A/n~ Alicent has clearly won the vote, so be prepared for a lot of Alicent lol.

The two months after Maekar was named heir, he spent at Dragonstone, overseeing his army of Dothraki move into what he called the Isle of Dragons, with the occasional visit to the Capital. The Isle of Dragons were a group of five islands a mile west of Dragonstone.

Maekar held half his fleet at Dragonstone with a small host of three hundred Dothraki screamers, while the rest of his large army and fleet were stationed in the Isle of Dragons. The Bay of Dragons which sat north of the isles had a harbour that could rival White Harbour and Driftmark, and the blacksmiths and farmers there could rival that of Kings Landing and the Free Cities.

"It's good to have you home, my boy," said Viserys when Maekar returned to the Red Keep with fifty of his men. Maekar knew that the inhabitants of Kings Landing were afraid of his Dothraki, but Maekar reassured his father in the council that his Dothraki weren't one to rape or pillage without Maekar's orders. "Come, we have much to discuss."

Maekar followed him to the small council chambers where he realised it was empty.

"Firstly," Viserys began when Maekar sat down on his left. "I wish to offer you a role on my council, I know you have a vast number of spies at your disposal, and I'd like to offer you a new role as Master of Whisperers."

"Thank you, father, it's an honour," Maekar bowed his head.

"The second matter is, we shall need to find you a bride," Maekar squirmed uncomfortably in the chair. "You are my heir, Maekar, I need you wed and with sons to strengthen our line before I go."

"But you are in good health, father," Maekar tried to reason.

"Yes, but I won't always be," Viserys sighed. The rest of the council started filing into the chamber. "Ladies of the realm begin to arrive in the capital as we speak, please try to find yourself a bride," Viserys begged.

"Wedding bells are in the air are they?" Visenya asked teasingly, kissing her brother and father on the cheek in greeting, sitting on Maekar's left and next to Lord Strong.

"Not if I can help it," Maekar groaned.

"Ser Ryam was a strong Lord Commander of the Kingsguard," the King began the meeting, the Lords and Lady bowing their heads in respect for the fallen. "But he was ill for some time."

Rhaenyra stood between her elder siblings, offering them wine. Both held their hands over their goblets, shaking their heads with a smile to show their thanks.

"He passed in peace, I hope," Viserys looked at Mellos.

"Yes, Your Grace, he was found to have passed gently in his sleep," Mellos reassured him. "His remains are being prepared by the Silent Sisters. The succeeding Lord Commander, Ser Harrold, would like to make haste in finding Ser Ryam's replacement on the Kingsguard."

"Your Grace. my Lords, my Lady. The Kingsguard must soon be restored to its full complement of seven," Ser Harrold began, stepping forward with the hand on the hilt of his sword. "With the help of the Hand, I've invited a number of fine candidates to court. All have passed fair trials."

"Four ships have now been lost," Lord Corlys walked in late to the council chambers. "The last one was flying my banner," he seethed.

"Lord Velaryon, we have talked about this," Visenya sighed, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. She had given birth two days ago to a stillborn daughter, and all though her father insisted she take some rest, Visenya insisted on attending council meetings. She turned to her father and the Hand with an apologetic expression. "The Stepstones have now grown into a conflagration, the Crabfeeder grows stronger everyday," the Lady of War informed them.

"Yet you sit here and dither about court business," Lord Corlys added in bitterly.

"If you've something to discuss, Lord Corlys--" Otto began.

"I want to know what is to be done about my ships and my men!" He cut him off angrily.

"The Crown will compensate you for your ship and crew, and make an offering to the men's families."

"The families will not care for your offerings, and Lord Corlys will not want our compensation," Maekar spoke up for the first time, looking at Otto who was sat directly across from him. "The Stepstones should be seized by force and we should burn out this Crabfeeder," Lord Corlys nodded approvingly at the heir.

"I am not prepared to start a war with the Free Cities," said Viserys, as calmly as ever as he stared between his two children and Lord Corlys,

"These pirates are not the Free Cities," said Lord Corlys.

"Who do you think provides them with their ships and tender?" asked Viserys, tilting his head to the side.

"Then I shall speak to the Free Cities, and beggar this Crabfeeder and his men until they die of starvation," Maekar suggested.

"And how would you do that, Prince Maekar?" The Lord Hand asked, afraid he already he knew the answer.

"When I became leader of my Khalasar at the age of fourteen, Lords and Magisters of the Free Cities, Yi-Ti, Ibben and more sent us gifts of horses, gold and food so we would not go and sack their great cities or rape their women," any man in the chamber would swear against it, but Ser Otto swore he saw a hint of madness in the young Prince's eyes. "I vowed never to partake in the one particular custom of fucking a woman against her wishes, but who am I to deny my men and I the great joy of sacking their great cities?"

"No!" Viserys said in outrage, slamming his fist into table.

"In all of its history, my lord, my Prince, the Seven Kingdoms have never entered open war with the Free Cities," Lord Beesbury spoke up, despite the heavy glare sent his way by the heir. "Were that to happen, the losses would be incalculable.

