Chapter Text
SHIREEN
Dear. Gods. She was already so sick of weddings, and it wasn’t even hers. Jace was laughing at her all the time, with how often she would sigh loudly when asked ‘so how is it going?’ If one… more… person… asked her what specific arrangement the flowers for the aisles should take, she might hit someone in the nose.
She wished she were helping Rhaenyra more, and she often tried to escape to do so. Give her politics anyday — this frivolity and silliness was far too much for her to deal with. She did not have the patience. Myrcella did, thank the Gods. She took most of the responsibility for decisions, and Helaena helped, but was more of a moral support. Queen Alicent… well… she had a certain view of how things should be, and it sometimes clashed with Myrcella’s.
Aemond often would shrug and tell his mother, “Well, it’s her wedding. I’d let her do as she pleases — I’m sure it will be lovely.” His mother had no argument against that, and so, Myrcella often won when they had a disagreement on something. The ceremony itself was not much of an argument — that was cut and dry. It was the receptions, the bedding ceremony, that sort of thing. Myrcella was very much against a bedding. Aemond was, too, and so, after appealing to Rhaenyra, that was nixed.
Rhaenyra came to her a sennight prior to her trip to Winterfell, and asked for her and Jace to come along. Shireen was so very excited. Then she remembered… she hadn’t been to the North since… oh Gods. That was where she died — just outside Winterfell’s gates. She could do this. She could be strong.
One week later, they were preparing to leave, Myrcella and Helaena helping her to complete her packing, when Rhaenyra came bustling into the room, wringing her hands. “Rhaenyra, whatever is the matter?” Cella asked. Rhaenyra sat on the settee, and said quietly, “I’m with child. I just confirmed it with the Maester. I’ve not told anyone else yet.” Myrcella and she shared a look.
Rhaenyra looked at them, and asked, “Did I have another child in that history you know?” Cella sighed, and said, “Rhaenyra, things are so different now. I don’t want to distress you.” She sighed, nodded her head, and said, “You’re right, Cella. I am just worrying myself over nothing. I suppose I should tell Daemon.” Helaena then walked up to her sister, hugged her tightly, and said, “We’ll be with you for this. You won’t be alone.”
Two days later, she was on dragonback for the first time, riding Vermax with Jace as he and Rhaenyra took off toward Winterfell. Daemon had been pleased that he was to be a father, again. He had, however, instructed Rhaenyra that this trip and the one eventually to Dragonstone would be the only ones she would take during this pregnancy, and Rhaenyra had agreed. The King was pleased he was to be a grandfather yet again, and the Queen had happily hugged Rhaenyra, saying, “Oh, I hope it’s a girl this time. You’ve so many boys running about.”
It took a few days, with stops at castles throughout the Vale and Riverlands, before reaching Winterfell. It was… lovely. And… as she remembered. As they dismounted, Shireen walked to the place where the stake had been, shuddering as she reached down, touching the snow. Jace walked up behind her, asking, “What’s the matter, love?” Shireen turned to him, and said quietly, “It was here. I died here. This was where they put the stake, Jace.” His eyes widened, and he moved to her, holding her in his arms as he kissed her softly. He then spoke against her lips, saying, “It’s over, love. You’re here, with me. They can’t hurt you anymore, and no one ever will again.” Oh, she loved him so.
She nodded, a soft smile on her face, and they walked back to Rhaenyra, who was watching them with concern. Jace looked at his mother, and said, “Bad memories.” Rhaenyra’s eyes widened, before she said, “The snow. You died here.” Shireen nodded, and Rhaenyra rushed forward, taking her in a hug. “I’m sure Jace already said so, but no one will ever hurt you again, mark my words.” She nodded, and chuckled, saying, “Yes, he did say that, but it’s nice to hear, regardless.”
