𝐍𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐞 ~ A. Hightower

VII

"Let me help," Alicent Hightower said as she stood in the doorway of Maekar's room, watching him strap his black Targaryen armour on. The heir looked at Alicent as her fingers pulled the straps of his armour tighter.

"Come back to me," Alicent broke the silence after a moment had passed. "Please, Maekar, I am scared for you."

"There is no need to fear, sweet girl," Maekar cupped her face in his calloused hands. "I promise to you that I will be back once my Uncle Daemon and his Cloaks are dealt with and I up the defences around Dragonstone."

"I know you are a capable swordsman, Maekar, but I worry," Alicent chewed at her lip. "Your Uncle Daemon is not in the right mind."

Maekar looked into Alicent's eyes, his gaze filled with determination and reassurance. "I understand your concerns, sweet girl," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "But I cannot let fear guide my actions. I have a duty to protect my family and the people."

Alicent nodded, understanding the weight of Maekar's responsibilities. "I know," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "But promise me that you will be careful. Promise me that you will not take unnecessary risks."

Maekar smiled gently, his hand still caressing her cheek. "I promise, Alicent. I will not let my emotions cloud my judgment."

Alicent leaned into his touch, finding solace in his words. "Just remember," she said softly, her voice filled with love and concern, "you are not alone in this. We are in this together, and I will be here, waiting for you to return."

Maekar's eyes filled with gratitude as he kissed her forehead. "Thank you, my dear. Your support means the world to me."

As Maekar prepared to leave, Alicent held onto his arm, not wanting to let go. "Please," she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper, "promise me that you will come back to me."

Maekar's expression softened as he looked into her eyes. "I promise, Alicent. I will do everything in my power to return to you."

With one last embrace, Maekar left Alicent's side, ready to face the challenges ahead. Alicent watched him go, a mixture of fear and hope in her heart. She knew that their love would give him strength, but the uncertainty of the future still weighed heavily on her mind.

"I made you something," Alicent's voice trembled, causing Maekar to pause in his steps. Alicent held out a green silk ribbon. "Something that may motivate you," she tied the green silk ribbon around Maekar's wrist.

Maekar's eyes widened in surprise and joy as he looked at the green silk ribbon on his wrist. "Alicent, this is a precious gift," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. He held her hands tightly, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart. "And I will speak to your father about our marriage, sweet girl," he declared, his voice filled with determination. "I want nothing more than for you to be my Queen."

Alicent's eyes sparkled with happiness as she leaned into his touch. "Oh, Maekar," she whispered, her voice filled with love, "to be by your side as your Queen is all I have ever wanted."

Maekar gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his voice filled with tenderness. "And I promise, Alicent, that once this ordeal is over, we will make your dreams a reality."

Alicent smiled, her heart filled with hope for the future. "I believe in us, Maekar," she said softly.

Maekar kissed her forehead again, his lips lingering for a moment.

—————

Maekar arrived at Dragonstone just as Otto, Ser Harrold, Ser Criston, two Dragonkeepers and Otto's household guards made it to shore. Maekar landed Aegar on a hill, the white and gold dragon letting out a deafening roar as its rider slid down its wing.