DISCLAIMER: Chapter one.
Chapter rating: M
otherworlder81: Glad you're liking the story! And I know, they get a good victory over Robb and now all he's worrying about is his wife and unborn child. And don't worry, we'll get more scenes of Jon and Dany soon!
Guest: Her dragons are still young and not big enough to suddenly block certain bolts and also the fact that Casterly Rock probably had certain bolts ready for the Targaryen woman aiming to target her specifically. But rest assured Robb will be starting to get protective and demanding. Please enjoy!
harlequin320: A point that Robb learned, the riders need armor and it takes almost his wife's dance with death to realize it. I hope you liked it, please enjoy the next chapter!
Chapter Forty-Three: XLIII - The Dragon Claims the White Wolf
(Northern Army)
Robb sat with his wife as he held her hand, kissing it softly while praying she slept. It had been a miracle with Thoros bringing her back when she had stopped breathing a moment when they had pulled out the bolt. The maester had worried about reviving her before Thoros claimed it was easy if she was so close to death but what Robb worried about too, was his unborn child lying within his wife's womb. Oberyn reassured Robb babes were stubborn and could withinstand quite a bit in the beginning, hoping Thoros saved both and not just one.
"It would not be the first babe she's lost, in the beginning when Bran fell from the tower, she was pregnant, the fall must have caused trauma later on," Robb told the Prince once in confidence as Oberyn's eyes softened.
"Elia lost two pregnancies herself, Rhaegar held her both times, she told me. When she apologized, as many women for some foolish reason think it is their fault for the loss of the pregnancy, to the Prince he said it was he who was sorry. She, the mother who cradles and bares the child, would possibly feel the loss more. He had told me once she was so happy and it broke him to see her sadness, like his mother. When Queen Rhaella continued to lose her pregnancies, Rhaegar and Elia would be at her side when allowed and would do whatever they could to relieve her pain. But it was hard. Thoros still says she is pregnant, so we pray that it remains and you have your prince or princess," he smiled.
"If it comes to it I will happily welcome a boy that she wants, for her to wake and still carry the babe. I worry what it will do for her if she loses it," Robb said as Oberyn nodded while looking over Rhaenyra, her face cool to the touch and peaceful as she laid, appearing as though just sleeping and not fighting to survive in her mind. He had ordered his mother and sisters to keep his twins away from this and had two wetnurses he knew from one of his men's wives that adored the babes.
XLIII
Rhaenyra could hear a child crying as she turned around in the darkness, trying to find the noise.
"Hello?" She called out, walking through the mist. "Rhaella!" She cried out. The echoing shrieking of her beautiful blood-dragon child seemed to be calling for her. "Rhaenys? Alysanne?" Rhaenyra felt a pinch in her stomach as she groaned in pain.
"A sacrifice must be made, only death can pay for life," a voice said as she snarled.
"I have already paid death for life, many times over. All my family; my mother, my brothers, my good father, my nephew, my good brother. You will not take this child from me too!" Rhaenyra snarled to whom she assumed to be the Gods. But no matter if they were the Gods or not, she would not allow her child to be taken from her.
"You cannot control your fate, girl," a voice that made her blood run cold as she slowly turned and stared at Robert Baratheon, her blood becoming ice as she backed from him. It caused him to chuckle. "Worry not, girl. I cannot harm you, more than you can harm me," he said as she frowned. "I know the truth, we all know the truth once we are taken into the Gods' arms. The Stranger gave me to the Warrior and Father both, your mother remains within the Mother's arms with her children and grandsons and granddaughter," Robert told her as she froze at his words. "You know the truth, Rhaenyra Targaryen. Dragon Queen," he laughed warmly. "Do better than your father. Help your sister do better. Help your cousin, Gendry, do better than me," he wished before vanishing as the snow started to fall. As she frowned in confusion as she turned, her hair flying
"Rhaenyra," a male's voice that she could not recognize made her frown and turned to the side to see a beautiful white-haired, lilac-eyed man standing with a smile. He wore black and red velvet clothing, like her and Daenerys, were the epitome of the Targaryen Dynasty. Rhaegar Targaryen, her eldest brother.
XLIII
"What are we going to do?" Arya asked cautiously as she tried to help calm Daenaera down as the baby cried uncontrollably, Arya felt uncomfortable and quickly gave Sansa the baby. The girl, who would evoke the Maiden herself, stood with grace and started to bounce the baby to settle her. But the infant continued to cry, unhappy that her mother was not holding her, the three month old could tell the difference in scents, the dragonscent that her mother normally was covered in soothed the babies.
"I do not know. We can only hope that she wakes soon," Sansa said before her sister decided to go inside the camp to be with her mother.
