19
" Fuck!"
Saerra's eyes flutter shut, her head is thrown back and her legs are spread white open as two white heads and two pale hands work magic on her core, giving her relief over and over and over again.
The two Targaryens love making their shared wife feel oh-so-good. It brings them great joy to see her writhing in pleasure upon the silk sheets.
The marriage between Daemon, Rhaenyra, and Saerra is a marriage quite new, and one that has shocked the realm. Princess Rhaenys and Lord Corlys have not only lost a daughter, but then a son, both of the spouses of which have now banded together in a new marriage... with the bastard girl of Driftmark.
Lord Corlys believes it to have been a ploy. He believes that both Laena and Laenor's deaths were planned so that the three could be together in an uncivil union, and to much surprise, it is Rhaenys to talk her husband out of such thoughts. For once, Rhaenys is the voice of reason... and almost seems to defend Saerra.
He clings to the shattered fragments of his family, his mind consumed by suspicion and grief. The loss of his daughter, Laena, and his son, Laenor, has left him bereft, their deaths casting a dark shadow over the once-mighty House Velaryon.
The whispers of the realm echo in his ears, painting a picture of a scandalous union that defies convention and tradition. The marriage of Daemon, Rhaenyra, and Saerra is a flame that ignites the tongues of gossip, fueling the speculations of intrigue and conspiracy. In the eyes of Lord Corlys, it is a betrayal, a calculated ploy to seize power and rewrite the rules of society.
His heart is heavy with suspicion, his mind clouded by anger.
"My Lord-husband," Rhaenys' voice is gentle, her touch light as she reaches for her husband's hand, " To place the blame on Saerra is an action unfair."
Lord Corlys's grip tightens around his wife's hand, his gaze searching her face for answers. He yearns for the solace of certainty, the comfort of a world where everything is neatly defined. But Rhaenys challenges his preconceptions, urging him to look beyond the surface and embrace the complexities of their situation.
"Saerra is not to blame for the tragedies that have befallen our family," Rhaenys continues, her voice steady.
" You believe our children's death to be a mere accident?" Corlys seethes.
" Those were not my words, husband," The Princess corrects, " I am simply saying I do not believe Saerra to be at fault. Despite our... difficulties, she is not the one to blame."
Lord Corlys's features soften as his wife's words sink in, a flicker of understanding dancing in his eyes. He recalls the fleeting moments when he witnessed Saerra's pain, the torment etched upon her face. She is not the scheming seductress he once believed her to be, but a woman who has found solace and love in the arms of those who truly see her.
The morning sun rises over the tranquil waters that surround Dragonstone, casting a warm glow upon the ancient fortress. Within its walls, a symphony of anticipation echoes through the air, as if the very stones themselves are aware of the momentous event about to unfold. The castle seems to hold its breath, as if in reverence for the love and sacrifice that has brought Saerra, Rhaenyra, and Daemon together. Saerra's delicate fingers trace the contours of her burgeoning belly, feeling the life within stir in response. Her heart is a tempest of emotions, a swirling whirlpool of joy, hope, and the lingering ache of lost love. Ser Harwin's absence is a ghostly presence that haunts her, a constant reminder of the love they once shared and the life that was cut short by tragedy. And yet, amidst the echoes of her past, she finds solace and love in the arms of Rhaenyra and Daemon.
They stand beside her now, their presence a shield against the tumultuous waves of her emotions. Rhaenyra's touch upon her belly is tender, a caress that bridges the gap between mother and child, a silent reassurance that they are in this together. Daemon's eyes shimmer with pride and awe, his hand resting gently on her back, a symbol of unwavering support. Their love, intertwined and unyielding, envelop her like a warm embrace, offering respite from the storm that rages within.
As Saerra walks through the halls of Dragonstone, the tapestries that adorn the walls seem to come alive, their intricate designs mirroring the complexities of her heart. The scenes depict love, betrayal, and sacrifice, each thread a reflection of the tangled web of emotions that she weaves. It is a reminder that love is not always straightforward, that it can be both a balm and a source of pain. And yet, in the embrace of Rhaenyra and Daemon, she finds sanctuary.
Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, as Saerra's pregnancy progresses. The three lovers navigate the intricacies of their new marriage, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. They share stolen moments of intimacy, their bodies entwined in a passionate dance that speaks of longing and desire. Saerra's heart still carries the scars of Ser Harwin's loss, but in the arms of Rhaenyra and Daemon, she discovers a love that mends the wounded corners of her soul.
Dragonstone becomes a sanctuary of joy and anticipation. The castle hums with the energy of new life, as servants scurry to prepare for the arrival of their child. Rhaenyra, with her eyes alight with excitement, weaves dreams of a future where love triumphs over all obstacles. Daemon, his voice a deep and resonant melody, recites ancient lullabies that have echoed through the halls of Dragonstone for generations. And Saerra, her heart swelling with a love she never thought possible, carries the weight of the legacy they have created.
The little Princes debate over whether Saerra will bare them a sister or a brother. They practically wait at her hand and foot as her pregnancy wavers on, whilst the twins keep their distance. Saerra is still a stranger to them, despite her now being their stepmother.
Yet, even amidst the serenity, there are moments when the tides of sorrow threaten to consume Saerra. In the quiet solitude of her chamber, as moonlight spills through the windows, she finds herself haunted by memories of Ser Harwin. His laughter echoes in her ears, his touch a ghostly caress against her skin. Tears well in her eyes, carrying with them the ache of a love lost. In those moments, Rhaenyra and Daemon are her anchors, guiding her back to the shores of their shared love.
Their arms encircle her, their words a balm for her wounded heart. They wipe away her tears with gentle kisses, whispering words of love and devotion that envelop her like a warm embrace. In their arms, she finds solace and strength, a sanctuary where her scars are cherished and her heart is held with reverence.
As the day of the child's birth draws near, Dragonstone buzzes with anticipation. The air is charged with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy, as midwives and maesters prepare for the miracle that is about to unfold. Saerra's grip tightens around Rhaenyra's hand, her breath coming in shallow gasps as the first waves of labor wash over her. Daemon's eyes mirror her pain, a silent testament to his love and empathy.
In the birthing chamber, the flickering candlelight casts dancing shadows on the walls, illuminating the tableau of love and sacrifice. Saerra's cries fill the air, intertwining with the song of new life that emerges from her. Rhaenyra's voice rises in a melodic harmony, a lullaby whispered to the child that awaits its first breath. Daemon's hands cradle Saerra's face, his touch a gentle reassurance that she is not alone.
And then, with a final push, the world expands as a cry pierces the room. Time stands still as Saerra holds her daughter against her chest, her tears mingling with the child's first cries. The room is awash with a kaleidoscope of emotions — joy, relief, and a profound sense of completion.
In that sacred moment, as Saerra gazes upon the tiny face of her daughter, she feels the weight of Ser Harwin's absence and the magnitude of the love that surrounds her. She is filled with gratitude for the gift of new life, and for the love that has woven its threads through the fabric of her existence. Rhaenyra and Daemon, with their hearts entwined with hers, are the anchors that keep her steady amidst the shifting tides.
" Have you decided on a name, my sweet girl?" Rhaenyra softly ponders as she leans in to kiss her lover's head.
Saerra's heart hangs heavy, her eyes filled with tears as she gazes upon her daughter... a bastard. She releases a sob as the thought looms over. She cannot allow her child to have the same fate as she did. She cannot allow her daughter to be put through the same hell and torment as she did.
" She has no name," Saerra utters in a moment of realization," No house... she's a bastard."
She nearly chokes on her words as she cradles the babe in her arms, with Rhaenyra offering her support by coddling her.
Saerra's voice trembles as she speaks, her words coming out in broken whispers.
"Please, Daemon," She pleads, her voice choked with desperation as her head lifts up to meet his eyes, "Please, allow her to be called a Targaryen. I beg you. I can't bear to see her branded a bastard, to suffer the same fate as I did."
