Red Keep ― Maegor's Holdfast…
The following morning was the start of a new day, although it was gloomy. The Red Keep, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms, was eerily quiet, the hushed atmosphere lending a sense of gravity to the proceedings. But unbeknownst to many at court, a power play was about to unfold. It was then that a young servant boy, scurrying through the castle's labyrinthine corridors, chanced upon Talya, a handmaiden to one of the noble ladies of the court. Kneeling to his level, Talya listened intently as the boy reported the news that would shake the very foundations of the realm - King Viserys had died in his sleep. Upon hearing this, Talya wasted no time in hastening to the next person she could trust with such a grave revelation.
Otto Hightower gazed into the flickering flames of the fireplace, struggling to comprehend the ancient High Valyrian texts without the aid of his grandsons. However, his current thoughts were elsewhere. So… his time had come. He served House Targaryen for thirty-one years, witnessing the reigns of both Jaehaerys I and his grandson, Viserys I. Rest soundly, old friend. You still have a son with Her Grace, Queen Aemma. I will do what I can to guide him as I did with you and make preparations for his ascension. "Who else knows?" he asked his daughter's handmaiden.
"No one, ser," Talya reported.
"Then there is a possibility the queen will know." She'll be making her move soon. "There is much work to be done. Send a raven to Dragonstone. Inform the Young Dragon what has happened without delay."
"Of course."
Upon Talya's departure from the guest room, Otto returned to the brazier. As a former Hand, he couldn't help but speculate about the inevitable move the Caltrops would make now that King Viserys had passed away. However, what caught his attention was the report he had received from an anonymous source detailing the return of the disgraced Prince Aegon the Elder. The prince had returned to King's Landing disguised as a commoner named 'Griff.' This information was particularly alarming as it suggested that the Caltrops were not the only ones planning something nefarious.
As Otto delved deeper into his investigation, he discovered that Lord Larys Strong, Queen Beatrice's spymaster, was the mastermind behind the recent events, including the tragedy at Harrenhal that caused the deaths of his successor as Hand of the King, Lord Lyonel Strong as well as Lyonel's eldest son, Ser Harwin. It was also revealed that Aeonar Targaryen's spies had been aggressively crossing paths with the Caltrops' spies more frequently. Otto quickly realized that Queen Beatrice Peake was plotting to usurp power.
This was just the beginning of a coup d'état.
Given the appropriate power and authority to govern King's Landing in his son-in-law's absence, Otto immediately began preparing to make the first move. The situation was dire, and time was of the essence. Otto knew that he needed to act quickly and decisively to prevent the coup from succeeding. Before long, the doors to his room burst open, revealing House Peake's guardsmen.
"Ser Otto Hightower, you are under arrest," Ser Mervyn Flowers informed him.
"On what charges?" Otto asked, unconcerned.
"For the murder of His Grace King Viserys Targaryen, the First of His Name."
"I must say, this situation is quite absurd."
"Don't even think to deny the allegations, old man. We have a witness who saw you exiting the king's room before he died."
"That's quite a claim. May I inquire as to who this witness might be?"
Right on cue, Beatrice emerged and played her role to perfection. With a convincingly distressed demeanor as a freshly made widow, she unleashed her fury on Ser Otto Hightower, the former Hand of the King. "Unbelievable! How could you! My lord husband trusted you, I trusted you, and this is the thanks the crown gets in return?! By repaying us with treachery?!"
Otto arched an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by the accusation. "Everything I have done has been for the greater good of House Targaryen," he retorted. His eyes narrowed as he fixed Beatrice with a steely gaze. "And I know exactly what your acquaintance has done. Slinking about in the shadows, bringing Aegon into the capital under cover of darkness."
Mervyn's face twisted with rage as he approached Otto. "How dare you!" he spat. "Surrender now, or you will not be shown the mercy of a swift execution." With a quick glance at his soldiers, he added, "Either way, you will hang."
Otto surveyed the group of approximately fifteen individuals. He was aware that they outnumbered him. "It is a sad day for the realm," he said.
"Keep up the charade. No one's buying it. You are a traitor. And you will be dealt with as one."
Mervyn and Beatrice stood at a distance, watching the Peake soldiers take Otto away in chains. As soon as they disappeared from sight, Beatrice let out a sigh of relief and dropped the formal facade she had been keeping up. "Find Lord Merryweather and Lady Fell. I imagine Lord Caswell will try to flee. Scour the halls for any servants loyal to the Young Dragon and his bitch consort; throw them in the black cells," she commanded. "And call the others to the small council chambers. Father and I will inform them of what needs to be done. If the lords will not bend the knee to my son, then execute them all."
