hello! might I request the akotsk men reacting to seeing reader treating children kindly and gently? like dunk watching reader coddle egg, baelor seeing reader read to matarys, maekar seeing reader play with his younger kids (daella and rhae included), etc? thank you!
this is such a sweet idea thank you for sending it in!! i sure can 🥹💗
REACTING TO THEIR S/O WITH CHILDREN
features: baelor, maekar, dunk, aerion, lyonel, daeron and valarr
The rain outside had been relentless, hammering down onto windowpanes and stone like a drum, and more than the storm raging, it had kept you inside with little to do. Beyond tea with your ladies and overseeing lessons performed by the septa’s, there was not much to cure your boredom.
Much less had it done so for the children.
You had been married to Baelor for over a year, and you shared a happy and content marriage, a loyal one, and despite the many looks exchanged in passing at the knowledge of it being his second, the pair of you basked in your love.
And when his youngest, Matarys came to you with a book in hand and smile pleading, you dared not refuse. You had been close with both boys since your betrothal, left without the softness of their mother since her death many years before, they grew fond of you instantly.
Valarr had remained proper, polite smiles and kind words while sharing jests when others were not listening, he orbited you during feasts and tourneys, a steady presence with a soft smile. Whereas Matarys had become your shadow, one that had clung hard. Though often prone to distance with his nose in a book, he took to you, preferring to be at your side than most others.
And Baelor had delighted in it, watching carefully across halls of from your arm with a tender gaze. As had you, though they he was warned even by his brother not to smother you, you assured him, finding comfort in his presence and the break from humdrum at court.
Hunting was something your husband had little time to do these days, much less with his son, but it had proven triumphant. Hares and boar were found upon the trail they had set out on, taking up all day from the early morning and leaving you alone, and they had only arrived back once the rain had set in, and the ache in their bones began to burn.
You were not so unfortunate to be out in it however, instead the hearth crackled from the corner of the fireplace, soft pillows pressed into your back as Matarys lay gently next to you. He had peeped into your solar with a book so big it had barely fit into his arms, clutching it tightly as he set it into both of your lap’s.
“And what is this?”
“Histories of Old Valyria.. and the Doom.” You watched the way his face lit up as he talked of his ancestors, only looking up at you once he had opened it, dragging his finger along the pages as you did the same. They were worn, rough at the edges and thick with old parchment, the book itself had smelt of mothballs and ancient ink, the black thick across the cream coloured page.
“Is this the choice for today hm?”
“Indeed, I thought it would be best. I have been practicing my Valyrian.” He beamed, sitting back just under your arm as you leaned in to listen.
“Then you shall have to teach me.” You smiled, holding the other side to keep the heavy book open.
And the pair of you read together, aloud, taking turns across the chapters, and you indulged in such histories, hearing more of them than you ever had. First the many houses that had existed in such a time.. more than just your blood of the dragon. Velaryons, Celtigars, Belaerys and over forty that were known to rule.. You had read about Daenys and her premonition that forsaw the end of their reign, and that their empire was not so much one throne but a Freehold, much different to the way life was lived in the present.
Baelor had climbed the stairs in steady strides, flight after flight passing guard and servant alike he had kept his head low, nodding politely. He ached, a sharpness in his back pushing him all the way to your chambers, and how he longed for you. To relax and to bathe, to hold you and catch up on the day you had without one another as you often did.
It was something he looked forward to, though what he didn’t expect, walking the seemingly longest hall to your chameber and guiding the door open, was two figures laid across the armchair. The chair itself sprawled wide and long much like a chaise, coverings of gold and crimson with engravings of patterned flowers.
It was Matarys’ chapter to read, purely in Valyrian, an account of one of the many supposed slaves of the time and their life under the rule of their dragon lords. The both of your were so engrossed you did not noticed the way he studied form the doorway, his back to the door he had closed quietly.
His finger trailed the page, carefully reading over every word in ancient tongue as you encouraged him, learning just beside him. Baelor felt something tight pull in his chest, rather settle, not like the muscles that ached or bones that felt cool to their depth, it was warmth. The hearth had raged on yes, but he was many paces away, and the tiresome furrow of his brow had eased into a look of wonder, his gaze honing in on you both tenderly.
