[Chapter Size: 1000 Words.]
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Pyke, the Iron Islands
Theon was attending to matters of governance and planning the future development of the Riverlands when, suddenly, a maester entered and told him that Selena was pregnant.
"Your Grace, Queen Selena is with child!"
Theon froze. "Pregnant?"
With a loud thud, Theon slammed his book shut. "What did you say? Selena is pregnant? Are you certain?"
"Yes, Your Grace. Absolutely certain."
Theon could hardly believe it, not because he did not want the child, but because, after being injected with the serum, he had always assumed it would be nearly impossible for him to father children. For that reason, he had never taken any precautions.
"Why is this turning out differently than I imagined?"
"Congratulations, Your Grace, on the birth of your heir," the maester continued. "However, the damp climate of the Iron Islands is hardly suitable for a woman's recovery. I advise that Queen Selena be moved to the Riverlands."
Theon waved him away. The maester bowed and withdrew.
Theon then went to find Selena Frey.
She was sitting on a bench in the courtyard, with old Walder at her side.
Walder's grin stretched ear to ear. As soon as he saw Theon approaching, he called out, "Your Grace, congratulations on your heir!"
Walder had not been so delighted in years. By Theon's decree, both Myrcella and Selena were his lawful wives. Thus, if Selena's firstborn proved to be a son, he would be Theon's eldest legitimate heir.
Theon glanced at Walder's broad smile without a word, then quickly turned to Selena. "How do you feel?" He was visibly excited. This would be his first time as a father, and though he tried to compose himself, the anticipation was plain in his voice.
"I'm well. The Maester suggested I travel to Riverrun. Should I?" Selena asked, gently touching her belly.
Her stomach was only slightly rounded, and Theon had thought she was simply putting on weight.
"No need. I'll take you to Apollo when we return."
Selena looked startled. "That… that may not be wise, surely? Wouldn't that trouble Apollo?"
"No," Theon said firmly. "Apollo will not mind."
Wade frowned in confusion. "Who is Apollo?"
"My firstborn son," Theon replied.
"You have a bastard?!" Walder blurted out, before hastily correcting himself. "Forgive me, Your Grace, I meant, you already have a son? Why not bring him to live in Fort Pyke?"
Theon's lips twitched. "Hah! You old fox, you'd kill him, wouldn't you? Don't think I haven't noticed your scheming."
"He's behind Fort Pyke. Shall we go see him together?" Theon asked with a dangerous smile.
Walder's mind raced. If Theon had hidden a son in secrecy at Pyke Castle, it surely meant the boy held great importance in his heart. Already, Walder was plotting how to kill the child.
"Of course, Your Grace. It would be an honor." Walder could hardly contain his eagerness, intent on studying the boy's age, character, and weaknesses to see if an opportunity to dispose of him might arise.
Theon led them to Apollo's dwelling. By then, Fort Pykehad been expanded several times, and Apollo's residence had long been encompassed within its walls.
Since Apollo no longer produced the miraculous wheat, farming there had ceased.
Theon insisted it was his private garden. And indeed, as a king, was it unreasonable for him to keep a garden?
When they reached Apollo's cavern, Walder was baffled. "The bastard lives in a cave?"
But the moment they stepped inside, Walder's heart skipped a beat. Gems and golden coins were scattered everywhere, gleaming under the dim light.
"Your Grace, it seems your heir has a fondness for wealth," Walder remarked with a smirk.
Theon laughed at the jab, seeing well enough that Walder's mind was preoccupied with Selena's unborn child.
Even Selena laughed and said, "Father, His Grace's son truly does love treasures, he loves them very much."
Soon they reached the inner cavern. Unlike the damp, salt-scented air of the entrance, here the air was dry and scorching, like the breath of a great furnace.
"Where is your son?" Walder asked, staring at the glittering mountain of gold.
"Apollo!" Theon called toward the pile.
For two seconds, nothing stirred.
"Your Grace, your son's name is Apollo?" Walder said, trying to ease the awkwardness.
Then came a rumble. The golden mountain shifted, as if a beast were stirring beneath it.
Clink!
A single coin bounced to the ground at Walder's feet, and a massive dragon's head emerged from the glittering hoard.
Apollo rose, unfurling his body. The twenty-meter dragon towered above them, appearing before Selena in an instant.
He lowered his head carefully to her belly, his crimson-gold eyes fixed on her womb, sensing the blood of Theon within.
Theon clapped the stunned Walder on the back. "Father-in-law, allow me to introduce my firstborn, Apollo Greyjoy."
Only then did Walder find his voice. "Your Grace, your son is… formidable. He will surely fight for you in the future." He hesitated for a long moment before daring to say even that.
"Apollo," Theon said, "Selena will live here from now on. I'll have the Iron Guard build a house for her. Take good care of her, she is carrying your younger brother. Do you understand?"
Apollo nodded. "Don't worry, Father. I will take care of Mother."
Walder gasped. "Seven hells, you can speak!?"
Having entered his growth stage, Apollo had learned to talk, taught daily by the Iron Guard in both Westerosi and Valyrian tongues.
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