"Lord Varys knows."

The Kingsguard's eyes widened in shock as his mind froze upon Alayna's revelation. Briefly, his jaw hung open as he continued to stare blankly at his lover before it shut with an audible click. His expression grew more serious as he began to realize the gravity of their situation. It wasn't long before his initial surprise transformed into red-hot anger.

"How?" He inquired through gritted teeth.

Alayna bowed her head, pulled out the handkerchief she'd given him at Harrenhal, and held the cloth between them. She said nothing. Neither of them did. Not for a long time, at least. She could tell Arthur was furious, but not at her. At their situation, at everything that's happened.

The sound of pieces of armor scraping against each other, harshly assaulted her ears and pulled her attention back up towards the knight. She watched as he rose from her daybed and began to pace in her room. This went on for several long moments before Alayna rose from her spot and wrapped her arms around him from behind.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, brokenly against the pearly-white metal.

Arthur bowed his head and sighed as his hands moved to cover her own, "Don't blame yourself, Aly. There's nothing you could've done to prevent him from finding out. We were both fools to believe that no one would. Especially him."

"I'm not, but still. Things have been rather complicated since Harrenhal," She mused, stepping back to allow him to face her, "Everything has changed."

"It has." He admitted, unable to meet her gaze.

Alayna reached up, taking her petite hand and cupping his jaw in order to draw his attention back down towards her, "Rhaegar is planning something, isn't he? Both of you have been distant, lately. I've tried not to bring it up, especially around Elia, but I know it's been getting to her as well."

Arthur's expression turned grave as he shook his head, "You know for someone who claims to be oblivious to the goings-on of the court. You, certainly, pay a lot of attention when it concerns those you care for."

"Of course this concerns me. Rhaegar, Elia, Jon, and you are all my friends. With Ashara gone to Starfall, you're the only people I have here in King's Landing. If something is going to happen, please don't keep it from me." She hated to plead, but she needed to know. Not because Lord Varys wanted her to spy for him, but because she had a feeling that whatever Rhaegar was planning would affect everyone in the realm.

"There are some things I can't tell you, Aly," Arthur informed her as his hand came up to stroke her cheek, "And I was wish I could. But I can't. Rhaegar has implored me not to share details with anyone, not even my brothers of the Kingsguard."

"I see." Alayna bowed her head, hiding her face from her lover as she felt tears begin to prick at the corners of her eyes.

"Hey, none of that now. It's your name day. We should be celebrating." His calloused fingers tilted her chin back up so that watery-jade eyes met a pair that sparkled like amethyst.

A russet eyebrow quirked up at the knight as the lady inquired, "What did you have in mind, ser?"

Something dangerous flashed across the Dornishman's face as his hands began to trail down the curves of her body as his lips whispered against the soft skin of her neck, "How about I show you?"

...

281 AC

Several moons had passed since Alayna's name day and life in the capital hadn't gotten much easier. In fact, the entire court waited with baited breath as the birth of the newest member of the royal family drew near. It was no secret Elia had struggled with Rhaenys' birth and the Dornish princess had been bedridden for nearly a year afterwards. Everyone knew the birth of this child would mean everything to the Targaryens and their dwindling dynasty. Only the immediate members of the royal family and those of House Velaryon of Driftmark remained of Valyrian heritage. A new child would strengthen the family's hold on the iron throne as well as ensure those rare bloodlines from Old Valyria would endure.

Alayna, herself, was more concerned with Elia's deteriorating health. The princess's second pregnancy had been trying to say the least. But Elia had done her best to not let her struggle show. Alayna found Elia's bravery in the face of prying eyes and whispers inspiring as she continued to hold her head high well into term. If Alayna had been in Elia's position, she surely would've ran straight back home to Highgarden. Perhaps, that was why Elia was a princess and Alayna was not.

One morning, Alayna joined Elia in her chambers to break the fast as she had taken to doing nearly every day since Ashara's departure. She could tell something was off just by the pinched look about the princess's almond colored eyes. Even through the nonchalant charade she attempted to put on, something had noticeably changed. From her position on the lounge, Alayna watched as the servant girls dressed and readied the heavily pregnant woman for the day. She didn't fail to notice moments when the princess would wince. The handmaidens would gasp and apologize only for Elia to assure them they hadn't done anything wrong. Such hisses occurred several times throughout the process of Elia's dressing and brewed unease in the pit of Alayna's stomach. But the russet haired woman waited to broach the subject to her friend until the maids dismissed themselves.