“Naenie sia glad hen vējes kesrio syt ēdas maghatan.. I know this word, peace, it says peace but I don’t know..” Many people were glad of the Doom because it had brought..
He stumbled over his words, looking up at you for help, eyes squinting at the word before him neither of you managed to pronounce properly.
“Lyks.” Peace.
Both of your eyes shot up then, landing onto Baelor who stepped steadily toward you both, that familiar tug of his lip forming with the tilt of his head.
“Lyks.” You both repeated, and he had nodded, moving across the chamber to your other side. His hand planted over Matarys’ head who already began reading once more, this time more confidently, pride settling in his chest as it did his father’s who looked at you with a smile.
He pressed a kiss to your temple as he sat beside, stroking your knee as your duo soon had become a trio, settling into the softness of the afternoon. The storm thundered on outside, but inside by the hearth and with your family, there was a warmth nothing quite else could fulfill.
Maekar had warned you of the children at first. And it had made you laugh, waving him off like it was nothing, though you hadn’t entirely realised what you were getting into. They were a handful to say the least, and after many months into your marriage, you know understood why beyond his targaryen heritage, his hairs were more grey than silver.
The girls had ran to you all at once, another little pair of feet following just after.
Egg.
The little ones had done this most often, creating havoc where they went, chasing one another about until they landed at someone’s feet, and somehow that had been yours. Particularly in their fathers absence, and though they respected your word just as his, they felt as if they had gotten away with more with just you, that they were able to be more than just an expectation, but children.
It wasn’t entirely his fault, all of you knew of it, and he didn’t do it out of malice, only love, but even after the nights of urging him to ease, his pacing back and forth about their whereabouts and behaviour, he hardly managed to stay so calm, and it irked him.
So they came to you instead, and with Maekar standing on council for the early morning until noon, it was no better than you to have been left in charge. Also when that had descended from simple lessons into playful chaos.
They had set a stool in front of you first.
“Our nursemaid does not know how to braid, could you help us.. the traditional ones? Please please..” Words tumbled out at once, two pairs of eyes peering up at you expectantly. Their dresses swirled at their feet, shades of violets and pink, sweet smiles on their flushed faces from running you suspected.
And so you did.
At first you had brushed Daella’s hair, sitting her in front of your vanity so that you both could see better, pins and clips in between your fingers as you combed through the light brown strands. Rhae stood at her side, peering up just over to see the mirror she could barely reach, impatiently awaiting her turn.
You did so one by one, praising both yourself and the Gods that you had managed to practice on the off chance. Daella’s braids were pulled slightly looser, sitting in twos across each side of her head, pulling her hair into a half up half down, elegant style. Rhae’s were no different, but more refined, higher up on the scalp and tightened into a small bun.
Aegon sat behind, watching the three of you with a curious smile as he kicked the floor below him from the daychair. He caught your eye in the mirror as the girls marvelled and whispered about their hair, in a world of his own.
“Are you not having your hair braided my prince?” He shrugged a little, standing tall as he met your eyes
“Knights do not wear braids.” He complained, shaking his hair.
“Now that is not true. Only the finest warriors wear braids..”
And thus, between the gallant voice you’d raised and the smirks his sisters gave him behind you, he had obliged, changing his mind as quick as it took him to sit onto the stool at your legs and command, nicely, what braids he had wanted.
With the length of his hair just growing through to his ears, after shaving it all off mysteriously, there was little to work with, but you made do. He donned two at the sides of his head by the time you were done, one on each, proud and tightly knotted.
The three of them were pleased, just as you were with your handiwork, and then they had turned to you. Menacingly..
“You must do yours..” Daella spoke first.
“I don’t know about that they are not—“ You reasoned.
“You are one of us.. you have to.” They had begged, a string of ‘pleases’ and cries probably loud enough to be heard down the hallway until you had relented.
“Fine.. but only a few.” You had insisted, and they delivered.
Albeit, more than a few. Much like the girls, you had multiple on each sides of your head, well done for small, clumsy fingers, and it left your hair flowing but pulled out of your face.
The four of you together, battle ready and mischievous, but only then did it begin.
