As_the_first_century__of_the_Targaryen_dynasty
came_to_a_close
the_health_of_the_Old_King,__Jaehaerys,_was_failing._
In_those_days,_House_Targaryen__stood_at_the_height_of_its_strength
with_ten_adult_dragons_under_its_yoke._
No_power_in_the_world__could_stand_against_it._
King_Jaehaerys_reigned__over_nearly_60_years
of_peace_and_prosperity
but_tragedy_had_claimed_both_his_sons
leaving_his_succession_in_doubt._
So,_in_the_year_101
the_Old_King_called_a_Great__Council_to_choose_an_heir._
Over_a_thousand_lords_made__the_journey_to_Harrenhal._
Fourteen_succession_claims_were_heard
but_only_two_were_truly_considered._
Princess_Rhaenys_Targaryen,__the_King's_eldest_descendant
and_her_younger_cousin,__Prince_Viserys_Targaryen
the_King's_eldest_male_descendant._
It_is_declared_by_all_lords_paramount
and_lords_vassal_of_the_Seven_Kingdoms
that_Prince_Viserys_Targaryen__be_made_Prince_of_Dragonstone!_
Rhaenys,_a_woman,_would__not_inherit_the_Iron_Throne._
The_lords_instead_chose_Viserys
my_father._
Jaehaerys_called_the_Great_Council
to_prevent_a_war_being__fought_over_his_succession._
For_he_knew_the_cold_truth._
The_only_thing_that_could_tear__down_the_House_of_the_Dragon
was_itself._
Sync_&_corrections_by_honeybunny__www._addic7ed._com
Dohaeras,_Syrax!_
Umbas._
Rybas!_
Welcome_back,_Princess.__I__trust_your_ride_was_pleasant._
Try_not_to_look_too_relieved,_ser._
I_am_relieved._
Every_time_that_golden_beast__brings_you_back_unspoiled
it_saves_my_head_from_a_spike._
Syrax_is_growing_quickly._
She'll_soon_be_as_large_as_Caraxes._
That's_almost_large__enough_to_saddle_two._
I_believe_I'm_quite_content__as_a_spectator,_thank_you._
Dohaeras._
Naejot!_
Rhaenyra._
You_know_I_don't_like_you_to_go_flying
while_I'm_in_this_condition._
You_don't_like_me_to_go_flying__while_you're_in_any_condition._
-_Your_Grace.___-_Good_morrow,_Alicent._
Did_you_sleep?_
-_I_slept.___-_How_long?_
I_don't_need_mothering,_Rhaenyra._
Well,_here_you_are,__surrounded_by_attendants
all_focused_on_the_babe._
Someone_has_to_attend_to_you._
You_will_lie_in_this_bed__soon_enough,_Rhaenyra._
This_discomfort_is__how_we_serve_the_realm._
I'd_rather_serve_as_a_knight__and_ride_to_battle_and_glory._
We_have_royal_wombs,_you_and_I._
The_child_bed_is_our_battlefield._
We_must_learn_to_face__it_with_a_stiff_lip._
Now_take_a_bath._
You_stink_of_dragon._
So,_I_said_to_him,_Well,_I_believe
you_might_be_looking_up_the_wrong_end._
My_lords._
The_growing_alliance__among_the_Free_Cities
has_taken_to_styling__itself_the_Triarchy._
They_have_massed_on_Bloodstone
and_are_presently__ridding_the_Step_stones
of_its_pirate_infestation._
Well,_that_sounds_suspiciously__like_good_news,_Lord_Corlys._
A_man_called_Craghas_Drahar
has_styled_himself_the__prince-admiral_of_this_Triarchy._
They_call_him_the_Crabfeeder
due_to_his_inventive_methods__of_punishing_his_enemies._
And_are_we_meant_to__weep_for_dead_pirates?_
-_No,_Your_Grace.___-_Rhaenyra,_you're_late._
The_King's_cupbearer_must_not_be_late._
-_Leaves_people_wanting_for_cups.___-_I_was_visiting_Mother._
On_dragon_back?_
Hey,_Your_Grace,_at__Prince_Daemon's_urging