Her tears flow freely now, cascading down her cheeks in a torrential downpour. Each drop carries with it the pain of a lifetime spent longing for acceptance, for a place to belong. Saerra's shoulders shake with the weight of her sorrow, her body trembling with a profound sense of loss. She clings tightly to her daughter, as if the mere act of holding her close could shield her from the cruel reality that awaits.
Daemon's eyes soften as he watches Saerra crumble before him, his heart aching at her anguish. He knows the pain of being labeled a bastard, of being denied the privilege and honor of his true name. But he also understands the power of a name, the way it can shape one's destiny, for better or for worse.
" Of course," He simply states, " She is my daughter."
Another sob breaks through her chest, this one accompanied by a smile. She looks up at him through tear-streaked eyes.
" Thank you," She whispers, " Thank you, my Prince."
Relief washes over Saerra, the weight that has burdened her lifting ever so slightly. She gazes down at her daughter, a mixture of sorrow and joy mingling on her face. With a trembling hand, she brushes her fingertips against the soft cheek of her child, whispering words of love and devotion. She makes a silent vow to shield her daughter from the judgment and scorn that had haunted her own life, to create a haven of acceptance and belonging.
Rhaenyra's gaze turns to Daemon as they lock eyes and share an entire conversation with just one look. It happened again... the fourth child to wear a false House banner.
Soon, Jacaerys and Lucerys are able to meet the newborn babe, and they practically fawn over her as she nestles in her mother's arms.
The boys' eyes widen with wonder and awe as they gaze upon their baby sister. Jacerys reaches out a small hand, his fingers brushing against the delicate skin of the babe's cheek. His touch is gentle, almost reverent, as if he understands the significance of this moment.
" Saerra, what is her name?" Lucerys asks, his voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and excitement.
Saerra looks at her sons, her heart swelling with love and pride. She takes a deep breath, her voice trembling with emotion as she announces the name that holds so much weight and meaning.
"Her name is Haelye Targaryen," Saerra proudly utters.
A sense of pride and protectiveness swells within the boys as they look upon their sister, their voices filled with conviction.
"Haelye Targaryen," Jacerys repeats, as if imprinting the name upon his memory.
Saerra's heart swells with love for her sons as they wrap their arms around her and their baby sister. In that moment, she knows that they will indeed be a shield, a united force that will stand against any who dare question Haelye's legitimacy. They will be the champions of her name, the defenders of her honor.
As the room basks in the warm glow of love and acceptance, Saerra gazes down at her daughter, at the delicate features that already bear the resemblance of her father. She whispers words of love and reassurance, vowing to give Haelye the life she never had, to ensure that she grows up surrounded by love, pride, and the knowledge that she is a true Targaryen.
Alas, the child's hair is not pale silver, but rather a deep brown. As Haelye's curls grow in, it's perfectly clear that she was not conceived by Daemon's seed, a truth of which Saerra and her spouses turn a blind eye to.
Saerra nurses her daughter, watching in amazement as the babe suckles on her nipple, oblivious to the judgmental stare that come from one of the nannies. Saerra lifts her head to meet the gaze of the woman, who immediately looks away and finds something else to keep her busy.
All those on Dragonstone know the truth of Saerra's child. They know that Haeyle is not a true-born Targaryen, despite having the House name.
And once word reaches the Red Keep, the Hightowers are furious.
The news spreads like wildfire through the corridors of the Red Keep, reaching the ears of Alicent and Otto Hightower like a dagger to the heart. Their faces contort with anger and indignation as they learn of Saerra's audacity to name her child Targaryen. It is a slap in the face to their sense of superiority, a defiance that they cannot tolerate.
In their opulent chambers, Alicent and Otto seethe with fury. The flickering candlelight casts eerie shadows upon the walls, mirroring the darkness that has settled within their hearts. Their minds race with thoughts of retribution, of putting Saerra and her child back in their rightful place.