Unbeknownst to Queen Beatrice and her uncle, Talya had been lurking in a faraway corner of the hallway throughout their entire conversation. Her demeanor betrayed her knowledge of all that had been discussed, and she quietly slipped away from them to sneak into her mistress's chambers undetected. Without delay, she proceeded to light a collection of candles and carefully placed them on the windowsill. Retrieving a mirror, Talya positioned it at a specific angle, causing the sun's rays to reflect off its surface and project onto the city's buildings below. As she observed the rays bouncing off in an even and consistent pattern, it became clear that they were transmitting a warning signal in Morse code. Talya hoped that the Blacks and the White Worm's agents would notice the warning sign and take heed of the impending danger. Her hopes were high, but only time would tell if her efforts would be successful.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?!"
Talya turned around to see more Peake soldiers coming toward her.
"Take her to the black cells."
King's Landing ― Fishmonger's Square…
Prince Jaehaerys had opted to remain in King's Landing a while longer to oversee the last-minute provisions at Fishmonger's Square. This bustling location was situated near River Row and was an essential docking point for both Velaryon and merchant ships arriving at the docks on the other side of the Mud Gate. With a pad and quill in hand, the young prince meticulously jotted down notes, ensuring everything was in order, and no detail was overlooked. "Hmm. Based on our assessment, it appears that the allocated crates are adequate. May I suggest that they be distributed strategically across the fishmarket, along the Street of Steel, and the remainder to the Street of Silk," he advised.
"Of course, my prince," the merchants replied.
"Please extend the regards of the crown to your esteemed employers."
"Absolutely! It's wonderful to know that our efforts are valued and appreciated. We're always here to assist you in any way we can."
"Certainly. However, it may be prudent to avoid excessive workload to ensure optimal productivity and well-being."
"Of course, my prince. We'll try to be more careful. We are deeply grateful and humbly moved by your kindness. Seven blessings to you."
"Seven blessings."
As Jaehaerys completed his rounds, he couldn't help but catch snippets of intriguing gossip. The buzz among the locals, particularly the Blacks supporters, was palpable. All he could gather were bits and pieces of the conversation, including mentions of the king, whispers of 'Did you hear?' and murmurs of 'You're fooling yourself.' It was hard not to be curious about what was going on. With all this talk, something big must be happening. Hmmm, this is quite peculiar. I wonder what they're up to…?
A voice that sounded familiar broke the silence. "You always find ways to keep yourself busy, even in times of peace when there are no conflicts to resolve," it said.
"Gods, haven't you ever heard of shore leave?" another voice echoed.
Jaehaerys was startled by a voice calling out to him. It turned out to be his friends, Ser Addam and Alyn of Hull. "Ah, Addam. Alyn. Good day. I must admit it is quite unexpected to run into both of you here. May I inquire if your visit is related to procuring supplies for an upcoming deployment?"
"Yes, but that's just one aspect of it," Alyn confirmed.
"Indeed," Addam chimed in. "Lord Corlys's lady wife has yet to grace Driftmark with her presence once more."
"Princess Rhaenys?" Jaehaerys inquired. "She hasn't come back yet?"
"It's puzzling to me because it's completely out of character for her. I can't seem to wrap my head around it. Things back home have been hard enough already."
In a hushed tone, Alyn commented, "That spectacle caused by Ser Vaemond's antics at the court riled up some feathers. It seems like his sons, Daemion and Daeron, have inherited their father's stubbornness," he noted. "But it wasn't just them - five others were also stirring up trouble."
"I must say, I've also been privy to those very same rumors," Jaehaerys added. "They refused to acknowledge grandfather's decision regarding who has more legal standing as Lord Corlys's heir and instead persisted in pressing their own claims to Driftmark no matter how many times the court ruled against them. They were even bold enough to proclaim Jace, Luke, and Joffrey as illegitimate before my father. So he had all five of their eyes, ears, and tongues cut out. But I must express my… displeasure with such an extreme form of punishment. Such measures may not align with ethical and moral standards prioritizing fairness and respect for human dignity."
