Fire and Blood

Chapter 133: Filler Arc ― A New Targaryen

Red Keep ― Maegor's Holdfast...

The atmosphere is thick with sweat, sickness, and blood.

"GRAAAAAAAAAHH!!" Baela Targaryen, naked from the waist down, screams in primal agony on the birthing bed. Maesters and midwives with bowls of hot water, linens, and medicines attend to her. They administer potions and poultices, trying to ease her suffering and help her body through the birthing process. Baela grits her teeth and pushes through each contraction, her body trembling with the effort of bringing new life into the world. "WOOOOOAAA!" As the hours pass, Baela's screams grow louder and more desperate. The sweat beads on her brow, her body wracked with pain and exhaustion.

Next to Baela's bed, her maternal grandparents, Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, stood by their granddaughter as they readied themselves for the birth of their first great-grandchild. The Queen Who Never Was held onto Baela's hand, providing comfort and encouragement as she endured another contraction. As Baela gritted her teeth through another contraction, her grandmother's grip on her hand never wavered. Rhaenys's voice was soft but filled with a quiet strength that Baela found comforting. Lord Corlys stood by their side, his expression calm and steady, a pillar of support for his family in their time of need.

Alwyn oversees the labors. He goes immediately to Jaehaerys, who has just entered the room. "Ah, Prince Jaehaerys. You've arrived. Perfect timing," he said.

"NNNNNNNNGGGGGHHHH!!"

"How is Baela?" Jaehaerys inquired.

"She's a strong woman. She's fighting with all her will, but the babe is proving rather stubborn."

"AAAAAARRRRGGHHHH!!"

"She could use whatever support you can offer. I suggest you be there for her in her time of need."

Jaehaerys's protective nature kicks in, and he moves towards Baela, taking her hand in his. "Baela. I'm here," he said, trying to soothe her as best as he could. He could see the pain etched on her face, but he knew he had to be strong for her, to be her rock in this moment of agony. He gently strokes her hair, trying to offer some comfort as she struggles through this.

"GNNNNNNAAAAH!! Fuck you, Jaehaerys! You did this to me!" Baela screamed, her eyes shut tight as she felt another contraction and pushed again.

Baela's words of anger and blame stung, but Jaehaerys knew it was the labor pain talking. He knew she didn't mean it and refused to let it affect him. Instead, he focused on being there for her, supporting her through every agonizing moment of childbirth.

"I know it hurts, but you're among the toughest women I've ever known. You can do this."

As Baela braced herself for another contraction and pushed once more, Jaehaerys stood by her side, his grip on her hand unwavering, his support unwavering. He knew that together and would do everything he could to ensure that Baela and their child were safe and healthy. As Baela's labor progresses, Jaehaerys remains by her side, offering support and comfort in any way he can. He wipes the sweat from her brow, holds her hand through each contraction, and whispers words of encouragement in her ear.

"Ooooohh!"

"Keep breathing," one of the midwives said.

Baela gasped and breathed heavily, allowing her head to fall back onto the pillow. Sweat dripped down her forehead, and her hair clung to her face. The pain was excruciating. With each breath inhaled through her nose and exhaled in short, sharp bursts, she groaned in agony, her teeth clenched. Despite the discomfort, Baela felt the midwives adjusting her position to a more comfortable reclining one. "Huff...! Huff...! Huff...! Huff...! Huff! Huff! Huff!"