Sansa having an inkling decided to approach the temperamental she-dragon who had been hissing and spitting fire at everyone who attempted to soothe her. Alysanne and Rhaenys growled warnings at Sansa before settling at seeing the infant in her arms. Daenaera's wails attracted the upset dragon who slowly lowered her giant head and softly sniffed the baby's fist as the baby slowly quieted at feeling the scaled nose under her tiny fist before crying once more but differently Sansa noticed as Rhaella mimicked the baby, crying out softly to join. Sansa shushed her niece and gently rocked her as she started to sing softly, settling beside the resting grounds of the dragons with Lady right beside her as she cried silently. Rhaenyra was a second mother to her and a best friend.
"Princess," Tyrion's voice came as Rhaella who had settled beside the redhead growled warningly while Rhaenys slowly approached. "Lykirī," Tyrion requested as Rhaenys cooed while sniffing her rider's brother, smelling Jaime's scent on him from the two brothers hanging out and bonding once more after being reunited. Sansa, again, shushed the dragon she rested against while rocking Daenaera to sleep successfully. The baby wore herself out but was content against her aunt's breasts, clutching her coat and finger, with the dragons surrounding them. "How does your brother's heir sleep?" Tyrion asked softly as he, Shae, and a nervous Bronn approached. The sellsword was always on edge around the dragons and was cautious when his friends seemed peaceful around them.
"Unfitful, she misses her mother. Is unhappy when she cannot be held by her," Sansa claimed as Tyrion frowned. Shae offered to hold the baby if she woke up and Sansa was tired. But Rhaella's small growl made the former whore freeze.
"Maybe the little one would prefer someone taking her up in the skies?" Bronn suggested seeing the bond between child and dragon, the baby was her rider and mother's child.
"Only Baela and Rhaenyra did that," Sansa said as Tyrion shrugged.
"Jaime would be a good carrier or someone could go with them," Tyrion suggested. "Not me! I am too fearful to actually ride one," the dwarf said while bringing a chuckle from the others.
"I think I know someone," Sansa smiled as she stood with Bronn's offered hand.
XLII
"Robb, no one else can ride the dragons and I know you would not trust Jaime with one of the babies in the sky despite him helping bring Casterly Rock down, but I think going in the skies will make Daenaera happy. She has been crying and unhappy every time someone who is not her mother," Sansa defended as Catelyn tried to soothe her upset daughter, Eddard started to cry soon as well. Many worried for the prince and princess' health as the guards all joined trying to help soothe the babies but not one really could. Ellaria had started to sing to the babies which soothed them to a point that it allowed them to sleep for a few hours or throughout the night, the Dornish bastard had no issue of singing to the babies while she sat with Robb and a sleeping Rhaenyra. It was Ellaria who sat the difference in Rhaenyra's stomach but did not say something in fear of being wrong.
"Then who, Sansa?" Robb asked his sister, cradling his son who whimpered in his sleep but settled with his father's comfort.
"Arya," Sansa smiled. "She has been obsessed with dragons since we were children, you know this. She would keep the babies close and listen to whatever the riders' tell her. Why not?" Sansa asked as Robb scoffed.
"How about they've never taken on a secondary sitting passenger," Robb said before allowing the wetnurse to take his son who whined before accepting her breast, needing food. Catelyn felt heartbroken as she sat beside Rhaenyra's side, helping change the bandages with the ladies as many were surprised Roslin, Baela, Valaena, and Lyanna all helped tend to her wounds and change or bathe her with ease. Roslin would always hum a song Rhaenyra was known to sing to children and her unborn belly when she was first pregnant while braiding her queen's hair.
Valaena had made the decision to send a missive to Daenerys and Jon, knowing both would want to know about the queen's health and possible death if she did not pull through. She would leave two healthy heirs of dragon-wolf blood as their mother would hope her sister would follow with Jon. Robb had realized that the riders were completely unprotected on dragonback. The young dragons were still learning and he worried it would take a fatal death for them to learn. But Robb decided to have armor made for Baela and Jaime, and once Rhaenyra woke up, for her as well. It saddened some to realize it took the queen's serious injury for them to learn this and to do this for the dragonriders.
"Well this way they can learn and it would soothe the babes," Sansa suggested before leaving as Ellaria sat with her friend, reading softly as to rouse her from her sleep. They tried a number of things; reading, singing, and talking to the young queen to wake her up before Oberyn suggested maybe she was waiting to wake up. Though many did not understand as Robb did not either, wishing his wife would wake already and he would not have to worry and soon he would have to march to help the Reach. They were able to fight back the host but they are pushing hard for the Reach now that they lost Casterly Rock. They needed whatever momentum they could get from taking lands from others.
"You should agree, if I may offer advice, Your Grace," Ellaria suggested as he nodded.
"I am, I just need to make sure I am making the right decision on who to accompany them," he smiled as she smiled back, understanding that they'd have to be good at taking orders and not doing anything stupid.
