I don't own Game of Thrones.
Chapter 6
Oldtown, the Reach
"IRONBORNS! IRONBORNS ARE ATTACKING OLDTOWN!"
Screams of Oldtown citizens being killed, raped, or taken. Their city is burning as ships land on shores and Ironborns are raiding their lands. Despite, their casualties, the Hightowers has ships and men at arms to defend their people.
Lord Leyton Hightower wore his armor and carried their family sword. He sent men and kept his family behind their walls to prevent any Ironborns from taking them.
"Father!" Baelor Hightower called to him as he panted. "What are we to do?"
He grunted and ordered his heir, "Send a Raven to Kingslandings. The King must know."
"Know what, father?"
He spoke with dread, "An uprising. The Ironborns are rebelling against the King. Tell our men, to hold it off until King is here."
The raven was sent with the wind at his guide to full speed for Kingslandings.
Kingslandings
King Robert has gotten the news and gave his orders, "Call our Bannermen. We are going to crush them."
He dressed himself in armor and took his Warhammer. Robert hadn't felt this excitement in years.
It is good to fight again.
The queen on the other hand felt fear for this rebellion.
Queen Contessa was filled with dread and worry.
She never liked the idea of war. She still feared the rebellion against the mad king and Princess Elia's imprisonment as a hostage.
There was always a possibility that you may not see your loved ones again.
She is already carrying another child.
She is in the eighth month. The movement in her womb startled her as Contessa then rubbed her womb to calm her Prince down.
Yes, a son.
She believes it.
She will have another prince for her king.
She dreams of what kind of son she will have.
For she sleeps every night.
Dreamlike:
Her nightmares would try and assault her, corpses of her enemies would taunt her, and mountains of blood would flow down like a river.
However, she saw a lion.
The biggest lion she had ever seen.
His once golden fur changed into black as the ravens and his blue eyes sharpened at his enemies who harmed her.
The black lion does not tolerate this disrespect to the queen.
His mane is big and majestic like a king of pride.
It wasn't his size that terrified her intruders.
It was his roar.
"ROAR!"
He let out the biggest and loudest roar that scared away the darkness. They all flee from the sight of his roar but vanish when they hear it.
The sun shines after the lion scares the darkness away.
Contessa opened her eyes and looked at the feet that were coated with sand. The sounds of seagulls squawking loudly and flying in the blue sky.
As she felt a familiar land, it was Westland and her childhood home.
She saw Casterly Rock again. The place where she was born and grew up then one day she wished to come back here to be buried when she died.
She could smell the ocean as she remembered.
The Black Lion grunted as she paid attention to this beast.
This beautiful lion.
The king of his pride.
He purred and bowed his head.
Something felt like she knew him, and the black lion left her to return to Casterly Rock to guard the place for her.
She whispers the name, "Richard".
As she wanted to reach out to him, she would wake up every time for the past months.
Contessa must be brave. For she was wrong to deny her family name and blood over her dispute with her father.
She may dress like a doe, but she is a lioness. Just like her mother and father are leaders of the pride.
"Be the lioness for her cubs." The whisper from Contessa felt that it came from her mother who had been a true lioness in her family.
She went to see Robert as he was getting ready to end this rebellion.
"My love," She called to him as he turned to see her.
Robert nodded and waved to his pages. "Leave us." The servants bowed as they left to give room for them to talk.
The king chuckled and held her hands. "Don't look afraid. I will be back. With Victory in your name."
Contessa sighed and said, "It is more than that, Robert."
She showed her concern that Westlands was in peril and her lord's father couldn't be there since Robert called up the Banner which means her father would come to his good son's aide with Uncle Kevan.
"Trust me, Contessa." Robert urged her as he gently touched her womb. "Westland will be alright. After all, I made you regent until I come back."
Contessa was made regent for the King's absences; also, should anything happen to the King she will take care of everything until he comes back.
Contessa nodded as Robert kissed her before leaving to go to war.
They all gathered to see the king off to war.
For several days, Contessa as regent has had her hands full with many requests from the court. Letters had reached her that the Greyjoys were more likely to strike the coast of the north, east, and west. Thou, news had reached Lord Varys that Lord Quellon Greyjoy had fled with few loyal household members on a ship.