the_crown_has_invested__significant_capital
in_the_re-training_and__re-equipping_of_his_City_Watch._
I_thought_you_might_urge_your_brother__to_fill_his_seat_on_the_council
and_provide_an__assessment_of_his_progress
as_commander_of_the_Watch._
Do_you_think_Daemon_is__distracted_by_his_present_tasks?_
And_that_his_thoughts__and_energies_are_occupied?_
Well,_one_would_hope_so,__considering_the_associated_costs._
Then_let_us_all_consider_your__gold_well-invested,_Lord_Beesbury._
I_would_urge_that_you_not_allow__this_Triarchy_much_latitude
in_the_Step_stones,_Your_Grace._
If_those_shipping_lanes_should__fall,_it_will_beggar_our_ports._
The_crown_has_heard__your_report,_Lord_Corlys
and_takes_it_under_advisement._
Shall_we_discuss_the_Heir's__Tournament,_Your_Grace?_
I_would_be_delighted._
Will_the_maesters'_name__day_prediction_hold,_Mellos?_
You_must_understand_that_these__things_are_mere_estimations,_my_King
but_we_have_all_been__poring_over_the_moon_charts
and_we_feel_that_our_forecast__is_as_accurate_as_it_can_be._
The_cost_of_the_tournament__is_not_negligible._
Perhaps_we_might_delay__until_the_child_is_in_hand?_
Most_of_the_lords_and_knights
are_certainly_on_their_way__to_King's_Landing_already._
-_To_turn_them_back_now._._.___-_The_tourney_will_take
the_better_part_of_a_week._
Before_the_games_are__over,_my_son_will_be_born
and_the_whole_realm_will_celebrate._
We_have_no_way_of_predicting__the_sex_of_the_child._
Of_course,_no_maester's__capable_of_rendering_an_opinion
free_of_conditions,_are_they_now?_
There's_a_boy_in_the_Queen's_belly._
I_know_it._
And_my_heir_will_soon_put_all_of_this
damnable_hand-wringing_to_rest_himself._
He_passed_through_the_Red__Keep's_gates_at_first_light._
Does_my_father_know_he's_here?_
-_No.___-_Good._
Gods_be_good._
It's_all_right,_ser._
_
_
_
_
_
Aye._
_
_
_
_
Mm._
_
_
_
_
_
I_bought_you_something._
Do_you_know_what_it_is?_
It's_Valyrian_steel._
Like_Dark_Sister._
Turn_around._
Now
you_and_I_both_own_a_small__piece_of_our_ancestry._
-_Did_you_read_it?___-_Of_course,_I_read_it._
When_Princess_Nymeria_arrived_in_Dorne
who_did_she_take_to_husband?_
A_man._
What_was_his_name?_
Lord_Something._
If_you_answer_with_Lord_Something,__Septa_Marlow_will_be_furious._
She's_funny_when_she's_furious._
You're_always_like_this__when_you're_worried._
Like_what?_
Disagreeable._
You're_worried_your_father__is_about_to_overshadow_you
with_a_son._
I_only_worry_for_my_mother._
I_hope_for_my_father_that_he_gets_a_son._
As_long_as_I_can_recall,__it's_all_he's_wanted._
You_want_him_to_have_a_son?_
I_want_to_fly_with_you_on_dragon_back
see_the_great_wonders__across_the_Narrow_Sea
and_eat_only_cake._
-_I'm_being_serious.___-_I_never_jest_about_cake._
You_aren't_worried_about_your_position?_
I_like_this_position.___It's_quite_comfortable._
Where_are_you_going?_
Home.__The_hour_has_grown_late._
Princess_Nymeria_led_her_Rhoynar__across_the_Narrow_Sea_on_10,000_ships
to_flee_their_Valyrian_pursuers._
She_took_Lord_Mors__Martell_of_Dorne_to_husband
and_burned_her_own_fleet_off_Sun_spear
to_show_her_people_that__they_were_finished_running._
-_What_are_you_doing?___-_So_you_remember._