"Ser Barristan, send in Arya and Valaena," Robb ordered as the knight agreed.
XLIII
(King's Landing)
Cersei felt her breath truly leave her body as though it was ripped from her lungs by the Stranger himself. Tywin stared at the soot covered burned survivor of Casterly Rock. But Cersei knew the man might not survive Tywin's slowly growing rage about the one thing he thought not possible.
"Casterly Rock has fallen?" he asked quietly, seething silently as some truly and fearfully shifted away from him. "Is that what I just heard?!" the man roared. Like his children, Tywin could emulate his house's lion temper quite well.
"Y-yes, my lord Hand, the three dragons had destroyed the walls to allow soldiers in and the main fighters that went through were the Dornish, led by Prince Oberyn Martell," the man said as Joffrey growled angrily and kicked a chair over.
"What good is this council?! I am hearing of the victories Robb Stark and his whore of a wife keep collecting while we are struggling to overpower a weakened Reach. You said this would be easy once they all start to go home for the winter. Winter will be announced soon and yet, they are still fighting!" Joffrey yelled at his grandfather, truly enraged at the losses they kept gaining. "What good is Myrcella in Dorne if they are not our allies?" Joffrey asked.
"I agree, she would have a better chance of marrying someone from our side," Cersei started before Tywin glared at her.
"Your children's marriages are of no use if we lose Casterly Rock!" Tywin yelled. Never in the history of his family, have they ever lost Casterly Rock, not even his bumbling father lost it, almost ruining their family, yes. But never losing their house seat. "Do you not realize the severity of this situation?" He asked as Cersei pursed her lips at his tone.
"You said these dragons were just curiosities! How can they be 'curiosities' when they are burning my soldiers and taking my realm from me?! You do nothing but sit there and plot," Joffrey snarled as he angrily paced. "Now, Littlefinger is nowhere to be heard from and her sister has three dragons of her own and is amassing an army of her own," Joffrey claimed, panting as Tywin stared him down, truly done with his grandson's tantrums.
"Take the King to his chambers, have the grandmaester give him some sleep drought for a small nap," Tywin ordered, his voice still and calm as Cersei slowly turned to look at her father.
"Father-"
"Now," he ordered the guards as Cersei bit her lip and took a breath when he pinned her with a stare. "You, stay," he pointed as she nodded. Tywin was done, no more playing, no more plotting to try and bring them down. All the Lannisters had was the Capitol and any lower houses loyal to the crown still. "Write letters to all houses that have chokeholds around the Riverlands and the North, we will bring an end to this," he swore. Rage building as his grandson was hauled out by the guards with the grandmaester following.
"My Lord?" Varys asked, confused.
"This Dragon Queen and Wolf King act like they know how to rule, let them rule when their loyal houses start to turn on them. We will start with Walder Frey, he has to have some price and the Karstark lord's cousin did he ever reply to my missive?" Tywin asked as one guard nodded.
"He did, My Lord Hand, but he also was warned by the Queen herself. No matter the way of death in the North, should she find any betrayals in her kingdom, they would be purged, by dragonfire," the guard spoke slowly as Tywin paused.
"Dragonfire?" he asked, with a small thought on how to get under Rhaenyra's skin.
"As she has done her enemies and prisoners before, so will betrayers of her people. 'Scorched out by root and stem.' A different play on her husband's words, I hear. When the Umbers threatened to march home after not being given a spot in the Vanguard. Robb Stark was heard saying they will march back from the South and root the Umbers out of their keep to instill a new lord of the Keep if they betrayed them. The lord lost two fingers when he threatened his liege lord about being an oathbreaker. The dragons were quickly seen diving and catching a few men on fire with their weak flames when Grey Wind took the man's fingers," the soldier explained as Tywin scowled.
"Have you any news about my brother? No, doubt killed-"
"A prisoner, along with his wife, children and your sister, at the request of Jaime Lannister," the soldier spoke as Cersei grinned.
"He values his family of course," the woman smiled as the soldier frowned.
"No, Your Grace. Because it was he who helped capture them and as a request of helping bring the walls down, save his kin for prisoners only. As Sansa and Lady, the direwolf, were kept as valuable prisoners. As Yara Greyjoy remains a prisoner in Winterfell from her failed invasion," the soldier explained as Tywin got in his face.
"My son would never betray our family!" Tywin roared.
"I fear he has turned to his daughter and her mother, now that he rides Rhaenys, the golden she-dragon of Rhaenyra Targaryen. I saw it for myself, he was astride the golden beast, whip and reins in hand as his daughter and her cousin did. Jaime Lannister is a soldier for the enemy queen, My Lord Hand," the soldier said to his leige lord who glared suddenly.
