The Gentle Queen: HOTD

Joffrey |2|

"Aegon, my sweet boy, it is time to wake up." Lilly sang as she pulled open the curtains, causing him to groan.

"No, go away," he whined, pulling the covers over his head and making her laugh.

"Either you get up or I pour this cold water on you," she threatened, which made him jump more like a tumble out of bed, groaning in pain as he hit the floor hard.

"Are you okay?" she asked, worried for her son as he looked up at her, sending her a cheesy smile as he nodded.

"Of course, mama, I am up. I will get ready for the day and head over to my lessons," he assured her as he jumped up, kissing her cheek and making her smile.

"Thank you, Aegon. Pay attention to your lessons and keep an eye on your siblings, please," she called out as she left the room, making her way to her chambers with Ser Criston quietly, which he took notice of.

He watched as she messed with the dragonfly charm on her bracelet while mumbling something he couldn't make out.

"Are you okay, Lilly? You seem more distracted than usual," he asked, softly grabbing her hand when he saw no one else around. This made her freeze for a moment before she relaxed.

"I am with the child again; the maester confirmed it not long ago. I suspect I am around five months old." She admitted making him sigh before hugging her. He knew why she was so scared. Her labor and birth with Daeron were difficult.

She gave birth to twins and two boys, and only one lived, which was Daeron. Her second son, whom she named Aelyx, died a few minutes after being born. He was too small and weak, and he had fluid in his lungs. He passed in his mother's arms. They had a targary funeral for the baby boy. She kept the ashes, not knowing what else to do, so he went to Flea Bottom and found a gardener, where he bought an oak tree that was ready to be planted, which is what he did with her and her children.

They planted the tree in the center of the small flower garden Lilly had built and planted herself. When they planted the tree, they buried the ashes so that her son could grow as the tree grew.

"I will be here for you the entire time. I promise you, I won't let him hurt you," he swore, making her smile.

"You know you can't stop such things unless you wish to lose your head," she whispered, making him nod before wiping her tears gently.

"Come on," he said, gesturing for her to walk again and making her do so.

"Are you happy about the news?" he asked, and she shrugged in response.

"Ten children. I have given him five sons and five daughters, and for some reason, it is still not enough. He wants more. I am happy to have another kid to love and raise. I just wish I could have had all my children on my own terms with who I wanted," she admitted, looking at him when she spoke about wanting to have children with someone of her choice, making his lips quirk up.

"And in truth, I feel guilty about having another child after Aelyx," she whispered, making his heart break and stop her again.

"You should not feel guilty; we will always remember and honor Aelyx. Having another child does not mean you forget him."

"You are right; thank you."

"Good morning, your grace. Did you enjoy your prayer?" Lyra asked as Lilly entered the room while Criston took his station.

"It was good, Lyra, and good morning to you," the queen replied to her friend, who nodded happy with the answer just as Talia entered with a bright smile.

"Good morning, Talia," Lilly greeted with a smile of her own as the handmaiden bowed to her.

"Morning, my queen," she said before remembering why she came.