Arthur woke slowly as light filtered through the windows of Rhaella's chamber, his body felt warm beneath the silk covers as awareness returned gradually. Mira lay beside him with her back pressed against his chest as her hair spilled across the pillow they shared. He felt content in a way that settled deep within him, happiness filling the space that separation had left empty for so long. Having her here, safe and close after everything they had endured, made the world feel right again.
His arm draped over her waist with his hand resting lightly on her stomach, he shifted closer instinctively, drawing her body against his while contentment gave way to arousal. The feel of her skin through the thin shift she had pulled on sometime in the night stirred him further, his hand moving upward to cup her breast with gentle pressure that made her stir faintly. He grew hard against her bum, pressing forward as desire overtook him, he kissed her neck softly while his fingers circled her nipple until it hardened beneath his touch.
Mira murmured in her sleep, shifting back against him while Arthur continued exploring her body with hands that knew every curve. He slid one hand downward between her thighs, parting them gently as he rubbed her sex through the fabric, feeling her grow wet even before she fully woke. His cock pressed insistently against her, and he ground slowly while his mouth trailed kisses along her shoulder.
Mira woke halfway through his attentions, a soft moan escaping her lips as she realized what he did. She turned her head toward him, eyes fluttering open with surprise that melted into pleasure. "Arthur," she whispered, her voice husky while she pushed back against him.
He kissed her deeply then, his hand slipping under her shift to touch her bare skin while he positioned himself at her entrance. Mira moaned into the kiss, her body arching as he entered her slowly from behind, the angle allowing him to fill her completely with one smooth thrust, his hips rocking slowly while his fingers rubbed her clit in circles that matched the rhythm.
Mira's moans grew louder, her hand reaching back to clutch his thigh as pleasure built within her. Arthur thrust deeper, the sensation of her tightness gripping him drawing groans from his throat while he kissed her neck and shoulder. She climaxed first, her body clenching around him in waves that pulled him closer to release, and he followed soon after, spilling his seed inside her with pulses that left them both trembling.
They panted together in the aftermath, Arthur holding her close while satisfaction washed over him. Mira turned in his arms to face him, her eyes shining as she kissed him softly. Only then did they realize Rhaella lay in the bed beside them, her face flushed red while she stared at the canopy above with wide eyes.
Mira gasped, pulling the covers higher. "When did you come back?" she asked, shock and embarrassment clear in her voice.
Rhaella turned her head slowly, her own cheeks burning. "What do you mean!?" she replied, equally embarrassed. "This is my bed. Where else would I sleep?"
Mira sat up slightly, clutching the sheet to her chest. "Why did you not say anything?" she demanded, her tone mixing horror with accusation.
Rhaella huffed, sitting up as well while she smoothed her nightdress. "When could I have?" she countered. "You two started the moment I woke, and I did not want to interrupt."
Mira's mouth opened in protest. "You could have coughed or cleared your throat or something!"
"And ruin the moment?" Rhaella shot back, though amusement crept into her voice despite the flush. "You were both so lost in each other... I thought it kinder to wait."
Arthur intervened then, raising a hand while he sat up between them. "Enough," he said gently, though laughter threatened in his tone. "I apologise, Princess, for... everything. And thank you for letting us stay here last night."
Rhaella accepted the apology with a nod, though her words stammered slightly as her gaze flicked downward. "It is... forgiven," she managed, her face reddening further.
Arthur realized then that he remained naked, his cock still hard from the morning arousal, he scrambled for the covers with haste. "Sorry," he muttered, pulling a sheet around his waist before standing to retrieve his clothes from the floor.
Mira did the same, slipping from the bed to dress quickly while she avoided Rhaella's eyes, though a small smile played on her lips despite the embarrassment.
It didn't take long before Arthur got all his clothes on wnd was finished lacing his boots. "We should leave soon," Arthur said quietly, turning to Mira while he adjusted his cloak over his shoulders. "The others will worry where I am if I stay away much longer."