Wooden swords bashed together just as feet tapped and danced about the room, the chaos wasn’t like the usual craziness, more sharpened, like all four of you were truly staking out where to go and who to pick off next. It had been every man for himself, as Egg had declared, and all of you set about your solar taking turns hiding and attacking.
You had been so engaged in fact you didn’t notice you husband standing entranced with wide eyes until you had collided with his chest, warm, calloused hands clutching at your arms to keep you from falling.
“Oh I’m so—“ You had looked up, huffing the stray hairs from your face as you met eyes with his violet ones, piercing and yet tender as they gazed into yours.
“Husband.” You breathed, easing in his grip, it did not soften, only stroked the sides of your arms through your sleeves
“Wife..” It came out gentle, the familar grumble and astute annoyance left in his voice from hours of a court debacle that had been left on his tongue just as he was about to utter it when he found you.
“We were just..” You went to speak, still out of breath.
“Look father it is our braids.” His youngest called out, running toward you both.
“A warrior hm?” Rhae fell into his side, a hand moving from you with one to cup her little face with a half smile. He tilted his head at her looking over her hair and back to you, your wooden sword still in hand, eyes raking over your face, your blush, your braids.
“But you haven’t killed anyone.”
“I have.” Maekar raised an eyebrow and she turned, angling you both to the other side of the chamber. “Two.”
Her little finger pointed playfully, to the other two in a heap on the floor barely controlling the giggles that left their mouths and shook their bodies on the cool floor. His eyes followed to them, huffing under his breath, a sound that could have been mistaken for a laugh, rumbling his chest, before turning once more to you.
You were certainly disheveled and rather unsightly for a lady of your position. Your skirts had rumpled, your hair a mess and pulled from its styling but the smile that reached your face in small pants was unlike anything he had seen.
And just as Rhae had ran back off to ‘finish the battle’, he had closed his arm around your middle, pressing a sharp kiss to your lips as your noses nudged.
“They suit you.” He did not specify what he had meant, because his words had a double meaning. And it was not only the braids he was talking about..
Life on the road brought little comfort. That was until Dunk had found you. And the boy who by any means never left his side. He was grateful of Egg’s company, even after the events that ensued not long into their friendship, somehow it brought them closer, more comfortable in a war torn world wrecked by grief and guilt.
And with the three of you together, there was more than just friendship found, there was love, a family.
Egg had clung to you both, in different ways. Where there was lessons to be learned from both of you, Dunk often walked first, leading the strides in arms and worldly wears, whereas he found gentleness in you, sharing curiosities and the wonders of the world.
Both of you often getting into more trouble than you had meant to behind Dunk’s back. And after a long day of travelling, making your way further into the westerlands of the Reach, you had sound your spot to set up camp.
The night was coming in faster that particular evening, the late spring having its last few cold blights until summer was upon the realm. Leaves were beginning to fill the trees, the countryside greener than you had seen it in a long time, the cool wind settling a deep chill in your bones.
“Got some more wood f’the fire.” Dunk called from the trees as he stumbled through with logs in his large hands, rising up as he caught sight of you both. Egg had sat with you, flattening out the blanket that had been rolled up on Sweetfoot’s flank for half of your journey.
It was barely warm enough, a dark shade of green, covered in lint and fallen leaves but the wool was enough to keep you enclosed and the most of the chill out as you took it around your shoulders and his smaller ones.
“Could you go any slower?” Egg mumbled rubbing his eyes.
“Hey I spent half the afternoon chopping these..” Dunk reasoned, chuckingthe kindling between you all.
“It shall be done soon..” You assured him, breaking a yawn that pulled from you, wracking your body in a shiver from your own tiredness. Your eyes wandered to Dunk where he had ducked in front of the fire, sliding the flint across the rock in front of the piles of logs with a huff, cursing under his breath at the boy’s impatience. You had only chuckled, watching him struggle to light the fire as Egg shivered into your side, you shushed him quietly.
The fire had taken only minutes of grumbling to light, an array of orange flickering bright onto the roots to the tree branches you had sat under. Egg’s eyes grew wide before they fell tired, eyelids growing heavy with full bellies as much as finding food would allow, and the comfort of your embrace.
