EIGHT MOONS LATER

"I swear on the Old Gods and on the New that if something happens to my wife... I will fling that good for nothing Maester and the midwives out of the tallest tower of this fucking keep."

Aemond was pacing back and forth outside of his own chambers. His hands trembling as he awaited news from the Maester. He had never felt this anxious in his entire life, not since he was a child. He hated this fucking feeling more than anything.

"Nothing will happen to Alyarra. She will be fine. I bet the birth is almost over. The screaming has seized a bit, has it not?" Alicent tried comforting Aemond but clearly to no avail. The words only made his heart drop.

"WHAT IF SHE'S DEAD?!" Aemond yelled in fear as he brought his fist to the wall, making his sister flinch away from him and lean to her mother. Every member of the royal family, except for Aegon, was waiting eagerly for the birth of Aemond's child.

"Calm yourself, Aemond. I am sure that Alyarra will be alright." Otto told him. The truth was that Otto was almost as fearful of losing Alyarra as Aemond was. Just not for the same reason. If the Stark girl died, any hope of Cregan Stark backing the Greens would surely be thrown out of the window.

"She will be fine, brother. I can feel it." Helaena muttered as Aemond tried to calm his breathing.

He needed his wife to make it. He could not live without Alyarra Stark in his life. She was his world and his universe. She was his existence. If she died, he would die with her.

The door to the quarters opened, and Catherryn peeked her head outside and turned to Aemond.

"She's asking for you, Prince Aemond." Catherryn said hurriedly, and without a second thought Aemond was bursting in and basically sprinting to his wife.

"Darling!" Aemond exclaimed as he scattered to her side, dropping to his knees and grabbing Alyarra's hand in his. The lady was barely conscious, but the tears on her face broke Aemond's heart into a billion pieces.

"I can't do this..." She breathed out, almost being blinded by the pain she was feeling. She felt as if her insides were being ripped out of her own stomach, as if they were torturing her.

"You can, love. You are so strong and brave. I know you can do it." Aemond kissed at her hands as he reassured her. The prince turned to the maester who gave him a look of defeat, and this made Aemond's heart drop into the pits of his stomach.

"Prince Aemond... the babe is resisting. I-I think we might have to... cut into her." Orwyle suggested, making Alyarra shoot her eyes open and look at Aemond with straight fear in her eyes.

"No! Please Aemond! No! I don't want to die. Don't do this." Alyarra cried as she thrashed on the bed, kicking at the midwives.

Aemond looked at his wife and then at Orwyle. "Keep trying, the natural way. My wife will not be cut into like a sheep." Aemond ordered as he brought his hands to caress Alyarra's head in a soothing manner.

"I will never let anyone hurt you." He whispered and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. Alyarra sobbed as she held unto her husband for dear life. The pain was unbearable, she honestly thought she was going to die.

"But my prince, it might be the only way to save your heir. If we keep trying the natural way, the babe might not survive." Orwyle pressed, making Aemond glare at the man.

"I can produce another heir in time. But I can not produce another Alyarra Stark. Fucking get to work and stop talking." Aemond growled as the maester followed orders and leaned back into Alyarra's legs.

"Lady Alyarra, I need one last push. Give it all your might. Let's get this babe out." Orwyle stated as Alyarra nodded her head, and turned to her husband. She gave him one last weak smile and took a deep breath.

She pushed with the strength of ten Vhagars. She pushed with might that she didn't even think she had within her. She pushed as if her life depended on it, and it did. She gripped Aemond's hand so tight that he felt as if it was going to burst. But he didn't care. He was her rock, he would get her through this.

Alyarra's screams filled the halls of the Red Keep for minutes on end. They traveled far and wide, and Aemond was suprised that his small wife could even produce that much sound. She was agonizing and sobbing hysterically. But it was well worth it for her when she heard her baby's first cry.

Her body went limp as she heard the cries, her gaze staring straight at the canopy above her. "You did it, Alyarra. We have a child. We have our child." Aemond soothed her as he caressed her head. The girl turned her head towards him and smiled slightly.

"It's a boy!" Catherryn cried happily as the Maester took the baby to a basin to rid him of the blood. "A boy..." Alyarra whispered weakly as she looked at the baby in the maester's hands.

"Yes! A son! Our son!" Aemond was ecstatic, euphoric even. He had a male heir in their first try! He had been blessed.

"Let us stitch Lady Alyarra up, so that she can rest easily." The maester spoke as he moved once more in between her legs.

"It is all over, Alyarra. You have done it, sweet girl." Aemond spoke as he gently held her hands in his.

-

"What will you name him?" Alicent asked as she bounced her new grandson on her arms ever so gently. Aemond stared in straight bliss at his own son, a smile plastered on his face. A smile that he could not wipe off.

"I thoroughly enjoy the name Baelon." Aemond told her as he moved to his mother, staring down at his baby boy lovingly. He would turn his son into the best knight Westeros had ever seen. The most strongest and bravest boy.

"Baelon... you know that's the name your father used for the boy his late wife gave him." Alicent told Aemond, who shrugged his shoulders at the news.