Mira looked up at him with confusion creasing her brow, her hands pausing on the laces. "The others?" she asked, tilting her head slightly as she searched his face.
Arthur sat back down beside her, taking her hand in his while he explained what had happened after their separation. "A while back when I first attempted to find you, Willem's man stabbed me," he began, "I dragged myself through the streets until I collapsed near an orphanage in Flea Bottom. The matron there found me and treated my wounds with help from the girl who helps run the place. They took me in, hid me while I healed, and supported me the whole time I searched for you."
Mira listened intently, her eyes widening as the story unfolded. "They saved you," she said softly, squeezing his hand. "I must thank them all, every one. Without them, you might not be here now."
Arthur nodded, warmth spreading through him at her words. "You will," he promised. "I plan to buy the building next to the orphanage and connect the two houses. That way we can have a home together while still being there for the children and helping Alys run the place."
Mira smiled brightly at that, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "I agree," she replied. "It sounds perfect."
Rhaella cleared her throat lightly from across the room, drawing their attention as she stepped closer with reluctance clear in her posture. "Perhaps you don't have to leave so soon," she said, her voice carrying genuine sorrow while she clasped her hands in front of her. "You could stay here longer... there are empty chambers nearby, or I could speak to Father about granting you rooms near mine..."
Mira rose from the bed and approached Rhaella, taking her hands gently. "Im sorry Rhae, I will miss you too," she said softly, "but we will still see each other often. And you are welcome at our home anytime, come whenever you wish, for tea or supper or just to talk."
Rhaella searched her eyes, emotion flickering across her face. "Promise me," she whispered.
"I promise," Mira replied firmly, pulling her into a hug that Rhaella returned tightly.
Arthur watched them with a small smile. "It would be a pleasure to host you," he added sincerely.
Rhaella pulled back after a moment, nodding grudgingly as acceptance settled over her. "Very well," she said, turning toward the door to prepare herself fully. "I will escort you out myself." She said before heading towards the door and dismissing the Kingsguard outside, sending him on an errand that gave Arthur space to slip out without notice. They walked together through halls that avoided the main thoroughfares, Rhaella talking quickly about upcoming events to fill the silence.
"Just because you aren't here anymore it doesn't mean you can avoid my naming day feast next moon," she said, her words tumbling out. "And the tourney after, sit with me in the royal box, Mira, the view is best there. There will be singers from Braavos and jugglers, and the joust will last three days at least."
Mira smiled at her enthusiasm, linking arms once more as they descended a final staircase toward the gates. Before they reached the outer yard, a figure darted from behind a pillar with arms raised. "Boo!" Oxana Baratheon exclaimed, her golden hair swinging as she jumped in front of them with a wide grin.
"What are you doing sneaking about?" she asked, her tone playful at first until her eyes landed on Arthur. Her smile dropped abruptly, eyes narrowing as she stared at him. "Who is he?"
Rhaella chided her immediately. "Oxana, do not be rude," she said firmly. "This is Arthur, Mira's husband."
Arthur inclined his head respectfully. "My lady," he greeted politely.
Oxana said nothing in return, her expression turning cold as she looked him over once more before turning on her heel and walking away without another word.
Rhaella sighed softly. "I apologise," she said to Arthur. "She can be... abrupt sometimes."
Arthur shrugged, brushing it off. "No harm done," he replied, though a faint unease lingered from the intensity of her stare. They continued to the gates then, Rhaella speaking with the captain of the watch to ensure smooth passage while Arthur and Mira waited. Farewells came quickly once outside. Rhaella and Mira hugged each other tightly, with the princess becoming a little teary eyed at her best friend leaving.
"Promise me you won't forget about me," Rhaella said a little sadly as she held Mira's hands.
"I won't I promise," Mira said as she wiped one of her friends tears away. "It won't be long before you see me again, you can be sure of that."
