Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 43: The Mix of Ice and Fire

Jaehaerys sat on his bed, his gaze settling on the city of Meereen. There are things happening throughout the city. Only a fool would be blind to not see it. Or perhaps not blind but mad could be too. Their father was one of those latter ones. Although, he did have some horrible things happen to him. No man could deal with trauma and rule Westeros without falling.

His gaze went through the room. It was empty aside from the frivolous furniture, the expensive wall paintings, carpet that hung left and right. He could not care for it. For years he slept on hard stone. In barns with just hay to keep it soft. And with the Dothraki and their tents. Perhaps he would have turned out similarly to his father if it weren't for Daenerys who always was next to him.

"Daenys, it's okay," Daenerys whispers warmly to their daughter, stepping into the room, "Don't cry. I am here. And look, father is right there."

Jaehaerys can't help but let a smile cover his face. Letting his face snuggle on the shoulder of Dany when she sat next to him. Would not take long before she let her head rest on his, both watching Daenys wiggle in Dany's arms and reach for them.

"She is calm when you're close. I wonder why..."

"Because we're both together. I am sure she will have a sibling very soon," Jaehaerys says, letting his hand stroke the belly of Daenerys. She only let out a breath, feeling a tingling over her skin. It felt warm and fluttery in her stomach yet couldn't help the eye roll.

"I am sure she will. And for us, another child to love."

"Yes, I have barrels full of love for them stored away. But I think I have warehouses full for you."

"You're a sweet man, Jaeh. A wonderful man that any woman would want. I think that is why Jeyne was sad the other day."

"I see. Considering how people tend to treat bastards, I bet it was not pleasant. Let alone in gaining a respectful and good husband."

"Yes, I suspect you're right. Even the bastards of our family were not treated well all the time. But it is wrong to betray your wife in the first place. It is one thing to have more than one wife, but to go behind her back is worse."

"I won't ever betray you, Dany. No matter what I was given by Illyrio or Drogo or whoever, I remained true to my vow to you."

"I know. Perhaps we can help Jeyne. We as a family should give our support."

Jaehaerys nodded a bit, letting his finger be played with by Daenys. The little finger wraps around them, moving them while Daenys smiles and giggles. Moving them up and down, left and right. She was fascinated by them it seems and he let her play. The four Targaryens spend as much time with each other as possible. Jeyne still felt weird about the sudden change in the family name, but she was not complaining. Her expression held nothing but gratefulness for their treatment. One she shared with each of them. And if Dany and Jaeh were honest, Jeyne is a kind person with sometimes a sharp tongue and a temperamental mind. A mix to be expected from Stark and Targaryen blood.

"I am sure we can. But perhaps we should first let her become our family. We have done pretty well so far, I think, but she remains somewhat distant like she is avoiding something."

"Yes, I noticed. She has training with Rhaegal today. Why don't you help her, I will meet with her in the afternoon. A bit of bonding can't be wrong and I can probably coax the worries out of her," Daenerys says while swaying Daenys to sleep.

"Sounds good," Jaehaerys says, pressing a kiss to Dany's cheeks. It made way for a blush and a smile. He gave on to Daenys as well before standing back up, "And Dany, tell Grey Worm and Daario to prepare what we have discussed. It must happen soon."