"I agree. But it's a messy situation we found ourselves in," Addam said with a furrowed brow. "The 'silent five,' they're called now. Daemion and Daeron couldn't handle the heat and took off, thinking they would be next on the Young Dragon's hit list. The same goes for Ser Malentine and his brother Rhogar. They probably thought they were in danger and skedaddled. But here's the thing, desertion is a serious offense. Court-martial serious. We haven't been able to track them down ourselves, so we've come to you for help."
"I apologize for any limitations in my knowledge of the subject. While I am not an expert in gathering intelligence or naval operations, I am willing to bring this matter to the attention of the small council to ensure that any necessary actions are taken."
"Brother, at least we have something. That's not too bad, right?" Alyn said optimistically.
"Exactly. We can only do so much. Thank you for your valuable time, my prince," Addam replied respectfully.
The trio of Jaehaerys, Addam, and Alyn engaged in a lively discussion about current affairs, but as the day wore on, they began to notice some unusual activity. The commoners appeared to be growing increasingly agitated. Suddenly, a faint sound emanated from the Street of Steel, the Muddy Way, and the Hook. Intrigued, the three companions decided to investigate. What they encountered was a scene that would forever be etched in their memories. As they approached, they could hear shouting and cursing emanating from two opposing groups of people. The altercation quickly erupted into a violent brawl.
"What on earth is happening here?" Alyn asked, his eyes wide with confusion.
"I don't know," Jaehaerys replied.
"Break it up! Enough!"
In a chaotic scene, a group of City Watchmen appeared to quell the disorder. However, their arrival only seemed to fuel the frenzy of the growing mob. The two opposing groups were easily distinguishable by their clothing colors; one clad in black while the other in orange. Despite the Watchmen's efforts, the black-clad group only seemed to swell in numbers with each passing moment.
"Jay!" Gwayne Hightower arrived.
"Uncle Gwayne," Jaehaerys replied. "What's happening here?"
"I must admit, nephew, I'm quite perplexed. Our commander instructed us to conduct a 'routine patrol' throughout the city, but what we've encountered is far from routine. It's as if the streets have transformed into a battlefield, with what seems to be a full-blown riot underway."
"A riot?" Something's not right.
"Have there been any casualties reported?" Addam inquired.
"None yet," Gwayne shook his head, "but if we don't get things under control, I'm afraid we're going to need a lot of carts to haul dead bodies."
"Do you need assistance?" Alyn asked.
"I must say, it's quite a daunting task to protect a city of half a million people with only 6,000 gold cloaks. And even if we were to receive backup, I can't help but wonder about the potential consequences of a larger military presence in King's Landing." Gwayne's ears were met with the sudden sound of shattering glass, followed by a chorus of raised voices. The cries of 'For the Young Dragon!' and 'Long live the Heir to the Flames!' grew louder, causing the Hightower knight to fear that the situation was about to escalate into something much more chaotic and dangerous. "Listen to me, Jay," his uncle's eyes met his, "I'm a bit worried for your safety. You might want to consider finding a safer place to be at the moment."
"And what about yourself?" Jaehaerys inquired.
"Don't fret over me, nephew. As a knight, I am more than capable of looking after myself. However, your mother would never forgive me if any harm came to her children. So, come now, off you go!" Gwayne immediately returned to join his fellow comrades in an effort to quell the rapidly growing mob. Despite their valiant efforts, the increasing number of Black supporters posed a significant threat, and the Caltrops' defenders found themselves struggling to keep up with the sheer force of the opposition.
Addam's eyes widened in disbelief as he watched the chaotic scene before him. "This is madness," he muttered under his breath, struggling to comprehend the sheer number of attackers.
Alyn, standing beside him, shared his sentiment. "There's too many of them," he exclaimed.
Jaehaerys attentively surveyed the bustling crowd, his discerning gaze sweeping over each individual. Suddenly, a glint of light caught his eye, causing him to blink momentarily as the sun's rays reflected off a nearby mirror. Intrigued, he turned his head towards the source of the light, and his sharp observation led him to the Red Keep, where he noticed a persistent and uniform disturbance emanating from a particular location. It's coming from the Red Keep. Something's not right. "Addam, Alyn," he called to his friends. "I need you both to retrieve your ships and return to Driftmark."
"Huh?" Alyn said confused.
"What for?" Addam inquired.
"I have reason to believe that there may be additional information that has not been disclosed to us. I recommend maintaining a low profile and avoiding any unnecessary attention. I will conduct a thorough investigation into this matter."
"You're ballsy, Prince Jaehaerys."
