DISCLAIMER: Chapter prologue
Chapter rating: T (WARNING: Mentions of miscarriage)
Hey guys I just wanted to say thanks for making with me to chapter 10!
X
Light filled in as Rhaenyra's eyes shot open, she carefully took her husband's arm from her waist before walking behind screen and gently bit her lips as she trailed a hand up her slip and felt wetness against her thigh before sighing silently. Her moonsblood. Gently cleaning her fingers with the wet cloth she winced as she washed herself before jumping when Rhealla touched her ankle with her claw with a small squeal. Sniffing oddly as her mother sighed.
"I'm alright girl," she whispered before Baela snuck in, nearly shouting in alarm at seeing her lady awake. But she deflated at seeing a bloody cloth.
"Oh," she whispered sadly. She had hoped at not getting her lady the cloth meant something.
"I know," Rhaenyra spoke back softly. Though she was a bit happy as she was worried with how everything was going on in her family. "It's okay, can you go and retrieve the cloths please?" she asked as Baela smiled and took off just as quietly as she arrived.
"Rhae?" Robb's groggy voice woke though as she sighed, gently poking her head around she smiled.
"It's okay Robb, just go back to sleep," she urged as Alysanne perked up sleepily, yawning.
"What?" he asked confused as she grimaced while Rhaella crawled up her back and nudged her hair. "What are you talking about?" he asked as she sighed softly.
"I got my moonsblood," she spoke as he froze.
"Ah, do you need something or?" he asked as she smiled.
"No Baela went to go retrieve everything," she reassured as he hummed softly.
"Come back to bed. I am sure Baela will return soon," Robb urges as she chuckled with a shake of her head.
"It's alright Robb, it's better if I stay up," she suggested while he sighed defeated, knowing he wouldn't convince her to come back to bed. Her moonsblood didn't bother him, he understood that she went through it every month, but didn't know much as the two of the four girls who he'd grown up with usually kept to themselves during this time.
"Rhae," he started, leaving the bed as the remaining two hatchlings cried out at their missing heat source before curling up tighter together. "I will eventually have to help you through this at some point," he laughed at her scrunched nose. Now he was understanding the few days he'd never almost see her she remained in her chambers for this.
"If I had the choice Robb, no one would ever see me during this," she mumbled while stroking Rhaella's nose. He chuckled softly knowing she was quite touchy, but one thing he remembered was his mother's shock at her earlier start than even her. Valaena though seemed to know when she helped both her daughter and Rhaenyra through it at the age of nine. But he knew his sisters were still girls otherwise he was sure Sansa would have had to marry the prat earlier. At the thought of his sisters he frowned softly, wishing they were here instead of in King's Landing with that family.
Baela came inside and jumped realizing Robb was awake before sighing softly as he grinned and walked out for the moment while the girls giggled together. Fearlessly, Rhaella was plucked by Baela and placed on the bed to her shock, before the other helped her lady out of her old slip and into her new one when she had the cloth wedge in place as Rhaenyra sighed. She knew becoming pregnant would be a bit harder for her as her family's history with pregnancy and childbirth.
"You okay?" Baela asked while Rhaenyra calmly slid her new slip on while Robb came back inside when he had been called in by Baela.
"Yes I am. The bones from King's Landing?" she asked as Baela paused.
"Those who fell are being escorted back by guards. Jory's among them," she said as they both paused. Jory had been a big part of their growing, he taught the boys and Rhaenyra in defending themselves. He protected Rhaenyra mostly when they had always gone on rides or walks around Winter Town or when they left Winterfell. He's even escorted her to the Wall a few times to see her family.
"Good, there is no reason for them to remain in the South," Rhaenyra claimed as Robb kissed her forehead.
"Ser Rodrik's family demanded them," Robb revealed as Rhaenys and Alysanne left the comfort of the bed before joining their sister, who curled up on the table, waiting for food. Baela calmly produced a new tin that reeked of fresh blood, Rhaella perked up and started to hiss and shriek at the woman who held it away for the moment.
"Calm yourself Rhaella," Baela demanded as the female growled before being flicked by her mother.
