Chapter 4: coronation
RECAP
'But finally, the mighty gate opened and standing in front were Gold Cloaks. "Apologies my Lord, I didn't recognize u" he was on his knees, begging. "There is nothing to forgive, you did your duty….rise" Viserys complimented and then without wasting a moment rode towards the Red Keep.'
Aegon 'the conqueror' built his castle of red rock to remind people of the fire. He roasted his enemies in, so whenever King's Landing looked upon, they'd see the price of defiance. An administrative center of westros, the seat of the king of the Andals and the first men. The great hall of the red keep, a massive room that hosted the infamous Iron Throne. The king holds court and receives petitioners within the great hall; it also holds special ceremonies occasionally.
Viserys walked the great hall briskly, just to come across a bald man with a knowing grin that irritated him the most. He didn't have time for useless farce, "Welcome my Lords, I hope your journey was pleasant" smiling and bowing to Viserys, as his job demands, to please the Royals. "Let's finish with your flattery later, I will see everyone in an hour in the small council chamber," Viserys said bluntly not wanting to waste the time, he walked towards the Maegor's Holdfast. However, over everything else, Varys was quite intrigued to see that Targaryen still hadn't lost his nerves, but again he has dragon's blood, so it was well expected.
Maegor's holdfast was the stout tower in the center of the Red Keep, named after King Maegor Targaryen, who built the Keep. It also serves as a redoubt in case the city is attacked. The royal apartments are located in Maegor's Holdfast. Viserys moved swiftly wanting to see his sister. He wasn't an emotional, sentimental fool but lately aches in his heart, screams in his mind proving him otherwise. Even when he was a child, he did what he wanted, never to care about others just getting what he wanted, but now he understood well that was just another charade. Life taught him this lesson when even his mother couldn't. He still had to see his mother.
He entered his mother's chamber. Inside were two maids, guessing from the array one of them was to be a wet nurse. As maid and wet nurse acknowledged his presence, they bowed and stood in the corner. He walked to his baby sister's crib with a pain in his heart but as his eyes got the sight of her, a girl with silver hairs and beautiful violet eyes, he felt a twitch, somehow he felt a relieve. Arthur's words rang through his mind 'seeing them at least gives us hope that, in this shitty world, there is something to live for'. He stepped forward to pick her up in his arms and to his surprise, she didn't resist rather kept staring at him, He himself never considered the influx of sentiment that ran through his head from the sight of the child in his arms, his sister, his family. He kept staring at her innocent face. He kissed her forehead and placed her back in her crib. He still had things to handle. He has to make this place safe for his family.
"Take care of her, everything should be well checked. Her safety is priority and if any of you failed to do so, I will have your heads on a spike" Viserys threatened, knowing well that it's rude, but he believed fear makes a person more obedient and dutiful. They just nodded in fear, what else could they possibly do, so he left the room and went straight for his chamber, he needed a good bath to clear his head.
At the same time, Arthur was with Rhaenys and Jon. He ordered a servant "get a room clean and ready in Maegor's holdfast" servant nodded and left. "Jon can stay in my room, uncle Dayne. He shouldn't stay alone "Rhaenys pleaded Arthur. She wanted to take care of him by herself as her father would have wanted her to, but more than that she didn't want to be alone, with Jon, she didn't feel scared. "But my princess, you know how much babies cry. You also need a good sleep and rest" Arthur said looking at Rhaenys, "I don't mind, also Jon is quite one. He doesn't cry all the time, and I can handle him" Rhaenys replied Arthur, looking with big cat eyes to which she knew no one could refuse. "Ok, but I am warning you, princess. Small Kids aren't easily handled" he finally gave up, and for that, she gave him a smile from ear to ear, but he was glad that Jon has someone who cares for him. He knew how much she misses her mother and brother, and that was the reason for her instant liking towards Jon.
