queen of the reach

The Gardens of the seat of House Tyrell were legendary. Every text she read told of fields of golden flowers and gardens that seemed almost endless. High Garden was on her list of places she wanted to go before time and commitment would ground her and certainly wouldn’t pass the opportunity to visit if she could. Lysella laughed at the Queen’s excitement. “Well in that case, I cannot wait to visit. With presents for your child, of course,” The lioness’ brow raised at Persephone. “Fortunate indeed. It must help that your husband is young and handsome,” She teased, letting a chuckle follow her words. Lysella’s smile faltered slightly at the question, but she recovered just as quickly as she had lost her resolve. “I have not, this is my first time! I’m afraid I haven’t had the opportunity to travel very far, simply the Rock and King’s Landing,”

She tsked softly. “Presents are hardly necessary, Lady Lannister, but you are endlessly sweet for thinking of them.” In honesty, the chance to spend time with someone whose presence wasn’t one that forced her to wear a mask was gift in and of itself. “Oh but there must be plenty of Lords in Sunspear that are eligible, handsome and intelligent enough. Perhaps you will be lucky as well? Should you wish, of course.” Catching the slight slip in demeanor, Persephone cast her an understanding look. Women did not have the freedom their male counterparts had —  which was part of the reason she’d insisted on coming to the Summit. To ensure women like Lysella were given as many chances as they could be. “Then I hope you have the opportunity to explore without restraint. If you need a guide, our hosts have been incredibly gracious and I am sure either of them would love to show you their city.”

They’d known each other once in an entirely different lifetime. Both Northern women had been entirely different people at the time than they were now, but despite her title being queen of the reach, there was still that sharp edge to her that Wylla could appreciate. “Don’t fucking listen to anyone. Every single person will think they know better or have more experience or could do it better, but all the decisions come down to you. Trust your instinct over everything else.” She said earnestly. “You’re going to bleed and shit more than you ever thought possible in front of others so make sure you only have people you trust in the room while you give birth. If you’re going to feed them yourself, don’t ever skip it cause it fucking hurts. Babies are remarkably resilient. They bounce back from damn near everything, so don’t sweat the small stuff too much.” Wylla chuckled. “And if they are asleep, you should be too. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is.”

Persephone blinked in surprise. She’d expected the woman to offer a simple word or two —  but what she provided would undoubtedly prove to be more than useful. “I —   thank you. I can’t say anyone else has been so honest with me. Most women speak as if birth is nothing but glorious.” Running a hand over her stomach, she shook her head. She hadn’t wanted many close during the birth ( Emeric and Endymion ), but she made note to limit the number of wet nurses and maesters present as well. “I know you haven’t had a particularly.... common experience, given what happened when we were all together last, but might I ask what you’ve found most difficult as your daughter has grown?”

Tya took a seat across from the very, very pregnant woman. She was envious of her friend, but far more happy for her. “On the contrary, he is likely saying it for his own benefit. I doubt he wants you to rip his head off for saying much longer.” It was an easy tease. She could not help but laugh. “I have missed you too.” But how could she tell her anything that they hadn’t already discussed in letters? Tya had purposefully hidden a great deal of her own time from the correspondence. Both because she knew the woman would worry if she knew how Tya had been pushing herself, and because discussing her position was off the table with another queen. “Lord Rykker’s wife discovered that mistress of his and slapped her in front of the sept for everyone to see. It was the highlight of the past six months.”

Chuckling, the Tyrell shook her head. “I simply hope his words prove true. Any woman who claims pregnancy is charming is a liar. You’re treated as if you are made of porcelain.” Eyes rolled heavenward, a clear sign of her displeasure ( because for once, she knew she could be blatantly honest —  ironic really, when the other woman was a mistress of whispers for another kingdom ). “Lord Rykker’s infidelity has been widely known for quite some time now and the fact that his wife has only now discovered it to be such...” Gods help the ill informed. “Nothing else has happened? No gossip? No suitors? There certainly must be someone who has caught your attention.”