Rhaella accepted this and they said their final goodbyes before Arthur and Mira left, walking hand in hand down the winding path that led from the Red Keep into the heart of King's Landing, the morning sun warming their faces while the city grew louder with every step. Mira clung to Arthur's arm with both hands now, her body pressed close against his side as she looked around at the bustling streets with eyes that shone with joy. For her, this moment felt like a dream finally come true; she walked freely with the man she loved, all their problems left behind them.
They had consummated their love the night before in ways that still made her cheeks warm when she thought about it. The possibility that Arthur had gotten her pregnant excited her immensely; with the huge amount he had spilled inside her twice, it seemed more than possible, and the idea of carrying his child filled her with a happiness that she couldn't put into words.
She squeezed his arm tighter, leaning her head against his shoulder while they navigated a crowded market street. "I cannot believe we are here together," she said softly. "No more hiding or worrying, I just want to be with you like this forever."
Arthur smiled down at her, his hand covering hers where it rested on his arm. "We will," he replied. "From now on, every day."
"Tell me about the orphanage," she said eagerly. "Who are the people there that helped you?"
Arthur's smile widened as he began describing everyon. "Alys runs the place, I won't lie and say we haven't had any problems... but I think she's got a good heart. She took me in without questions and stitched me up when no one else would have bothered. Then there are the children: Jory's the oldest boy, fourteen and thinks he's already a knight; he trains with me every day. Meggie's the little one who chatters nonstop, always asking for stories, Lena's shy but draws the best pictures you've ever seen. Ben and Thom cause most of the trouble, but they're good kids at heart. And Lunk—you'll meet him soon, he used to work for Willem but now he's back home, he's gentle as a lamb with the little ones."
Mira listened with growing excitement, her steps quickening slightly. "They sound wonderful," she said. "I cannot wait to meet them all. I hope they warm up to me."
Arthur stopped walking for a moment, turning to face her fully as he took both her hands. "They will love you," he assured her firmly. "You are the most amazing person I know, Mira. They will see that right away."
Mira's cheeks flushed again, and she rose on her toes to kiss his cheek softly. "Thank you," she whispered.
Arthur enjoyed the kiss, turning his head to catch her lips in a quick return, but for a moment guilt twisted in his gut as thoughts of Cassie surfaced. He could not deny the feelings he held for her and fear gnawed at him over how Mira would react once she learned the truth, especially since Cassie waited at the very place they headed. He felt torn between the joy of this reunion and the secret that weighed on him, unsure how to confess without shattering the happiness they shared now.
Mira noticed his brief distraction and tugged his hand forward playfully. "Come on," she said with a bright smile, pulling him toward a row of market stalls. "I am in such a happy mood, I feel like celebrating. Let's buy things for the orphanage, gifts for everyone you told me about."
Arthur smiled at her enthusiasm and nodded. "All right," he agreed, letting her lead him into the crowd.
They spent the next hour wandering the markets, Mira's excitement infectious as she selected items with care. At a baker's stall, she picked out fresh honey cakes and loaves still warm from the oven. "These for the children," she declared, handing coins to the vendor while Arthur carried the bundle. A fruit seller caught her eye next, and she chose ripe apples and pears and other fruits adding them to their growing pile.
Two men lounging nearby leered as Mira bent to examine a basket of oranges, one whistling low while the other muttered something crude about her figure. Arthur stepped forward immediately, his glare intense enough to silence them as he placed himself between her and the men. "Keep moving," he said flatly, his hand resting on Sunset's hilt.
The men muttered apologies and shuffled away, and Mira noticed the exchange with a small smile. She turned back to Arthur and kissed him fully on the lips, her arms looping around his neck for a moment that drew pouts and scowls from nearby vendors.
At a toy maker's cart, Mira selected wooden swords for the boys and dolls for the girls. A leering apprentice tried to flirt while wrapping the purchases, offering her a discount with a wink, but Arthur interrupted smoothly. "We will pay full price," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument as he handed over the coins. Mira thanked the apprentice politely anyway, then kissed Arthur again once they moved on, her hand squeezing his. "My protector," she teased lightly.