They headed for Rhaenys room. As they entered, view came in sight, huge room, well accessorized, with a big bed, also a small crib. The wet nurse was holding Jon. She walked toward the crib and placed him in it, well it was a happy hour as Jon was asleep. He turned to Rhaenys, "Since Jon is napping, you should get some rest princess," he said rather plainly. He had seen her dozing off on their way to the capital, so he knew, she's tired. Rhaenys also nodded, feeling a need for good sleep. Arthur stood still for a moment and then walked toward the door.
As he stepped outside, he saw his brother, he had asked him to be on night guard, surely he doesn't trust many people, assassins had infiltrated before, and they might do it again. "Leaving them in your care, brother" even though he never had much time with his brother, he loves him no less, and he trusts him with his back. He was a skilled fighter and strong-willed knight. "Don't worry, I'll protect them with my life" Larry replied in his firm voice. He admired his brother all his life, and even though he was far from Arthur, he still hopes to become his equal, at least wish for his respect. After that, Arthur walked toward his chamber, he also needed some clean-up.
At the city, Gold cloaks were on tight watch. They failed once, and that led to the murder of nearly entire royal family along with their king. Commander of the city Watch Janos Slynt already understood his position, completely fucked, just wishing to keep his head somehow. He had never been a man of will but rather words and now since Viserys was back he knew judgment will come for him soon enough. He wanted to run, but he knew if he presents his case, he might just save his head, instead if he tries to run, he was done for. So now all he could do was wait and pray.
After a good bath, Viserys went straight to sept of Baelor. It was the greatest sept in westros. Made by Baelor the blessed. It was also named after him. Dead remains of king's and royal family are also placed in crypts below. As Viserys entered, he went straight for crypts, to one named after his mother, Queen Rhaella Targaryen, his eyes were full of tears, he wished she could have been here. He remembered all those times, his mother would ask him to spend time with his family, but he never paid attention to anything but his selfish desires. But now he's here weeping at his mother's grave, remembering the thing he had lost forever, and the things he could get back.
Arthur was standing outside the small council chamber. He was still wondering why Viserys ordered him to be here. other small council members were already inside, suddenly he heard harsh footsteps, and Viserys came in view followed by ser Delen. Ser Delen stood on his side as to guard the chamber. However, to his surprise, Viserys turned his head giving him an annoying glare "what the hell Dayne. I want you inside." Arthur suddenly jerked his head and walked inside the chamber.
As they entered, as usual, small council members stood up to greet Viserys. The small council had grown rather smaller. There were three men, first one, great grand maester Pycelle, whom Viserys never liked a bit, second was master of coin, Lord petyr Baelish, a man of wits and last the spider, master of Whisperers Lord Varys. He never actually understood this man, but he admits no one has contacts and scouts in westros better than him. Without wasting a second he walked straight toward the high table. Others also took their seats, except Arthur, who was still standing possibly confused, "take a seat ser Arthur we have a lot to discuss" Viserys signaled him. Arthur took a chair opposite to Lord Petyr Baelish and grand maester pycelle, on his right was Lord Varys and on left was Viserys.
"So what do we have in our hands," Viserys asked looking at fellow men on the table. He wanted to dismantle each one of them, but he needed them at least for quite some time. As always, Lord Varys broke his honey dipped words, "my Lord Common people are scared. King's death had made them even more distressed, even though Robert Baratheon is death but still, the realm is in chaos, they need their king." Varys as always smiling with an irritating grin. Whatever others might think about him, but he knew he works for the realm and for now realm need a stability. "Well Lord Varys speaks the truth. Realm needs its king. It will be better as soon your crowning is made official" petyr Baelish spoke with his firm confident tone as always. Viserys looked at him. He knew it's foolish to believe that Baelish really doesn't know about Jon. but as always looking for a way to the top. Viserys felt Arthur's eyes on him, and he knew what he was thinking.
"Coronation will be held on fortnight, send ravens to high Lords to come to the capital and swear fealty, Arrangement of this coronation is on you Lord Baelish, I hope you won't mind it," Viserys said more in commanding tone than asking. "It'll be my pleasure, my Lord" Baelish replied, "Now do we have information about my father's assailant" Viserys stared toward Varys, he needed to find those who wronged his family, and Varys was the best man for the job. "We can't say anything for sure my Lord, but Lannister might have something in this, ser Gregor clegane was claimed to be seen in the city that day, but without any proof, everything is futile," Varys said with a calm steady voice looking toward Viserys. Varys still wasn't sure of Viserys motives, but he was sure of Lannister's.
