The morning after the wedding, Visenya woke up later than she usually did. Surprisingly, her sleep was rather peaceful and she was glad she did not have any more Dragon Dreams; especially those talking of death.

Her eyes opened slowly, taking a moment to adjust to the sunlight entering through the window before she felt a single finger roaming her chest. She blinked and turned her head to the side, pressing her cheek against the pillow as her eyes landed on Tywin.

He was lying on his side, awake for some time now and he seemed to be busy tracing her mark with his finger. Visenya had been born carrying the Dragon Whisperer mark above her right breast, the inked dragon figurine forever embedded on her skin.

As a young child, she never understood it since Dragon had long disappeared from Westeros. Even that dream of hers about three dragons, felt too distant for her to be involved in any way.

Tywin, had a silent fascination with it ever since he saw it during their night together at Casterly Rock; since the last person known to bear that symbol was Naelys' lastborn daughter.

"Since you like it so much, I would be happy to give it to you if I knew how" she commented, feeling in rather a good mood.

Their eyes met and he slowly withdrew his finger. "Someone has woken up in the mood for jokes, I see" he commented, making her roll her eyes.

She slowly lifted her upper body, letting the bed sheet pool on her lap as she pushed her wild hair behind her. She could feel their slightly curly tips falling to the middle of her back, a long time needing a haircut but she hadn't truly bothered with them.

She did not comment anything else and instead stretched her body to fetch her clothes, that had been discarded on the floor. Eventually, after some small struggle, she pulled the clothes on the bed and started to search for them.

To Tywin's surprise, she produced a small dagger from within the pile and for a moment his muscles tensed; seeing her holding the lethal weapon. Yet, she barely looked at him as she freed one of her bare legs from the covers and instead brought the blade closer to her ankle.

She placed the blade against the skin and with a quick move, she left a shallow gash on the skin; blood slowly flowed from the wound and fell in droplets on the white bed sheets. However, the amount was not enough and Visenya was about to add another slash when Tywin grabbed her wrist, stopping her from marking her body more.

"What do you think you are doing?" he asked, more annoyed than angry at the morning drama.

"The maids will come soon to check the bed sheets. How do you think they will react if there is no blood?" she asked him rhetorically and she saw him leaving out a heavy sigh.

"This is ridiculous. Not all women bleed in bed and it is known that horse riding can break a woman's hymen" he pointed out, surprising her with his knowledge of the female body.

"I know but you know how they are. We can't risk it"

There was a silent staring contest between them since Tywin refused to let go of her wrist and she just wanted to end with this idea and have one less worry in her mind. To her surprise, he used his free hand and pulled the dagger out of her hand.

"I honestly don't even want to know where you hid that blade yesterday" he commented and created a similar slashing wound on his leg. He barely made a sound or even let his facial expression change as his blood fell on the bed sheets as well.

Visenya could only stare silently at what he had just done and yet her amber eyes softened at the sight. A ghost smile had appeared on her lips and at that moment she knew, that even though their feelings for one another never reached the level of lovers; he was still a good man, who understood her and did not judge her.

It has been almost 4 months since the wedding between Visenya and Tywin and life had returned to normal rather quickly.

Tywin remained Hand of the King, despite Aerys' still not trusting him and they all resided in the Red Keep.

Genna had returned to Casterly Rock to be with her family but often wrote to Visenya, mostly talking about gossip she heard and asking her to come and visit; to alleviate her her boredom.

Kevan had remained in King's Landing while the rest of his brothers had left. He kept being there for Tywin but his presence had been seen mostly around Visenya, as the two of them would often engage in discussions or be seen exchanging sparring blows at the training grounds.

One of those days, the Lannister Knight and her were busy watching the training between Jaime and Rhaegar. The Crown Prince had taken a liking to the young lion and offered to teach him and help him perfect his sword fighting technique.

"That's it, keep your knees bent and your grip stable," Rhaegar said and then started to attack Jaime once again.

The boy barely being 4 & 10 had grown slightly taller since the wedding while all those sword practises had helped him slowly build muscles on his body. With his gold blond hair and emerald eyes, Visenya knew he would catch the eye of many ladies once he was a grown man.

She could even see Jaime and Rhaegar becoming friends, fighting together and being there for one another even when the young Dragon would become King.

She watched with pride as the two of them sparred, with Jaime in the end losing his wooden sword but not before defending for two minutes straight against the constant attacks of the Crown Prince.

"Not bad Jaime" Rhaegar said and offered his hand for a friendly shake.

The teenage boy gave a charming smile and shook his hand, clearly proud of himself and loving hearing someone else praising him; since his father never truly did. He then turned to his good mother and puffed his chest in pride.

Visenya rolled her eyes but could not help the small smile from forming on her lips as she clapped a few times since the boy was asking for it.

Kevan by her side was amused and he silently snickered as the two of them stood by the side of the training grounds, watching. "I can see that boy doing whatever he wants with you when he grows older. He has more influence on you than his father" he commented, amusing her.