Her forehead was a normal temperature. (As normal as one could be in this Dornish heat.) All the same, Endymion went to pour her a glass of water from the pitcher on the nearby table. He handed the drink her to with the silent instruction to drink it. “I told you I would be here, so I am here. I would not be anywhere else.” He assured her, although Endymion was glad to hear that his presence had not been forgotten. “You’re having twins?” A smile quickly lit up his face. He knew what that meant. There was perhaps no one who understood better that this meant for Persephone’s children. They would always have another soul on this earth. “Is that why you’re so round?” He said in a rare joke, but rested his palm on the front of her stomach. Endymion had not been around very many pregnant women in his lifetime. “I don’t like it.” He said simply. Endymion didn’t like the idea that anyone could just buy and trade information on him. There was still much that he wished to remain a secret. “He has, and no.” The ranger said with a serious gleam in his eyes. “At least not until you’ve given birth to the twins and recovered from it. You don’t need to focus on anything else until then.”

She ensured he saw her eyeroll, but the nonetheless she accepted the glass of water and obediently drank. At his joke however, her free hand reached out to give his arm a smack. “Gods, you’re just as horrible as Tate Tully. How is it that I ever chased girls away from you in our youth? You’re the least charming man.” Sticking her tongue out at him briefly, Persephone eventually settled her hand over his —  moving to a particular spot one of the twins liked to kicked. “You don’t need to like it, but if it were not me, it would be another. There was once only one or two who traded in secrets, now a plethora of kingdoms needing a spy master. Though you have little to worry over. Few will turn their eyes to the wall and beyond, not unless your friend aligns himself with a southern kingdom.” Shocked that he had denied her anything, Persephone was ready to protest before he continued. “I will be up and on my feet within the week. And you’re quite wrong actually. If I think of nothing but how miserable I feel in this heat, or how I long to have these babes out of me, I assure you I’ll go mad.”

Persephone had offered Lysella the chance to visit the Reach almost a year ago, and it was strange how differently she felt then versus now. Back then she wasn’t sure what to make of the tumultuous relationships between her brother’s kingdom and that of the Tyrells, now she felt more… fearless in her decisions. “There’s no need for an apology, I assure you, but I would like that very much.” She told her, taking another sip of her wine. And it couldn’t help to escape her mother and brother’s attempts at finding her a husband. Did every eligible man in the Seven Kingdom’s have to be so dull? “You look happy- motherhood will suit you,” Lysella said before nodding in agreement. “It is a wonder, isn’t it? The beaches, the sand and the palaces- I must admit it’ll be hard to return to King’s Landing when all is said and done. You’re from the North, aren’t you? Is this the farthest you’ve been from your home?”

Persephone beamed at the other womans response. Many seemed to agree with her as of late due to her... condition, but the Lannister seemed genuine in her acceptance of the invitation. “Oh fantastic! Highgarden lives up to the tales written in stories, but the gardens themselves... near indescribable.” It had taken her weeks to grow familiar with her home when she’d first married, and there were still days she stood in awe for several hours ( looking over the greenery that surrounded the castle and the river below ). “I will admit that I was a girl who dreamed of marriage and motherhood. I am simply fortunate all of the pieces seemed to all into place.” Looking about their surroundings once more, her head dipped into a nod. “White Harbor. I’ve traveled through the Reach, but no further south. Dorne is... certainly different. It’s culture and customs are eye opening. And you, Lady Lannister? Have you traveled to Dorne before?” 

Endymion smiled. “I’ve missed you too.” He said in earnest. There was rarely a time that he did not miss his twin when they were separated, but it had been worse this time. Endymion rested a hand on her head, attempting to be subtle in checking for fever (just in case), and he slid his hand down to her cheek. “You? Terrified? I don’t believe it. You’ve never been frightened of anything in your entire life. You are aggravatingly fearless.” He insisted. “I won’t need to.” If Endymion hadn’t been able to read every thought that passed Persephone’s face, then something deep inside of him would have known that fear. Perhaps it was that special bond that tied twins together. It was the same way they knew when the other had been hurt as children. Their own unique brand of magic. “You’re going to be fine, as will your babe. You’re too stubborn for anything else anyway.” His fingers squeezed hers in return. “Do you always have your spies on me?” Endymion raised a brow, but sighed. “The women came with me from King’s Landing, actually. They are only returning now. The rest are Wildlings. The King Beyond the Wall would like to be included in the decisions being made here.”