"Lannisters, as always, I need proof, and prey tells me your little birds might do something about that "Viserys glared at Varys, fuming with anger. Lannisters had always been like this planning and plotting, but if they have done it this time, Lannister will know, Targaryen also pays their debts with fire and blood. He met Tywin Lannister once before, and although he knew, he couldn't be trusted, but still, he never imagined he'd go this far and try to assassinate whole royal family. He swore, that Tywin would pay if he had the slightest hand in the murder of his father, sister, and nephew.
Varys just bowed with a creepy smile. Suddenly, Arthur spoke, "what news do we have from other kingdoms" question directed to petyr and Varys. Baelish didn't have anything personal against Arthur, but he knew how close and loyal Arthur was to the Targaryen. And him sitting next to them in small council meeting was definitely not a good omen. Already Varys was a hard one to cross and now Arthur. He knew too well; Arthur is no fool to start with. So it's better to be on his good side rather than on his blade. "Well Lord, Eddard Stark, Hoster Tully, and Jon arryn had marched back to their lands with their men. So three kingdoms are stabilized. Tyrell's army is holding storm's end, so in turn holds stormland with Renly and Stannis Baratheon as captive, Dorne is as always quiet, but Lannisters are too quiet. They were the only one who didn't choose sides in war"
"My little birds tell me that Lord Tywin sent his envoy to Lord Mace Tyrell" Varys turned to Viserys. "U think Lannisters are plotting with Tyrell's that is highly unlikely, Tyrells supported the crown throughout the war, and they are no fools to support lannisters against us when we have won the rebellion," Viserys replied Varys. He knew Tyrells are ambitious too, but still, they would be a fool to stand against them after supporting the crown throughout the rebellion. "Of course my Lord, I just tell what my little birds inform me," Varys said apologetically. He tried to hint a possibility but for a matter of being a fool, he couldn't tell which one.
Arthur thought the same thing. Lannisters may always pay their debts, but they are most untrustworthy in all of the westros. Lannisters alone are no threats and if anything to happen, north supposedly would come up for Jon, as Dorne for Rhaenys. However, kings landing only have 2000 Goldcloaks for defense, which was enough in normal times and current situation was anything but normal. They cannot take the risk. "We need to increase our defenses. It will be good if we ask our bannermen to supply reinforcement for coronation" Arthur looked at Viserys, trying to make him see his point."Yes, that should be done send ravens to Lords of Crownland to send reinforcements, before fortnight "Viserys commanded grand maester pycelle. "As my Lord commands" pycelle words trembling as always. Viserys knew the first thing he was going to do after coronation was to get small council rid of him. But For now, things were settled, he stood up and gave a look to each present there. "And also get Renly and Stannis Baratheon to king's landing. They will be judged accordingly for treason... I think that's all" after saying his part, he walked out of the chamber.
Other also started to walk out, Arthur was also on his way when Varys confronted him with his ever-smiling face" I hope your journey was pleasant. I heard rook's rest is a peaceful place" Varys said ironically. "I don't have time for your games Lord Varys if there is nothing more, I'd better leave" Arthur gave him an irritated glare. "I am sorry if I offended you ser, I am only concerned for future of realm. King must be protected. "Varys said "thanks for giving me your precious time" and then walked out. Arthur stood there for a minute taking in whatever spider just said to him, he really never understood the man but his words were typically measured. Finally, he also walked out in his confused state of mind.
Three days before coronation
City still hadn't recovered from last war, people were still scared, and no one blames them, though things might seem peaceful, but realm was still on the brink of war, nobody knows what goes inside the mind of Tywin Lannister, Dorne doesn't seem to show any response, though Baratheons are under lease still stormlanders are threat, true peace was far to be achieved. Thoughts were running through Viserys head while looking at his city, standing at the window of his room. He makes his way out of his room to the throne room.