Her amber eyes glanced in his direction. "Careful what you say, I am not sure Tywin would be happy to hear that" she continued the joke but her smile disappeared as her vision blurred for a moment.

She blinked a few times and placed two fingers against her temple as she started to focus her vision once again. "Visenya? Are you alright?" she heard Kevan ask her.

After a moment of silence, the princess fixed her posture and slowly pulled back her fingers. "I am fine. I don't think I should have skipped the food in the morning" she confessed, reminding him that she did not it since she was not in the best of appetites.

It was a strange thing but no one in the family truly pressured her, suspecting she most likely was still full since supper or was not that hungry after waking up.

"Perhaps. Let's go inside and you can eat something" he said, offering his elbow like the gentleman he was.

"Auntie? Is everything alright?" Rhaegar asked, noticing it all.

"I am fine, Rhaegar. I am just going to get something to eat and get out of the sun. You two continue training" she said, offering a reassuring smile that quickly dropped once she turned her back on him.

Visenya did not truly feel like eating, despite the variety she had been given. After she reassured Kevan that she was a little tired, he let her in her chambers and left; only for Visenya to summon a Maester to visit her not long after.

She was lying on the bed as Maester Val was checking on her, having already been told the symptoms she had like loss of appetite, small episodes of dizziness and increased unexplained exhaustion.

Truth to be told, the Dragoness knew what those symptoms were but she was not ready to accept them. This is why she chose Maester Val and not the Grand Maester of the Red Keep, because no matter what; some things had to remain a secret.

Master Val was someone she had found with the help of the alchemists and the young Maester was more than willing to work for her. He kept all secrecy and she often sent him to check on Rhaella, especially after a violent night with Aerys; since her dear brother had started to become abusive in bed.

Val always kept her informed and while he was not a grand Maester, she was planning to make him one once Rhaegar was on the throne.

Eventually, he stopped poking and sensing around her body; lowering her red dress while allowing her to bring her body into a sitting position at the edge of the bed.

"My lady, you are as healthy as you always were" he pointed out but the moment he looked into her amber eyes, she arched one eyebrow.

"There is a but here, isn't Val?"

The Maester cleared his throat and took a step back. "There is, although I suspect you already know what it is; my Lady" he pointed out, proving how insightful and observant the young man could be; another reason why Visenya had kept him around.

Leaving out a heavy sigh, she passed a hand through her white hair and pushed it off her face completely. "How long?" she asked, although based on her mind calendar, she had a clear idea of the time.

Night fell over the city of King's Landing, lanterns and candles offering a golden glow across the city with the stars above them shining equally bright.

Visenya was in her chambers, staring up at the night sky with only a cloak around her shoulders to protect her against the chilly wind of the night as it came from her open window.

She had her back turned to the door and barely moved as it was finally pushed open and Tywin entered the room, having finally finished with handling the matters of the Kingdoms.

"I heard you were feeling faint, today" he pointed out as he sat on the bed and removed the boots, not caring that his wife was staring up to the night sky since it was something she did often.

There was a small silence between them until Visenya gathered her courage. "I am with child," she confessed, making time stop still for a moment.

She could not see his expression right away since he had his back turned on her but she did notice the pause he took momentarily before standing up. He slowly marched her way, and she turned slowly to face him.

"Are you certain?" he asked, green eyes moving down to her stomach, which had yet to show any pregnancy bumps.

Visenya nodded her head. "I had my Maester examine me. He is certain" she explained.

"How long?"

"He suspects from the wedding night"

Ever since they had gotten married, the relationship between the two of them had not truly changed. They remained professional and only truly engaged in more adult activities twice after the wedding.

Visenya often craved his touch but Tywin seemed to withhold his, having some reluctance behind most of his moves. He wanted it but he did not try to go after it and she did not pressure him.

She was too proud to beg for it and refused to make him think that the marriage idea had any selfish reasoning behind it because it didn't. When she took that decision, she was aware of her feelings for him but she did not let them cloud her judgement; knowing very well that Tywin was not the best when it came to emotions.

She respected and she had learnt to live with that, which was why the news also had similarly shocked her. She knew Tywin wanted his legacy to survive, his house to remain strong and another child; hopefully an heir would do that.

"And how are you?" he asked after a moment of silence, his eyes finally moving to look into her unique eyes.

There was genuine concern within his green orbs, although well hidden to anyone not familiar with him. He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering for a moment longer on her skin but did not last.

"I am healthy and Val suggested I take it easy in general. He doesn't suspect any complications so far" she informed him and one could see relief in his eyes for briefly a second.

After how he lost his first wife, one would not be surprised that another difficult birth would burden his conscious.

"Good, then we will make sure you do not strain yourself. We cannot let any harm come to you or the child" he explained and placed his one hand on her stomach, and while his words might sound a little authoritative, Visenya knew it was his way to show he cared.