-_If_the_Septa_sees_this_book_then._._.___-_Fuck_the_Septa._
Rhaenyra!_
Is_it_healing?_
It_has_grown_slightly,_Your_Grace._
Can_you_say_yet_what_it_is?_
We've_sent_inquiries_to_the_Citadel._
They_are_searching_the__texts_for_similar_cases._
It's_a_small_cut_from__sitting_the_throne._
It's_nothing._
The_King_has_been_under_heavy_stresses
preparing_for_the_birth._
Bad_humors_of_the_mind_can__adversely_affect_the_body._
Whatever_it_is,_it__needs_to_be_kept_quiet._
We_should_leech_it_again,_maester._
It's_a_wound_that_refuses__to_heal,_Grand_Maester._
Might_I_suggest_cauterization?_
Cauterization_would_be_a_wise__course_of_treatment,_Your_Grace._
-_It_will_be_painful._._.___-_Fine._
Fine._
You_spend_more_time_in_that__bath_than_I_do_on_the_throne._
This_is_the_only_place_I__can_find_comfort_these_days._
It's_tepid._
It's_as_warm_as_the_maesters_will_allow._
Don't_they_know_dragons_prefer_heat?_
After_this_miserable_pregnancy
I_wouldn't_be_surprised_if__I_hatched_an_actual_dragon._
And_he_will_be_loved_and_cherished._
Rhaenyra_has_already_declared__that_she_is_to_have_a_sister._
Really?_
-_She_even_named_her.___-_Dare_I_ask?_
Visenya._
She_chose_a_dragon's_egg_for_the_cradle
that_she_said_reminded_her_of_Vhagar._
Gods_be_good._
This_family_already_has_its_Visenya._
Has_there_been_any_word__from_your_dear_brother?_
Not_since_I_named_him__Commander_of_the_City_Watch._
I'm_sure_he_will__reemerge_for_the_tourney._
He_could_never_stay_away_from_the_lists._
The_tourney
to_celebrate_the_firstborn_son__that_we_presently_do_not_have._
You_do_understand
nothing_will_cause__the_babe_to_grow_a_cock
if_it_does_not_already_possess_one?_
This_child_is_a_boy,_Aemma._
I'm_certain_of_it._
I've_never_been_more__certain_of_anything._
The_dream._
It_was_clearer_than_a_memory._
Our_son_was_born_wearing__Aegon's_iron_crown._
When_I_heard_the_sound__of_thundering_hooves
splintering_shields,_and_ringing_swords
and_I_placed_our_son__upon_the_Iron_Throne
as_the_bells_of_the_Grand_Sept_tolled
and_all_the_dragons_roared_as_one._
Born_wearing_a_crown?_
Gods_spare_me,_birth_is__unpleasant_enough_as_it_is._
This_is_the_last_time,_Viserys._
I've_lost_one_babe_in_the__cradle,_had_two_stillbirths
and_two_pregnancies_ended__well_before_their_term._
That's_five_in_twice_as_many_years._
I_know_it_is_my_duty__to_provide_you_an_heir
and_I'm_sorry_if_I__have_failed_you_in_that._
I_am._
But_I've_mourned_all__the_dead_children_I_can._
Commander_on_the_floor!_
When_I_took_command_of_the__Watch,_you_were_stray_mongrels
starving_and_undisciplined._
Now,_you're_a_pack_of_hounds._
You're_sated_and_honed_for_the_hunt._
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._
Get_up!_
Raper!_
No!__No._._.__no!_
Thief!_
No!_
Murderer!_
It_was_an_unprecedented_roundup__of_criminals_of_every_ilk._
Your_brother_made_a_public_show_of_it
meting_out_the_summary__judgments_himself._
I'm_told_they_needed_a_two-horse_cart
to_haul_away_the_resulting__dismemberments_when_it_was_done._
Gods_be_good._
The_Prince_cannot_be_allowed
to_act_with_this_kind__of_unchecked_impunity._
-_Brother.___-_Daemon._
Carry_on.__You_were_saying__something_about_my_impunity._
