Red Keep ― Maegor's Holdfast…
Baela crouched down beside a tiny container as she experienced a discomforting sensation of nausea that washed over her like a wave. The world around her seemed to spin as her stomach churned with an unsettling intensity. Without warning, she expelled the contents of her stomach into the receptacle with a sickening splash. "BLLLAAAARRRGGHHH!" The repulsive, slimy blob carried a potent taste of bile, intensifying her queasiness. "Ooooh, fuck…~" Baela emitted a sound that was a mix of a groan and a whimper in her discomfort, a vocalization of her body's revolt against the unpleasantness it had just experienced.
Remaining on her knees, Baela desperately tried to spit out the acrid taste from her mouth, but it seemed to linger. The bitter tang seemed to seep into every crevice of her mouth, making her gag even more. The taste was so overpowering that it made her feel even sicker as if her body was rejecting every part of the experience. Baela's face contorted in disgust as she caught a whiff of the foul stench, her senses overwhelmed by the disgusting aroma.
Slowly, the queasiness began to subside, the waves of nausea receding like a distant memory. Baela took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air that filled her lungs. The taste of stomach acid gradually faded, replaced by a sense of relief.
Her grandfather, Lord Corlys, stood protectively by her side as she struggled to stand up on her wobbly legs. Despite everything that had happened, the Battle of the Gullet and the loss of over thirty-six percent of House Velaryon's naval strength was a bitter pill to swallow, and many would have seen it as a sign to retreat and regroup. If it wasn't for his granddaughters Baela and Rhaena, the Sea Snake would have undoubtedly withdrawn his forces to Driftmark and declared neutrality. It was a pragmatic choice that would have allowed House Velaryon to rebuild its strength in the face of such a devastating loss.
However, because Baela had married Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, a union that held great promise for House Velaryon, Corlys felt compelled to remain with the Blacks to benefit his granddaughters and fight for the cause. He knew that by standing by their side, he supported Baela and Rhaena and ensured House Velaryon's survival. The decision to remain with the Blacks was not easy for Corlys. He was aware of the risks and dangers that lay ahead. The civil war between the Blacks and the Caltrops tore the realm apart, and the odds could one day stack against them if they were not careful. Yet, Corlys was a man of duty and couldn't abandon his family or responsibilities. I trusted you, boy! We've been allies for years, and you dare stab me in the back?! You've lost your grip, Aeonar! Your sons have proven to be the better man. "How is she?" he asked a maester.
"Well, my lord," a youthful maester's apprentice chimed, "physically speaking, Lady Baela is perfectly healthy. We've run some tests to see if there was anything we might have missed, and―"
"Well…?" Baela struggled to catch her breath, taking quick, shallow breaths as she frantically looked for a way to get rid of the repulsive flavor of vomit in her mouth. Her hands trembled as she scooped them under a water basin, bringing the refreshing water to her lips to cleanse her palate. The water cascaded over her tongue, offering a brief respite from the unpleasant aftertaste. She swirled the liquid around in her mouth, hoping to eliminate any remnants of the disgusting substance that stubbornly clung to her taste buds. "Am I sick or not?"
"Well, yes and no."
"Speak if you know something. What is wrong with my granddaughter?" Corlys pressed.
"There's nothing wrong with her, my lord. Lady Baela is…"
"Is what?" Baela pressed, seeming visibly annoyed.
"Pregnant."
Baela stood frozen, her mind unable to process the shocking revelation. Pregnant? The words echoed in her ears, leaving her uncertain if she had heard correctly. Shaking her head in disbelief, she mustered the courage to ask again. "I-I'm what?" she stammered.
"My lady, you are pregnant. You're carrying a child in your womb."
Baela's mind raced as she tried to process the news. She had promised Jaehaerys a family of their own and even told him she was ready to be a mother to his children, but the thought of actually being pregnant with her first child was both thrilling and terrifying. Baela had always been a headstrong and independent young woman, but the prospect of bringing a life into this world was an entirely different realm of responsibility. She was a young woman of sixteen years, almost seventeen in a couple of months. She had so many questions and concerns - would she be a good mother? What if something went wrong? Would she be able to handle the demands that came with it? What if she wasn't able to carry the child to term? Baela gently placed her hand on her yet-unrounded belly, tracing circles over her womb.
But amidst her fears, as she sat there, lost in thought, Baela couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the miracle of life growing inside her. She imagined the tiny fingers and toes, the first smiles and giggles, and the unbreakable bond that would form between her and the tiny life growing inside her.