She knew exactly what he was doing —  exactly why the hand rested against her head, but she dared not make a comment ( lest he find something wrong ). “Yes.” The word came out so softly she almost questioned if he heard it. “We’ve missed so much of each others lives already I don’t... I never once imagined you wouldn’t be here for this. I’m just —  I’m thankful you’re here.” The fear lessened ever so slightly as a bubble of laughter passed her throat. “Babes.” Persephone corrected. “Gods be good, apparently they have their own sense of irony and were determined that my child would not be brought into the world alone. The maester believes me to be having twins.” For that she was endlessly thankful. Persephone had loved her other siblings in her youth, but nothing had ever ( nor would ever ) compare to the bond she shared with Endymion. “I don’t intentionally ask them to follow you about. They’re a loyal bunch who realize your importance to me. When they are not tasked with something particular, they simply tend to find information to willingly give.” Though in this case, she had requested that someone bring her word when her twin had entered Sunspear. “The King Beyond the Wall rides with you?” An eyebrow arched in surprise. They hadn’t had the chance to discuss much in detail of what his job along the wall included ( not when she’d been so avidly trying to get him to leave it behind ), but there was some curiosity there. “Would you introduce me?”

“Forgive me for saying so, but they have more than likely inherited their restlessness from their mother.” The laughter was a low sound in the back of his throat – in the company of Persephone, the sound had become almost… common. Jesting and joking seemed almost like second nature when his queen was by his side, despite that he remained shadowed and collected when in the presence of those outside the pair of them. This girl – woman – from the North had finally brought out a part of him he had long thought dead to the world.

His cheeks dimpled in a soft, almost content smile. “At least they did not have to make the journey. Though, I would have gathered their name day be in Highgarden.” He sighed. “I suppose they will have to learn to tolerate the heat.” Emeric had most definitely not, despite the silks and linen he wore. “And,” He rose an eyebrow in her direction. “I believe all of Westeros knows we would have our negotiations feet from your bed rather than you not participate, lest you miss something.” 

“Oh?” Leaning back in her seat, she released a content sigh ( the laughter passing his lips a sound she’d grown used to over the months they’d spent back in Highgarden, but it still seemed to give her pause every now and again ). “And if they’ve inherited their restlessness from me, dear husband, what exactly have they inherited from you, hm?” 

Reaching over, Persephone interlaced their fingers and pressed a kiss to the back of his hand. “I would have much preferred their first days be in Highgarden. But life has set us down on a different path. Perhaps our return —  with alliances and our children in tow will simply be an added boost of moral for our people.” At least she so hoped they would return with nothing but good news. Squeezing his hand, she chuckled softly. “Gods knows how I was so lucky to have married you. Few men would dare request another King come to his chambers so that his wife might be apart of a meeting and yet I have no doubt you would demand it be so.”

@highgcrdxn·

“Why, you are simply glowing, aren’t you?” Tya said with a sweet smile. She’d exchanged various letters with her friend during their time apart, but Tya had no time to visit. However, she listened carefully of any word from the Reach. “Have the maesters given you any set date for the arrival?”

Persephone couldn’t help but beam at the sight of her dear friend. Though she was thankful they’d kept in touch during their time apart, nothing bested seeing her in person once more. There was, after all, only so much that could be put into written word. “Any day, though perhaps at this point he’s begun to say it more so for my benefit.” Chuckling, she shook her head. “I’ve missed you, tell me everything we failed to express in letters, hm?”

The Queen’s words brought a smile to her face as she settled across from her. “You are too kind, your Grace. My cousin always speaks very highly of you. Congratulations on your blessing- and your coronation. I heard it was a lovely affair, not that I would expect anything less from House Tyrell,” House Tyrell, Persephone especially, had never looked stronger. Persephone looked every part a Queen, graceful and beautiful. She imagined there would be songs and stories written about she and her husband for years to come. “I hear that’s a symptom of pregnancy, yes, but you wear it very well. I imagine you’re rather excited,” Lysella jested, letting her gaze flutter over the fine palace walls. “It’s beautiful. I’ve heard stories of Dorne, but I don’t believe words could ever complete how wonderful it is. It’s entirely different from the Rock or King’s Landing, surely,”

