the music he spun her around once, then lifted her in the air. While everyone else was moving quickly, he moved more gently around her because of her pregnancy, drawing even more attention than before to them.
Elaena linked her arm through his, the two walking in a circle around each other with locked eyes. He leaned in for a kiss, but she jerked her head back with a laugh, "Don't push it, my love."
"Fine." He settled for giving her a kiss on the cheek, smirking a little as they continued their dance. He held her hand up, spinning her around once more before lifting her high in the air. She laughed lightly as he held her above him, then lowered her gently over him for a kiss. He pressed his lips on hers, not caring about her worries about what anyone may have thought. In this moment they were happy, they loved each other. He was going to show it however he pleased.
Once he set her down Elaena moved backwards, lifting her arms in the air like a swan with flushed cheeks and a small smile, the lace sleeves of her dress draping down to the ground like a pale blue waterfall.
"I can't win with you," she shook her head, jokingly scolding him. Daemon admired her a little before taking her hand again, placing his other on her waist as they traveled down to the center of the floor with their bodies close. He leaned into her ear, whispering lightly so that only she could hear.
"Only in the bedroom, my love," he whispered, making her cheeks flush even redder. Elaena laughed dizzily as she turned round in round, resting her free hand on his chest. She turned over her shoulder to see Rhaenyra dancing beside them with Ser Harwin Strong. Both girls looked at each other happily, sharing a moment of joy together.
This joy was shortlived though, for the sound of a sharp scream bellowed through the air. The music came to a stop, only the horrifying sound of terror ringing through the hall. Elaena turned over her shoulder as people gasped, then saw Daemon step in front of her protectively. Elaena stepped closer to Rhaenyra, the two girls immediately holding each other's hands as they tried to figure out what was happening.
It was as if in a split second every flame of happiness had been blown out into smoke, leaving them only with fear and uneasiness. People started shoving past her and Rhaenyra, moving to the scene of action. Elaena stumbled backwards and held onto her cousin's hand tightly for support, she was still dizzy from dancing all those turns and the commotion happening now certainly was helping.
"Daemon!" Elaena shouted over the chaos, watching the crowd of people move between them and push them apart. She reached forward for his hand but was already too far to reach and being shoved backwards. Daemon turned to see her with at least ten people between them, his eyes as confused as hers as to what was happening.
"Elaena what's happening!" Rhaenyra asked fearfully, clutching to her tightly. The two struggled in the crowd, trying to avoid all the commotion.
"I don't know, I can't-" Elaena's words were sharply interrupted by a blow to her stomach, someone elbowing their way through the crowd.
"Are you alright?" Rhaenyra asked, her eyes wide.
Elaena instinctively put a hand over her stomach, trying to protect her baby from the madness before them. But before she could respond she saw swords drawn from the members of the Kingsguard, as well as those who weren't. Fighting among everyone broke out, the color red starting to paint the room. Elaena stumbled backwards with Rhaenyra and turned around, only to be met with another forceful blow. The men behind her were brawling, but when one dodged out of the way, the other's fist swung at full force through the air and into her stomach. Elaena gasped for air and immediately felt sick to her stomach, sweat breaking out over her skin as she felt something rupture inside her.
Her legs buckled out from underneath her, causing her to collapse on the ground in pain.
"ELAENA!" she heard Daemon scream over the crowd of people once she had disappeared from sight.
Rhaenyra dropped to the ground beside her, in complete shock and unaware of what to do to help her. Elaena started to feel something wet trickle down her legs, then looked down. Her once pale blue dress now had a spot of red blood on it.
"We need to get you out of here-" Rhaenyra said shakily, "Can you walk?"
"No- no- something's wrong-" Elaena shrieked, feeling a sharp pain in her stomach again. "There's blood- I'm bleeding-"
Rhaenyra took this as her answer and scrambled behind her, trying to pull her cousin back and away from the fighting. Rhaenyra cried as she tried dragging Elaena through the legs of people below to safety, but as she did someone walked on top of them, kicking her portruding stomach once more. Elaena screamed loudly, to which Rhaenyra started crying harder with shock. Elaena watched as more blood flowed from her. With each drag that Rhaenyra made to pull her back, blood streaked across the floor, creating a trail to where they now sat against the wall watching the horror before them.
Elaena's breath was now in a state of hyperventilation as Daemon finally neared them, following the blood to find his wife. He stopped for a moment in shock, then turned back around to face the crowd with his sword drawn. He cut through each and every man that tried to move towards either her or Rhaenyra without hesitation, defending them the only way he knew how.
"It's going to be alright-" Rhaenyra cried, holding Elaena in her arms to provide what little protection from further damage she could. "Whatever it is, it'll end, I promise-"
"My baby is hurt-" Elaena wept delirously from pain, holding her stomach. Blood was pooling faster down her legs now, soaking the ground around them. "She's dying- there's too much blood-"
"It's going to be alright," Rhaenyra repeated, the shock making her unable to say anything else. "It's going to be alright."
Just as the fighting had ended, just as silence befell the room, Elaena then felt a deeper pain, this time not in her stomach but between her legs. It was a contraction. She cried loudly in pain, feeling the blood continue to gush from her body. The screams that followed echoed in the room, alerting everyone to what was now happening. They all turned to look at Elaena laying on the ground in a pool of her blood, moving closer.
"I WILL KILL ANYONE WHO TAKES ANOTHER STEP-" Daemon roared, breahting heavily as he pointed his sword at them all. He took a step forward, pushing them all back and away from her as the rest of the Kingsguard made it to the corner of the room in which the three were.
"Daemon," Elaena cried weakly, to which he turned around. His eyes were filled with fear, filled with dread as he looked at her. "I'm losing her."
Author's Note: I know, I know. This sucks. But I promise that there's a method to my madness, and this event will be a major catalyst for Elaena's future before the time jump. The final chapter of the fifth episode will be released very soon, so stay tuned for it. It won't be a pleasant chapter, but it will make sense for Elaena's story before we move forward ten years.
Despite the pretty awful nature of the end of this chapter, I hope you all enjoyed reading. I can't wait to release the last chapter, and hope you think I do Elaena's story justice by the end of it. Until then! -J❤️