As Maekar slowly opened his eyes, the dim light filtering through the curtains of his chamber revealed the worried faces of his loved ones gathered around him. His wife, Alicent, sat by his side, her eyes filled with tears. Baelon and Moira, his children, stood solemnly nearby, while Visenya, sat on his other side, watched with a mix of concern and determination.

Weakly, Maekar's voice broke the silence, "What happened?"

"Don't strain yourself, my love," Alicent's voice broke as she hastily wiped away her tears.

At that moment, Otto, Maekar's father-in-law and Rhaegar burst into the room, soaked through due to the rain that was lashing down outside.

"Father!" Rhaegar exclaimed happily, rushing to stand beside Visenya.

"Otto, Rhaegar," Maekar greeted them with the ghost of a smile on his lips. "What brings you here in such terrible weather?"

"I've been to Storm's End, father," Rhaegar said, kneeling beside Visenya and reaching out to hold his hand. "I'm to marry the Lady Casandra now that you're awake."

"Casandra?" Maekar asked weakly, looking to his wife who wouldn't meet his eyes and Baelon who was nervously picking at the skin around his thumb, a nervous and bad habit he had picked up from his mother. "What of-?"

"Baelon ordered Rhaegar to Storm's End and form an alliance with Lord Borros and Visenya to Braavos," Moira cut in before her father could finish, her anger on full display as she glared at her older brother. "Visenya is to marry Lady Aalayna."

Maekar's eyes widened in disbelief and anger as he processed Moira's words. His gaze shifted to Baelon, his eldest son, who avoided his father's eyes, his face filled with guilt and defiance.

"You dared to make alliances without my permission?" Maekar's voice trembled with rage, his weakened body shaking with a mixture of pain and fury. "How could you act so recklessly, Baelon? Do you not understand the consequences of your actions?"

Baelon's jaw tensed, his expression hardening as he struggled to maintain his composure in the face of his father's anger. "Father, I... I thought I was doing what was best for our family," he stammered, his voice wavering. "I wanted to ensure our safety and secure powerful alliances, I couldn't let the Baratheon's fall into Rhaenyra's hands."

Maekar's anger flared, his voice growing louder and more forceful. "I had the Baratheon's under control and was this close to bringing the Tyrell's into the fold!" Maekar clenched his teeth. "You acted out of turn, Baelon! You disregarded my authority and put our family's name at risk," he thundered, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Did you not think of the consequences? Did you not think of the potential harm you could bring upon us?"

Baelon's defiance crumbled under the weight of his father's anger, tears welling up in his eyes. "I... I'm sorry, Father," he choked out, his voice filled with regret. "I only wanted to protect our family, to ensure our future."

Maekar's rage softened slightly as he looked into his son's tear-filled eyes, seeing a mix of fear, regret, and desperation. His voice softened, though still tinged with anger. "Baelon, I understand your intentions, but you must understand the importance of trust and unity within our family," he said, his voice filled with disappointment.

Baelon's shoulders slumped, his defiance replaced with remorse. "I... I didn't mean to cause harm, Father," he whispered, his voice filled with sorrow. "I will do whatever it takes to make amends and regain your trust."

Maekar's anger began to subside, replaced by a mix of exhaustion and concern. He reached out a trembling hand towards Baelon, his voice filled with a mixture of love and admonishment. "Baelon, we will address this in due time," he said, his voice weary but firm. "But right now, I need you to stand by my side and support me in my recovery. We will find a way to rectify the situation together."

Baelon nodded, his tears falling freely now, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Father. I'm sorry... I will support you."

"Now," Maekar breathed out, the moment of adrenaline that filled him dampening as the pain in his back returned. "What happened? Where's Aegon?"

With a heavy heart, Alicent began to recount the treacherous events that had unfolded. She spoke of Rhaenyra's betrayal, of the blade that had pierced Maekar's back, and of the devastating loss of their son, Aegon, in the violent confrontation.

Maekar's mind reeled with the weight of her words, the pain of betrayal and loss cutting deep. As the truth sank in, a fierce resolve ignited within him. The flames of vengeance flickered in his eyes, a silent promise to avenge his son and restore honor to his house.

The room fell into a heavy silence, the air thick with sorrow and determination. In that moment, Maekar Targaryen, bloodied but unbowed, vowed to rise from the ashes of betrayal and forge a path of retribution and justice.