You_are_to_explain_your__doings_with_the_City_Watch._
Your_new_gold_cloaks
made_quite_the_impression__last_night,_didn't_they?_
Did_they?_
The_City_Watch_is_not_a_sword__to_be_wielded_at_your_whim._
They're_an_extension_of_the_crown._
The_Watch_was_enforcing__the_crown's_laws._
Wouldn't_you_agree,_Lord_Strong?_
My_Prince,_I_don't_think._._._
Making_a_public_spectacle__of_wanton_brutality
is_hardly_in_line_with_our_laws._
Nobles_from_every_corner_of_the_realm
are_right_now_descending__upon_King's_Landing
for_my_brother's_tourney._
Do_you_want_them__mugged,_raped,_murdered?_
You_mightn't_know_this_unless_you__left_the_safety_of_the_Red_Keep
but_much_of_King's_Landing__is_seen_by_the_smallfolk
as_lawless_and_terrifying._
Our_city_should_be__safe_for_all_its_people._
I_agree._
I_just_hope_you_don't_have_to_maim__half_of_my_city_to_achieve_this._
Time_will_tell._
We_installed_Prince_Daemon_as_commander
to_promote_law_and_order._
The_criminal_element__should_fear_the_City_Watch._
Thank_you_for_your_support,_Lord_Corlys._
If_only_the_Prince_would__show_the_same_devotion
to_his_lady_wife_as_he__does_his_work,_Your_Grace._
You've_not_been_seen_in_the_Vale__or_at_Runestone_for_quite_some_time._
I_think_my_bronze_bitch__is_happier_for_my_absence._
Lady_Rhea_is_your_wife._
A_good_and_honorable_lady_of_the_Vale._
In_the_Vale,_men_are_said_to__fuck_sheep_instead_of_women._
I_can_assure_you,_the__sheep_are_prettier._
Dear_me._
You_made_a_vow_before_the_Seven__to_honor_your_wife_in_marriage._
Well,_I'd_gladly_give_Lady__Rhea_to_you,_Lord_Hightower
if_you're_in_want_of_a__woman_to_warm_your_bed._
Your_own_lady_wife_passed_recently._
Did_she_not?_
Otto._
Perhaps_you_aren't_ready__to_move_on_just_yet._
You_know_how_my_brother__makes_sport_of_provoking_you._
Must_you_indulge_him?_
My_apologies,_Your_Grace._
This_council_has,_at_great_expense
bettered_the_City_Watch__to_your_exacting_standards._
Enforce_my_laws,_but_understand
any_further_performances_like__last_night's_will_be_answered._
Understood,_Your_Grace._
King's_Landing_has_been_in_decline__since_my_grandmother_passed._
In_the_end
this_new_City_Watch__might_be_a_good_thing._
What_troubles_you,_my_Prince?_
I_could_bring_in_another._
Perhaps_a_maiden._
I_have_several._
I_could_even_arrange__one_with_silver_hair._
You_are_Daemon_Targaryen._
Rider_of_Caraxes.___Wielder_of_Dark_Sister._
The_King_cannot_replace_you._
Be_welcome!_
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__equal_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!_
May_the_luck_of_the_Seven__shine_upon_all_combatants!_
A_mystery_knight?_
No,_a_Cole,_of_the_Storm_lands._
I've_never_heard_of_House_Cole._
Princess_Rhaenys_Targaryen!_
I_would_humbly_ask_for_the__favor_of_The_Queen_Who_Never_Was._
Good_fortune_to_you,_cousin._
I_would_gladly_take_it__if_I_thought_I_needed_it._
You_could_have_Baratheon's__tongue_for_that._
Tongues_will_not_change_the_succession._
Let_them_wag._
Lord_Stokeworth's_daughter
is_promised_to_that_young_Tarly_squire._
Lord_Massey's_son?_
They're_to_be_married_as_soon__as_he_wins_his_knighthood._