“See it did not take that long..” You said, turning to him as he nodded.
“You’re telling me..” Dunk softened then, looking up at you across from the flamed, his broad features lighting up in the darkness as your softer ones did. He found himself staring more than he had meaned to, swearing it was just to keep you both under watch, eyes darting at the sounds around you as he stoked the fire with a sharp stick.
But it was more than that. It was the way you held Egg, his now squire, and the way he tucked into you looking so contented and calm, the fact you had still stuck beside him after all of this time. And somehow, by the grace of all that was good, your beauty was amplified by all of it.
Night descended fast as the three of you talked, more so, the three of you talked eachother into sleep. Egg had not relented of course, as he usually did, despite how tired he was himself, he had kept on, he had never wanted to sleep.
“Those three are brighter tonight..” His small voice mumbled out, hand pointing up into the sky through the fluttering leaves in the night breeze. You had laid down by then, propped up only slightly on the satchels and sacks you had carried with you. He was growing more tired by the moment, fighting to keep his eyes open even as he told you tales of the stars and planets above you.
“Perhaps it is the three of us..”
He smiled at that, curling further into your side, blinking up at the stars twinkling above you.
Dunk lay across from you, propped up on the nearest tree, always watching as he continued to even with an arm under his head and laying back onto his cloak.
“He is close t’you.” He called out, voice rumbling as he observed, the boy’s breathing evening out as he fell into a fast sleep.
“He is to us both..” You answered, tucking the blanket around you both tighter.
“Aye, but he softens with you.. haven’t seen him do that in months.”
“You mean he bullies you less.” You chuckled, as your eyes met, the firelight flickering in your pupils, his already blown.
“Or that.” He shook his head, tutting quietly bit playfully, crossing his arms as he lay back properly.
“Goodnight Dunk.” You smirked, rolling over to at last rest.
“Goodnight Love.”
Though even as he closed his eyes, head fallen back and the hammering of his heart quickening in his chest slowing with exhaustion, he had stayed awake. Long after Egg had fallen asleep, and a while after you, the embers growing white and cold with the night, the three of you had laid together, with one last look up to the night sky.
The three stars still shone brightly even as the moon fell over the horizon, a knowing from Egg’s words alone, that the three of you were together, and you were better off that way.
His gaze did not betray him, not once.
He saw the way they wanted after you, the way you gave your kindness freely and lovingly, in ways he had not seen for many years. He wanted one of his own of your own. And truthfully, though it pulled at him, stoking the fire that burned beneath, beyond all primal urges and ‘duty’ if it was not one of his own, he would not have looked upon you the way he did in such moments.
Your own babe, Maegor, named after the cruel, by his account, lay across your chest. Familar silver hairs flopped across your skin, the firelight flickering in the background.
Aerion had been dragged from the tourney with scraped and bruises to match his triumph, as champion of the day he had not been as worn as many expected him to be. Instead the thought of you powered him, the ride back from the nearest town and into the courtyard stables.
You had spent the days at home since birth, many worries for your health from the advisory of maesters and your chambermaids. Your husband hadn’t delighted in the idea, particularly missing out on you spectating his victories. Though to keep you away from everyone else and just in his arms for a little longer from court, he did not argue. Not when he was so close to having you in his arms again, turning corridor to corridor until he had found you.
You hummed to your son, a tune you had heard once when you were a girl, smoothing your palm over his head as he cooed in your arms. He had only seen the top of your head from the doorway, through the cool night, the curtains blowing in as night curled over the realm. It had been the only way for him to settle for the moment, moonlight calming him over the heat of the day, as much it did you, even as you heard the door click and footsteps step in.
His armour had long since been discarded, removed carefully by his squires, leaving him in just his open chainmail and breeches, arms flexing as they braced around your chair.
He did not say anything for a moment, eyes widening to find your son in your arms and not in his cradle or with a maid. And though he did not have it in him to often ease, wanting your company and yours alone, he did not find himself disappointed.
Not with the both of you together, his wife, his son.. he exhaled harsh through his nose, curling around to your side to press a curl to the crown of your head.
