"It is time. Let him enter, Ned."
Ned quickly walked to the door of the royal bedchamber and soon after returned to Robert's bedside in the company of a young man.
"Your Grace, may I present to you my nephew, Prince Aegon Targaryen, the Prince of Dragonstone?" Ned omitted the 'true heir part' out of respect for his friend who was still the Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms by Conquest for now.
"Nephew, you stand in the presence of King Robert Baratheon." Ned looked between the two men who were eager to take the measure of each other, neither of them minding the shortened introductions.
"Greetings, King Robert. I never imagined we would meet under such dire circumstances. I am sorry to hear of your fate." Jon politely opened the conversation after having taken up position at the other side of the bed.
"You look just like her." Robert barely got the words out. He swallowed and turned to face Ned. "You were right, Ned. He is much more Stark than Targaryen. Noble Stark blood will sit on the Iron Throne, Lyanna's son."
"I am also Prince Rhaegar Targaryen's son." Jon pointed out to the King in a firm voice.
Robert ignored his words and whispered. "Please come closer. I want to speak with you. I have to clear my conscience."
Ned nodded encouragingly at Jon who hesitated.
Robert held out his hand pleading with the young Prince to take it in his.
Jon thought of the vision his little cousin had described to him and kneeled in front of the bed. He took the King's pale, feverish hand in his.
"Thank you." The relief was visible on the King's face.
"I want to apologize for what happened to your family. I should have ke-kept a tighter leash on Tywin Lannister. I never ordered him to ki-kill them but he did it to please me and," Robert paused and took a few shallow breaths. "And once the deed was done, there was no going back and I chose a position of strength."
"That doesn't ring true." Jon retorted calmly releasing the King's clammy hand and getting back on his feet. "You still kept sending assassins to my young Aunt in Pentos for many years after that."
"You're right. I persisted in my behaviour. But you must believe me when I tell you that now, knowing what I know now, I deeply regret what happened. I apologize sincerely and ask for your forgiveness."
"I thank you for the sentiment but I cannot absolve you entirely. I would lie if I told you I did." Jon kept his voice firm and tried to keep his wits about him. The unnaturally red on the cheeks of Robert Baratheon but most of all the smell of sickness surrounding him reminded Jon of the only man dying a non-violent death that he had ever stood in the presence of, his great-great-uncle Aemon.
"A Stark through and through, honour and principles. You raised a fine boy, Ned." Despite addressing his Hand, the King did not take his eyes off the Targaryen Prince who stood stiffly at his bedside.
"What will happen to my brothers once you take the throne?" Robert asked him while he studied the determined face of the young man who towered over him.
Jon took a breath. At least to this question, he could give a forthright answer that would be appreciated. "Prince Renly will lose his title of Prince and instead will be given back the title of the Lord of Storm's End and House Baratheon will retain the position of Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. Renly Baratheon has agreed to name as his heir your bastard son, Gendry that I will legitimate as one of my first acts as King of the Seven Kingdoms. He will be known forthwith as Lord Gendry of House Baratheon, heir to Storm's End.
Robert nodded relieved. "And Stannis?"
Jon's eyes darkened but his voice was calm and unwavering when he answered the King's question. "Stannis Baratheon will stand trial for murder and will be executed. I cannot condone the burning of innocent people. He will stand trial and lose his head. That is, if he shall not be killed in battle first. If, as we suspect, he refuses to surrender Storm's End peacefully to his younger brother, I will bring fire and blood to Stannis Baratheon."
"Lady Shireen, I mean Princess Shireen," Jon corrected himself as she was still a Princess for the time being, "will have a choice. She may go live with her uncle at Storm's End or will be welcome to live at my court. She will be regarded as a noble Lady of a Lord Paramount's House and I will not tolerate any mistreatment of her because of the actions of her kin. I will recognise her as my cousin and treat her as such. You have my word of honour."
"Thank you," Robert whispered. "I thank you on behalf of Renly and my poor niece." Robert spoke a bit louder now.
"Renly Baratheon is not to blame for what happened seventeen years ago. His recent arrest and exile were unfortunate and he will receive a full royal pardon."
"A Targaryen pardoning a Baratheon, that says it all." Robert turned to Ned. "I think it is time." He pulled the scroll out from under the covers and handed it to his Hand. "As your last act as Hand of King Robert Baratheon first of his name, please read this scroll out loud."