Best_get_on_with_it._
I_heard_that_Lady_Elinor
is_hiding_a_swollen__belly_beneath_her_dress._
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._
But_other_than_that,_and_the__fact_that_he's_just_unhorsed
both_of_the_Baratheon__lads,_I_really_couldn't_say._
Prince_Daemon_of_House_Targaryen!_
Prince_of_the_City_will_now__choose_his_first_opponent!_
For_his_first_challenge,__Prince_Daemon_Targaryen_chooses
Ser_Gwayne_Hightower_of_Oldtown,__eldest_son_of_the_Hand_of_the_King._
Five_dragons_on_Daemon._
-_Nicely_done,_Uncle.___-_Thank_you,_Princess._
Now,_I'm_fairly_certain_I_can__win_these_games,_Lady_Alicent._
Having_your_favor__would_all_but_assure_it._
Good_luck,_my_Prince._
What's_happening?_
The_infant_is_in_breech,_Your_Grace._
All_attempts_to_turn__the_babe_have_failed._
Do_something_for_her!_
We've_given_her_as_much__milk_of_the_poppy_as_we_can
without_risking_the_child._
Your_Queen_is_a_strong_woman._
She's_fighting_with_all_her__might,_but_it_may_not_be_enough._
No!_
Aemma._
Aemma,_I'm_here._
I'm_here._
I'm_here.__It's_all_right._
-_It's_all_right.___-_I_don't_wanna_do_this._
You're_going_to_be_all_right._
Kill_him!_
And_the_day_grows_ugly._
I_wonder_if_this_is__how_we_should_celebrate
the_birth_of_our_future_king._
With_wanton_violence._
It's_been_70_years__since_King_Maegor's_end._
These_knights_are_as__green_as_summer_grass._
None_have_known_real_war._
Their_lords_sent_them__to_the_tourney_field
with_fists_full_of_steel__and_balls_full_of_seed
and_we_expect_them_to__act_with_honor_and_grace._
It's_a_marvel_that_war_didn't__break_out_at_first_blood._
Mellos._
Your_Grace._
If_you_would._
During_a_difficult_birth
it_sometimes_becomes__necessary_for_the_father
to_make_an_impossible_choice._
Well,_speak_it._
To_sacrifice_one_or_to_lose_them_both._
There_is_a_chance_that__we_can_save_the_child._
A_technique_is_taught_at_the_Citadel
which_involves_cutting__directly_into_the_womb
to_free_the_infant._
-_But_the_resulting_blood_loss._._.___-_Seven_Hells,_Mellos._
You_can_save_the_child?_
We_must_either_act_now__or_leave_it_with_the_gods._
Ser_Criston_Cole_will_now_tilt
against_Ser_Daemon__Targaryen,_Prince_of_the_City!_
-_Viserys.___-_Yes?_
They're_going_to_bring_the_babe_out_now._
I_love_you._
-_What_is_happening?___-_No,_it's_all_right._
No,_what_is_happening?_
-_Viserys,_what._._.___-_No,_it's_all_right._
-_What_are_you_doing?___-_They're_going_to_bring_the_babe_out._
How_are_they._._._
-_It's_all_right.___-_Viserys,_please._._._
-_It's_all_right.___-_No,_I'm_scared._
-_Don't_be_scared.___-_What_is_happening?_
Don't_be_scared.__They're__going_to_bring_the_babe_out._
-_Oh_no.___-_It's_all_right._
They're_going_to_bring_the_babe_out._
No._._.__no!_
I'm_making_the_first_incision._
No._._.__no!_
Viserys,_no!__Please!_
-_No._._.__no!___-_Don't_be_scared._
Sword!_
Prince_Daemon_Targaryen
wishes_to_continue_in_a_contest_of_arms!_
Yield._
Yield._
Gods.__He's_Dornish._
I_was_hoping_to_ask_for__the_Princess's_favor._
I_wish_you_luck,_Ser_Criston._
Princess._
Congratulations,_Your_Grace._
You_have_a_son._
It's_a_boy?_
A_new_heir,_Your_Grace._
Had_you_and_the_Queen_chosen_a_name?_
