The tale of Ice and Fire

Chapter Fourteen

Dragonstone, 284AC

Iclyn was lying uncomfortably on the bed. He huffed, tossing and turning trying -in vain- to find a comfortable position. He missed his husband and the baby seemed more restless than ever.

“You can't sleep too, eh?” he softly asked the unborn baby. “I miss your dada a lot, and I know you miss him too. But he's doing his duty to our country and will be back soon.” he continued, gently caressing his growing lower abdomen.

The baby kicked its mother for the umpteenth time that night. Iclyn sighed and raised from the bed, slowly walking towards the veranda, where Sōna and Jehar were sleeping in the chilly night air.

He slowly lowered himself on the comfortable chair on the balcony, the one Rhaegar had especially commissioned for him.

Iclyn closed his eyes, inhaling deeply the salty ocean air, that seemed to calm the foetus restless movements. He closed his eyes, enjoying the rare moment of peacefulness and quiet.

He didn't realize how or when he fell asleep, he just did. His body was too exhausted by the pregnancy, the magic storing and the lack of proper sleep.

Sometimes later, that seemed like mere minutes later, he opened his eyes again, disturbed by his handmaiden. The sun wasn't up yet, when Aiana gentle hands, begun to shook him awake. “What's going on?” he asked, concerned.

Aiana knew very well how much stress he was under and the handmaiden had took it upon herself to make sure the northerner got enough sleep. She wouldn't wake him up for something trivial.

“I'm sorry to wake you up, my princess. But two Kingsguards came here and demanded an urgent meeting with you.” the handmaiden said, apologetically.

“Can't it wait until morning? The little one seems to be finally asleep.” he asked, frowning.

Why would the Kingsguard come to Dragonstone in the middle of the night? And without any prior notification?

“It isn't possible, my princess. The Kingsguard demand to meet you now. They say it's very urgent.” she reported, and Iclyn sighed. Maybe it was a sign from the universe, he wasn't allowed to have a full night of sleep!

“Help me dress, Aiana.” Iclyn ordered, irritated by the kingsguards' rudeness. Did no one care for a full night of sleep, anymore?

If it wasn't a life or death situation, he might as well kill someone for depriving him of his well earned sleep. He was growing a human being, for crying out loud! Why not leave him to sleep in peace?

Aiana helped him in a satin blue housecoat and took his arm, gently guiding him towards the throne room. Since Iclyn's stomach had rounded to the size of a cantaloupe, he had found it more difficult to walk larger distances without any help.

“Why are you here at this ungodly hour?” he said moody, throwing a hatred gaze at the two kingsguards, while he sat down in the throne-like chair in the room. Aiana stood next to him, a step back from the chair, ready to assist her lady if needed.

“I'm sorry, your grace, but the king has personally asked us to escort you to King's Landing as soon as possible for your own safety.” Lord commander Gerold Hightower said, with a small bow.

“And what kind of danger would warrant the presence of the lord commander himself? Shouldn't you always be at the king's side?” Iclyn asked with a sneer. The baby had thankfully stayed asleep, he certainly couldn't deal with the little human being constantly kicking his bladder.

“The king didn't specify why, your grace. But, from what I could gather, it has something to do with the crown prince. The king obviously doesn't know about your pregnancy, but he would be more adamant about your safety, my princess.” in the Lord commander's tone, Iclyn could detect a hint of accusation.