“You should not coddle him, he is blood of the dragon, not a parasite.”
“He is but three moons old Aerion.” You snapped though you didn’t hear the bite in his voice, it was merely jest, though he underlined it with truth, the familar growl settling as he stood before you both.
“Mhm.”
And though it could have sounded like protest, his eyes told a different story. The stoney eyed scowl he usually wore twinkled as he blinked, mouth pressing open as he breathed, taking in the sight before him. You were in your nightclothes, the white chemise curling at your feet as the small boy wriggled in your arms, sound asleep.
“And how was today..?” You blinked up at him.
“I brought home trophy, there wasn’t much competition. There never is.”
“So I see.” You said, eyes raking over the cut across his cheek, small but mighty, a dark bead of crimson to match the bruises at his knuckled and arms, just as you imagined them littered across the rest of his body.
“Though this is much better..” His voice did not falter, and he only watched, slinking his back into the chair beside you with a tap of his fingers on its rest.
The trophy was brought home, whispers of his name climbing ranks as a knight to be paraded across the realm, both by lord and himself alike. Though he had meant it, beyond every clash of a sword and ounce of blood he had spilled, when he had came home to you, it had meant more than just that. It was protection, assurance, for him, for you.
His family.
Among all of the traipses and splendours that journeying could give you, away from your home at Storm’s End, there was one thing to be lacked.
Softness.
That couldn’t be said for you marriage of course, it was full of it, all tenderness and warm hands, soft kisses to your skin and gentle words from a proud man. However debauchery was often centrefold, not quite the place for a little boy, much less a Prince.
The boy had flitted around to from time to time. whispers grew louder at every visit with him and the large man your husband had come to love. As did children come from time to time, sitting upon the benches as their mothers and fathers drank themselves into a stupor of chattering and laughter, they often occupied themselves. You had smiled at them as they ran over to you, enchanted by the Laughing Storm and his wife and he did not know what to do with such attention, even as they chased after his antlers and your pretty dresses.
Egg had been apart of that, though more observant. He was more refined, more gentle than the other children, as you would have supposed for his different upbringing. And there you grew fond of him as he did you.
The celebrations were in full swing, tents lined on the grasses of Storm’s End across fields and meadows. For one of the nearby lord’s name days, Lyonel had decided to host, allowing more space and more excuse to let loose after weeks of tense councils.
And just as your husband had relished in the arrival of his hedge knight’s arrival upon invitation, you had some so with the boy that had launched into your middle in a tight embrace.
“Good to see you too, my Prince.” You hugged him to you with a huff.
“I missed you.. it was an awfully long journey.” He pulled away to smooth the dirt from his worn clothes, violet eyes bright.
“So I imagine..” You chuckled wiping the dirt from his cheek.
Dunk had followed just after, catching up to you both as Lyonel stood beside you, beaming widely. The festivities boomed behind you, the sunshine high in the sky as your castle home loomed proudly at its side.
“Come big man.” He held his arms out, embracing the giant before you as he bowed politely to you with a smile.
“The boy wouldn’t let me refuse.” He chuckled, sniffing through the pollenated air. The men then began conversation, something of tourneys and when Ser Duncan planned to stay, when Egg tugged onto your sleeve.
“Might we get something to eat.”
“We might, I have a few ideas..”
The pair of you took off, walking through market stalls and vendors, snacking on treats and tarts and eyeing up all sorts of weaponry. You had enjoyed yourself immenselyand by the time the evening began to draw in, the string lights of the markets lighting up your way to a familar voice booming.
“To mark the happy day, humbly hosted by me nd my.. astounding wife.” He raised the chalice as everyone followed for your shared friend’s nameday, and also to you, just as you and Egg had entered the tent, Lyonel’s eyes finding you through the crowd with a loving smile. “And to my father who let us hold this whole thing.” He rumbled out at the end, taking a long gulp of his wine as he and the others laughed in cheers.
The night carried on in happiness with you relaxing at your table enjoying the warmth and fun around you.
Egg had sat by your side through the whole thing, spotting faces in the crowd and the small noble houses and their sigils, telling you all he knew of each of them. Though even when the hedge knight was around, his frame taking up the space rightly as he was dragged into dance and stepping around people, people stumbling and jumping about, Lyonel couldn’t tear his eyes away from you.
