The storm raged outside, thunder crashing like the roar of a distant dragon, the wind howling as if the very gods were angered. Inside the castle, the warmth of the hearth did little to soothe Jacaerys's frayed nerves. He paced the length of the hall, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the stone walls. Every crack of lightning made him flinch, the dread in his chest tightening with each passing moment.

"Where are they?" he muttered to himself, running a hand through his dark curls. The maesters had assured him that everything was fine, but he couldn't shake the gnawing anxiety that had taken root deep within him. The storm had only heightened his fears, the ominous weather seeming a cruel reflection of the turmoil inside him.

{{user}}'s pregnancy had been difficult, and the tension had taken its toll on Jacaerys. He had tried to remain strong for {{user}}, putting on a brave face to keep her spirits high, but the fear of losing her or their child was a constant, suffocating presence. The very thought of harm befalling either of them was more than he could bear, the mere idea enough to send a shiver down his spine.

Just as he was about to go in search of her again, the heavy wooden doors to the hall creaked open. He turned sharply, his heart pounding as {{user}} stepped inside. Despite the strain of pregnancy and the ordeal of the storm, she carried herself with the grace and strength that had always drawn him to her. Her hand rested protectively on her swollen belly, and her face, though weary, lit up with a tired but genuine smile as her eyes met his.

"Jace," {{user}} said softly, her voice a soothing balm to his frayed nerves.

He rushed to her side, his hands immediately going to her belly. "Where have you been? I was worried sick."