The world seemed to go mute around Visenya as reality settled in. The baby girl was placed in her arms while Val and the servants rushed to help and hopefully save her before the Stranger would take her.
The baby kept crying, loud enough as the thunder outside; it was as if the baby was sensing the approaching demise of its mother.
Visenya tried her best to soothe the crying baby, shaking her hands faintly in an attempt to calm it down but her red flecked amber eyes were locked on the form of her weakened sister.
Fearing that her vision would come to life, she felt cold sweat down her spine and did all she could to remain standing.
The creaking sound of the heavy wooden door being pushed open reached her eyes despite the panic and as she wiped her head towards its direction, her eyes grew wide upon seeing young Viserys popping his head into the room.
The boy, barely past his 7th nameday, had heard the cries stopping and had chosen to enter the room or at least try; curious to see its latest sibling.
Visenya took notice first and seemed to be the only one to do so, while everyone else moved in panic. With big strides, she quickly covered the distance between her and the door; before Viserys could take any steps into the room.
Her long red dress covered any view of the room and her sudden appearance forced her nephew to take a few steps back. Grabbing the chance, Visenya moved outside the room and closed the door behind her.
She wished to remain with her sister, to maybe help somehow and make the situation better but she couldn't. She couldn't because Viserys should not be exposed to such sights, especially now when the fate of his mother was unclear.
The boy had not spoken to her for more than a year, ever since Aerys was thrown into the black cells. Whenever they would meet, he would glare at her and change direction; making it clear that he did not wish to be in her presence.
Now, he glared at her once again hatred evident in his violet orbs. He was angry, now more than ever with her not allowing him to see his own mother.
However, it all went away when the baby in her arms started to make a few noises; stirred awake from her light sleep. This drew his attention and only then did he realise that his latest sibling was in her arms.
Now with the chance presented. Visenya grabbed it like how someone would grab a bull by its horns; in order to shift his attention somewhere else.
"Viserys, meet your baby sister," she said and bent until one knee was pressed against the cold floor.
She held the baby carefully in her arms and allowed him to have a good view of it, being much closer to his height now.
The sight of the wrapped-up baby drew his interest and he took a step closer. Tilting his head faintly to the side, he observed his baby sister. A small patch of white hair was on her head, and her whole body was small and frail.
He wondered if she also bore the violet eyes of her family.
He brought his hand forward and extended his index finger, wishing to touch the baby and get a better idea of how it was. After all, he had never seen a baby before; not right after birth at least.
As if sensing his intention, the baby extended her tiny hands and grabbed his finger. She held tightly to him and slowly opened her eyes, showing their beautiful violet shade.
"What's her name?" Viserys asked, looking from the baby to his aunt.
Surprised that he finally talked to her, Visenya quickly answered his question. She had discussed potential names with Rhaella for months, based on what gender the baby would be.
"Daenerys. Her name is Daenerys" she told the boy.
Viserys seemed to smile and looked at the baby girl, his new sister. He could not help but stare at her for quite some time, while she held on his finger for dear life.
By some godly interference, Rhaella survived the labour and both her but also her child; were healthy.
However, due to the previous pregnancies and miscarriages, Val concluded that Rhaella's body could not take another birth. That was the last one and if by some unfortunate event, the former queen ended up being with child, he feared that she would not survive.
Thankfully for Rhaella, Aerys was locked away and there was no one to force her or risk impregnating her. With the royal guards stationed outside her chambers, one would not even dare to come close without risking losing their heads in the process.
However, for now, Rhaella would have to remain in bed and barely move. Her body was very weak; matching the state Elia was after her second birth. Barely able to stand, she always required assistance even when nature called while most of her days were spent lying on a bed.
She did have company, though, for there were people around her that loved and supported her. Rhaegar made it almost a daily thing to visit and sit with her, and read her favourite books and poems he had written.
Elia spent hours in the room, letting young Aegon and Rhaenys keep company Rhaella but also helping with young Daenerys; since the children were of similar age.
Of course, one should not forget how big part of Rhaella's day was spent with Visenya present. Even when having to handle some affairs, she would often choose to do them in the chambers of her sister; to keep an eye on her and offer some company.