Amidst the noise, he found himself honed in, even as he himself was pulled up to dance, he took it graciously, performing just by the slightest as you both locked eyes, and though there was that usual, deep carnal spark between you, there was something different he felt. Something he had not began to think of until you, and as he made his way, weaving through people, he tucked his arm around you as you and Egg mimicked others and laughed together.
He pressed a kiss to your lips, pulling away only as he sat down, though his eyes didn’t, only moving around as a cough came at your other side.
“You don’t plan to steal my wife do you.”
“Of course not Ser.” He blinked up at him bashfully, a smirk pulling onto his face. And though he had meant it, Lyonel’s eyes squinting at the boy he only chuckled.
Because it was more than he had in a long time, good ale, his love, and more good company.
Daeron had been put in charge, oft imposed on responsibility of taking care of his younger sibling ever since his mother’s death, much less when Maekar lost slight control of them all in their growing age.
But with his own afflictions, it only grew harder, more difficult to manage and keep up. And that’s when you came along.
They hovered around you, out of respect and love, much like their eldest brother did .
“Give her some space for Seven’s sake.” Maekar sometimes ordered, one time at the feasting table with a mouthful of food, and they listened at once, through it did not stop their gazes following you everywhere. Or the way they tumbled after you wherever you had went.
Much like it did in the very moment you spent in the gardens. It was a welcome break, your studies done for the day already before noon, and no others until the morrow, you were entirely alone and thankful for such peace. The lilies were in full bloom, summer flowers and peonies brightening the bushes into a glow.
You had closed your eyes all but for a moment until you heard bickering, it was muffled at first, from behind the bushes.
“Do not step there..” A voice broke the silence.
“Perhaps she is sleeping..” A smaller once came next.
“Let’s go.”
“No she said we could.”
You peeped one eye open, and that’s when two little legs had been pushed forward, standing right in front of where you sat in the marble bench. You opened both of your eyes then to find Aegon, or Egg as you all called him, with an apologetic smile on his face.
“And what might I help you with?” You inquired, sitting up straighter to face him.
“The girls and I were wondering if you wanted to join us.” You urged him on in a nod as he rocked on his heel, hands princely behind his back as you caught them snickering behind the bushes.
“I would much love to. Perhaps we should race them to the fountains.” He grinned brightly as you whispered in close, taking his hands as the pair of you ducked through the hedgerows, much set out like a maze. Their giggling had stopped, noticing the way you had disappeared as they looked around, smirking as they knew this game.
There was always one to be had, someone chased someone, someone beat and raced another, it was non stop, and even with the sun on your backs, blazing ardently, you had not minded, even if your peace had been disrupted.
You had reached the fountains first, the girls tumbling around the other side in short bursts of breath, all of you placed your hands onto the solid, white rock.
“It seems I have won.” Egg announced.
“No.. I made it here first.” Rhae called, tilting her chin up to the sky in pride.
“You did not, I did.” Daella reasoned with them both with folded arms.
“Actually—“ Egg started.
“Perhaps we should race to the other one, then we will truly see.” You had cut them off before banter had turned to arguing, never truly knowing who would be set off first. They all turned to you at that, eyeing them mischievously with your skirts in hand as you began to rise.
“Race you.” Rhae teased then, poking her tongue out at you.
“You first.” Your hand flicked up a scoop of the water from the fountain as they three sprinted away, you following after, their squeals and screams stumbling down the steps and stone as they headed for the nearby fountain. They had made it all in one group, still arguing as they all pushed and shoved to reach the rock first.
You slowed into the scene not long after, huffing as you smoothed your skirts.
“Right right.. and who won now.”
“It seems none of you.” The four of you jumped, the breeze bristling as Daeron stood up from the walled rock he had leant upon, a weary smile on his face as he moved to you. Truth be told he had heard you before he had seen you all, sneaking away himself from his father’s side to be pushed onto a council he wanted no part of, he found himself in the gardens, following the sound of your voice until three others chimed in.
And so it seemed, he had made it there first. He stopped behind you, resting his chin onto your shoulder as his arms wrapped around your middle, your own folded over his gently.
