Maekar entered the room where his wife, Alicent, was engrossed in a book. He noticed the furrowed brow on her face, indicating deep thought. With a heavy sigh, he approached her, his expression a mix of weariness and indifference.

"Alicent," he said, his voice void of emotion. "I have some news to share with you."

Alicent looked up from her book, her eyes meeting Maekar's. She sensed the seriousness in his tone and put her book down, giving him her full attention. "What is it, Maekar? What has happened?"

"Lady Rhea Royce is dead," Maekar said bluntly. "She met with a tragic accident during a hunting trip."

Alicent's eyes widened in surprise, but there was no trace of sadness in her expression. Lady Rhea had never been a close confidante or friend, and her passing did not elicit any deep emotions from Alicent. Instead, she felt a sense of detachment, as if the news was merely a distant occurrence.

"How dreadful," Alicent responded, her voice devoid of sorrow. "A hunting accident, you say?"

"Yes," Maekar confirmed. "Her horse flung her off, and she suffered a fatal injury to her head and spine."

Alicent nodded, her mind already moving on to other matters. Lady Rhea's death held little significance for her or their lives. She was merely an acquaintance, someone they encountered at court functions and formal gatherings.

Maekar shared her thoughts, his gaze drifting away as his thoughts wandered elsewhere. Lady Rhea's death was a tragic event, but it held no personal impact on their them. They were entwined in the affairs of the kingdom, focused on their responsibilities and duties.

Neither Maekar nor Alicent would mourn Lady Rhea Royce's passing. They had no reason to. Their connection with her was distant, and the news of her demise was merely a fleeting moment in the grand tapestry of their lives. They would carry on, unaffected by the loss of someone they barely knew.

"I have taken the liberty of summoning Ser Criston," Alicent informed Maekar, the death of Lady Rhea already escaping her mind as she watched Maekar pick Moira and Rhaegar up from the sofa by the fireplace, both babies babbling away happily.

"And why is that, my love?" Maekar questioned, placing a kiss on Moira's and Rhaegar's cheeks, causing them to giggle as their father's beard tickled them.

Alicent smiled at the sight, continuing on as she placed her book down, "one of your little dragons have informed me that he broke his vows, he was the one that sullied Rhaenyra, not Daemon, you was right to give her the tea."

"So what now?" Maekar asked. "We make him squirm and then take his head?"

"No, I think we can find some use for him," Alicent smirked up at her husband.

"Ser Criston, Your Grace," said Alicent's handmaiden, bowing to them.

"That will be all," Alicent told the two wetnurses as Maekar handed them Moira and Rhaegar, giving his two kids a small wave.

Ser Criston walked in, bowing his head to the future King and Queen Consort.

"I fear my husband and I must question you on a, on a delicate matter, Ser Criston," Alicent said, her hands folded in front of her.

"I am your servant as always, my Prince, my Princess," Ser Criston bowed his head.

"It concerns our dear Princess Rhaenyra," said Alicent, looking at her hands. "Please," she motioned to chair in front of where she sat. Maekar sat beside her on one of the chairs.

Ser Criston bowed to both of them, pulling his sword out from it's scabbard and leaning it against the table before he sat

"You are her sworn protector and rightly loyal to her."

"I am."

"I'm sure you have heard the rumours by now of Rhaenyra's whereabouts the other night?" Alicent asked as she stood up, facing the Knight. "There's been a rumor... or rather, my father and husband received an accounting of... a lapse of morals that may have occurred between-- It is, of course, unthinkable for me to question the virtue of the Princess, whom I hold in highest regard, but, I-I, I did, however, wonder if... I'm not unaware that in flush of youth... there may be errors made..." Alicent sighed, and Maekar placed a hand on her back to comfort her. "Breaches in resolve, breaches, or rather lapses--"

"It happened, Princess," Maekar and Alicent both pretended to freeze, before slowly turning their heads to wear Ser Criston sat. "The sin you allude to, I have committed it. At her instigation, it is true, but that should-- It is no excuse. My oath has been broken. I have dishonored myself. I deserve no consideration," Ser Criston stood slowly. "But if... as a clement future King and Queen, you are inclined to pity... I would ask only this... that rather than gelding me and having me tortured... you would sentence me, mercifully to death."

