𝑩𝑹𝑨𝑽𝑬 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑻𝑹𝑼𝑬

☁︎ NINE

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Laerra sat in the chair, Dorian standing behind her, hands on her shoulders. Rhaenyra entered with a smile and a cup of water in her hands. "I hope that is comfortable," she said, handing the cup over. "It is quite all right, Rhae." Laerra said, smiling at her cousin as she sat across from her. "I saw Tristian; he seems quite happy with Laena," Rhaenyra said, watching closely as Laerra got more comfortable in her chair.

"Yes, as it would seem he missed her," Dorian said with a smile as he rubbed his wife's shoulders. The door opened, showing her father, who said Dorian's name before motioning to him. Dorian kissed his wife's head before walking toward the door, giving her one last look.

Rhaenyra watched as the man left before smiling at her cousin, "He rarely leaves your side, I see." Laerra gave a nod as she placed her hand on her bump. "How do you fare?" Rhaenyra asked sincerely as she scooted forward in her chair. Laerra looked up at her with a tired smile, "I fare well most days though she gives me trouble with my slumber."

"Mayhaps you should go to your chambers and rest, especially after such a long journey," Rhaenyra says as she stands and walks, taking the cup from her cousin's hand and placing it on the table. Laerra nodded before Rhaenyra gently took her arm to help her stand. "I will take it from here." The two turn their heads, seeing Dorian standing at the door before approaching his wife.

Dorian took his wife's arm from her cousin, who watched the two walk from the room. As the two made their way to their guest chamber, he asked, "Is she well?" She nodded as a guard opened the door to them. "I am quite hopeful of their marriage," he said as he helped her sit on the bed.

"Do you believe they will be able to..." Dorian trailed off as Laerra looked up at him before placing a hand on her husband's arm. "Could you bring Tristian? I am certain he should be sleepy." She told him, and he turned away from her. But as he opened the door, Laenor stood there holding Tristian, who had fallen asleep on his shoulder.

"Could you leave us, My Love?" she asked. Dorian nodded, letting Laenor enter the room before closing the door. Laenor made his way over to the cradle that had been placed in their guest chambers. She did not need to be told that it was Rhaenyra's doing. "Laena always knew how to handle him," she said jokingly. Laenor smiled and gently placed him into the cradle.

"Soon enough, it will be you," she said as she watched him turn to face her with a tight smile. He made his way over to her and took his spot beside her. "It does not matter who fathers the children; they will be loved the same," she whispered as he placed his head on her shoulder. "She has told me we will do our duties, and then we shall both be free."

Laerra placed her head on his and took his hand in hers. "I am only grateful someone understands you, my brother. I care not for the vipers of court; you will do whatever you must." Laenor leaned his head back, looking at his twin sister. "How many do you believe you shall have?" he asked, turning the subject to her, watching as she smiled down at her bump.

"We both hope only a few more," she said, causing his eyes to widen as she then burst out laughing. "He would never do that; how dare you believe my words." She said, playfully hitting his arm as a smile finally came to his face. "You should rest, the babe, I'm sure has kept you awake since your journey. I shall find Dorian," he told her as he stood to his feet and walked to the door.

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