Jaenyx stood alongside Visenya, Orys, and Argella as they and lords from the former Storm kingdom, the riverlands, around the Blackwater Bay, and the Northern kingdom surrounded the table carved in the exact likeness of Westeros. He had been to this room before and remembered being quite impressed at how much detail Aegon had put into this carving of the continent. Fifty feet long, twenty-five feet wide, and four feet at its thinnest, any of the viewers could see all of the features unique to each of the geography of the Seven Kingdoms and all of its towns, fortresses, and cities. He had asked his good-brother what had prompted him to undertake such a project, with Aegon merely saying that he wanted to have an illustration of Westeros that couldn't be found in Oldtown from the last time he visited there and mostly because he was bored after training in the yard with Orys and learning how to be a lord from their father.
Aegon added that Visenya came up with the idea, since she didn't want to go back to that part of the Reach to satisfy her intellectual curiosity after that incident with the Redwyne knight who tried to assault her. In fact, she, Aegon, and Orys all pitched in by carving out different parts of Westeros from the wood.
But while Jaenyx enjoyed reliving that memory from before the war turned very serious for them, he had to refocus his attention to what would occur in this room. Today was a momentous occasion for them all, where they would no longer be simple lords and ladies in the Blackwater Bay.
Aegon, Rhaenys, Aerion, and Valaena all sat next to one another as they looked over the parchments and prepared to stamp their seals in token of their approval to the contents. Taygor helped draft the contents of the parchments that Aegon would place his seal on while Quenton Qoherys, the master-at-arms of Dragonstone and unofficial castellan, announced to all what was being done.
"Admitting to a strong desire to leave his current position and pass on the reins of rule to his heir, Aerion Targaryen, Lord of Dragonstone, shall resign from his present title and step down from all major duties to both House Targaryen and all those sworn to them. Henceforth and after much discussion with the family, he shall be known as Lord Aerion Targaryen of the Blackwater Bay," Quenton began as Aerion put his seal on the deed that confirmed his new status as a simple lord. But after doing so, Jaenyx and all others present could see that much relief in his face, as if a huge weight was lifted from his shoulders.
Confirming Aerion's seal, Quenton continued. "As stipulated by the will of Lord Aerion Targaryen, all titles belonging to the head of House Targaryen shall pass on to his heir, Lord Aegon Targaryen. From this day onward, he shall be known as Aegon, Lord of Dragonstone. In addition, Lady Rhaenys Targaryen, sister and wife of Aegon, shall be addressed as Rhaenys, Lady of Dragonstone."
Aerion and Valaena passed on the next set of parchments to their children, who after reading the contents stamped their own seals on them.
To facilitate the process for the ceremony later that day, all of the family had agreed that Aerion should step down as he wanted to and thus pass on the title to Aegon. That way, it gives him and Rhaenys a degree of legitimacy, which was important in the coming moons ahead.
"It is done," Quenton said as he turned to the one who he had trained hard with the sword and dipped his head to the new head of House Targaryen. "Lord Aegon."
"It's not over yet, Quenton," Aegon pointed out. "There is still much to be done before the day is out."
Keeping himself resolute, his good-brother and good-sister walked out of the room with the Westeros table, hands clasped with each other's. Jaenyx and Visenya came next, followed by Aerion and Valaena, and then Orys and Argella before everyone else filed out.
The next step before everything was complete was to head towards the Great Hall, where the coronation of Aegon and Rhaenys as the new King and Queen of All Westeros would take place. But before they did, they passed its entrance and led them all out to the outside of the walls of Dragonstone, the green fields that turned into sharp cliffs into the Blackwater Bay.
Earlier that day, Jaenyx took out his dragon horn and brought the family to the base of the Dragonmont. Visenya already knew what he was going to do, but the rest were skeptical. "Why did you bring us here, Jae?" Aegon asked him.
"We need more dragons, and there are two wild ones in this volcano," Jaenyx pointed to the Dragonmont's summit.
"Jae, who will ride them? Even if you do manage to make them come here, we're tow riders short," Rhaenys pointed out.
"What are you talking about? We have two riders right here," Jaenyx gestured to Aerion and Valaena, both of theirs turning wide.
"Jaenyx, I don't think that's a good idea," Valaena gulped. "I'm not a young woman anymore, and the same goes for my husband. We can't be good riders as you four are."
"And you don't have to," he replied, further confusing them. "It is the right of everyone carrying the blood of the dragon to know the joy of flying through the sky. You yourself have such blood in your veins, Lady Valaena. A lot more can be done with six dragons rather than four."
"But surely, you don't mean for us to fight alongside you all," Aerion was more enthusiastic about the possibility of taming his own dragon, something he couldn't for some strange reason, but was also apprehensive about his ability to ride a dragon into battle.