Contessa quickly ordered any loyalist of Baratheon to let Lord Quellon Greyjoy seek refuge in their home and he is to be unharmed no matter what.
She seated the small council that is detailed of any news.
The door bursts open as they look at a Westland boy who is no doubt a squire.
"Forgive me, my lords, My queen."
Contessa waved off the Kingsguard as she wished to know about the squire.
"My name is Daemon Lannister squire to your lord uncle, Tygett Lannister." Contessa gave a shy yet happy smile. Her uncle Tygett was one of her other favorite uncles. He always carried her on his shoulders like he was a giant compared to her smaller child size.
He may look big and scary in battle, but he always plays dolls with her when he has time.
'Thou, I recalled he was against this marriage. Not because of Cersei, but because he believed Robert was not good enough for me.' Contessa thought back. Tygett doted on her like a daughter instead of his niece from his older brother Tywin Lannister. So, in his mind, no man is good enough for Contessa. Tygett even wanted to fight a duel in his niece's honor. Thou, Tywin shut that down before he makes a mess of things.
"What is it? What does my uncle want?" The queen questioned the squire and branch member of her family.
"Westland's borders are being invaded by Ironborns. Lannisport had been raided and our ships are holding them off as we can. Lord Tybalt is holding Casterly Rock, but they are using the castle as a safe home for the women and children even common folks are seeking there."
Contessa stood from her seat shocked.
"How many men do we have there? Who is in charge?"
"Lord Tygett Lannister and a few able soldiers are stationed there. We are but only 700 men there." Contessa paled as the small councilmen looked worried.
"And Lord Tygett sent you?" Ser Arys Oakheart voluntarily left behind to guard the queen.
Daemon sighed and nodded, "Since I was told by our queen's brother to sneak passed the Ironborns."
"Tyrion." Contessa guessed. Of course, her brother is lord of sewers and built that establishment by their lord father's orders.
Contessa looked at the council, "How many men can we spare?"
"Sadly, my queen." Grand Maester Pycelle started. Letting go of his old man's façade and said, "I fear we cannot spare men who are guarding Kingslandings and many of our soldiers are with our king to find the Ironborns."
Contessa felt her heart burst. They cannot afford to send any men or else Ironborns could sneak into Kingslandings.
'But my family is there. The Westlands needs our help. I cannot abandon them.' Varys could tell the queen is in peril. He sympathized with the women.
In fact, he admired her since she decided to be the people's queen. He knew that she would blame him if he didn't whisper to the already mad man of a king. Princess Elia Martell and her children would still be alive.
"My queen," Varys decided to give his advice. "I believed your grace, should go to the Westlands."
"Preposterous!"
"Are mad?!"
"The queen must remain in here!"
Contessa for a moment thought back. She couldn't just leave her children. What if something happened to her? Or worse what would her husband the King say about this?
Contessa thought back. She commands, "Send for the King's son, Gendry Waters."
The guard went and brought her stepson, Gendry Waters. The boy has grown bigger despite being still a child.
Contessa walked forward and said, "Do you recall that blacksmith you wanted to apprenticeship yourself?"
Master Tobho Mott was summoned by the queen with the urgency that he must come right away. The royal escorts led him to the carriage, and they rode out to the court.
He wasn't nervous per se, but as a common folk, he feared the worst since the time during the Mad King's reign.
He had every reason to hate King Aerys. He threatened to burn his entire family and apprentices if he revealed any Valyrian steel techniques to anyone.
He kept the secret for that reason. Aerys had a deranged look in his eyes as if Tobho was simple as an insect ready to be crushed under his boot. When news came that Aerys was killed by the Kingsguard, Ser Jaime Lannister. Tobho silently toasted that Aerys is dead, but as a man, he cannot help but be appalled by the fact that it was a Kingsguard who watched as the Mad King burned and rape his sister's wife to pleasure him.
'Maybe,'Mott thought to himself. He won't lie that no one is honorable, but as a person who swore to serve their master good and bad. You cannot just decide to kill him under oath.
"Remember do not speak or look in the eyes unless you are commanded to do so."
The escort knocked on the door where the small council.
