"What's the matter?" Maekar asked when Rhaegar and Moira were dragged in front of the Small Council. Viserys had been feeling too weak that day to attend, so Maekar took his place at the head of the table. Maekar dismissed his Lords and the Grand Maester, glaring furiously at the Dragonkeeper who held a tight grip on his children's arms.

"They were found in the depths of the Dragonpit, my Prince," the Dragonkeeper said in High Valyrian, shoving the two children forward. Maekar inspected his two children, seeing their faces and clothes coated with ash and dirt. "I took them to see the Princess Alicent, but was told to bring them here."

"Are you hurt?" Maekar asked his two children.

"I have a bruise on my arm from his needless dragging," Moira spat, glaring at the Dragonkeeper.

Maekar's eyes narrowed on the man, before turning to Ser Harrold. "Take this man to the Black Cells, Ser Harrold, he harmed the Princess."

"My Prince?" Ser Harrold hesitated.

"Take him to the Black Cells, Ser Harrold, it's an order," Maekar repeated. "I wish to have his head on a spike before the sun sets," Ser Harrold bowed and together he and two members of Maekar's Dothraki dragged the Dragonkeeper out of the Small Council chambers.

"Why was you down there in the first place?" Maekar's cold tone was replaced by a softer one as he walked around the table and knelt before his two children. Maekar noticed Rhaegar's quietness and the tear stains that marked his cheeks. "I'm not angry, my boy, I just wish to know what happened."

"Lucerys and Jacaerys played a joke on me for not having my own dragon," Rhaegar spoke in a downtrodden tone. He began biting around the skin of his thumb, a habit, it seemed, that he picked up from his mother. "They brought in a pig with wings. They called it The Pink Dread."

"Is this true, Moira?" Maekar asked his eldest daughter, his anger bubbling beneath the surface. It hadn't even been two hours ago since himself and Alicent bickered with Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor about Jacaerys and Lucerys breaking Aegon's ribs, and now this had happened.

"Yes, father, they were being horrible to him," Moira admitted straight away. "Baelon and I tried to stop them, but they continued."

"And what of Aegon?" Maekar enquired about his eldest child.

"He just laughed along with them," Rhaegar said tearfully.

"I promise you, Rhaegar, that one day you will have your own dragon," Maekar said comfortingly, wiping away his youngest son's tears. "But until that day do not go wondering into the depths of the Dragonpit," Maekar decided to crack a joke. "Your mother and I can't handle that fear it in our old age," in truth Alicent was only twenty and six and Maekar was thirty and three, but it made his two children laugh and that's all that mattered.

"But you're never afraid of anything," said Moira with her childlike innocence. It was hard to remember she was only ten at times.

"That's not true, I fear for you and your mother everyday," said Maekar, and he hid his smirk well as his two children looked at him confused. "Because the tickle monster is always lurking!" He shouted, and Moira and Rhaegar laughed loudly as their father chased them out of the Small Council chambers.

"Run, Visenya, run!" The twins shouted in unison as they made it to Maegor's Holdfast, spotting their four year old sister being escorted back to her chambers by a member of Maekar's Dothraki. Maekar watched with a mix of amusement and pride as his two older children chased after their younger sister, Visenya. Their laughter echoed through the corridors of Maegor's Holdfast, momentarily dispelling the tension that had filled the Small Council chambers just moments ago.

As they reached Visenya, the Dothraki escort looked unsure of how to handle the situation. Maekar approached them, a warm smile on his face, and said, "It seems my children have taken it upon themselves to rescue their sister from any potential danger. Thank you for your assistance, but I believe they have it under control now."

The Dothraki nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, and left the siblings to their playful antics. Maekar watched as Rhaegar and Moira enveloped Visenya in a protective embrace, their laughter blending with their sister's giggles.

"Come, my little dragons," Maekar said, his voice filled with affection. "Let us return to our chambers and put an end to this eventful day, you all need baths before your mother throws a fit, but I also believe your mother has prepared a special treat for us."

The children's eyes lit up at the mention of a treat, and they eagerly followed their father, their steps filled with joy and excitement.

After their playful escapades, Maekar led his three children to the bathing chambers. The room was adorned with marble fixtures and warm, flickering candlelight. A large sunken bath awaited them, already filled with steaming water.

Visenya, being the youngest, was the first to be undressed and lowered into the bath. Her laughter filled the room as the warm water enveloped her small body. Rhaegar and Moira, still bubbling with energy, eagerly followed suit, shedding their dirty clothes and immersing themselves in the comforting embrace of the water.