Baelon._
They're_waiting_for_you._
_
_
_
_
_
Dr._._._
Dracarys._
-_Where's_Rhaenyra?___-_Your_Grace._
This_is_the_last_thing__any_of_us_wish_to_discuss
at_this_dark_hour,_but_I__consider_the_matter_urgent._
What_matter?_
That_of_your_succession._
These_recent_tragedies
have_left_you_without_an_obvious_heir._
The_King_has_an_heir,_my_Lord_Hand._
Despite_how_difficult__this_time_is,_Your_Grace
I_feel_it_important_the__succession_be_firmly_in_place
for_the_stability_of_the_realm._
The_succession_is_already__set_by_precedent_and_by_law._
Shall_we_say_his_name?_
Daemon_Targaryen._
If_Daemon_were_to_remain__the_uncontested_heir
it_could_destabilize_the_realm._
The_realm?__Or_this_council?_
No_one_here_can_know_what__Daemon_would_do_were_he_king
but_no_one_can_doubt_his_ambition._
Look_at_what_he_did__with_the_gold_cloaks._
The_City_Watch_is_fiercely_loyal_to_him._
-_An_army_2,000_strong.___-_An_army_you_gave_him,_Otto._
I_named_Daemon_Master_of_Laws,__but_you_said_he_was_a_tyrant._
As_Master_of_Coin
you_said_he_was_a_spendthrift__that_would_beggar_the_realm._
Putting_Daemon_in_command_of__the_City_Watch_was_your_solution!_
A_half-measure,_Your_Grace._
The_truth_is,_Daemon_should__be_far_away_from_this_court._
Daemon_is_my_brother._
My_blood._
And_he_will_have_his_place_at_my_court._
Let_him_keep_his_place__at_court,_Your_Grace
but_if_the_gods_should_visit__some_further_tragedy_on_you
-_either_by_design_or_accident._._.___-_Design?_
What_are_you_saying?_
My_brother_would_murder__me,_take_my_crown?_
Are_you?_
Please._
Daemon_has_ambition,_yes,__but_not_for_the_throne._
He_lacks_the_patience_for_it._
The_gods_have_yet_to_make_a_man
who_lacks_the_patience_for__absolute_power,_Your_Grace._
Under_such_circumstances,__it_would_not_be_an_aberration
for_the_King_to_name_a_successor._
Well,_who_else_would_have_a_claim?_
The_King's_firstborn_child._
Rhaenyra?__A_girl?_
No_queen_has_ever_sat_the_Iron_Throne._
That_is_only_by_tradition__and_precedent,_Lord_Strong._
If_order_and_stability__so_concerns_this_council
then_perhaps_we_shouldn't__break_100_years_of_it
by_naming_a_girl_heir._
Daemon_would_be_a__second_Maegor,_or_worse._
He_is_impulsive_and_violent._
It_is_the_duty_of_this_council
to_protect_the_King__and_the_realm_from_him._
I'm_sorry,_Your_Grace,_but__that_is_the_truth_as_I_see_it
and_I_know_that_others_here_agree._
I_will_not_be_made_to_choose__between_my_brother_and_my_daughter._
You_wouldn't_have_to,_Your_Grace._
There_are_others_who_would_have_a_claim._
Such_as_your_wife,_Lord_Corlys?_
-_The_Queen_Who_Never_Was?___-_Rhaenys_was_the_only_child
of_Jaehaerys'_eldest_son._
She_had_a_strong_claim__at_the_Great_Council
and_she_already_has_a_male_heir._
Just_moments_ago,_you_announced__your_support_for_Daemon!_
If_we_cannot_agree_on_an__heir,_then_how_can_we_expect._._._
My_wife_and_son_are_dead!_
I_will_not_sit_here_and_suffer_crows
that_come_to_feast_on_their_corpses!_
Send_a_raven_to_Oldtown.__Straight_away._
My_Lady._
My_darling._
How's_Rhaenyra?_
She_lost_her_mother._
The_Queen_was_well-loved_by_all._
I_found_myself_thinking__of_your_own_mother_today._
-_How_is_His_Grace?___-_Very_low._
