The year 111 AC was destined to be recorded in the scrolls of history. It began with a grand tournament to celebrate the five-year anniversary of the King and Queen, but it ended with a court divided. Because of the colors they wore that day, the Queen's followers became known as the Greens, and the supporters of Princess Rhaenyra became the Blacks. At the center of it all was young Prince Aegon, who had stolen the show by sitting in King Viserys's lap throughout the royal feast.
The peace did not last. Only six months after the tournament, Prince Daemon and the King had a terrible falling out. Rumors whispered that Daemon had seduced the Princess Rhaenyra, and in a fit of rage, Viserys exiled his brother back to the Stepstones.
As the years passed, the faces at court changed. In 112 AC, the old Lord Commander of the Kingsguard passed away, and Ser Criston Cole took his place. The Grand Maester died as well, replaced by a man named Mellos. Between 112 and 113 AC, Queen Alicent tried to heal the rift by suggesting that Rhaenyra marry her son, Aegon. The King refused. Instead, he forced Rhaenyra to marry Laenor Velaryon—a man known throughout the Seven Kingdoms to prefer the company of men. This marriage turned Ser Criston Cole and the Princess into bitter enemies, as she had refused to run away with him, wounding his pride forever.
The year 114 AC
On the training grounds outside the Red Keep, the air was filled with the rhythmic thwack of wood on wood. Aegon, now seven years old, held a wooden practice sword and moved with surprising speed against Ser Criston Cole. Alicent watched from the shade, her eyes filled with pride for her eldest son.
Aegon had begun his training at six, merely learning how to hold a blade. Now, a year later, he was fast enough to trade blows with the Lord Commander. Criston was secretly shocked by the boy's progress, though he knew that if he fought for real, he could take Aegon's small head in a single stroke.
"Your Highness," Criston said, stepping back and lowering his wooden blade. "Your progress is too fast. I fear I will soon have nothing left to teach you."
Aegon rubbed a sore spot on his ribs where the wooden sword had bruised him. "Thank you for the praise, Ser Criston. Though, if you could hit me a little lighter next time, I would be very grateful."
An embarrassed look flashed across Criston's face. When he sparred with the boy, he had to focus so hard that he often forgot to hold back his strength.
"The Prince is being modest," said Ser Arryk Cargyll, a knight of the Kingsguard who stood nearby. "He makes you work for it, Ser Criston. You have to be serious just to keep up."
Aegon laughed and waved his hand. "Stop, or I shall become too proud to fit into my armor. Have you eaten? Come and join me for a meal."
Arryk shook his head quickly. "Thank you, Your Highness, but we have our own place to eat."
"The King told you to protect me closely," Aegon said, his tone becoming firm. "A man is most vulnerable when he is eating. No more talk—follow me."
Ser Arryk eventually followed the Prince to the dining hall. Sitting across from Aegon, the knight looked stiff and nervous.
"Relax, Ser," Aegon joked as he tore into a piece of bread. "Do I look so scary?"
"I am a little nervous, Your Highness," Arryk admitted, letting out a breath. "But it is because of what people are saying about you."
Aegon didn't answer immediately. He knew exactly what the knight meant. A rumor had begun to spread through the city that Prince Aegon had the look and spirit of Aegon the Conqueror himself. It was a dangerous thing to say, as it challenged Rhaenyra's right to the throne. Most people in the castle were too afraid to even whisper it.
"I do not like those rumors," Aegon said, his face becoming serious. "My love for my sister is beyond doubt."
Arryk remained silent. He wasn't sure if the Prince was being honest or playing a part.
"Also, Ser Arryk," Aegon continued, looking the knight in the eye. "I trust your skill and your loyalty. You may speak your mind in front of me. Do you understand?"
Arryk turned pale. He realized he had been reckless to talk about the throne. A knight of the Kingsguard was supposed to be a silent shadow, loyal only to the King. They were meant to guard secrets as well as lives.
Viserys had allowed Aegon to choose a personal protector from the Kingsguard, and Aegon had chosen Arryk Cargyll. In the stories Aegon remembered from his past life, Arryk was the brother who died for the Greens.
Aegon looked at the knight and decided that if he had the chance, he would also win over Arryk's twin brother, Erryk. If he could keep both brothers at his side, he could prevent them from killing each other in the future war. He would have two of the best bodyguards in the realm, loyal only to him.