Aella Targaryen wed on the anniversary of her father's death. To her cousin, nonetheless, continuing the long-standing tradition of her family to marry their relatives. It was a day that was meant to bring joy and overshadow the sorrow that had purs...
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The sea speaks more honestly to those willing to drown
- Irtiqa Nabi
°•~━━✥❖✥━━~•°
101 AC
"Congratulations, my prince," the Grand Maester smiled as he turned to look at Rhaegon. "Princess Aella is with child." The moment those words left the man's mouth, Aella felt her throat close in on itself. Her face had paled, undoubtedly, as it always did when fear and anxiousness gripped her heart and mind like heavy black chains. No, she thought, this could not be possible. She had drank the moon tea! She had every ingredient needed! She had followed every single instruction given to her! This could not be happening.
Slowly, she turned to look at her husband, who had not moved or said anything to answer the maester's congratulations at all. One arm was folded over his chest, his other hand covered his mouth as if he was deep in thought. When their eyes met, Aella had to fight the urge to swallow thickly. She had to pretend everything was fine. She had to. Even if she knew, that Rhaegon knew. Because of course he knew. He was not a fool.
The last time they had lain together, the last time she had allowed him near her bed... five months prior. They both knew it. She would've been showing by now, would've had symptoms before this. Thoughts raced through her mind. Ideas of how to make this right. How to make Rhaegon think that the child she was carrying was in fact his and not someone else's. His brother's, but he did not know that now.
At the thought, Aella felt the need to vomit. This child was Daemon's. How was she supposed to tell him? The child was his, and she did not think there was a reality in which he would simply accept his child being raised by another man, even if that man was his brother.
"How far along?" Rhaegon asked, his voice soft and unbothered. As if nothing was wrong, as if he was just wondering. The Grand Maester tilted his head, mulling over his thoughts before he gave Rhaegon an estimation. If he had asked Aella, she would be able to tell him. Two months and a week. That is how long it had been since she had lain with Daemon. It seemed that one night would cost her more than she had anticipated. She wanted to hit herself for being so stupid. How could she allow this to happen? When had she allowed emotions to guide her so easily?
"Two or three months, I believe, but we will know for certain once the pregnancy is further along," the maester answered with a smile. Gods, the man did not know what was happening. Rhaegon pursed his lips, then nodded. "I will leave you now, my Prince." Another nod, and then the maester left and closed the door to Aella's chambers.
Silence enveloped the room like a heavy blanket of snow. Cold, yet serene. Somehow it managed to be both. Rhaegon did not look at her for awhile, giving them just a few moments more where everything would be alright between them. Aella felt the world slowly start caving in on itself. And then, as if the Mother herself had thrown her a rope in a raging sea, Rhaegon said something she had not anticipated in the slightest.
