"Thisel?"

"Yes, my queen?"

Livia looked towards the mirror to her friend who was delicately braiding her hair. "What do you know of an illness that makes you sensitive to the scents of different foods?"

Thisel paused from her braiding, smiling to herself. "Did you feel extremely nauseous and sick until the smell was removed?"

"You know of it then?" Livia asked, hopeful.

If Thisel knew of it, then it could most probably be healed.

"Tell me, my queen. Have you been easily fatigued recently?" Thisel bit her lip as if trying to hide a smile.

"Yes. But that is because Robert and I have been so busy as of late. What with all that the realm needs for rebuilding." Livia frowned, confused on the smile slowly growing on Thisel's face.

Thisel smirked before answering. "And when was the last time you bled?"

"I guess it's been tw-" Livia paused before her mouth fell open.

Her eyes widened at what Thisel was insinuating. Her and Robert had spoken of it, her father had hoped for it but for it to be true?

Surely, she could not be-

"I am with child?" Livia sputtered, shock filling her every being. She looked down at her flat stomach. Could there be a child growing inside her?

Thisel giggled. "I think you are, my queen. Should we call for Maester Pycelle to confirm it?"

Livia stuck out her tongue at the thought of the man. "Isn't there any other way to find out?"

"My mother told me that a full chamber pot can be used to check. Perhaps we could do that." Thisel offered.

Livia nodded, about to agree when the door to the chambers burst open and Robert strode in.

"Liv, Lady Lydden. How are you ladies this beautiful morning?" Robert asked, his voice cheery.

Livia turned her head to subtly shake her head at Thisel. She would tell Robert if she was sure but for now, she'd keep it as a tiny secret.

"Fine!" Thisel squeaked, her voice so high.

Robert raised an eyebrow before turning to Livia who just sighed. Thisel could not keep a secret for her life.

"Lady Lydden, you may go." Livia said, before the young girl could burst and spill everything.

Thisel bowed, moving to leave before running back, grabbing Livia's chamber pot and leaving once again.

At that, Livia shook her head. If that girl made it any more obvious then the whole kingdom would know before the day ends.

"Has Lady Lydden always been that...I do not wish to say odd but maybe sprightly?" Robert asked, moving towards her vanity.

Livia stood up, thinking of an excuse. "I-I think it's just because we're leaving tomorrow. She's never been to Storm's End."

"Neither have you." He countered, looking skeptical.

"Yes, but I'm much more composed." She replied, making him laugh.

"Alright. You shouldn't be worried though." He said, holding both of her hands. "Remember what I told you about Storm's End."

Livia playfully shuddered. "Yes, you told me most celebrations there were loud and obnoxious like you."

"I think you mean lively and fun." Robert corrected, making her crinkle her nose. "Don't worry, darling. We'll show you how to properly celebrate a nameday."

"Oh deer. Get it?"

"Very funny. We prefer stag, actually."

°•°•°•°•°•°

Robert smiled, breathing in the scent of fresh air. The open air and the wide grassy horizons making him feel so free. 

It was as if he was no longer a king but a mere boy returning to the place he has called home for so long.

King's Landing was beautiful and so was the Eyrie but nothing could compare to home.

It was odd to be leaving King's Landing after months of being there. The farthest he had gone away was to the Kingswood but now, he was in the Stormlands.

Robert hadn't been there ever since he called the banners. Even then, he had spent most of his time in the Eyrie when he was sent to live there.

Thank the gods there was finally a celebration. Robert had promised himself that he was only going to drink wine if there was something to celebrate. No more drinking to forget. He wouldn't cover it up.

Not anymore. He was a man, after all, not a wuss.

Turning around to look at the reason why he decided to turn his life around, Robert saw Livia trapped in her own little world. He wondered how she was able to stay on her horse when she was so busy thinking.

Knowing her and that expression on her face, she was thinking awfully hard about something. She always had that look on her face, when her eyes would be staring at nothing and her lips were slightly puckered, and everyone would know she was focusing on a thought.

Robert found it absolutely adorable.

"A penny for your thoughts?" Robert said, smiling at how she looked surprised to see him right beside her.