Coronation ceremony would be at the great hall. As he walked into the throne room, he came across Lord Petyr Baelish. "Hope you had good sleep, my Lords …..as your coronation is in three days" petyr continued, playing with words. Viserys was bored with all the charade running around him. "Let's not pretend you don't know about my nephew," Viserys eyes met Petyr's "Yes I know but realm needs its king, not a toddler. And that child is a bastard and according to the law, you are heir to the iron throne" petyr said with a large grin on his face as trying to persuade him. And his words did made some impact in Viserys's mind, Viserys thought about for few moments "And what about Starks, Tullys, and Arryns" Viserys gave him a curious look. "As long as lyanna Stark's son remains in king's landing, north will remain silent, as I am sure Ned Stark would want nothing more than the safety of his nephew, so no need to worry about it, the thing is the realm needs its king. It's true king" petyr said firmly looking towards Viserys, everyone wants power. petyr knew this better than anyone, and he did it. He needed Viserys to be crowned. He believed that 'chaos is a ladder'. And he was up for it.
"your words intrigue me Lord Baelish, "Viserys said smiling at Petyr, petyr was also smiling. Whole day petyr's words keep ringing inside his head like bells of Sept 'as long as lyanna stark's son remains in king's landing, north will remain silent, as I am sure Ned Stark would want nothing more than the safety of his nephew' he thought why he never saw it like this. He never thought petyr Baelish would ever come in handy, but he was after all of some use.
Arthur was still inside Rhaenys room along with kids. He didn't know how he became a babysitter. He was the bloody kingsguard, but still seeing them make him lively, and It was good that Rhaenys has taken a liking to Daenerys too just like she did for Jon. She has an uncanny habit of continuously talking Jon and Daenerys, and to his surprise, while she talks, they just keep staring at her inaudibly like they are really getting what she's babbling about.
"It's time to sleep, princess. The coronation ceremony is near, tomorrow is going to be a very busy day" he said to Rhaenys whom he knew don't wanna to sleep. Rhaenys still wanted to protest, but then she saw Jon asleep, and Daenerys too looking tired, so she gave up and got under the duvet and snuggled next to Jon. Arthur just smiled while handling lamp. For last few days, he stayed inside Rhaenys room at night to watch over them, as now city was crowded so the chance of breach was more than ever. Furthermore, Varys words were like nails on chalkboards that kept banging in his mind repeatedly.
Next morning, the weather was bright and warm, city filled with people coming from different kingdoms. Many Lords already arrived. Mace Tyrell had arrived a day before, Jon arryn arrived in the midnight while Tywin Lannister arrived just a few hours ago. Viserys greeted them and were shown to their quarters. Reinforcements also arrived due to which city was under the guard of about 5500 men. Before sundown direwolf and fish banners were scouted outside the gates of king landing. Lord Stark along with hoster Tully arrived with their household guards. When they reached red keep Viserys was already there to welcome them.
"Welcome Lord stark, and Lord Tully, I was looking forward to meeting you both" Viserys greeted in most friendly way he could since if he has to run this kingdom, he needed their support. "That's good to hear my Lord if you don't mind I wish to see my nephew" Lord Stark said with a grim or rather serious tone, that was said to be part of his character. Ned wanted nothing more but to see lya's son. Though he wasn't sure of his safety in king's landing. "Of course." Viserys turned to hoster Tully "Lord Tully you will be shown to your room, I assume you'd be tired from your travel" he signals one of his men. Lord Tully took his leave and walked with the guard. As soon as Lord Tully was gone Viserys turned to Ned.
