Pain. That was the only thing Rhaenyra could feel. Sweat coated her skin, and her body was shaking from exhaustion as she breathed through the pain. She had been in labor since dawn, and she was desperate for rest. She could tell by the faces around her that they were all worried. This was her third pregnancy, and even though all of them had gone through smoothly so far, the fear of her being like her mother gripped her as she pushed with all of her might."Keep breathing." The midwife encouraged. "And push!"Rhaenyra pushed down with all of her might, her hands fisted in the sheets. Her body was shaking uncontrollably from exhaustion. She panted for breath; the babe still hadn't come. "I can't." She cried. Pictures of her mother flashed before her, and her eyes stung with unshed tears."Push!"She clenched her teeth and pushed again."The head!" One lady exclaimed.Using her remaining strength, Rhaenyra clenched her teeth and pushed. Relief flooded her body as she sank down onto the bed, spent and utterly exhausted. A piercing cry rippled through the room."A boy, Princess."Panting, Rhaenyra slowly rose, smiling and reaching for her son. Maester Orwyle quickly hands him over. Kissing his forehead, he immediately stops crying and nuzzles into her arms. Rhaenyra can't help the emotions that spread through her, and a smile made out of pure happiness lays across her face.She's about to nurse the babe, when a handmaiden comes in. Rhaenyra tenses; she already knows why she's here. Ever since the birth of Jace, Alicent has made her present her children in front of her and her father."Princess..." The young girl starts, guilt plastered across her face. "The Queen has requested that the child be brought to her... immediately.""Why?" Elinda asked, turning to face Rhaenyra."I'll take him myself." Rhaenyra hissed, slowly rising to her feet."You should remain abed, Princess." The midwife insisted.Irritation burned under her skin. "Yes, I should!" She snapped, "Help me dress."Rhaenyra gritted her teeth as more contractions continued to batter her body. Her afterbirth was coming. The babe in her arms seemed to sense her discomfort. Wailing loudly against her chest, Rhaenyra smiled, trying to quiet the babe. She groaned in pain once more, and quickly, the sound of something thudding against the floor—wet and bloody—made everyone gasp.The maids were quick to clean it up and lace up her dress as quickly as they could. Rhaenyra had already bounced the babe in her arms; he had opened his eyes, babbling and looking around. Just as she was walking to the door, it opened to reveal Leanor."A boy. I've just heard.""Yes." Clutching her son closer to her chest, she swiftly moved to the door."Well done." A smile boomed across his face before it was replaced by confusion. "Where are you going?""She wants to see him." She spat, her eyes quickly glancing down. The babe looked confused but happy as he gazed upon his mother's face. He was kicking and swinging his arms around."Now?" Laenor asked in disbelief. Rhaenyra gave him a sharp look, causing him to sigh. "I'm coming with you.""I should hope so." Rhaenyra groaned but smiled at the child in her arms.As they walked outside the chambers, lords and ladies lined the hall. Rhaenyra bit the inside of her cheek as whispers began to fill her ears. Most looked horrified and were gasping as she walked. She knew there was blood trailing behind her, but she didn't dare look back as she made her way to the stairs."Let me take him." Leanor said, reaching out to study her.She pulled away. "No, she'll get no such satisfaction from me."Laenor sighed; her eyes hurt as he looked at her. "Just take my arm, at the least."Rhaenyra reluctantly took his arm, silently grateful for his presence. Taking the first step, she nearly doubled over in pain."Was it terribly painful?"Rhaenyra shot him a glare, and he paled."Oh, gods." He murmured before a small smile made its way onto his face. "I took a lance through the shoulder once.Rhaenyra snorted, "My deepest sympathies."Continuing the climb, more people passed and stared. Rhaenyra clenched her jaw so tight that she was convinced her teeth might break. She looked down at her son, plastering a smile on her face. She couldn't let him see the pain and fear that engulfed her.She panted, exhaustion evident in her every move. Pain wrecked her body, and she doubled over in pain before quickly taking hold of Laenor's arm to steady her."What is it?" Concern and worry echoed across his face.Rhaenyra groaned, her body tensing as more