"My queen, I've brought Master Tobho Mott without."
"Enter."
Tobho Mott quickly entered and took a kneel before them. His head is down.
Queen Contessa spoke, "Are you, Master Tobho Mott?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I am he."
"Arise." He did so. He did not look at them still.
"I hear you are quite famous for being a humble blacksmith, yes?"
Tobho nodded and did not look at them. "With pride as I was taught by my father and his father before him."
"Where are you from?"
"Free City of Qohor."
"Is your work made our knights unharmed?"
Is this a test? He is not so sure.
"Even in my line of work, armor will return to rusty steel. However, I am quite skilled in making what it's worth for its owner."
Queen Contessa looked at him curiously but spoke a question in mind.
"Tell me, Master Mott, have you ever made an armor for a queen?"
Her green eyes sharpen like a lioness ready to hunt.
She must be prepared for her battle.
Tobho Mott quickly gets to work as he builds the finest armor for not only protecting the queen but also the unborn child within her.
'This is the finest work that I have ever made!'
The sound of steel steamed loudly as he placed it in water and then heated it again. Tobho believed that a day would come for the queen to fight a country as big as her heart.
BAM! BAM!
This will be the greatest trial for the queen yet.
Days after the order from the queen, today is the day the queen joined the battle to protect her country.
Contessa donned her armor and put her hair in a high braided bun.
The council and court were shocked that this could not be the queen.
In history, she showed a queen will fight in battle.
And she defied traditions to save her country.
As she gathers a few men and has her horse ready to ride to the west.
Lady Selyse Baratheon came forward to try and plead with her mistress.
"Contessa."
Contessa looked and said, "My lord uncle, Tygett is having difficulties holding his army to fight against the Ironborns. If they see their regent…"
Selyse cuts her off as she shows her worries about the dangers of war.
"Contessa, tis a folly. No matter what your father or mother told you are not equipped for this."
Contessa retorted, "Then who is Lady Baratheon? Kingslanding, no all of the other seven kingdoms is a land of women and children in our armies' absences."
She looked back at Selyse. "Someone must defend them."
She walked towards her good sister. "Your husband Lord Stannis knew the cause since he laid the siege for his majesty during the rebellion. He was prepared to die for what he believed in. To save my country so am I. I may make them see sense or I may go to war. Either way, I ride."
Her horse is fully prepared and waiting for the queen.
The squire put a stepping stool for her to get on the saddle.
Contessa gave her orders and said, "I trust you keep this capital from falling apart, yes?"
"Yes, my queen." They all bowed as she rode off to Westland to do her duty to her people.
Westland's, Casterly Rock
Tygett is gathered with a few members of his men to hold Casterly Rock.
"Hold your fuckin' tongues!" Tygett Lannister is left in charge of Casterly Rock and the men at arms, but half of them are arguing if they should abandon Casterly Rock and flee with everyone to avoid the Ironborns. His older brothers Tywin and Kevan left to join the King to fight against the Greyjoys while he remained here with his sister Genna Frey.
"Ser Tygett! Ser Tygett!" A guard came running to give the news.
"The queen…Hah! I saw Queen Contessa heading at our doors." He panted and gasped at the speed as he was running.
Tygett Lannister was surprised that his niece Contessa came to Casterly Rock.
"Make way for the queen!" Ser Aerys Oakheart followed his queen and announced her presence. Sandor Clegane the Hound followed his queen on horseback.
"Tygett kneeled as the rest of the household followed to greet the pregnant queen.
"Uncle," Contessa called when she rode her horse.
Tygett realizes his niece is still pregnant.
"Are fuckin crazy!?" Tygett lectures his niece. "You are a mother for how many times? This battle is no place for queens, especially pregnant ones!"
"I came here because the prince within my womb has the Lionheart. Westland is my home. I will protect my home." Contessa confidently spoke to her uncle. Tygett looked at Contessa's disapproval, but her view overlaps that he saw his good sister Joanna Lannister who was pregnant with Contessa during the Reyne and Tarbeck rebellion against them.
Tygett sighed as he knew that Lannister women were as stubborn as lionesses.
"Ver well. Welcome home." He smiled at Contessa which pleased the huntress princess.
