Aemon Targaryen (107 A.C. Ninth Moon)
Aemma's Chambers
Aemon walked in and saw Aemma.
"Ah, Aemma, wonderful to see you awake. Although I do hope you are resting enough."
"I am, Aemon. Your maester has been quite delighted that I take my rest," Aemma replied with a small smile. He saw her face, which still looked pale.
"Good, although I wish to talk to you." He then looked at all the servants. They understood their cue and left the chambers.
"I'm sure you have been informed of the fact that I am to be named heir. Although I wish it had been Baelon instead of me," he said as he sat down on the bed beside her and took her hand.
"I have, and I mourn the loss of my boy. Still, I do think Viserys made the best decision in naming you heir," Aemma replied with a soft smile. "You will do well, and I know you will be a good husband to my daughter."
Aemon smiled softly. "I will do my best."
"Aemma, there is something I wish to speak of. Because of this marriage, there is a likelihood that Viserys will also be pressured to continue the line, to marry again and show that he is also upholding this new tradition," he stated, although he wasn't entirely sure that was true. Viserys was already being visited by Alicent, and after this, he would have a conversation with Arya and his mother to discuss the options they had.
Aemma's eyes looked down with sadness.
"I feared it, you know. Over the years, when I could not bear a living son, I feared Viserys would set me aside. Yet he loves me. That I know, and I have come to love him. He is a sweet man, kind, yet he doesn't have steel in his spine. He is copper that easily bends to the will of others, even if, on occasion, he holds firm in his beliefs."
"I know. He told me once that he believed he had a dream, so he truly believed he would have a son. I hoped for that as well," he replied.
"I know. He told me the last two times I was with child, both times when I failed to give him a son," she said, a tear rolling down her cheek.
"You did give him children. You have given the realm two princesses, and one will be Queen one day. Perhaps two if Alysanne marries one of my children."
"Yet not the King. And I know I cannot give him more. Although I was told that I should not, I feel it in my bones that my body is spent," Aemma said with a sob. "I suppose him remarrying to help support my daughter's marriage is not the worst thing. It would be him supporting our girl, and you, my future goodson."
His heart broke a little for her. "I know, and if I am honest with you, I thought of this possibility."
She looked at him with wide eyes.
"It is partly why I asked my brother not to get you with child again after the last stillbirth," he said with a lump in his throat.
"You did?" she asked.
"I did, as did my mother. I didn't want Rhaenyra to live without a mother, or for you to die when there could be another way. I could become the heir, or even Daemon, if he had ever understood his duty," he muttered.
"Yet here we are. And as I said, I thought of my brother remarrying. I think there are two options that would be best for me now, and I think also for you. My own mother, or my youngest sister," he stated. He had spoken of it with Arya many times, but she had said she would do her duty and keep Viserys in line. Keep the man straight.
"Arya or Lyanna?" Aemma asked with wide eyes.
"Indeed. Arya is a Targaryen, and she is still young. When the time comes, she could give him more children. She is a dragonrider, and her age is also useful, as it would give us all time to get used to the idea."
"Arya is okay with this idea?" she asked. It was a concerned question, and thoughtful. Yet Aemma wasn't angry. She was understanding. As she had said, she had feared this possibility.
"She is, and I have spoken with her about it. She knows her duty," he said with a sad smile. "My sister, even for her age, is a smart young girl who knows much of the world."
Aemma smiled. "She is. And your mother? She was married to his father."
"She is your friend, Aemma, and she would hold you in her trust in all things. She is also from a great house of the realm and has birthed three healthy children. Although she is older than him by two years, she is still of an age to give Viserys children. Her marrying Viserys would also ensure that my claim and Rhaenyra's would be protected, as my mother would never plot against me," he replied, before he added, "I think you might know why I didn't put Visenya forward as an option."
Aemma smiled at him fondly.
"I do. Your sister and my daughter have been in love for quite some time. Not only them, and I know your wife was part of it too. I know all three were also in love with you, or at least smitten with you. I know you weren't happy when you found out."
