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CHAPTER FOURTEEN, Strong Family

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𝓡haenyra believed that after what happened with Daemon letting her down again and Ser Criston taking her rejection to heart despite wanting to be still friends all she needed was just Clarisse by her side.

But Ser Harwin managed to let into her heart after the promise of never letting another man into her heart. The pain of her mother was still a sore wound and lessening over the years, and the betrayal and lies from friends that were now her enemies.

The more their relationship grew over the past year. Harwin became her protector the moment she made him her sworn protector when he stepped up to defend and protect Clarisse.

Harwin and Clarisse would be there at her vulnerable moments when she noticed her father's health decreasing. they were her rock. The reason she kept going despite all the things she's lost.

It's hard to find honorable men these days. But Laenor and Harwin were an exception.

When Rhaenyra and Harwin finally kissed and confessed their feelings ─ Clarisse was overjoyed. However, it saddened her how in this world, most people wouldn't accept their relationship openly.

Laenor also started to see another man Qarl Correy. A knight in service of House Velaryon at High Tide.

Rhaenyra, Clarisse, Harwin, Laenor, and Qarl were like a strange family.

Rhaenyra always preferred to call Clarisse as her love while Harwin loved to call her my heart.

Their relationship was strictly inside chambers or the public eye. But Harwin would still try to sneak kisses to Rhaenyra, seeing as she was married to Laenor and Clarisse ( ─ despite them legally marrying ).

Rhaenyra wasn't the jealous type ─ but when she saw them both showing affection to one another in public, she couldn't lie and say she felt a tad envious when she felt left out.

Laenor and Clarisse were practically like siblings, she was like a number one supporter of his relationship. Clarisse would sometimes insist on them both having days where they'd hang out and do things they liked.

Clarisse started wielding a sword with Harwin and Laenor's help. Rhaenyra would sometimes watch them spare.

Overall, Rhaenyra, Harwin, and Clarisse were happy with the life they had built, despite the circumstances.

Rhaenyra's views on having children did change.

Although the fear of giving birth scared her, she had Laenor and Clarisse there with her the moment she gave birth to a baby boy Jacaerys.

Clarisse was two months from giving birth to her first child. Laenor sure had a laugh when Harwin managed to knock both his wife and lover at the same time.

Now here was Clarisse doing the same, also having to share the same fear.

"I'm never sleeping with you again!" shrieked Clarrise, crying in pain. Harwin, despite being insisted on leaving the room stayed.

Upon seeing his little wife and heart in pain, he glared at Maester Mellos, "My wife's in pain, fucking do something!" he barked.

"Harwin dear, you yelling isn't helping anyone," Rhaenyra protested, holding Clarisse's other hand on the other side of the bed. Laenor was sitting in a chair drinking wine next to Rhaenyra, he was also worried internally but remained calm.

The Maester insisted that no more people should be in the room. Alicent protested much to his claims, yelling that she deserved to be in this room with her sister while she gave birth. Viserys allowed the four to stay, knowing that Rhaenyra and Laenor were too stubborn to leave.

"Lady Clarisse you must push," the midwife said, patting her forehead with a wet towel.

A sharp pain hit her abdomen and let out a yell, "Shut up!"

The unbearable pain was too much, was this what Rhaenyra went through? How in the hell did she manage to push a baby out?

Harwin never knew fear like this, he didn't want to lose Clarisse. Rhaenyra shared the same sentiment.

"I can't do this,"

He gave Rhaenyra a look, both of them sharing a nod. Rhaenyra used her other hand to cup her face, "You have to push Clary,"

Clarisse looked at them both tearfully, sweat coating her face. She took a deep breath and pushed with every ounce of strength she had left.

"The head, my lady! One more push.

Clarisse let out a huff of frustration and pushed once more before falling into both her lovers' arms.

"Congratulations, Lady Strong, you have given birth to a son." the Maester announced.

"A boy," Rhaenyra whispered, her baby Jacaerys had a little brother.

Everyone was smiling as Clarisse let out a small sob, reaching for her son. He was cleaned and wrapped in a cloth before handing the newborn to the mother.

Clarisse held her son for the first time and felt nothing but love. He was lovely.

"What will his name be?" Laenor smiled, taking in his honorary nephew.

"Roman Strong, after my grandfather." Harwin and Clarisse spent a lot of time thinking of names. It's not like their family histories were all so great. But Harwin had a good relationship with his grandfather when he was a boy before he passed away before his fifth name day.

Suddenly Clarisse felt another cramp. Harwin, who was cradling his son sniffled through his tears and worry replaced his features.

Rhaenyra stood up from her spot and looked at Mellos, a midwife looked underneath Lady Clarisse's dress and gasped, making the two lovers glare at her.

"Well, what is it? Spit it out already!" Rhaenyra shouted, fear overtaking her face.

"Another babe, Princess," the timid midwife squeaked out of fear.

"I'm sorry, I think I misheard . . . did you say another baby?" Laenor exclaimed.

"Fucking hells . . . . Harwin, I'm going to kill you!" Clarisse yelled, not hesitating to push this time. She did as she was told without complaints this time, and it wasn't long before another baby arrived in this world.

Harwin was in a mixture of shock and happiness that not only did Clarisse have one child but two. He paid no mind to her threat.

yet.

"Another boy!"

Clarisse laid down on the pillows absolutely exhausted. She could hear the comforting words from Harwin whispering sweet words. Despite the tiredness, she wore a smile of joy.

Rhaenyra was smiling through the tears, this time bringing her lover's second son to her arms. "What will you name him?"

"Xander," Clarisse whispered, "My little defender."

"Two mini Clarisse's, let us hope they aren't bold and adventurous as you are," Laenor said, poking Roman's cheek.

"I can't promise you that," Clarisse chuckled.

"I hope they are every bit like their amazing mother," Harwin murmured, kissing her lips and taking Xander in his arms.

Rhaenyra wrapped her arms around Clarisse, thanking her for not leaving her and kissing her forehead furiously. Thank you for blessing our son with brothers.

Harwin held their sons in his arms protectively, watching them both with so much adoration.

He was proud of his wife's strength, Rhaenyra's strength when she birthed his firstborn, and how Clarisse managed to birth twin boys.

Harwin would give up his life to protect his family.

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⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ HEAR ME OUT, I didn't name the boys Targaryen names because I just feel like it wouldn't make sense. But I'll have Rhaenyra name their third child.

⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ I tried to show the development of Rhaenyra and Harwin's feelings and relationship. Hope you liked it!

⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ Should I start with the 10-year jump now?

⊹ ˚. ♡ ࿐ I'm gonna try fully committing to dedications, so COMMENT HERE IF YOU WANT ONE.