Standing tall with his arms folded behind his back, Corlys offered a silent nod of approval. The announcement of House Velaryon's first great-grandchild would be a momentous occasion, strengthening their ties with the royal House Targaryen and granting Driftmark even more influence in the realm's affairs. This milestone marked the continuation of their legacy. The Velaryons would have a direct line to the future rulers of Westeros. As head of the family, Corlys had always been aware of the importance of their ties to House Targaryen. The Velaryons had long been loyal supporters of the Targaryen dynasty, and their connection to the royal family had only grown stronger over the years. Now, with the impending arrival of Baela's unborn child, that connection would be further solidified.
But Corlys also recognized the weight that this placed on Baela's shoulders. Being a mother at such a young age was no easy task, especially when the eyes of the realm would be upon her child. That's why he felt it necessary to offer her guidance and support. "I imagine this is a lot to take in, Baela, considering you're young. Your mother and the queen were also young when they had their first child. They faced their own challenges and doubts, but they rose above them and became exemplary role models for the realm, steering clear of the brewing storm," he advised her, his voice steady and calm. He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in. Corlys knew that Baela needed to hear this to understand that she was not alone in her journey. He unfolded his arms and placed a reassuring hand on his granddaughter's shoulder. His touch was warm and comforting, a silent gesture of support. "You have the blood of Old Valyria running through your veins, Baela," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "And with that comes great strength and resilience. I have faith in you, my dear. You will rise to this and, one day, become the queen you were destined to be."
Baela pondered over her grandfather's words, her mind drifting to the future that awaited her. The fact that she would eventually become the queen consort once Jaehaerys took the throne as King Jaehaerys II didn't concern her much. Their union, which had spanned almost a year, aimed to form an alliance between House Targaryen and Driftmark and keep their Valyrian bloodline pure. She had always known her duty to her family and uphold the traditions of their ancestors. But what indeed held greater significance for her was the beginning of a new chapter in their lives as they embarked on this journey together.
Yet the realm was not without its dangers, and the responsibilities of being a parent weighed heavily on her mind. Baela knew their child would be born into a world of political intrigue and power struggles. It was a world that could be both beautiful and cruel, and she wanted to protect her child from those who would seek to exploit them for their own gain.
"Shall I inform the king?" the maester's apprentice asked.
"No," Corlys firmly shook his head, denying the suggestion. His voice was steady and authoritative. "We will inform his son, Prince Jaehaerys, instead." Glancing at his granddaughter, he looked back sternly at the youth, his aged face adorned with wrinkles that spoke years of his experience. "Being the father of Baela's child, he is entitled to the truth and deserves to be informed first."
"As you wish, my lord."
Baela took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "Okay. I'm ready," she said. Come on, Baela. Move your ass. Tell Jay you're having his baby. He deserves to know he's going to be a father.
Corlys stood by the door and watched Baela's graceful figure disappear down the hallway, leaving him alone with his thoughts. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions and questions, each more urgent than the last. What would the future hold for his family now that Baela was carrying a child? How would this news impact the destiny of the Targaryen dynasty and the Seven Kingdoms? As he pondered these weighty matters, Corlys couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation mixed with anticipation for what was to come.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––
As Baela made her way through the corridors of the Red Keep, her footsteps echoed in the silence. The weight of her secret pressed heavily on her shoulders, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and excitement. She knew that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't yet comprehend. As she approached Jaehaerys' chambers, her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the door handle. Taking a deep breath, she pushed it open and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, with the flickering light of a few candles casting dancing shadows on the walls.
However, Baela's heart skipped a beat as she entered the room, her eyes widening in disbelief. She had expected to find only Maester Alwyn, the trusted healer of House Targaryen, attending to her brother's wounds. But to her astonishment, standing beside him was none other than Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King. The tension in the room was palpable as Baela tried to make sense of this unexpected gathering. Otto Hightower was known for his political cunning and his unwavering loyalty to the Iron Throne. His presence here, alongside the maester, raised countless questions in her mind. What was his purpose in being here? Was he merely overseeing the medical examination, or did he have ulterior motives?
As Baela approached, she couldn't help but notice the surprise etched on both Otto and Alwyn's faces. It was as if they had witnessed something extraordinary beyond their comprehension. Their eyes darted between each other and Jaehaerys, their expressions a mix of confusion.
"One more time, my prince," Alwyn requested.
