The Downfall of the Queen - ON HOLD

Loss

You groaned and winced, seated on your bed as the contractions of your birth grew closer together. You had been in labor for just over two days now. The babe would be here soon. Maidens rushed about your rooms, Aegon and a few lords sitting in the other room while waiting impatiently. 

Alicent smiled as she rubbed your back, remembering that pain far too well. "That's it, Daela. Deep breaths."

You groaned again, moving your hand to your lower back. "I always... hate this part. It hurts."

She nodded softly, moving to kiss your head. While Helaena had no interest in marriage or having children of her own, she was glad that she was able to support you during these times. She moved to rub your lower back instead, helping you soothe the ache. "I know, darling. You're doing very well."

Aegon, who had been so busy drinking with his companions, lost sight of little Jaehaerys. The boy followed your groans, frowning as he pushed the door to your chambers open. He remained frozen in the doorway, watching as Alicent held you close to her. "Mama?"

You tensed, turning to the door to find your young son. With a shaky sigh, you forced yourself to smile through the pain, turning to reach your hand out to him. "My little love. W-What are you doing here? You're supposed to be waiting with Papa."

He stepped further into the room, coming towards the foot of the bed. "Are you alright?"

Alicent stepped forward with a sigh, scooping her grandson up into her arms. "Come, darling. Let's bring you back to your-"

You shook your head softly, grabbing the Queen's shoulder. "No, no. It is good that he learns these things. One day, he will have a wife of his own."

Jaehaerys smiled softly as Alicent placed him on the bed, moving to crawl beside you. With a shaky sigh, you stroked his long hair. It was as soft as Aemond's and as long as Jaehaera's. "Mama's alright, my love. Just... bringing a babe into the world. Just as I did with you, your sister and Maelor."

Jaehaerys looked down at your swollen belly, tilting his head softly as he observed in silence. You poked at him, a bright smile on your lips as he hid away with a soft laugh. 

"One day, your wife will be delivering you a little babe. And just like Papa, you will sit with your companions. You will sit and drink and laugh. And after it is all over, you will meet your little babe."

Jaehaerys sat still for a long moment before crawling forward again, this time placing his hand on your belly with a small smile. "Papa says it will be a boy."

You hummed, holding back a wince as another sharp pain stabbed at you from within. "Does he? And what do you think it will be?"

The child didn't hesitate for a single second. "A girl."

You chuckled softly, moving to lay back on the pillows that the maidens had put into place for you. "Why's that?"

He shrugged softly, though his happy smile quickly faded as you let out another groan. Something felt wrong. You sat up slightly, hand resting on your belly with a shaky sigh. Looking to Alicent, you nodded towards your son. "Take him."

Jaehaerys frowned deeply as he was scooped up and taken back to his father, watching with wide eyes as Maester Orwyle moved to examine you. 

-

"What is happening?!" You sobbed, leaning against the bedpost. You were in such pain, more pain than any of the other births you had experienced these past four years. Several times you had asked for the King, and several times you had been denied. 

Aegon instead sat by the fireplace in the main room, sighing heavily. He had sent the children off to bed long ago, his companions having been dismissed when Orwyle delivered the concerning news of your delivery. Even Alicent had been removed from the room. He sat alone, staring at that door with worry.