"A bastard child born to a bastard mother... " Alicent trails.
Otto's eyes burn with a cold fury as he clenches his fists, his knuckles turning white.
"This is an affront, a mockery of everything we stand for," He utters.
But Saerra's time as a mother is among the best in her life. She absolutely adores her daughter, her little giggles, her bright round eyes and large puffy hair. Though Haelye's locks may be dark and curled, hidden within are specks of white, as if sprinkles of snow were placed in her hair by the Gods themselves.
Saerra is a mother, both by conventional means and not. She is a mother to Haelye Targaryen, she is a mother to Jacerys, Lucerys and Joffrey Velaryon, and she is also a mother to Baela and Rhaena Targaryen. They are her nieces as well as they are her stepdaughters, though the girls have little affection for Saerra. She is hardly family to them. She is primarily a stranger to the girls. Rhaenyra has won over their hearts in the slightest sense, only creating a difficult challenge for Saerra. She knows the girls will never see her as their mother, but she wants more than anything for the girls to see her as family.
With each passing day, Saerra seeks out opportunities to spend time with Baela and Rhaena, to discover their interests, their hopes, and their dreams. She joins them in their studies, engaging in conversations about history, politics, and the world beyond Dragonstone. She listens attentively to their stories, their laughter, and their fears, offering words of comfort and encouragement.
On a sunny afternoon, Saerra takes the girls for a walk along the cliffs of Dragonstone. The wind whips through their hair, carrying with it the salty scent of the sea. Baela walks slightly ahead, her steps hesitant, while Rhaena lingers behind, her arms wrapped around herself protectively.
Saerra's heart swells with a mixture of love and determination as she reaches out to Baela, her voice gentle yet steadfast.
"Baela, I want you to know that I care for you deeply. I may not be your birth mother, but I am here for you, always," She smiles, " I wish to be someone you both can trust."
Baela's eyes meet Saerra's, filled with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
"But you're not our real mother," She whispers.
Saerra kneels down, her eyes level with Baela's.
"No, I am not your birth mother, and I would never try to replace her," Saerra says softly, " I did know Laena very well, but she was my sister by blood. I want you to know that I love you, both of you. And I will do everything in my power to protect and care for you, just like a mother would."
Rhaena, who had been observing from a distance, finally approaches, her eyes searching Saerra's face for sincerity.
"Why should we trust you?" She asks, her voice laced with a mix of defiance and longing.
Saerra takes a deep breath, her voice filled with unwavering resolve.
"Because family isn't just about blood, Rhaena. It's about love, loyalty, and the connections we choose to forge," Saerra responds as her eyes shine bright, " I may not have been the one to birth you girls, but I am committed to being there for you, to guide you, and to support you."
As the waves crash against the rocks below, a silence settles upon the trio. Baela and Rhaena exchange uncertain glances, their expressions a mixture of wariness and longing.
Slowly, a smile tugs at the corners of Baela's lips.
"You really mean that, don't you?" She softly asks.
Saerra's eyes light up, a warmth spreading through her heart.
"With all my heart," Saerra replies, her voice filled with sincerity.
"We can... try to be a family" Rhaenya slowly says as her eyes flicker.
Tears well up in Saerra's eyes as she reaches out to embrace both girls, enfolding them in a loving embrace.
"Yes," She whispers, her voice choked with emotion, "Let's try to be a family, my beloveds."
And in that moment, as the wind dances through their hair and the sea stretches out before them, Saerra feels a sense of fulfillment she had never known before. She may not be their birth mother, but she has found her place in their lives. They may not call her 'mother,' but they see her as something more than a stranger. They see her as family, and that is more than Saerra had ever hoped for.
On Haelye's second nameday, as they gather around the table, a sense of unity fills the air. Saerra's heart swells with pride as she watches Baela and Rhaena present their sister with handmade gifts, each one a symbol of their love and acceptance.