They walked to her childhood home. She recalled how she dreamed she could live like the queens of the West used to be.
Tybalt walked to the main throne room as he opened the door.
To say she should not be surprised anymore.
To say this left her speechless.
Lord Quellon Greyjoy stood and was placed comfortably on the bench with his cane. Three children by his side. The girl is tall with short hair like a boy, but she is younger than most girls at her age of nine. Next to her is another little girl and a boy looking at the queen with fear.
"Lord Greyjoy?"
Lord Quellon looked at the queen. It had been years since they last saw each other.
"My queen." He bowed his head towards the lioness whom the last time saw her when she was a little girl. He gestured to the children to bow before her, which they all quickly did.
"But? How? Lord Varys couldn't find your whereabouts."
"My apologies my queen, with few members of my household it seemed like my family despised my reforms. So much so that they made me flee my home and usurp my seat while I was still alive. These are my grandchildren whom I had to stow away from their corruption."
"This is Asha, my first granddaughter, Theon my third grandson, and Yara my second granddaughter. These are the children of my firstborn Balon who usurp my seat."
It was at least he could do.
After all, there is a chance that King Robert wouldn't want traitors to rule their lands again.
"My Lord Greyjoy," The queen spoke and ordered. "You must come with us. We need to speak with one of your family."
"Lord Victorian?" Tygett questioned after all; he attacked their Lannisport.
"No," Contessa firmly spoke. "His brother, Euron Greyjoy."
Lannisport
"It was a risk and take for Queen Contessa who became regent, but she ordered the small council to reign in until the queen dealt with their true enemy. Euron Greyjoy whom the queen viewed as more of an enemy because he planned to attack the queen's homeland and country.
Truly the daughter of Tywin Lannister that followed the words: A Lannister pays a debt."-Grandmaster Pycelle
Queen Contessa Baratheon led their able men to go speak with Euron Greyjoy and his brother Victorian Greyjoy.
At her side is Lord Tygett Lannister, Lord Quellon Greyjoy rode as he left behind his grandchildren. Sandor Clegane and Ser Aerys Oakheart followed with the men of 400.
Yet the queen did not expect the peasants of the western land to follow the army with farming tools and weapons of their own to fight for their homeland. They heard that the queen had returned to defend their lands and country. Many of them wanted to see if that was true, but some wondered, 'Can we push their invaders back?'
They raised the flags of the House of Baratheon and added her banner the circlet-knotted crown around the neck golden lioness on a black field.
They saw ships of Greyjoys plunder their lands and raid their homes. Four men of the Ironborns looked to be scouts.
'No doubt seeing the queen here will give them a reason to seek an audience.' Contessa is expecting this, but she also knows they would report that Lord Quellon Greyjoy is with them alive and well.
"Looks like they expected a meeting."
Tygett spoke as he pointed out that the Euron Greyjoy and Victorian Greyjoy riding the horse no doubt from the people. They are with their men to protect. However, she noticed there was a woman among them.
"Then let's us not wait them any longer." Contessa reigned her horse forward as Tygett Lannister followed with lord Quellon Greyjoy and Sandor with Ser Aerys Oakheart followed.
They met in the middle of an open field.
Contessa looked at the woman. No doubt surprised that this one came to her land.
"Alannys, my good daughter and wife to my eldest son Balon," Quellon whispered to the queen.
Alannys Greyjoy was born into House Harlaw and married Balon Greyjoy, head of House Greyjoy and the Lord Reaper of Pyke.
Euron chuckled.
"By drowned god, more women on the battlefield!" His men laughed at his jest.
"Why is that that, my lord?"
Alannys gasped and was shocked that the queen was pregnant and in battle.
"Well," He gestured to his good sister and said, "She came to me and spoke of a frivolous dream she had. Foretold that the iron islands will be soaked in seawater and blood and our bodies will be washed away into the sea."
"Well, fancy that! I have a dream as well." Euron shrugged it off. "I dreamed that our banner would fly high in the land of Kingslandings. And we will be the real kings of all Seven Kingdoms!" His group cheered.