Livia laughed softly. "Forgive me, I was just...thinking."

He shook his finger at her. "No, no thinking about duties. We are here to celebrate a nameday. At least for today. You've been working so hard. No overthinking."

He heard her mutter something that sounded like. "I wish it could be so."

"What was that?" Robert asked to clarify what she said.

"You're right. I'll stop now." Livia smiled. "Are we near yet?"

Robert turned, seeing the giant stone fortress, looking like a storm in itself. "May I present Storm's End!"

Livia turned to look at the view, her mouth falling open. 

"Impressive, I know." He cockily replied.

He watched her roll her eyes at him but he could see the small smile forming on her lips. "Well, it's no Casterly Rock."

As they approached the fortress, Robert slowly found a hint of memory with every new sight his eyes came upon.

That house was where he hid from the stablemaster, those were the taverns he snuck into and accidentally got drunk and that was the wall he climbed once to prove his strength.

At the entrance of the fortress stood a retinue of knights and men. In the center of it was Robert's brother, Renly who looked similar to Robert with his raven hair.

Robert dismounted from his horse before going to Livia, holding her by the waist to help her get down from her mount; he couldn't help but laugh as she blushed.

Offering her his hand, she took it as they walked hand in hand towards the waiting retinue. They all knelt before their king and queen only standing when Robert allowed them to.

Robert bellowed, clasping Renly's hand in greeting. "Brother. Happy nameday!"

"Your Grace. Thank you for coming." Renly thanked, before his eyes shifted to Livia. "I don't believe we've met, my queen. I am Renly Baratheon."

As Renly kissed her hand, Livia smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my good brother and may I greet you on your nameday. You must be the courteous one in the family seeing as you have more manners than Robert."

Renly chortled, laughing along with Livia as Robert opened his mouth in mock offense. "Hey!"

"I'm just teasing, darling. I'm sure Lord Renly knew that" Livia smiled, winking at Renly kissing Robert's cheek and catching him off guard. 

"Please call me Renly." Renly said, before waving his hand to some servants. "I'm sure you're tired from your travels, the servants shall lead you to your chambers and see to your horses before the celebration tonight."

"Thank you, brother. I hope the celebration tonight is in typical Stormlands fashion."

"Of course it is."

"Good. It's time to show my wife what a true celebration looks like."

°•°•°•°•°•°

"Oh, lay my sweet lass down in the grass!"

Livia turned to Robert, laughing as he sang out loud, almost bellowing.

The rest of the men and women in the grand hall were singing to the top of their lungs as well, filling each crevice with the sounds of joy and laughter.

She wished she could join in the singing yet a thought occupied her mind.

She was with child. That was for certain. Thisel had confirmed it that very morning.

Livia had suspected though. Every morning, ever since that day, she had been feeling sick. It was difficult to hide it from Robert. 

Usually he'd find her hunched over a bucket and repeatedly ask what was wrong, to which she would only reply that it was a passing illness. He seemed skeptical at first but when the fits lessened, he was finally convinced.

Livia was startled out of her thoughts when Robert stood from her side before offering her his hand.

"Robert?" She asked, confused.

"Dance with me, Liv." He said, his hand still stretched out towards her. 

She looked to the many people already dancing to a new song, to Renly who had pretty much danced with all the women and to her brother, Jaime who had situated himself by the corner, only dancing when Thisel dragged him to the floor.

Livia placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her towards the dancing.

Delicately, she placed one hand on his shoulder and the other remained clasped in his hand. He pulled her closer, his other arm wrapped around her waist.

So close, that Livia could smell his musky scent. Whispering to him, her mouth by his ear. "Now, why does this feel so familiar?"

Robert laughed huskily, whispering in return. "I seem to recall a night like this one when a golden haired girl fell into my arms."

"She was lucky enough to fall into his arms." She answered, pulling back far enough so that she could look into his eyes.

"He was lucky enough to be there to catch her." He said, pulling her closer as if he could not stand to be that far from her.

Livia sighed. If there was any time she could told him, she had to tell him now. No more secrets. Besides, he deserves to know that he was going to be a father.

Seven hells, she was going to be a mother. 