Jon straightened his posture, fully aware of what was about to happen. He knew the letter his uncle had sent him by hard by now. He stared firmly in the eyes of the dying King and nodded. Then both men turned their faces toward Lord Stark when the latter started to read.
I, Robert Baratheon, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms,
Protector of the Realm,
being of sound mind and disposing of memory do hereby make public and declare this to be my will, hereby revoking all wills and royal decrees by me heretofore made on the matter decreed below.
As from this day, I abdicate the Iron Throne and all titles that go with it and name as my successor Prince Aegon of House Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone, the trueborn son of Prince Rhaegar of House Targaryen and his lawfully wedded wife the Princess Lyanna of House Targaryen formerly of House Stark. I relinquish the right of Conquest of House Baratheon to the Iron Throne and give it most willingly and freely back to House Targaryen, more specifically to its rightful heir, Prince Aegon, the son of my beloved Lyanna.
This was done on the 65th day of 299 AC in front of witnesses who solemnly swear that I am sound of mind and am performing a free and voluntary act, without any duress, coercion or undue influence exerted by a member of House Targaryen or a third party.
All hail King Aegon of House Targaryen, Sixth of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, The Prince of Dragonstone, Rider of Dragons and Friend of the Free Folk.
Signed by
King Robert of House Baratheon, now Lord Robert of House Baratheon, …
Witnessed by
Lord Eddard of House Stark, …
Lord Yohn of House Royce, …
Prince Oberyn of House Martell, …
Lord Varys,…
Davos Seaworth,
Ser Gerold Hightower, ….
Lord Stark lowered the important scroll. "I skipped reading all the titles of the signatories. Only the last two still need to sign but that is just a minor matter that will soon be put to rights. They are all present in the Red Keep, your Grace." Lord Stark pertinently looked at Jon when he spoke his last two words.
Ned then removed the brooch of the Hand of the King from his doublet and walked around the bed. He went to his knees and bowed his head.
"I will shield your back and keep your counsel and give my life for yours if need be, my King. I swear it by the Old Gods."
"Please rise, Uncle. You already swore your allegiance. You will always have my respect, gratitude, support and protection. And I repeat my offer that you are welcome to serve as my Hand alongside Davos Seaworth. You only have to say the word, be it now or at any point in the future."
Ned got back to his feet and handed the brooch to Jon. "I am honoured to be offered the positon but if you can make do without me, I ask your permission to return to the North after your coronation and wedding, your Grace. I will serve you faithfully as Warden of the North."
"Permission granted, Uncle. We will speak of this later." He looked significantly to the bed.
"Lord Baratheon, I thank you for the dignified way in which you accepted the situation. Is there anything we can do for you?"
"Your Grace," Robert nodded once to mimic a bow. "I wish you good fortune. I only ask that you grant me a visit later. It must not be long. A pri-private audience after I had a chance to recuperate."
"Of course, Lord Baratheon. We will leave you now so you can rest. I promise to come back if not today than tomorrow at the latest."
"Thank you, your Grace." Robert Baratheon closed his eyes and didn't open them until the door closed behind his former foster-brother and Lyanna's son. The Gods really had a strange sense of humour and sure as hells enjoyed toying with a man's life. Gods, the boy was Lyanna reborn. Just as fierce, just as beautiful. He would make a good King. And Robert felt cheated that he would not be alive to see it.
***
When Jon exited the room, his three loyal knights as well as Sam and Davos looked at him expectantly. Lord Stark smiled. "You stand in the presence of King Aegon Targaryen, Sixth of his name."
His loyal entourage including the Stark guards present at the door and the others a bit further in the hallway but still within hearing range all kneeled and bowed their head. "Your Grace," the words echoed around him until they had all greeted him that way.
"Please rise." Jon looked embarrassed at the subservient display of the men that had raised him, cared for him, protected him and chastised him if necessary for as long as he had known them. He hoped that this would be one of the last times that they would kneel to him in this way. He still remembered his discussion with Ser Gerold on the ship earlier this day.
Jon had explained exactly why he had been so disappointed by their lack of warmth during their reunion on the cliffs. Ser Gerold had made it clear what their duties would entail as soon as he was officially their King. They had exchanged their interpretations on how strictly everyone would need to adhere to protocol and what reforms were acceptable and had reached a consensus. Both men had needed to make concessions.