"Come with me Lord stark, I understand how eager you would be to meet your nephew," Viserys said with a smiling face. However, Ned didn't say anything just kept walking beside him. Viserys halted in front of a chamber and opened the door. As Ned entered his eyes went, firstly, to a girl whom he presumed to be princess Rhaenys, judging from her black hair, olive skin. He walked closer to her, and then his eyes fell on two infants, one with silver hair, violet eyes while other with black hair and dark grey Stark eyes, spitting image of lya he thought, Viserys was standing behind turned to Rhaenys as she was little confused "Rhaenys, greet Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell-"
"And warden of the north" Rhaenys finished the sentence smiling. She remembered all her lesson well. "It's a pleasure to meet u, Lord Stark "Rhaenys smiled toward Ned,
Ned also gave his rare smiles "pleasure's all mines, my lady" after that Ned turned to his nephew, he hardly managed to hold his tears there. He felt like crying, but he somehow managed himself. "What's their names" he asked still looking at him. "His name is Jon and she is Daenerys," Rhaenys said looking at Jon and Daenerys.
A smile crept on his face, he glanced in Jon's dark grey eyes, and Jon" a low whisper came out of his lip with a smile on his face but eyes brimming with tears
Ned stared at two infants in front of him especially Jon. He looked so much like his sister that he couldn't look away. "U will be tired after long journey Lord stark, rooms have already been prepared for you here," Viserys said getting Ned out of his trance.
"Here" Ned queried, probably confused, "Yes here" Viserys answered.
"Its place for royal family only, my Lord" Ned said with his ever serious northern tone. He knew it well enough that maegor holdfast holds only members of the royal family.
"u are Jon's uncle so you too are family, my Lord" Rhaenys answered before Viserys could utter his words. Arthur never lied Rhaenys about anything, he told her about Jon, his mother, and Rhaegar too, obviously omitting few things. Ned turned to Viserys "Then I shall take my leave, my Lord" Viserys nodded and walked out of the chamber along with Lord Stark.
Arthur hurried to Rhaenys room. He wanted to meet Lord stark. He wished to talk to him. As soon as he entered he knew he was late, and Lord Stark must have gone to his quarters by then. "Uncle Dayne, you know today Lord Stark was here" Rhaenys bailed on Dayne before he even fully entered the room, as she always does he doesn't know how but in last few days, he had become quite fond of her. "Yes I know, so how did it go, princess," Dayne asked her curiously, "He was nice, maybe little too serious but still nice," Rhaenys said smiling with making different face angles. "Well that's good" he had a laugh at that, he never thought that he would find the company of a small kid so pleasant.
Lord Stark was resting in his room after a long bath but still wondering about Viserys, it was still a mystery. He doesn't really understand these southerners a bit. He only wanted safety for Jon, nothing else but still fears about Viserys intentions. He doesn't know anything, but one that he needs to make sure Jon remains safe and kings landing was anything but safe.
Next morning, the whole keep was embellished for the coronation. Targaryen banners were flying overhead. Everyone rushing for coronation as expected. However, Arthur wished to meet Lord stark, finally, he spotted Lord Stark along with his household guard. He walked straight toward him and greeted "welcome my Lord hope you had good sleep" They have only met once before, and that was at the tourney of harrenhal. Ned liked this man, for some reason, and even respected him "of course ser Dayne," suddenly, Ned changed his tone to serious "I know it's stupid, but you were Rhaegar's best friends as far as I know... Does safety of Jon concerns you any more than Lord Viserys" he asked Arthur bluntly. He wanted to know straight at the face,
Arthur understood Lord Stark was worried about Jon, and it's only natural considering what happened. However, he wanted to assure Lord Stark about very thing.
"I wanted to assure you of this very thing my Lord. I promised Lyan— Queen Lyanna, that I will protect Jon with my life" Arthur said in a stern voice, trying to prove his loyalty to Jon for that matter. "Can't ask for anything more" Ned said looking at Arthur. He believed this man's word as he knew Arthur was an honorable man. "Then I will take my leave, my Lord" Arthur bowed and left. Well, he found Lord Stark just as lyanna pictured him, solemn, honorable and even brood. He wanted to assure him as he knew lyanna would have wanted him to.
After his meeting with ser Arthur, he felt a little relieved. He walked toward the great hall where coronation was going to take place. As soon as he entered the hall, he felt the stare of Tywin Lannister and Mace Tyrell on him. Without paying them any attention he just walked to take his seat, with his household guard Jory standing by his side.
