Two Burning Flames

Part 1

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

Alicent screamed, every nerve ablaze with pain as she summoned every ounce of strength to push. And then, with a final, shuddering effort, the piercing wails of a newborn filled the chamber.

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

"Is he healthy?" Alicent whispered, her voice trembling and weak.

"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 touch him, another sharp, gripping sensation tore through her body.

"Ahhh!" she cried, clutching the 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, rushing for more towels to manage the sudden flood. Alicent screamed again, louder this time, the pain overwhelming, until a second set of cries joined the first.

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

Alicent sank into the soft embrace of the bed, her body trembling as she tried to steady her breath after the ordeal. The midwives gently placed her newborn twins into her arms. They were mirror images of each other: white hair, pale skin, and bright blue eyes—the unmistakable marks of true Targaryen blood.

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

Viserys nodded thoughtfully, appreciating the suggestion.

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

Viserys looked down at the precious bundles in her arms, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Aegon, after Aegon the Conqueror," he said, pride shining in his tone. "And Aellys, first of her name."

With gentle care, he lifted Aellys into his arms, rocking her side to side. Alicent's eyes filled with warmth as she watched, her heart swelling with love and awe for the family they had created. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she allowed herself to simply breathe, to revel in the miracle of their children.

Viserys leaned down, brushing a soft kiss across her forehead. "You have given me the greatest gift, my love. Our children, our future... they are perfect."

Alicent smiled through her exhaustion, tears glistening in her eyes as she nestled closer to both her newborns. In that moment, the room was filled with the raw, uncontainable joy of life, of family, and of love that would endure through generations.

————-

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

"But we have to hurry, or we'll miss the tourneys!" Aegon exclaimed, his energy barely contained. He tugged Aellys along, darting ahead with the boundless enthusiasm only a ten-year-old could muster, leaving their nanny breathless in his wake.

"Aegon! Aellys!" she shouted, but her voice was swallowed by the chaos of the bustling crowd. Within moments, the twins were lost amid the throngs of people.

Reaching the stands, Aellys tugged on Aegon's sleeve, her eyes sparkling. "Look, Aegon! There they are—our parents! Let's go!" Her excitement was infectious, and she pulled him forward with determination.