spasms washed over her. She winced, feeling something gush out between her thighs. "Fսck."Laenor looked at her, and Rhaenyra grunted. They needed to get up the stairs before she collapsed."Walk." She commanded, climbing up another step before realizing Laenor wasn't moving. "Walk!"Her breath trembled as she used all of her strength, heaving herself up the last step. She cursed the gods for making the keep full of stairs."What could she possibly want?" Laenor asked as they entered the hall. "I thought we were past this."Scoffing, Rhaenyra quickened her pace."Princess, Ser Laenor, it is a privilege to be amongst the first to congratulate you." Lord Caswell appeared from the room to her right, carrying scrolls."Thank you, Lord Caswell." Rhaenyra said, hurriedly."If I may be of any service...""The day may yet come, my lord." She told him.Breathless, she groaned in pain. Laenor, taking notice, reached for her. "We are turning back, all right?" Laenor commented as Rhaenyra made to move. "She can come to us, all right?""No. Not unless you wish to carry me down those fսcking stairs." Rhaenyra panted. The babe who had been quite up to this point, cooed softly, stretching his limbs.Laenor sighed, "This is absurd.""Mmm-hmm." Rhaenyra continued to Alicent's chambers, Laenor in tow.Upon arrival, Rhaenyra saw Ser Criston standing guard outside the door. "Princess." He greeted them coldly.Rhaenyra's eyes narrowed. Tightening her grip on Laenor, she swiftly made her way into Alicent's chambers. The room was decorated in different shades of green and gold. As Rhaenyra walked farther into the chamber, she saw Alicent being fitted for another green and gold gown by her handmaiden, Talya.Alicent's gaze was as cold as stone as she gazed at them. Out of instinct, Rhaenyra clutched the child closer to her chest. Allison's eyes lingered on the babe for a moment before her expression morphed into one of worry."Rhaenyra! You should be resting after your labors." Alicent said fiercely."I have no doubt that you would prefer that, Your Grace." Rhaenyra replied through gritted teeth as she took a painful step forward."You must sit." Alicent turned to the redheaded maid and said, "Talya, fetch a cushion for the Princess.""There's no need." She stated. Her only plan was to present the child to her father and immediately leave for her chambers to check on her other children; she wouldn't stay longer than she needed to."Nonsense." The fake expression of worry shifts slightly as she turns her attention back to her hand. maiden, dismissing her with a wave of her hand. "We'll finish this later."The young girl nodded, offering a curtsy before turning tail and leaving.The room fell into a collective awkward, intense silence as they stared at one another. Laenor had pulled out the chair and motioned for her to sit. The pain was unbearable, but she gritted her teeth, trying to keep a smile on her face. She wouldn't give Alicent the satisfaction of knowing that she was in pain."What happy news this morning." Alicent smiled. The venom in her voice was unmistakable as she eyed the babe."Indeed, Your Grace." Rhaenyra gazed at her, waiting for a smart comment or a venomous speech about the child in her arms, but just as Alicent opened her mouth, her father appeared."Where is he? Where is my grandson?" Viserys asked, and his excitement and warmth washed away any sour feelings in the room for a moment. As his eyes fell upon the babe in her arms, his smile widened. "There."Laenor picked the babe up with gentleness and carefully placed him in the cock of her father's arm. Guilt and sadness prickled under her skin as she gazed at her father. Over the past ten years, time has not been kind to him. He seemed to age faster by the day, and even though he was the perfect age to be in prime health, he looked as if he were older than Jaehaerys himself. He had lost his arm to his ever-growing sickness, and his hair and nails were brittle and thin."There he is." Her father looked around the room with a bright smile across his face as he turned to look down at the babe. Viserys sighed, seeming to notice the coldness in the room. "A fine Prince." Her father commented, continuing to murmur to babe "Sturdy. You will make a fearsome knight. Yes, you will.""Does the babe have a name yet?" Alicent asked. Taking the babe and beginning to rock him.Rheanyra's attention snapped back to her. Being careful to keep the smile on her face, she spoke calmly. "We haven't spoken...""Joffrey." Laenor interjected quickly, not giving her the