"Stop," she ordered before taking the pieces from the tin and watched as Alysanne watched. "Dracarys," she ordered as Alysanne scorched the piece. Swallowing it whole as Rhaenys shrieked, wanting her own piece while Rhaella growled, not accepting the piece that was offered to her by Rhaenyra who frowned. The mother just dropped the piece down before throwing others down for the rest of the girls. "Fine, be stubborn," Rhaenyra scolded as the female huffed and scalded a piece before eating and snatching others when the girls trilled to her. "She's fine, just grouchy," the dragon mother scolded as Robb scoffed.
"Please let her be a peaceful grouch, not a fire-breathing one," he prayed as she laughed while petting the golden dragon. Baela excused herself knowing Rhaenyra might not go out today, riding was uncomfortable for her during her moonblood.
"Are you not joining us?" Robb asked softly while she frowned. "You know Bran was looking forward to it," he urged as she glared softly.
"Robb, I hate riding during this and I will not change my mind, I do not feel well as it is and will no doubt go back to bed soon," she growled out as he winced before kissing her forehead.
"I'm sorry love, please rest," he requested, hating that he attempted to get her to go with when possibly not feeling well. He knew Bran would somehow understand and hoped her well when she claimed sickness. According to her it was very close to one.
"He will just be happy to be riding again," Rhaenyra smiled while he held her to his chest while the dragons continued to eat before stopping when they ran out. "Be careful," she urged pressing another kiss to his lips as he pressed another to her forehead.
X
"Dear Dany, I am very happy to hear of your upcoming child. May the gods bless you with a boy. A strong boy for the Dothrak. Please pass along my happiness to your husband as well, for I am sure he is proud to produce a child so early on. Bran will enjoy his new saddle and Maester Luwin hopes he could be half as good as a young Dothrak child. Love, Rhae," Rhaenyra smiled as she finished her letter, sprinkling her shavings she waited before rolling it and sealing it with her seal. A small red ribbon tied around to help as Edrick smiled, accepting the letter, he had come to see her and play with the hatchlings while Lynara and Valaena cleaned up, but said he'd deliver the letter. Baela had joined in the ride to help Bran, he had been a little upset wanting to see the dragons fly around but he understood that she wasn't feeling well.
"Don't you worry none, Rhae," Lynara smiled, rubbing the girl's arm after the boy left. "You will be a mother soon enough," she encouraged as Rhaenyra chuckled.
"You've just had a rough start. A woman's body is very delicate, any uncommon stress or something odd can disrupt it's natural flow," Valaena knew her family's history better than anyone. She remembered how Queen Rhaella handled hard pregnancies especially when the King became further from his former self. But she knew Robb wasn't like that, he's seen what losing a baby does to the family. A young friend of theirs lost his wife and baby during the birth and he continued to support her family to help, 'it was a loss for both' he had said when he continued to aid in their living.
"I know," Rhaenyra spoke, trying to reassure them that she wasn't upset about receiving her moonsblood. "I'd rather know something will not happen to our family if something were to happen until Tyrion's release," she told as Valaena nodded. But she knew when it happened, it would be when they were unexpecting, she just hoped it was when they needed something most.
"For now, just suffer the dealings we women have," Lynara spoke up as Rhaenyra smiled softly before groaning softly. Her bleeding always came with horrible pains and she was always sick.
"Come, bed," Valaena ordered as she helped her up and watched as the hatchlings follow. Rhaella growled and snarled at the woman who watched with caution, the female seemed to not like the continuous smell of blood around her mother.
"Rhaella, silence," Rhaenyra demanded, not wanting to deal with her hatchling's attitude today. Maester Luwin had started a sedative brew to help her sleep while dealing with her time. As her eyes slid shut her hand felt one of the hatchlings cuddle underneath it, that seemed to set her into her dreams.
She felt burning heat as fire spread. Whipping around she blocked an attack with a sword as the man in front of her was ripped away with a shriek, glowing red eyes pierced hers. Agony ripped through her lower half as she gripped a large belly. Growling and hisses escaped the large creature before she looked to it once more, when she touched its muzzle, blood covered her hands. Angry roars left the dragon as it's hot breath hit her face, blood filled her nose.