“Mind If I steal her back..” He pressed a kiss to your jaw, a smile creeping up onto his face at his younger brother’s looks of disgust and sisters one of wonder. And they ran off once more, chasing and laughing, his chest pressed into your back.
“I like you with them. They are whole like this.. We all are.”
The tourney was a grand event. Stalls and marketplaces full of fruits and wears from across the realm trailed for miles and miles, smiling ladies and courteous knights, there was little to be bored with.
Though even as you were left to your own devices, walking amongst the hustle and bustle with Ser Roland at your side, there was another presence who wasn’t enjoyng himself quite as much.
“Must we always come here in the heat of the day.” Matarys grumbled, a large price of parchment in his hands of all the names yet to be called upon the tourney field.
“Come now, we are here in support, it is not that bad..” You reasoned with him, walking steadily ahead as your eyes caught the many faces that urged you to their stalls.
“It wouldn’t be if my brother would come out earlier.”
You huffed a laugh, remembering the early morning you had spent together, awake at dawn in your shared tent, waking softly bare and sharing short kisses before he had to leave . He had always left early, ‘to ready himself’ he’d often said. Though the hours that passed seemed to weigh on you all in anticipation.
“None of them do Matarys, the day has hardly begun.” You turned on your feel to face him, both the Prince and Ser Roland stopping in their tracks, the older man greeting you with a gentle smile on his stern, weathered face. Your good brother with a quizzical one as you held out your hand, taking him into your stride.
Boredom had claimed you both by the time you had reached the royal tents, no books or scrolls or even spying on passing houses had been able to occupy you.
Not until you both had the brilliant, though probably not the wisest, idea to dress one another in his brother’s armour. Upon the stand near your shared dresser had stood the exact replica of the midnight black metals he had worn that day, used for the safe keeping from every battering should he need another.
“Is this at the front of the back?” Matarys turned around, checking over his back and chest where the next plate was supposed to go. And though you had seen your husband dressed many times, you hadn’t the slightest clue.
“I believe on the back.”
You moved the metals around, frowning as it still didn’t look right, sliding them over his shoulders as they sagged from the heavy weight. He had the chest plate on as you turned it to fit properly, putting it on the wrong way at first, or so you thought, as you kneeled down to clasp the armour at his legs.
His arm reached out at once with a smile, flicking his auburn hairs from his face, “And you can have this, he’d want you to have it.” You barely registered what he had said before he had held the open visored helm next to your face, “It should fit.”
“If you insist.” You smiled wearily with a chuckle, taking it into your hands as you patted the armour on his body to check its tightness. You placed the helm over your head, sliding it on with a careful tug, his body stumbling backward as he attempted to stand tall on the oversized armour.
“Well.. how does it look?” You held your arms out, twirling in place, the metal muffling your voice deeply.
“Ridiculous.” He laughed heartily as you looked at each other and fell into shared near uncontrollable laughter, your head nodding back as the helm nearly pulled your head back.
How on earth could he wear this?
“As do you.” You jested back.
“I feel it.”
“You both certainly look like something..” Another voice called out then, the smile reaching your ears before you had seen it.
Valarr.
He held the flap of the tent open, straightening his back as he entered, smiling from ear to ear with sweat on his brow. What a sight that something was. His younger brother and his wife in his armour, about ready to fall over under the weight of it all, much like he had felt from the heat until he made it into the cool.
“Husband you are back..” You moved to meet him, hardly able to see over the holes in the helm
“Indeed Iam..” He stepped forth, clutching the helm as you attempted to pull it free, though he studied you in it for a minute, contemplating with a smirk, before removing it off entirely, finally giving you room to breathe. He whispered a small ‘hello’ as the familiar hearty swell crept up chest, his lips curving at you.
“And you do know you have that wrong don’t you.” Valarr suddenly turned to his brother looking him up and down as if he was the most daft thing of all.
“For Seven’s sake, we’ve tried it three times already.”
And moments before his name had been called by the herald to enter upon the lists, Valarr had spent time doing what he’d much rather have been doing had he found you earlier. Spending time with the ones he loved most..