time to finish, "He'll be called Joffrey.""That's an unusual name for a Velaryon." Alicent said, looking down at the babe."I do believe he has his father's nose." Her father commented once more before whispering something low to Joffrey, who squealed in delight.Everyone engaged with each other, forcing out harsh laughs. Everyone knew that it was indeed not Laenor seed that had taken root.Laenor cleared his throat, putting his hand on Rhaenyra's shoulder. He offered a tight smile. "If you don't mind, Your Grace, your daughter has exerted herself heroically and should rest.""Of course." Her father gazed at her, and a tight smile greased his lips once more. Perhaps he had finally noticed her exhausted appearance, and his eyes creased in worry as she rose from the chair, grunting in pain.Rhaenyra took careful yet swift steps toward her father. The two embraced in a hug, and pulling back, she couldn't contain the smile that made its way onto her face."Well done, my girl." Her father offered, smiling at her in return. "I do hope the labor was easy.""I think I called the midwife a cսոt." She said truthfully."Oh." Viserys chuckled."Do keep trying, Ser Laenor. Soon or late, you may get one who looks like you." Alicent commented, handing Joffrey back into his arms.Laenor chuckled nervously, his eyes locking with Rhaenyra's.***"You don't think to consult me before you name my child?" She asked fiercely, once they were out of earshot.Laenor looked at her confusion, evident on his brow. "He's our child, is he not?' Flashing her quick smile, he looked down at Joffrey, who was currently sucking on his thumb."Only one of us is bleeding." Rhaenyra commented dryly.That gave him pause as Rhaenyra pulled open the door to her chambers. "I deserve some say in the affairs of my own family." He finally said.She scoffed. "You haven't seemed so interested in our affairs of late."She missed the hurt that flashed across his face as she made her way deeper into the room. She paused upon seeing Harwin. They gazed at one another before he offered a quick nod. Luke and Jace were engrossed in a game, but once Luke spotted her, he jumped and raced to meet her."Mother... look." He pointed to where the egg warmer sat. "We chose an egg for the baby."Rhaenyra chuckled softly at his eagerness. Watching as the two boys walked over to the egg before Jace opened the egg warmer, showing a blue-greenish egg inside. "That looks like the perfect one."Ser Harwin offered her his arm. She gladly took it, and with him supporting her, she sat on the couch, surrounded by many pillows. Watching her sons intently."I let Luke choose." Jace said, offering his brother a smile and ruffling his hair."Thank you, Jace." The two embraced quickly, breaking apart a moment later and switching their attention to Laenor."Not every day an egg leaves the Dragonpit, Princess." Harwin nodded toward the egg. "I thought it best to escort the lads.""Laenor and I thank you, Commander." She said sincerely.It was no secret that he was indeed the father of her children, but they had to keep up appearances because neither the children nor the entire keep knew, even though there were rumors of the affair. The boys had inherited his appearance through and through with their hair and brown eyes, but despite this, they proved to be more than a Targaryen.He flashed a proud smile. "Another boy, I heard."Rhaenyra nodded, watching as Laenor was quick to place Joffrey in his arms. Warmth flooded through her watching as Harwin held their newest addition to their house with excellent care and affection."Father, please, may I hold Joffrey?" Luke asked, reaching for Joffrey."No, no. No." Laenor scolded gently, wrapping both his arms around Jace and Luke."Ah-ah-ah." Harwin gently dismissed Luke's hand."Back to the Dragonpit for you two." Laenor declared, pulling them towards the door.Sighing Luke pouted. Clearly, not happy about that aspect.Laenor gathered them both up in his arms, pulling them once again to the door. Come on!" He said this, quickening his pace. "Before they send out a search party for you," That got them both laughing, and finally, the door closed behind them, leaving Rhaenyra and Harwin alone."You're asleep in front of the Commander of the City Watch." Harwin laughed, filling the empty space. "Terrible lack of respect.""A certain insolence runs in the family, I'm afraid." She smiles.