I don't own A Song of Fire and Ice.
Chapter 2 Cleansing of Flea Bottom, Heirs Tourney and Death of Monarch
Kingslanding-City Watch garrison
A regular patrol among the City Watch was due to begin later that evening. Two thousand guardsmen made up the primary military and law enforcement organization in charge of securing the Seven Kingdoms' capital. Law authorities anticipated a significant increase in the city's crime rate because to the anticipated high attendance for the upcoming event.
But compared to before, they were better prepared this time.
Before that, during the first hundred years of King's Landing's existence, the City Watch was little more than an ill-trained motley crew of hired goons. However, since Prince Daemon took over as their new leader, the City Watch has undergone an organizational and equipment overhaul, effectively transforming them into a tiny private army.
One by one, the guards started began thumping on their breastplates rhythmically - anticipating the hunt that is to come in a ruthless show of force.
"Commander on the floor!" shouted Captain Randyll Barret.
Clad in a distinctive piece of black plate armor, with a gold cloak wrapped around his shoulders and a dragon's symbol emblazoned on the bottom part with steel scales, Daemon strode right in the middle of his officers, scrutinizing them from head to toe. His men were hungry for blood. They were prepared.
"When I took command of the Watch, you were stray mongrels... starving and undisciplined," he began. "Now, you're a pack of hounds. You're sated and honed for the hunt."
"Aoooooooooo!" they howled.
"My brother's city has fallen into squalor! Crime of every breed has been allowed to thrive! No longer. Beginning tonight, King's Landing will learn to fear the color gold!"
The men gave a battle cry as they purged to the streets.
Thieves, rapists, murderers, and criminals who dare plague the city.
The following week later, news of Prince Daemon's purge on the streets gave many courtiers fear, weary and cautious if they might be targeted as well.
Alerie entered where her mother and father were speaking privately in his office.
"Alerie, you startle us." Viserra was spooked but sighed in relief that it was her daughter.
"Sorry," Alerie apologized to her mother. "I left behind my book, and I hear you both talking."
"We were discussing about the upcoming tourney." Daniel made a fib, but his daughter was smarter than he thought.
"Father, I heard stories from flea bottom." Alerie is not blind.
Viserra insisted that they shouldn't talk about it.
"But cousin Daemon is doing a good thing. He is taking his position very seriously. He is arresting criminals. He made the city watch more able men to fight for the king." Alerie firmly believes Daemon is doing what everyone is afraid of doing. Cleaning up their city and enforcing the laws over the dishonorable people.
"I can agree that, but something was disturbing about the way he did." Daniel looked troubled. The Rogue prince shouldn't at least consult with them, and he is waiting for more information from his Seeds about the counting of the bodies.
"What is it, father?"
"They need carts to carry many bodies his men had dismembered."
Viserra waved her daughter off to go enjoy her day. Viserra looked at her husband with a worried look. They knew that Alerie had been close with Daemon Targaryen since her girlhood, but they wanted her to distance herself from him.
He is too dangerous right now.
'Perhaps it is time to marry her off soon.'
After all, he is Viserys heir in all but name.
Small Council of King Viserys
Present Small Council members:
King Viserys I of House of Targaryen.
Ser Otto Hightower hand of the king.
Lyman Beesbury Master of Coins.
Corlys Velaryon Master of Ships.
Daniel Tyrell Master of Whisperers.
Lyonel Strong Master of Laws.
Grand Measter Mellos.
"There is many disturbed still effect after the Purging of the Gold cloaks as the common folks are calling that event." Daniel reading his reports from his 'Seeds.' "They had reported what they believed is estimations range from somewhere around 50 arrests, 2,274 wounded and 118 dead."
King Viserys looked troubled by this.
Ser Otto had this to say, "He oversteps his positions."
Corlys rebuked, "The Prince brought stability to Kingslandings. The common folks are much safer when there isn't fear about whether or not they will be attacked."
"I agree with Ser Otto," Daniel put his input. "While Lord Corlys made a fast point of cleaning our streets thanks to Prince Daemon, I wonder if this will be welcomed by the common folks as protection or fear us."
King Viserys is puzzled. He had hoped this new position for Prince Daemon would suit him best, but he wondered if this was a mistake.
"The prince cannot be allowed to act with this kind of unchecked impunity," Otto stated.
Prince Daemon Targaryen walked in with the dirty and bloody armor he was wearing.
"Don't stop on my behalf. Go on. Continue. You were saying something about my impunity." The Rogue prince gave Ser Otto a smug look.
Daniel sighed then spoke, "Prince Daemon, my 'Seeds' had informed me of this purge. Countless people had screamed for mercy. Bodies are stacked up in carts. Witness claims that you have made the gold cloaks go rogue. Some common folks are whispering that you have gone mad and bloodthirsting as Maegor the Cruel."