"Take him," Tywin ordered as his men quickly restrained the other. "Hide him in the cells, ensure no one hears of this," Tywin warned while Varys eyed the holes hidden within the walls as his Little Birds, no doubt, scurried off to tell the news. Even he was surprised to hear of this news. Soon, all of Westeros will learn of it and eventually Essos.
XLIII
(Essos)
Daenerys giggled when she saw Jon successfully hoisting a, now running Rhelli, up, carefully balancing her on his arm as Ghost had blocked her from leaving the tent before her mother deemed her ready.
"You are not ready child," Irri scolded while taking her from Jon. "Khaleesi," Irri curstsied to the queen as she walked to another female servant who had a small tub ready for the child who giggled. Viserion purred as he watched the child from the opening of the tent to where the dragons sat and rested, the cream-colored dragon was content to watch the little child himself.
"Tell me about your dragons, and they're connections, again," Jon requested as Dany beamed. She enjoyed talking about the reasons for her naming. Jon never held jealousy or irritation when she talked on and on about Drogo like Daario used to when she first talked about her beginning as a Khaleesi. How shy and skittish she was when she first married. Jon had reassured her it was how Rhaenyra was when he left Winterfell, a well-taught lady-like northern lady. But what he left in Westeros was Visenya reborn, something Jon could see in Daenerys too.
"Viserion was named after my brother, Viserys, your uncle. I believe this madness you all say my father, your grandfather, had passed to him, from all these letters I have read Rhaegar did not exuberate these signs," Daenerys said as Jon shook his head. "Rhaegar was the name for both my children and dragon, hoping his dragon would accomplish what he could not, and Drogo for my husband, their temperaments were a match, so I named him for my dark maned husband," Daenerys explained as Jon smiled with a small nod.
"My aunt, Catelyn, claims my mother did not fight because of the fact that her betrothed, Robert Baratheon, already fathered a few bastards in the Eyrie where he was wards with my uncle, Eddard Stark," Jon stopped as he chuckled softly.
"What? What is it?" Daenerys asked, softly laying a hand on his arm.
"Nothing, just something my uncle once told me when I asked if I could ever know the identity of my mother. He said 'you may not have my name, but you have my blood' soon after I asked if I could ever know of my mother, if she knew about me and my life, if she was alive," Jon said gently. Daenerys felt sorrow for Jon as she listened. "He said 'when we meet again, we'll talk about your mother. I promise,'" Jon recited his uncle's last words to him after saying goodbye to his cousins, who were sisters to him at the time, both wishing to see him again. Sansa would have been a princess, married to that horrid boy, and Arya, no doubt, would have become a skilled swordswoman if his uncle had any say.
"Do you think he would have told you?" Daenerys asked while they sat together. Daenerys has been having her people prepare everything for the departure to Westeros. Rhelli was toddling around with Grey Worm walking alongside her as Missandei held her hand. Jon smiled watching the little babe walk.
"I think so, he never broke promises, he always kept them," Jon said as Daenerys smiled back. Rhelli had toddled over to them, Jon playfully roared as he hoisted her up making her squeal happily. He pressed small kisses to her cheek as she cooed, enjoying the attention. Daenerys continued to watch him bond with the child as he stood with her looking at everything wide-eyed. Jon gently bounced her on his arm as she giggled. Ser Jorah smiled seeing the bond Jon obviously was creating with Rhelli as he looked to his queen, the woman herself nodded to her knight, making her decision as she rejoined them to walk with Jon to discuss their way to Westeros and how Jon felt to know Rhaegar was his father. Jon made her laugh at the prospect he still could not understand though it baffled him.
Daario continued to eye Jon with anger and contempt at realizing Daenerys was leaning towards this northern Westerosi man. She was always with him, and Rhelli has started to call him 'Kepa' a word that means father or uncle. Daenerys never corrected her and then tried to get her daughter to say 'Muña' shortly after. It was clear what Daenerys' choice was going to be and Daario had not heard of her plans for the Second Sons and a handful of other soldiers of hers that were not Dothraki nor Unsullied.
XLIII
(Northern Army)
Robb had made his way into his tent only to freeze when two women he did not recognize in the tent as guards had been changing shifts. Roslin who had been following him with Valaena, Wylla, and Wynafryd all gave startled shouts and yelps for the guards.
"Who are you and why are you near my wife?" Robb demanded as the woman leapt in the air at swords coming at her throat while her daughters were restrained.
"Your Grace, please! I know a few healing techiniques that could aid Her Grace in healing faster," Lady Westerling, Robb now recalled, spoke as Thoros raced in with Lynara behind him, a short sword-dagger in her hand as she glared at the women.
"Is she alright?" Lynara asked as the Red Priest agreed.
"Yes, she is well. So is the child," he claimed while the women all relaxed and surrounded their queen.