"You break our treaty for returning to "Old Ways.". Why wait? Was it because you never feared us after we took out the Targaryen from their crowns." She speaks with curiosity, but she knows the truth. They wanted to rule their kingdom even without the Targaryen watching their movement again.
"Aye, true we did help that Rebellion? But the Targaryen held us in a stronger alliance since we bowed before them. Never the stags so you can't expect us as allies." Euron speaks and then offers, "Here is the deal. You walked away from this then will plunge this land before returning to give my brother support at the sea."
"So, you expect us to let you here in our lands? Fuck that!" Tygett spoke as he grew tired of these arrogant bastards insulting their liege.
Euron grew quiet though Victorian speak, "tis the will of the Drowned God. You ought to respect him, non-believers…"
"Non-Believers? Do you mean he gave Lady Greyjoy a dream? Perhaps he gave it to her since she probably will be a smarter choice than you." Tygett joked which irate Euron and Victorian.
"You talk my good sister or our God like that, and I will cut that cock of yours clean off!" Euron harshly yelled.
"A second vs. a third sons are no more than overshadowed by our elders." Tygett retorted calmly as well as insulted him.
Quellon spoke as he said, "My sons. All I ever wanted was to give our people a better option for us. To rewrite our history and return to the times where we were once honored and respected."
"Respected?" Euron questioned. "Honored? No. Father, we are bringing back our true glory as Greyjoys."
Contessa already could tell that this would be going nowhere.
"It looks like my lords; they are going to change their minds. You wanted to fight. You have to give one day does not override us. That is the only agreement we can give. Do we have a deal?" Contessa spoke.
Euron thought back as he believed that she was simply a woman. He will amuse her with this deal.
"Very well, until the morn."
They rode back away and started planning their battle for tomorrow morning.
"Niece, you do realize he will kill us all." Tygett cannot understand why she made that deal.
"Yes, that is because he is that jester," Contessa explained to them as they rode back to their army. "He believes that he has already won the battle. As a jester, he thought he had us fooled. For I am simply a woman and have very little role in leading an army. But tomorrow we will prove wrong."
The night before the battle in the morning…
The torches lit up by the men and Contessa saw few common folks and women who joined. She will be remembered for showing the love they need to feel from their queen not just a daughter of lord Casterly Rock.
"I see all your faces here," Contessa speaks for all those who can hear. She turned and looked around her people. "For years we noble house tend to forget the people below our stations have work to bring our land prosperity, work and care for. However, I see you all. I see you. And in return, we gifted your positions because we do know not of true loyalties. Many of you face difficulties in life. Your back aches from years of farming, blacksmiths, knighthoods, and survivals. What do the rebels know of our hardships?!"
They all grew quiet as they listened. They all focus on the queen as she makes this speech.
"They know nothing. They only care about stealing what was our years of hard work. Years of sweating and spilling blood shows we are stronger than this!"
Contessa showed her hand the Baratheon wedding ring and her mother's ring.
"I am your Queen, to whom at my coronation, when I was wedded to the realm and laws of the same as yours, you promised your allegiance and obedience to me…. And I say to you, on the word of a Prince, I cannot tell how naturally the mother loveth the child, for I was never the mother of any; but certainly, if a Prince and Governor may as naturally and earnestly love her subjects as the mother doth love the child, then assure yourselves that I, being your lady and mistress, do as earnestly and tenderly love and favour you. And I, thus loving you, cannot but think that ye as heartily and faithfully love me; and then I doubt not but we shall give these rebels a short and speedy overthrow'."
Contessa spoke as she said, "Men and women of Westland. I make this promise to you. I will never stop fighting."
"Long…" A common man whispers. Others whisper as they murmur the words.
"Long…live…the queen."
"Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen!" The people cheered as they raised their weapons in the air.
They will fight for their queen.
Tygett Lannister had written in history: "When she made the speech to the people before the battle of Lannisport. All of Westland's cheered with such loyalty and devotion. She has never been so much loved as all men and women have given roles to fight for our country and our queen."
Battle of Lannisport
Already foggy morning and the sounds of drums created a boom as the Queen's army marched to battle.
Boom. Boom. Baba-Boom. Baba-Boom.
The drummers started the rhythm to march the battle.
