In the dimly lit room of Rhaenyra and Daemon, tension hung heavy in the air. The news of Maekar's return to the capital had reached them, setting their minds ablaze with paranoia and uncertainty. They paced back and forth, their thoughts racing as they tried to make sense of the situation.

Rhaenyra's voice trembled with a mixture of fear and frustration. "Why would Maekar suddenly return? Does he know everything? Is he here to expose our plans?" Her mind was flooded with wild theories, each one more terrifying than the last.

Daemon, equally agitated, added fuel to the fire. "Perhaps he has discovered our true intentions," he suggested, his voice filled with a mixture of suspicion and desperation. "Maybe he has uncovered the extent of our manipulation and is here to confront us."

As they spiraled into a frenzy of accusations and doubts, their focus shifted from the external threats to each other. Rhaenyra's eyes narrowed as she fixed her gaze on Daemon. "Could it be that you have betrayed me?" she accused, her voice laced with a mix of anger and suspicion. "Have you shared our plans with Maekar, hoping to save yourself at my expense?"

Daemon's face contorted with disbelief. "How dare you accuse me?" he shot back, his voice rising with indignation. "I have been loyal to you from the beginning. It is you who has been reckless and careless in your pursuit of power."

Realising their accusations were driving them further apart, Rhaenyra and Daemon paused for a moment, their eyes meeting in a shared realisation. It wasn't each other they should be blaming—it was someone closer to Maekar, someone they had wearily trusted implicitly to look sane and upstanding.

As the truth began to dawn on them, Rhaenyra's voice quivered with a mix of shock and betrayal. "It must be one of the council members," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Someone who has been working against us in secret, feeding information to Maekar."

Daemon's eyes widened, his face pale with the weight of the revelation. "And who among the council has had the most access to our plans?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of anger and realisation.

Rhaenyra's voice trembled as she spoke the name that had suddenly come to the forefront of her mind. "Otto," she said, her tone heavy with a mix of grief and anger. "It must be Ser Otto. He has been close to Maekar for years, he's Alicent's father, and he has always held a grudge against you and our family."

Daemon nodded, his expression hardened with determination. "We must confront him," he declared, his voice firm. "We cannot allow his treachery to go unpunished. He has betrayed us and jeopardised everything we have worked for."

As the weight of their realisation settled upon them, Daemon understood the delicate nature of their situation. However, convincing Rhaenyra to exercise caution and restraint would prove to be a far more challenging task. The Targaryen madness, known to afflict some members of their family, had taken hold of Rhaenyra, making her impulsive and prone to rash decisions.

Daemon approached Rhaenyra cautiously, knowing that his words needed to be persuasive and compelling. "We must be careful with Otto," he began, his voice measured and deliberate. "Taking his head for treason now will only draw unwanted attention and suspicion. Maekar's spies are still lurking in the shadows, waiting for any sign of weakness."

Rhaenyra's eyes blazed with a mix of defiance and anger. "I will not be dictated by fear or the whispers of spies," she declared, her voice filled with conviction. "We must strike swiftly and decisively. Otto's treason cannot go unpunished."

Daemon sighed, realising the extent of the challenge he faced. He knew that reasoning with Rhaenyra in her current state would be an uphill battle. He needed to find a way to appeal to her sense of duty and responsibility without triggering her volatile nature.

"Rhaenyra, I understand your anger and desire for justice," Daemon said, his tone soft yet firm. "But we must consider the consequences of our actions. If we act impulsively, Maekar's allies will see it as a sign of weakness. We need to gather evidence, build a solid case against Otto that will leave no room for doubt. Only then can we strike with confidence."

Rhaenyra's gaze hardened, but a flicker of doubt crossed her features. The madness within her wrestled with the logic and reason Daemon presented. She knew deep down that he was right, but her impulses and anger threatened to consume her.

"Daemon, I cannot ignore the fire that burns within me," she admitted, her voice tinged with both vulnerability and determination. "But I will heed your counsel. We shall gather the evidence and build a case against Otto, but know this, if he shows the slightest hint of betrayal, I will not hesitate to strike him down."

Daemon nodded, relieved that he had made some progress in tempering Rhaenyra's resolve.

—————

In the chambers that originally housed Alicent and Maekar so long ago, the morning sun cast a warm glow, illuminating the room as Alicent's handmaidens diligently attended to her. They carefully arranged her hair, weaving intricate braids adorned with delicate dragon-shaped hairpins. Alicent sat patiently, her eyes focused on her reflection in the ornate mirror before her.