Getting up to pour her friend a glass of tea, Alayna watched as Elia slumped down into the most comfortable position she could on the lounge, "It's almost time, isn't it?"

"What are you going on about?" Elia questioned her friend, rubbing her temples unable to hide the groan of pain that followed.

"It's almost time for the baby." Alayna clarified as she sat down next to her friend, "You've been in labor all morning, haven't you?"

Elia's head shot up as she sent her friend a sharp look, but her expression quickly changed as her body tensed once more, "Alright. Fine, yes, I've been having some birthing pains. But the maester assured me just yesterday that the baby might not come for a while yet. Sometimes, Alayna, there are false signals. It's all part of the process a woman's body goes through when it's preparing for bi-"

Another contraction cut off the princess's unnecessary monologue about childbirth. Alayna was torn between rolling her eyes and holding Elia's hand. The Reachwoman was more than aware of the pains and anxieties of childbirth. She had experienced her fair share of births, however, mostly with animals, to know the difference between false labor and the real thing. At the moment, she felt fairly certain Elia was going to give birth within the next day.

"What was that about false pains?" Alayna inquired with a teasing smile once Elia had breathed through her contraction.

The look Elia sent her was more than enough to stop Alayna from joking around any further. Enough to make the lady realize the gravity of Elia's situation.

"Do you want me to go get the maester or fetch Rhaegar?"

"Get Maester Pycelle first, then go tell my husband." Elia ordered as she clutched her round abdomen.

Alayna nodded in understanding, "Will you be alright on your own? Or should I send someone else?"

"Stay, please. I can't go through with this alone." Elia pleaded and reached for Alayna's hand. But Alayna pulled it away before Elia could grasp it.

"I'll be right back." Alayna assured her friend before dashing down the hall towards the main entry way to speak with one of the guards posted outside.

"Excuse me, ser," Alayna ducked her head out of the door, waiting only long enough to ensure she'd gained the man's attention before continuing, "Princess Elia requires the Grand Maester's presence in her chambers this morning. See to it that you bring him here."

The Dornishman blinked, "Is she...?"

"It is not my place to say." Alayna informed him.

"I see. Should I fetch the prince as well?" He nearly snarled.

It was no secret that all of Dorne felt the scorn alongside their princess the day that Rhaegar had crowned Lyanna Stark at Harrenhal. It was well-known they were furious with the crown prince's actions and believed he should be held accountable for them. To say they were on the verge of a rebellion was an understatement. The Targaryens and the Dornish had always had a strained relationship and Rhaegar's choice hadn't made it any better. But at least the Dornish were still inclined to be polite to their sovereign.

"If possible," Alayna confirmed.

The guard bowed, "As you wish, my lady."

Before taking off down the watched the man go, but only for a moment before ducking back inside Elia's quarters. Unable to push aside the sinking feeling in her stomach that something might go wrong. Too much was at stake for everything to go smoothly. There was too much pressure on everyone involved. But, she couldn't give up hope. Not when her friend needed her most.

...

"My princess, the grand maester has arrived!" The guard declared as he burst through the doors not long after he'd clanging sound of metal chains reverberated down the hallway towards them signaling the man had in fact been successful in locating the grand maester.

Alayna's eyes turned away from Elia, although her hand remained tightly wrapped in the princess's clammy hands. Mere moments after the announcement, the Dornish guard appeared in the entrance to the living space, dragging Pycelle behind him. Alayna noted the cowardly man was dressed in his customary drabby, brown robes. He appeared to be more unkempt than usual, almost as if he'd thrown on his attire when the guard had summoned him.

Elia grunted beside her, drawing Alayna's attention back down towards her friend as the Dornish woman attempted to shift her laboring body into a more upright position. Thinking quickly, the russet headed woman rested a calming hand on Elia's shoulder and shook her head, "Save your strength. Heavens know you'll need it."

"But-"

Elia's protest was cut off when she noticed the Grand Maester was in their presence. Alayna attempted to rise from her seat beside her friend, but when she did, Elia's grip tighten on her hand. The unspoken message now crystal clear, Alayna remained beside her friend as the Grand Maester began to question the dark haired woman from Sunspear.