They bought ribbons for the girls and a new shawl for Alys, Mira insisting on colors that would suit each person Arthur described. By the time they finished, their arms carried bundles tied with string, and Mira's happiness radiated as they headed toward Flea Bottom.
As they drew closer to the orphanage, however, Arthur's steps slowed, nervousness and guilt building with every familiar street. The weight of what waited pressed heavier and heavier until he could not continue without speaking. He stopped Mira just before the final turn, pulling her gently to the side of the road. "We need to talk before we go in," he said.
Mira looked at him with confusion, nodding slowly as she set her bundles down. "What is it?"
Arthur took her hands, his thumbs rubbing over her knuckles while he searched for words. "There is someone at the orphanage... Cassie," he began awkwardly. "The girl who helped Alys nurse me. While I recovered, we... got close.... And I... took her maidenhead, she is in love with me."
Mira's face turned serious, her grip tightening on his hands as she processed his confession.
Arthur continued quickly. "I am sorry, Mira, I never meant for it to happen, but it did."
Mira asked quietly, "Do you love her back?"
Arthur nodded, unable to meet her eyes for a moment.
She stopped him before he could apologise further, lifting his chin with her fingers. "It is okay, Arthur," she said gently, holding his hand firmly. "I truly believe you cannot choose who you fall in love with... we are proof of that, are we not?"
Arthur nodded again, relief mixing with lingering worry.
Mira smiled softly. "I love you, Arthur, so I would never want to cause you pain by denying your feelings. And I would not deny Cassie either, she saved you, she is one of the reasons I get to be here with you now." She hugged him tightly. "As long as I have your heart, it is okay if you share it with another."
"You will always have my heart," Arthur said, pulling back to kiss her deeply.
He smiled then, the weight lifting as he took her hand once more. "Let us go meet everyone," he said, leading her around the final corner toward the orphanage gate.
_____________________________________
Oxana slammed the door to her chambers with force that rattled the hinges, the sound echoing down the empty corridor outside before silence swallowed it. She stood there for a moment with her back against the wood, her chest rising and falling rapidly while her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Anger surged through her in waves that she could not contain, hotter and more intense than any she had felt before, it left her trembling despite the control she usually maintained over every emotion.
'Damn Baratheon blood...'
She pushed away from the door and began pacing the length of the room. The chamber stretched wide with tall windows that overlooked the city below, yet she paid no attention to the view while her mind circled the same thought repeatedly. It was him... that boy, Arthur, the one who had walked beside Rhaella and Mira. She hated him. The feeling struck her with clarity that made her stop mid-step, her breath coming in short pants as she pressed a hand to her chest.
No one had ever provoked this in her, not her late husband, not her father, not any rival at court. Yet Arthur's face alone ignited rage that consumed her, a hatred so pure and unexplained that it terrified her in its intensity. She resumed pacing, faster now, her golden hair swinging with each turn while her fingers flexed open and closed as if seeking something to grasp or break.
"Why?" she muttered aloud, the word escaping through gritted teeth while she whirled toward the bed. Frustration built until it overflowed, and she yelled out loudly as she grabbed the dagger from the sheath at her belt. She hurled it across the room, the blade embedding perfectly into the thick bedpost with a thud that vibrated through the wood.
Oxana stared at the quivering hilt, her panting slowing gradually while she forced her hands to unclench. She hated this loss of control, the way emotions ruled her when she prided herself on mastery over every feeling and impulse. She was better than this, always several steps ahead of those around her.
Yet Arthur threatened that composure without even trying, his mere presence stirring chaos within her that demanded action. She could not let it stand.
She would have to do something about this.
(AN: So a little interlude but not really, anyway next chapter we are going to have Mira being introduced then we are going to kick it into fifth gear and do a couple time skips until the tournament. Anyway hope you enjoyed)
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