Maekar smiled as he watched his children splash and play, their innocent joy a balm to his troubled heart. He took a nearby jug and poured water over their heads, causing shrieks of delight and splashing in response. The room echoed with their laughter, creating a symphony of happiness.

As the children played, Alicent entered the chamber with a tray of perfumed soaps and soft towels. Her eyes sparkled with love and warmth as she joined Maekar by the bath. Together, they gently washed and rinsed their children, their hands moving with practiced tenderness.

Once the bathing was complete, they wrapped each child in a fluffy towel and ushered them to a nearby changing area. Maekar and Alicent skillfully dressed the children in fresh, clean clothes, ensuring they were warm and comfortable.

With their children now ready, Maekar and Alicent led them to the family sitting room, where Aegon and Baelon were waiting. The room was adorned with plush furniture, a crackling fire in the hearth casting a warm glow over the space.

As the children entered, Aegon and Baelon rose from their seats, their faces lighting up with affection at the sight of their younger siblings. The siblings embraced, forming a circle of love and unity. They settled into their favorite spots, the room filled with the sounds of their excited chatter and laughter.

Maekar and Alicent joined them, taking their places among their children. The room was now a haven of familial warmth. Maekar's heart swelled with pride as he looked upon his children, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

"Tell us a story, Father!" Rhaegar exclaimed, his eyes shining with anticipation.

Maekar grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Ah, a story it shall be, my little dragons. How about the tale of the Valyrian hero who rode the largest dragon in all of the realm?"

The children leaned in closer, their imaginations ignited by their father's words. And as Maekar began to weave his tale, the room filled with wonder and enchantment. The laughter and joy continued to reverberate as Maekar would put on deep voices for Aegon the Conqueror, high pitched voices for Rhaenys and Visenya and then roar and flap his arms like a dragon for The Black Dread.

Despite all of Maekar's flaws and not-so-good characteristics, Maekar was a great father to his children, and Alicent had been thankful she had disobeyed her father all those years ago.

—————

Later that day, once the family had gone back to their own chambers and after Alicent and Maekar gave Aegon a stern talking to, Alicent and Maekar sat on the balcony of their chambers, soaking up the unusual quietness as Ser Criston stood with his back to them, insuring the future King and Queen that no harm would come to them unexpectedly.

"And then your father had the decency to tell me to not speak of it again!" Alicent complained aloud, talking of how she went to Viserys after the stunt Rhaenyra's boys pulled on Rhaegar. "Have we lost our sanity, my love? Do our senses lead us astray? Or is everyone else asleep, dreaming the same woolly dream?"

"My dear, you lost your sanity when you agreed to marry me," said Maekar, and Alicent fought the urge to giggle, yet ultimately failed as she hit Maekar playfully on the chest.

"This is a serious conversation, your charm and flirting can wait," Alicent playfully scolded her husband, her wine swirling around in her goblet as she continued on. "She expects everyone in the Red Keep to deny the truth our eyes can all plainly see, and the King, your father--"

"He knows," Maekar summarised, having had this conversation a million times over.

"Of course, he knows. Or did once," Alicent shrugged with a scoff, bringing the wine to her lips. "But has convinced himself otherwise. He'll do naught but make excuses for her as she plots to usurp you in the line of succession and kill our children."

And then there was that problem. Tyra, the whore Maekar used to enjoy before his marriage, had entered Rhaenyra's service as a wetnurse after Maekar had her son squire for one of the knights that lingered around the castle, and she overheard the words "usurp" and "brother" Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor spoke one night and went straight to Maekar and Alicent.

"The Princess Rhaenyra is brazen and relentless," Ser Criston spoke up when the husband and wife fell silent. "A spider who stings and sucks her prey dry. A spoiled cunt."

Maekar and Alicent's shot around fully in their seats, staring at the knight in shock.

"That was beneath me, Your Grace. I apologise.

—————

Maekar and Aegon stood atop the steps of the training yard beside their father/grandfather who was sat down and Lord Lyonel Strong, the four of them overseeing the Prince's training. Aegon, who was still nursing a painful wrist, opted to sit this one out.

"Soften your knees. Feet light," Ser Criston informed Rhaegar as he watched the third born Prince attack the dummy with a wooden sword. "Keep your feet light
and your hands heavy."

"This is the stuff, my boys, Lyonel," Viserys said happily glancing at the three of them. "Lads that learn together, train together... knock each other down, pick each other up. They will certainly form a lifelong bond, wouldn't you agree?"