"Mad, even."
"So it's been said. Now, go. Hurry."
Upon sensing that danger may have lurked about, Addam and Alyn of Hull made a quiet and swift retreat to their respective ships. In response, the common markets began closing their shops early in order to protect their sales from any potential damage that may come from the unrest. Meanwhile, Jaehaerys draped a charcoal-grey cloak over his shoulders and pulled the hood up over his head, hoping to conceal himself enough so as not to draw attention to himself. He made sure to stick to the alleyways and take quick shortcuts through the Hook, avoiding any open spaces where he may be seen. It was clear that there was indeed a riot going on, and something or someone must have instigated the people to take to the streets. The light reflecting off one of the mirrors in the Red Keep's towers was a clue, and it was clear that something was going on up there that Jaehaerys needed to find out about.
With his Lykirī Mēre training, Jaehaerys was able to move quickly and silently, making his approach towards Aegon's High Hill. As he arrived, he took cover behind a corner, carefully observing the barbican's patrol. The area was heavily guarded by House Peake's guards, making a frontal approach a risky and possibly deadly move. Huh? Why are guardsmen from the queen's retinue stationed at the main entrance instead of Ser Lucas's own men? It seems like an unusual arrangement for this situation. Jaehaerys decided to take a more strategic approach, analyzing the situation and carefully planning his next move. I'll need to find another way in. Let's see… ah! There! Jaehaerys cautiously went around them; his back pressed against the walls. The narrow edge was becoming increasingly treacherous, with one misstep leading to certain death against the jagged rocks below. He took a deep breath and tried to calm his racing heart. Steady yourself, Jay. Be as discrete as possible. This is what father trained you for. I just… never thought I'd end up trying to sneak into my own home like this covertly. I feel like a common thief.
Jaehaerys carefully surveyed the ancient walls, searching for any weaknesses that could be exploited. After a few moments of scrutiny, his keen eyes detected a small set of gaps. Reaching into his leather sack, the prince retrieved a pair of gloves nearly identical to those his father wore. With a sense of determination, he donned the gloves and began to scale the battlements, expertly using the gaps to gain a foothold and make his ascent. His movements were smooth and calculated, a testament to his years of training and experience. Despite the danger that lay ahead, Jaehaerys remained focused and determined, his mind entirely focused on the task at hand.
Ugh! Eleven years of assassination training for this shit. Eleven. Years! Ngh!
Red Keep ― Near the Small Council chambers…
Jaehaerys had been struggling for what seemed like an endless amount of time climbing without being detected as he exerted himself to pull his body up and crawl through the open window. His palms were sore, and he felt a deep weariness settling in. Despite his fatigue, he knew that his mission was far from over. Now that he had successfully infiltrated the Red Keep, the young prince needed to press forward and uncover any information that might shed light on what had happened in the streets earlier that morning. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss as he moved through the building. With all his training and skill, Jaehaerys kept himself concealed, slipping between the pillars with an almost supernatural silence. Ser Alran? Tavion? He didn't see anyone he'd recognize. Strange… this is their scheduled regular patrol route. Again, Jaehaerys kept on the move as quietly as he could. Mariela? Jaena? Talya? Where are you?
As his eyes scanned the crowd, they finally landed on two familiar faces: Ser Jorrel and Ser Maxir, both men-at-arms in the service of House Targaryen. However, something seemed off about them, as they wore uneasy expressions that couldn't be ignored.
Maxir spoke with a tinge of worry, "I have a bad feeling about this."
Jorrel, cautiously agreeing with Maxir, responded, "I can't help but feel the same. Why else would the queen shake up our patrols?"
"It's possible she wants to weed out those who oppose her."
"Or perhaps she's just paranoid. Things have been rather chaotic ever since Ser Otto was arrested."
Wha…?! Jaehaerys eyes widened in disbelief. Grandfather? Arrested? What for?! His suspicions were intensifying rapidly, and he desperately needed answers. I hope you haven't harmed him, Your Grace. Remain calm, Jaehaerys. Perhaps one of them will provide a helpful hint.
"Not just Lady Alicent's father, but her handmaiden was also arrested."
"Who?"
"Talya, I think it was? Anyway, I heard the queen's father rounded up some of the lords and demanded they bend the knee to Aegon. A lot of them refused. So he had them all executed."
Lord Merryweather? Lady Fell? Lord Caswell?
