Burn Together ❖ Daemon Targaryen

Chapter 18

" ... Princess Laena Velaryon and Lord Bennard Stark had been besotted with each other since they had first met and their wedding was a true union of love between two of Westeros' biggest houses. Lord Corlys Velaryon cried watching his only daughter be married, and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen was beside herself with joy. The wedding celebrations became even more joyous when King Viserys announced that finally, after years of waiting and rumours, Princess Rhaellanne was engaged to his brother Prince Daemon. The newly betrothed pair were overjoyed, as was their family when they learned that Princess Rhaellanne was already with child. Queen Alicent was furious, hissing curses and whispering threats to the Princess, which led to the Princess and Prince's abrupt departure from the Red Keep forever ... "

It had only been a week since Rhaellanne discovered she was with child and had told Daemon, but it was clear to anyone with eyes that something was different between them. Daemon was rarely seen away from her side, and he was more protective of her than ever.

He did not stop her from doing anything she wanted, but he insisted on doing it all with her so that she would not be in any sort of discomfort, and Rhaellanne had reminded him that she was barely even a month along, but Daemon dismissed her and continued to follow her around.

They had still not told Viserys or Alicent out of fear for their reactions, so Rhaenyra, Daemon, and Rhaellanne were the only ones in on the secret. However, they had set off for Driftmark two days earlier for the upcoming wedding between Laena and Bennard, both of whom Rhaellanne was very excited to see again

Unlike Rhaenyra and Laenor's wedding this one would not be as long or extravagant and there would only be one day of celebration which included the wedding in the afternoon and then a large dinner and dance in the evening

"Rhaellanne!" Laena had beamed the moment she and her family walked into the Great Hall of Nine. Rhaellanne returned the smile and hugged her cousin tightly before also hugging Bennard beside her

She also was glad to see Rhaenys, Corlys, and Laenor again, and it was not lost on any of them how much closer to Rhaellanne Daemon was standing, and the manner in which he was staring at her.

"I can't believe you are really getting married" she said to her cousin

Bennard nodded "Me neither," 

Laena reached for her cousin's hand and squeezed it, before leaning in and saying quietly "Also, I heard about Genald, thank god he died" 

Beside Rhaellanne, Daemon had heard, and he grinned smugly "You're welcome" 

Sighing, Laena shook her head. "I should have known. Come, Rhaella, let's go and get some lunch. You must be tired after your journey"

"Thank you," smiled Rhaellanne and she, Laena, Bennard, Rhaenyra, and Laenor made their way out of the hall to let the parents talk, and they were going to have lunch on the patio that overlooked the sea

Alicent did not go with them and instead she was forced to look over at the family with a sad expression. She knew she had pushed Rhaenyra and Rhaellanne away, and it was her own fault that they did not include her, but that did not make her isolation in her own family any easier

Meanwhile, the lunch was filled with gossip between the five young adults, and Bennard was fitting in easily to their conversations, which made all of them glad to know that he was going to be part of their family soon, and so would be able to see them more often

As the lunch drew to a close, Rhaellanne tapped her glass and the other four turned to her. "Sorry" she chuckled "I just wanted to share some news with you all while we're alone without our parents's judging eyes. Um" she took a deep breath and stood up, and after an encouraging nod from Rhaenyra she spoke. "I am with child"