Lysella Lannister was a true lady. Radiant and charming, she had a way with words that Persephone imagined would melt even the iciest of hearts ( which was why she made a mental note to find if the little lion was betrothed —  there was undoubtedly a suitable man in the Reach, and she would certainly fit among the flowers ). “I must apologize that invitations were not more widely sent. The affairs were fairly small, save for natives of our home. But I do hope that once the summit ends that you might find chance to visit. By then, perhaps I will be actively back on my feet and might be able to give you a tour of my home.” Chuckling, she couldn’t help but nod. “Quite excited. I’ve been counting the days for months —  I cannot wait much longer.” Following the other womans gaze, she released a soft hum of agreement. “I only ever dreamed of Dorne as a girl. The stories and my imagination certainly didn’t do it justice... we’ve been here for months and I have yet to stop discovering something new every day. It’s been quite a wondrous adventure... particularly for someone who hasn’t had the opportunity to get about much.” 

Wylla couldn’t help but chuckle at the new mother’s words. Although she never admitted it to anyone, she had been just as terrified. More so perhaps as she had nothing and no one to support her until Morrec and Petyr. She couldn’t blame her for being scared at all. “You’ll likely go insane either way.” She joked. “I understand the feeling.” An unconscious hand went to her own stomach. “Do you mind if I give you a bit of advice?”

“So I’ve been told.” She murmured. Persephone had received enough advice since they had formally announced her pregnancy that by now she was more then well aware there would never be a greater love of her life ( nor a greater worry ) then that which pertained to her children. “Please do... you have far more experience then I, and I doubt you will sugar coat your words as many others have.”

starter / @highgcrdxn·

While Rhaena felt on foreign soil, she reminded herself this kingdom still swore loyalty to the Iron Throne, this was still their turf. However, it was not King’s Landing and she knew it could not be, the other current monarchs would not have accepted that. In honesty, she would not either. She had hosted traitors long enough. 

She broke away from a small group of Westerlands nobles with a fake but polite laugh. She was on her way to require a servant to bring her more Dornish wine when she spotted her. The very pregnant Queen Tyrell. An unwanted pain of sorrow shot through her heart, but she could hardly blame the woman for daring to be pregnant when she was not allowed to. Rhaena still held nothing but dislike and distrust for the Tyrells, nothing would change that, but she had learnt to control her impulses better. If she got angry, she would simply rant to someone of a similar mindset later. 

“Queen Persephone,” she greeted, her voice cool but perfectly cordial. She had finally agreed to call the others by their current title, but only because she was sure it was temporary. They would all lose their royal titles someday after bending the knee once more while hers was eternal. If she was not a queen, she was a born princess and nothing could change that. “I am surprised to find you here, it must have been an uncomfortable journey in your state.”  

Dark orbs rose at the sound of her name, an eyebrow arching at the sight of a familiar head of silver hair. The two women had never gotten along well ( one might even dare say they shared a common hatred for one another ), but to see that the Lannister Queen was willingly coming to make small shock was... shocking to say the least. A smile worked its way onto her face in greeting ( something that wasn’t hard to summon given how genuinely happy she’d been over the past months ). “Is it surprising for a Queen to stand equally beside a King?” She asked. “While I trust my husband would have done a fine job negotiating on our behalf, it only seemed fitting that the future of our Kingdom was determined by both of its monarchs.” They were, after all, starting their rule as equals. “The journey was fair easier then anticipated. We arrived some months ago in preparation. The Martells have been nothing but gracious hosts.” 

Tate’s eyes widened when Persephone turned her hard gaze on him. “What? Did I say something wrong?” He asked, genuinely confused. “I didn’t mean to offend you or anything, I promise. I just mean that it looks like the babies are about ready to be here is all.” He laughed at her next comment. “If you think that you’re getting any sleep without five of the best wet nurses around, you’re in for a shock. I don’t think I’ve had a decent night’s sleep since this little man was born.” He said and rest his hand on top of his babe’s head. “I’ve been well, Lyn… It will be good for her to be here. I think she needs to be out and about a little more. I think she’s been struggling with so much change.” He said, brows furrowing together somewhat. “I’m sure she’ll come to see you as soon as she can.”