Queen Contessa rode her horse with Tygett Lannister and behind them was Sandor Clegane and Aerys Oakheart.
'Thank the Gods for this fog.' Contessa Baratheon breathes in and out.
She sees only Victorian Greyjoy riding the horse. Curiosity she pulled the Myrish-looking glass. Seeing the Greyjoy army and fast to where Euron Greyjoy is moving his ships around the Lannisport coast as if he was playing around.
'Please let it work.'
Victorian waved the army to strike them down. Contessa nodded at her uncle as he sent in their calvary to charge.
Their knights yelled as they charged into battle.
Crash! Thrashed as their bodies collided together horse neighing and swords slashing at their armors.
She is letting the Greyjoys fall for it.
Contessa pulled her hand up and shouted, "ADVANCED!"
More of her people many are common folks yelled as they charged against the rebels for revenge.
The Greyjoy's army already felt tired, but they were overtaken as her people fought for their freedom. Each person felled by the weapons, but many more took twice as many.
"Holy Mother!" Tygett swore.
He couldn't believe it.
The Greyjoys fell for it.
They underestimated a woman who doesn't know a thing of war.
"You are proven right, niece. They are jesters who turned out to be fools."
Contessa then waved to her uncle. "Go uncle. They are going to need a lion on the battlefield."
Tygett smiled. "Yes, my queen. Yah!" He rode his stallion to battle.
She then looked at her Myrish-looking glass. She smiled as Euron Greyjoy pulled his ship to head for Casterly Rock to try and invade her home.
No doubt he wanted his Iron Price.
"Oh, Lord Euron Greyjoy. There is no use heading to there."
Euron Greyjoy met a blockage. Contessa didn't just leave Kingslanding empty handed you know. She brought the ships that Robert gifted her years ago.
The ship was named after the queen, 'Queen Contessa' with a lioness head face charged against Euron's ship. 'Queen Contessa' is followed by the Reach's ships Redwyne is called upon by Hobor Redwyne who is engaged to the queen's cousin Myrielle Lannister. He has his private fleet gifted by the queen part of doweries for the hand of Myrielle Lannister to defend Casterly Rock borders and the reach by the sea.
"Turn around!" Euron ordered as he saw no way out. They needed to escape. "Turn the ship around!"
Flamming arrows shot toward Euron's ship, but it seemed like the Gods declared that he should live and escape his death for today.
Pity.
That was the only word Contessa had.
For she has hope she will at least capture one Greyjoy and kill the other one. For two Greyjoys would be the best gift for her husband the King.
The battle is won.
Tygett dragged the captured Victorian Greyjoy by chains. Victorian shouted and slurred at them. He was then ordered to gag him to silence him.
Her army cheered as they had won.
The Greyjoys have been driven away from the Westlands.
It was a sign that the Gods both old and new were on their side. Queen and her army entered Lannisport and many folks cheered their queen as their hero and threw rotten fruits at Victorian Greyjoy as they walked to the streets to Casterly Rock.
The queen was more beloved than ever before, regaining the love and devotion of the West again.
Casterly Rock was then opened. Her family greeted her as Tyrion and Genna Frey cheered.
Contessa got down from her horse took the flag of Greyjoy and presented the household above her head. They cheered louder as she took down the banner flag from Lannisport Tower before coming to Casterly Rock.
"My queen," Lannister guard brought Victorian Greyjoy with his partner. "What shall we do with him?"
Victorian glared at the queen.
"I say we send back his head!" A young lad shouted out. Many agreed as they were eager to send back his head. They wanted some sort of revenge. Euron Greyjoy may have masterminded this attack, but Victorian Greyjoy was the one who assaulted their Lannisport.
Tempting, but she has a better humiliation in mind.
"Tyrion." She called upon her little brother. Tyrion is eager to come for his sister's aide. "Tell me, how big is a cage for all of us to see?"
Tyrion answered, "Why enough to hold the Mountain himself why?"
Contessa leaned and whispered, "I'll leave you to entertain him yourself." Tyrion looked confused then smiled at what his sister wanted.
"My dear sister, as your brother your wish is my command." He bowed and would do as she asked.
Hours later…
"ROAR!"
