Led By Fiery Passion (currently being revised)

Part 53

"Well, what happened? What did she say?" Jacaerys asked the moment Aenyra stepped back into her chambers.

She let out a long, exhausted sigh and collapsed onto the bed, her body sinking into the mattress as if it were the first time she could breathe all day. Turning her head to face her older brother, who stood waiting with obvious curiosity, she began to recount everything—every word exchanged, every reaction, and the updated plan.

"Then I told her about the pregnancy and—"

"The what?" Jacaerys nearly shouted, his voice cracking with disbelief. Both of them immediately looked toward the door, holding their breath, praying no one had heard.

Once the silence held, Jace turned back to her, eyes wide with shock. "You're pregnant? How am I just finding this out? Does Aemond know?"

Groaning into her pillow, Aenyra sat back up and gave Jacaerys a pointed look. "You're just finding out because I literally just got it confirmed this morning—in King's Landing. And yes, Aemond knows, and we're both elated about it. The timing is... less than ideal with everything going on, but—"

Before she could finish, Jacaerys pulled her into a joyful embrace.

"You're pregnant!" he repeated, as if saying it aloud would help him believe it.

Aenyra blinked at him, waiting patiently for him to let go, a playful glint in her eye. "Are you going to stop cutting me off every time I try to speak?"

Jace leaned back, grinning unapologetically. "Sorry! I just can't help it." He shook his head, still buzzing with excitement. "I mean, I knew this would happen eventually since you two are married now but still, this is crazy."

Aenyra smirked, raising an eyebrow at him. "Well, you better be careful, after what I witnessed Helaena's  going to be next." she teased, her tone light and playful.

Jacaerys's eyes widened for a moment, but the weight of her words quickly settled over him. "I wouldn't mind if that happened, but it'll never work out. We can't truly be together." he said, his expression shifting to reflect the stark reality of his relationship with Helaena.

"Never say never, Jace. I was once in your shoes, believing that Aemond and I would never find our way to each other. Life kept throwing obstacles in our paths—one after another. And honestly? We're still facing challenges. But my point is, I thought it could never happen. Yet fate had other plans, and now I couldn't be happier. If you and Helaena are meant to be, don't stress about the hurdles in between; it will happen." Aenyra said, wrapping a comforting arm around Jace, offering him sisterly wisdom.

"Thanks, Aenyra."

Just then, a knock at the door pulled their attention toward it. Baela stepped inside, her expression composed but purposeful.

"There you are. I've been looking for you," she said, her eyes locking onto Jace.

"Can I have a moment with Jace, Aenyra?" she asked politely, though her tone left little room for refusal.

"Of course, I'll leave you two." Aenyra replied, quickly exiting the room. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about Baela's expression, but she pushed it aside as she made her way to find Luke.

Lucerys wasn't in his chambers or the main hall where he usually spent his time. Aenyra descended the castle's long staircase and spotted him soaring through the sky on Arrax. A smile brightened her face as she hurried towards the sandy beaches below. After a few moments, she noticed Cannibal swooping around the ledge and landing gracefully a little ways from  her.

"You sensed I wanted to fly, huh? Well, let's go!" Aenyra exclaimed, climbing into the saddle with practiced ease. "Sōves, Cannibal!"

With a thunderous leap, Cannibal launched into the sky, wings slicing through the air as they quickly caught up to Luke and Arrax. The sudden arrival startled them, but laughter soon followed, echoing joyfully through the skies above Dragonstone.