"Wait, what? That disgusting prince was banished from the kingdom for attempting to assault the princess, and now he's back?"
"Apparently, he had some insider help. The Night's Watch is after him, but they can't even get close due to that dragon guarding him."
"Can you believe the queen allowed this to happen?"
"I heard the queen's father was against it. I heard one of the washerwomen say he wanted her to focus on Prince Aemond instead."
"Aemond? Ugh, he's not someone to mess with."
"Did you hear? He just defeated Ser Criston in the courtyard. Looks like he's become quite the swordsman."
Jaehaerys, with a yearning for substantial information that could lead him to a clue but learned nothing. Just mere gossip. He shifted his gaze to his right and noticed the hallway that led to the small council chamber. He decided to approach it stealthily to avoid drawing attention. As he moved closer, he was taken aback to find two Peake soldiers standing watch instead of the usual two Kingsguard assigned to the post. Damn it! As Jaehaerys was strategizing his next move, he noticed a Kingsguard approaching. Quickly taking cover behind a nearby pillar, the prince held his breath to remain silent.
The Kingsguard's voice boomed, "What are you two doing here? This area is strictly off-limits."
Without missing a beat, the other person retorted, "Hate to break it to you, Ser Arryk―"
"I'm Erryk, not Arryk."
Jaehaerys couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Ser Erryk Cargyll! He knew this face all too well. As he approached to get a better view, he saw Erryk reprimanding two Peake knights who refused to move out of the way. What surprised Jaehaerys was that Erryk was not even looking at them but rather at him! The Kingsguard knight had spotted him but didn't say anything. Instead, Erryk shifted his posture subtly, trying to communicate with the prince without alerting anyone. Jaehaerys was quick to analyze Ser Erryk's signals and carefully snuck up behind the Peake guardsmen, pinching their pressure points at the base of their necks where their armor didn't protect them. Erryk covered their mouths to prevent any noise, rendering them unconscious. The two guards were gently brought down to the ground within seconds.
"Well done, my prince. Good work," Erryk whispered. He then expressed his concern. "But what are you doing here? It's dangerous."
"This place is my home, and I came looking for answers," Jaehaerys responded in a subdued tone. "May I inquire as to the current situation, Ser Erryk?"
Erryk let out a heavy sigh, his heart heavy with the weight of what he was about to say. "My prince, I'm afraid I have some grave news regarding your grandfather, the king," he spoke with a solemn tone, hesitant to shatter the prince's world with his words. "He's…"
"He's what?" Jaehaerys insisted.
"His Grace… passed away. He died in his sleep last night."
Jaehaerys was left in a state of shock as he stood there, his eyes growing wide with disbelief. His entire world seemed to come crashing down around him, leaving him feeling numb and helpless. As Erryk had forewarned, Jaehaerys felt a sharp, agonizing pain in his chest that seemed to radiate outwards, causing him to clutch at his heart. It was with great sorrow that he learned of the passing of King Viserys, his beloved grandfather. Questions raced through his mind as he struggled to make sense of what had happened. Why did he have to die? What could he have done to prevent it? His face etched with grief, Jaehaerys quickly clasped his hand over his mouth to muffle the sobs that threatened to escape him. "He's… w-what? Dead? It-it can't be," he said through whispers, his voice cracked.
"I'm so very sorry, my prince. I know you two were close," Erryk said sympathetically.
Gr-Grandfather… No…
"But listen to me; the Caltrops are up to something, and they're rounding up anyone who doesn't support them. They've thrown many in the black cells already. Larys Strong smuggled the other Aegon into the capital, and we received a tip from the White Worm that Queen Beatrice was moving to seize power. Your safety is at risk, and you must hurry out of here. It's not safe here."
Jaehaerys struggled to compose himself, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. However, he knew that there would be time for proper mourning later. For now, he had to focus on the task at hand. Aegon? He's here? "Wh… What about the others? Isn't there anyone else who could help us?" he inquired with a hint of desperation.
"I'm not entirely certain, but I have a plan," Erryk replied thoughtfully. "I'm going to seek out Princess Rhaenys and do my best to persuade her to join me. Perhaps you should do the same," he suggested, hoping to ease any worries the prince may have had.
"Gods be with you, Ser Erryk."
"You too, Prince Jaehaerys."