Jon had won the battle where it concerned everyone's behaviour when amongst themselves away from prying eyes and ears. He had conceded considerable ground though when Ser Gerold had laid out how formal things would be when in public and what his Lord Commander considered to be a public setting. For example, Jon walking to and from his quarters along hallways where servants and guards were present was a public setting and his Kingsguards would not be allowed to speak to him if not explicitly ordered to. To prevent Jon from finding a way around that, Ser Gerold had made Jon solemnly promise to order them to speak at such occasions only for safety or emergency purposes.
The men had all risen back to their feet. Jon noticed how his uncle handed the thick scroll to Davos.
"Get Ser Gerold to sign this and sign it yourself. You will read this document out loud before the court this afternoon. As of now, that is no longer my duty." Both men exchanged a wan smile.
Jon meanwhile had accepted his sword belt that Ser Gerold held out to him. He immediately felt more at ease with the familiar weight of Blackfyre at his side. Looking at his surroundings he addressed Lord Stark. "Let's take this elsewhere. Can we perhaps retreat to the Tower of the Hand, Uncle?"
"Excellent suggestion, your Grace. Except, there are a lot of stairs to climb in order to get there. Perhaps we can adjourn to the room where King Robert signed his decrees. That happens to be situated very conveniently right around the corner."
When Jon nodded his assent, Lord Stark quickly led the way. Ser Gerold was the first to open the door to check whether it was safe for his King to enter. Three men were already inside but instantly got to their knees when they spotted Jon. Prince Oberyn, Lord Yohn of House Royce and Lord Varys apparently had been expecting them to come here.
Prince Oberyn made an exaggerated, ostentatious gesture and was the first to swear his allegiance. "Your Grace, I recognise you as my King and solemnly vow to be your loyal servant and will give my life for yours if need be. My spear is yours to command. I swear it by all the Gods and by the lives of my children and loved ones."
And I vow that you shall always have a place at my court and have the support and protection of the Seven Kingdoms. I pledge to ask no service of you that might bring you into dishonour. I swear it by the Old Gods and the New." Jon answered with his hand lightly on Prince Oberyn's shoulder. He had trouble to keep a serious mien when he looked into the twinkling eyes of the Dornish Prince that peeked up at him when he finished his reply.
"Perhaps we should perform the rest or the oaths in the Throne Room before the entire Court, your Grace. The more witnesses the better." Davos was quick to interfere before the others followed the example of the Dornish Prince. Prince Oberyn meanwhile had gotten back to his feet.
"I agree." Jon limped to the nearest chair and sat down stretching his leg. He had done his utmost to conceal this injury from Robert Baratheon and was glad he could now rest his leg for a while.
Prince Oberyn was quick to offer. "I don't mind putting on a show in the Throne room and repeating these words with even more flair and originality. It might be the only moment in there that you will be able to enjoy yourself." The smug expression left his face when he saw how Jon manoeuvred his right leg. "Will it heal all right? Will you regain your agility?"
"Don't worry, Oberyn. Soon enough, I will be able to best you again. I only need a sennight of rest before I will show my face again in the training yard."
Prince Oberyn looked relieved at his words and nodded.
Jon looked up at everyone and saw they were all waiting for him to say something. He smiled to himself and made use his Kingly authority at once.
"I will take this opportunity to forbid any of you from dropping to your knees before me in a private setting ever again unless I explicitly order you to do so. I will be forever grateful to you all for the support you have given me over the years to bring us to this point. May I ask that in private or in meetings with only my trusted advisers present, you will continue to speak your mind and give me honest, uncensored advice as you have always done before this day?"
"If that is your wish, your Grace." Yohn Royce was the first to answer and the others all nodded in agreement.
Then Davos and Ser Gerold moved over to the impressive desk that King Robert had been so proud of. Both men quickly signed the all-important document. Sam approached the desk and looked through the drawers until he found some sand. He used it to dry the signatures and without further ado took a blank scroll from a drawer, seated himself behind the large desk and started copying the document.
"What are you doing, Sam?" Davos peeked over the young man's shoulders to try and read what he was scribbling so diligently.
