The cold started to set in on their little island. It still wasn't a winter kind of cold, but it became rather obvious that the season of swimming in the sea and walking barefoot had come to an end. Diane did not mind that. It had been a while since the last snowfall in Westeros (not counting the North, of course).
Diane had seen a fair share of winters in her lifetime. Three, to be exact: the first one when she was still just a little girl, the second one around the same time as now, and the third one during the war. They were short and not as cold as they might have been, but she still made extra sure her people were ready for the winter.
Despite the impressive number of homes they managed to build in such a short period of time and the fact that the doors of the Dragontemple were always open, there was still not enough space to house everyone during the cold season. So Diane decided to open the East Wing of the castle to her people as soon as the frost would start to appear on the grass during the night. Robert was tasked with ensuring that precautions would be put in place to discourage people from wandering off and accessing the places Diane wished to keep private or those that were too dangerous to explore if you didn't know your way around the castle. The map of the castle was still a work in progress, and an occasional servant did go missing every few years, so it was better safe than sorry.
As Dragonstone was preparing for the winter, Diane was preparing to welcome a new child into the world. Despite everything, she was... cautiously optimistic. There were no signs of something going wrong, and she felt rather healthy with all the changes happening in her body. Her stomach became large enough to not be hidden by any kind of dress anymore, and the news that Lady of Dragonstone was expecting spread around the island like dragonfire. Perhaps she could have prevented it by staying more in the castle and communicating only with her trusted advisors, but Diane preferred to be hands-on with everything she did, and she also refused to hide something as natural as pregnancy. If anything, it would send a bad message.
In the Faith of Fourteen Flames, children were always cherished, regardless of who they were or who they came from. It was always emphasized that the future lies with them. It was the duty not only of their family but of their community to nurture them and give them an opportunity to grow into adults so the cycle of nature could repeat. Diane's unmarried status was a well-known thing, but as there was no concept of bastardy in the Faith of Fourteen Flames, there was no issue in that. Moreover, people were excited for that baby, even more than Diane might have expected. She was constantly told by others that they would pray to Meleys for her health and the health of her baby, and instead of being annoying, it warmed her heart.
She might be considered a fallen woman in the Faith of Seven, but thankfully, she did not give a flying fuck about what the Faith of Seven considered her to be. Her people and her family were nothing but supportive, and it was all she needed.
***
'Gerardys, where is my daughter-' Daemon started, opening the door and walking inside Gerardys' room without a knock or invitation. Then he froze, blinked exactly twice, and said, 'Ha, never mind. I need to learn how to knock,' before turning on his heels and walking out.
Now that he thought about it, he remembered that Diane had told him a while ago that after Gerardys renounced his vows as a maester, he got involved with... someone. Daemon was pretty sure Diane told him with whom exactly, but his mind didn't usually hang on to this kind of detail.
Well, he would definitely remember now.
'Prince Daemon!' he heard Gerardys call out after him, so Daemon stopped and turned. It was obvious that Gerardys threw on his robe very hastily, and his face was noticeably red.

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To Take What Is Rightfully Ours
FanfictionDaemon Targaryen learned from his own experience that being nice to your bastard daughter might be surprisingly beneficial. Even more so when she was sent back in time by the Old Gods and now is very keen on saving your life, helping you marry the o...