"And? He died. I shall use the name Baelon if I so wish it. He mounted Vhagar before me, and he is my grandfather." Aemond told his mother, who simply nodded her head and continued craddling her grandson. "I think Baelon is a beautiful name." Helaena mused from the couch, earning a smile from her brother.

"Thank you sister." He muttered as Otto moved towards his daughter, trying to get a look at his great-grandson. "I think Baelon is a most deserving name. I believe King Viserys will be joyous to learn he has a grandson named after his own father." Otto spoke.

He probably wouldn't care for his grandson, just like he didn't care for his own son. Aemond thought bitterly. And it only fueled him more in his decision to name his son Baelon.

Suddenly the doors to the nursery opened and in came Catherryn. "Prince Aemond, my lady is awake and wishes to see you and the babe." She said and Aemond smiled at the news. He gently grabbed his son from his mother's embrace and walked to their bedchamber.

Alyarra smiled widely as she saw her husband come in with their baby boy. "How is he?" Alyarra asked instantly in a weak manner as Aemond moved to sit on the edge of their bed, handing Alyarra their son.

"Strong and very healthy. Just like his mother." Aemond said lovingly, as Alyarra looked down at the baby she was craddling.

"He's beautiful." She breathed out as her eyes scanned his tiny face. "Just like you." Aemond spoke again, making Alyarra chuckle at his compliments.

"Oh hush! Have you thought of a name yet? I have been blanking since I learned it is a boy." Alyarra asked as Aemond nodded his head.

"I believe the name Baelon will be just perfect for our little warrior. Do you like it? Like Baelon the Brave, my grand father. And one of Vhagar's riders before me." Aemond suggested as Alyarra smiled gently.

"I love it, Aemond. Do you reckon your father will be joyful when he learns of our little boy's name?" Alyarra asked excitedly, making Aemond's entire demeanor change in almost an instant. He knew full well that Viserys could care less about his son and his grandson.

"My father could care less of what we name our child. I don't even think he knows your name." Aemond told her, making her press her lips together and sigh deeply.

Throughout the last few months, Alyarra and Aemond got more closer than ever before. And she tried more than anything to get Aemond in a better place with his family.

She would constantly try and mention Princess Rhaenyra in a good light, or try and ask about his nephews. Only to be shut down each single time. She really thought that their relationship had no redemption at this point.

"Aemond... I am so sure he cares about our child. Maybe we should take him to meet your father soon." She told him as he rolled his one eye.

"Maybe... anyways let us not damper this day with the mentions of my father. I just want to spent time with baby Baelon and my beautiful brave wife." Aemond said as he planted a soft kiss on Alyarra's forehead.

"Brave?" Alyarra laughed as Aemond nodded his head.

"More brave than a thousand knights on the way to war. The bravest woman of all. Thank you... for bearing my son. Thank you for carrying our child." He told her, and the words made her heart flutter.

It felt good to feel appreciated.

-

A week had gone by since the birth of Baelon and Alyarra was finally up and about the castle again. She was happy to spend time with Helaena and Alicent. And happy to join court once more, even if the tension around the court was at an all time high.

Whispers of the upcoming petition for Driftmark could be heard through the castle walls, and Alyarra knew full well that Aemond was anxious to see his half sister again.

She tried to be there for him as much as he let her. And Aemond was grateful for his wife, he was sure that if she wasn't around he would have gone mad a long time ago.

"I can not wait for Prince Jacaerys and Prince Lucerys to get here." Catherryn mused as the pair sat in Alyarra's parlor, stitching away at a wheel. Alyarra frowned at Catherryn's sudden interest in the princelings.

"Why?" She asked her lady who simply shrugged. "I've heard that Prince Jacaers is most handsome and kind. I wish to see it for myself." Catherryn answered as Alyarra chuckled.

"Where did you hear that?" Alyarra questioned as Catherryn smirked. "The ladies of court like to give their opinions on the princes of the realm." She answered easily, making Alyarra roll her eyes playfully.

"Well I would not know but I am eager to meet my husband's nephew and his half-sister." Alyarra told her as Catherryn nodded her head.

"Oh I can not wait to see the drama unfold at the petition! Queen Alicent is quite brave, granting Ser Vaemond way for him to question the legitimacy of Princess Rhaenyra's children..." Catherryn mused as Alyarra nodded her head in agreement.

Alyarra was about to put in her opinion about the boys' legitimacy, but the door to her parlor opened to unveil her husband. He looked rather irrate as he shut the door behind himself, and Catherryn didn't even need to be ordered out. She was already making haste in exiting.

The day at court had been particularly tiring, and he was feeling tense and irritable. He leaned back against the door and let out a huff of air, feeling exhausted. Alyarra's familiar presence made him smile ever so slightly. "Hello, my love," he said, letting out a content sigh as he turned to face her. "I need to relax and destress."

"Are you alright love? Has something happened?" She asked him, standing from her seat and moving to help her husband out of his clothes.