"I am making a copy of this document. It might be best to use a copy for the public reading in the throne room. We must protect the original at all cost until we find a safe hiding place. It should only be brought before the Court if absolutely necessary and under heavy guard."
Jon meanwhile looked around the room feeling like an intruder instead of the rightful owner of the place. All this would take some getting used to. Turning his attention back to the small group of his most loyal supporters and noticing that they were waiting for him to decide how to proceed, he took charge.
"Has a messenger been sent to alert Princess Daenerys and have the orders been forwarded to our fleet?"
"Yes, your Grace." Ser Gerold answered. "The ship carrying the Princess will soon dock. She will be here well in time for the official proclamation. The captain has orders to alert the rest of the fleet still on Dragonstone. They will all hoist the Targaryen sails. Half of your fleet will be here before dark and the rest will guard both islands. The City Watch as well as all our guards on the docks are probably being briefed as we speak. Soon we will control the entire city."
"Excellent. Thank you, Ser Gerold." Jon now focused on the Dornish Prince. "Prince Oberyn, might I ask that you return to the docks and welcome the Princess in the same manner you welcomed me earlier? I'd appreciate it if you would be her a princely escort when she traverses the city. I trust you to bring her safely before me."
"Of course, Aegon. I will protect her with my life." He winked and left the room.
"Uncle, can you make the arrangement with the household to find us temporary accommodations?
I am sure there must be adequate quarters for me somewhere in this large stronghold, preferably a room accessible without climbing too many stairs. I promised the Maester I'd be a good boy." He tried to ease the tension in the room but everyone stayed solemn.
"I am on it, your Grace." Ned bowed.
"Wait, Uncle," Jon quickly stopped Lord Stark from leaving the room.
"Lord Varys, can you go with him and see that the crates with our banners are delivered to the quarters that will be assigned to my Kingsguards for now? I want you all to distribute the smaller pins amongst the houseguards and the servant in the red keep so they can add it to their attire. My own men can change into their Targaryen outfits. Lord Stark can instruct the rest of the guards to make small changes to their attire. Also tell the servants to pull down the stag banners. I want my personal sigil to be shown throughout the Keep."
Lord Varys bowed and both men left the room.
"Ser Gerold, I want you three in rooms close to mine for the first few days until we have better grasp on the situation. I count on you to check that at the appointed time, everyone tasked with guard duty in and around the throne room has sworn allegiance and has been outfitted with our sigil. Relieve the former King's Kingsguard of their duties. If they swear allegiance, you can give them any position you deem fit. I leave that to your discretion."
Ser Gerold nodded but Jon was not done yet. "And please can you arrange that enough guards are posted in this hallway? Also, can you double the guards outside Lord Baratheon's rooms as well? Nobody will be allowed to speak with him without my approval. He must not be harassed or threatened because of his voluntary abdication in favour of House Targaryen."
"Your Grace, shall I leave you alone then?" Ser Gerold hesitated to take his leave.
"Yes please. I will use this time to discuss a few urgent matters with Davos Seaworth and Sam. I promise you that I will not leave this room for now, Ser Gerold. Just post enough guards in the hallway. There is no other entrance. We will be quite safe."
"As you wish, my King." Ser Gerold bowed but instead of leaving immediately, he handed his King a small item wrapped up in a brown cloth. Then he turned around without uttering another word and left the room.
Davos chuckled. "Way to go, my King. You cleared the room very effectively."
"And you will soon be sorry that you were allowed to stay," Jon teased his Hand. "But first," he stepped closer to Davos handing him the small package with a serious expression, "you will need to look the part."
Davos accepted the small bundle and unwrapped it swiftly only to find the expected brooch that the Hand of the King must always wear while representing his King. He looked at it in wonderment. This was no ordinary brooch. This was a work of art. The Targaryen symbol or better Jon's personal version of it with the addition of a small direwolf's head was etched in a badge made of solid gold. Davos' eyes grew moist.
Jon took the badge from Davos' shaking hands and personally pinned it to his dear adviser's tunic. He patted the man's shoulder affectionately, took a step back and cleared his throat to mask his own emotional state.
"Now we have a lot of work to do. And please call me Jon or Aegon in private, Davos." Jon relaxed his posture glad it was just the three of them for now.