"Thank you for your honesty, Ser Criston," Maekar spoke for the first time since Ser Criston entered the room. "You may go."

Ser Criston bowed his head respectfully before sheathing his sword and exiting the room. Alicent and Maekar exchanged a glance, their expressions filled with a mix of sadness and concern.

"Such a confession," Alicent whispered softly, her voice filled with sympathy. "To be burdened with such guilt, it must weigh heavily on him."

Maekar nodded, his eyes fixed on the door where Ser Criston had just left. "Indeed, it takes great courage to admit one's mistakes and face the consequences."

They both sat in silence for a moment, contemplating the gravity of the situation. The delicate matter concerning Rhaenyra had taken an unexpected turn, and they knew they had a difficult decision to make.

"We must consider our next steps carefully," Alicent said, her voice filled with determination. "The honor of the crown and the well-being of our family depend on it."

Maekar placed a comforting hand on Alicent's back, offering her strength and support. "You and I will make sure our bloodline will rule the Kingdoms for hundreds of years."

Alicent nodded, wrapping her arms around him.

—————

Alicent took a deep breath as she approached Rhaenyra's chambers, her heart filled with conflicting emotions. She had come to congratulate her on her upcoming wedding to Ser Laenor, but there was a bitterness within her that she couldn't fully suppress. The rumors and the delicate matter involving Daemon and now Ser Criston still lingered in her mind, and she couldn't resist the urge to voice her concerns.

As she entered the room, Alicent saw Rhaenyra sitting at her vanity, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the candles.

"Leave us," Alicent ordered her handmaidens. They bowed to the two Princess' before leaving.

"Congratulations, Rhaenyra," Alicent said, her voice laced with an underlying tone. "It seems that you have found yourself a suitable match in Ser Laenor. May your union bring you happiness and prosperity."

Rhaenyra turned to face her sister-in-law, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. "Thank you, Alicent," she replied, her voice filled with a hint of caution. "I appreciate your kind words."

"I hope, my dear sister, that the rumors surrounding Ser Criston and his loyalty to your cause are nothing more than idle talk," Alicent said, her tone carefully chosen. "It would be a shame if such whispers tarnished the honor and reputation of our great House."

Rhaenyra's eyes narrowed, a sudden coldness replacing the warmth in her gaze. "Oh, Alicent," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I assure you, the rumors were nothing more than baseless fabrications. Ser Criston is loyal to me."

Alicent's eyes widened as Rhaenyra's words hit her like a slap in the face. She could sense the tension rising in the room, but she couldn't back down now.

"Is that so?" Alicent retorted, her voice growing colder. "It's interesting how rumors can spread so easily, isn't it? Especially when it concerns the loyalty of certain individuals within our family."

Rhaenyra's face hardened, and a dangerous glint appeared in her eyes. "Yes, Alicent," she replied, her voice low and menacing. "Rumors can be quite damaging, can't they? Especially when they involve the legitimacy of one's own kin."

Alicent's heart skipped a beat as Rhaenyra's threat hung in the air.

"Be careful, Rhaenyra," Alicent whispered, her voice filled with a mix of anger and fear. "Threatening the lives of your own family is a dangerous game to play. Remember, we are bound by blood."

Rhaenyra stood up, her expression fierce and determined. "I assure you, Alicent," she replied, her voice filled with icy resolve. "I am well aware of the ties that bind us. And I will protect what is mine, no matter the cost."

With that, Alicent turned away from Rhaenyra, leaving both to grapple with their inner thoughts.

Maekar was getting ready for the wedding. He wore knee length black boots with all black leather breeches. Maekar was about to put on a red and black tunic long-sleeved tunic on when Alicent burst through the door, a look of anger and frustration on her face as her handmaidens followed.

"What's the matter?" Maekar asked her, placing the tunic down on the table as the handmaidens helped Alicent undress and enter the bath. "Alicent, we haven't got time for this."

"Your sister just threatened the lives and legitimacy of our children," Alicent seethed, gripping the edges of the tub tightly within her grasp. Maekar froze, his eyes wide with shock. "The green dress," Alicent ordered her handmaidens who rushed around their room getting stuff ready.