The Small Council looked at both Prince Daemon and Lord Daniel. If anyone can talk back to him it is Daniel Tyrell. There used to be talks for Daemon Targaryen to be fostered in Highgarden to mend the bonds between the Tyrells and Targaryen.
Thou, no one knows why such talk ended when Daemon was forced to wed Rhea Royce.
Despite Daniel is Daemeon's 'uncle' as he is married to Princess Viserra Targaryen. He never hides his opinion from his family thou, though Daemon seemed to be rather cross with him at times.
Some say Daemon had been close to Viserra since he was a child. You could say he felt that she was 'stolen' from him.
"You wound me, uncle." He mocked him with the word Uncle. "SO, what if I became bloodthirsting? Maegor the Cruel had the right idea to keep his castle in order. And if they compare me to Maegor the Cruel, I will take that as a compliment. These common folks are so used to the idea of being in the slums with no justice involved. It was I and my men who gave them an awakening. That they too bow before the dragons."
The council gulped and looked at each other nervously when these two powerful men had a standoff.
Daemon tilted his head curiously and said, "Even Tyrells quickly step out of their place when Aegon the Conqueror burns your House Gardener kings."
Daniel bristled with insults as he fisted his hand in a tight grip.
It was never a secret that his family ancestry were stewards to the House of Gardner.
They managed to use their wits and survival instinct to make sure Highgarden didn't burn down to the ground as they did to House of Gardner.
For the Tyrells, they bowed before Aegon I.
Thanks to their risky moves, Aegon made them Lord of Highgarden and Warden of the Reach to swear their oaths to them.
To this day, other great houses who were kings and great noble blood still refer to them as upstart nobles. That is why, Daniel worked hard to make sure they arranged alliances and reformed policies to prevent any uprising.
"Daemon!" Viserys yelled as he slammed his hand on the table.
SLAM! The Council was startled by this action.
It was rare if not often for their king to get mad.
However, Daemon Targaryen always knows how to push his brothers' buttons too often.
"Enough, Daemon," Viserys commanded his brother. "Apologized to our uncle." He won't have it. Lord Daniel is a good lord and kind uncle who helped King Viserys whenever he needed his help. He will not allow anyone. Not even his brother insulted Lord Tyrell.
Daemon sneered. "For what?"
Ser Otto brought his words to stop this endless family feud. It would be bad if the House of Tyrell received insults from the House of Targaryen.
True, Ser Otto is close to the king, but he is no Warden of the Reach. If Daniel withdraws themselves from House Targaryen, Hightower like Ser Otto has no doubt he must follow Lord Daniel's order to withdraw from court.
And Ser Otto cannot allow this to happen. He must climb up higher if he can overrule everyone in Kingslanding.
He could someday overrule Warden of the Reach orders.
Tourney
The crowds cheer loudly as they applaud the arrival of King Viserys and his court with their wives and children.
Daniel Tyrell dressed in his finest green trousers and vest with a Gold rose pattern printed on him clothes. He has a sash of the black in tribute to his wife's house.
Princess Viserra Tyrell dresses in the finest green dress with lace of golden around her bare shoulders. Her front has a brooch of Golden Rose of the Tyrells. Her hair is tied with a braided crown and the rest curls wave down her waist.
Gaemon Tyrell dressed as his father as he rode his horse to fight in the tourney in place of his father. He is dressed in armor and his horse is a beautiful chestnut horse.
Alerie dressed in red shows her Targaryen heritage with a golden sash to show her Tyrells house. She has her hair like her mother and looks happy when her brother is in her sight.
Olvia Tyrell with her Tyrells seemed to be having a difficult time sitting still and looked around being bored. She was forced into a light pink dress and had her hair braided.
"Lords and ladies of the realm. The crown bids you welcome on this historic day. It is my distinct pleasure to introduce my lord father - Viserys of the House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, who has a few words to share with our competitors."
"Be welcome!" Viserys announced. "I know many of you have traveled long leagues to be at these games. But I promise you will not be disappointed. When I look at the fine knights in these lists, I see a group without equals in our histories. And this great day has been made more auspicious by the news… that I am happy to share Queen Aemma has begun her labors!"
The audience cheered and applauded loudly.
"May the luck of the Seven shine upon all combatants!"
He waved them to begin. The horns blow loudly as they signal their jousts.
Tourneys were once the time for Princess Viserra, but now she felt dread from it. I suppose ever since she became a mother, she often worried about her firstborn son.
After all, she won't forgive herself if something about Gaemon.
She heard that competition came forth and it seemed that this mysterious knight was victorious in his first victory.
'Ah, he is dornish.' Viserra observed this knight. It looks like his house has recently risen to a better status as the House of Cole is now stewards for the House of Dondarrion. Thou, she doubted he would make a good impression as many in the seven kingdoms are weary and cautious when it comes to Dorne.
