A/n~ Why do I do this to myself...

Moments previously...
After Alicent had finished greeting the Lords and Ladies that arrived in the capital for the coronation of her husband, soon to be the official King Maekar Targaryen, first of his name, Alicent needed to visit the Maester. After kissing her children goodbye, Alicent gently knocked on the door to the Maester's quarters, hearing a faint 'come in' from the other side.

"Your Grace," Grand Maester Orwyle hurriedly got to his feet, bowing before the future Queen Consort. "How may I help you today?"

Alicent smiled warmly at the Grand Maester and took a seat across from him. "Thank you, Grand Maester Orwyle," she said with a polite nod. "I hope I am not disturbing you too much."

Grand Maester Orwyle waved his hand dismissively. "Not at all, Your Grace. It is my duty to assist you in any way I can. Please, tell me what brings you here today."

Alicent took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "Well, Grand Maester, I have reason to believe that I may be... with child."

The Grand Maester's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he quickly composed himself. "Oh, my apologies, Your Grace. That is indeed a matter of great significance. Have you been experiencing any symptoms?"

Alicent nodded, a mix of excitement and apprehension coursing through her. "Yes, I have been feeling quite nauseous lately, and my monthly courses have been... irregular. I fear I may be three months along already."

The Grand Maester's expression softened, and he reached for a parchment and quill. "I see. It is crucial to determine the exact stage of your pregnancy. I will need to conduct a thorough examination, if you agree."

Alicent nodded again, her nerves starting to settle. "Yes, please. I trust your expertise, Grand Maester. I need to know for certain."

Grand Maester Orwyle stood up and gestured for Alicent to follow him to the examination room. As they walked, he reassured her, "Fear not, Your Grace. We will get to the bottom of this, and I will provide you with all the necessary guidance and care."

Alicent found solace in his words and followed him into the room. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for whatever news awaited her. As the examination began, she couldn't help but wonder how this revelation would shape her future and that of the realm.

Grand Maester Orwyle carefully arranged his instruments on the table in his private laboratory. He had spent hours preparing for this moment, ensuring everything was in order for the examination. The room was filled with the scent of medicinal herbs and the soft glow of candlelight.

Alicent entered the room, her expression a mix of nervousness and anticipation. She wore a simple gown, her hands clasped together in front of her. Grand Maester Orwyle greeted her with a reassuring smile. "Your Grace, please have a seat. We shall begin the examination."

Alicent nodded, taking a seat on the cushioned chair next to the examination table. She glanced at the various vials and instruments, her curiosity piqued. "What do you need me to do, Grand Maester?"

Grand Maester Orwyle approached her, his demeanor calm and professional. "First, I will need to take a sample of your blood to determine certain levels and indicators. It will be a quick and painless process." He prepared a small needle and a vial, sterilising them meticulously.

Alicent extended her arm, offering it to the Grand Maester. She closed her eyes, feeling a slight prick as the needle entered her skin. She remained still, trusting the Grand Maester's expertise.

Once the blood sample was collected, Grand Maester Orwyle placed it carefully in a vial, labeling it with Alicent's name and the date. "Thank you, Your Grace. Now, I will need to examine your abdomen to check for any physical changes."

Alicent lifted her gown slightly, exposing her abdomen. Grand Maester Orwyle gently pressed his hands against her skin, feeling for any changes or abnormalities. His touch was gentle and professional, eliciting a sense of trust from Alicent.

After a few moments of examination, Grand Maester Orwyle stepped back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Your Grace, based on the initial examination, there are indications that you may indeed be with child. However, I must conduct further tests to confirm this."

Alicent's heart fluttered with anticipation. "Please, Grand Maester, do whatever is necessary to confirm the news. I long for the truth."

Grand Maester Orwyle nodded, appreciating Alicent's eagerness. "Very well, Your Grace. I will conduct additional tests and analyse the results meticulously. Please allow me some time. I will inform you as soon as I have the final findings."

Alicent nodded, a mix of hope and anxiety coursing through her veins. She trusted in the Grand Maester's expertise and knew that he would provide her with the most accurate information.

With a final nod, Grand Maester Orwyle bid Alicent farewell, leaving her alone in the examination room. Alicent took a deep breath, her mind filled with a whirlwind of emotions. She hoped and prayed that the results would confirm her deepest desire – the gift of motherhood once more.

As Alicent changed back into the gown of black and red she couldn't help but smile. Ever since the birth of her last grandchild she had wanted another baby. Aegon, Baelon, Moira and Rhaegar had all grown into the perfect young adults now, and Aegon and Baelon had their own children.

Of course, Visenya was only ten with her eleventh nameday fast approaching in a moons time, but the prospect of raising a child of her own again was so exciting to Alicent.

As Alicent walked to her chambers to share the potential good news with Maekar, she couldn't help but place her hands on her stomach. Alicent desperately hoped for another girl. She loved her boys so much, Baelon ever so slightly more as he resembled her in many ways, but a baby girl would give her the perfect family. Three boys and three girls and the perfect fairytale husband.