Trystan was only a year older than Rhaenys and two years older than Aegon, but they still seemed to work just fine. It did well for the young Lion to be surrounded by children his age and be given a chance to grow as normal as Tywin's Heir could.
This allowed Elia and Visenya to come closer, the Dornish Queen often feeling left out due to her heritage and her looks. The Dragoness, though, made it clear that this would not be the case with her present.
After all, she had met both Oberyn but also their mother; thus had things in common to talk to when days would grow long. Visenya became an older sister and aunt to Elia, something that Oberyn was more than thankful for whenever he chose to visit them; much to Tywin's dismay.
At last, by the end of the year; it was Visenya's turn to give birth. Her bump had grown over the passing months, no longer able to hide it beneath loose dresses. By her 8th month, she had stopped most of her activities, including training; surprisingly, she managed to persuade Tywin to keep horse riding until her last month.
She attended the small council meetings daily and no one dared to comment on her condition or even dare to say anything that would put her down. They did not dare with both Tywin but also Rhaegar glaring daggers at them, as if reading their thoughts.
And at last, the time of the labour arrived...
Chambers of Visenya & Tywin, Tower of the Hand – Red Keep, KingsLanding, Crownlands – Evening
Compared to her first birth, this one was... easier, one might dare to say. The discomfort was there and it was not easy to have to constantly breathe through one's mouth for a few hours while in labour pains.
Visenya, the proud woman she was, held back any sound she could make; at least until the pain was too much to bear. Having gotten an idea from her first pregnancy, she was better prepared for the sharp moments of pain as the baby was slowly coming out.
She still shouted when the pain hit a rather sensitive spot, sometimes she even growled as the tension within her body rose. Sweat formed on her forehead and the bed sheet beneath her was stained red but according to Val, she was doing well.
Rhaella was too weak to stand for long or be there for her, but Elia was not. She had taken the former Queen's place and held Visenya's hand throughout the labours. Despite the unusual strength the Dragoness had, Elia refused to let her pass through it alone.
As per usual, Tywin had been moved outside the room and all he could do was walk up and down like a caged animal.
At last, the pains seemed to end and Visenya grabbed the chance to just lie back; feeling multiple parts of her body aching from the strain. She panted heavily and yet despite everything, something did not seem right in her mind.
"Why...why there is no... No crying?" she asked, with fear quickly settling into the pit of her stomach.
Elia was looking at Val but she did not seem worried, no one in the room was. Visenya did not see any sad faces but her worries did not calm down... not until Val walked towards her.
"You have a proud girl, my Lady," he said as he carried a bundle in his arms. "She is a healthy baby, alas, not a crier" he continued, making Elia and Visenya exchange looks.
They had been through enough births, personal and of others; and they knew all the babies cried. It was a sign that they were healthy, that they were alive.
"Is this even possible?" Elia dared to ask, letting go of Visenya's hand.
"Sometimes, it can happen. Though, she might start crying when a little bit older or when she gets hungry" the wise Maester said and handed the baby to the mother.
Visenya gently held the bundle in her arms, similarly to how she had held Trystan when he had been born. She could not help but smile at the sight of the quiet baby, a patch of white hair thick on its little head.
She dared to move the towel just enough and her lips parted in surprise, upon seeing a familiar mark imprinted into the skin of the baby.
"Another dragon whisperer" Elia exclaimed, clasping her hands in front of her chest in joy. "Oh, you must be so happy about it"
Elia had an obsession with dragons and their history, finding them fascinating. So when she first met Visenya and saw her eyes, she knew she was different from the rest of the Targaryens.
In the end, after all the time they had spent together; Visenya chose to show Elia the mark from close, a rare privilege. Needless to say, it was one of the best days for the exotic-looking Queen.
The Dragoness nodded her head, having lost her words for a moment. She had not expected another baby to be born bearing the same family mark, let alone while she was alive. Without dragons around, there seemed to be no reason and yet... she could not help but smile, feeling just how special the little girl would be.
"I will go inform Lord Hand that he can see you now" the Dornish Queen continued, smiling at the sweet sight of mother and daughter.
Visenya offered a silent thank you in her mind, too busy gawking at the little girl. To her surprise, when the child opened its eyes; it was not the shade she expected. While the child bore the mark, she did not seem to have inherited the eyes as well.