"What reason does the Crabfeeder have to fear us?" Lord Corlys asked the ageing Lord. At that moment the doors of the chamber burst open and a young sprinted through the doors, ignoring the shouts of the Kingsguard.

"Stand down," Maekar told them, holding his hand out. "What is it, little dragon?" The Lords, Visenya and Rhaenyra as Maekar bent down to the young boy's level, the boy whispering tales in his ear. They watched as Maekar seemed to grow angrier by the second, before patting the boy on the shoulder and sending him away five silver coins richer.

"Do you bring news, Master of Whisperers?" Ser Otto asked, almost smugly.

"It seems Prince Daemon has felt slighted by the King's decision to name me heir," Maekar spoke in a cold voice. "A a moon and half has passed and news have now reached me that Prince Daemon and his Gold Cloaks have taken over my home at Dragonstone, killing my men as they slept."

"See, the King's own brother has been allowed to seize Dragonstone and fortify it with an army of his gold cloaks," Lord Corlys scoffed. "Daemon has squatted there for over a month without even a protest from The Crown."

"I'll caution you, Lord Corlys," Ser Otto spoke up. "A seat at the King's table does not make you his equal."

"With all due respect, Ser Otto, fuck your caution," Maekar spat, gripping his chair so tight his knuckles turned white.

"Maekar!" Viserys scolded.

"Daemon has overthrown me at my door, killed good men-"

"Killed savages," Ser Otto cut him off.

"I will have your tongue!" Maekar roared.

"Sit down!" Viserys ordered his son. Maekar looked at him with disgust. "That's an order!" Maekar scoffed, showing his anger as he ripped the chair out from underneath the table and flung it into the wall behind him, sending it crashing to the floor in an incredible show of strength.

"I will take my leave and prepare my men to take back what is mine!" He jabbed himself in the chest. Before Viserys could protest, Maekar exited the chamber.

—————

"Lady Alicent Hightower, my Prince," Ser Steffon Darklyn announced. Alicent stepped through the door, seeing Maekar and his three Blood Riders she recognised from the shore stood around a map of Dragonstone.

"Leave us," Maekar said in Dothraki, the three men bowing their heads as they left. "Alicent, how are you?"

"I feel like I should be asking you that," Alicent smiled at how caring he was. "The realm could hear you shout at my father and the King."

"Your father can be quite the fool sometimes," Maekar said sarcastically, before throwing his hand over his mouth. "My apologies, Alicent."

Yet Alicent couldn't bring herself to care that Maekar had insulted her father. In fact, she let out an unladylike laugh that caused Maekar to grin too.

"When are you to return to Dragonstone?" Alicent asked once the laughter died down. The Hightower girl bit her lip, knowing the answer would only bring a sense of fear to the pit of her stomach.

"Unfortunately I must wait until my father allows," Maekar sighed, running his hands through his hair as he pulled out Alicent's chair for her, offering her to sit down.

"But surely he knows what a worthy fighter you are?" Alicent questioned, her ears burning red as Maekar helped tuck her chair under the table. "You are the Khal after all, would it not seem disrespectful?"

"My Blood Riders find it highly disrespectful that I am not allowed leave to retake my home," Maekar confirmed her thoughts. "I will leave on the morrow if I could."

Alicent nodded understandingly, her gaze fixed on the map before them. "I can only imagine the frustration you must feel, being kept from reclaiming your home," she sympathised. "But sometimes, patience is necessary in dealing with delicate matters such as these. It is important to consider the repercussions and potential consequences of our actions."

Maekar sighed, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and longing. "I understand the need for patience, Alicent. But Dragonstone is not just a home to me. It symbolises my heritage, the history of the Dragon. It is a place that holds great significance for my family. I cannot stand idly by while it remains under the control of those who have no rightful claim to it."

Alicent reached out and placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "I know how deeply Dragonstone means to you, Maekar. And I admire your unwavering determination to reclaim it. But we must also consider the larger picture. Your actions could have far-reaching consequences, not just for us, but for the realm as a whole. It is crucial to find the right balance between bravery and wisdom."

Maekar nodded, his gaze softening as he looked at Alicent. "You always have a way of bringing clarity to my thoughts, Alicent."

"Someone needs to bring some common sense into this friendship," Alicent lightly teased.

"Oh really?" Maekar grinned, standing up and motioning her forward. Alicent stood, brushing out the creases of her dress as she stood by Maekar. "Then how about you help plan my fight? My Blood Riders and I have only one solution in mind."

"You want my council?" Alicent asked in shock.

"You are the one that brings common sense into this friendship," Maekar teased, getting a playful eye roll from Alicent.

Maekar and Alicent sat side by side, their eyes fixed on the map of Dragonstone spread out before them. They were deep in discussion, going over various strategies and plans to reclaim the ancestral seat of House Targaryen.

"We could gather a small force and launch a surprise attack under the cover of darkness," Maekar suggested, tracing his finger along the coastline of Dragonstone. "If we catch them off guard, we might have a chance to take them by surprise and gain control."

