126 AC

Rhiannon sat in front of her Septa, sewing delicate flowers onto cloths, while her aunt Helaena sat beside her, completely at ease with the task. Despite her best efforts to stay composed, Rhiannon couldn't help but let out an exasperated sigh and slouch into her chair, clearly frustrated by the task at hand. Her long, curly silver hair was braided over her shoulders, and her striking blue eyes stared lazily at the cloth in front of her while she scrunched her nose in disgust; her frustration was evident to all.

"Maintain good posture, Princess," the Septa reprimanded, her gaze fixed on her own work, prompting Rhiannon to straighten up quickly with a frown.

"Yes, Septa," Rhiannon mumbled softly, stealing a glance at Helaena's flawless work. The contrast was striking - Helaena's craftsmanship was perfect, while Rhiannon's work looked horrid in her eyes. She mumbled at her lopsided flowers.

A sharp knock on the door made the Septa set her work down and call for the visitor to enter. Rhiannon watched eagerly as Ser Harwin Strong opened the door, her two brothers trailing behind him. At that moment, Rhiannon nearly leaped out of her chair.

"I require Princess Rhiannon," Ser Harwin addressed the Septa, who obliged. "Very well," and with that, Rhiannon hastened to the door, which shut quickly behind her.

"Is it the babe?!" Rhiannon inquired anxiously. "Is it a girl? Please tell me it's a girl." Her plea caused Ser Harwin to chuckle at her reaction.

"I heard a boy, Princess," he replied, and Rhiannon's heart sank as she dropped her shoulders in disappointment; the news was not what she had hoped for.

"Come on, Rhiannon, we're going to the dragonpit to pick an egg," Jaehaerys announced, sensing Rhiannon's disappointment. Lucerys was nearly jumping out of his boots, and Rhiannon's heart raced with excitement at the thought of the dragonpit.

"It's my turn to pick, isn't it?" He eagerly asked as Rhiannon smiled at her brother and gently touched his shoulder. "Of course, just as Jace and I picked yours." All four were off to the dragonpit to pick an egg for the new baby prince.

The three siblings entered their mother's chamber but found it unoccupied. Ser Harwin carefully positioned the dragon egg's incubator on the wooden table. Meanwhile, Jaehaerys and Lucerys engaged in play with toys, filling the room with their laughter. The eldest sibling, Rhiannon, approached her mother's desk and observed a book. As she lifted it, her attention turned to Ser Harwin, the city watch commander, noting the striking resemblance between him and her brothers. Despite the unspoken inquiries regarding their parentage, Rhiannon resolved to fiercely safeguard her brothers from the prying eyes and judgmental whispers of those overly concerned about their lineage.

"Ser Harwin, do you know where our mother is?" Rhiannon asked while gracefully taking a seat next to Lucerys, her crimson gown spreading out like a blooming rose.

As he walked over to the group, he addressed the princess, "I believe she went to see the Queen, Princess." Rhiannon nodded in understanding and then proceeded to read the book out loud. Ser Hawrin, with a warm and genuine interest in the children, crouched beside them, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and kindness.

"And then he encounters a big, fearsome dragon!" Suddenly, the grand doors swung open, and Princess Rhaenyra, accompanied by Ser Laenor, gracefully entered the room. Ser Harwin rose to his feet with a faint smile, locking eyes with Rhaenyra, who reciprocated his smile with equal warmth.

"Mother," Jaehaerys exclaimed as he and Lucerys eagerly rushed to her. Rhiannon carefully closed her book setting it down, and began following the boys slowly.

"Look," Jace exclaimed, lifting the lid of the dragon egg's incubator, causing wisps of smoke to billow out. Rhiannon walked over to her father, who was cradling the new prince in his arms. A tender smile was on his face as he looked down at the sleeping baby.

With hopeful eyes, she gazed up at her father. "May I, father?" she asked. Laenor nodded and then carefully lowered the newborn towards her. A wide, radiant smile illuminated her face as she tenderly extended her finger to trace the baby's delicate features. Rhiannon let out a soft, affectionate coo as she marveled at the infant, while Luke enthusiastically narrated how they had acquired an egg for the newborn."

"Ah," their mother exclaimed as she slowly approached her chair. "It seems like the perfect one." Sir Harwin offered his arm, assisting her as she gently settled into the seat, wincing slightly from the discomfort.

"We entrusted Luke with the decision," Jace elaborated. Luke expressed his heartfelt appreciation to his older brother and sister. Rhiannon hummed softly in acknowledgment as she gracefully walked over to her mother.

"Rarely does an egg depart from the dragon pit, princess," Ser Harwin remarked as he maneuvered to the other side to examine the newborn more closely.

"I thought it best to escort them." Rhiannon gently wrapped her arms around her mother's shoulders, their tender embrace revealing a profound bond. After Rhiannon let go, she stood behind her brothers, who were all staring in awe at the egg, each imagining what kind of dragon lay within.

"Laenor and I thank you, Commander," Rhyaenyra spoke as pain vibrated her body again. She knew she shouldn't be up moving around after giving birth, but she wouldn't let the Queen see her struggle; she would take too much pleasure in it.

"Another boy, I heard," Ser Harwin remarked as he looked at Rhaenyra, then turned his gaze to Laenor and the baby. Rhaenyra responded with a gentle smile, confirming. Meanwhile, Ser Harwin observed as Laenor held the baby boy close and whispered soothing words to him.

"May I?" He inquired, his gaze shifting downward.

"Ser Hawrin wishes to be introduced to Joffery," Rhaenyra requested.

Laenor graciously acknowledged her request with a subtle nod. Carefully, he entrusted the precious newborn to Sir Hawrin, who cradled the baby in his arms and expressed his delight with a soft smile. Meanwhile, Rhiannon attentively observed the unfolding scene, noticing the genuine affection that Sir Hawrin held for the little one.

"Father, can I please hold Joffery?" Luke asked eagerly. However, Laenor repeatedly refused as he playfully tried to push Rhiannon's brother's arms away from the baby.

"Both of you, back to the dragon pit," Laenor said as he gently guided them with his hands on their backs.

"Rhiannon, it's time to return to your studies," Rhaenyra said, gesturing toward the door. Disappointment weighed on Rhiannon's shoulders once again.

"Please, Mother, can I accompany Jace and Luke to the dragon pit?" Rhiannon pleaded, locking eyes with her mother. Reluctantly, Rhaenyra nodded, and Rhiannon's face lit up with excitement. Finally, Rhiannon wouldn't be stuck in a room learning about this or that.

"Thank you, thank you," she exclaimed, expressing her gratitude as she hurried alongside her father, who was shepherding her brothers out.