“The marriage between the second daughter of King Viserys I and his own brother, Prince Daemon, raised eyebrows upon its first announcement. Many assumed the match would echo the Rogue Prince’s unfortunate first union with the late Lady Rhea, despite his wish for a Valyrian bride being, finally, fulfilled. It surprised all who took witness to see the intensity of Daemon’s devotion to his second wife, a regard that would persist through a long and happy union between uncle and niece.”
- ‘Fire & Blood, Being a History of the Targaryen Kings of Westeros’ by Archmaester Gyldayn
The story of Prince Daemon Targaryen and his brother’s second-born daughter, as told through the many terms of endearment he calls her by.
Daemon returns to King’s Landing after ten years in exile, intent on rekindling his affair with Rhaenyra. He wasn’t expecting you - the revelation changes everything.
As the second-born daughter of Aemma and Viserys, you never expected to be married off to your uncle Daemon. The wedding is here - and the wedding night.
As Tommy promised, I started work the very next day with Polly.
“He’s too soft for you. It’s nice because I was certain for a while that the old Tommy had been completely taken away by the war” the pencil in her hand danced over the page as she hovered over numbers
“He’s the most like himself when it’s just us two together. I just wish he wouldn’t work quite so hard…only because it would be nice to be able to spend more time with him, you know?”
A/N: new part is here. Love the feedback I’ve been getting about this story. I want everyone to know I’m still writing so it will not end anytime soon. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Happy reading!
Warnings: language, angst, cursing, pregnancy, *sorry if I missed any*
Time seemed to have slowed down after the meeting with Lees. Molly’s pregnancy had also started to take a toll on her. The aches and pains had gotten worse, her ankles were more swollen, and she was still having dizzy spells. With her belly getting heavier, tidying the betting shop got even harder. No matter how many times the Shelby’s told her she didn’t need to work, Molly never listened. She didn’t want Jacob to be the only one bringing money into the house.
John and Polly hated that Molly still wanted to work. They were both worried about her often, John more so than Polly. Molly was all John could think about. Every morning after he would help Esme with the children, he would go over to see Molly.
Jacob would usually leave when John got there. He would help Molly as much as she would let him once she woke up and then John would take over after. John would then help her with make her breakfast and make sure she took her iron tablets. Molly hated being fussed over, but she appreciated all the effort John was putting in.
While John was there, the two never spoke about the future or what would happen once the baby was born. Molly didn’t even know if she and John still had a future anymore. All she knew was that she was going to be a single mother in less than three months.
Once John would leave for work, Molly would spend most of her days alone in the house. She would watch the children play outside all day long. She longed to be able to go out on her own. When John found out about her anemia, he begged her not to go anywhere without a member of the family or a Blinder. At first, she ignored him, but one day he got a call from Mrs. Smith down the lane saying she saw Molly almost faint in the street. Mrs. Smith had her boys help Molly into their home to wait for John.
Getting that call made John’s heart sink, and he ran out of the betting shop before anyone could as where he was going. He ran down the lane bursting into the Smiths home to find Molly and Mrs. Smith having tea. Molly seemed unfazed about what had just happened and once they finished their tea, John thanked the Smiths for their help and walked Molly back to her home.
Needless to say, John was angry and upset once he shut the door. Molly swore she was fine, but Polly and the rest of the family, including Esme, were already on her way over with the doctor. Once the doctor looked her over and said she was fine, but she needed to be more careful, John began to exert his anger. The family had never seen John her so angry, but they understood. Molly was carrying his child, and he was still upset that right now she was going through all of this alone.
From that day on, as much as Molly wanted to be independent and not ask for help, she finally accepted that she was going to need it. At first, it was Finn coming over to be with her after John would leave for work. Molly enjoyed spending time with Finn again, and she continued trying to teach him like she did when she first came back to Small Heath. Finn was definitely more attentive with Molly now, unlike before. Molly was sure John or Polly had something to do with that. Finn loved to feel the baby kick and move. He always had his hands out waiting to feel, much like she did when she was younger and Mrs. Shelby was pregnant with him.
On the days when Finn wouldn’t come, it was usually Polly. Polly would take her out of the house as much as she could. They would go to the market or some shops in the morning and then end up at a café for lunch.
There were even a few times Esme had joined them. Molly knew she was always going to be in Johns life now whether he stayed marry to Esme or not, so she knew she needed to be friendly with Esme. There were a few times when she would come sit with Molly. The two never spoke about hers and Johns relationship. Unfortunately, Molly could sense that Esme was falling in love with John and his children. She also knew one way or another someone’s heart was going to be broken but the end of this arrangement.
