The Gentle Queen: HOTD

Crowned King |8|

The people of King's Landing made their way into the Dragonpit, chatting among themselves, the bell ringing through the air, demanding their presence by the dozens. They all filled the large Dragonpit, all-knowing without it needing to be said that the king was dead, and most prayed that Rhaenyra would not be the one taking the throne.

"People of King's Landing, today is the saddest of days for our beloved king, Viserys the peaceful, is dead." Otto yelled over the people, silencing them with the news of the king's death, causing them to whisper to each other, all glad to hear the news, and they were not shy to show it.

"Viserys the monstrous!" The shout of a man was heard over the whispered "Viserys the Cruel!" Another shout was heard: "No good king!"

The smallfolk got louder and louder, shouting nicknames left and right, declaring the late king Otto was unsure what to do; he did not prepare for this. They were not quieting down even though he was demanding it. Even the smallfolk knew of Viserys's ways, and they would not allow history to paint the late king as a hero, as he was a villain. Looking back, he saw his daughter standing tall next to Ser Criston and her children, ten Targaryens standing tall with their respectable partners, along with Baela and Rhaena.

Seeing that her father had no control over her people, she walked forward, making her way to the edge of the stairs, ignoring her father's confused glare that lessened as the people slowly got quiet seeing their queen in front of them ready to speak.

"My people, I understand your anger I do you may all paint your own picture of Viserys Targaryen, but we are not here to grieve him we are here to crown the rightful heir that shall succeed him!" Lillian's voice rang throughout the large stone building.

"For over twenty years I have had the pleasure of being your queen... and as your queen I care for the safety of our seven kingdoms and all who live under the Targaryen rule in ways Rhaenyra Targaryen could never I know this; you all know this, and so did the king. In the king's final moments, he handed me a letter that had his written proclamation declaring Aegon the second his rightful heir, the son who would succeed him!"

The commoners cheered, shouting their approval and praises. This was what the realm needed; this was what they needed, a strong leader who would listen and help them just like Lilly did, and they all knew Aegon and his wife Melanie helped Lilly with multiple aspects of Flea Bottom.

Gold cloaks filled the room, marching in sync, causing the crowd to separate, letting them align together. Two lines of gold-cloaked knights perfectly lined up. The gold cloaks stood in a row, ten on each side, standing across from one another. The trumpets filled the air as orders were shouted and swords were drawn, making a walkway for the new king.

Aegon walked unsure of himself but put on a confident front. He walked through the crowd, walking under each crossed sword, each one falling as he passed them. Aegon knew he could be a good king with his family by his side, and he was sure of himself when he saw Melanie's comforting smile sending him a small nod, encouraging him.

"It is your great good fortune and privilege to be here to witness this: a new day for our city, a new day for our realm, a new king to lead us!" Daemon shouted, stepping back as Aegon ascended the steps, stopping in front of Lillian, who smiled softly at her sweet boy. She gently cupped his face, pulling him down, placing a soft and loving kiss on his forehead.

"You are doing wonderful, my sweet boy," Lillian whispered quietly so only he heard, which he did by the smile that came across his face as he knelt down, looking up as his mother moved away, and a high septa stepped in front of him with a bowl of blessed water.

"May the warrior give him courage... May the smith lend strength to his sword and shield...may the father defend him in his need... May the crone lift her shiny lamp and light his way to wisdom."

The septa recited, stepping back and handing Daemon the crown of the conquerors, and the knight did so, lifting the crown above Aegon's head for all to see. "The crown of the conqueror passed down through generations!" he yelled before placing it upon the prince's head.

"Let the seven bear witness. Aegon Targaryen is the true heir to the Iron Throne."

"All hail his grace Aegon, second of his name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm." The septa declared as Aegon stared at him before slowly turning around to face the people who were silent as the bells rang again.

"Aegon the King!" Daemon the second, Aemond, and Maelor yelled together, making him chuckle before his face fell as he watched each and every person kneel before him, truly acknowledging him as their king, unsheathing his sword, raising it to the roof, causing the people to go wild and cheer for their king.

-------------------------------------------

"After our last conversation, I thought I would be let go." Rhaenys yelled, glaring at Lillian, who had just entered the room.

"And I thought a princess as old as you would have manners." Lilly countered, smiling at the woman sarcastically, taking pleasure in the way her face dropped.

"As you said, I am a princess. I should be treated with more respect, and now that Viserys is dead, I have more authority over you." Rhaenys snapped, making Lilly scoff.

"I am the queen mother and the dowager queen, mother to eleven royals. I have more authority than you have ever had since you were never queen yourself. I would assume you know that Aegon has been crowned in front of the mass. My God, it was a celebration. Every one of them knelt without a second thought. Shame you were not there to witness it, but since it was held in the dragon pit, I was not going to take the chance of you sneaking away and killing innocents."

"You are smart."

"I always have been smart; just severely underestimated. You are free to leave; there is nothing else that you can do, as Aegon is king, and you will not become a kin slayer as you said. Good day, princess," Lilly stated, walking to the door to leave, before she stopped and turned back to the older woman, who looked uncertain.

"And send Rhaenyra my regards; tell her I plan to make good on my promise."