Heir of the Dragon

Departure

Jessica was up not long after falling asleep. Her stomach was quite unsettled. She was pacing back and forth, a hand resting against her mouth.

Jeyne had been watching her pace back and sigh. "Princess, maybe we should call the Maester."

Jessica shook her head no. "It's just unsettled, it will pass. Go get some sleep, Jeyne. No need for us both to be up."

Jeyne went to open her mouth and protest, but gave a curtsy and walked out the door.

Criston was standing on the other side and Jeyne nearly knocked into him. "Apologies, Lord Hand."

He looked down at her. "Is everything ok?"

Jeyne started to nod yes, then shook her head. "No. The Princess seems to be quite unsettled this evening."

Criston looked to the door. "And if I had to guess, she's refused a Maester."

Jeyne nodded. "She has."

Criston nodded. "Go fetch Orwyle, I'll deal with her."

Jeyne gave a curtsy and headed off.

Jessica was still pacing when she felt arms go around her. She stopped and looked up at Criston Cole.

Jessica sighed. "I feel -"

"We're not finishing that sentence." Criston picked her up, and headed towards the bed.

Jessica nuzzled against his neck. "I'm not a helpless duckling that needs mothering."

Criston tucked her back into bed. He sat on the edge of the bed, and gave her a kiss. "Both the boys have noted that you haven't looked well. It won't hurt to have Maester Orwyle to simply look in on you."

Jessica sighed. She just leaned back and closed her eyes. Criston's hand rested lightly on her stomach. She had just began to calm when the door flew opened.

"What's wrong?!" Aemond rushed to her side, Master Orwyle behind him.

Criston Cole rose and quickly bowed his head. "My Prince."

Jessica sat up as Aemond traded places with Criston. She took both his hands and shook her head. "Nothing, My Love, just an unsettled night. I seemed to have startled the Lord Hand."

Aemond looked back at Criston. "Thank you for watching over her until I returned. You are a good man, Cole."

Criston Cole bowed his head, not really able to meet Aemond's eye. "Thank you, My Prince." Criston saw himself out.

Jessica watched Maester Orwyle come to the edge of the bed and begin his examination. She layed back down so he could have easy access. "What's seems to be keeping you up, Princess."

Jessica sighed. "My stomach."

Maester Orwyle gently pressed around it. He pressed around her ovaries. "Hmmm."

Jessica leaned up onto her elbows, but smiled. "I don't like that face or that tone, good ser."

Aemond looked back at Orwyle. "What's wrong with my wife?"

Maester Orwyle looked to Jessica. "Have you bled this month, Princess?"

Jessica looked upwards and counted the days in her head. "No, I haven't. It should be any day now, at most a few days late."

Maester Orwyle nodded. "I do not believe that the Princess is on her deathbed. But I will send something for the discomfort."

Aemond thanked him and saw himself out. Jessica watched him undress and then join her in bed. She immediately curled into him, laying her head on Aemond's chest.