Another rider approached - carrying the sigil of House Baratheon of Storm's End. It was Princess Rhaenys's maternal uncle, Lord Boremund Baratheon. "Princess Rhaenys Targaryen!" he called out extending his lance upwards. "I would ask for the favor of 'The Queen Who Never Was.'"
Rhaenys stood from her seat and looked at Corlys and her first cousin Viserys. Being called 'The Queen Who Never Was' was a nickname that stuck with her since she was passed over as heir to her grandfather, the Old King Jaehaerys, at the Great Council eleven years ago. A popular nickname amongst the commoners, others close to Rhaenys perceived it as an insult. Ignoring such backhanded comments, Rhaenys gracefully picked up a cyan-colored wreath and placed it on the end of Boremund's lance. "Good fortune to you, uncle," she said.
"I would gladly take it if I thought I needed it."
Viserra silently scoffed. Lord Boremund is the half-brother of her father and mother. At least, Lady Jocelyn Baratheon was a gentlewoman, but she does have a making of being queen consort of Aemon Targaryen if given a chance.
All Baratheons were alike.
Bullheaded and no brain of Storm landers.
And don't forget their brash attitudes always stiffen her lips not to scream at them.
Viserra wondered if they were good enough to make allies with her Reach maidens.
After all, they were rivals of sorts when it came to territory and raids if history did comment on them.
Though surprise happened today. Alerie looked down with such boredom. She had hoped to see better action. Olvia seemed to be fidgeting as she was bored out of her mind too.
'Ah, I wished something happened soon.' Alerie thought to herself.
The mysterious Cole knight rode his horse near the royal box as he looked nervous, but he brave himself.
"My lady Alerie Tyrell!" Cole announced as he leaned his lance up. "I humbly asked for the White Rose of the Reach's favor."
Many gasped but were eager to see if Lady Alerie would give to him.
Alerie was infamous for refusing to give any knight except her father and brother her favor. Yet history had changed and a new opportunity for Lady Alerie. She looked slightly back at her father and mother.
Her father gave a no-notion look, but he probably is allowing his daughter to decide. Princess Viserra seemed to urge her daughter to at least give this knight a favor. After all, there is a most unlikely chance if she continues rejecting possible suiters there will be none left that would want to wed her daughter.
Then Alerie looked back at Cole Knight.
Alerie made her decisions.
She picked up a laurel crown with white rose and green ribbons.
"If you bring my victory, you shall receive a token of affection!" She tosses her favor onto his lance. The crowd went wild as he was the first to receive such an honor. Whispers among them wonder if this knight shall win the heart of thy fairest white rose of Highgarden.
Cole smiled and nodded, "Your wish is my command, my lady!" He rode back to his position as the crowd cheered on Ser Cole.
Alerie went back to her seat like a proper lady. Princess Viserra nodded thankful to her daughter.
'It seemed like my daughter finally matured herself with better suiters.' All the princess wanted was for her daughter to find a match that could bring her happiness as it did with her marriage. After all, the Gods will see it fit to find their spouse to wed.
The horse of Lord Boremund reared and charged toward the rival mount. The Cole knight who had earlier dismounted the Tarly squire was the same one. With equal power, they broke their lances as they lowered their lances and pushed forward against their shields. The crash knocked them both back. To the astonishment of the spectators, Boremund was the one knocked from his horse out of the competition.
The crowd groaned in disappointment, but they cheered for the Cole knight. Alerie clapped and cheered as Olvia laughed with her sister.
"Ser Harrold," Rhaenyra beckoned. The Kingsguard approached her. "What do you know about this Ser Criston Cole, Ser Harrold?"
"I'm told Ser Criston is common-born, son of Lord Dondarrion's steward," Harrold replied. "But other than that, and the fact that he's just unhorsed both of the Baratheon lads, I really couldn't say."
Alicent seemed nervous.
After all, her brother is there.
Gwayne is in the joust competitors' ranks. His tabard, adorned in silver plate armor, had the House Hightower's emblem, which was a white stone watchtower with a green fire on top of a gray background. Gaemon is wearing his House of Tyrell color and sigil.
House Cole, House Stark of Winterfell, House Lannister of Casterly Rock, House Baratheon of Storm's End, House Tully of Riverrun, House Darklyn of Duskendale, House Mallister of Seagard, House Caron of Nightsong, House Lefford of the Golden Tooth, and House Bolton of the Dreadfort were among the other knights who accompanied Gwayne. Now it was time for the second round of the joust, in which the winner would select his opponent himself.
Before long, the Master of Revels arrived at the tournament site.
"Prince Daemon of House Targaryen, Prince of the City, will now choose his first opponent!" He announced.
Prince Daemon the Rogue Prince ran his horse and raised his jousting stick that drove the crowd wild.
