Eight months later
The halls of the Red Keep was filled with anticipation and nerves as Alicent prepared to give birth to their first child. The maidservants hurriedly moved about, ensuring that everything was in place for the event. Alicent's face was flushed with a mix of pain and excitement, her grip on her handmaidens hand tightening with each contraction.

Maekar who had been battling the war in the Stepstones had arrived in the early hours of the morning when he received word that his wife was to go into labour any day, and when he arrived, still covered in blood, dirt and ash from the war, both Viserys and Otto forced their son to bathe.

Outside the room, Maekar anxiously paced back and forth, his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced at his father, King Viserys, who stood beside him, his face etched with a mixture of concern and excitement. Ser Otto [stood beside them, his usually stern expression softened with worry.

"I can't bear this waiting," Maekar muttered, his voice filled with both joy and frustration. "I wish I could be in there with her."

King Viserys placed a reassuring hand on Maekar's shoulder. "I understand, my son," he said, his voice filled with empathy. "But it is the way of our customs. We must respect Alicent's privacy during this time."

Maekar nodded, his gaze fixed on the closed door. He could hear the muffled sounds of Alicent's pain, and it tore at his heart. He wanted nothing more than to be by her side, to offer her comfort and support.

Inside the room, Alicent gritted her teeth, her face damp with sweat. The maidservants offered words of encouragement, their gentle voices providing a small measure of comfort. Alicent's breathing grew heavier, and she let out a cry of pain as another contraction gripped her.

Meanwhile, Maekar's impatience grew with each passing moment. He knew that his duty as a husband was to be there for Alicent, to share in her pain and joy, but tradition dictated that he wait outside, along with their fathers.

As the minutes turned into what felt like hours, the tension in the room reached its peak. And then, finally, the cries of newborns pierced the air. The maidservants rushed out of the room, their faces beaming with joy.

Maekar's heart leaped into his throat as he saw the tears of happiness streaming down their faces. "Are they alright?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The maidservants nodded, their smiles widening. "Alicent has given birth to twin boys, my Prince," one of them said, her voice filled with awe. "They are healthy and strong."

Maekar jumped in the air happily. Relief washed over Maekar, and he couldn't help but let out a laugh of joy. He turned to his father and Ser Otto, his eyes shining with pride. "We have two sons," he said, his voice filled with wonder. Viserys pulled his son into a hug, putting as much as strength as he could with the rot slowly eating away at his health, before Ser Otto done the same.

Viserys and Otto exchanged proud glances before joining Maekar in his elation. The weight of the pregnancy was lifted, replaced by the joy of new life. They entered the room together, their smiles wide as they greeted Alicent and their newborn grandsons.

As Maekar held his sons for the first time, a surge of love and protectiveness flooded his heart. He marveled at their tiny features, their delicate fingers and toes, the tuft of hair that sat atop their heads. And in that moment, surrounded by his family, he knew that his life would never be the same again.

Alicent, exhausted but radiant, smiled up at Maekar, her eyes filled with pride and love. "They are perfect," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Maekar leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Alicent's forehead. "You were incredible, my love," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "I am so proud of you."

Viserys and Otto stood beside them, their faces filled with joy. Viserys placed a hand on Maekar's shoulder, his expression a mix of happiness and wisdom. "You have been blessed with two beautiful sons, two strong heirs," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "May they bring you joy and prosperity."

"Have you decided on names yet?" Otto asked, watching as Alicent she took her youngest son from their father, cradling the babe to her chest.

"Aegon," Maekar said, looking down at his eldest boy with pride. "Second of his name."

"And Baelon," Alicent softly, her eyes shining with pride as she looked towards her father. "If that is okay with you, father-in-law?"

"It is an honour," Viserys smiled widely, tears brimming his eyes as he patted Maekar's shoulder. "My father would be proud of the man you have become, Maekar, and even prouder to have a son named after him."

Otto nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on the twins in Maekar's arms. "Aegon and Baelon," he said, his voice tinged with emotion. "Strong names for strong boys."

Maekar looked down at his sons, his heart swelling with love. Aegon, the firstborn, had a tuft of silvery Targaryen hair and wide violet eyes that seemed to hold a spark of curiosity. Baelon, the younger twin, had a head of darker blonde, nearly brown curls that followed his mother yet the same violet eyes of a Targaryen.

As the family gathered around the bed, Maekar and Alicent introduced their sons to their grandparents. The room was filled with laughter as they celebrated the arrival of the newest members of House Targaryen. All of a sudden Rhaenyra and Visenya burst into the room, quickly followed by Visenya's children, Tommen and Myrcella.

Viserys and Otto glared at the two Princess' as they caught their breathes, but when they realised neither babe cried at the loud noise, their glares softened.

"We just heard," Visenya panted, holding a hand to her chest as she leaned against the stone wall for support.

"What wonderful news!" Rhaenyra exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "Congratulations, brother!"

Maekar smiled warmly at his sisters, happy at his sister. "Thank you, Rhaenyra, Visenya."