"Okay, Jon. What assignments have you come up with for me and Sam?" Davos eyes were still shining suspiciously but he looked ready to tackle anything his King might throw at him.
Jon looked at Sam who had stopped scribbling. "Sam did you prepare the decrees legitimating Gendry, Myrcella and Tommen?"
"I did, they are in the crates they are bringing to the Red Keep. We just need to add today's date and your signature and stamp."
"And the royal pardon for Lord Renly of House Baratheon and Gylles Stokeworth?"
"Same answer, Jon."
"Excellent. Now I want you to write a new decree immediately. I, Aegon Targaryen, Sixth of his Name blah blah blah, you know what to write. For services above and beyond the call of duty, I raise Davos Seaworth to Lord Davos of House Seaworth, a new House of the Crownlands, their Overlord being the Prince of Dragonstone. I grant him a seat to be built within the year on …"
Jon smiled at Davos. "Now Davos here you can choose where you want to build your keep. What do you think of the Driftmark or Dragonstone? Of course you can choose any place for that matter, as long as it is situated within the borders of the Crownlands so I can be your liege Lord."
"Dragonstone will do fine, thank you, Jon. Normally I would object but Sam here didn't stop talking sense into me last night until my head ached and I gave in."
"Good, then we can draft and sign this decree before we go to Court. I want to introduce you as Lord Seaworth and I refuse to have one of my first words in Court be an untruth."
Sam drafted the document in no time and the three men put their signatures under it.
When Davos was about to thank Jon again, the young man held up his hand.
"Now Davos, instead of thanking me, I want you to add the following to your list of things to do: Formulate a procedure to put in a request for a royal pardon by men sent to the Wall for political reasons. Any man that can provide ample proof that he has been sentenced to the Wall solely based on their loyalty to House Targaryen and/or the part he played during the Rebellion and has not committed any other crimes that justify his sentence should be able to make an appeal to be granted his freedom. It needs to be airtight and must contain a punishment for anyone whose request is based on false statements. If not, I reckon half of the Night's Watch will attempt to obtain a pardon. Sam will surely be willing to help you with the exact wording. I want it ready before the next moon."
"And your reform of the Night's Watch?" Sam asked after he had nodded his assent.
"That can wait until the political situation is more stable and we have a better grasp of the threat that the dead still pose beyond the Wall. If anything, we need to strengthen the defenses of the Wall. That reminds me, we have to send an urgent message to the Lord Commander at Castle Black, Cotter Pyke. He needs to lift the restrictions King Baratheon placed on Jaime Lannister at the Wall. The man must be regarded forthwith as an honourable member of the Night's Watch and be given the status of a ranger immediately. Perhaps you should add that he saved the life of King Aegon during the battle near Hardhome and that the King wants Lannister to be given the means to send the King a report once a moon."
"I'll see to it that the raven leaves immediately after the official announcement has been made later today. I will draft it and Davos can check its contents before I send it out." Sam offered.
"Thanks, Sam." Davos and Jon said simultaneously and Jon smiled.
"We make a good team." Jon added.
"When it is time to send them out, you can also dispatch the ravens we prepared for the Lord Paramounts and the Wardens so that they in turn can spread the word to all their bannermen. Don't forget Yara Greyjoy. Also send one to the Citadel explaining all the changes. You will have to add the particulars of the new House Seaworth. If Davos doesn't have an idea for a sigil yet, add that you will send more particulars regarding the new Lordship at a later date."
"I'll need to think on that for a bit. " Davos answered when both men turned to him with a questioning look on their faces. "The only thing I know is that it will have to refer to seafaring, perhaps a boat, an anchor or another nautical symbol. Give me some time to come up with a name for my keep and words for my new house as well. The only thing I know for sure is that I will choose to build the keep near a bay so I can add a small dock." He smiled deprecatingly.
Jon returned his smile and gestured to Sam who nodded.
"Then I will only add what we already know and promise to send the missing information later. May I offer my congratulations, my Lord Davos of House Seaworth." Sam's eyes twinkled.
Davos bowed. "I thank you, most honourable Lord Samwell of House Tarly."
Davos frowned when he made his next observation. "It will get even more crowded in the capital. What with the tournament already and now even more Lords need to come to King's Landing to swear allegiance to you before the Court."