"You want us to declare war on my sister?" Maekar asked his wife softly. He knew that the colour green was the symbol of war for House Hightower, and when the beacon in Old Town shown green that it was time for war to begin.

"She does not get to threaten our children's lives and get away with it," and Maekar nodded, putting his black and red tunic away and getting out a green one that was decorated with golden embroidery. Maekar's silvery Targaryen hair was already braided into nineteen different braids. Maekar placed a kiss on Alicent's forehead, assuring her everything would be alright.

"It is with great pleasure that His Grace, King Viserys, announces the start of the royal wedding celebrations," Ser Harrold announced to the group of nobles. "Prince Maekar Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne, Khal of the Narrow Sea, King of the Stepstones and wielder of Blackfyre!" The Knight of the Kingsguard announced, pausing momentarily when he saw Alicent wasn't with him, and pausing even more when he noticed the Prince was dressed in green.

Murmurs broke out among the crowd at the Prince's choice of opting for the Hightower's symbol of war. Maekar kept his eyes locked on Rhaenyra, silently letting her know what she had done.

"House Lannister with their Lord, Jason Lannister, Lord Paramount of the West, and Master of Casterly Rock," Ser Harrold continued on as Maekar took his seat on the other side of his father, not glancing at Rhaenyra. "House Hightower with their Lord, Hobert Hightower. Beacon of the South, Defender of the Citadel, the Voice of Oldtown..."

Lord Hobert nodded to Maekar as he took his place.

"Congratulations, Your Grace," the voice of Lord Jason snapped Maekar of his conversation with his uncle-in-law. "You have made a fine match for the Princess."

"Thank you, Lord Jason," Rhaenyra spoke up when Viserys gave him an uncomfortable nod. "I could think of no better man than Ser Laenor."

"Well... if this is only the welcome feast," Lord Jason chuckled, eyeing the three members of the Royal Family. "I admit, I cannot imagine what you might have planned for the wedding."

"Well, my daughter is marrying the future Lord of one of the Crown's biggest allies, I wanted this to be a wedding for the histories," Viserys said uncomfortably.

"Where is the future Queen?" Lord Jason turned his attention to Maekar. "I had hoped to pay my respects."

"I understand the my wife is still readying herself for the celebrations," Maekar spoke, twirling a butter knife between his two pointer fingers.

"This is why men wage war... because women would never be ready for the battle in time," Lord Jason chuckled, getting an uncomfortable smile from Rhaenyra and Viserys.

"Your presence is always such a pleasure, Lord Jason," Maekar said sarcastically, although Lord Jason didn't catch it as he bowed. Maekar didn't involve himself in the conversation between Viserys and Lord Royce, it was a conversation that didn't interest him.

"Lord Corlys of House Velaryon, Lord of the Tides, Master of Driftmark and his lady wife, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, and their son and heir, Ser Laenor Velaryon," Ser Harrold announced, and Maekar watched in amusement as the family approached the table. Maekar knew of their true intentions behind the betrothal.

"My Betrothed," Ser Laenor greeted Rhaenyra with a kiss to her knuckles.

"My Betrothed," Rhaenyra greeted back. Applause rang out as the guests took their seats.

Viserys remained standing as he prepared to make a speech, but timing had different ideas as Daemon was the last to walk in, a smirk on his face as the crowd watched, whispering amongst themselves as he approached the royal table. Viserys nodded for a seat to be added to the end of the table next to Lord Strong, and Daemon bowed his head sarcastically in thanks.

"Shouldn't we wait for my wife?" Maekar whispered, gripping his father's wrist.

"There is no time, the guests are already seated," Viserys whispered back, shaking Maekar's hand off of him. "Be welcome, as we join together in celebration. Tonight is only its beginning. We honor the crown's oldest and fiercest ally, House Velaryon," Viserys announced to the gathered Lords and Ladies of the realm. "Reaching back to the days of Old Valyria and the Age of Dragons. With House Targaryen and H--"

Viserys cut himself when he caught Alicent standing in the doorway, like her husband, dressed in a green dress. Maekar stood hastily, walking around the table and through the walkway made by the separation of the tables, to his wife's side. The whole room stood up for their future King and Queen.