Rhaenyra was awoken by her hatchlings, screeching at her as she gasped in true pain, hands going down to her thighs, being returned slicked with blood.
"Gods," she whimpered in agony as a maid ran in hearing their cries before gasping horrified. She called for two alarmed handmaidens who ordered her to retrieve the maester. Valaena was already kneeling down and held Rhaenyra's face as she cried.
"I'm so sorry, my sweet girl," she whispered before the young girl realized it.
"Oh gods, no," she whimpered as her hatchlings cuddled to her while Lynara stood there, not able to do anything but watch her lady and listen out for Robb's return.
X
Robb felt numb when Lynara told him, they assumed she was just late and it was a normal start, but her sudden pain was not that uncommon. He couldn't believe it, returning with a new servant he instantly went to his wife when Theon claimed his brother to take him to Maester Luwin.
"I'm so sorry Robb," Maester Luwin has said before ordering a worried Theon to take an even more worried Bran to his chambers to care for him.
Lynara and Valaena only left when Robb entered and asked them too, Baela had kissed her friend's head before leaving with the maester and the wildling woman.
"Rhae?" he asked softly as she laid on her side, her hatchlings stayed curled around her. But Rhaella lifted her head with what Robb felt was sadness, trilling softly she got up and climbed into his lap. Chittering and nudging his cheek softly he lightly pet her head and back, this was honestly the closest he's ever been to Rhaella, herself, she usually clung to Rhaenyra but right now he was enjoying her comfort.
"I thought it, Robb," Rhaenyra's voice surprised him as he turned to her. She was lying on her left facing the window as her children stayed snuggled against her stomach. Robb gently touched her arm, thankful that she didn't retract from him. Softly lifting the curious red baby up and set her in her mother's view before he curled up behind her, gently holding her close as Rhaenyra accepted his arm that softly cupped her own. Twining their fingers together she closed her eyes as she wrapped their arm over the hatchlings, she wanted to stay with Robb, and wanted him to stay with her.
"With how often we laid together I wasn't surprised but I am sorry that you went through that," he apologized because she was by herself.
"It happens Robb. My family handled them most of all," she spoke as he sighed, knowing she'd blame her family history with it.
"It's not your fault," he tried as she scoffed, sniffing as she turned. She was basically half dead at the moment. She felt pain and tried not to move so often.
"Let me tell you right now, that is the worst thing to say to the mother," he laughs when she chuckled brokenly. "But there is nothing you can do. Just lay with me," she urged as he smiled. Pressing a soft kiss to her forehead he threaded a hand through her hair before laying his head against hers.
"I promise you Rhae," he swore as she closed her eyes wanting to go back to sleep as he did so too, the hatchlings snuggled between them, enjoying the warmth between the pair.
Rhaenyra didn't understand why, she wished she did. But all she could do was hope and pray that she recovered quickly and swiftly. Knowing she needed to be stronger for the people and her family. But knowing Robb, he'd coddle her and keep her in bed for as long as possible.
X
Rhaenyra woke a week later to finally feel up to get out of bed, her children having been clinging to her for her comfort and waited for her to feed them. Small Rickon has actually gotten her up yesterday because he wanted her 'up and like her old self,' it angered Robb and Baela before Rhaenyra soothed them. She understood that Rickon feared for state of mind because even when she was bedridden with a wounded leg at a young age she was still up and about before she was healed up. He didn't understand as he was only six, Bran though had surprised her when he just hugged her after Theon brought him and Hodor in. He had said sorry and just held her as she rubbed his back. Theon had also embraced her and swore to make sure the girls were fed or at least given the food so they could eat later. No one seemed to understand how could she not have known? Rhaenyra asked Maester Luwin this and he had instantly stopped any talk of her being responsible.