"I will ask once more, what made you think you could approach my wife?" Robb asked as Jeyne approached. Though Ser Barristan stepping forward warningly made her frown.
"I was only checking her wound, Your Grace. Truly, it seems as though the child survives, it must please you," she offered as his face darkened.
"I would be more pleased if my wife woke up. Leave now," he ordered softly as the woman curtsied low to him before walking out as her mother followed, a small smirk on her face.
"Why do you still have them here, Your Grace?" Valaena asked as Arya also asked the same to her brother, albeit more rudely to her brother.
"Because they are vassals of House Lannister and to keep the men in line I am holding the lord and his family with our own as hostages. But aside from that, I have a request of you two," he asked as Arya frowned while Valaena hummed in curiosity. "An idea that has been brought to my attention. Jaime and Baela both have agreed to take a passenger each on the dragon's back. And I've chosen them to be you two. The babies would be well strapped to you," Robb said as Valaena scoffed and shook her head.
"No. I do not trust those beasts," Valaena said as Robb sighed.
"Val, you and Arya are the only two I trust that are not afraid of those dragons," he said as Valaena growled softly. Arya, though, grinned.
"I'm in," Arya said in delight.
"Very well," the head lady-in-waiting agreed after a bit as Arya chuckled.
"Come on," he encouraged as the two made their way out, Valaena had been riding earlier with some other ladies on horseback. So, she was grateful to be dressed for riding though she was terrified of being on the dragons' backs because both times Rhaenyra was, she was hit.
"You look terrified, Mother," Baela said while helping clip Daenaera to Arya who smiled and kissed her niece's head. Robb checked her with a soft 'you good?' To which she answered with a nod, receiving a small kiss to her forehead by her brother.
"You'll be alright, Val," Jaime promised as she smiled softly after receiving Eddard from Catelyn who cooed to her cranky grandson. They've been fussy all morning.
"Come on. Let's get this over with," Valaena muttered, whispering a small prayer to the baby's head. "I cannot believe I agreed to this," she growled before climbing up the ladder as Jaime offered his arm. Once she was seated behind Jaime with the baby who cooed softly in curiosity. His twin already settled behind Baela as Arya looked around in amazement.
"It is not that bad," he reassured his former lover who playfully glared at him. She wrapped an arm around his waist like she would a horse while ensuring the baby was nestled in her arms safely while seeing Arya do the same as Alysanne started to run before taking off, balancing the extra weight on her back before gaining air quickly as she took off with her anchored passengers. Rhaenys watched her sister a moment before chirping as she did the same with Rhaella behind her ensuring her sisters were well in the sky. Rhaenys launched into the air as Valaena held onto Jaime's waist as Eddard squealed. Arya was heard hooting with Baela laughing. Jaime smiled seeing his daughter enjoying her flight with Arya and Daenaera. Valaena smiled as she felt the air flow with Eddard smiling widely, looking around before burying his face in her chest as Valaena squeezed Jaime's waist. She looked at seeing the camp small while Jaime did not go too high with the baby on her back. Now she understood why Rhaenyra, Baela, and Jaime enjoyed being in the air, slowly she was doing the same as she held the smiling baby close. Happy that this small flight made the baby happy and hopefully enough to sleep.
XLIII
"There must be three. The dragon has three heads," Rhaegar told her as she frowned. She thought she saw flashes of visions around them before she turned back to her brother confused.
"What does that even mean?" Rhaenyra asked, she had read this before herself in books of prophecies that her great-uncle sent her over the years. Rhaenyra thought she saw a flash of the Wall coming down, making her blood freeze and terror filled her heart at the thought.
"Our histories, they tell us Aegon looked across the Blackwater Bay from Dragonstone and saw a rich land for the capture. But ambition alone is not what drove him to conquest, it was a dream. Just as Daenys saw the end of Valyria. Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men. 'Tis to begin with a terrible winter gusting out of the distant north. Aegon saw absolute darkness riding on those winds. And whatever dwells within will destroy the world of the living. When this Great Winter comes, Rhaenyra, all of Westeros must stand against it. And if the world of men is to survive a Targaryen must be seated on the Iron Throne. A king or queen strong enough to unite the realm against the cold and the dark. Aegon called his dream "The Song of Ice and Fire. This has been passed from King to heir, I was told this by a loyal maester before our defeat. And now you must help carry it and protect it and our world," Rhaegar told her as he approached, cupping his sister's face as he laid his forehead to her's. "Promise me this, Rhaenyra. Promise me," he begged as she closed her eyes, tears sliding down as she nodded, gripping his wrists too, feeling his warmth, his love. And wished she could have lived in a world ruled by her sweet brother, a man who had risked everything to help protect their realm. Sadly, a man many called mad just like their father because he allowed a prophecy to guide his movements
"Promise us all, child," Ned requested as they all stood there. Rhaenyra felt her throat close up at seeing those she had lost and felt a small nudge in her belly as she looked to her brother who smiled.