"The message states that they have six moons to do that." Jon pointed out. "Not everyone can leave at the same time. Some bannermen need to stay behind so business can go on as planned and no lands are unprotected. Robb will only be able to come once his father returns to Winterfell."
"Theoretically, Robb doesn't need to swear fealty, Jon. He is bound by his father's word." Sam was quick to clarify.
"I know, but I am certain my cousin will want to visit the capital. I'll write to him as soon as I find the time. Perhaps I can find a spare moment later this evening." He shook his head and concentrated on the business at hand. "There are two more urgent messages I will need you to send out without delay."
"Okay," Sam dipped the tip of his quill in the black ink.
"First, write to Maester Pylos and ask him to release the twenty men we were keeping prisoner on Dragonstone. He can tell them they have a choice, either swear allegiance to us and be allowed to stay on Dragonstone or be put on a boat heading toward the Stormlands."
Jon noticed Davos' frown but continued. "Ask the Maester to look for any living kin of Jaremy Rykker. As far as I know, no representatives of House Rykker have arrived in the capital. I want to know what happened to the family of the man that lost his life trying to save mine. I want them to know that Jaremy died an honourable death and I am willing to help them if they are in need."
"Why ask Maester Pylos and not Lord Varys?" Davos asked.
"I want the Maester to feel that he is being included. I want to make amends for not trusting him earlier."
"Do you really think allowing twenty able men to return to the Stormlands is wise, Jon?" Davos raised his concern in respectful manner.
"I am confident none of them will choose that option. I talked with each of them at several opportunities. I think I convinced them that they will all be accepted back into the community on my island. They have been apprised of the fair treatment and help their kin still living on Dragonstone received during their imprisonment. I am willing to bet you that they will all choose to swear allegiance to us and return to their homes and families."
"Then I will put my trust in you as well, my King." Davos was quick to agree. Jon was glad to notice that the worried look had left his Hand's face.
"And the other message?" Sam asked flexing his hand.
"Secondly," Jon resumed as if there had been no interruption, "write to Lord Manderly that he might consider joining the ship carrying my entourage south. Inform him of the date that we expect the ship carrying Lady Brienne of Tarth, Lord Edric of House Dayne and Lord Loras of House Tyrell will reach White Harbour. But start with informing him of the abdication and my new status of King of Westeros. Otherwise the man will have a seizure when he reads the signature." A small smile lit Jon's features.
Sam looked up. "Ser Davos mentioned the tournament. What will you decide about that?"
Jon smiled. "I talked it through with Ser Gerold. It will take place. We just need to see how quickly it can all be arranged. Ser Arthur and Ser Oswell can enter the melee. Ser Arthur regrets that they have not been able to practice the joust for several years."
"Do you really loose such a skill?" Davos asked. "Perhaps they should train a bit before making a decision."
"I'm not sure there will be enough time for that. Besides I told them there would be another tournament next year, or maybe sooner if Dany and I," Jon blushed.
"A royal birth would be an excellent excuse to hold a tournament." Davos as always needed only half a sentence to understand Jon.
"Exactly," Jon confirmed Davos statement. "If Dany and I are not blessed thus by then, it can be the one year anniversary of our marriage and reign. Anyway I agreed that they better refrain from entering the joust unless they were at their best. They have a reputation to uphold."
"Well, now that you are King, they will certainly heed your advice." Davos winked.
"Don't mock your King." Jon chastised him but his eyes danced with mirth. "As a punishment you can think of an excuse to still go through with the tournament when Robert Baratheon's imminent death becomes public knowledge. It must all be handled in such a way that they can't accuse us of disrespect."
A knock startled the men. Ser Arthur entered. "Your Grace, a message from Howland Reed."
An uncomfortable silence fell over the room. Lord Howland Reed's messages could contain the most unexpected things at times.
"Thank you, Ser Arthur. Please stay a moment. Perhaps you will need to hear this." Jon took the scroll Ser Arthur held out to him.
He then proceeded to break the seal and quickly scanned the message. At first a wide smile lit his features but it was soon replaced by a deep frown.
"Uncle Benjen is on his way here. Lord Reed writes that he will set a new record. He changes horses as much as possible and races for King's Landing. He travelled past Greywater Watch two days ago."
"As long as he arrives safely, that is rather welcome news, isn't it? Why are you frowning, Jon?" Davos asked the young King.