"Nonsense," Jaenyx assured him. "I mean, you two might have to do some fighting, but not to the degree that all of us would have to. Once you've tamed your dragons, you can just sit back and allow us to do the hard work while you wait until we call for you." Aerion nodded, satisfied. "Do you think this will work?"
"Have you no faith in your blood?" Jaenyx asked him. "Both of you shall be fine."
"What about Orys?" Aegon thought about their brother. "He might need a dragon."
"I thought so too," Orys spoke up. "But then, I realized that while I have the blood of the dragon in me, it's not potent enough for me to bond with a dragon. I know because while the dragons allow me to be near them, they wouldn't bend their necks for me."
"Maybe you'll have a chance with these dragons," Rhaenys said hopefully.
Orys shook his head. "No. I'll be fine, Rhae. And I think the effects of having the blood of the dragon manifested differently for me." He then held up Thunderfist. "A dragon has no equal against its enemies, and I'm the proof of that."
Aegon and Rhaenys smiled at their brother's confidence, as did their parents and Visenya. Nothing much could be said for Argella, who stuck closely with him and looked at him with a dreamy smile, while Jaenyx nodded approvingly before looking back at the Dragonmont.
"All right. I'm about to blow the horn. Are you ready?" Jaenyx asked them. All of the nodded, while Argella was about to witness the first taming of dragons in years and waited anxiously.
As Jaenyx held up the horn, Visenya grabbed the other side while making sure her hand was on her husband's. Looking into her eyes once more, he put his lips on the horn and blew it. A loud but droning sound flew through the calm morning air of the Dragonstone, but the sound of the horn seemed to dim in comparison to the imposing shape of the volcano. Many a time was he impressed at whoever first settled upon this island, as this was indeed a suitable place for dragons.
A few moments of silence passed as all looked around the sky and the summit. Suddenly, two roars pierced through the air, catching all of their attentions. Then, two large forms emerged from the summit and flew down towards the family. As they came closer, Jaenyx saw that the wild dragons were massive. Not as big as Balerion, but comparable to Meraxes or Cloudwynd.
The two dragons landed in front of the family, their talons sinking against the side of the Dragonmont while staring at the ones with Valyrian blood, or all except one. Clawing their way towards them, Jaenyx saw Argella holding Orys' arm tightly, scared at how fast they were approaching them. She never saw a dragon this close. It's only natural.
Before they both collided with them, the two let out very loud roars at them, but for those with the blood of the dragon, they knew that those roars were not hostile. It was a greeting from the dragons after they detected their blood in them.
Besides their large form, all of them could see that one was black as coal, with menacing green eyes. Jaenyx could sense that this dragon was very old, older than Cloudwynd, and that this dragon was a he. He was only slightly smaller than Balerion, but it looked like it had the strength to take him on if it ever came to that. What's more, it seemed to possess a more combative personality than Balerion's, as it was snapping its jaws in the air but away from them. That might be useful.
As for the other dragon, it was also a he and his scales were of a pale grey-white color, which resembled the color of the morning mist. Almost as large as Meraxes and Cloudwynd, it had more temperance and looked at the new potential riders with curious eyes. Might need to motivate that one more than the other, but at least we have two he-dragons. That'll certainly balance it out, Jaenyx mused.
And that was one of the concerns he had. He knew that somehow, the dragons had to lay clutches of eggs in order to ensure that the dragons continue to exist in the world. It was even more important since the Doom wiped out all other dragon breeding sources besides the ones on this island. It would also ensure that the last dragonlords and Valyrians in the world had the ultimate protection from all threats. Meraxes and Balerion would certainly become a mating pair, but which of these dragons would pair with Vhagar and Cloudwynd?
Unexpectedly, Valaena was the first to step ahead of them and moved towards the two unclaimed dragons. Looking at both of them in their different-colored eyes, she then turned towards the grey-white one. Stepping towards him carefully, she reached forth with her hand and inched closer to his snout. The dragon stretched out his neck in order to come closer to her. Finally, her hand landed on his snout and she slowly started to rub it. The family watched the moment unfold, stunned but happy that their mother, stepmother, and good-mother had found a dragon to be close to. She rubbed his snout more comfortably as both began to get used to each of their presences. Then came the most important sign, the dragon bending his neck to Valaena.
Jaenyx, Visenya, Aegon, Rhaenys, Aerion, Orys, and Argella all smiled widely as they had just witnessed a dragon taming. Jaenyx looked at Aerion and saw a look in his eyes, the same one that Aegon and Rhaenys had when they wanted to bed each other and what Visenya exhibited when she wanted the same. However, he shook his head before his thoughts got any further. I enjoy the couplings with Vis, but seeing your parents or other old people doing it… no. He did see, by accident, his parents having intercourse and that was a bit unsettling for a child to witness their parents do that. That was until Jaenyx married Visenya and he began to see how… natural it was. But he still didn't want to think further when it came to older people.