Visenya rushed forward to hug her brother, her children following closely behind. "We could not miss the chance to meet our new nephews," she said, her voice filled with affection. "They are absolutely precious."

Tommen and Myrcella gazed at the twins in awe, their young faces filled with wonder. "Can we hold them, Uncle Maekar?" Tommen asked eagerly.

Maekar chuckled and nodded. "Of course, my dear nephew. But be gentle, they are still very delicate."

Carefully, Tommen and Myrcella took turns holding the newborns, their eyes wide with amazement. The family watched on proudly.

Two years later
The war in the Stepstones raged on, and just like that Aegon's and Baelon's second nameday was already fast approaching. Maekar having taken leave from the war for the third time to be with his wife and children, landed in the capital on the morning of the celebrations.

"Welcome back, my Prince," Ser Harrold, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard was the first to greet the heir to the Iron Throne along with a small host of Targaryen foot soldiers. "I trust the war is going well?"

"If only," Maekar replied, biting his lip to refrain from his true emotions showing through. As he led the small host of men through the streets of King's Landing, he waved at the common folk who welcomed the Prince back with cheers and praise. If only Vaemond Velaryon shared their joy of the Prince taking leave.

While Lord Corlys, his son Ser Laenor and Prince Daemon who had joined the fight, were happy to let Maekar go home and celebrate his son's nameday, Ser Vaemond seethed with rage. He couldn't ignore the discontent emanating from Ser Vaemond, who seemed to seethe with rage at Maekar's decision to take leave from the war.

Maekar understood Ser Vaemond's frustration. The war in the Stepstones was far from over, and every soldier's contribution was crucial, but as a father, Maekar couldn't bear to miss his son's second nameday celebration.

"Family and duty were in constant conflict, and sometimes difficult choices have to be made," his father would tell him when he was younger.

Deep down, Maekar wished the war was going better. He longed for peace and stability for the entire realm. The Stepstones conflict had taken its toll, both in terms of lives lost and the strain it put on relationships.

As he reached the Red Keep, Maekar's mind was filled with a mix of emotions. He was eager to embrace his wife and children, to share in the joy of their celebration, but a part of him couldn't shake off the weight of responsibility and the guilt of leaving the war behind, even temporarily.

Yet as he reached the courtyard and saw Aegon in the arms of Alicent and Baelon in the arms of his Aunt Visenya, Tommen and Myrcella stood in front of their mother and Maekar's father, King Viserys stood between them, Maekar knew he made the right decision.

It had been over seven months since Maekar last saw his family, and his boys had grown as did his niece and nephew, and Alicent was pregnant once more and eager to welcome their third child into the world as she was seven months along, as was Visenya who was eight months pregnant with hers and Ser Martyn's third child after another three stillborn births.

"It is good to see you all," Maekar said, relief on his face as he took in their faces. He ruffled Tommen's and Myrcella's hair, kissed his sister on the cheek and embraced his father with a strong hug before taking Baelor from his sister's arms as he turned to his wife. "I have missed you, my love," he said sincerely, holding a hand to her swelling belly as they held their two sons.

"And I have missed you, my beloved," Alicent said fondly, smiling when Maekar leaned down to softly kiss her.

"How sweet," Viserys smiled, ruffling Tommen's hair when a disgusted sound left his lips. Maekar chuckled at the interaction, amused by his nephew's reaction.

"Come on, Tommen," Maekar said with a playful tone. "I am just trying to show my beautiful wife is just trying to show some affection."

Tommen scrunched up his face, trying to rid his hair of Viserys' touch. "Well, you could show it in a less gross way," he retorted, earning laughter from everyone in the courtyard. Myrcella joined in the laughter, finding her brother's reaction quite entertaining.

Alicent glanced at her husband, a loving smile on her face, before looking back at her nephew. "You always know how to make us laugh, Tommen," she said, patting his cheek gently.

Maekar raised an eyebrow at Tommen's comment, pretending to be offended. "I'll have you know, young man, that my affection is highly sought after," he said, exaggerating a hurt expression.

Visenya laughed, shaking her head as she placed her hand on her son's shoulder. "Let's not tease Uncle Maekar too much, Tommen. After all, he is the King's Heir."

Tommen rolled his eyes playfully. "Fine, but only because he's the future King."

The courtyard filled with laughter and joyful banter as the family reunited, grateful to be together once again.

A small crowd gathered in the chambers for Maekar's sons. Maekar greeted the Lords and Ladies with a charming smile, after making sure Alicent was seated and content before joining his father, who was holding Aegon while Maekar took Baelon out of Ser Gwayne's arms.

"He has your hair, my Prince," a Lord told Maekar, looking at Aegon.

"He does have my hair," Maekar agreed.

"He has your eyes, my Prince," another told him.

"Yes, he does," Maekar scoffed quietly. It seemed despite being Baelon's second nameday too, the Lords and Ladies would rather pay attention to Aegon than both his children. Maekar wasn't stupid, he heard the rumours that followed his second born son. How Maekar had bedded Alicent's handmaiden and they disguised the babe as Alicent's.