Haelye's eyes sparkle with delight, unaware of the significance of this moment, yet basking in the warmth that surrounds her. Jace and Luke take their turns entertaining the babe, who giggles in delight and claps her hands at their foolishness.
As they share a meal together, laughter fills the room, blending with the sounds of contentment and belonging. Saerra gazes at her children, her heart overflowing with gratitude. The path to creating this family had not been easy, but it was worth every step, every tear shed, and every moment of doubt.
In that tender moment, surrounded by the love of her spouses and her children, Saerra realizes that family is not confined to bloodlines or titles. Family is forged through love, understanding, and the willingness to embrace one another despite the challenges that life may bring.
And as they raise their glasses in a toast, the words linger in the air, carrying the weight of their shared journey:
"To family, in all its beautiful and diverse forms. May our love and bond grow stronger with each passing day."
And so, they raise their glasses, their hearts entwined, knowing that together they have created something extraordinary—a tapestry of love, acceptance, and the unbreakable ties of family.
As the joyful celebration continues, Saerra's heart flutters with a secret that she carries within her. It is a secret that has been growing silently, hidden beneath the surface of her expanding belly. She steals glances at Daemon and Rhaenyra, wondering how they will react to the news that another child will soon join their ever-growing family.
With each passing moment, Saerra's anticipation builds, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach, as if cradling the precious life within. The room is alive with laughter and chatter, but Saerra finds herself lost in her own world, a world brimming with hope and excitement.
Finally, unable to contain her secret any longer, Saerra rises from her seat, drawing the attention of her beloved spouses and children. She looks into their eyes, a mixture of nerves and joy dancing in her own. Their gazes meet hers, and she can sense their curiosity, their eagerness to know what she is about to reveal.
Taking a deep breath, Saerra speaks, her voice trembling with emotion yet filled with a sense of wonder.
"My loves, as we celebrate Haelye's second nameday, I have a gift for all of you," Her voice catches in her throat, but she continues, her eyes shining with tears that threaten to spill over. "I carry within me the greatest gift of all—a new life, a precious soul that will soon join our family."
Silence envelops the room, a collective gasp caught in their throats, and then, all at once, the room erupts with joyous exclamations and expressions of love. Rhaenyra's eyes glisten with tears of happiness, while Daemon's face lights up with a radiant smile.
Baela and Rhaena, who were previously engrossed in their gifts for Haelye, now turn their attention to Saerra, their eyes wide with wonder and disbelief. They rush to her side, enveloping her in tight embraces, their little voices filled with pure delight.
"Another baby?" Baela squeals, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
The room buzzes with conversation, laughter, and the sweet melodies of celebration. Saerra, surrounded by her family, feels an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. She has found her place in this world, her purpose as a wife and mother, and in this moment, she knows that she is truly wanted, cherished, and loved.
As the celebration continues, a chorus of hopes and dreams fills the air, intertwining with the anticipation of a new life. Saerra's heart is a symphony of emotions, the joy of her children's laughter, the warmth of her spouses' embrace, and the knowledge that within her, a new chapter is about to unfold.
In the midst of the revelry, Saerra allows herself a moment of quiet reflection. She gazes at the faces of her loved ones, her heart swelling with gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon her. And as the day fades into twilight, she is filled with a renewed sense of hope and an unwavering belief that their journey, though not without its challenges, will be one of love, resilience, and unbreakable bonds.
She shares a tender kiss with both her husband and her wife, who both look at Saerra like she is the most precious thing in the realm. Saerra's arms wrap around Rhaenyra as they watch their children dance to the music and play with each other, and Daemon watches them both, how their smiles perfectly shape their faces, and the lengths to which he is willing to go to protect what is his.
To protect his family.
For Saerra, the celebration of Haelye's second nameday becomes a celebration of life itself, a testament to the power of love and the infinite possibilities that await them all. And with every passing day, as her family grows and her heart expands, she knows that she is exactly where she belongs—surrounded by the embrace of those who have become her everything.
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[ i felt like i had to give y'all a break from all the sadness, so, tada! ]
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