"Name the next one after this babe, Daemon. He was always a favorite of our family's," Rhaegar teased as Rhaenyra inhaled sharply before opening her eyes and coughing softly. Flashes of ships landing with a cloth dragon swayed on poles amidst a cheering crowd. From a smoking tower, a great stone beast took wing, breathing fire with other shadows following. A golden lion breathing fire upon a storm-struck castle before everything went white as her brother's words echoed with others saying the same; 'promise me.'
Rhaenyra's coughing startled Ellaria and Roslin who sat with her as Dacey raced out to get Robb.
"Rhaenyra?" Ellaria asked, leaning over the Targaryen Queen who turned her head to her friend with a weak grin.
"Did you truly think that would kill me?" she asked playfully as her ladies all giggled or smiled with tears in their eyes.
"You Targaryens are hard to kill, aye," Maege Mormont commented as her queen chuckled before Robb bolted in, tears gathering in his eyes but had not fallen as he approached his wife. He gently cupped her face as he ordered others out for a moment. Everyone stood, bowing or curtsying before leaving. Once Ser Barristan closed the tent opening, Robb pressed a kiss to his wife's lips, crying softly as she held him close, cupping the back of his head to her shoulder/chest. Shushing him softly as she winced at pulling her chest.
"Oh, Gods. Where did that hit?" Rhaenyra asked, her voice raspy as Robb scoffed.
"Your ribcage, closer to it and it would have truly pierced your lungs. Thoros thinks the air current and leather resistance stopped the bolt from truly breaking through," Robb said.
"The baby?" Rhaenyra asked, worried in her voice. She knew trauma like that would cause her to lose another.
"Thoros claims you still carry the babe, but he wants to be sure," Robb said.
"How?" Rhaenyra asked as Robb looked down.
"You will be under his care, and until we know you will ride in a carriage with mother, Arya, and Sansa. I would prefer if you would ride-"
"I want to return home," Rhaenyra said suddenly as Robb froze.
"Wh- Rhae," he tried.
"No. Robb, stop. We have twins and I am praying I keep this pregnancy. And… we need to prepare for Daenerys' arrival, along with any other situations to deal with," Rhaenyra started, feeling tears about realizing how close to death she truly came to. "Winter is truly coming, they need their King or Queen back home and also to prepare for the Wildlings," she said as he stopped her.
"You will make our forces split. Rhae, please, I know it is proper for women to remain in their homes and rule in the man's place. But I need you here, not for your dragonfire but for you, I need you here with me and keep me grounded," he spoke, sitting on the bed as Rhaenyra looked at him with a sad look.
"Robb, I am worried I will lose this pregnancy," she frowned.
"I have commissioned armor to be made for you and the other dragon riders. But to ensure we have full control over the dragons and the armies, I do need you here with me," he urged as Rhaenyra looked down, cupping her belly as she hoped her child remained. "Thoros claimed you dying for a moment would not harm the babe, he's done it before with village women when their hearts give out for unknown reasons, he claimed some were prengnat farmers and he was able to bring them back and stayed with them to ensure the babe's came healthy and they did. But to ensure you keep this pregnancy, you can reduce your riding and fighting," Robb said as she bit her lip before nodding.
"I-I died?" Rhaenyra asked, confused.
"Your heart stopped, no breathing. We all feared the worst when they removed the bolt," Robb claimed, hand resting on the bandage over the healing wound it had rested between her ribs, a little below her breasts, but Roose claimed the position he heard, the bolt must have struck bone after piercing her leather. The maester claimed it must have been a lucky shot, a better aimed bolt could have killed her or their child.
"So, what have I missed?" Rhaenyra asked, deciding not to go into her dreams right now. 'I swear if this continues and I bare a girl, she will be named Daenys for Daenys the Dreamer,' Rhaenyra mused in her mind as she listened her to husband talk.
"You will never believe who rode on the dragons within the last few weeks," he said as she hummed curious. "Arya and Valaena," he said as his wife's eyes widened.
"What?! And I missed Val's terrified reaction?!" Rhaenyra yelped before wincing as Robb laughed. "Oh, that hurts. Curse you, husband, I not only have to bare your children but now recover from this, I cannot even laugh," she chuckled softly as she craddled her sore ribs while Robb laughed and embraced her happily while she smiled back, happy to have woken up.
XLIII
Rhaenyra stood with her guards surrounding her as her ladies also lingered with the babies as she watched her dragons gorge and play. Soon they would be off, marching further South, Rhaenyra was fighting the feeling she held about going too far South and hoped Tywin would meet them out so they could fight.