"Lord Reeds writes that Uncle Benjen felt no longer welcome at Winterfell. That Robb sort of made him leave." Jon looked upset with his cousin.
"I'm sure there is an explanation. Perhaps you should show this message to Lord Stark." Sam offered.
"I certainly will. At the speed he is travelling…" Jon stopped and looked at Davos. "How long can we delay the coronation and the marriage?"
"The coronation is only symbolic. A show you will put on for the people and the Faith of the Seven. You are the King and can exert your authority as such without the ceremony. I'd say you have some leeway here. Where your marriage is concerned, well better consult the Princess before taking a decision any which way. I won't get between the two of you again. Last night was enough for me. She will keep you on your toes, Jon."
"Dany will understand that I would strongly prefer for Uncle Benjen to be present at our wedding. I am not keen on delaying until Lady Brienne, Loras and Edric get here. They still have a long way to go. But we might be able to give a few more Lords the opportunity to reach the capital in time. I want a daily update of which Lords are in the capital and which ones have announced their imminent arrival. I'll talk to Dany about it and we will make a decision in a couple of days."
"That sounds more like it. Start using 'we' more often from now on, son. Then you will have a better chance at marital bliss." Davos was glad to see Jon's eyes light up.
"Now what does one do if one needs to eat in a royal palace?" Jon asked startling his Hand who had thought his King would have been distracted considering the dreamy expression that had appeared on the young man's face when Davos had referred to his upcoming marriage.
***
Not long after, they were all installed in a private dining room. The three knights proudly wore their Targaryen armour marked with the personal sigil of King Aegon. Their pristine white cloaks completed the legendary look. People would soon get used to seeing the familiar three headed dragon sigil combined with the head of a direwolf looking up at the dragons. The blacksmith Jekken had been the one ordered to make many such badges since Gendry had been too busy forging dragonglass weapons. Furthermore, two large banners had been pinned to the side walls of the luxurious space.
Before the first course had been served, a group of servants had been ushered inside and they had all kneeled and sworn their allegiance to King Aegon. The head of the household had been tasked by Ser Gerold to provide a list of names and backgrounds on all the servants allowed within the walls of the Red Keep. That list would be a means to keep track of the ones that had sworn allegiance. No others were allowed in the presence of the new King and his entourage.
Ser Gerold had started doing the same with every guard in the inner Keep first and would tackle the rest of the stronghold later. These first few days would be very busy ones for all of them. He had already asked Lord Stark to be allowed to have his most loyal men assist him for the time being. Ser Gerold would not rest until he had the Royal Guard up and running. All he had been able to do on Dragonstone was draw lists of capable men he knew from before. Now he needed to evaluate the valour of the younger men that would come forward when word got out that the Royal Guard was recruiting.
They were halfway through their meal when Prince Oberyn burst in flanked by Princess Daenerys. "Safe and sound into your hands I deliver her, your Grace." He bowed and winked at Jon when he righted himself. Sam sitting next to Jon, immediately rose from his seat and offered it to Daenerys. He quickly took another seat a bit further down the table. Jon nodded his thanks first to Prince Oberyn and then to Sam. He rose from his chair and assisted Dany when she took her place at his side. Jon quickly sat down again and raised his cup, but Dany was the first to speak.
"Congratulations, your Grace." She smiled and raised the cup a servant had quickly filled up for her. Then she leaned closer to him. "Not the way I wanted to say that." Her voice was now no more than a whisper.
"Too many witnesses. Luckily there is always later. Hold on to your intentions till then," Jon whispered back to her, his eyes gazing deeply into hers. Out loud he said. "Thank you, Daenerys. Now let us enjoy our first meal in King's Landing."
***
Jon and Dany entered the empty throne room from a side door. Only Ser Gerold was already there and had clearly been awaiting their arrival. Ser Oswell and Ser Arthur had been their guides and guards during the long walk to this part of the keep. Neither Jon nor Dany were familiar with the endless hallways of the Red Keep.
"What do you think, Dany?" Jon asked as they were studying the Iron throne with their own eyes for the very first time.
She looked at him and was hesitant to give her opinion. "I don't know. It looks uh not very uh accommodating for the person who needs to sit on it. It almost looks as if it has all been thrown together rather hastily and they didn't take the time to smooth the edges."