Maekar nudged his eldest to talk. Despite their mutual dislike for the other side of the family, they had to keep appearances.

"Yes, grandsire, we're all very close friends," said Aegon unconvincingly.

"I thought I taught you to lie better than that," Maekar whispered, but Aegon could see his father wasn't angry, in fact, Maekar was grinning in amusement.

"I try," Aegon smiled. Maekar ruffled his hair, pulling his eldest child into an embrace.

"Don't stand too upright, my Prince. You'll get knocked down," Ser Criston advised Baelon who had just fighting Lucerys.

"I've won my first bout, Ser Criston," Rhaegar said, getting cocky when he saw Moira enter the training grounds, sitting atop of her grandfather's knee after greeting her father and eldest brother with a kiss on the cheek. "My opponent sues for mercy."

"Well, you'll have a new opponent then, My Lord of the Straw," Ser Criston jested loudly, and it got a giggle from Moira which made Rhaegar blush. "Let's see if you can touch me. You and your brother."

"This is pitiful," Moira said with a small laugh as she leaned on the stone wall. Baelon and Rhaegar in fact couldn't touch Ser Criston, who skilfully dodged and parried all of the Prince's attempts.

"You're gonna have to do better than that," Ser Criston grinned at them. "Especially if you want to impress the Princess," he winked at Rhaegar, who found a new serge of energy.

Baelon rushed to attack Ser Criston, who parried his blow and sent the boy flying behind him, patting him on the rear as he went. Rhaegar gripped the wooden sword tightly. Ser Criston and Rhaegar traded blow after blow, until Ser Criston allowed Rhaegar to hit him on the side.

The crowd that consisted of Rhaegar's older brothers, his father, his grandfather, the Hand of the King and his sister burst into cheers for the young boy's victory. Yet no one cheered louder than Moira who was smiling widely with excitement.

Maekar watched on as Ser Harwin and Ser Criston exchanged words before it appeared that Jacaerys would face Baelon.

"Second eldest son against eldest son," Ser Criston said, grabbing Jacaerys by the chest plate and pulling him forward.

"It's hardly a fair match," Ser Harwin commented on their height difference.

"I know you've never seen true battle, Ser, but when steel is drawn, a fair match isn't something anyone should expect," Ser Criston replied coldly, looking at the two younger boys. "Blades up. Engage," he ordered.

Baelon roared as he went straight on the attack, forcing Jacaerys to step backwards to defend until Baelon reached out shoved the bastard to the floor.

"Ow," Jacaerys grunted as he hit the floor. Baelon chuckled as he walked away, but quickly turned back around when Jacaerys got back to his feet and charged back at the older boy. Baelon was forced behind a dummy filled with hay, before pushing it over.

"Foul play," Ser Harwin stopped the fight.

"I'll deal with him," Ser Criston cut in quickly, placing his hand on Baelon's shoulder. "Plant your feet. You have a height advantage. Use it. Advance on him..." Ser Criston quietly whispered instructions.

"Close with him," Ser Criston barked instructions when the fight started again. "Press him backward! Close with him! Stay on the attack!" He continued, and Baelin followed his orders. "Use your feet!" Baelon stepped back before kicking out at Jacaerys, his foot jetting the younger boys chest which sent Jacaerys to the floor once more. "Don't let him get up!" Ser Criston ordered and Baelon continued until Ser Harwin grabbed the sword from the Prince's hand and dragged him back.

"You forget yourself, Strong. That is the Prince," Ser Criston commented as Rhaegar rushed to his brother's side, as did Aegon and Moira from the platform above. Baelor sat on the floor, caked in mud from where Ser Harwin pushed him over.

"This is what you teach, Cole?" Ser Harwin sneered at him. "Cruelty... to the weaker opponent?"

"Your interest in the princeling's training is quite unusual, Commander," replied Ser Criston with a jab of his own. "Most men would only have that kind of devotion toward a cousin... or a brother... or a son," he hinted, and that's when Ser Harwin snapped.

The Lord Commander of the City Watch dropped the wooden swords he collected and hit Ser Criston with a punch, then another, then another and then another until Ser Criston hit the floor and he still continued to punch.

Maekar rushed down from the platform and with the help of two members of the Kingsguard they wrestled Ser Harwin off and dragged him along until he was out of sight.

"Are you alright, Ser Criston?" Maekar asked, helping him stand.

"Fine, thank you, my Prince."