"Get me out of here!" Victorian screamed as he leaned away from nearing the second bar of the cage where he had to share with a very angry and hungry lion. The lion roared and shredded some of his clothes as he tried to leave his small cage away from the lion's larger part. (Imagine the cage the same way as Reign when Francis and Mary put Catherine De Medici caged with a tiger.)
Casterly Rock residents laughed, and some wanted to see if Victorian Greyjoy would go mad or be killed by the lion.
Tyrion is immensely proud. This will be a mark in their history someday. This will teach the Greyjoys to raid their lands.
The maid rushed to Lord Tyrion and quickly panted. "My lord, your sister…she is in pain."
Tyrion ran as fast as he could. Contessa had started her labor hours ago and was left to deliver soon.
His poor sister.
Contessa is in pain.
She is distressed.
Contessa is panting and mumbling in pain. Genna Frey and the midwives are trying their best. Tyrion came and went to his sister's side.
Contessa said, "I'm afraid."
Genna Frey speaks, "You gotta push Contessa."
Tyrion, "Calm, sister. I'm here." He combed and murmured soothing words.
The midwives talk among themselves since the queen is not pushing as hard as she should. They must do something quickly.
The elder Martha talked to Genna and said, "We need to toss her onto this blanket to help loosen the baby."
Tyrion heard what was spoken. It was a common practice to help mothers to be to toss them onto the blanket to help loosen the baby.
It was a dangerous process to do since it was for emergency only or few prefer not to do it.
Cersei said cruelty that if only he died that day. Contessa once told him how their mother was tossed around on the blanket to help loosen Tyrion out of her body. It caused damage and made Joanna lose too much blood. Tyrion had survived, but Joanna was lost.
"No!" Tyrion shouted. "We will not do that." The women are at a loss here.
The younger said, "But my lord the queen is not pushing."
Tyrion talked to his sister, "Contessa. You must push this baby."
Contessa stood and walked to try sitting and delivering. "My Richard…"
"Yes, your child. Richard. You have written to me that you dreamed of a black lion that will come to Casterly Rock and roar away from his enemy." Tyrion grabbed hold of her hand as the midwives gathered to prepare. "That he has the true heart of a lion. If that is your child's fate, then as his mother you must bring him out."
Contessa heaved and squeaked as she pushed harder for her child. She squeezed his hand and kept pushing. The heat was getting to her, but she focused on delivering her child.
Martha the elderly midwife cheered, 'I see the head!"
Tyrion nodded. "Good, good. Contessa keeps going. You are almost there." Tyrion focused on his sister more than the baby. He wanted to make things better if something were to happen. He wanted her to remember his face before that time came.
"WAAAAAH!" Contessa felt relief as she leaned back exhausted. She heard her child cry. He cried like a lion.
"A boy, your grace!"
"Praise the Mother!"
Contessa spoke, "Richard. Richard my Lionheart."
The women cleaned the newly named Richard and the queen. They changed them and cleaned them through.
Though Martha the elder midwife deemed the child healthy, there is a slight deformity. She quoted, "His shoulders for one was higher than the other and this had caused his spine to bend."
Contessa said, "It matters not. For he will learn better how to be like a lion. He is perfect. He will learn how to overcome his weakness."
Contessa Baratheon had given birth to the third prince of the realm.
"You will become great cause you know why; you have as your mother."
Reviews are welcome.
Next Chapter, when returning to Kingslanding, and sending gifts to King Robert, conflicts arise in Dorne.
The birthing scene was from the White Princess when Elizabeth gave birth to Arthur.
I would like to add that that toss-in-the-blank caused Joanna Lannister's death.
The quote speech came from Mary I of England: "I am your Queen, to whom at my coronation, when I was wedded to the realm and laws of the same as yours, you promised your allegiance and obedience to me…. And I say to you, on the word of a Prince, I cannot tell how naturally the mother loveth the child, for I was never the mother of any; but certainly, if a Prince and Governor may as naturally and earnestly love her subjects as the mother doth love the child, then assure yourselves that I, being your lady and mistress, do as earnestly and tenderly love and favour you. And I, thus loving you, cannot but think that ye as heartily and faithfully love me; and then I doubt not but we shall give these rebels a short and speedy overthrow'."