***Zara made her way through the keep, her claws tapping on the stone floor. She needed to check on Aegon and Rhaenyra. She was thankful at that moment for her magic, for without it she wouldn't have been able to sneak into the keep and skillfully spy on everything within the walls. The children had grown, and with it came new challenges.Aegon was now, most of the time, a drunken fool who liked to pray on women. Thanks to Alicent's constant pampering, he never faced any consequences for his actions. On many occasions, Zara witnessed Alicent's true resentment and colors when it came to her children. It seemed like whatever they did, they could never satisfy her. The only one she mostly favored was either Helaena or Aemond. Daeron was never seen in the keep; once he had turned fourteen, he was sent to Oldtown to foster and has not returned since. That caused great concern, as it was no secret that House Hightower wanted Aegon on the throne rather than Rhaenyra.Alicent had even created her own counsel that consisted of members only wanting Aegon on the throne, and she had claimed that Rhaenyra would be a terrible queen. Alicent later said she was correct when all of her children so far were born with brown hair and brown eyes. And so began the constant insults and the constant reminders.After her first pregnancy, Alicent even went to lengths to say that Rhaenyra had yet to lose the baby weight and looked as if she had really let herself go. That had angered both her and Lyra and did even hurt more when Rhaenyra seemed to believe her. She immediately started dieting after every pregnancy and began eating much less. Despite Lyra's constant support and saying that it was normal for the baby weight to stay, Rhaenyra would not believe her.It truly angered Zara how Alicent could say such things and never suffer any consequences. Talon and the other members of Sunspear had been in an uproar for days when she reported everything. Nimbus even went so far as to say that he would tear off her head. Talon had made her swear to look after Rhaenyra and make sure Alicent didn't do anything physical.Zara had agreed. Even though Rhaenyra was still technically their queen, she had ordered all of Sunspear to stay out of her affairs. Talon and the Great Council disagreed entirely and made sure that at least Zara or one of the other shadow hounds, such as Nimbus and Lyra, reported to him on a weekly basis on the matters in King's Landing. He had even set up his network of spies around the entire continent of Westeros, so every piece of information was being fed directly to him.This is what drove Zara mad—nobody seemed to be on Rhaenyra's side. Laenor was absent most days, and Harwin could never openly show his affection or love for her. As for Daemon, she and the others were even forbidden to speak his name, for it seemed to agitate Rhaenyra beyond recognition, and the anger that was evident in her every move was enough to make anyone cower in fear. They could tell that his abandonment still hurt her to this day, and Lyra had said that it may never fully go away even if they were to reconcile. But Zara could care less. All she wanted to do was make sure everyone who hurt Rhaenyra felt the same pain she felt. Including Daemon.***Daemon looked out across the city; the air was crisp and warm, an indication of the changing of seasons. He wonders if the girls are asleep yet. It was common for Baela to want to stay up late and work on her High Valyrian, but as for Rhaena, he did not know. Taking a sip of his wine, his eyes soon fell upon Laena. His wife, the mother of his children, and the rider of Vhagar."Laenor has written." She says, "Rhaenyra has delivered another son."Daemon hated the way jealousy and devastation made their way into his heart. Another child. He played with his goblet of wine. "Does your brother mention if this one also bears a marked but entirely coincidental resemblance to the Commander of the City Watch?"Laena chuckled, coming to sit beside him. "He seems to have left that detail out.""Mmm." Damon took another deep sip of his wine. He could feel Laena's disapproving eyes burning into his skin, but he couldn't bring himself to care."I miss my brother, Daemon," she confessed. "As I think do you.""I miss Westerosi strongwine." He added an edge to his tone. "It could be depended on for a few hours of peaceful oblivion. This amber shit that they drink here. ""Do you never long for home?" Laena asks.If only you knew the truth. He thought. Furthermore, how could he tell her that it was not King's Landing he missed but something else—someone else? "No." He simply said, hoping to be done with this conversation."I don't believe