Aemon smiled at that. "Yes, that is all true. I was mostly afraid for them, that their reputations would be ruined. We are the crown. Everything we do is put under a looking glass."
He gave a sigh.
"Yet I have spoken with them, and we have come to an understanding. It is also the reason why I didn't put Visenya forward. I plan to marry her to Laenor, as part of the boon to give Corlys, so he will accept me taking a second wife."
"A good idea, although what of the affair between them all, and you?" Aemma asked.
"That is something between the five of us. I suppose we will all tell when the time is right, and I do think it is an arrangement that can work for all parties," he said with a smile.
"Okay. I trust you. My daughters know what you are doing. As for you, you have done quite a lot for this family of late, so I will trust your judgment on these matters," Aemma said with a smile as she squeezed his hand.
"Good, then. I will not fail you," he said as he bent forward and kissed her forehead.
Aemon's solar
Aemon waited for his mother and Arya to arrive as he looked out the window at Blackwater Bay, toward Dragonstone. A raven from Maester Geraedys had arrived, bearing word that Daemon had taken control of the castle.
He had sighed when he heard it in the council chamber. Yet he had argued that, with everything going on, it would be wise to let Daemon be for now. Let him sulk on Dragonstone.
The door opened, and his mother and Arya walked in.
"Aemon."
"Sit. Do you both want some lemon water?" he asked.
They both nodded. He poured them each a cup, and both drank before he sat down again.
"I spoke with Aemma this morning."
"Good. And how did she take the news you brought her?" his mother asked.
"Quite well, although the sad thing is, she expected it. She feared for some time that Viserys would set her aside. Yet he never did, as we all know he loves her. In his way."
Arya nodded. "He does. He might not have the Targaryen fire, but he loves Aemma."
He looked at Arya. "Arya, are you sure you are willing to do it? To be one of the options. I know you said yes before."
Arya looked at him fondly. "I am. I am a princess of the Crown. I also know the realm has to be united, and if I have to marry Viserys to do so, then I will. I would rather not, but I know what is at stake."
He smiled and saw their mother take her hand. "I'm proud of you, Arya. Yet let's hope it doesn't come to that. If Viserys is smart, he will see the benefit of me. I also think it would be better for Aemma."
"I think so too. Aemma would be more comfortable with you. Yet a few nights ago, I received word from Larys. He has been keeping track with his warging. He confirmed that, on the night of Baelon's passing, Alicent visited Viserys's chambers," he stated, and they both sighed.
"I know. I did the same thing. If I'm honest with you both, I fear my brother will go for the easy choice. Sadly, that isn't either of you. Alicent is of age, younger, of childbearing age, and a pretty woman. Save for being a lady-in-waiting and a friend to us all, she is the least complicated option, and she doesn't have family bonds to us. Also, Otto has the King's ear," he stated.
"You should have me kill him," Arya muttered. "You would likely be named Hand, and Otto's power play would be trampled into the dirt. Sure, there would be suspicion on you after you became Hand, but you have Balerion, you are the heir, and then you would be the Hand. House Hightower can do nothing."
Aemon sighed. They had argued this before.
"No," he said at last. "Otto stays alive."
Arya's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"Because killing him does not kill his influence. It only leaves an empty chair beside Viserys, and although I could fill it for a time, being Hand of the King means I have to be in King's Landing most of the time. That doesn't work for my plans. To reform the realm. To fight in the Stepstones. Even if Otto is a schemer, we know his ambitions, and besides that, he is a good administrator."
His mother watched him carefully but said nothing.
"If Otto falls now, Viserys must name a new Hand," Aemon continued. "Sure, perhaps I could take the position, as I said, but reports from the Stepstones are becoming worse. Corlys will not remain patient forever, and when war comes, I will have to be there beside him. Balerion will be needed. My men will be needed. Plus, me leading that war will show something to the realm."
Arya leaned back, displeased. "Then name another Hand."