Which_is_why_I_sent_for_you._
I_thought_you_might_go__to_him,_offer_him_comfort._
In_his_chambers?_
I_wouldn't_know_what_to_say._
Stop_that._
He'll_be_glad_of_a_visitor._
You_might_wear_one_of__your_mother's_dresses._
The_Lady_Alicent_Hightower,_Your_Grace._
What_is_it,_Alicent?_
I_thought_I_might_come_and__look_in_on_you,_Your_Grace._
I_brought_a_book._
That's_very_kind,_thank_you._
It's_a_favorite_of_mine._
I_do_know_how_passionate__you_are_for_the_histories._
Yes,_I_am._
When_my_mother_died
people_only_ever_spoke_to_me_in_riddles._
All_I_wanted_was_for_someone__to_say_that_they_were_sorry
for_what_happened_to_me._
I'm_very_sorry,_Your_Grace._
Thank_you._
The_King's_sole_heir_once_again._
Might_we_drink_to_our_future?_
Quiet!_
Your_Prince_will_speak!_
Silence!_
Before_we_begin,_Your_Grace
I_have_a_report_I_feel__compelled_to_share._
Last_night
Prince_Daemon_bought_out__one_of_the_pleasure_houses
on_the_Street_of_Silk
to_entertain_officers_of_the_City_Watch
and_other_friends_of_his._
King_and_Council_have__long_rued_my_position
as_next_in_line_for_the_throne._
But_dream_and_pray_as_they_all_might,
it_seems_I'm_not_so_easily_replaced._
The_gods_give_just__as_the_gods_take_away._
He_toasted_Prince_Baelon._
To_the_King's_son._
Styling_him._._._
the_Heir_for_a_Day._
I_corroborated_this_report__with_three_separate_witnesses._
The_evening_was,_by_all__accounts,_a_celebration._
You_cut_the_image_of__the_conqueror,_brother._
Did_you_say_it?_
I_don't_know_what_you_mean._
You_will_address_me_as_Your_Grace
or_I_will_have_my_Kingsguard__cut_out_your_tongue._
The_Heir_for_a_Day.__Did_you_say_it?_
We_must_all_mourn_in__our_own_way,_Your_Grace._
My_family_has_just_been_destroyed._
But_instead_of_being_by__my_side,_or_Rhaenyra's
you_chose_to_celebrate_your_own_rise!_
Laughing_with_your_whores__and_your_lickspittles!_
You_have_no_allies_at_court_but_me!_
I_have_only_ever_defended_you!_
Yet_everything_I've_given_you,__you've_thrown_back_in_my_face._
You've_only_ever_tried_to_send_me_away._
To_the_Vale,_to_the_City_Watch,__anywhere_but_by_your_side._
Ten_years_you've_been_king
and_yet_not_once_have_you__asked_me_to_be_your_Hand!_
-_Why_would_I_do_that?___-_Because_I'm_your_brother._
And_the_blood_of_the_dragon_runs_thick._
Then_why_do_you_cut_me_so_deeply?_
I've_only_ever_spoken_the_truth.__I__see_Otto_Hightower_for_what_he_is._
-_An_unwavering_and_loyal_Hand?___-_A_cunt._
A_second_son_who_stands__to_inherit_nothing
he_doesn't_seize_for_himself._
Otto_Hightower_is_a_more_honorable_man
-_than_you_could_ever_be.___-_He_doesn't_protect_you._
-_I_would.___-_From_what?_
Yourself._
You're_weak,_Viserys._
And_that_council_of_leeches_knows_it._
They_all_prey_on_you_for_their_own_ends._
I_have_decided_to_name_a_new_heir._
-_I'm_your_heir.___-_Not_anymore._
You_are_to_return_to_Runestone__and_your_lady_wife_at_once
and_you_are_to_do_so_without__quarrel_by_order_of_your_King._
Your_Grace._
Father._
Balerion_was_the_last_living_creature
to_have_seen_Old__Valyria_before_the_Doom._
Its_greatness_and_its_flaws._
When_you_look_at_the__dragons,_what_do_you_see?_
What?_