In few moments, announcements of royal family's arrival were made. In front was Viserys followed by Rhaenys and a maid carrying Jon along with the kingsguard. Viserys was wearing a black colored outfit, with volantis beads as grace over it, whereas Rhaenys wore a red high collared dress, seemingly worked by emeralds, but royal looks and outfits were least of marvel for guests. Everyone was speculating about Jon, as handful of people knew about Jon, Ned was surprised to even see Jon with the royal family, he never entertained the idea that Viserys would ever let Jon here publically.
Viserys stood in front of Iron Throne, with Rhaenys and Jon at his side. Grand maester pycelle stood in front. Viserys could sense everyone's eyes on Jon, but he already expected this much. Grand maester pycelle started speaking "today we gathered-" suddenly Viserys interrupted. "Let me take it from here grand maester pycelle" grand maester just nodded and walked aside. Viserys walked in front. "I welcome every single Lord present here, although it's your duty to come whenever called upon, still I thank each one of u... When I arrived at king's landing, my advisors told me that realm needed its king, and I agreed with them. So I ask each one of you to swear fealty to your king..." Viserys walked toward wet nurse and took Jon from her and came in front " I present you our king, Jon of house Targaryen and stark, king of Andals and The first man, Lord of seven kingdoms and protector of the realm."
As Viserys spoke, hall fell into a deep slumber, everyone was in complete shock, and the only thing running over their head was 'what the hell is going on'. Petyr Baelish, Tywin Lannister, Mace Tyrell all of them were dumbstruck. Even Ned was in utter shock, he never comprehended what just happened. Suddenly, Tywin Lannister broke the silence, "what's the meaning of this. You can't possibly think of crowning a bastard our king. We won't accept it" Tywin smirked at Viserys.
"Hold your tongue when you speak Lord Tywin, he is no bastard. He is the trueborn son of Rhaegar Targaryen and lyanna stark. King Rhaegar married lyanna Stark in secret ceremony. So by law, he is rightful king, and if you speak against it, it's treason" Viserys said in an authoritative tone. Tywin did came down a little after Viserys's potential warning. "Is there any proof of what you said is true, Lord Viserys" Tywin questioned in order to get order Lords with him. "u are asking a proof from me... if it was any other day, it wouldn't have ended badly for u, but since its coronation ceremony of my nephew, so I will let you pass this time... and well I do have proof but don't even think I need it," he looked toward Tywin giving a deadly glare and then turned towards the guest. Tywin also felt a wave of fear down his spine.
"Ser Arthur Dayne, previously heir to the Starfall and currently one of seven kingsguard, his honor cannot be questioned, and he was the sole seer of the marriage of king Rhaegar and lyanna stark" Viserys turned to Arthur and signaled him. Arthur walked in front. "My Lords, it's true... I witnessed the holy matrimony of king Rhaegar and queen lyanna with my own eyes, ceremony took place in the Godswood of Starfall" Arthur testified.
"Now does anyone have anything else to say," Viserys glared at his guests, especially Tywin. He knew he was itching to interrupt but couldn't do it.
"I guess since everyone is satisfied, so I will ask high septon to begin the coronation ceremony" he signaled high septon. Everyone in the hall rose. Viserys was holding Jon in his arms while High Septon held the crown above Jon's head and began the crowning ceremony.
"May warrior grants him courage
And protect him in these perilous times,
May the Smith grant him strength that,
He might bear this heavy burden,
And may the crone,
She that knows the fate of all men,
Show him the path he must walk,
And guide him through the dark places that lie ahead.
In the light of the seven, I now proclaim Jon of house Targaryen and Stark, first of his name, king of the Andals and the first men, Lord of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm.
Long may he reign "High Septon finished with it.
"Long may he reign "cheers erupted, clapping and cheering filled the great hall. Not everyone was pleased but they had little say on the matter, so they too ran with the flow.
so guyz here is new chap, well there is a thing i am confused, when i started i was up for jon and dany view but now i am falling in love with rhaenys, so give me some help.(revised)