The Prince and His Flower

F O U R

Aemma laughed as she raised her hands in the air, letting the wind fly between her fingers. Terrax roared happily beneath her, enjoying her entertainment. Despite being younger than Vermax, Jace's dragon, and Arrax, Luke's dragon, Terrax surpassed their size and allowed the dragon trainers to fit a saddle on him. That was three moons ago, and Aemma has flown as often as she can since. Sometimes Halaena would join her on Dreamfyre, whose size dwarfed many dragons in the dragonpit. As Aemma flew over Blackwater Bay, she thought it was best to return to the Dragonpit. 

"We should go back now, Terrax. I would like to check on Mother." Aemma ran her hand along the black scales as Terrax obeyed her and began his descent toward the Dragonpit. Terrax had hatched in her cradle, and they had bonded strongly and quickly. She felt him in her heart, a bond that surpassed any, even Aemma's bond with Luke. As Terrax landed, dust flew off from the ceiling and settled. As Terrax allowed the trainers to lead him away, Aemma was stopped by Jade, Luke, and Harwin. 

"Aemma, Mother's labors have started! We must pick an egg for the babe." Jace took Aemma's hand as they followed the trainers to find an egg. Once they found the perfect one, they all entered the carriage that awaited them and headed back to the Keep.

Aemma pushed open the door of her mother's chambers to see her laying in bed, a flurry of maids surrounding her. Aemma saw the midwife sitting between Rhaenyra's legs, her hands covered in blood. The babe was coming. 

"Mother! Are you alright?" Aemma rushed to her mother's side and grabbed her hand. Rhaenyra was covered in sweat and breathless but smiled reassuringly at her daughter. 

"Yes, Flower. Your little brother is coming soon. Have you picked out an-" Rhaenyra's words were swallowed by her screams. Aemma winced at the strength of her mother's vice grip but held on nonetheless. Aemma turned and grabbed a wet cloth out of the basin and wiped her mother's forehead. 

"Yes, Mother. Ser Harwin accompanied Jace, Luke, and me as we picked out an egg. I'm sure it will hatch!" Aemma gave her mother's hand an encouraging squeeze. Rhaenyra gave a weak smile at her daughter's words. 

"You must push at the next contraction, Princess!" The midwife looked up at Rhaenyra who nodded. Moments later, Rhaenyra howled in pain and squeezed Aemma's hand. The sound of the babe beginning to enter the world made Aemma want to expel her breakfast, but she stayed by her mother's side, determined to support her. 

"Push again! I can see his head!" The midwife readied herself to catch the babe as Rhaenyra bore down with all her might. After a few seconds, Aemma heard the cry. 

"You did it, Mother!" Aemma placed a kiss on Rhaenyra's head. 

"A boy Princess!" The midwife exclaimed. 

"Is he healthy?" Rhaenyra asked. 

"Kicking like a goat, Princess." The midwife smiled as she wrapped Aemma's new brother in a blanket. She handed the babe to Rhaenyra, who smiled at her new son. Aemma peered at the babe from over Rhaenyra's shoulder. Aemma wrinkled her nose. 

"Why does he look so old?" Aemma asked. He truly looked older than the maester with all of those wrinkles on his head. Rhaenyra let out a small chuckle. 

"He looks perfect, Aemma. What do you think you looked like when you were born?" Rhaenyra smiled at her son and ran her finger down his cheek. 

"Would you like to hold him?" Aemma nodded enthusiastically as she held her arms out for her brother. Rhaenyra placed him in Aemma's arms and lay back down to rest. Aemma looked at her brother who simply lay there with his eyes closed. He sure was boring, but Aemma loved him regardless. She leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on his nose and smiled as he stirred.