Jon who had been staring into her eyes while she spoke shifted his eyes and examined the throne once more. "I didn't realise the seat was so high up. The throne is an important symbol though. I don't think it would send the right message to melt it down."
He climbed the steps, careful not to strain his right leg too much. When his eyes were finally at level height with the seat of the throne, he reached with his hand to test one of the more dangerous looking edges of a sword that stuck out of the iron construction. A surprised look flitted over his face. He touched it again.
"The edges are blunt." He exclaimed. "No need to worry about me. I won't get cut by them."
"They are not blunt." Ser Gerold protested. "The Mad King, uh forgive me your Grace, your grandfather, King Aerys II repeatedly cut himself on this throne. He even got the nickname King Scab because his arms and legs were always covered with scabs and half-healed wounds from cuts caused by blades that stuck from the throne."
Dany quickly mounted the steps and stood beside him eying the more dangerous looking ones. "They sure look sharp to me." She commented and carefully touched an edge of a blade. "Ouch". She lifted her finger and showed Jon the small cut. Without thinking, Jon quickly brought it to his mouth to suck in the drop of blood that had appeared.
Jon looked beseechingly at her and then at Ser Gerold. He pressed her hand tightly between his calloused palms. "I did not trick her. I told the truth." He turned his head again and eyed the Iron Throne with dismay. "Don't tell me this … thing is imbued with magic as well."
Ser Gerold looked on with astonishment as nothing happened when Jon freed one of his hands from Dany's and touched the blade at the exact same spot where Princess Daenerys had hurt her finger.
"Ser Oswell, ask Samwell Tarly to join us for a moment." Ser Gerold's brusque command resounded through the empty throne room.
"He is assisting Lord Seaworth with listing and shortly interviewing the nobles that are to attend his Grace's first audience in the throne room." Ser Oswell remarked.
"I'm sure whatever this is, it can wait. We'll try to find out more later, Ser Gerold," Jon addressed his Lord Commander with a firm voice. He released Dany's hand and turned to face his Kingsguards.
"Somewhere in this large Keep there must be some formal ceremonial chairs for the King and Queen when they hold court or attend a feast. Bring them in here and put them on some tables or something so they will be visible even from the back of the room. Dany and I will use them to receive the Lords and Ladies side by side."
"My King, these nobles have come to swear their allegiance. You should be sitting on the throne for that part. It is already too bad that there is no crown for you to wear for now."
"But there is." Ser Arthur spoke up now. "He can wear the crown of the Prince of Dragonstone. And we brought the ceremonial coat with the beautiful ermine collar. He will look the part."
"Is there a matching one for the Princess?" Jon asked taking Dany's hand in his again and pulling her closer to his side.
"We still have the crown of her mother, the Princess Rhaella and I am sure we will find a matching coat for her." Ser Arthur looked at Ser Gerold but this time his voice had sounded unsure. Ser Gerold seemed hesitant as well.
"Permission to fetch these items?" Ser Arthur quietly asked his Lord Commander.
Jon didn't pay attention to Ser Gerold's response. He seated himself on the throne and carefully guided Dany down until she was installed on his left thigh. He gave her a quick peck on her cheek. "So my future Queen, I gather you don't like our throne?"
Dany giggled and quickly gave him a chaste kiss on his lips. "I might grow to like it if you are shielding me from its more dangerous edges."
"I'll always shield you, Dany." He promised, his dark eyes gazing into her purple once with a sincere and serious look. Then he scanned the room and let his eyes wander over his Kingsguards who were standing way below them. "We certainly look down on our subjects from up here. It is not as I expected it to be at all." He confessed quietly so she alone could hear.
"Then change it. But not today. Better wait a year or so. After you have a firm grip on Westeros and have earned the respect of your people, then you can make any changes you deem fit."
"Our people and we'll make any changes we want." Jon corrected her and gave her another quick kiss on her lips.
Ser Gerold coughed. "My King, I am going to let the servants enter with the Targaryen ornaments they found in the cellars beneath this room. Perhaps you should come down. I just got word that Davos and Sam are almost ready with the list of the attendees for your first audience. I advise you to retreat through the side door for a while. Ser Arthur will be back any moment now with the crown and coat."
...