Two Burning Flames

Part 1

"Push my Queen, I can see the head crowning!"
A midwife urged, hastily setting down cloth to catch the blood.

Alicent cried out, the intensity of the pain surging through her as she summoned every ounce of strength to push. Finally with a deep release, the piercing wails of a newborn filled the room.

"A prince, my Queen!" The midwife announced, carefully taking the baby to clean and examine him.

"Is he healthy?" Alicent asked, her voice faint.

"As healthy as a horse."  The midwife replied, cradling the little boy and bringing him closer to his mother. Just as Alicent reached out to hold her son, an overwhelming sensation gripped her once more.

"Ahhh!" She cried out, clutching the bed sheets on either side of her.

"The afterbirth." The midwife said, still holding the newborn securely.

"No, it's another baby!  I see the head!" The other midwife exclaimed, quickly fetching more towels to manage the bleeding, Alicent screams intensify, drowning out the babies cries, until a second child's wails joined the first.

"A princess, my Queen. You have yourself a set!"

Alicent collapsed onto the soft embrace of the bed, trying to steady her breath after the exhausting ordeal. The midwives carefully brought forth her newborn twins, placing one in each of her arms. They were strikingly identical—white hair, pale skin, and bright blue eyes—the unmistakable markers of true Targaryen lineage.

Viserys entered the birthing chamber, his face glowing with joy. "Twins? I never would have guessed!" His happiness was palpable, a surge of emotion that filled the room. "How are you feeling, my love? Is there anything we can bring you for the pain?" Concern etched on his features as he studied her.

One of the midwives stepped forward. "She can have a small amount of the milk of poppy; that should help my Queen relax a bit."

Viserys nodded thoughtfully, appreciating the suggestion.

"What shall we name them?" Alicent asked softly, her eyes shimmering with hope and tenderness.

Viserys gazed down at the precious bundles, a smile spreading across his face.  "Aegon, after Aegon the Conqueror," he declared with pride. "And Aellys, first of her name."

With gentle care, he took Aellys into his arms, swaying her gently from side to side. Alicent couldn't help but smile at the sight, her heart swelling with love for their new family.

————-

10 years later

"Aegon, don't run in the castle!" their nanny called out, her voice laced with exasperation as she hurried after him, clutching Aellys's small hand with her own.

"But we have to hurry or we'll miss the tourneys!" Aegon exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over as he turned to grasp Aellys's hand. With a burst of energy, he darted away, leaving their nanny flustered and breathless behind them.

"Aegon, Aellys!" she shouted after them, but her voice was swallowed by the happy chaos of the crowd, and soon they were lost among the bustling throngs of people.

Reaching the stands, Aellys tugged on Aegon's arm, her eyes sparkling as she pointed toward their parents seated prominently. "Look, Aegon! There they are! Let's go!" she said, her voice filled with delight as she led the way, her determination infectious.

"Slow down, Aellys! There are too many people!" Aegon shouted, but in the chaos, their hands slipped apart, and they quickly became separated. Panic surged through him as he called out for her, but the swirling mass of bodies swallowed her up.

Aellys spun around, searching for her brother, but he was nowhere in sight. Just then, the loud blast of horns startled her, causing her to stumble. As she sat frozen, feeling small amidst the throng, a strong pair of arms lifted her from the ground.

She blinked in surprise as she was cradled in the embrace of a man in armor. He had wavy black hair and dark eyes that seemed almost black, captivating her with their intensity. Despite his formidable appearance, he wore a gentle smile that eased her fright.

He set her down on a nearby step, ensuring her feet were firmly planted on the ground. "Are you alright, princess?" he asked, concern etched in his features.

Aellys was taken aback by the softness in his voice, so contrasting to his rugged look. "I'm... I'm alright, t-thank you." she stammered, a flush creeping to her cheeks as embarrassment washed over her for showing such vulnerability to a stranger.

As Aellys regained her composure, she took a moment to study the stranger who had come to her aid. The crowd continued to surge around them. "Where's your brother?" the stranger asked gently, tilting his head slightly as if he could sense her unease.

"He was over there, but we got separated," Aellys said, her voice steadier than before. She looked around at the last place she saw Aegon.

"Would you like some help finding him?" he offered, his tone warm and inviting.

Aellys hesitated. She wanted to accept his offer, but a moment of caution swept over her. "Sir, I hope you don't think me rude, but I don't know you. I can't just wander off with someone whose name I don't even know."

With a nod and a light chuckle, he shifted his expression to something more earnest. "I understand princess. My name is Cole, Criston Cole."

She repeated the name softly to herself, as if trying it on for size. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Criston Cole. I'm Aellys, Aellys Targaryen."

"Ah, yes, Princess. I'm aware of who you are. Anyone would recognize you, given your distinctive... appearance."

Aellys blinked, taken aback momentarily, before realizing he was referring to her striking white hair.

Just as she opened her mouth to respond, Aegon burst onto the scene. "There you are Aellys! Have you lost your mind? And they say I'm the one who can't be controlled!" He teased, though concern flickered in his eyes as he scanned her for any signs of distress, his gaze then shifted to Cole.

Cole remained poised, meeting Aegon's direct gaze without flinching. "I was just offering to help Princess Aellys find her way." he explained calmly. Aegon furrowed his brow at Cole and pulled Aellys slightly behind him.

"Well, I should be on my way, Princess. It was a pleasure to assist you." Cole said, flashing a bright smile before turning to leave.

"Wait, the tournament is about to begin!" Aegon exclaimed when another horn rang out, gripping her hand more firmly than before , they hurried to their seats beside their mother.

Once they settled into their seats, Alicent gave them a stern look but turned away just as the heralds began to announce the opening of the event.

"Aellys, don't leave my side again!" Aegon said, pulling her closer to him in a protective way.

"I won't." She reassured squeezing his hand in hers.