The throne room of the Red Keep was filled with anticipation as Maekar, sat on a lesser chair at the back of the hall, holding court in the absence of his father, King Viserys, who was currently at Driftmark with Rhaenyra. Standing beside Maekar was Alicent, her hand upon his shoulder.

Three members of the Kingsguard, loyal and vigilant, stood in front, their presence a reminder of the authority and protection that the Targaryen dynasty commanded. The commoners approached cautiously, their problems and concerns weighing heavily on their hearts.

A middle-aged man, his face etched with worry, stepped forward. "Your Grace, my family's land has been seized unjustly by a powerful Lord. We have no means to reclaim what is rightfully ours. We beseech you for your assistance."

Maekar listened attentively, his brow furrowed with empathy. "Fear not, good sir. I shall investigate this matter personally and ensure that justice is served. No one should be deprived of their rightful lands. I will do everything in my power to rectify this situation and restore what has been taken from you. Speak the name of this Lord and I will have him dealt with within two days."

"Lord Samwell Tyrell, Your Grace," the middle-aged man stammered, as if talking badly of the Lord would see his head on a slab. Maekar nodded, letting the man go.

"Have word sent to your uncle, my dear," Maekar whispered to Alicent. She nodded, squeezing her husbands shoulder.

Another petitioner, a woman with a determined gaze, approached the makeshift throne. "Your Grace, the smallfolk in our village are suffering from a severe lack of food and resources. Winter is upon us, and without aid, many will not survive. We implore you to provide assistance."

Maekar's eyes and voice carried a sense of determination. "I hear your plea, and I understand the urgency of the situation. I will dispatch supplies and provisions to your village immediately. No one should go hungry, especially during these harsh winter months."

One by one, the commoners presented their grievances, and Maekar addressed each issue with compassion and resolve. Alicent, by his side, offered words of comfort and compassion, assuring the people that their concerns were heard and would be acted upon.

As the court session continued, Maekar's reputation as a just and fair ruler grew. The commoners saw in him a beacon of hope, a leader who cared for their well-being despite not yet wearing the crown. They began to believe that the future of Westeros was in capable hands.

Maekar knew that he wasn't yet the king, but he embraced the responsibility of holding court in his father's absence. He understood the importance of being a leader who listened to the needs of the people and worked tirelessly to address their concerns.

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"Did you know?" Maekar had his back facing the doorway to the balcony, looking out over the courtyard. Maekar turned around, leaning on the balcony for support and he saw Alicent standing in the doorway, looking tearful as she held Moira. "Do not lie to me, Maekar. You know what I'm talking about."

"Rhaenyra and her tea," Maekar said, crossing his arms over his chest. Alicent nodded. "Yes, I did," Alicent let out a shaky breath, holding her only daughter close to her.

"Why didn't you tell me? I thought we told each other everything," Alicent said sternly.

"My father swore me and Mellos to secrecy," Maekar explained. "I know it wasn't right, I should've told you straight away, and for that I'm sorry, but if too many ears heard that Rhaenyra had lost her maidenhead and was potentially pregnant it could ruin us."

Maekar's explanation hung heavy in the air, and Alicent struggled to find the right words to express her mix of emotions. She understood the importance of their family's reputation and the potential consequences of such a scandalous revelation. However, the weight of the secret had taken a toll on her trust in Maekar.

Tears welled up in Alicent's eyes as she held Moira even tighter, seeking solace in the presence of their daughter. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "I understand the need for secrecy, but it hurts, Maekar. We have always been each other's confidants, sharing everything. To be kept in the dark about something so significant... it feels like a betrayal."

Maekar's expression softened, remorse filling his eyes as he stepped closer to Alicent. He reached out a hand, the gesture laced with regret. "Alicent, my love, I never meant to hurt you. I was torn between protecting our family and keeping our trust intact. But I see now that I made a mistake. I should have trusted you enough to share this burden."

Alicent glanced at Maekar's outstretched hand, contemplating whether to take it or keep her distance. After a moment of internal struggle, she slowly extended her hand, allowing their fingers to intertwine. The warmth of their connection brought a flicker of hope amidst the lingering pain.

"I need you to promise me, Maekar," Alicent whispered, her voice filled with vulnerability. "Promise me that from now on, we will always be honest with each other, no matter how difficult the truth may be."

Maekar nodded, his gaze fixed on Alicent's tear-stained face. "I promise, Alicent. I will never withhold the truth from you again."

"How did you find out anyway?" Maekar asked, holding his wife and daughter tightly.

"I saw Larys Strong and he confirmed my suspicions, but I convinced him it was a lie," Alicent told him, and Maekar froze for a moment.

Maekar's grip tightened around Alicent and Moira as his mind raced to comprehend the revelation. The mention of Larys Strong sent a shiver down his spine. He had hoped that the truth would remain hidden, but now it seemed that someone outside their inner circle held knowledge of their secret.

"Larys Strong?" Maekar repeated, his voice laced with concern. "How did he come to know about this? And more importantly, why did you convince him that it was a lie?"

Alicent sighed, her voice heavy with exhaustion and worry. "I don't know how he found out, Maekar. Larys has his ways, and it seems he stumbled upon the truth. As for why I convinced him otherwise, I feared the consequences of the truth being exposed. Our family's reputation, our standing in the realm... it would all be at risk."

Maekar wasn't angry with her. He knew deep down she had done the right thing. But now it made them look suspicious. Maekar's brows furrowed, his mind grappling with the conflicting emotions within him. On one hand, he understood Alicent's reasoning and the need to protect their family. On the other hand, the realisation that Larys Strong held this secret sent a chill through his veins.

"We cannot underestimate Larys," Maekar said, his voice filled with a mix of caution and determination. "If he knows, there's a chance others may find out as well. We need to be prepared for any repercussions that may arise."

Alicent nodded, her expression mirroring his seriousness. "I understand, Maekar."

Maekar guided Alicent and his daughter out to the balcony, the sun warming their skin as they looked down at the courtyard just as the carriage carrying Viserys and Rhaenyra pulled in.

The husband and wife watched as Viserys stumbled down the steps, taking a minute to catch his breath before he collapsed to the floor, the Kingsguard and Lord Lyonel Strong rushing to his aid as Alicent and Maekar watched on.