By the end of the work days, Molly would head over to the betting shop to clean. John always stayed an extra few minutes to see her and try to tell her she wasn’t needed. Molly always brushed him off while continuing to grab her supplies. After a little while Molly would kick him out but would never let him leave without giving him a light kiss on the cheek. That was Molly’s way of telling him she still loved him. When Molly finished cleaning, she would put her supplies away and turn all the lights out. Jacob would always be sat in the entryway waiting to walk her home.
One evening after she had finished, she noticed Tommy still sitting in his office. The two hadn’t spoken to each other for a while and Molly decided she was going to change that.
“Jake, I’m going to stay and speak with Tommy for a little. You go home. I’m sure Tommy will walk me across the way when we are finished,” Molly says as she walked slowly over to the entryway with her hand on her back. Jacob looked up at her with a questioning look but nodded once he saw a small smile on Molly’s face. He then stood, kissed her cheek, whispered goodbye and walked out the door.
Molly then locked the door behind him again. She sighed turning around placing a hand on her back and one on her belly then walked over to Tommy’s office. Tommy didn’t realize she was standing there until she cleared her throat,” Tommy, you mind if I sit, and we talk for a minute?,” she asked looking over at him.
Startled, Tommy looked over at the pregnant women, gesturing her to sit in the chair in front of his desk. He then quickly put out his cigarette and waved his hand around to make the smoke disappear, earning a chuckle from Molly.
Molly lowered herself into the chair with a huff and a sigh of relief for her aching back. The two sat in silence for a few minutes, neither knowing what to say to each other. Tommy wished he could light another cigarette to help calm his nerves but knew it wasn’t healthy for his brothers pregnant leman.
“So um how are you?,” Molly asked breaking the silence.
“I’m doing okay. How are you? How are you feeling?,” Tommy replied.
“I’m feeling very massive and exhausted,” Molly sighed running her hands over her bump feeling the baby kick.
“You know you don’t need to work. John or I can get you whatever you need or want,” Tommy said with a sad smile.
” I know that but I want to work. I can’t stay in the house all day like your brother wants me to. Why does this conversation seem so awkward?,” Molly replied.
Tommy sighed,” It’s because I know I’ve ruined your life and I don’t know how to apologize for it. I can’t avoid John but I can avoid you, so I have been. I’ve been beating myself up for not noticing how close you and John were getting again and for not listening to John when he said you looked like you were sick. When I saw you, you looked like our mum did when she first got pregnant. I should have known,” he rambled.
“Tommy you need to understand that yes, I am upset John and I aren’t going through this pregnancy together but you are not to blame for all of that. He and I wanted to keep it secret because sneaking around made us feel like teenagers again,” Molly said calmly,” But I also believe that you should have brought up the marriage to the family before making the decision for him.”
“I unfortunately realized that after I saw the way you two acted the morning of the wedding,” Tommy replied running his hand over his face. He then stood up, walked in front of Molly and kneeled in front of her, “I know I’ll never be able to say sorry enough and you may never forgive me, but I hope you know I would do anything to make it up to you. I feel like such a shitty uncle and friend.”
Molly looked at the man in front of her shocked. To anyone else it would look like Thomas Shelby was begging her for forgiveness. But to Molly, she knew it was his way of apologizing. Molly reaches out for Tommy’s hand, which he gave her and then placed it on her belly. Tommy smiled when he felt the strong kicks against his hands.
“Kids definitely a Shelby,” he chuckled,” So strong even while growing in the womb.”
“Tommy, I know you are trying and truly feel bad for what happened but you need to know as of now I can’t fully forgive you. I probably won’t be able to fully forgive you until after I know if John and I still have a future together,” Molly says as she shifts uncomfortably in the chair,” Could you be so kind and help me up then walk me home? I’m praying Jacob made something for supper because I’m starving.”
Tommy chuckles while he stands then helps pull her up from the chair. Molly then wraps him in a hug,” I hope you will stop avoiding me now. You were the only true friend I had the past eight years.”
Tommy squeezed her gently,” I won’t as long as you name the baby Thomas if it’s a boy,” he laughed playfully.
Molly smiled at him and rolled her eyes,” I’m sure John would love that.”