As Erryk made his way out, carefully moving the unconscious Peake soldiers to avoid drawing attention, Jaehaerys couldn't help but notice the slightly ajar door leading to the small council chambers. With his curiosity piqued, he cautiously looked around to make sure no one was watching before taking a peek through the gap. To his surprise, he could hear muffled voices coming from the other side, and he immediately found himself eager to listen in and uncover what was being discussed.
"What is it that could not have waited an hour? Was Dorne invaded?" Tyland inquired.
"The king is dead. We grieve for Viserys the Peaceful. Our sovereign. Our friend," Unwin announced.
"Ser Otto Hightower has been taken into custody on charges of murdering the king while he was asleep. This is a grave offense - it's considered treason. And that's not all; his co-conspirators have also been apprehended. It's only a matter of time before they break down and confess to their crimes," Beatrice revealed. "I swear it's the truth. But before my lord husband died, he disclosed to me in secrecy who he wants as his successor. And so, the proper course is clear: my son, Aegon Targaryen, shall be crowned king." She looked at the councilors. "Now, there are two among the captains of the City Watch that remain loyal to Daemon. Let us replace them."
"No! I will not have this!" Lyman expressed strong opposition. "To hear that you are plotting to replace the king's firstborn son and heir with an imposter!"
"Prince Aeonar Targaryen was named the heir to the throne more than twenty-seven years ago, with hundreds of lords and landed knights swearing their fealty to him," Farrier, the Master of Whisperers, emphasized. "Let me remind you that he is King Viserys's eldest son. This is treason, my lords, a very, very serious offense against the crown. Are you suggesting that you have been plotting against him all this time? Is it possible that everyone in this council, aside from the Master of Coin and myself, has been deceived by this falsehood?"
"Watch yourself, peasant," Beatrice warned. "You're speaking to your queen."
Farrier too rose slowly to his feet. "You are not my queen, nor would I obey that directive even if you were," he refused.
"Plot or no, the king changed his mind," Jasper said.
"Most of those lords are now dead," Tyland interjected.
Lyman rose from his chair to his feet, visibly outraged. "I am 76 years old! I have known Viserys and his son longer than any who sit at this table. And I will not believe that he said this on his deathbed, alone, with only the boy's mother who claims to be a witness and follows up with a wrongful arrest and trumped-up charges spun on the narrative of falsehoods at the behest of a mad woman. This is seizure! It is theft! It is treason! At the least, it is―"
"Mind your tongue, Lyman," Orwyle tried to calm matters.
Farrier's gaze pierced the Grand Maester as he spoke with conviction. "The king was administered the appropriate medicine to treat his ailments. However, when his granddaughter the princess brought to light your people's interference with the concoction, we had every reason to believe that you and Queen Beatrice were intentionally poisoning him."
"Which of us are you accusing of regicide, Farrier?" Jasper dared.
"It doesn't matter. When we choose to do nothing, we're essentially enabling the situation to continue. By being complacent, it makes you just as guilty."
"See?! The king was well last night… by all accounts," Lyman agreed. "Which of you here can swear that he died of his own accord? Whether it was one of you, or all of you, I care not." It was evident that the Master of Coin had plans of leaving the room, and it was assumed by all present that he was going to inform Aeonar's family about the scheme to undermine the laws of the land. "I will have no part―"
Unbeknownst to Lyman, Beatrice gave Ser Criston a look. The Kingsguard strode forward and angrily seized the Master of Coin. "Sit down!" he shouted and forced Lyman back into his seat; unfortunately, the force Cole uses slams the frail Lyman's head into the table, fatally cracking his skull to the horror of all. Blood from Lord Lyman Beesbury, the man who held the office of Master of Coin since the days of King Jaehaerys I, flowed from his head, spreading across the table and dripping down to the floor. There was a long moment of silence as everyone stared. Even Ser Criston seemed shocked by what he had done.
Jaehaerys's eyes widened in shock at the scene. By the Gods!
"What have you done?!" Farrier shouted. "You murderer!"
Lord Commander Harrold Westerling's fury was palpable as he drew his sword and aimed it at Criston. "Throw down your sword and remove your cloak, Ser Criston," he ordered firmly.
Criston, however, draws his own blade at points it at Harrold.
"I am your Lord Commander, Ser Criston. Cast down your sword."
"I will not suffer insults to Her Grace the Queen."
As Harrold shifted his gaze to the right, his eyes fell upon Jaehaerys who stood just beyond the doorway. The expression etched upon the young prince's visage suggested that he had been privy to both the sights and sounds of the scene that had just unfolded. "Run, Jaehaerys! Warn your father!" he warned.