Grabbing his lance, Daemon galloped to his fellow jousters. Tension rose as Daniel clenched his fist in fear for his son and heir. It wouldn't surprise him if he picked Gaemon just to hurt him.
"You," Daemon pointed his lance at Gwayne. Daniel sighed in relief though he felt guilty that it was the son of Ser Otto. He had no doubt he had done this just to humiliate Ser Otto.
Alicent gasped.
"For his first challenge," the Master of Revels said loudly, "Prince Daemon Targaryen chooses Ser Gwayne Hightower of Oldtown, eldest son of the Hand of the King!"
Daemon fixed his gaze on his prey. He glanced up at the royal box for a moment and saw Otto looking down at him.
"Ya!" He commanded his horse to charge, lowering his lance in a straight line. With a loud neigh, the horse ran in Gwayne's direction. When the two lances struck each other, they both lost their main weaponry. Daemon steadied himself and took back command.
The two riders charged once more, but before they could get very close, Daemon aimed his lance low, removing Gwayne's horse's legs from under him.
Gwayne was thrown from his saddle and landed face-first upon his horse, which let out a yell and tumbled forward.
Alerie held her little sister as they witnessed such cruelty.
Viserra gasped as she covered her mouth and Daniel quickly stood up to see if the boy was still alive. To his relief, the boy is alive for now.
Daemon rode his horse up to greet his niece.
"Nicely done, uncle," Rhaenyra congratulated.
"Thank you, princess," Daemon acknowledged. He turned to Alicent. "Now, I'm fairly certain I can win these games, Lady Alicent. Having your favor would all but assure it." He extended his lance upwards, swiftly trading glances at Ser Otto Hightower.
No doubt to wish to further humiliate his rival.
Alicent grasping at a wreath behind them.
Alicent, looking up at her visibly disappointed father, courteously threw it around Daemon's lance. "Good luck, my prince," she said gracefully.
Viserra shook her head disappointed at her nephew's behavior. This is not what the prince of the realm should act like.
However, the king seemed to have left acutely and left many of them behind.
Viserra wonders if something is wrong.
Maybe Aemma finally gave birth and wished to be confirmed that all was well.
Though, deep in her heart she felt like a twist of a dagger seemed to be denying the positive outcome.
She hasn't felt like this since…
Her purple eyes widen. The very last time this feeling happened was.
"Muñnykeā." (Mother.) Viserra worded out the word. What a fool she was! How can she not see it before?
She quickly stood up and left in a hurry.
Aemma is in trouble.
She has to help her niece!
Daniel noticed and called out to his wife. "Viserra, where you are going?!"
His wife left hurriedly.
Viserra almost ran towards the castle. She quickly ran through the halls in haste.
Aemma screamed in the bedroom as she cried out.
"NO, NO, NO! VISERYS, NO! PLEASE! NO, NO, NO!" The queen sounded scared. "AUNT VISERRA HELP ME!"
She cried out to her aunt the one who stepped in to care for her when her mother, Princess Daella died. Viserra may not have gotten along with her siblings, but she was a better role model when it came to her nephews and niece.
"My little falcon, you have been chosen to be Prince Viserys Bride. Do not worry, I will be there whenever you need me. Have courage. I see you will do great things." Viserra's voice was spoken on the day when Aemma was fostered with her aunt in Highgarden as she prepared to leave to wed Viserys.
Aemma was so happy when she was young and Viserra supported her in every turn.
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!"
The queen's last thought was this, 'Viserys are happy now? You have killed me.'
She whispered to the one person she worried the most.
"Rhaenyra."
She passed away after the C-section was performed.
Viserra turned around and aimed where the source of her niece's scream came from. Viserra felt tears coming in her eyes, but she became more determined to at least protect her niece.
Even if it means going against the king.
She burst through the door and yelled out. "Aemma!"
Viserra stood and saw so much blood.
Her niece's body is lifeless now.
She saw a newborn baby being held by a maid. Viserra looked at the scene and looked as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"Viserys…you didn't…Aemma…" Viserra mumbled and clasped her hand then looked at her nephew's guilty look. She looked back and forth then in a burst of despair and rage.
Her eyes turned tearful and hatred for what Viserys had done.
One word would haunt him for the rest of his life.
"WIFE-KILLER!"
Viserra shouted at her nephew as he flinched and looked down. Viserra sobs as her maid is near her, she collapses to her knees.
"Princess!"
Viserra seemed to be in denial in her mind. For a moment, she had hope that Aemma would live through this, but it seemed like the Gods saw it fit to take away a good soul from them.
After all, Viserra for the life of her.
She will never forgive Viserys.
Never even if Aemma's spirit came back and begged her.
She blamed Viserys to this day he had destroyed their family.
Reviews are welcome.
Next Chapter, there pyre for the queen, the Heir for a day, the new heir, The Tyrell's decision.