"Who?" Aemon asked. "Sure, Lord Lyonel could do it. Yet then two positions would open, Master of Ships and Master of Laws. They would have to be replaced, and the Faith, Oldtown, and especially the Hightowers, if it becomes known that Otto died under suspicious circumstances, might demand a position on the council. Perhaps Ormund or Hobert would fill it, and they might even have more pull than Otto, since they are lord and heir of Oldtown. They directly influence the policies of the Faith and the maesters."
He shook his head.
"No. If Otto is taken out now, it will leave us with uncertainty in a time when we do not need it. Perhaps after I have established myself, we can act."
Arya's mouth tightened. "So we let him scheme?"
"We will, but we know his plans. Already, he wants Alicent to be Viserys's second wife," Aemon said.
His gaze moved toward the window, where the Blackwater glittered beneath the pale light.
"For now, Otto is watched. He is known. He is predictable. An enemy we do not know is more dangerous than a snake whose den we have already found."
His mother gave a slow nod. "He is right, Arya. He is the snake we know. As Aemon said, we are still building ourselves up. Reforming the maesters, building a spy network, and setting up Aemon as the heir."
"If he believes keeping Otto alive is best, I trust him," his mother said kindly.
"Fine, but what about Alicent?" Arya asked.
"Well, I have been thinking about that as well. You both know the plan Rhaenyra, Laena, Laenor, Visenya, and I have planned for the five of us."
They both nodded.
"It is the best option for the five of you. Yet what does Alicent have to do with this?"
"While Laena was fine me exploring things with Visenya and Rhaenyra. Alicent was there with them when all kissed, and she fancies me as well. If speak to Laena about it she might accept."
"You mean to make her your mistress?" Arya asked.
He nodded.
Then Arya chuckled. "What?"
"Sorry, I just think back to when we were in Winterfell. Who would have thought you would be okay with having a mistress? Yet then again, we have all changed, and you do not have the burden of being a bastard hanging over your head," Arya added kindly.
"I know. I have had this conversation with Balerion many times. He doesn't see much wrong with it, although some of his reasons are odd," he replied with a chuckle.
"Yet when will you do it? I must say, taking her as a mistress now would not work at all. Sure, after you married Rhaenyra, it would. But by that time, Viserys will likely have made his decision. If he finds out you have taken a mistress, he might strip you of your heirship, and the Velaryons will be just as wroth," his mother replied.
"I know that. Which is why I shall do it in secret and take her to bed before Viserys announces anything. I think I will be able to take the hit of taking a mistress, even if they all will not be happy for a while. A prince taking a mistress is acceptable, and if she is with child, then, well, it will be my bastard. Or, if Viserys still marries her, I have options to reveal the affair and the child's parentage, if the Hightowers make a play for the throne after Viserys dies," he revealed.
"Hmm. You think Alicent will go for it?" Arya asked.
"I think she will. I know she is already smitten, or even in love with me, if Rhaenyra's words are to be believed. I think it's possible. If not, then we must make sure she believes I would never harm her children. That is also a reason why making her future children mine, even if she marries Viserys, is a way to ensure she will not turn from me."
"I know we spoke of this, my boy, but is this what you want? To dishonor your name? Taking a mistress will be spoken of, and if you have to reveal the truth one day, if Viserys still marries her, that the children are yours, it would be worse," his mother stated.
"I know, but perhaps the singers can make it into a love story. The doomed love between Queen Alicent and Prince Aemon. The man with a big heart, who could love three women," he said with a small smile.
"I am content with the consequences. If I have to dishonor my name and play somewhat with Alicent's feelings to make sure I have control, to make sure the realm is better prepared for the Others, and to save the dragons, then I will, yet I will tell Laena as to why," he stated.
His mother and Arya looked at him then. "You want to tell her the truth?"
He looked at his mother with a small smile. "I do, she needs to know, I do love her, truly love her. She will be part of my life until either one of us passes. She was honest with me, now I need to be with her."
"Okay. I support your decision, Laena is a good woman, and she has had your back for a long time," his mother said, and then she looked toward Arya.
"I do think she should tell her, too. Yet what of Rhaenyra and Visenya?" His sister asked
Aemon frowned on that account; he wasn't sure. "I think I will when I love them as I do Laena."