Jaehaerys, having removed his shirt earlier, extended his left arm in a straight position. His maternal grandfather and father's maester noticed the visible scars where the crossbow bolts struck his pectoralis major and anterior deltoid. They watched him slowly stretch his fingers and flex his arm, demonstrating his improved physical condition. As Jaehaerys gradually extended his fingers, Alwyn's eyes widened. Once weakened by the wounds inflicted upon him, his hand moved with a newfound grace. His fingers, once stiff and unyielding, now flexed effortlessly. The deep gashes and bruises that once marred his flawless skin were fading as if they were never there. It was a miraculous recovery that defied all medical knowledge. The method of Jaehaerys' recovery remained a mystery, shrouded in whispers and speculation. Some whispered of secret potions and magical incantations, while others believed it to be the gods' work. Whatever the case, word of the Silver Dragon's swift recovery would boost morale.
"I-Incredible…"
"What are the results, maester?" Otto inquired.
"Ordinarily, with the wounds Prince Jaehaerys sustained, I'd recommend at least three weeks to six months recovery before he could use that arm again…"
"And now?"
"It seems to have healed itself." Alwyn turned to Jaehaerys and asked, "Do you feel any pain or discomfort?"
"No," Jaehaerys answered.
"Any stiffness or complications?"
"No." Even if I explained my side of the story, they would look at me as if I had gone insane. What Viserys and I had seen in those ruins, none of it had been performed for millennia. If word got out, it would only sow chaos and uncertainty. Who knows what other secrets father has uncovered? Some things are best left forgotten. As much as I want to tell them the truth, I believe it would be best to keep the matter quiet – for now, at least. "Has father been informed?"
"He has, Jaehaerys," Otto replied to his grandson. "Although I strongly advised against it, the king seems to deem you and your brothers fit to return to the frontlines to continue the war. He has even given you command of his armies, effectively replacing Daemon."
"Daemon won't be pleased once he hears about it."
"His wants and desires are immaterial. Your father believes that Daemon's recent actions have been reckless and interfered with his plans. Since then, he believes he is no longer fit to lead."
Somehow, I doubt either Daemon or my father would willingly give up authority, especially with military affairs. "Be that as it may, that discussion would be best reserved for the small council. Not in private." Jaehaerys then noticed Baela standing in the doorway. "That'll be all. Leave us."
Otto arched an eyebrow in response to his grandson's request. However, his focus quickly shifted as he followed Jaehaerys' gaze. When he turned around, the Hand of the King was met with the sight of Baela standing there. The intensity of her eyes blazing with fury and the clenched fists indicated that she had overheard their conversation. Otto could sense the anger emanating from her, fueled by his derogatory remarks about her father. As Otto and Alwyn continued walking, Baela was left alone with Jaehaerys.
"Your grandfather is such a dick," Baela said, her voice tinged with frustration.
"I know, it's not right. We have bigger problems to worry about than personal vendettas. But sometimes people hold grudges for a long time, and it's hard to let go of them," Jaehaerys shook his head. As he began to put his shirt back on, he noticed Baela's gaze fixed on him, specifically on his lean muscles and the scars adorning his left arm and shoulder. "What?" he raised a brow.
Baela blushed, realizing that she had been caught staring. She quickly averted her gaze, feeling embarrassed and flustered. Trying to regain her composure, she stammered out an explanation. "I… uh… I was just… admiring your scars," Baela mumbled, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of red. "They look… impressive."
Jaehaerys gave a soft chuckle and gently shook his head, a glimmer of amusement shining in his eyes. He had grown accustomed to his wife's playful and daring behavior, always embracing her tomboyish antics and provocative nature. However, as he observed a subtle change in Baela's posture, he sensed something was on her mind. Ever perceptive, his expression shifted from lightheartedness to one of genuine concern. With a serious tone, he asked, "Are you all right? You're trembling."
"I'm… that obvious, am I?"
"Come on, Baela. Talk to me. What's bothering you?"
Baela's playful demeanor faltered for a moment, her eyes flickering with a mix of vulnerability and hesitation. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, before finally meeting Jaehaerys' gaze. "There's… a damn good reason why I needed to see you," she began, her voice steady but tinged with a rare emotional vulnerability. Baela took a moment to gather her thoughts, her mind racing with the words she needed to say. She then slowly and deliberately approached him. "Jaehaerys, there's… something important I need to tell you."
Jaehaerys stood up, concern etched on his face. He had never seen Baela like this before. "What is it?" he asked, his brows furrowing. He gently grasped Baela's trembling hand, his thumb soothingly caressing the back of her hand. He knew that Baela was a fearless and independent young woman, but he also understood that everyone had their vulnerabilities. He wanted to be there for her, to share in her burdens and help shoulder them.
