THE BASTARD QUEEN (Jacaerys Velaryon)

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕸𝖔𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗

Today, you were sat in Rhaenyra's room, all while the sun shone through the windows. You were just past nine months pregnant at this point, stomach protruding, and feet ever so swollen. Every move you made had you feeling exhausted. That's why you were currently in your sister's bed, rather than the counsel room. Gaemon was by your side, reading a story to the baby. He'd been practicing his reading through the bump in your stomach. Jacaerys sat in a chair next to you, holding your hand as he listened to his mother. You did the same, but every so often would twist and turn in discomfort caused by the babe.

As of right now, you were all discussing the tax situation in the Realms. The situation being that the small folk were paying more taxes than the very rich lords of the Seven Realms. Now, you are trying to find a way to remedy this, without starting an all out war with the lords of the Realms by raising their taxes.

"What if we don't necessarily increase their taxes at first, just decrease the people's taxes?" You asked, Gaemon just ignored your words, still whispering to your belly.

"How would we keep funds up?" Jacaerys argued.

You rolled your eyes, "Perhaps we don't spend as much on the City Watch for a few months? We could ease them into it, just a small percentage at a time, and offer them something in return."

Rhaenyra groaned, "Daemon will throw a fit about the Watch."

"Daemon will live," you argued, "But our people are starving."

She nodded, sighing, "I know. What do you propose we offer in money's stead?"

This time Jace spoke, "Perhaps we lower trade taxes. With more coming in from the lords we could lower taxes on their exports. It would still allocate more money to the Crown Reserves, but the lords who cannot do the math, they may settle for it."

Rhaenyra nodded, "That is a good idea, but for those who live in Dorne, who aren't often shipping things, we may have to continue to raise," she was interrupted when you groaned in pain, squeezing Jace's hand.

Gaemon's soft voice stopped reading, instead looking to you, "Are you okay?" His voice was panicked.

You huffed out a puff air, trying to calm the small boy, "I'm alright Gaemon," you looked to the pair in front of you, whose eyes were blown wide, "The babe is coming," you announced at the unfamiliar feeling.

Jace stood and his mother followed, she quickly scooped up the only child in the room, "Remember when I had Visenya?" He nodded, "Well, just like that we'll have to leave your aunt alone for a little bit," he nodded diligently, relief flooding his face, if only he knew the dangers of birth.

He turned to you, over Rhaenyra's shoulder he grinned, "See you soon baby!"

You laughed, though you were breathless through the pain, Rhaenyra spoke again, "I'll call the midwives, and your mother," with that she left the room, white-haired boy in tow.

As the contraction ended you relaxed some, "I'm giving birth in the Queen's bed," you laughed, already sort of delirious because of the pain.

Jace sank back into his chair, holding your hand tightly, "I don't think that is the main worry here my love."

You were already sweating, "You seem more nervous than me," you tried to smile, but your eyebrows were crawling towards each other because of the tingling sensation below your waist.

He sighed, leaning to kiss your lips softly, "I am terrified. I do not want to lose you or the babe."

"Jacaerys," you said breathlessly, grunting through another contraction, "If the midwives ask," you heaved, "You know who to choose?" Your eyes were filled with panic.