"That is a reasonable decision," Arya replied, then quickly added, with a smirk. "Even if I still think killing Otto might be the better choice. Yet I shall follow your lead, brother,"
"Good. Now, let's speak of how we should start broaching the subject of Viserys marrying one of you," he began.
Otto Hightower (107 A.C. Tenth Moon)
King's Landing – Red Keep's courtyard
Otto waited together with his sons, Alicent, and Ormund as his brother entered the courtyard. Hobert looked much as he had four years ago, save for a few new lines on his face. Behind him rode Lucan, Hobert's youngest son, as well as a few lords of the Reach. Otto saw the sigils of Three Towers, Peake, Ambrose, Fossoway, and others. Hmm, they had come with the Hightowers, not Lord Tyrell, who had arrived two days ago.
"Brother, welcome to King's Landing," he stated as he walked over to him while his brother dismounted.
"Thank you, Lord Hand. When the news reached the Hightower, you can call me surprised," Hobert noted, looking at him with narrowed eyes.
"Indeed, yet the King, in his wisdom, has made his decision."
Hobert nodded to that as his horse was taken away. Otto then went to address the other lords.
"My lords, thank you for your presence during these proceedings. If you will follow my steward, Edmund, he will find you accommodations. The rest of your retinues can make camp outside the city walls, where space has been made clear."
The lords looked at him and gave him a nod before he returned to his brother, who walked over to the rest of the family and greeted them. As Otto arrived, his brother greeted his niece.
"You have grown in beauty, niece. You will be one of the finest women in King's Landing."
Otto smiled as Alicent blushed.
"Thank you, uncle. It is a joy to see you again."
Hobert nodded before he turned to him, and they started walking toward the Tower of the Hand.
Tower of the Hand, Otto's Chambers
After the servants left, Otto and his brother sat together alone in the chamber.
"So, the Queen still lives, and the King will soon declare Aemon Targaryen his heir. Tell me, brother, is this a man who can be controlled? Last time he publicly made quite the declaration of his faiths. He keeps to the Old Gods, those Valyrian gods, and the New Gods, but has this man visited the sept? I heard he can forge Valyrian steel and wears armor of the metal in battle."
"Yes, the man can make Valyrian steel, yet he has not spoken of its making. Nor has the King. He spoke of keeping the knowledge for himself. I have already heard of lords requesting swords from the prince in exchange for gold and favors. I know that yesterday Lord Janos had a long private conversation with the prince," Otto replied with a sigh.
Hobert frowned and scowled. "How can a boy of five and ten do such a thing? I also heard rumors from merchants from the North. Ironwood and some form of gemstone are now commodities that can be bought in the port of Seadragon Point, even in small quantities."
Otto looked at his brother with wide eyes. "Ironwood and gemstones?"
"Yes. The prince has not spoken of this with the council?" Hobert asked.
"No. Sadly, I was shut down before questioning the Prince. He made a rather strong argument for me to mind my own business," Otto replied with a sigh.
"Hmm, ironwood could come from House Forrester themselves. They are the only house in the North that still has the valuable trees, after the Whitehills exhausted their own woods for profit. Yet something in me says this is not true. The merchant reports tell that they saw a great trade cog, one they recognized from the whalers of Ibben, unload the wood. So from where does the prince obtain such cargo?"
Otto frowned. Then a past conversation over a letter from the prince came to his mind.
"He wrote to the council that he would be traveling north to the Night's Watch and would support it. Yet not much else. The only other thing he asked for was that taxes to the Watch be reinstated. I diverted the conversation, as the Night's Watch is only worth a place to send criminals and defend heathen lands from heathens."
"Perhaps it has something to do with that. Perhaps he found a grove of them in Watch lands and shared the profits with them?" Hobert pondered. "No matter. No, we need to make sure Alicent becomes the Queen, either by the King setting aside Queen Aemma, or by him taking a second wife. Give the King a son, and surely he will name a son the heir over a brother."
"A second wife? Isn't that against our teachings? Like a brother fornicating with his sister?" he asked, thinking of the practices of House Targaryen.