Baela hesitated, her fingers intertwining with his as she struggled to find the right words. Shit, this is harder than I thought. Okay, breathe, Baela. Just tell him what you know. Stop acting like a frightened little girl! Come on, do it! She took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm… Jay, I'm pregnant," she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
An eerie silence filled the room as Jaehaerys processed her words. His eyes widened, his senses consumed by the weight of Baela's words. Her unexpected revelation of her pregnancy clearly took him aback, and for a moment, he was speechless. Thinking through all the ramifications of this, Jaehaerys struggled to find the words. He felt a mix of emotions swirling within him – surprise, joy, and a hint of anxiety. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders as he realized he was about to become a father. Thoughts of the future flooded his mind as he contemplated how this would change their lives. The decisions they made would now affect not only themselves but also their unborn child. He wanted to assure Baela that he was there for her and that they would face this new journey hand in hand.
Jaehaerys looked at Baela, who watched him with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. He could see the worry etched on her face, and he knew she was waiting for his reaction. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jaehaerys found his voice as a smile slowly spread across his face. "Th-That's wo… That's wonderful," he said, trying to compose himself.
Baela's face lit up with a smile as she felt the weight of her worries lift off her shoulders, and Jaehaerys felt relief over him. He knew that he had said the right thing and that Baela was happy with his response. Opening up to Jaehaerys had been terrifying, but it had also brought them closer together. As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Baela couldn't help but imagine a future where they would raise their child together. She knew it wouldn't be easy with the challenges ahead, but she was willing to fight for their family.
"Whew! That takes a big load off my chest. Still, I think we― Waaah!" Baela yelped as she was abruptly lifted off the ground. Jaehaerys, holding her securely by the waist, twirled her around in excitement, knowing they were expecting their first child. Baela's initial surprise quickly turned into laughter, unable to contain herself. "Hahaha! Okay, okay! Put me down! Put me down, or I'm going to hit you!"
Once her feet touched the ground again, Baela playfully grabbed the back of Jaehaerys's head and pulled him in for a passionate kiss. Their lips met with an enthusiasm that mirrored the intensity of their love—in that moment, time seemed to stand still as they reveled in the sheer bliss of their shared anticipation. Baela's heart swelled with a mixture of excitement and tenderness, knowing that their lives were about to change forever. As they broke off the kiss, their eyes locked, and a profound sense of connection passed between them. Jaehaerys's eyes sparkled with adoration, his hands still cradling Baela's waist as if he couldn't bear to let her go. Baela's laughter echoed through the air, a melody that danced with the joy radiating from her very being.
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Baela playfully tapped Jaehaerys on the nose, teasing him for his impulsive display of affection. "You know, my love, I hate it when you do that," she teased, her voice filled with a mixture of amusement and affection.
"Come now, Baela. I know you long enough to recognize what you like and hate," Jaehaerys reciprocated, his voice a warm melody that resonated deep within Baela's soul. He hugged her tightly, his arms wrapped around her protectively. "Don't worry. We'll figure this out together, Baela. I won't let you face this alone."
"You better,~" Baela nodded, and Jaehaerys knew they thought the same thing. They would do whatever it took to keep their child safe and raise them. She knew Jaehaerys would be a great father and was grateful to have him by her side. They would face whatever came their way, united and unwavering. And as they stood in that room, their hearts entwined, Baela knew that their love would be the foundation on which they would build their future. "Promise you'll still fuck me even when I'm as fat as a cow?"
"B-Baela!"
"Hehehe! The look on your face is priceless."
At that moment, surrounded by the warmth of their love and the promise of a new life, Baela and Jaehaerys Targaryen knew that their bond was unbreakable. As they held each other, they talked about their plans for the future. They discussed potential names for their child, what the gender might be, and talked about how they would raise them. They knew challenges would be ahead, but they were ready to face them together. For Jaehaerys and Baela, this was a new chapter in their lives, and they were excited to see where it would take them. They knew that they had each other's love and support, and that was all they needed.
You're going to be a great father, Jaehaerys. I know it.
Chapter End
Author's Note: Well everyone, there you have it. There's another Targaryen baby on the way! Jaehaerys Targaryen and Baela Targaryen are expecting their first child. How will the rest of the realm react when they find out? What are your thoughts on what the child will be and what their potential names are? Speculate.