Tommy then put his coat on and lead Molly to the door and across the lane. Molly got excited when she opened her door and could smell whatever Jacob was cooking. She quickly said goodnight to Tommy and made her way into the house. Tommy just watched her chuckling to himself. He and his family were so lucky to have Molly in their lives and this baby would hold that bond forever.
=================================
The next morning, John went to Molly’s bright and early. She had still been sleeping and Jacob had already left for the day.
He had told Tommy days before that he wanted a day off, so he could spend an entire day with Molly and his children together. He had the nanny at his house now getting the kids fed and dressed for their day of fun. John knew Molly needed a day out. She had expressed many times that she hated sitting at home and John knew she would watch his kids playing in the street. Molly missed those kids and they missed her even more. They had been begging John to have her come mind them for weeks.
John heard Molly stirring from the kitchen. Jacob had told him she hadn’t slept much. The aches and the baby had been keeping her up. They both were surprised she was still in bed past nine o’clock. As John walked up the stairs, he could hear Molly groaning about the baby. He or she must have been kicking a lot which woke her from her slumber.
John smiled and chuckled as he walked in her room. She was laying on her back with many pillows surrounding her. He remembers Jacob telling him that she sent him to get her more pillows once her belly started to get bigger. John made his way over to her bed and sat down next to her. He placed one hand on her belly, hoping to clam the baby, and he used the other to gently move some hair from Molly’s face and caress her cheek.
Feeling the weight on Johns hands on her cheek, Molly’s eyes fluttered open. She smiled softly and lent her face into Johns hand, “Mornin’”, she said quietly.
John smiled again,” Good Morning my love. How did you sleep?”
Molly just rolled her eyes,” Terrible. Your child decided they wanted to be up all night bouncing and kicking around. I almost didn’t make it to the loo twice.”
“Well you’ve seen my kids. They are a pretty rowdy bunch,” John laughed,” Let’s get you up and some breakfast in you. I’ve taken the whole day off so you, me and the kids are going to spend the day together outside.”
Molly’s eyes lit up, and she could get up fast enough. She shooed John off the bed for she could stand up. As Molly stood, she felt dizzy and almost fell over. John luckily reached out to catch her then guided her down the steps.
The two sat and chatted a bit while they ate breakfast. John then helped her back up the stairs, so she could get dressed. Molly couldn’t stop smiling. She was excited to spend the day with John, but she was the most excited to spend the day with the kids. She had been missing them a lot and wondered if John had told them about her having a baby and if he did, if they knew that baby was going to be their new brother or sister.
Molly was pulled from her thoughts by John coming back into the room,” You ready love? Kids will be here in a few minutes.” John carefully wrapped his arms around Molly’s expanded waist settling his hand on top to her bump,” I don’t know how it’s possible for you to be even more beautiful whilst pregnant. You are glowing even though this pregnancy has been so hard on you and has made you so sick.”
Molly smiled, leaning into him,” You John Shelby are such a flirt. I honestly think the new iron tablet regimen I’m on is helping but I think I’m just excited to see the kids I’m sure the twins have grown since the last time I’ve seen them,” she says happily as she turns around in Johns embrace,” John, do they know I’m pregnant?”
John sighed,” Yes, they know, but they don’t know the baby is mine. They are still getting used to Esme being around. I don’t want to spring this on them just yet.”
Molly nodded and kissed his cheek,” I understand.”
The two were then interrupted by a knock at the door. John helped Molly down the stairs. John went to get the door while Molly sat on the sofa. She heard John greet his children and told them to be careful when they go to give her hug. One by one, Molly got her hugs and cuddles from all the children. She asked them how they were doing and the children asked her if they could feel the baby move.
John watched in awe from across the room. A smile never left Molly’s face. She truly enjoyed and loved being with his kids and his kids loved being with her. John then looked at his watch, realizing they should probably get going for their day of fun.
“Alright kids,” John states,” I remember a few months back I promised that Molly and I were going to take you lot to the pictures.” The kids all cheered with excitement and Molly recalled that was the day before she found out she was expecting. “But we aren’t going to the pictures around here. We are going to head up to London, meet up with Auntie Ada and Karl and go to the picture theater there. Why don’t you kids go pile into the car while I help Molly with her coat and bag.”
Once the kids ran out the door, John helped Molly up from the sofa,” Hope you don’t mind but while you were getting ready I packed you an overnight bag. We are going to stay the night at Ada’s. I have something planned for the two of us after we take the kids to the pictures.”