"Your Grace!" A messenger came up the stairs as Rhaenyra confusingly turned as Ser Barristan stopped him. Dacey took the letter as she read it before allowing the Queen to take it, making sure no one put anything on it or in it. Rhaenyra read the letter in shock as she stuttered before frowning, sighing, she picked up her skirts and marched up to where her husband was standing with his men. He was giving them instructions on what they were doing, who was marching at what speed and who would be marching together.
"Robb," she called softly, hand resting on her stomach as everyone bowed while the girls curtsied to Robb before leaving.
"What is it, Love?" Robb asked worriedly.
"The Mountain has attacked, he is leading a host to Highgarden," Rhaenyra said as Robb paused and looked at her before cursing softly. "And Oberyn knows," she finished. Robb sighed as he nodded, walking with her as they returned to start their way to Highgarden.
"He will be marching that way soon, you know this. He still wants justice for the death of his sister and her children," Rhaenyra said as Robb frowned.
"It is his right, it was our whole march to seek vengeance for my father," he claimed while his wife smiled.
"Yes, but the Dornish are vengeful and aggressive. Do you think the prince will think fully through his actions if he sees him? I do not," Rhaenyra said as Ser Barristan decided to approach.
"Listen to her Your Grace, I implore you. I know the Dornish, the Martells, in particular," the knight said. Robb sighed softly before nodding as he and his wife made their way to the center of their army.
"Tyrion," Rhaenyra called out as the dwarf made his way with his brother and niece, both of whom had come to her at her call. "I have a small quest for you," she claimed as Tyrion beamed at her words. Knowing she never meant them in a mocking way, but was curious as to what she needed of him. "You may take others if you wish but I know you can find out the truth," Rhaenyra said, ensuring no others heard her but her dragon riders and husband.
"Your Grace?" Tyrion asked, confused for a moment.
"I need you to get close to this boy they call Young Griff, ensure he is not my nephew Aegon, son of Rhaegar," Rhaenyra ordered as Tyrion frowned a moment before humming as he nodded.
"I will do it," he confirmed as Jaime stuttered.
"Tyrion, you'd have to go to Essos. The Boy is in Essos where he has tried to get to Daenerys," Jaime claimed while his daughter agreed but also defended her queen.
"But Uncle is sly with words, he is smart in finding out if he is true or not," Baela praised her uncle who truly thought of everything.
"I will do it, and I will take Shae and Bronn with me, if they wish to go," Tyrion said as his brother sighed, unhappy about being separated from his younger brother once more.
"Of course. And I would have you take some of Sansa's ladies if they would go, I need someone to inspect Illyrio Mopatis about something," Rhaenrya said as Tyrion frowned before nodding.
"I am sure I can get myself to Illyrio first," Tyrion surmised while thinking about it.
XLIII
(Essos)
Daenerys beamed as she slowly sat up, not wanting to disturb Jon who peacefully slept beside her, both naked as the day they were born. She smiled at the memory with a small blush.
"How will you intrigue him, Your Grace?" Missandei asked as she undid Daenerys' braids.
"I already have, but I truly have never met a man who is stubborn about sex before marriage, he is infurriating," Daenerys giggled as her maids all giggled or smiled.
"I hear it is custom," Irri commented as she fixed a thin nightdress Daenerys planned to wear for Jon later to see how much he desires her. "Or so says Ser Jorah," she beamed as Daenerys had an evil glint in her eye.
"Ah! So, he is a bit reserved. My favorite," she beamed as the girls all joined in giggling as she bit her lip in thought, wanting to appease Jon's hunger he must have but also did not wish to put herself in a bad way in his eyes. She obviously was married before and had a child, no children, so she was no stranger to sex.
"He watches you a lot," Jhiqui commented as she and Missandei brushed down her hair and skin.
"Your Grace," Daario greeted with a smile as Daenerys looked up. She gave a tense smile while standing as the other ladies frowned and looked at one another. "You look beautiful," he praised stepping forward as she stepped back.
"Thank you, Daario. May I ask why you have come to my private chambers?" Daenerys asked, making sure her ladies stayed, not wanting anything to look bad. She knew any bad qualities will leave a distasteful remnant in Jon's eyes if he suspected she had a lover and would continue if they married, she did not want to do that nor risk him thinking to do the same. Khals did that but Drogo did not, she did not wish for that in their marriage either.
"I simply wished to see you," he offered while Daenerys frowned.
"Daario, I have told you, whatever we had before is done. I am to marry Jon and bind our claims, help unify our homelands," Daenerys said as she felt a bit uncomfortable having to tell him this. She thought he would have understood the first time she told him of her needing to be careful of her actions.
"Come on, all rulers have lovers, it is not uncommon. The previous King Robert? I hear he slept with whores and others whenever he wished. Once you marry, you can do the same," he smiled.