you." She told him plainly."Believe what you please." He replied, growing irritated."You laud the virtues of Pentos, but you have no interest in it. If you did, you would venture into the city, but instead, you spend your time here, in the library, reading accounts of the same dead dragonlords whose legacy you claim has no hold on you.""Didn't know I was being so minutely observed." He says."You do not sleep." She probed."Well, how can I with you haunting my every move?" He asked, finally meeting her eyes."Life has, I know, disappointed you." She continued, "Perhaps I, too, am not the wife you would've wished for yourself.""Laena." His voice was a silent warning."It does not pain me. I have made my peace. But you are more than this, Daemon. The man I married was more than this." Daemon watched as Laena took one last glance before rising and heading back inside the mansion.He wasn't sure how long he stayed there, only that he finished at least three goblets full of wine. Laena's words lingered in his mind. When they first married, it was a passionate time. Daemon felt as if he had found someone similar to him, but as the years and months passed, he grew bored, and the longing to go back home was heavy in his heart.King's Landing wasn't his home. No, it was the princess he had left behind. The one who is now a mother to three boys. Daemon had tried to push down every feeling of guilt and jealousy towards himself for not being the one she married and for not being the father of her children. It scared him how Rhaenyra still managed to worm her way into his heart and make it hurt with every letter she ever sent.He had never read the letters she had sent, and eventually they stopped coming. He often wondered if she was as miserable as he felt. If she missed in the way he missed her, Caraxes roared in the distance, calling for his blood.It was the same as it was most nights. The reason he couldn't sleep was because of a silver-haired princess. Although he was still informed about her whereabouts and how she was doing through his connections, it couldn't compare to the wanting, overwhelming feeling to see her once more.He wondered if her anger would still remain if she were to look at him again. His reports told him that she had grown a big deal, but they didn't delve too deep into her life other than her children, who bore a striking resemblance to Harwin Strong. He and Laena had laughed about it, for they knew Laenor would never be able to give her an heir.He wondered if, in another life, he had taken her to wife when she asked. Things would be different.***What hairstyle do you want tonight, Princess?" Elinda asked.Rhaenyra hummed in thought, "I wish to leave it down tonight."Elinda nodded, brushing her hair. Rhaenyra gazed around her room. Joffrey was currently asleep in the cradle, wrapped up in thick quilts to keep him warm, his greenish-blue egg nestled beside him.Jace and Luke were playing card games in her sitting area, recounting the day's events. Although she had been disappointed with their behavior at the Dragonpit, she was even angrier with her half-siblings, especially with what had occurred in the training yard. Laenor had yet to reappear since their argument. She had all but gritted her teeth and offered the boys quick reassurances, but their father would return soon from wherever he may be. Harwin, however, would arrive at her apartments very soon for a final goodbye.Zara and Lyra had both cautioned her against it, but she insisted, saying that she needed to see him off in order to say goodbye. Zara had yet to reappear, and Rhaenyra often wondered where she went when she wasn't in her children's company.After Elinda left, she quickly gathered Jace and Luke, helping them get ready for bed. At their request, she allowed them to stay to say goodbye to Harwin, and the two blamed it on themselves."I don't understand why he has to leave." Luke confessed, "He was only looking out for us."Rhaenyra kneeled to his level. "He is needed at Harrenhal, sweetling. But fear not, for I am sure he will send letters."As she was consulting Luke, she missed Jace's confused look. Soon, a piercing cry echoed throughout her apartments, and she quickly went to tend to Joffrey. Throughout the day, she had thrown herself into looking after her youngest in order to ignore the stabbing pain that made its way into her heart upon thinking of Harwin's departure.After some time, Harwin arrived quickly, saying goodbye to Jace and Luke."Be good to your mother, lads. I'll visit when I