“Of course that’s okay. Just make sure you remember my tablets,” Molly said excitedly pulling John toward the door,” Now come on, we’ve got some very excited kids waiting for us in the car.”
The drive to London went by quickly. Johns hand never left Molly’s knee or bump the entire time. The kids were surprisingly well-behaved the entire way. When they got to Adas, the children ran to find Karl while John and James brought the bags into the home. Ada led Molly to the sitting room and the two caught up and spoke about the pregnancy.
Once at the pictures, the Shelby’s and Molly took up an entire row of seats. The kids were very excited and all fought on who was going to sit next to Molly. In the end, John decided Molly was going to sit on the end just in case she needed to get up and move around. John had his arm wrapped around Molly’s shoulders and his other hand on her belly.
Ada smiled as she watched her brother from across the row. She hadn’t seen him like this in eight almost nine years. She hoped that in the end everything would work out and John and Molly would finally be able to be with each other.
After the picture was over, they all headed back to Adas. Molly was in desperate need of a lay down. Ada has shown her to the guest room where she and John would be spending the night.
It was getting close to dinner time when John went to wake Molly. He was surprised when he found Molly awake and his twin boys cuddled up next to her. He smiled lovingly at the sight as he walked in to sit behind her, “Well isn’t this a surprise,” he whispered.
“They crawled up a few minutes after I got settled. Said they were coming to give me a cuddle to have a good sleep but ended up falling asleep themselves,” Molly whispered back as she looked up at him.
“I’ve booked us a table at a nice restaurant. We should be leaving soon. Do you need Ada to come help you freshen up love?,” John replied.
Molly shook her head,” No I should be fine as long as you help me up. It looks like I’m being held hostage by some little boys,” she says laughing as she tickles them as they stir awake.
After a few minutes, John helps her out of bed then chases the boys out of the room to find their aunt and siblings. Molly then freshens up and changes into a nice dress Ada had loan to her. The dress is tighter fitted then what she is used to wearing but according to Ada, John will love it. Once she was finished, she made her way slowly down the stairs.
John smiled widely as Molly made her way down to him. Once she got to the last couple steps, he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a kiss,” You look beautiful my love.” Molly whispered thank you and went to grab her coat. They both said goodbye to the children, Ada and James then set off to the restaurant.
After the two had a lovely dinner, they decided to take a walk down by the river. “What made you decide to do all this today John? Don’t get me wrong it was a lovely day but what does your wife think about this?,” Molly asked while they walked hand in hand.
“Esme went to visit one of her brothers. His wife is expecting and due any day now. Her mother asked her to come since they believe she is carrying twins or triplets,” he says as he guides Molly to a bench,” She knew I was planning to take the kids to the pictures with you but she doesn’t know about our time alone or us spending the night.”
Molly sighed,” Make sure you tell her when she returns. Married couples aren’t supposed to keep secrets from another. You are supposed to be making this marriage work.”
“Molly, how can I fall in love with my wife when I’m head over heels madly in love with my childhood sweetheart,” John asks, placing a hand on her cheek.
“I don’t know John but you have to try. Your family obviously needed this truce. It probably would have happened whether they knew I was pregnant or not,” Molly continued,” I don’t want to be the reason your family goes to war with the Lees again. I know you love me John and I you, but you need to put that aside and try to love your wife. If not for me or yourself, then try for the kids. They need a mother and I believe Esme can love them as her own, if you let her.”
The two sat in silence for a while, soaking in everything that was said. The ride back to Adas was silent. Ada watched as her brother made his way to the parlor, not saying a word to either woman. Ada then turned to Molly, who was wearing sad eyes that were red from crying. Ada was about to ask what happened but Molly cut her off by shaking her head, silently asking her to leave it be. Ada nodded her head as she watched Molly make her way up to the guest room.
After a while, Molly got into bed. Soon after she heard the door open and close. John then striped himself of his day clothes and put on his sleep ones, then crawled into bed. Molly felt him settle on his side then she felt him pull her into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, resting them on her belly. The baby instantly started to kick. John let out a small chuckle and ran his hand up and down the bump to get he or she to clam down. Molly knew this would probably be the last time she and John would ever have a moment like this. She hoped that he had taken what she said to heart and would make an effort to love his wife as much as he loved her.
Just a cute lil yellow dress 🌿🌻🌿 I have to get mabel two more times to unlock the shop but I’m so impatient that if by saturday I still havent unlocked the shop I’ll probably break down and time travel this once 😤
