Familiarity ||| Jacaerys Velaryon

forty-four

In the morning, Jace kissed Alyssa when they woke and also kissed her belly. She knew he was going to be a good father. She'd dreamt of it.

Together, they drafted a letter to the Queen. What words to say, how to tell her they were definitely coming home after finding out. Though Alyssa was enjoying herself, she knew it was safest to go home. Where maesters, maesters she trusted with her life, were always accessible.

The letter was quite straightforward. Informing the Queen that Alyssa was with child and they felt it best to return to King's Landing. They'd start their journey home as soon as possible.

And when the Maester sent the letter, Jace and Alyssa discussed their departure with Cregan. He acted surprised, kept his little secret to let them have that, and assured them he understood. As would everyone else.

They wouldn't announce it to the world in Winterfell. Rhaenyra still had enemies, which meant Jace and by extension, Alyssa. They would want to kill his heir. It was safer to keep it a secret until they arrived back in King's Landing.

By that point, she would be farther along. Most likely very visibly pregnant. A great surprise when she left and was not pregnant.

That journey back would be about three months. Lord Cregan was sure to keep Jace and Alyssa stocked for the journey. Gifts to try and absolve himself of the guilt of what they'd done while Alyssa was pregnant.

The journey back would be harder. Because she would become more pregnant as they went. But Alyssa couldn't just stay in Winterfell. And despite enjoying her time there, she did miss her family.

Besides, the council would finally get off their backs when they knew she was pregnant.

It was a sad day when they departed Winterfell. Alyssa and Jace were close friends with the formidable Lord and did not know when they would next see him.

Cregan wished Jace and Alyssa well. He assured them that he would pray for the health of both Alyssa and her child through the pregnancy and their safety as they travelled back to King's Landing.

Then they were off. In the wheelhouse with their retinue of knights, they began travelling back for King's Landing down King's Road.

***

"Your Grace, a raven arrived from Winterfell. You've received a letter from the Prince Jacaerys."

Rhaenyra wasn't extremely concerned; he'd sent a letter each time they arrived at their destination. But that was the first time he'd sent two letters. His last had been about Alyssa feeling a bit ill in those recent weeks.

Mother,
Alyssa and I are delighted to inform you that she is with child. The Maester here thinks she is in the second month of her term, nearing the third.

I no longer have to worry about her bouts of sickness; I've learned that it is expected.

Both Alyssa and I agree the best course of action is to return home at once. I will not risk our child by staying on the road longer than is necessary. The tour must be cancelled. It is short notice but I won't put anything above my wife or my child's well-being.

We are excited to return to the comfort of King's Landing. We look forward to our reunion when we arrive in three months' time.