TO LOVE A KING || Maegor II Targaryen [SLOW UPDATES]

064▪️ A COURT OF THORNS & THISTLES

Maegor's eyes narrowed. "Speak... Lord Bolton."

Edmund ignored the corpse he passed and knelt before the throne. "Your Grace," he intoned, head bowed. "I come to offer my son for your Kingsguard."

Maegor did not speak at first. His eyes bored through Edmund. "Which son?"

Ramsey stepped forward confidently and knelt beside his father. "It would be my honor, Your Grace, to lay down my life in your service."

The King regarded the boy. Ramsey knelt, repeating the vows of chastity and loyalty with clear voice

Maegor studied him. "You understand what the Kingsguard means, boy? The price of this service. No wife. No heirs. No lands. No titles. One cloak. One purpose. One master." he asked asked, his voice low, deadly.

Ramsey nodded "I understand Your Grace. I am ready, My life for yours. Gladly." he replied.

Maegor's lips curved into a faint smirk. "So be it. Rise, Ser Ramsey of House Bolton."

Applause erupted in cautious waves. but it was short-lived.

Lord Edmund Bolton remained kneeling.

Maegor turned back to Lord Bolton, his voice slow and quiet. "And what would you ask of your King again, Lord Bolton?" he asked though his voice now dripped with weary anticipation.

Edmund swallowed, suddenly cautious. "My daughter, Your Grace... is a maiden. Pure of heart and flesh. A flower of the Dreadfort. I would offer her hand to you, and tie our house to yours."

The court stiffened.

Rhaenyra arched a brow smirking.

Charlotte blinked in disbelief.

Alicent's eyes narrowed, the satisfaction sharp on her tongue. Sly bastard, she thought. What a gamble. She then pursed her lips, watching her sister from across the hall, for signs of distress, and she was not disappointed.

Maegor tilted his head toward the girl. “Is that what you want, Lady Nathalie?”

The girl curtsied deeply. “With all my heart, Your Grace. I have loved you from afar." she said softly. Her voice was demure, but there was steel beneath the silk. I have long admired you, Your strength, your wisdom… they inspire me. I would be honored to stand at your side.”

Gasps rippled across the room like a dropped glass. Gasps followed. Whispers swirled like stormwinds. Murmuring broke through the court.

Lord Corlys shared a sharp glance with his wife, Princess Rhaenys. Boldness or folly it remained to be seen.

Lord Varys exchanged a look with Lord Strong, both visibly amused.

Courtiers whispered something inaudible to themselves. A ripple of murmurs followed.