"Nothing in particular," he said, his tone turning somewhat more cheerful at her appearance. "Just tired from a long day at court. I think a nice... massage... would help to calm my nerves and relieve the tension in my body." He turned his head back to look at her and smiled warmly. "Care to help a tired husband out, love?"

"Of course, my love. Come on, sit here." She motioned him to one of their couches. She had an inkling that this wretched day of his had something to do with seeing his family soon, but she knew better than to push Aemond at the wrong time.

Aemond complied, taking a seat on the indicated couch and leaning back in order to get comfortable. He let out a content sigh as he felt her hands kneed at his shoulders.

Her touch always felt so amazing. "I missed you today, love. How was your day?" He asked Alyarra as she worked on his shoulders.

"It was rather good. I took Baelon on a walk through the gardens with Helaena and the twins, and then came up here to sew with Catherryn." She told him in a soft voice. She wanted nothing more than for him to feel at ease.

"That sounds very pleasant," Aemond replied, letting his wife's touch work it's magic on his tired muscles. He glanced back at her every now and then, unable to resist the temptation to admire her while they spoke.

"Do you reckon baby Baelon enjoyed his walk?" Aemond asked in a amused tone, and this only made his wife chuckle slightly. "Oh I do not know... I can't really understand his babbles." She jested, making Aemond smile slightly.

Aemond chuckled at her response, shaking his head slightly. "Do you think him a happy baby?" Aemond asked. Alyarra stopped her massaging and hugged her husband from behind, resting her chin on the top of his head.

"I love you. Did you know that?" She asked him in the most soothing of tones.

"I did and I do not know what I did to deserve you. Alyarra Stark... You are my rock and my compass. You are my reason for living. I love you too... now and forever, my lady." He responded, standing from his seat and pulling his wife into him. If he could have one wish, he would wish for this moment to never end.

"I am here for you, Aemond. Through the thickest and the thinnest. You know that, right?" She asked lovingly, holding up her hand and caressing his cheek with her thumb. Her husband smiled down at her with a warm smile, and he wasn't sure if the person in front of him was real or an angel.

"I know that... fuck. You are the wind in my sails, my motivation every single day." He told her, wrapping his strong arms tightly around her body. They stayed in that position for a few minutes until Alyarra finally spoke up again.

"Aemond?" She asked slightly into his chest, pulling away from him and looking up at him.

"Are you okay? I know that your sister and your nephews will get here in two days time." She spoke softly, trying not to strike a cord within her husband.

"Half-sister. And I could care less about that whore and her bastards." Aemond spat, pulling away from his wife and turning around. Alyarra pressed her lips together and sighed.

"Don't call her that... don't call them that. They are of your kin, love. They are your family. We should give them a chance." Alyarra spoke, little did she know she struck the biggest cord within her husband.

"Give them a chance? For fuck's sake. Do you think they gave me a chance when I was a dragonless kid? No! They berated me endlessly for it. Do you think my half sister gave me a chance when her twat bastard son maimed me for eternity?" Aemond was getting heated by the moment, and Alyarra reached for him trying to calm him down. She should've just stayed quiet.

"You're right... I am sorry, love. Forgive me." She pleaded as she reached for his arms. Aemond glared at his wife but ultimately calmed his breathing down. He knew Alyarra only meant well. But some betrayals, like his missing eye, cut too deep to ever be forgiven or forgotten.

"Come on, love. Let us share a bath." Alyarra told him and led him to their bath chamber, hoping that a bath would calm him down.

Alyarra prepared a bath for her husband and soon the both of them had gotten in. She layed in between his legs, and rested against his chest. Aemond toyed with her hair as they just sat there, trying to relax and just back in each other's presence. After their bath, they got ready for bed and Alyarra would lay in his chest as Aemond caressed her belly slowly.

The pair talked about everything and anything, except for his family of course.

"Oh! I forgot to tell you. Catherryn went on our behalf to the orphanage, she said the kids were so happy with all the toys and clothing the crown provided!" Alyarra told him excitedly, and this only made him smile. He loved how dedicated his wife was to her charity.

"I am most glad. I bet the kids miss you." Aemond told his wife and leaned down to plant a kiss on the top of her head. "Oh I miss them too! I can't wait to get the go from the maester so I can visit them." She mused and held on to her husband tighter.

Through the first months of her pregnancy, Alyarra took to her princess duties with much grace. She visited the King's Landing orphanage weekly, until her belly grew too big and she was too tired to make the journey. But during her time there, every child and the caretakers took great fondness of the princess. The common folk of King's Landing loved the Lady Stark, she was definitely a princess of the people. And this made Aemond so incredibly happy.

Alyarra was a good lady, and all she wanted to do was make good with what she had. She was a good person, and sadly she didn't know she would be collateral damage to what laid ahead.

-

Author's note:

Our strong boys will be coming in hot next chapter!! :) Also I kinda want Baelon's name to cause drama with Daemon. What will he feel when he learns his nephew named his son after his father?

Ahhhh I am so excited for the turning point from now on!!! I can not waitttt.

As always, thank you for reading and for leaving your comments! I take all of them to heart and they make me a better writer!