Prince Daemon and Lord Corlys had little trouble raising the men needed for their expedition; many landless adventurers and second sons offered their services, eager to gain prestige, coin, glory, goods, and martial experience. Indeed, though modest compared to the Triarchy's forces, the host of nearly six thousand men and over sixty ships was one full of confidence and courage. With Prince Daemon riding on the back of his dragon, moreover, the undertaking seemed destined for success.

Thus, then, the first battles of the war were fought in the middle of the year 106, bringing with them important victories, some fame and a significant amount of coin for each of the men participating in the enterprise.

Caraxes' presence, above all, was instrumental to the Westerosi fleet. The Blood Wyvern not only allowed Prince Daemon to set the Triarchy's ships on fire, condemning their crews to an agonizing death, but also to spy on the movement of soldiers on each of the islands, thus eliminating any hope of the enemy to maintain the element of surprise in the campaign.

In King's Landing, meanwhile, the news Prince Daemon and Lord Corlys's actions did not seem to bother the king. His Grace was apparently relieved when he learned that his troublesome brother had decided to leave the Seven Kingdoms for a while, though not everyone shared his reassurance.

"Shouldn't we do something, Your Grace?", Prince Aegon asked, according to Grand Master Runciter.

"About what, brother?", the king replied.

"Daemon and Lord Corlys have gone to war without the consent of the Crown", the prince said. "They have violated the authority of the Iron Throne. Surely that warrants punishment, does it not?".

"Punishment?".

"I must agree with Prince Aegon, Your Grace", Ser Otto Hightower intervened. "Letting them lead such an expedition without your or this council's prior approval could... set a dangerous precedent".

At this, His Grace simply smiled. "Are you afraid Daemon and Lord Corlys might rise up in rebellion against me? Is that what worries you so? I admit, Daemon is not the most peaceful of men, and the gods know that the love Lord Corlys has for his wealth must be immeasurable... but I doubt either of them could even think about rebelling. They would lose everything they hold dear by doing so. Only a madman would dare try such folly. And I believe that my brother and Corlys Velaryon are many things, but they are not mad. Let them both play at war, if so they wish. I'm sure that will dampen their ambitions and keep them out of trouble".

Prince Aegon and Ser Otto tried to dissuade the king, but His Grace would hear no more of the matter.

Next day, the king proceeded to summon his Small Council to a special meeting. There, according to Grand Maester Runciter, King Viserys informed his advisors that the gods had smiled upon him once more; Queen Alicent was expecting a child.

Prince Aegon was the first to offer words of contentment and best wishes to the king.

"Wonderful news, Your Grace. I'm glad to know that your union with the queen has quickly borne fruit".

"Yes", said the king, "the queen has proven to be as fertile as she is beautiful. For the first time in a long time, I feel fortunate and blessed. Your must be proud of your daughter, Ser Otto".

The Hand smiled and nodded. "I am, Your Grace. I always knew that she had everything needed to become a splendid queen".

The rest of the year 106 passed in relative calm in the Seven Kingdoms, with perhaps the most notable event being the tournament held during the tenth moon, in honor of the queen's pregnancy. There, Ser Criston Cole again demonstrated his skill with the lance and the morning star, defeating many notable opponents (among them Ser Willem Stokeworth, the twins Ser Arryk and Ser Erryk, and Prince Aegon) to become the champion of both the melee and the joust.

Once again, as was he always did, Ser Criston presented the victor's laurels to Princess Rhaenyra, who smiled most tenderly, pleased at the superb performance of her white knight.

"I told you Ser Criston would win, Father", the princess said to the king. "He promised me that he would. Even Uncle Aegon couldn't defeat him".

King Viserys laughed. "Indeed. His skill with arms is almost unmatched. I believe Ser Criston could become one of the best and finest knights to ever wear the white".

"He will", the princess assured her royal sire. "I know he will".

The following year, Queen Alicent was carried to the birthing bed in Maegor's Holdfast, where after long hours of labor, she finally gave birth to a healthy and robust boy, naming him Aegon, after the Conqueror (much like his uncle).

Runciter tells us that the king smiled as he held his newborn son in his arms, barely holding back tears of joy. Yet, no one seemed happier with the news than Ser Otto Hightower and Prince Aegon. Both were quick to proclaim the blessing that the birth of a male child represented for House Targaryen.

"The gods are good, Your Grace", the Hand said. "You must be quite happy".

"I am, Ser Otto. To hold my son in my arms is a wonderful feeling. Still, I must thank Queen Alicent and her generosity. My wife has brought me nothing but joy since our wedding".

Though the labor had left her quite weakened, Grand Maester Runciter tells us that the queen smiled at hearing the kings' words.

"Thank you, my sweet lord", she said to His Grace. "I am happy to have done my duty".

The king smiled back at his queen. "You have", he agreed. "You most certainly have".

"I shall begin preparations for Prince Aegon's presentation at court", the Hand said. "I will make sure the occasion becomes one without parallel. By your leave, Your Grace".

"Of course, Ser Otto".

Runciter claims that both the king and the queen spent some time alone with their son (perhaps revelling in their joy and happiness, and exchanging words of love and fondness for one another) before Prince Aegon entered the room.

"So this is my nephew", said Prince Aegon, once he saw the baby for the first time. "A beautiful lad, indeed. And quite healthy, too, it seems. Have you named him yet, brother?".

"Aegon", His Grace said. "We have decided to name him Aegon".

"Truly?".

"Truly", Queen Alicent confirmed.

At that, according to Runciter, the king's brother laughed. "I must admit I quite like the name that you have given him. What better name for our future king?".

"Thank you, good-brother", the queen said. "I shan't forget your kind words".

"Nonsense, Your Grace", Prince Aegon replied. "I am merely speaking the truth".