As she turned on the level to their chambers, the lack of guards on the door sent an anxious shiver down her spine. Ser, Criston and Ser Willis stood at the other end of the hall, bowing their heads respectfully when they saw the Queen.

Alicent smiled nervously to herself as she placed her hand on the handle of the door. She knew Maekar would be happy for a new child. She pushed the door open and her heart dropped. A blood curdling scream left Alicent's lips at the sight before.

The two Kingsguard that were stationed at the end of the hall rushed into the chambers, swearing when they saw the Crown Prince dead on the floor and the King with a dagger stuck in his back. They rushed forward and quickly assessed the situation, confirming the devastating truth to Alicent.

Ser Criston, his voice heavy with sorrow, approached Alicent and spoke softly, "Your Grace, I'm afraid Prince Aegon has passed. And the King... he is gravely injured. We must act swiftly."

Alicent's eyes widened in shock, her heart sinking even further. She clung to the hope that Maekar was only unconscious, but the reality was too painful to bear. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "No... Aegon, my sweet boy."

Alicent stumbled back, her hands flying to her mouth in horror. The sight of Aegon, her son, her eldest child, lying lifeless on the ground, sent waves of disbelief and anguish crashing over her. Tears streamed down her face as she fell to her knees beside him.

"No! Aegon!" Alicent choked out, her voice raw with grief. She reached out to touch him, her trembling hands hovering over his still form. "Please, no. Wake up, my sweet. This can't be happening."

The Kingsguard stood at the door, their faces stricken with shock and sorrow. Ser Criston, his voice filled with anguish, spoke softly, "Your Grace, I believe we know who did this."

Alicent's eyes were ablaze with fury as she turned to face them. "And who might that be, Ser Criston? And why wasn't they searched before they entered my husband's chambers?"

"Princess Rhaenyra was the only one present in the room with the Prince and the King," Ser Criston winced as Alicent got up from her knees, not caring she was covered in her son's blood. "We searched her in the cells, she must've been hiding the blade in her undergarments."

Alicent rushed forward and began attacking the Kingsguard member with slaps, punches and scratches. She screamed her voice hoarse as Ser Willis pulled the grief stricken woman away.

"I promise you, My Queen, that we will bring the traitors to justice," Ser Willis comforted her but it was no use. Alicent sunk to the floor again and cradled Aegon's head in her lap.

As the Kingsguard rushed out to fulfill their duty, Alicent remained by Aegon's side. Alicent's sobs echoed through the empty chambers, her heart shattered into a million pieces. She clung to her son's lifeless body, her grief consuming her. The future that had seemed so promising, so full of hope, now lay in ruins.

Ser Willis, standing beside Ser Criston, stepped forward and bowed his head respectfully. "Your Grace, I will fetch Grand Maester Orwyle immediately. He will provide the necessary medical assistance to the King."

Alicent nodded, her voice filled with determination through her grief. "Thank you, Ser Willis. Hurry."

With a swift nod, Ser Willis turned and rushed out of the chambers, his footsteps echoing down the hall. Alicent turned her attention back to Aegon, her hands trembling as she reached out to touch his pale face.

Ser Criston spoke softly, his voice filled with sympathy. He was knelt beside Maekar, insuring the King was still alive. "Your Grace, we will ensure that justice is served. Rhaenyra will be found and brought to account for this heinous act."

Alicent nodded, her gaze never leaving Maekar's unconscious form. "Find the truth and bring her straight to me. I wish to look into her eyes once more before I take her head."

Ser Criston placed a hand on Alicent's shoulder, offering her a sliver of comfort in her darkest hour. "We will do everything we can, Your Grace. You are not alone in this."

"Your Grace-!" The voice of Ser Arryck was heard down the hallway and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the scene in front of him. "God's be good," he swore, his eyes wide with fear.

"What is it?" Alicent asked, and Ser Arryck could see the tear stains on her face.

"My Queen, Ser Harrold Westerling betrayed the King, he freed Prince Daemon and the children and stole the Conqueror's crown with a handful of men," Alicent's eyes closed and her fists clenched around Aegon's doublet. "Ser Harrold was slain by myself, my Queen, but I'm afraid the traitors escaped on dragonback."

In the distance, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the halls as Ser Willis returned with Grand Maester Orwyle. Alicent looked up, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and desperation. The arrival of the Grand Maester brought a glimmer of possibility, a chance to save Maekar and bring some semblance of light back into their shattered lives.

As Grand Maester Orwyle approached, his expression grave, Alicent's voice trembled with a plea. "Save him, Grand Maester. Save my husband. Our family cannot bear any more loss."

Grand Maester Orwyle nodded, his hands steady and determined. "I will do my utmost, Your Grace. I will not rest until King Maekar is stabilised and on the path to recovery. Please have faith in me."

Alicent nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I trust you, Grand Maester. Please, save him."

The Grand Maester and the Kingsguard surrounded Maekar, their skills and knowledge focused on saving the King's life. Alicent stepped back, her eyes never leaving Maekar's still form. She prayed to the gods, pleading for his survival and for justice to be served.