"That may be, yet the Seven will look kindly upon us if a godly Andal woman sits on the throne. In the future, once we have taken control, we can root out those practices. For now, we need to get in. Your daughter is the key. I have even refused to send you marriage proposals for her. A few heirs to houses of the Reach asked after her," Hobert stated.
Otto thought that was likely true. Surely the gods would look kindly upon them if a true follower of the Seven sat upon the throne. One of House Hightower and Andal descent.
"She has been sent to the King's chambers and has not been refused as of yet. Thankfully, the Queen is bedridden, so for now, the King is mostly alone, save for the visits of Alicent and Aemon," he noted with pride.
"Good. It will need to continue until she has shared the King's bed. If we play it well, and if the High Septon can play his tune right, perhaps we can push the King to take a second wife," Hobert ordered.
Otto smiled, and he knew he would obey. He had been sent down to the capital to make House Hightower and the Faith shine brighter. Putting his daughter in the position of Queen, even as a second wife, would bring prestige. When a boy was born, he would be King. Of Hightower blood. Of his blood.
"I have no intention of changing it. Alicent will do her duty."
"She will, and we will rise higher. In time, we may supplant the Tyrells, and perhaps even push aside these Valyrians and their customs," Hobert muttered as he raised a glass. "To House Hightower."
"To House Hightower," Otto agreed. "We shall light the way to a brighter future."
Hobert grinned and drank deeply.
Rhaenyra Targaryen (107 A.C. Tenth Moon)
King's Landing - The Throneroom
She stood in the grand throne room, a vast and awe-inspiring space filled with lords and ladies who had gathered to witness a momentous occasion. Sunlight streamed through the high windows, falling in pale shafts across the polished stone floor and the long line of nobles standing beneath the banners of House Targaryen. The red dragon on black seemed almost alive in the sunlight, came through the painted class that depicted imagery of the conquest and events of her house's reign.
They had all come to swear their allegiance to her uncle and future husband, Aemon Targaryen.
The anticipation in the room made her stomach flutter with nervous excitement. This marriage, denied to her long ago, was finally becoming a reality. She could not help but feel a mix of emotions, but deep down, she knew Aemon would be a good husband, especially from the way Laena now spoke of him. There was warmth in those words, and respect too, and Laena Velaryon was not one to praise lightly. Rhaenyra found comfort in that.
She had assisted Aemon and his squires as they dressed him for the occasion, standing by his side as he donned his Valyrian armor. The memory still lingered in her mind. The armor was unlike any other worn at court. It was heavily decorated with dragons and wolves, their forms worked into the dark steel in intricate, almost living patterns. Black and red were the most prominent colors, the deep crimson catching the light like flame, while white accents broke the darkness with stark elegance. Touches of gold and silver adorned the edges and fastenings, giving the armor a regal grandeur that suited him well. It was both a prince's armor and a warrior's.
He had looked every inch the heir when she fastened the final clasp.
Her mind was still on that moment when he was ready. He gave her a warm smile.
As the hour drew near, she stood a bit rigid beside Alicent, who beamed with pride as she watched the preparations unfold. Alicent's eyes seemed to shine with genuine happiness, and when Rhaenyra glanced at her, she found the familiar comfort of her presence soothing.
"You look as tense as if you were the one to kneel," Alicent murmured softly, leaning a little closer.
Rhaenyra gave the faintest smile. "I feel as if my heart may leap from my chest."
Alicent's lips curved. "Then it is a fortunate thing that all eyes will be upon him and not you."
Rhaenyra huffed the smallest breath of laughter, though her attention soon drifted again to the men gathered nearest the Iron Throne.
Otto Hightower stood among them, stern and composed as ever, though there was less satisfaction on his face than Alicent's. On the other hand, Otto seemed less enthusiastic about the prospect of Aemon becoming the heir. She had once been his chosen heir, and she was surprised when she heard he had chosen her instead. The Hightowers were known for their religious beliefs and Andal descent, where men traditionally held superiority over women. So, why had he chosen her?' It was a question that had been on her mind since the announcement. She wondered if Alicent knew her father's reasoning. She should ask her in the future.