"No, I cannot. I will be loyal and honest to my husband as I would hope the same from him, so I will please ask you to state your business with your Queen or leave, you should not be here," Daenerys said, unaware of Jon hovering near the opening of her tent before leaving so as to not bother her. Though he felt more comfortable with the thought of marrying Daenerys. Seeing what she wished for in their marriage despite his position in their family line.
Later on during their dinner they ate together with Rhelli being sent off to sleep, Ghost trotting off after her, becoming like a guard to her, which Jon and Daenerys found adorable. Daenerys felt warm as Jon continued to stare at her softly as she bit her lips.
"So, please tell me. Is it hard to not… want to lay with another? I will admit I have only had one lover after my husband's death but no one else," Daenerys spoke while Jon nodded understanding.
"I have never laid with someone so I do not know the want for it, but I understand your position, you missed the companionship you had with a husband," he said as she smiled, happy he understood.
"Jon, I truly do like you. You are sweet, I've seen you train with your friends and even Ser Jorah and Ser Raynor. I would be pleased to marry you, whether it be now or when we land in Westeros," Daenerys smiled as Jon hummed.
"Both," he urged to her curiosity. "To tell those here, you are married and we have confirmed our sides. And once we land, if the people wish so, give them a Faith wedding, or northern if you would like," he offered as she smiled. The Faith would have been her if she had been raised in Westeros but now she was here. And she would happily marry Jon in both lands to prove it. Daenerys had leaned in gently, pressing a small kiss to his lips as she felt him respond. Softly, Jon held his aunt closer before allowing her to lead him to her bed chambers. Jon felt comfortable with her as she helped him undress and allowed him to undo her simple dress as she smiled when he saw the ease of it coming off. Giving him a few more kisses to keep him focused on her, Daenerys calmly pulled Jon to sit in the bed as she settled on his lap, feeling how hard he was becoming at her soft body against his own. She allowed his hands to graze her body while pressing small kisses to her exposed skin. Finding one of her nipples she moaned in pleasure. Rhelli had long ago stopped nursing from her so her milk thankfully had dried up. Drogo had an obsession with her breast milk and enjoyed sex during her nursing phase. But her breasts were still sensitive it seemed. Not painful but sensitive.
"Jon," she moaned in delight while he suckled at her neglected nipple, his hand playing with the other as she grinds against his lap. Feeling his manhood hardened she reaches down and helps angle him, rubbing from her pearl to her slit, Jon enjoys the feeling of her wet cavern engulfing him slowly. Moaning softly, Daenerys slid down as her own moan filled the tent.
"Gods, Dany," he moaned against her breast as she faltered for a second before moving again.
"That's it, Jon." She panted as she moved her hips. Jon moaned, feeling her use his shoulders as a brace. Bouncing, Daenerys felt Jon biting and kissing different parts of the skin of her shoulder and neck. His hands gripped her hips as he helped her move. Daenerys widened her knees, allowing a deeper penetration when she slid down with a loud moan.
"'M close," he slurred as she beamed, huffing before kissing him once more while bouncing faster and harder to help him reach his end, her own right on the tip of her tongue as well, she could taste it. Knowing he needed something, Daenerys took his hand and had his fingers press against her clit, his rough finger pads from sword training was heaven to her sensitive button. Triggering her release it allowed him to follow right after, moaning deeply as she held him close. Feeling him twitch and fill her womb, Daenerys enjoyed the feeling of a man's seed filling her, praying it took. She kissed him a few more times before allowing him to pull her under the blankets, she nuzzled her face into his neck as Jon held her close, rubbing her back.
"I hope that was okay," Daenerys said softly, slightly nervous as he chuckled.
"I promise you, I have no complaints," Jon swore as he held her close. She smiled gently while pressing a few more kisses to his face, they slept a few hours before waking up to go again as Jon was on top this time, Daenerys clung to him like a squid. Nails running down his back in delight.
Daenerys felt her body burn and her insides light up at the thought of Jon doing all those things to her again, smiling at feeling someone run their hand up her spine in greeting. Turning, she saw a tired Jon greet her with his fingers softly running around her exposed skin. Daenerys felt like a giddy girl with him, unlike Drogo where she felt fear during her first time until she grew to love him, with Jon she felt safe and comfortable to share her love with him.
Soon enough, Daenerys once again mounted him like she had Drogo the first time she took a little control. But with Jon, she did not mind him trying a few times. She knew it would only take Jon some more times before he's eager on his own and with no prompting on her end.
XLIII
End of chapter! How was that? And Tyrion is going East to find out who this Young Griff really is, but curiously how does she know about Illyrio Mopatis?
But please let me know what you think! I was finally able to get this posted! I was working doubles the last few days at my server job ? but I hope you enjoyed it!
~Rusty14~
