(Aerion's POV)
"Milord." Elinda said as she bowed slightly while blushing
I was walking into Rhaenyra's chambers when I saw that she was sitting on a couch as Elinda stood next to her.
I raised an eyebrow, "Elinda..." I greeted her back, "What's....what's your deal?"
"Oh...Uhm...." she said as she tried to hide a smile
Rhaenyra chuckled, "It's nothing, My Husband." She said as she gestured at Elinda, "Leave us alone, Elinda?"
"Of course, Princess." She said as she walked away, "My Lord..."
I watched as she left, closing the door behind her. I then looked at Rhaenyra, she was glowing more than usual.
"What was that about?" I asked, "And is it really nothing?"
"I lied." She said as she patted the cushion next to her, "Come. Sit."
I walked over and sat down next to her, clearing my throat, "Okay, do tell." I said as she grabbed my hands, "What could possibly make your lady-in-waiting to act like that?"
"I am with child." She said with a smile
"O-Oh.." I said as I froze
I didn't know what to say, I was completely baffled. It has been many months since Rhaenyra and I were wed, it was expected of us to consummate and produce another child as quickly as possible but I wanted to delay it. Just recently, I decided to do my duty and well....."finished" inside her, instead of outside of her as I normally do. I did not think it was that easy, considering I did it once, the last time we were in bed.
She patted my cheek, "Does that not make you happy?" She asked with a smile
"I..." I cleared my throat, "That is amazing."
"Your line will now continue, Aerion." She said happily, "I will bear you a child."
I nodded as I looked to the floor, "Y-yea....I..." I started, "Wow, that's....I don't know what to say, Rhaenyra...I am at a loss for words.....nothing has prepared me for this revelation..."
"Yes..." She said, "I know you would take it well...."
I looked at her, "I...it gladdens me, it really does..." I said softly
"You....." She said caressing my shoulder, "You will be a great father.....I believe it."
I gulped, "I..." I said shakily, "I hope so..."
"I have thought of a name." She said with a smile, "Or well....names....."
I raised an eyebrow, "Already? That's pretty fast." I said as I looked at her belly, "I do not see a bump yet."
She chuckled, "I know...but when you have three boys already...you will learn to plan ahead." She said, "I may have thought of these names, but as the father, it is your right to decide..."
"O-Okay." I said, "What are the names?"
"Aegon if it is a boy, Visenya if it is a girl." She said
I scrunched my nose, "Aegon?" I said, "Are you serious?"
She laughed, "I know, I know." she said, "My brother is quite something, is he not, putting shame on the Conqueror's name. I want my son, our son, to at least live up to that name."
"Hm...." I said as I looked at her, "I see....if that's your wish."
"Besides, The Conqueror's Father's name was Aerion, there is that tidbit of history." She said, "I thought it would be a nice touch."
"Oh, yes, that is true." I said with a smile, "Lord Aerion Targaryen."
"Hm, yes." She said as she leaned closer to me, "And well, Visenya....if she's a girl....is that okay with you?"
"Aegon's sister?" I said, "If we are going by themes, it would be quite funny if we do have a girl first and name her that, hm?"
She pulled my face closer to hers, "That would be nice." She said as she briefly kissed my lips, "Aegon and Visenya..."
"Mhm..." I said as I held her waist, "Let us pray that everything goes well and our child comes to this world safely."
"Of course." She said softly
"So....." I said as our noses bumped slightly, "What now, Princess?"
"The boys are outside with Ser Steffon...." She said, "Rhaena is with Joffrey....."
"Is that so?" I said
She nodded, "Will you have me now?" She asked softly,
"My Husband..."
*******************************************************
"What? Another one?" Jace said as we were in their room, "Why?"
Rhaenyra frowned, "What do you mean, why, Jace?" she said, "Because we are husband and wife."
"I mean, I suppose that's fair...." He said looking down
We were in the princes' chambers, Rhaenyra thought she'd let them know of the news. Rhaena was also there, in her nightwear.
"Brother...." She said, "You will be a father?"
I cleared my throat, "Yes, Rhaena." I said, "I suppose I am."
She gave me a smile, "That's amazing." She said as she went up to me and hugged me, "I'm happy for you."
I smiled, "Thank you, Rhaena." I said as I patted her head
"Mother!" Luke said, "That means we can choose another egg for the cradle!"
"Yes, my love." She said as she patted his head, "That is exactly what that means."
I looked at this, noticing Jace was a bit slightly more down than usual next to them.
"Hm..." I said as Rhaena pulled away, "Jace, what's the issue?"
"Nothing." He said as he sat down in his bed
"Vermax is big enough to ride, is he not?" I asked him, "On the morrow, we can take a few laps if you want."
Rhaenyra looked at me, "Are you sure?"
"It will be fun." I shrugged, "He needs to get used to it."
"Can I do it too?" Luke asked brightly
"No, little Lucerys." I said, "Arrax is too small, not yet. Have patience."
"Aww..." He said, "But you get to have all the fun."
"With time, Luke, with time." Rhaenyra assured him, "Now, boys, Rhaena, off to bed. There is so much to do on the morrow."
"fine..." Luke said as he went to bed
"Good night, my sweetling." Rhaenyra said with a smile
********************************
"You want to take him to the skies alongside Vermithor?" Rhaenyra asked me, "Vermax is too small for that, what if your dragon crashes against him?"
"He won't." I said as we walked down the halls, "It will be fine, I promise."
We were called by the Maester, apparently he had some news to relay to us.
"If you say so." She said, "I merely worry, that is all."
I nodded, "I understand."
We reached the main hall where the obsidian map-table sat, Maester Gerardys waiting for us there.
"Princess, My Lord." He said as he bowed slightly and raised a piece of paper, "A message from King's Landing."
Rhaenyra took the paper as she looked at me, "My Father?" She asked
"N-No, Princess..." She said, "The Queen."
She opened the letter and read it, her expression changing to a bewildered one.
"What is it?" I asked her
She looked at me, "She's calling for you." She said as she gave me the paper, "What could she possibly want with you?"
I took the paper and read its contents:
"Princess Rhaenyra, I would like to summon the presence of Lord Aerion Targaryen at once. It is of urgent matter. Do not think of this as a hostile royal summons, but a peaceful one. I hope that Lord Aerion will not refuse."
I frowned, "What the...." I said softly
"Do you know what this is about?" Rhaenyra asked
I shook my head, "No." I said, "I haven't interacted with them since the Driftmark Incident, Rhaenyra."
She shook her head and looked away, "What does she want?" She whispered, "Why would she want you there by yourself?"
"Whatever it is....I cannot refuse." I said
"You are not going." She said firmly, "Maester Gerardys, write back and inform the Queen that my Husband will not go anywhere until more information is disclosed."
"Of course, Princess-" the Maester started
"No, this is exactly what they want." I cut him off, "I'll go."
"Aerion." She started
"I will be fine." I said, "Send word to Runestone instead, have my men at the ready. If I don't return in a few days, have them march to King's Landing to demand for me."
"No, I cannot let you." She told me as she grabbed my arm, "Not now of all times."
"You will be safe here, the boys and Rhaena will be safe." I said as I patted her cheek, "Whatever temptation they will try to sweet me with, I will not pay it any mind."
"It's a pit of vipers, just as you said." She whispered
"I know." I said, "But if I could not cut their heads off, my dear wife..."
"Your Father would not have betrothed us."