It was a question that had lingered in her thoughts ever since the announcement.
Aemon had also advocated for her as heir, and she understood. He had been raised by Lyanna Stark, a strong and independent woman, and shared a close bond with Rhaenys, who possessed the same fierce and strong-willed spirit. Moreover, much of Aemon's life had been spent in the North, where customs were often less rigid in such matters, especially among the warrior women of Bear Island. By all the tales she had heard, he had a good relationship with House Mormont and admired their strength.
It made her feel special and deeply grateful that he had once placed such confidence in her. Aemon's loyalty to the crown and to his family was unwavering. She had always known she could count on him if she had been named heir. Yet the roles were changed; she would do the same for him. Whatever came, she would stand at his side.
At the far end of the hall, Ser Harrold's voice echoed across the hall.
"All hail His Grace, Viserys of House Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."
The hall stirred, then fell still.
Her father walked in wearing a ceremonial, decorated garment, adorned with gold, silver, and gems, with black and red as the most prominent colors. He wore the crown of her great-grandfather, with Ser Ryam and Ser Addam flanking him as he walked toward the throne.
Her father ascended the steps of the throne and sat down, looking down upon them all.
Ser Harrold's voice was heard once more above the crowd.
"All hail Prince Aemon of House Targaryen, Prince of Seadragon Point, the White Dragon."
She smiled as Aemon walked in. Clad in his resplendent Valyrian armor, he seemed to command the room without speaking a word. The dragon and wolf motifs upon his breastplate and pauldrons gleamed in the torchlight, the black, red, white, gold, and silver working together in striking harmony. A great cloak bearing his own sigil fell from his shoulders, and though he wore no crown, he looked as princely as any king of old. His silver-gold hair framed a face that was both handsome and stern, and his expression remained calm, though she knew enough of him to sense the gravity beneath it.
Her heart swelled with pride as she looked at her future husband, knowing that this was a pivotal moment in their lives and in the future of their house.
Then King Viserys rose, as Aemon reached the throne, and the room grew still enough that Rhaenyra could hear the crackle of torchfire.
"Lords and ladies of the realm," Viserys said, his voice carrying through the hall, "you are gathered here to witness and affirm my declaration of declaring Aemon Targaryen, my brother, son of my father, blood of Old Valyria, rider of Balerion, and prince of this house, and soon to be my named heir. Before the eyes of gods and men, you all shall declare your oath to defend his claim.
A murmur passed through the hall, quiet and reverent.
Aemon dropped to one knee before the throne, bowing his head.
"My king," he said, his voice steady and clear, "I accept the honor you grant me. I swear before this court that I shall serve the realm faithfully, uphold the dignity of our house, and protect the peace and strength of the Seven Kingdoms for as long as I draw breath."
Viserys looked down at him, pride plain upon his face. "Rise, Prince Aemon, and accept the oaths of these lords and ladies."
Aemon rose, and for a brief moment, his eyes lifted, finding hers across the hall.
Rhaenyra felt her breath catch.
Then the swearing began.
Ser Ryam was among the first to step forward, armored in white, his cloak bright against the dark stone. He knelt, his head bowed.
"I, Ser Ryam Redwyne, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, swear to defend King Viserys and his named heir, Aemon Targaryen. I shall give my life for them. I do so swear in good Faith and without deceit."
One by one, the white cloaks echoed the vow. The last to step forward was Ser Harrold. Rhaenyra smiled slightly as she saw the pride in his eyes.
"I, Ser Harrold Westerling of the Kingsguard, sworn shield to Prince Aemon, swear to defend King Viserys and his named heir, Prince Aemon Targaryen. I shall give my life for them. I do so swear in good Faith and without deceit."
Ser Harrold rose, and Aemon gave the man a grateful nod.
Then it was the turn of the small council members to give their allegiance to Aemon.
Then came Corlys Velaryon.