"The King will not be happy. Right in the midst of his speech," Ser Harwin muttered to his brother as the future King and Queen walked past them, both sending a look to the Hightower family.

"The beacon on the Hightower, do you know what color it glows when Oldtown calls its banners to war?" Larys asked his brother.

"Green," Harwin whispered back, watching the husband and wife, clad in the symbol of war, approach the royal table.

"Congratulations, sister," Alicent's smile was fake, as if the conversation they had merely an hour ago hadn't happened. "What a blessing this is for you," Alicent placed a kiss upon Maekar's cheek as he aided her to her seat.

"Please be seated," the room sat down once more, and Alicent and Maekar sent a look of passion to each other. "Where was I?" Viserys said softly after coughing.

"The joining of the two houses, Your Grace," Lord Strong muttered from the other side of Alicent.

"With House Targaryen and House Velaryon united, I hope to herald in a second Age of Dragons in Westeros," applause filled the air, all those except for A;cent and Maekar. "And after tonight's small affair..." laughter rang throughout the room. "Seven days of tournament and feasting. At the end of it all... a royal wedding... between my daughter, and Ser Laenor Velaryon,the heir to Driftmark," applause rang out again as Viserys ended his speech.

Dinner came and gone and before long the music started.

"Care to dance with me, my love?" Maekar asked his wife sweetly, holding out his hand for her. Alicent smiled fondly at him. Even after nearly three years of marriage to Maekar, Alicent managed to fall more and more in love with him each day. Alicent placed her hand in Maekar's, the anger and frustration from earlier momentarily disappearing as they moved gracefully onto the dance floor. The music filled the air, and they swayed to the rhythm, their bodies moving in perfect harmony.

They could feel the crowd watching on in awe, as if Maekar and Alicent's love story was a fairytale their wetnurses used to read to them as a babe about three handsome Prince sweeping the lovely Lady off of her feet.

As they danced, Alicent couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and comfort in Maekar's arms. Despite the tensions and conflicts that surrounded them, they always found solace in each other's presence.

"You look stunning tonight, my love," Maekar whispered, his voice filled with admiration. "The green dress suits you."

Alicent smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. "Thank you, Maekar," she replied, her voice soft. "I wanted us to make a statement tonight, to let Rhaenyra know that we will not be silenced."

Maekar nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "We will protect our children, Alicent," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "No matter the cost."

Alicent leaned her head against Maekar's chest, finding comfort in his words. They danced in silence for a while, lost in their own thoughts and emotions.

"I can't help but worry about the future," Alicent finally spoke, her voice filled with a mix of fear and uncertainty. "What will become of our family? Will we be torn apart by these conflicts?"

Maekar held her tighter, his grip reassuring. "We will face whatever comes our way, Alicent," he said, his voice steady. "We will stand united and protect each other."

Alicent looked up at Maekar, her eyes shining with love and determination. "I believe in us, Maekar," she said, her voice filled with unwavering faith. "No matter what challenges lie ahead, we will overcome them together."

Maekar smiled, his eyes reflecting the love and devotion he felt for her.

Alicent and Maekar bowed to one another as they finished. The crowd of nobles clapped their hands together appreciatively as the future King and Queen retook their seats, sending a glance of determination Rhaenyra's way as the future Lady of Driftmark sent a weary glance back.

When Ser Laenor and Rhaenyra went up to dance, the other nobles joined in as Alicent and Maekar walked towards Lord Hobert.

"Prince Maekar, Princess Alicent," Lord Hobert bowed his head respectfully to the future King and Queen and nephew-in-law and niece.

"We thank you for coming, uncle," Alicent smiled.

"I worried that given leave of your father's shadow, you might wither in King's Landing's sun," Maekar's gaze hardened at Lord Hobert's words directed towards his wife. "But you stood tall. Know that Oldtown stands with you, the both of you."

"And just like that, the day grows bloody and the marriage would be cursed before it began," Alicent spoke softly as Maekar guided her out of throne room, the sounds of people shouting and Ser Criston's armoured fist meeting Joffrey's skull filling their ears.