116 AC
In the dimly lit chambers of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the air was thick with tension as the midwives hurriedly attended to her. The Princess, her once presentable silver hair now plastered to her forehead with sweat, swayed in agony with each powerful contraction that seized her body. Her knuckles clenched the bedsheets as she fought to endure the relentless waves of pain, her breath coming in ragged gasps. A young midwife tenderly brushed a cool, damp cloth against the Princess's brow, eliciting a pained groan as Rhaenyra sought solace from the overwhelming anguish.
"It's time," Rhaenyra declared as another contraction washed over her. "I need to start pushing."
"Princess," the older midwife whispered as Rhaenyra leaned forward, her hands gripping the sheets. She closed her eyes and steadied her breathing as the midwives prepared for the imminent arrival. Rhaenyra let out a primal scream as she pushed with all her strength, the anticipation of meeting her child driving her onward. With two more determined pushes, the infant arrived, their cries breaking the tense silence and bringing tears of relief to Rhaenyra's eyes.
"It's a girl," one of the midwives announced as they carefully severed the umbilical cord. Rhaenyra winced, feeling the urge to push once more; the afterbirth was on its way. As she focused on delivering the afterbirth, the midwives swiftly swaddled the newborn Princess in a warm blanket. Finally, as the afterbirth was delivered and Rhaenyra was able to recline on the bed, the midwives tenderly placed the new Princess in her waiting arms.
Rhaenyra gazed tenderly at the squirming newborn nestled in her arms. As she held her precious babe, she couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for her own late mother. "Hello, little one," she whispered, her eyes brimming with tears of joy and sorrow. She traced every delicate feature of the baby's face, from the button nose to the soft round cheeks and the crown of silver hair. As her finger caressed the baby's cheek, the little one grasped it, eliciting a tender smile from Rhaenyra.
Meanwhile, Laenor Velaryon, filled with a mix of anxiety and eagerness, hurried to his wife's chamber upon hearing that she was in labor. As he cautiously entered the room, his worries melted away upon seeing the serene scene before him. The midwives quietly tidying up and Rhaenyra reclining in bed, cradling their slumbering baby girl. Overwhelmed with emotion, he met Rhaenyra's tired yet radiant gaze with a warmth that only a new father could understand.
"A girl," Rhaenyra announced, her voice teetering between exhaustion and elation. Laenor repeated her words with a beaming smile, his heart bursting with pride and love. Drawing nearer, he settled by the bed, his eyes fixed on their daughter. Rhaenyra carefully transferred their bundle of joy into his waiting arms, and soft laughter escaped him as he held her close. "I have a daughter," he uttered with sheer delight;
Laenor gazed up at Rhaenyra, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Her name?" he asked, his voice gentle as he looked at the baby in his arms.
Rhaenyra admitted truthfully, "I haven't thought of one yet," her mind racing with various options. Their cherished moment was abruptly interrupted as the doors to the Princess's chambers were forcefully pushed open. King Viserys Targaryen appeared, his face glowing with pride as he beheld the scene before him. This was a momentous occasion for the Targaryen family, the birth of a new heir.
"My girl," he addressed his daughter warmly as he approached them. Laenor stood up and offered a respectful bow, making sure to steady the babe in his arms.
"Father," Rhaenyra greeted her father joyfully as he leaned down to place a tender kiss on her head.
"I hope it was quick?"
"Surprisingly, yes," Rhyaenya said, her relief palpable as she knew labor could endure for days. The king directed his gaze to his new grandchild, and Laenor delicately placed the baby girl in his arms. The babe stirred, eliciting a tender smile from Viserys. Rhyaenyra announced that it was a girl, a princess.
"She looks just like you did when you were a babe," he remarked as he gently rocked her, already completely enamored.
"I'm a grandsire," he uttered in disbelief. He asked if she had a name yet, and Rhyaenyra and Laenor replied that she did not.
"Rhiannon," Visery mumbled as he glanced up at Rhyaenyra, whose smile widened as she echoed the name.
"It means great queen, which she will undoubtedly become one day," Rhyaenyra and Laenor smiled, agreeing it was the perfect name.
When Queen Alicent ventured in to meet the little one, Rhyaenyra's body tensed at the sight. Laenor squeezed her hand in a gesture of reassurance.
Alicent walked gracefully towards Viserys and the new Princess, with the tension in the room palpable as Rhyaenyra's gaze remained fixed on the Queen. As she stood before the king and the babe, Alicent managed a small smile and gazed down at the little one. She carefully examined every feature, noting the striking resemblance to Ser Laenor, dispelling any rumors suggesting otherwise.
"Congratulations, Princess," Alicent said softly as her finger delicately traced the baby's face.
"She's truly a vision of beauty."
After the Princess became pregnant once more and gave birth, Queen Alicent noticed the second child, a boy named Jaehaerys, who bore a striking resemblance to the Princess's sworn protector, Ser Harwin Strong. Any doubts the Queen may have had disappeared when the Princess gave birth to her third child, another boy named Lucerys, which alerted the Queen to the Princess's activities.