Her crimson dress with black dragon embroidery lay draped across a nearby chair, waiting to be donned. The embroidery was a symbol of her loyalty and love for Maekar, a show of their united front in the face of the turmoil that threatened the Targaryen dynasty.

Across the room, Maekar stood tall and composed, his attire exuding strength and authority. The black knee-length boots, woolen breeches, and long-sleeved silk tunic with red Targaryen sigil embroidery adorned his figure. The ancestral sword, Blackfyre, rested comfortably at his side, a reminder of his heritage and the weight of responsibility he carried.

As Alicent's handmaidens continued their tasks, Maekar approached her, his gaze meeting hers in the reflection. They exchanged a knowing look, understanding the gravity of the situation they found themselves in. The previous night's revelations about Rhaenyra's betrayal and Viserys' declining health weighed heavily on their minds.

"We must tread carefully, my love," Maekar spoke in a low and measured tone, ensuring their conversation remained private. "Rhaenyra's thirst for power knows no bounds. We cannot underestimate her determination to claim the throne."

Alicent nodded, her voice filled with a mix of determination and concern. "I fear for the realm, Maekar. Rhaenyra's actions threaten to tear our family apart."

Maekar's eyes flashed with resolve as he tightened the straps of Blackfyre around his waist. "Indeed, my love."

Alicent's handmaidens exchanged glances, understanding the importance of the conversation taking place before them. They continued their tasks diligently, ensuring that every strand of Alicent's hair was perfectly in place, every thread of embroidery flawlessly aligned. As Alicent and Maekar discussed their plans, they knew that they could speak freely in the presence of Alicent's trusted handmaidens.

With a final touch to her hair, Alicent rose from her seat, her eyes meeting Maekar's in the mirror once more. They shared a silent understanding and a determination to forge ahead.

As Alicent's handmaidens finished preparing her hair, she turned her attention to the dress laid out for her. The vibrant red fabric adorned with intricate black dragon embroidery was a testament to her loyalty and love for Maekar. With graceful movements, she slipped into the dress, the fabric cascading around her figure.

Once dressed, Alicent turned to the nearby vanity, where her jewelry awaited her. She carefully selected a simple gold ring adorned with a dazzling diamond, a symbol of her union with Maekar. As she slid it onto her finger, a smile graced her lips, remembering the day Maekar had presented her with the ring, a token of his affection and commitment.

But it was the diamond encrusted tiara that held a special place in Alicent's heart. It had been a gift from Maekar when they first started courting, a symbol of his devotion and the promise of a shared future. As she placed the tiara on her head, its intricate design shimmering in the morning light, memories of their early days together flooded her mind.

Just as Alicent settled the tiara in place, Maekar approached her, a mixture of pride and adoration in his eyes. He gently lifted the tiara from her head, his fingers grazing against her skin, causing a shiver of anticipation to race through her. With a tender smile, he carefully placed the tiara back in its rightful position, securing it with utmost care.

Their eyes locked, the intensity of their connection unspoken yet palpable. In that moment, they shared a passion-filled kiss, a reminder of the love that bound them together amidst the chaos that surrounded their family.

As they broke apart, a sense of purpose settled over them. It was time to face the challenges that awaited them. Alicent and Maekar made their way to the to the hall outside the throne room, where their two eldest sons, Aegon and Baelon, Evelyn and Visenya awaited them. The young boys, showing the weight of their responsibility, had their own swords strapped around their waists, emblems of their growing strength and commitment to the Targaryen cause.

Maekar nodded to the two Kingsguard on the door. The throne room fell silent as their eyes landed on the heir and his family. The court broke into murmurs as Rhaenyra paled at the sight of her brother and his wife and children.

"Prince Maekar of House Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne, Khal of the Narrow Sea, King of the Stepstones and wielder of Blackfyre!" Ser Harrold shouted, his voice wavering at the sight of the King. He had already chosen his side, and it wasn't the rightful rulers. "With his wife, the future Queen Consort, Lady Alicent of House Hightower, and their children Prince Aegon, Prince Baelon and his wife, Lady Evelyn of House Stark, and Princess Visenya of House Targaryen."

Maekar and Alicent walked down the steps of the throne room, flanked by their three children. They stopped before the Iron Throne where Ser Otto sat, having began the petition for Driftmark in Maekar's absence.

"What're you doing here?" Rhaenyra hissed, grabbing her brother's wrist before he could climb the steps and sit upon the throne she so desperately wanted. Maekar sent a cruel smile her way.

"Reclaiming what's mine, by Fire and Blood if I have to."