"How long have you been in discomfort, your highness?" Pycelle inquired, not bothering to perform the customary greeting. He, too, was more than aware of the stakes riding on the successful birth of Elia and Rhaegar's second child.

The Dornish princess didn't respond right away, her eyes unfocused as she panted through another contraction. So Alayna answered in her stead, "All morning."

"Indeed," The Grand Maester seemed hardly surprised by the news, "I know we spoke just yesterday about what you should expect with the birth of your second child. But childbirth is rather unpredictable thing. Infants tend to be born whenever they are ready, not when we want them to."

Elia, then, asked, "Will you check? Just to be certain."

Pycelle nodded and motioned for Alayna and the guard to rearrange the princess into a more accessible position. Once the princess was laid out on the ottoman, Alayna stepped back to allow Pycelle room to work. She watched with disgust as the bearded man pulled up the skirts of Elia's salmon colored dress. The thought of Pycelle examining her lady parts was enough to make her squeamish, but watching him look at her friend was enough to make her eyes burn and thoughts turn dark.

Shaking her head, Alayna knew she'd have to keep her thoughts and impulses in check. This wasn't about Aerys and Rhaegar's conflict, her personal dislike of the grand maester, or spying for Varys. This was about ensuring Elia and her child were kept healthy and safe during the birthing process. And Pycelle was the most qualified individual in the capital to do exactly that

After a few minutes of poking and prodding, Pycelle pulled away from the princess's privates and turned to address those awaiting on the news, "It is time."

The words dropped from his mouth like a boulder. Their weight sending a shock wave through the small gathering of people. While everyone had been anxiously awaiting the birth of the newest little prince or princess, no one was truly ready for the time to actually arrive. Especially after the difficulty Elia had had with Rhaenys. The Grand Maester's declaration made the impending struggle all too real.

Alayna swallowed, thickly before she turned to the guard, "Go fetch the prince at once. He'll hang me if he misses this."

"I, highly, doubt that, but as you wish." The guard spoke through gritted teeth, but bowed and went on his way.

"Send in Elia's maidservants, we will need towels and fresh bedding prepared in her bed chamber at once." Pycelle ordered after the moved to help with the task, but Elia's iron-clad grip kept her chained to her friend's side as she continued to labor on. But sitting by doing nothing productive didn't sit well with the normally active woman from the Reach. She felt like she should be doing something, anything to help with the preparations. However, she'd help wherever Elia needed her most. With Ashara gone, she would remain by Elia's side until more help arrived.

...

Once Elia's bed chambers had been transformed and deemed suitable for childbirth, Alayna and Pycelle guided Elia back towards her rooms. Together, Alayna and the grand maester kept Elia upright as they slowly made their way down the hall. The trio paused every few steps to allow the princess to breath through her contracts before continuing onward.

They had almost reached the doors to Elia's room when the princess clutched her stomach and yelped, "My waters! I think they've just broken!"

Immediately, Pycelle leaped into action and ducked down to check underneath Elia's skirts, leaving Alayna to support the near dead weight of her friend alone. Grunting under the extra weight, the Tyrell woman braced herself as they awaited the Grand Maester's assessment.

"They have indeed," He confirmed before rising and returning to the princess's side, "We must hurry to get the princess in her bed. We are running out of time."

Alayna nodded, knowing full well that once a woman's waters had been broken the child's arrival would soon follow. With new urgency, they marched through the threshold and into the room. However, Alayna couldn't help but glance back over her shoulder at the puddle of liquid on the floor, nearly gasping when she noticed how red it was. She glanced worriedly at Elia as they stripped her from her outer layers so only her shift remained.

Once she was undressed, Alayna and Pycelle guided the princess into her bed. Then, one of the many handmaidens bustling about the room pulled a chair next to Elia's bedside and motioned for Alayna to sit. Alayna didn't waste any time and followed the young girl's suggestion. Elia's grasp on Alayna's hand hadn't loosened any, yet now, Alayna didn't mind so much that Elia had chosen her to be a lifeline. All she cared about was Elia making it through this endeavor with a healthy baby.

Elia cried out as her labor pains began to intensify. The sound assaulting Alayna's ears like nothing ever had before. She'd never heard the wails of a woman in labor quite like this, but the sounds emerging from Elia's throat frightened her. However, Alayna pushed her fears aside and without thinking, reached across her body to fetch a cool, wet cloth from the bowl resting on the bedside table. She, then, rose from her seat and laid the rag on Elia's forehead before she whispered,

"It's alright, Elia. You can do this. You are doing fantastic!"