You_haven't_spoken_a_word__to_me_since_Mother's_funeral
and_now_you_send_your__Kingsguard_down._._._
Answer_me._
It's_important._
What_do_you_see?_
-_I_suppose_I_see_us.___-_Tell_me._
Everyone_says_Targaryens_are__closer_to_gods_than_to_men
but_they_say_that__because_of_our_dragons._
Without_them,_we're__just_like_everyone_else._
The_idea_that_we_control__the_dragons_is_an_illusion._
They're_a_power_man_should__never_have_trifled_with._
One_that_brought_Valyria_its_doom._
If_we_don't_mind_our_own_histories,__it_will_do_the_same_to_us._
Targaryen_must_understand__this_to_be_King._._._
or_Queen._
I'm_sorry,_Rhaenyra._
I_have_wasted_the_years__since_you_were_born
wanting_for_a_son._
You_are_the_very_best_of_your_mother._
And_I_believe_it,_I_know_she_did
that_you_could_be_a_great_ruling_queen._
Daemon_is_your_heir._
Daemon_was_not_made_to_wear_the_crown._
But_I_believe_that_you_were._
Corlys_of_House_Velaryon
Lord_of_the_Tides_and__Master_of_Driftmark._
I,_Corlys_Velaryon
Lord_of_the_Tides_and__Master_of_Driftmark
promise_to_be_faithful_to_King_Viserys
and_his_named_heir,__the_Princess_Rhaenyra._
I_pledge_fealty_to_them
and_shall_defend_them__against_all_enemies
in_good_faith_and_without_deceit._
I_swear_this_by_the__old_gods_and_the_new._
This_is_no_trivial_gesture,_Rhaenyra._
A_dragon's_saddle_is_one_thing
but_the_Iron_Throne_is_the_most__dangerous_seat_in_the_realm._
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,__the_Princess_Rhaenyra._
I_pledge_fealty_to_them
and_shall_defend_them__against_all_enemies
in_good_faith_and_without_deceit._
I_swear_this_by_the__old_gods_and_the_new._
Give_me_your_hand._
I,_Boremund_Baratheon
promise_to_be_faithful_to_King_Viserys._
There's_something_else__that_I_need_to_tell_you._
It_might_be_difficult__for_you_to_understand
but_you_must_hear_it._
Our_histories
they_tell_us_that_Aegon_looked_across__the_Blackwater_from_Dragonstone
saw_a_rich_land_ripe_for_the_capture._
But_ambition_alone_is_not__what_drove_him_to_conquest._
It_was_a_dream._
And_just_as_Daenys__foresaw_the_end_of_Valyria
Aegon_foresaw_the_end__of_the_world_of_men._
'Tis_to_begin_with_a_terrible_winter__gusting_out_of_the_distant_north._
I,_Rickon_Stark,_Lord_of_Winterfell._._._
Aegon_saw_absolute_darkness__riding_on_those_winds._
And_whatever_dwells_within_will__destroy_the_world_of_the_living._
When_this_Great_Winter_comes,_Rhaenyra
all_of_Westeros_must_stand_against_it._
And_if_the_world_of_men_is_to_survive
a_Targaryen_must_be__seated_on_the_Iron_Throne._
A_king_or_queen
strong_enough_to_unite_the_realm__against_the_cold_and_the_dark._
Aegon_called_his_dream__The_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire._
This_secret._._._
it's_been_passed_from_king__to_heir_since_Aegon's_time._
Now_you_must_promise_to_carry_it
and_protect_it._
Promise_me_this,_Rhaenyra._
Promise_me._
I,_Viserys_Targaryen,_first_of_his_name
King_of_the_Andals,_and_the__Rhoynar,_and_the_First_Men
Lord_of_the_Seven_Kingdoms,__and_Protector_of_the_Realm
do_hereby_name
Rhaenyra_Targaryen
Princess_of_Dragonstone
and_heir_to_the_Iron_Throne._
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