Farrier saw him too. "Run!" he shouted.
Jaehaerys was well aware of the looming danger that awaited him. The Caltrops, notorious for their seditious activities, had spotted him. His apprehension was further compounded by the realization that the Caltrops were hatching a plot to displace his father as the rightful king of the Seven Kingdoms. Heeding the advice of his mentor and his father's chief agent, Jaehaerys knew he had to act swiftly. Without a second thought, he raced away as fast as he could, desperately trying to escape from the Red Keep. He had to reach Dragonstone and warn his family of the impending danger. Going back the way he came was too risky. However, there was a secret passage leading out of the castle through the black cells. The stakes were high - his life and the safety of his family were at risk. I-I'm so sorry, Lord Beesbury! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!
Beatrice was seething with anger. She knew that if Jaehaerys managed to escape, all of the Caltrops' plans would be completely ruined. "After him! Don't let him get away!" she commanded.
Despite her orders, Ser Harrold stood firmly in their way, keeping his sword pointed at Criston. "I said stand down," he warned. "Drop your sword and remove your white cloak, boy. You've disgraced the honor of the Kingsguard for the last time."
Criston's voice was filled with a sense of satisfaction. "Oh, I have waited years for this," he said. His eyes glinted with fierce determination as he continued. "Your day is done, old man. But mine has just begun." It was clear that he had been working towards this moment for a long time and was ready to seize the opportunities ahead.
The air was thick with anticipation as the two knights locked eyes, each one sizing up their opponent with a steely determination. The tension was palpable as the audience held their breath in anticipation of the impending clash. Suddenly, with lightning-fast reflexes, both knights charged forward, their swords meeting in a resounding clash that echoed throughout the arena.
Despite Criston's undeniable skill as a knight, it was Harrold who held the upper hand, having been hardened by countless battles and honed to a razor's edge. With a fluid and graceful motion, Harrold swiftly disarmed Criston, seizing the opportunity to bring him to the ground and secure a hard-earned victory, a testament to his years of experience and unwavering dedication to his craft.
"The rats in the Red Keep have more honor than you," Harrold took away Criston's blade. "More than any of you dishonorable cretins," he spat in disgust. Turning around, Harrold left the room, with Farrier following close behind the Lord Commander.
Before long, the city bells rang out, filling the streets with a boisterous cacophony of noise and commotion. The sound of shuffling feet added to the lively atmosphere, creating a bustling scene that was impossible to ignore.
"Your Grace," came the urgent voice of one of Caltrops' most trusted supporters, "the city is in utter chaos! A full-scale riot is underway!"
Beatrice furrowed her brow in deep contemplation as she pondered the sudden turn of events. She couldn't help but feel that something was off. It all seemed too convenient. Perhaps the Blacks had spies strategically placed within the Red Keep, and they had signaled their comrades in the streets. It was clear that they were determined to thwart the attempted coup at any cost.
Chapter End
Author's Note: Hey guys, I'm back. Thanks again for the words you gave me. The entire family has read your comments and are very thankful for your kind words. We're taking things one step at a time, but it's a slow progress.
In the meantime, Beatrice and the Caltrops had begun making their moves. As expected from the Blacks, the White Worm is apparently helping them by sending carefully coded signals to tell others in the streets what's going on. False charges of treason, wrongful arrests, the Caltrops are pulling out all the stops to ensure their plans go smoothly... or so we think. But when Jaehaerys senses something was wrong, he decided to investigate and uncovered the coup attempt, but also witnessed more than he bargained for. With much at stake, Jaehaerys makes a break for it to warn his father. Think he'll get to them in time and free the prisoners? Let me know. This will be broken down into multiple parts.
Rybca Jennifer H: Can't wait for the next chapter, hope you update fast soon...
Question:
Will Jaehaerys escape from the Caltrops and make it to Dragonstone to warned his family?
―Already published the second half.
C.E.W: So it has begun, the Caltrops are making their move to seize power in a coup to put Aegon the Elder on the throne. Otto Hightower and many of the Black supporters have been detained and put in Black cells, with the former charged with killing King Viserys which is false. The Caltrops led by Beatrice and Unwin Peake have made their plans known to the Small Council most of whom have sided with the Caltrops out of fear of Aeonar or promise of more power.