"We had thought and we were right, it just wasn't time yet. You will be a mother, in no time. Just take care of yourself," he ordered as Rhaenyra paused looking down at her resting children. Rhaella has clung to her since and would hiss when almost removed from her. "Rest with them, I see nothing wrong in having your other children to care for," he smiled as she grinned softly. "Try and leave this room if you feel up to it. Take them with you," Maester Luwin requested as she nodded.
"I'll try, could you send Edrick when he is all free from his chores," Rhaenyra requested as he nodded.
"Of course My Lady," he smiled before leaving after giving the three final pets. Rhaenyra has actually decided to allow the hatchlings to follow her and not be caged up any longer in the basket. Maester Luwin told her to allow them to start wondering more and more, so they weren't stunted at all. He could feel their stomachs getting bigger and more firm the more they eat. They were now just a bit bigger than cats, a bit smaller than the pups when they were first brought to Winterfell. She still couldn't believe she had them, holding them and loving them everyday is still an amazement for her. Baela came in curiously when Maester Luwin requested her to aid in their lady to get ready, even if was just to walk around the castle.
"Ready to get up?" she asked as Rhaenyra nodded, still looking tired but with her friend's help she stood and walked to where a warm bath was waiting for her, Valaena had it brought in to soothe the girl's body. "Mother put lavender and rose oils in to help," she claimed, helping Rhaenyra undress as Rhaella came closer. Trilling, she carefully crawled up the side and balanced on the edge with ease. Rhaenyra carefully stepped in and relished the scorching heat she felt, moaning softly from the feeling she sat back and lightly draped her arms over her small stomach. "Someone else likes it too," Baela smiled when her friend's violet eyes opened to see Rhaella's tail resting in the water. "She always seems to have eyes on you."
"I have noticed too," Rhaenyra spoke up, petting her biggest girls' nose. "I think maybe she knew," Rhaella had continuously clung to her and nudged her. Like Jon said the animals were sent for a reason and she liked to think the same for the hatchlings.
"Intelligent creatures," Baela beamed, carefully petting the blood-red/black dragon who watched curiously. Alysanne and Rhaenys joined as the girls pet and stroked them both too before Rhaella glided down with her sisters before they started to play. "You know it's not your fault right?"
"Really?" Rhaenyra asked. "My mother went through over 8 pregnancies and only three live births, four in mine and Dany's part," she growed as Baela frowned herself.
"It just happens," she truly did not know what else to say or do as she has never gone through this. She had hoped that Rhaenyra would never go through this. She knew that it would tear her friend's hearts to pieces, both of them, but staring at Rhaella, Rhaenys and Alysanne, Baela knew that they could be the replacement until the next child holds. "When the Gods see it fit, they will give you a child. Let's just hope next time Robb's seed latches on better," Baela hoped, kissing her friend's temple as she grinned.
"Me too," she smiled before giggling when the girls continued their play.
X
Rhaenyra was seen walking through the halls, she decided to show her hatchlings as they walked around her or directly in front of her like Rhaella was. She was peaceful as she went through the simple duties to try and recover back to normal. It must have gotten around because many of the servants and guards would greet her and ask how she was, always in a soft tone. And when the hatchlings became known that they were surrounding their mother, it would bring awe from many. Children were encouraged to come closer by Rhaenyra who would sit and allow the younglings to approach her hatchlings who seemed to understand that the young were harmless. Alysanne happily purred when a mother ran her finger down the hatchling's back, bringing excitement from them. Her main guard, who's been her companion since the second attack, always watched over them with care and found the dragons amazing. He was a guard from the Cerwyn family, coming to help the main family. Robb had personally gone through the guards with Ser Rodrik's second, Hallis Mollen, who had taken over the leadership of Winterfell's guards. The young lad was actually quite nice and had been very intrigued with the dragons since he arrived. Named Rodyrn, he preferred Rudy though, easier and friendlier he claimed.
"Are you going out into the yard My Lady?" he asked curious as Rhaenyra paused, biting her lip she thought. The castle was close and within her safe haven, but she wished to go further out.
"Yes, let's go," she urged as he smiled, happy that she chose to go out. Normally he covered her door and occasionally sat with her in Bran's room.
