The Princess of Blood Red Wine

Prologue: The Other Side

The nights had grown colder, since the last time Joanna and Tywin had any peace. Tywin, at his work desk, as Joanna remained in her chambers, her hands over her swollen belly, trying to relieve the tension that every grew more and more as the time went on. Joanna was dressed in a lavish nightgown as she sat on the edge of the bed, dangling her swollen feet, as she grew more tired. It was late at night, and she had already put the kids to sleep, leaving her alone, whilst her husband worked.

The past few moons have been rough on Joanna, whose pregnancy had grown more and more fatiguing, and dangerous. Having three kids already, Joanna was well aware of the risks. Joanna loved Tywin deeply, and that feeling was mutual for him. For a while, she looked down at her body, feeling herself drained. The energy she once had was growing scarce, and she was not terrified, but worried. Even Tywin a man who had been known for his touch exterior, grew more anxious as the pregnancy went on.

The cold night went on, Joanna shivering as she groaned, slowly getting up from the bed. She placed a firm hand on her belly, the other rubbing her eyes, as she slowly and gently waddled towards the door, her hips and back aching.

Tywin was grunting, frustrated at his work, when his wife, Joanna entered, slowly. Tywin looked up at her with concern as he watched her. His eyes were filled with stress and worry, she could notice it pick at him, every feeling digging into his skin that was tender.

"Husband..." Joanna softly greeted as Tywin stood up from his seat.

Tywin approached Joanna and shook his head with concern. He wrapped his arms around her body and kept her body close to his. His brows were furrowed, as he placed his hand on her belly, rubbing it gently as she looked at him.

"You should be resting, Joanna. You and I both know how difficult your pregnancy is." Tywin chided, though his tone was soft.

It was not out of anger, he spoke to her, but out of love and concern. Joanna though remained persistent, insisting that she was a vital part of everything, she wanted to wait for him, to be by his side.

"I know, I cannot rest. A thought lingers." Joanna responded.

Tywin gently moved his hand to Joanna's hair, running his fingers through as he nodded at her, sighing deeply.

"What is disturbing you?" Tywin asked, his face soft and tender as he looked at his wife.

Joanna placed his hand on her belly, as she smiled up at him, craving and desiring his touch. She leaned closer to him. Though her eyes were full of concern as she cleared her throat.

"Alysielle, she's six... And yet she's struggling. I am just worried for her. Tywin." Joanna whispered as she looked at her husband.

Tywin smiled softly and gently caressed his wife's cheek, his eyes softening as he tilted his head.

"You always worry about her, my love." Tywin said, as Joanna shook her head.

Joanna slowly moved towards Tywin's desk, brushing past him. Her hand was on her back as she waddled. Tywin couldn't ignore it. The pain, the discomfort in his wife's eyes, that lingered more and more as the days went on. The closer she was to giving birth, the more intense the pain was on her. Tywin moved to her side and slowly helped her to sit on the desk. Joanna was breathing softly, as her eyes looked into his, her hand on her belly.

Tywin nodded and gently rubbed her belly, moving one of his arms to wrap around her body for support.

"Alysielle is six, my love. She is a child, she will struggle. Do not spend hours worrying when you are in such a fragile state." Tywin explained as Joanna shook her head, and huffed.