"Robert," She started hesitantly.

"Hmm?" He asked, spinning her around as they moved to the rhythm of the song.

"I have to tell you something." She said, attempting to ease the news into the conversation.

He teased her. "If it's about the realm, then I do not wish to hear it."

"It's not completely about the realm but it would mean something new for us and for the realm." Livia explained, trying to make it as obvious as possible.

"Liv, didn't I say no thinking about the realm or our duties today?" Robert asked.

At that, she got irritated. How could he not understand? "Robert, I'm trying to tell you that I-"

"Shh, Liv." He interrupted her, causing her temper to blaze.

Livia placed her hand at the back of his neck before smashing her lips unto his in a fierce kiss. He reacted immediately, kissing her just as passionately, the taste of honey and ale flooding her senses.

Pulling away from him, Livia saw a glint of heat in Robert's eyes. Before she could think better of it, she exclaimed. "I am with child!"

Robert's eyes widened, his mouth opening as if to say something before closing once again. His eyes darted to her still flat stomach before sputtering out. "Truly?"

Now that she had said it, the nerves faded away and she was left with fear of how he was going to react. "I-Yes. I had suspected it but I only found out this morning."

Robert nodded, not saying anything, not even meeting her eyes before he clambered upon one of the tables, pulling her up with him. "All of you listen up!"

At the king's voice, everyone silenced, even the musicians. Livia stood staring at her husband. Half the time, she did not know the reason for his actions but she trusted him anyway.

"I have just heard such great news and of course, I must share it with all of you!" Robert exclaimed, turning to Livia with a smile on his face, so happy that it seemed that he was glowing. He was happy. "Queen Livia is with child! Let this be cause for more celebration!"

At that, everyone raised their goblets, cheering as they downed the wine and the musicians began to play again.

Robert got down from the table, helping her down as well. Both of them were greeted with congratulations and well-wishers.

Livia embraced Jaime as well as Thisel, both of them very important to her life, before returning to Robert's side.

Robert, upon seeing her, brightened up and planted a kiss on her lips, whistles, and chortles coming from the men.

"Forgive me, I did not mean to speak so bluntly." Livia apologized though she was brimming with happiness.

She could not remember a time in her life when she had been this happy. She had a husband who cared for her, a brother who protected her, a friend who adored her and a child on the way.

Robert leaned down to whisper in her ear, a smile playing at his lips. 

"It was perfect. As you always are."

°•°•°•°•°•°

Robert couldn't help but look at the woman who had granted him so much happiness with only a few words.

Livia was by the balcony, looking out over the great view of the ocean. 

The waves were eerily silent that night as they crashed over the rocks or it could just be that his thoughts occupied his mind so greatly that he could hear nothing else.

Robert looked at his life, his Liv. She was carrying their child. Nothing more could make him happy. 

A son, that he could teach the art of swordsmanship and warfare or perhaps a daughter, that he could spoil with sweets and gifts of silk.

Slowly, Robert approached Livia and wrapped his arms around her, his chin coming to rest on her shoulder as they both looked out over the horizon.

She leaned back towards him as he breathed in the sea breeze. "Are you alright, Robert?"

"More than alright. I am happy. So very happy. How could I not be, Liv?" He asked, intertwining their fingers together.

Livia let go of his hands and turned to face him, still in his arms. "I'm so happy, it scares me so."

"Why is that?" Robert asked.

"Throughout my whole life, I have learned not to trust easily, not to believe so easily because things are not constant. One moment they are real, the next they are a mere sentiment." She explained, not meeting his eyes.

Robert couldn't help but smile, raising her chin to make her look at him. "This is real. Completely and utterly real."

He bent down to kiss her, savoring the taste of her lips and the feel of her arms around his neck.

Nothing could have changed how they felt at that very moment. The world could have burned and they would not have noticed because they only saw each other.

A man so entrapped by the woman who believed in him and broke through his walls every single time and a woman so in love with the man who had taught her to trust once more, to love once more. 

Yes, he had promised her that everything was real. The happiness they felt, the adoration they had for each other, all of it real.

Yet reality was fickle, their troubles were far from over and hearts were still bound to be broken.

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