Her friend's eyes opened wide in panic as her grip on Alayna's forearm tightened, "But what if I can't? What if I'm not strong enough?"

"You are," Alayna declared, her free hand moving to cover Elia's as she offered her friend an encouraging smile, "I know it. You'll do wonderfully. Just you wait and see. Before long you'll have a brand new baby in your arms."

"Alayna-"

The lady from the Reach shook her head, "None of that now. You've got to be strong for the baby. It will need you."

Elia nodded and as seemed to refocus on her task with new and unbridled determination. Something had shifted within the princess, something Alayna hadn't seen since Elia had informed her she was with child. Not since before Harrenhal had Elia been so fiery. The change was rather timely, for the princess would need the conviction to make it through this. With renewed confidence, everyone in the room stood by and watched as the princess tackled labor.

Just when the initial rush of Elia's labor had subsided, Rhaegar finally decided to make an appearance. Bursting through the doors to Elia's bed chamber like a hero who'd just returned from some noble deed. At his side was Arthur and Elia's guard, both of whom appeared much more concerned and anxious than their prince.

"Elia, are you alright?" Rhaegar inquired, bending over Alayna and cupping his wife's cheeks to inspect her.

Elia nodded and opened her mouth to speak, but Pycelle beat her to it as he moved to Rhaegar's side and placed a calming hand on the young prince's shoulder, "She is more than fine. Marvelous, I'd say. In fact, you've come just in time to await the birth in the hallway. Childbirth is a delicate process and you're bound to upset her with your brooding."

"But I-" Rhaegar's protest fell on deaf ears as several handmaidens banded together to usher the trio of men out of the room.

Alayna shook her head as she watched two of the best swordsmen in the Seven Kingdoms be driven away by a gaggle of young girls. She couldn't wait to tease them about it later after everything was said and done.

"Alright," Pycelle announced after the door had been slammed shut on the prince's face and turned back to the laboring princess, "Let's get ready to deliver this baby."

...

Hours later, the wailing sound of a baby pierced the tense stillness which had settled over of the Red Keep. Pycelle and several of the handmaidens worked to dry off and examine the newborn. From the glimpse she caught, she could see that the child was pale in coloring like it's Valyrian ancestors. Blood and fluids covered it's squirming body as Pycelle began to check over the babe's features, searching for any signs of illness or impairments. But no ill news came and Pycelle motioned for a blanket to wrap the newborn in.

"It's a boy!" He declared, "A new prince for House Targaryen!"

Relief washed over Alayna as she basked in the news before she turned to see what Elia's expression was. She hadn't been present when Rhaenys had been born and wished to see the tender first moments between mother and child. However, when her gaze fell on her friend's form, Alayna's jaw dropped when she saw how ashen Elia's skin had become.

"Elia! Elia, come on! You must wake up!" Alayna pleaded as she grasped her friend's shoulders and shook them, gently, "Please, your son needs you."

Yet her friend did not respond to any of Alayna's requests. Only her head bobbed, lifelessly as Alayna continued to shake her. Panic rose in Alayna's chest as she turned towards Pycelle for help and saw the bedding around Elia's waist was soaked in crimson. This was more than bad. In fact, this was awful. It was exactly what everyone had feared might happen.

"Grand Maester! The princess-" Alayna couldn't finish the sentence. She knew if she said it aloud, she'd have to accept that Elia might die from this.

"Yes, I know," Pycelle offered her a grave look before depositing the baby into Alayna's arms, "Take the new prince out to meet his father. I will have to work quickly to save Princess Elia. Assure Prince Rhaegar that everything will be fine."

Alayna clutched the small child to her bosom, and rose from her seat, "Will it be though? Will Elia survive this?"

Pycelle moved to the water basin and washed his hands before his grey eyes turned back to her, "Only time will tell."

Bowing her head, Alayna turned away from the aging man and moved across the room towards the door. She hadn't noticed how weary her body was until she began to move again. Her legs felt limp and unsteady with every step she took. It felt strange to walk after sitting at Elia's bedside for the majority of the day. She felt like she was learning to walk again. Each stride careful and tentative as she exited the room.

