Outside the vestibule on Visenya's Hill, soldiers stood in layers upon layers. A great number of royal troops held the perimeter of the vestibule, while Aemond's personal guard stood within—all with swords at their belts, hands touching the hilts, eyes watchful.
The nobles who had come to witness the ceremony were strictly searched. Weapons had to be left outside, and no more than two attendants were permitted.
"What is this?" a young noble complained in a low voice. "His Grace only just died, and they rush to a coronation?"
"Hold your tongue," an older noble took his heir by the arm. "Do not make trouble today. Or you may find yourself with a broken leg."
The young noble was unconvinced and wanted to say more. Then he caught Hal's gaze from across the hall, and closed his mouth obediently. He dared not offend Hal—one of the "Mudfoots."
The nobles serving the Crown in King's Landing secretly called the three common-born boys raised by Prince Aemond "Mudfoots," even though they had been granted noble titles.
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The vestibule was arranged.
The high platform stood several feet above the floor, draped in black velvet. Upon it rested the Conqueror's crown—set with rubies—the original Valyrian steel crown of Aegon the Conqueror. It had been stolen by Orwyle, but now it was returned. It was the crown of Queen Visenya from a hundred years ago, and no less magnificent. They would use this crown for the coronation.
Aemond stood at the edge of the high platform, wearing Blackfyre at his hip. Hal stood unobtrusively behind him, watching the surroundings closely.
Talya slipped through the rear door and whispered, "Prince, all is arranged. Our people are outside, and every attendant has been thoroughly searched. As for the High Septon... immediately after he performs the coronation, King Aegon will sign the document confirming the Faith's privileges."
"Understood," Aemond nodded.
When all this is over, he thought, I will settle accounts with the Faith and the Citadel.
A trumpet sounded from beyond the door—three long notes. The royal family had arrived.
The doors opened.
All turned to look.
Queen Mother Alicent entered first, dressed in black with a black veil. Behind her came Helaena in a black veil, and Helaena in her royal gown. Then came the Small Council—Tyland, Larys, Jasper, Erwin, and Will—all in their ceremonial robes.
Finally, the High Septon ascended the platform.
High Septon Owen wore a splendid holy vestment; the crystal seven-pointed star necklace at his breast glittered. Behind him followed two monks—one carrying a vial of holy oil, the other carrying the crown.
The crowd murmured.
"Silence!" Ser Criston Cole roared.
The Kingsguard and the guards around him echoed in unison: "Silence!"
The vestibule gradually fell quiet.
Tyland Lannister stepped up to the high platform, drew a deep breath, and shouted with all his might:
"People of King's Landing! Our beloved King Viserys the First! Your father! Has been poisoned by vile men! This is, without doubt, the saddest of days! But today is also the most joyous of days! The eldest son named by the late King Viserys! Aegon Targaryen! Shall inherit the throne! Shall inherit the Iron Throne!"
Applause began sparsely, but gradually grew warmer.
Suddenly, the Praetorian Guard emerged from a side door, forming a wall of men and clearing a path to the high platform. The Praetorian Guard forcibly separated or pushed aside any commoners in the way. Hundreds of guards formed a corridor of living bodies.
"Clear the way! Step aside! Do not hinder!"
Their leader, Galwyn Hightower, shouted, "Raise swords!"
All the guards present raised their swords.
A heavy trumpet sounded again from the corridor.
Aegon entered through the side door.
He had abandoned his crutches. He did not want the world to see his weakness. Each step brought searing pain, but he clenched his teeth, held his head high, and walked step by step toward the high platform under the gaze of all.
As Aegon passed, the Praetorian Guards on both sides lowered their raised swords.
The Hand, Tyland Lannister, continued to shout: "Witness the new king's ascent! This is your great honor! Today, a new era dawns in our city! It is also a new era for the realm!"
Aegon finally reached the high platform.
Alicent stepped forward, took her eldest son's face in both hands, and kissed his brow softly. A blessing.
Behind the platform, the Kingsguard sheathed their swords.
The whole hall was silent.
Aegon knelt.
High Septon Owen stepped forward.
His assistant handed him the vial of holy oil.
"In the name of the Father, I grant you the power to judge."
Owen dipped his thumb in the holy oil and traced it on Aegon's brow.
"In the name of the Mother, I grant you mercy. In the name of the Warrior, I grant you courage and strength. In the name of the Maiden, I grant you a pure heart. In the name of the Smith, I grant you the power to build. In the name of the Crone, I grant you the eyes of wisdom. In the name of the Stranger..." Owen paused, "I grant you the courage to face your fate."
The seven holy oils left a shining gleam on Aegon's brow.
On the platform, Alicent wept. Helaena pressed her hands together in prayer. Helaena's eyes shone.
Aemond watched it all without expression.
The holy oil was applied. The assistant beside him held the crown. Owen took it in both hands and raised it above his head so all could see the dragon-shaped crown with rubies for eyes.
"Aegon Targaryen," the High Septon's voice echoed through the hall. "Do you swear, in the name of the Seven Gods, to rule the Seven Kingdoms, to protect your people, to uphold the law, and to defend the Faith?"
Aegon opened his eyes.
He opened his mouth, but his throat was dry.
Everyone in the hall was silent. All looked at the future king, the heir.
Aegon drew a deep breath and answered loudly: "I swear!"
"Do you swear to judge justly, to be kind to the people, to fight bravely against your enemies, and to protect the weak and young?"
"I swear!"
"Do you swear fealty to the Seven Gods, to protect the Faith, and to preserve the purity of the Faith of the Seven throughout the Seven Kingdoms?"
This last had been added by High Septon Owen himself. It was not in the original oath.
Aegon was taken aback. He looked at Aemond.
Aemond nodded to him.
"I... I swear," Aegon said.
High Septon Owen was satisfied.
He held the crown in both hands and slowly placed it upon Aegon's head.
"Then, in the name of the Seven Gods, I proclaim: Aegon the Second of His Name Targaryen is King of the Seven Kingdoms, of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men! Lord of the Seven Kingdoms!"
High Septon Owen patted Aegon on the shoulder and gestured for His Grace to rise.
Aegon stood. He looked first at those on the platform. The clergy and his mother Alicent bowed their heads before him.
When his gaze reached Aemond, Aemond saw Aegon looking at him, and inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment.
Then Aegon turned and faced all those in the vestibule.
He drew the magnificent sword from his belt and raised it high.
The crowd erupted in applause like a tidal wave:
"King Aegon! Aegon the Second! Huzzah! Bread! Bread!"
Aegon spread his arms, closed his eyes, and felt the sound of their support.
In that moment, the pain in his leg seemed to ease, and the fear in his heart temporarily quieted.
He felt, truly, that he had become king.