𝐍𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐞 ~ A. Hightower

IX

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."