The Sea Snake stepped forward in garments rich as any prince's, sea-green and silver, his bearing proud and assured. Driftmark's lord carried himself with the confidence of a man who had crossed half the known world and returned richer than kings. Yet there was something more personal in his expression as he approached, and Rhaenyra knew why.
His daughter's future was now tied to Aemon's. Were Aemon to rise high, so would house Velaryon.
Corlys knelt before the Iron Throne, then bowed his head toward Viserys and Aemon alike.
"I, Corlys Velaryon, Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and to his named heir, Aemon Targaryen. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good Faith and without deceit," Corlys said, his voice full of pride.
Then all the minor lords who had come to pay homage to their new heir stepped forward one by one. Otto's brother stepped forward.
Then, all the minor lords that had come to pay homage to their new heir stepped forward one by one. Otto's brother stepped forward as the last of them. "I, Lord Hobert Hightower, Beacon of the South, Defender of the Citadel, and Voice of Oldtown, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, Aemon Targaryen. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good Faith and without deceit." Lord Hobert spoke more strained than most. It seemed the Lord of the Hightower wasn't too happy with her uncle becoming the heir.
Then, after all those minor lords had spoken their oaths, the Lords Paramount stepped forward to speak their allegiance.
"I, Lord Jason Lannister, Lord Paramount of the West and Lord of Casterly Rock, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, Aemon Targaryen. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good Faith and without deceit."
The man spoke with arrogance and gave her a look she did not like.
Then her aunt bowed, being the only woman paramount present, and Rhaenyra thought back on her words.
It was nice to have you here for a time, she had said at the end, speaking about the times her mother and she had caused mischief, and of her mother's time in the Vale. She all seen her mother with her cousin, and they seemed share quite a good bond.
Rhaenyra would visit the Vale at some point after everything was settled. It was high time she visited another part of her heritage. She was part Arryn, after all.
Then Benjen Stark stepped toward the throne.
"I, Lord Benjen Stark, Lord Paramount of the North and Lord of Winterfell, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, Aemon Targaryen and Stark. I pledge fealty to them by iron, earth, and bronze, and shall defend them against all enemies in good Faith and without deceit."
Lord Benjen spoke with emotion and a strong, hoarse voice as he knelt before his nephew.
Then the rest of the royal family present stepped forward. Arya came first, then Visenya, Lyanna, and Rhaenys as well. Then it was her turn, last of the family, and second behind Aemon in the royal line.
As she walked forward, her heart beat fast in her chest. When she looked at Aemon, he gave her a kind smile, and then she knelt.
"I, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, Aemon Targaryen. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good Faith and without deceit."
She spoke without hesitation or anger, only proud of her uncle and happy that she would be his wife. After that, Aemon gave her a look full of adoration and nodded with a bright smile.
Then everyone had spoken their vows.
The Grand Maester placed a necklace of gold around Aemon's neck, with seven pieces representing the great houses of the seven regions of Westeros. Even House Martell was represented among the seven sigils. The eighth piece hung beneath Aemon's face, bearing the symbol of the three-headed dragon of their house.
Then Aemon turned around and bowed his head toward her father, who gave a nod. Then her father began his proclamation.
"I, Viserys Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, do hereby name..."
Her father paused and then spoke the words that would change the world forever.
"Aemon Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne."
He finished, and then Aemon turned and looked out into the room. Everyone bowed their heads, applause rose around the throne room, and Balerion's roar was heard above the Red Keep, announcing to the world that Aemon Targaryen had been named heir to the Iron Throne.
Hello everyone!
If you've enjoyed my stories and would like to support my work, consider joining my community. Your support means the world to me and helps me continue creating the content you and I love.
By becoming a Patreon, you'll get access to exclusive benefits like:
- Early access to new chapters (Up to Four months ahead)
- Writing and story updates.
- Access to concept art for the stories.
- And, of course, you will support me.
- And much more!
Join now and be part of a community that loves and supports creativity. Your contribution makes a huge difference and allows me to keep bringing you exciting new stories.
If you want to join, go to Patreon. Copy this link : www.patreon.com/HeroDut1998
Thank you for all your support!