Releasing a loud sigh, Persephone momentarily turned her gaze skyward ( silently requesting the Gods give her former ward strength ) before returning her attention to him. “Be grateful we are friends. Most pregnant women would find an offense at being told they look ready to burst. I’m due any day, but some women... they grow large early in pregnancy. Lovely, radiant—  far better descriptors, even if they aren’t true.” She could only imagine they trouble he might get the Riverlands into if he were to accidentally insult the wrong person. 

With the briefest and most insincere of apologies, Endymion quickly abandoned those he’d ridden to Dorne with in order to seek out his sister. He entered her room impatiently and saw her in bed. His eyes softened immediately as she crossed the room to take her hand. Endymion leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Must you always have such little faith in me?” He asked with a teasing smile reserved just for her. “I told you that I would do all I could to be here, so I am here. You should be saying. ‘Thank you, Big Brother, for being here when I need you.’ - not calling me an ass.”

Despite the relief she felt ( and his gentle words ), it didn’t stop a hand from raising to gently bat against his chest. “I’ve missed you.” She murmured softly, the trembling in her bottom lip subsiding as she drew in a large breath. “And I’m glad you’re here because I’m utterly terrified.” Fingers squeezed around those clasping hers ( hoping the action might ground her a bit ). Though she wouldn’t admit it aloud to anyone ( not even her twin ), Persephone worried over what might happen if things took a turn for the worse on the birthing bed. A piece of her wished to make him promise to ensure her children survived —  that they were cared for, but to readily admit to such a fear when she instead ought to be remaining positive was not something she was ready to do. “Azriel tells me that a herd of rugged men and women dressed in furs rode into the capital with you, alongside the Asshai natives... you’ve come with quite the band of traveling companions.” An eyebrow arched —   a silent ask for the story which might accompany such a thing. 

Tate chuckled. “Oh no, no. By all means, focus on the new lady’s man.” A smile was across his face. To any outsider looking on, Tate must have appeared very tired- tired but happy. “No one notices me when he’s around anyway, not that I can blame them.” Westley cooed at the Tyrell woman occupying his attention. He was still such a small thing. Tate worried over him, but tried not to be too overbearing. “He does make a rather handsome Tully, does he not? I suppose it is only fair to give the credit to his mother. I reckon you’ll have to get used to the same attention stealing soon. You look like you’re about ready to pop.”

As if that was all he encouragement, Persephone’s eyes returned to the babe ( her littlest finger still wrapped within his hand ). Satisfied with cooing at the small bundle of joy, she nearly missed his words ( and after a moment of careful contemplation, she turned him a sharp gaze and an arching brow ). “Seven help your poor wife Tate Tully. I truly hope you never made such comments to my poor friend before your son was born.” Though as a man ( and perhaps a father of a new born ), she imagined his filter for such delicate matters weren’t as sharp as they ought to be. “I won’t mind the attention stealing so much. Perhaps it will allow me the chance to sleep.” Nose crinkling, her thumb stroked over the small digit of the hand that so readily gripped her little finger. “How have you both been? I am desperate to see your wife. Will you send her to me later? I fear I won’t be capable of tracking her so easily myself until these two make their appearance.” 

Wylla was wandering the courtyard with Winter following her every step. The wolf was happy to sniff about as they wandered. The Stark woman needed some fresh air. She couldn’t stand to be in a room with fabric smothering her in this dreadful heat. Persephone Tyrell surprised her. The woman looked far larger than Wylla had ever looked while pregnant with Arya. She must be having more than one. “Yes.” She said bluntly. “There is blood and shit everywhere. It hurts more than anything you’ll ever experience again, but it’s worth the pain. How nervous are you?”

While many might have stilled at the sight of the beast roaming alongside her new companion, it was instead the words of confirmation that gave her pause. Fingers stilled against her stomach and after a moment she forced out a huff of breath ( head tilting back to look at the sky ). “Absolutely terrified. But I feel near ready to burst and if I’m forced to waddle about much longer I very well might go insane.” She admitted. Everyone else had been offered sugary niceties when it came to the question of how she felt, but as the Stark woman had gone through it all before, there was no point in lying. “But I’ve not yet even held them and the love I feel is indescribable.”