While Visenya's eyes were amber with red flecks inside, the baby's were a bright emerald and she swore she saw pieces of gold within.
A true half-born, she could not help but think, amused at the unique combination.
Trystan had taken more from his father, with barely sharing anything similar with his mother; other than his facial bone structure. This child had taken more from her mother but there was at least one single thing about her that reminded everyone; who the father was.
The sound of steps made her look up and she offered a weak but prideful smile as Tywin approached her bed, his steps confident as always. Relief was barely evident in his eyes but she was quick to spot it, amusing her internally at how hard he was trying to hide it.
Right behind him was Jaime with his bright white cloak and by his sides, Tyrion and Trystan walked; all three boys were hesitant to approach but also eager to see their latest sibling.
"A girl this time. Half you and Half me" she informed her Lord Husband and extended her weak hands, allowing him to hold his daughter.
Tywin did so, with a careful but stable grip while his golden-flecked eyes inspected the baby. A matching set looked back at him and not a single tear or cry came from the baby. Its white hair was the second thing he noticed but his attention went to the barely visible black mark on her small chest.
He stole a quick glance at Visenya, who nodded her head; agreeing to a mental question that he did not have to utter out loud for her to know.
"Have you thought of a name?" Jaime asked, trying to get a better view of the baby.
His father noticed and was about to comment on his childish behaviour but a sharp look from his Lady Wife made him remain silent. Carefully, he allowed his firstborn to hold his latest sister; all while trying to ignore the white cloak that seemed to mock the Older Lion.
"Jaenyra" Visenya informed him.
Her husband arched an eyebrow and looked at her, while his mind quickly made the connection.
Jane, Jaeny, Joanna, Jaime, Jason... both males and females in the Lannister Family had names starting in a similar fashion; part of a tradition that even Tywin followed.
However, the name ending of –yra had valyrian roots and was commonly associated with the names of famous Targaryen women like Queen Rhaenyra for example.
It became evident that since the baby was almost half and half of each parent, the name should be fitting to that as well. It pleased Tywin, who did not mind the combination for there were still roots of Lannister both in the name but also in the child.
"Jaenyra... " Jaime repeated, his green eyes locked on the form of the silent baby.
The more he took in her innocent features, the more he held her in her arms... the stronger the bond he felt for her became.
He had an older sister but never a younger one, not until now.
He could imagine her growing to become a strong woman, smart, stubborn and beautiful. With confidence behind her every step, he would make sure that no harm would come to her. He would be by her side every step of the way and he would kill anyone that dared to even think of laying a finger on her.
He would not make it easy for any suitor to wed her when she would come of age and as hell he would not let her be married to a lord thrice his age. He would protect her with everything he had, even if it meant he had to butt heads with his father.
"Don't be selfish now, show us" Tyrion whined, getting tired of craning his neck in order to catch a glimpse of the wrapped-up baby.
Jaime chuckled and kneeled to be closer to their height, all while holding the baby carefully in his arms. He allowed his younger brothers to observe the silent baby, which seemed to study them with those intelligent eyes of hers; whose shade matched the ones of their father.
Visenya watched the sweet sight, never having imagined herself in such a scenario. She did not regret it, though, seeing the big and happy family; almost happy. Cersei had been sent to Highgarden for a marriage proposal and had not been present for a few months now, much to her dismay.
Her attention shifted from her boys and their little sister to Tywin as he moved to be closer to her bed. With tired but happy eyes she looked at him, her back and head supported by a few pillows.
He brought his dominant hand forward and gently pushed a sweaty strand off her cheek and moved it behind her ear, while he gave a gentle head nod; a sign of how proud he was of her accomplishment in bringing her another child into this world, another Lannister.
His finger lingered on her cheek, slowly moving and caressing her flashed skin. She cannot help but lean on them and look at him, her eyes filled with passion and even love... a sign that she had truly fallen for the famous and cold Lion of Casterly Rock.
What one would not expect would be the look he gave her in return; for even he could not help but slowly fall in love with her for good this time.
[A/N] - Like you thought I would let Rhaella die. My girl deserves to be happy and serves to have a better life.
The same goes for Visenya, of course.
Also, I will update a chapter a week or every two weeks. I do not have all that free time I used to and I am trying to create plots and write them down.
Thank you all for your patience and I cannot wait to read your comments!