One of the handmaiden's held the door open for Alayna as she stepped out into the hallway. The warm candle light illuminated the area just enough for Alayna to notice several chairs and blankets had been moved to provide Rhaegar a comfortable place to wait while Elia labored.

The trio of men arose, quickly when they noticed Alayna's presence in the hallway. Rhaegar was the first one to reach her, his smile brightening when he noticed the bundle in Alayna's arms. The silver haired man reached out to take the babe from her. Alayna had half a heart to refuse, especially after everything he'd done. But she relented and allowed the man to hold his child.

"It's a boy." She informed him, softly before stepping away until her back met a solid presence behind her. A hand came to rest upon the small of her back and she leaned into the kingsguard's embrace. A smile appearing on her face for the first time since Elia's condition had worsened.

"A prince." Rhaegar mused aloud as he gazed down in awe at his newborn son, "The prince that was promised."

Alayna watched on as the silver hair man appeared enraptured by this new bundle of life. For a moment, relief bloomed in her heart, perhaps things would work out. Perhaps, he wouldn't need another child if he was happy with this one. He would be happy with Elia and he wouldn't stray.

But that was a perfect world. An idea that comforted those who wished to view life through idealistic eyes. It was completely unrealistic to have such views of life. No one ever truly got what one wished and rarely did people recieve the happiness they deserved. No one lived such a life. No one could escape life's cruel fate.

The smile fell from Alayna's face as Pycelle stepped out of the room and approached the prince with a grim frown. He placed a hand on Rhaegar's shoulder and whispered something in his ear. All the joy that had once been apparent on the Targaryen's face suddenly vanished. Whatever Pycelle had shared with him wasn't what he'd wanted to hear. Something was wrong.

"That will be all, Grand Maester." Rhaegar's voice was sullen, yet firm as he dismissed the snake of a man.

Pycelle, the blubbering idiot, at least knew when he wasn't needed and bowed to his prince before stating, "I shall return in a few hours to inform you on the princess's condition."

As the Grand Maester slipped back into Elia's bed chambers, the atmosphere in the hallway shifted as Rhaegar's face darkened.

"There must be a third child. The dragon must have three heads."

Author's Note: Hello again everyone, I apologize for the wait. I know there are some people who've been asking me to update, but I've had a really hard time writing it and crafting it to be exactly how I envisioned. Childbirth isn't an easy topic nor is it a fun one to write about, especially in this case. I hope everyone's reactions are somewhat believable. Like Alayna, I've only really been around animals giving birth so actual childbirth is somewhat unknown to me.

I've also been traveling and job-hunting, I'm officially licensed to teach in my state. So that has also taken priority over writing. I've also been drawing/painting a lot and when I'm in an artistic mood, I tend to strike while the iron's hot so to speak.

I want to thank everyone who has read, favorited, and comment on this story. It means the world that people have continued to follow and support my writing even when I'm not updating as often as I'd like to. I hope you continue to enjoy Alayna's story!

Replies:

DagnyHepburn:Thank you for taking the time to comment on the Wildflower. It warms my heart that you have enjoy Alayna and Arthur's story thus far! I'm glad that you find this to be an interesting OC story. I hope you continue to enjoy it as the story progresses!

xenocanaan: Thank you for continuing to read! Hope you enjoyed the newest update.

Shockeye7665:Thank you for taking the time to continue to comment! I really appreciate it!

Ser Arthur Dayne is obviously one of my favorite characters and the Tower of Joy scene is what inspired me to write this regards to whether or not he'll be wilding two swords, I honestly haven't decided if I'll include that bit or not. It all depends on how those particular scenes play out in this story. Either way Ser Arthur Dayne will still be the next-level knight we all know and love.

As for choosing Lee Pace over Heath Ledger, the main reason I chose Heath was because I felt he has a similar facial structure to Kit Harrington and thus would make the perfect father for Jon Snow. As for Lee Pace, I honestly think he'd make a great Targaryen. I've always pictured him as either Aegon the Conquerer or Aemon the Dragonknight. Both of whom I've considered writing fics about but haven't had the time to explore.

Again thank you so much for giving this story a chance! And you're right there definitely needs to be more Arthur Dayne stories on Hope you enjoyed the new chapter!

UP NEXT: Well, I think everyone knows what's gonna happen next! ;)