"Rhae! Rhae!" Rickon called as he raced up to her, he caused the hatchlings to call out as Shaggydog joined, but paused at the dragons who tensed.
"My Lady?" Rudy asked worried as he helped a child up and away from the growling creatures. But Shaggydog went into the playful stance, playfully bowling over Rhaenys who launched herself with a small nip to his ear. Stunning Rhaenyra and Rickon into shock.
"Gods," she whispered, happy to see them behaving and even playing as Rhaella watched before Shaggydog approached her on his belly, lightly licking her face. She froze for the moment before accepting the two cheered happily with the guard and watched as they played for the moment. Shaggydog was the only direwolf that took the longest to bond to her dragons, Grey Wind and Summer were easier but Shaggydog who was still untrained had been the hardest to get used to. "Rickon would you like to join me in my walk around Winterfell and Winter Town?" she asked as he nodded with a bright smile.
"Yeah," he shot up as the hatchlings looked to their mother while Shaggydog looked to Rickon.
"Come along you two," Rudy ordered, happy to direct them, he instantly helped Rhaenyra stand while Rickon hoisted himself up with Shaggydog's aid. The hatchlings clung to their mother's skirt as she started to walk through the courtyard with Rickon holding onto her hand. Rhaenys carefully climbed to the boy's shoulder as he beamed, Shaggydog looked for a moment before walking closer. Rudy did the same and beamed at Alysanne who chirped at him while looking all around. The small-folk stopped and stared at the dragons, they could not believe it, the rumors they heard were true. Their lady did have dragons, live dragons. The children followed and talked to Rhaenyra as she spoke back, they knew to keep a distance because of Shaggydog and a growling Rhaella who coiled more around her mother's head.
"Rhae," Ros' voice caught her attention.
"Ah Ros," Rhaenyra greeted peacefully while Ros was seen buying a few things, but she was dressed in traveling clothing. "Are you going anywhere?" she asked as Rhaella hissed and spat a few times at a chuckling Ros.
"I am leaving, actually. With the attack at King's Landing, men will be marching soon," she spoke as Rudy entertained Rickon and Rhaenys who sniffed a piece of meat Rickon offered her, shaking her head she looked away sniffing the air.
"I understand. I will miss you," Rhaenyra spoke softly before grinning. "And your lessons."
"Your a natural from what I hear," Ros beamed as her lady scoffed softly before giving an all knowing smirk.
"Robb too, for that manner," she added as the whore laughed but smiled with love and adoration for the Targaryen woman. "Would you like to pet one before you go?" the mother asked as Ros looked stunned.
"I'd be honored," she breathed before looking to a curious Alysanne who perked up, extending her arm the blue hatchling crawled further down before sniffing the redhead as she held a finger out, a bit worried she'd get bit. But sensing her mother's calm and soothing presence, the gentle hatchling bumped her finger before allowing the prostitute to stroke the hatchling's head and neck with awe. "So warm. Barely burning," she said in shock. "Thank you," Ros breathed, tears in her eyes.
"You've always been a friend. One who I would do anything for too," Rhaenyra smiled as Ros beamed, softly embracing the girl, careful of the red hatchling who growled softly at the abrupt movements. "Stay safe, please."
"Of course," she promised, knowing it could only do so little. And from there she watched her friend of the lower rank, leave and it felt just as hard as her family leaving.
X
End of chapter! How was it? I hope it was good and I originally wasn't going to have her have a miscarriage but I threw it in there. I've never experienced anything like it, but my mom talked a bit about it when I was younger. But I do hope you all liked it!
Nogamemaster: I hope you like it and enjoy the next chapter!
Crystal-Wolf-Guardain-967: Of course, here you go!
LunaDoesArt: I'm really happy to hear that! But I hope you like this, don't worry they'll have one.
NicoleR85: Very happy you think that! I so hope it goes in a good direction.
SkaiRipa (Guest): I'm popping them out as fast as possible!
hateme101: So do I, trust me! I already have plans for them hehe.
AJSM: Great! I hope you enjoy this new chapter!
~Rusty14~