The sound of a small gasp made both of them turn towards the door, seeing it open just an inch as three pairs of eyes were spying at them through the small opening. Upon being noticed, the three Lannister children started to run away, except for Tyrion who walked in his way but at a faster pace.

Tywin was not happy and just as he turned to go and get them, Visenya grabbed his lower arm and stopped her. He turned rather sharply and met her strict motherly gaze, like a lioness ready to protect her cubs.

"Don't be angry at them. Jaime saw me being a little weak and most likely grew worried" she explained and somehow, her words seemed to ease his anger just a bit.

"They were eavesdropping like a bunch of peasants. This is not how I raised them" he justified his anger, his muscles tense but he did not make any move to free himself from her grasp.

"They are kids, Tywin and they wanted to know. Let them be, just for this time. The news alone is enough for them" she continued, not once looking away from him as she stood her ground without an ounce of fear.

Tywin could have easily freed his hand, he could have ignored her and gone fetch the kids by their ears but he didn't. Instead, he silently studied her as she quickly defended the kids as if they were her own, acting like a true lioness around her cubs.

And sometimes, the male lion knew when to step back upon facing the mother of his children.

280 AC – King's Landing, CrownLands – Seat of Power: Aerys II Targaryen

Months passed and the baby inside of Visenya kept growing. At first, the news of her pregnancy had been kept a secret until the right time; when her bump could not truly be covered much.

Then, like wildfire the news spread with many Lords and Ladies sending parchments to the Lannisters; expressing their blessings even though Visenya had yet to give birth. Of course, there was the occasional negative gossip, with some bringing up the fact that Tywin's last wife died during childbirth.

Visenya ignored them and instead focused on herself as the growing belly started to become a bigger obstacle in everyday life. Her activities were reduced with each month passing since her mobility as well was getting in the way.

Thankfully for her, in her 8th month, she had company, more than she could ask for. Kevan had made sure to guard her around, always excusing himself in one of two ways.

"Tywin will have my head if don't look after you while he is absent"

And

"My Wife Dorna has made it clear to me that this is my practice for when she will bear my children and I better learn well"

Visenya knew that his wife was back in Lannisport and had made plans one day to meet her, to talk about how great her husband truly was. Whenever he brought her up, it was clear that he admired her gentle and caring nature and she could listen to him for hours on end talking about her.

If Kevan was not around, Rhaella sure did her best and had surprisingly managed to do that often. Having already birthed two children, she had the experience and was there to guide her younger sister every step of the way.

On one of those days, Visenya was sitting on one of the armchairs and in her hands she held a book. Next to her, resting his head on her blown tummy, was the 7-year-old Tyrion; who was the one mostly reading the book since his good-mother was listening to her visitors.

One was her sister, Rhaella, who had sat across from her and the two of them talked about names for the child and the gender. A surprise guest had been Genna, who had chosen to visit for a few weeks and did not dare to leave Visenya's side; unless Tywin ordered her to.

Once again, the female lion had been busy drinking the sweet wine Visenya had but could no longer touch; while offering her pieces of advice or opinion. Having given birth to three sons already, she was the most experienced one amongst the three of them.

"You will give him any Valyrian names? Maybe after one of our ancestors?" Rhaella asked, watching with a smile as her sister was using one hand to hold the book open and the other to gently pass through Tyrion's golden locks.

The younger of Tywin's children had grown rather close to her ever since her marriage, wishing to be in her presence as much as possible. Since he was still a kid with no mother figure in his life, Visenya found it hard to push him away.

Slowly, she started to enjoy his company. Tyrion was an extremely intelligent child, clearly having taken from his father and would spend his time reading books; something Visenya often enjoyed doing as well but was also pleased to see.

His dwarfish body and mismatched eyes never truly bothered her, since physical appearances were always the last of her concerns.

"I do not know, yet. I am thinking about it if he does have the Valyrian colours that is. No offense Genna but I cannot imagine a golden-haired green-eyed kid with such a name" she said, glancing at her good-sister who had made herself comfortable on the bed.

"Not offense, Visenya. Truth be told, I do not think it would look fitting either if he does look like a Lannister, Tywin most likely will choose the tradition and name him similarly to us or at least with the same staring letter" she said, drinking from her goblet.

To the women's surprise, Tyrion decided to enter the discussion. He was busy reading but was also trained to hear as well, picking up everything they discussed. "How are you so sure it is a boy? What if it is a girl?" he asked, although at the idea of a girl he pulled a face, due to the bad experiences he had with Cersei. "Never mind, a boy sounds better"

The women were amused with Genna laughing out loud, one hand covering her mouth. This confused Tyrion, who looked at each one of them in curiosity. He wasn't sure what he had said to make them laugh but he did find it enjoyable, knowing that despite his appearance he could still amuse them.

"A mother has an instinct about such things, Tyrion" Visenya informed him, a small smile on her face. "However, the gods can surprise us, so it's better to expect the unexpected"