CHAPTER FIVE

     THE YEARS HAD passed on quickly, and suddenly Shiera had given birth to three healthy and strong children. Two sons and one daughter, the sons at the age of three and their daughter at the age of one. Orys and Axel Baratheon and their little sister, Cassandra Baratheon. It was Orys out of the two of the twins to speak first, and Shiera had shrieked in delight when he had said the word. Orys was a little behind, but once he started copying his brother, he soon got the hang of it as well.

     Robert and Shiera could not be closer. Throughout the years they had listened and been there for each other. Robert had calmed her and comforted her whenever she had woken up in the dread of the night, screaming and crying. And Shiera—she had done the same. Everyone could see how much they loved each other. Some even made up songs about them. It was a different love story then the rest, but it sure was some story to tell.

       Shiera had heard nothing of Rhaegar. She was not sure if she did want to hear anything. Throughout the years he had only sent her five letters, concerning only of himself and Lyanna. Needless to say, she was not overly comfortable reading about them. Lyanna had still yet to give Rhaegar any more children, which came to a shock to everyone. A young and healthy woman not being able to give birth to any more children other then one? Even Elia Martell had given birth to two babes within two years. And her health was considered sickly.

   If it was some years back, she would've laughed at them both, but now she only feel pity. They both started a war, killing thousands just for Lyanna to become his Queen. And yet that wolf girl had not been able to give him any more children.

   She had met Jaehaerys, he was a good babe. But he was quiet, and not quite like a Targaryen. He did not look the part either, somehow making it worse for Rhaegar. He did not even have an heir who looked like him. Shiera was sure the future generations wanted a Targaryen with the usual Targaryen traits. That way no one could claim themselves as the child of a Targaryen King.

    Dorne had become independent, something that had brought pleasure to Shiera. Finally Dorne would be independent and never have to think about the crown again. She knew Doran was smart, and she proved herself right when Doran did not wage war, but locked themselves inside Dorne with no connections to the rest of the six kingdoms. Dorne had many friends from the free cities, they would survive and Shiera was sure about it.

    She had heard Rhaegar had been furious about Doran's decision, and even offered his daughter, Arianna to be Queen. Shiera had chocked on her drink when she had heard that. He was really that daft, and she had to keep herself from shouting at him. How could he offer his daughter to be Queen, just like Aerys promised of Elia. But now she and her children are dead. She could not even think about the though without getting a headache.

   The sound of someone walking in brought Shiera out of her trance. She closed her book and laid it beside her on the bed. Robert was in the midst of taking of his shirt when Shiera suddenly felt the need of teasing him."Where had my lovely husband been? I missed you"

    She could hear Robert laugh, his strong and light laughter always brought joy to Shiera. And now she began to ponder why Lyanna would pass on the opportunity to live her days with a man that obviously had adored her.

  Robert turned around and walked closer as he crawled over to her, bringing his heavy chest on her small frame, almost suffocating her. Shiera gave a shriek of laughter. She playfully pushed him off of her. "You still are heavy, Robert."

  Robert smirked and fell down beside her. He turned his head to stare at her. Shiera suddenly felt her face become warm, and she was sure she looked horrendous. Robert didn't say anything, only stroking her cheek adoringly, making Shiera's heart fasten. She was sure she had fallen completely in love with him, she had loved him for years now. Yet, she was sure she was falling even deeper.

She brought her hand to his which was laying on her cheek. She held it close and gave his hand a kiss, bringing it closer to her chest. She smiled faintly and whispered, "I love you"

Robert could not say it back before the door was bombarded with knocks. They both groaned. Robert rose and tiredly grabbed a white shirt before putting it on. "What"

"My lord! It is said to be bandits miles outside the keep! We must get you to safety, we are not sure if they will barge inside at any moment!" Robert shouted something back, but Shiera could not make it.

Shiera was now fully awake. She met with Robert's weary gaze. She walked over to Cassandra and brought her to her chest. Robert hastily walked over to her, grabbing her shoulders. "Stay here. Do not go anywhere else, do you hear me? I will put guards outside the chamber."

Shiera shook her head furiously. "No!" she would not let Robert go off like that. What if he died? She could not take it. Robert had gone out and captured some bandits, but this was a different matter. He was not prepared. "What if you die?" she murmured weakly. She felt weak.

Robert brought his hand to her chin and tilted her head up to meet with his fiery gaze. "I will not die. I will survive and fight for you and our children"

Shiera closed her eyes and leaned closer to him. Robert brought his forehead to hers and gave a sigh.

"How long will you be gone?" she asked, breaking the unbearable silence.

"Days, a week at most"

Shiera looked at him now. She glanced at their sleeping daughter in her hands. "How many times must I say goodbyes like these?"

Robert brought her closer, holding her waist in his hands,"Never again I hope". He stroked their daughter on the head. "Just stay inside and do not go out."

"You never speak to her," Shiera grinned as she looked at their daughter.

Robert gave a quiet snort and raised his head meeting her teasing gaze. "She won't understand me. It is better if she is older, like Orys and Axel"

Shiera chuckled and she gave a slight nod,"As you wish."

Robert smiled softly at their daughter,"She looks like me" it was true. Cassandra was the only one of their children who looks the most like Robert. She had icy blue eyes, and thick brown hair. Not an inch of a Targaryen trait. But Shiera was sure she would grow up with a fiery temper. She put Cassandra into the crib again and put a blanket on her.

"She hasn't shredded a strand of her hair, you know"

"Baratheon are hairy" Robert stated as if it was nrormal for any babes to have that much hair. Orys and Axel never had that much. She shook her head, she knew now which child he favored.

Shiera gave a laugh and threw her head back. "Don't I know that?" she questioned teasingly while tugging his beard with her fingertips. She was rose up to her toes and leaned into him, but before she could plant a kiss on Robert's lips, a loud horn caught their attention.

Robert gave her a miserable smile. It looked like it was for torturing him. "It is time for me to go'

"Be safe" she said worriedly, as he brushed her hands with his before stepping out of the room. Her body stiffened for a few moments before the man quickly reentered. Without a word he gripper her jaw in his palms and lifted her to him, pulling her face to him. The two had kissed each other many times but never had it been as passionate and lovingly as this one.

"I love you" he breathed out before walking out the door. It felt like a part of Shiera left with him. She felt empty.

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    Days had passed, as she waited impatiently in the Keep. She would sit beside the window and look for Baratheon sigils, looking out for his return. Hours begun to become days, and days, weeks. Shiera begun to panic, walking back and fourth the window. Then she saw it. Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest when she saw those Baratheon Banners high up in the air.

  She chuckled and went to her sons. They both waited patiently for their mother to speak to them. "Now I want you to go with your septa, do not give her a hard time this time, my boys" she gave them both a kiss on their heads, making them both grimace and shriek in disgust. Shiera shook her head with a smile as she watched the boys go with their septa. Finally things would be normal again.

    "Papa's home, Cassandra. Don't cry, why are you crying?" she questioned worriedly to the babe laying on the bed. A shriek passed her lips as she felt a sharp pain his the back of her head and before she knew it, her vision blackened.

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Who do you think hurt Shiera??