Maekar didn't know who started that rumour and he hoped he never would, for he vowed to do unspeakable things to them.

"And you both have your father's nose, don't you?" Viserys asked both his grandsons, which Maekar was thankful for as more people started paying attention to Baelon. Maekar handed Baelon to Alicent, leaving a lingering kiss on her forehead as he excused himself.

"Lord Hobert, Ser Otto," Maekar greeted his wife's uncle and father with a respectful nod.

"Prince Maekar, it's good to see you," Lord Hobert smiled. He had always been fond of the young Prince and had pushed for a match to be made between Alicent and Maekar for a long time. "I was just saying to Otto now how Aegon is two years old and already our boy has a kingly presence."

"I'm afraid the women may never leave him be," Maekar joked, getting a laugh out of Lord Hobert and a brief smile from Otto.

"I'm briefly reminded of the first time King Jaehaerys presented you to the realm and how the women couldn't get enough of you either," Lord Hobert smiled fondly at the thought of the Old King. "Queen Alysanne nearly had your grandfather's head when Prince Baelon tried to promise you to Lady Jeyne Arryn at four days old."

"And for that I am thankful for my dear great-grandmother, for without her I would not be married to your wonderful niece," Lord Hobert and Ser Otto smiled fondly at the boy, thanking the Gods that their Alicent had found a decent husband in the future King. "She has granted me two wonderful children and I imagine there will very more to come after the third."

"Aegon and Baelon are great boys, and will one day they will be great leaders," Otto smiled, looking at his grandsons from across the hall. "But this morning Aegon insisted on eating porridge with his hands, and Baelon was quick to follow his example."

The three men laughed.

"They will grow," Maekar assured. "We're quite a party assembled in his honour, I was expecting more close family, not the entire realm. And surely by the end of this hunt, we shall have more to celebrate."

"And what is that, pray tell," Lord Hobert asked his nephew-in-law.

"Though Aegon may be my firstborn son I still haven't officially named my heir," Lord Hobert and Ser Otto looked hopeful, which made Maekar laugh. "Rest assured, my Lords, Aegon will be named my heir and your blood will be on the throne for generations to come."

"It is a great honour, Prince Maekar," said Ser Otto, bowing his head respectfully.

"You gave me the honour of marrying your daughter, Ser Otto," Maekar replied, resting his hand on his father-in-laws shoulder. "I can assure you I have no bastards running about who would try to usurp my children from their birthrights, however the same can't be said for..." Maekar trailed off, seeing Tyland Lannister enter the room.

"Excuse me, my Lords," Maekar bowed his head before heading in the direction of his father and Lord Tyland.

"I bring urgent news from the Stepstones," Maekar overheard Lord Tyland say to his father. "The Crabfeeder has dug in for siege on Bloodstone while his men sabotage our fleet under the cover of dark."

"Not today, Lord Tyland," Markar cut in, standing between his father and the Lord of Casterly Rock. "It is my son's nameday, let us enjoy the warm weather without the need for talk of war."

"My Prince, you should know better than anyone that the matter of the Stepstones is regrettably urgent," Lord Tyland tried to plead with him.

"It's been three years," Viserys said, embarrassing the Lord. "It can wait another three days."

"Come, eat. Fortify yourselves for the journey," Viserys offered, sending Maekar a look as he passed Aegon back to his father.

As Maekar sat down at the table with Alicent, he couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and contentment. He looked at his wife lovingly and asked, "How're you feeling, my love?"

Alicent smiled warmly at him and replied, "I'm feeling well, thank you. It's been a busy day, but seeing our sons laugh and play brings me so much happiness."

Maekar chuckled as he bounced Aegon and Baelon on his knees, their laughter filling the room. "They are growing so quickly," he remarked. "Before we know it, they will be leading the realm, just as their ancestors did."

Alicent nodded, her eyes filled with pride. "Indeed, they have the blood of Kings and Queens running through their veins. I have no doubt they will make us proud."

As Maekar and Alicent ate from the food around the table, Maekar couldn't help but steal glances at his wife.

"Have you seen Rhaenyra at all?" Maekar asked and he watched as Alicent's lips drew to a thin line. "What is it, Alicent?"

"I believe she's in the Godswood," Alivent replied with a frown. "We haven't spoke much these past years, I don't know what to do."

"I'm sorry, my love," Maekar matched her frown. Baelon and Aegon began to fuss in Maekar's arms, reaching for their mother. "See, my love, our sons can sense your sadness and want to offer you comfort."

"Such good boys," Alicent smiled as Maekar placed them on Alicent's lap, both twins resting their heads on Alicent's swelling belly. "I hope when you both grow up big and strong you'll remember to look after your poor mother."

Aegon and Baelon babbled at each other before nodding, causing their parents to laugh.

"Smart boys," Maekar praised, ruffling their hair. As he went to place a kiss on Alicent's lips, his father's shout momentarily halted his movements.

"Can someone tell me where in the Seven Hells Rhaenyra might be?!"