Three are against it, Lyman Beesbury whose served as Master of Coin for two kings, last years of the Old King, and entirety of King Viserys' reign. He was killed accidentally by Ser Criston. Farrier Master of Whisperers whose been one of Aeonar's most trusted agents for twenty years. Then there is Harrold Westerling Lord-Commander of the Kingsguard whose stood by Aeonar all of his life, and is disgusted by the Caltrops' actions.
Prince Jaehaerys has discovered the plot, and is now on the run in the Red Keep. If he is passing the black cells on the way out, he might be able to free Otto Hightower and the Black supporters or at least some of them. That depends entirely on how well the black cells are guarded. Once freed, Otto Hightower will want Jaehaerys to leave on dragon back to warn his father of what has happened in King's Landing. Otto Hightower might stay to help manage resistance to prevent the Caltrops from crowning Aegon before the masses.
With the city in chaos, Beatrice may want to send some of her trusted agents to ensure Aegon the Elder's return to the Red Keep. She might send Ser Criston, with Aemond volunteering to go. Also she might send the Cargyll brothers to hunt down Jaehaerys.
Questions:
Princess Rhaenys in still in the capital? I thought she had gone to Driftmark to rule till her husband recovers, which is why she couldn't make it to King Viserys' last dinner.
―Yes, but apparently she was seized by the Caltrops before she could get the chance to leave.
Was Jaehaerys close with Lyman Beesbury?
―No, but he respects him.
I suppose Aeonar will honor the loyalty of Lyman Beesbury and the other Black supporters who died, funerals and all?
―Yes.
How does Aemond feel about the Caltrops meaning to make Aegon the Elder king? Does he believe Aeonar would be a better king?
―He still feels bitter about being the younger son. He still believes he'd make a better king than Aegon the Elder.
How divided is the City Watch on who supports the Blacks and the Caltrops?
―Not at all; almost 100:1 ratio.
FireKing500: Good to see the lords were loyal to Aeonar and they were executed as they didnt bend to Aegon, a criminal and rapist. Hope Aeonar takes his dragon and burns House Peake's home for their treason after taking care of the issue in Kings Landing.
House Peake should not have that many allies as they should know what Aeonar will do to them and their families should they betray him. If House Lannister joins House Peake, well then House Reyne and lead the houses of the Westerlands and they can become the Lord Paramounts of the West.
I am just wondering how many lords will follow Aegon as the reason many lords followed canon Aegon due to him being the firstborn son.
Goonies117: it has begone
SpartanWolfj6: And now it begins.
mpowers045: Oh it on, Caltrops!
FangRu: Beatrice is dumb. Nobody would believe that Viserys would wanted demented and rapist Aegon to relace him as a new king. Why did Caltrops not go with Aemond? It would be more believable to concot lie that Viserys was dissatisfied with Aenoar and was inclined to give his throne to Aemond...
KingInTheNorth27: The caltrops have to know that they cant keep throne with aegon. I mean on he has on real allies besides his family and the few lords they can get by promising riches or fear of dragon fire. Hope the crowd boos at aegon when he is crowned.
Questions
since Jeahearys is still in kingslanding will he and Rheanys bust out of the dragon pit like in the canon
―Vermithor is already far away from the Red Keep but still close enough for Jaehaerys, but Meleys might have a different grand entrance
Will Rheana claim one of the wild dragons or seasmoke
―She'll try, but I think that moment will be interrupted
randomdude24: Loved the concept of how the Caltrops will try and crown Aegon, Beatrice is either arrogant or stupid believing crowing Aegon will force the lords of Westeros to rally behind, Aegon is disgraced the realm will never accept him.
I did enjoy Ser Cristion getting his ass handed to him, I do hate him the most. He's extremely petty. I sort of hope that when the war starts, he doesn't die at Butchers Ball, but he gets captured and put on Trial by Aeonar so his image gets destroyed and have history remember him as an "oathbreaker".
Just a question, so why did the small council side with Beatrice outside of Lyman and Farrier? Do they really hate Aeonar or just desperate for power?
―Two were neutral, but mostly one sided with Beatrice out of fear for Aeonar - the other on the promise of more power and influence.
LordDarkness89: ser westerling is channeling ser barristen
Fantasymaker76: And so it begins. The coup has begun but I wonder why Jasper, Orwyn and Tyland are in on the plot. In cannon they believed male before female but here there is a true heir. The blacks have begun a Resistance and I would like to see the crowd boo Aegon rather than cheer him. Looking forward to the next chapter.