can."Harwin turned away from Luke, making his way over to her before Jace came to stand beside her, his eyes flickering with unsaid emotion.Harwin gently lifted Jace's chin, making him meet his eyes. "But that may be some time. Jace."Rhaenyra choked back tears, refusing to show weakness in front of her children. It was as if she were a little girl again, but this time instead of waiting for her uncle to return, she would be waiting for her lover.He offered her a tight, sad smile before leaning forward and kissing Joffrey's forehead. "I will return, I promise." She could sense the sadness in his voice as he continued on. "I will be a stranger when we meet again."She offered a crutch nod, gently bouncing Joffrey. Her eyes were burning with the unshed tears, and if she watched him open the door, she wiped away a stray tear that wandered down her face.After the door closed, Jace stepped forward, looking at the door with longing. She took a deep breath, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We will exchange letters by raven. Won't that be fun?"Turning swiftly, he eyed her. "Is Harwin Strong my father?" He questioned. "Am I a bastard?"Taken aback, Rhaenyra tried to think of something that would put his mind at ease. But what could she do? He knew now that he had seen the exchange of emotions. That could only be shared with the loss of a loved one. "You are a Targaryen. That's all that matters."Confirmation along with anger flickered across his face, but before he could question her further, she kissed his forehead, telling them both that it's time for bed.The following morning, after attending one last council meeting and announcing her departure for Dragonstone, she quickly made sure the children were packing their belongings. Jace had barely spoken a word to her, along with Luke, who seemed at a loss."I don't understand why he's angry; he won't talk to me.""He's just upset, my sweet boy. Give him time." She shared a silent breath of relief as Luke nodded his head and resumed his packing.Leaving the children under the watchful eye of Lyra, she went in search of Laenor, finding him in the training yard. Annoyance prickled under her skin, for he was longing to return to war. But as she watched him, she understood the longing to do something for a greater power."A word?"Laenor nodded. "I take it; he's gone.""We're finished here. We're leaving." She stated, meeting the eyes of Ser Qarl Correy. The man looked nervous as he stared at her, and she would have smirked if she wasn't already annoyed."What of your offer?" Laenor asked, "Jace and Helaena?""I have been undermined... and made a spectacle." She spat. "They whisper about me in the corridors." She smirked, but they both knew there was nothing playful about it. "Well, I leave them to it.""To Dragonstone, then?" Laenor questioned."We should've left years ago." Rhaenyra admitted"What of your position?" Laenor inquired. "You've always said if you were absent from court, she would pour her honey in your father's ear.""The wise sailor flees the storm as it gathers." Rhaenyra replied, earning a scoff from him. Her eyes were once again locked with those of Ser Qarl. "Laenor... bring him. We'll need every sword we can muster.""Are you sure this is wise?" Lyra asked, joining her on the deck. They had left King's Landing over an hour ago but still had three hours to go before they arrived at Dragonstone.Rhaenyra sighed. "It's what my family needs." Turning, a tired smile formed on her face. "It's what I need."Lyra nodded. "I just hate the thought of Allison plotting without any of us there." Lyra gripped her hand in hers. "But I am happy that she can't hurt you anymore."Rhaenyra said nothing because there wasn't much to say. They all knew that Alicent had made a mockery of her at court on purpose to humiliate and mock her. She had expected much, for there was no warmth left between them. Dragonstone would be her sanctuary, a place where she and her children could live freely of court and not have to worry about the rumors or the constant behavior that fell upon them.She couldn't describe the amount of relief that fell upon her as she arrived at her castle. The dragons were already taking flight, roaring and announcing their happiness at being home. Even though King's Landing was where she was born, she no longer considered that place her true home and was happy to return to the island. Gathering her children, she smiled for the first time, sharing a knowing look with Laenor as she gazed upon her family seat.She was home.