Alicent nodded, considering the idea. "That could work, but you must also be mindful of the potential risks. Daemon has years on you, he knows Dragonstone well, he and the Gold Cloaks might be well-prepared and fortified. You need to ensure that you have enough manpower and resources to sustain a prolonged siege if necessary."

Maekar frowned, realising the challenge they would face.

Alicent leaned closer to the map, studying it intently. "Perhaps we could explore diplomatic options as well?" Alicent suggested, looking back at Maekar. "Surely not everyone is loyal to Daemon? We could try to establish alliances or sow seeds of discord among their ranks."

Maekar's eyes lit up with intrigue. "That is a clever idea. We might be able to turn them to our side. It could weaken the enemy's resolve and give us an advantage."

They continued brainstorming, considering every possible angle and scenario. Their discussions were filled with passion and determination, each suggestion met with thoughtful consideration.

In the end, they knew that their journey to reclaim Dragonstone would be challenging and fraught with danger. But together, they were a formidable force, their minds united in purpose and their hearts filled with the desire to restore their rightful legacy.

As Alicent and Maekar discussed their plans for reclaiming Dragonstone, their eyes met, and in that moment, a spark of passion and longing passed between them.

In that look, they saw not only a partner in the quest but also someone who understood and supported each other on a profound level. They had spent countless hours together, strategising and pouring over maps, but this shared moment held something more—something unspoken, yet palpable.

Their eyes lingered for a moment, speaking volumes in silence. It was a look that conveyed their unwavering commitment to each other and their cause. It revealed a depth of emotion that surpassed mere friendship or alliance.

In that brief exchange, they saw the reflection of their shared dreams and desires. It was a look that spoke of the sacrifices they were willing to make, the risks they were prepared to take, and the lengths they would go to see their plans through.

But amidst the passion and longing, there was also a sense of caution. They knew that their shared connection had the potential to complicate matters, to blur the lines between duty and personal feelings. So, for now, they locked away those emotions, channeling them into their plans and strategies.

But deep down, in the pits of their hearts, they knew that their bond was something special. It was a flame that burned brightly, waiting for the right moment to be acknowledged and embraced.

And as they continued their discussions, their hearts beating in sync with their ambitions, they held onto that shared look of passion and longing, knowing that the journey to reclaim Dragonstone would test their resolve, but also bring them closer together in ways they couldn't yet imagine.

As the evening drew to a close, Maekar and Alicent finalised their plans, ready to face whatever lay ahead. With unwavering determination and a shared vision, they were prepared to do whatever it took to reclaim Dragonstone and bring honor back to House Targaryen.

"When I become King, perhaps you should sit on my council," Maekar told her once the maps were put away and the sun was beginning to set over the ocean.

"Me? Don't jest, Maekar, a woman could never have a proper place at court," Alicent said dejectedly, picking at the skin around her thumb.

Maekar grabbed her hands, his rough, calloused ones around her own, stopping her from hurting herself.

"Listen to me, Alicent," Maekar said with a gentle yet firm tone. "You are not just any woman. You are strong, intelligent, and capable. Your place is wherever you choose it to be, and I believe that you have the potential to make a significant impact at court."

Alicent looked into Maekar's eyes, seeing the sincerity and belief in his words. A spark of hope ignited within her, pushing aside the doubts that had plagued her for so long.

"But the court is filled with politics and power struggles," she replied, her voice filled with uncertainty. "I fear I may not have the skills or experience to navigate such treacherous waters."

Maekar squeezed her hands reassuringly. "No one starts off with all the skills and experience, Alicent. But you have something far more valuable: a genuine desire to make a difference and a willingness to learn. With time and guidance, you will find your place and thrive."

Alicent's eyes welled up with tears, a mixture of gratitude and determination shining through. She had always felt like an outsider, never quite fitting into the traditional roles expected of her. But with Maekar by her side, she felt a surge of confidence she had never known before.

"Thank you, Maekar," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "I will do my best to prove myself worthy of your faith in me."

Maekar smiled warmly, his thumb gently wiping away a tear that escaped down Alicent's cheek. "You are already worthy, Alicent."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the ocean, Maekar and Alicent stood there, hands entwined.

"If you do not want a place on my council," Maekar added nervously as he held her hand. "Perhaps there is another way you could council me?"

"A-and what may that be?" Alicent stammered, her heart beat increasing rapidly.

"I want to ask your father if I may court you to be my wife, my Queen," Maekar said, his eyes searching hers for any hint of resentment. "But only if you would want that?"

Alicent's breath caught in her throat as Maekar's words sank in. The possibility of becoming his wife, his Queen, filled her with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She had never dared to dream of such a future, but now that it was within reach, she couldn't ignore the fluttering in her heart.

Tears of joy welled up in Alicent's eyes as she mustered the courage to respond. "Maekar, I... I would be honored to be your wife, your Queen," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "You have shown me a love and belief in myself that I never thought possible. I would not want it any other way."

Maekar's face lit up with a radiant smile, relief and happiness evident in his eyes. He gently brushed his thumb against her cheek, savoring the moment. "Alicent, you have brought light into my life, and I promise to cherish and protect you always."

In that moment, all doubts and fears melted away, replaced by a deep sense of trust and love.