While Valaena got comfortable with her new dragon, Aerion walked forward to the other one. Now that was when the others, including Valaena, got nervous, confusing Jaenyx. "Vis, what's going on?"
Visenya looked at him with worry. "There's a reason why the others didn't tell you about these dragons. They… we didn't tell you because we're scared because of that one," she pointed to the black dragon.
"What's wrong with it?" Jaenyx was getting perplexed.
"You know that Aenar Targaryen came with five dragons, with only Balerion surviving among them?"
"Of course. I was wondering what happened to them." With five dragons, the Targaryens could have had more than the three dragons he first saw them with. Not that he complained about their prowess in the last moons.
"Well… he's the reason for that," Visenya gestured to the black dragon.
Now that, Jaenyx didn't expect. "What exactly did he do?"
"So, Balerion is the youngest of the five dragons that came here. And the other four did have clutches of eggs, although they were already too old and had lived for centuries by that time," Aegon joined in on their conversation. "Do you want to know what happened to those eggs?"
Judging from their troubled expressions, only one conclusion came to Jaenyx's mind. "That dragon ate them?"
Rhaenys nodded darkly. "Only most of them. Our family was able to get two of them out before that black dragon could eat them too, and those eggs carried Meraxes and Vhagar."
Jaenyx looked at the black dragon with green eyes. "Where did that dragon come from then?"
"We don't know," Visenya said. "It could've been a dragon that came way before Aenar did and it must've seen our family's dragons as intruders. Fortunately for us, Balerion was able to match his combative and ravenous tendencies with his stubbornness and size, having grown larger than this black dragon."
"And you're afraid of what might happen should things go wrong?" Jaenyx finished, getting nods from all of them. Orys listened in, remaining silent as his siblings revealed to their good-brother why they were hesitant to approach the Dragonmont, while Argella was struck at how intelligent dragons really were.
"Call the dragons," Jaenyx said to Visenya as they reached to theirs through their bonds. Soon enough, Vhagar and Cloudwynd landed right behind the family, followed by Meraxes and Balerion. To those who knew the dragons, there was no way that they could be confused between the black dragon and Balerion, as the latter was bigger and had yellow eyes.
The four dragons looked to the grey-white one, growling softly in greeting, before they turned serious to the untamed black dragon. Balerion was snarling the loudest of them, having had to deal with this one since coming to Dragonstone. The family could only hope that none of the dragons would start fighting each other, as that would harm them too since they were in the middle.
But the black dragon, knowing that it was outnumbered and seeing the futility in fighting, eased off its contentious manners and stopped snapping its jaws in the air. Looking back to Aerion, who was inching closer to him again, the black dragon slowly clawed its way forward to their father while stretching out its neck. Still growling but more peaceably, it allowed Aerion to reach forth with his hand and carefully place it on his snout. He slowly and carefully ran his fingers on the snout, while the rest of the family and dragons looked on tensely. It wasn't until the black dragon bent its neck, with each passing moment leading up to it increasing the easiness amongst the others, did everyone relaxed.
Jaenyx let out a breath. "I'm surprised that dragon was even allowed to stay here after eating dragon eggs."
"After Balerion scared him off, it just flew back to the Dragonmont and didn't bother our family again," Aegon swallowed. "Let's just hope that it remains that way."
Everyone took a moment to let the dragon taming sink in. Then, Jaenyx had to ask his good-parents.
"What will you name them?" he inquired to both of them. "Names are important when it comes to newborn babes," he rubbed Visenya's belly, which grew larger and making her pregnancy a little more obvious like Rhaenys'. "The same applies to dragons."
Valaena took a moment to think upon that, since she never imagined her being able to tame a dragon. And yet, despite originally being a Velaryon, she had come full circle, from Targaryen back to Targaryen. Jaenyx only hoped that she picked a good one.
"How about I call you… Oceanwave?" She chose a name that paid homage to her Velaryon roots, which Jaenyx could understand. Cloudwynd's not a Valyrian name, so I can't complain. The grey-white dragon nodded his head, accepting the name, as she ran both of her hands across his head.
As for Aerion, Jaenyx hoped that he had picked a more Valyrian-sounding name. As he was a full-blooded Targaryen and had demonstrated much affinity to where his family came from, it only seemed natural.
Aerion ran his hand across the dragon's neck. "I sense a fury within you," he addressed the black dragon. "We much to work on, especially given your past misdeeds. But I now see you are able to control it. There's only one name that I can think of… Vermidrexes."
Jaenyx looked on with curiousness. Aerion had combined the name of Vermithor, one of the gods of Valyria, with that of either Tyraxes or Meraxes, other gods worshipped in the Freehold. The obvious way would have been to choose one name, but by combining the names of two or three fearsome gods in Valyria, Aerion was trying to pass on those traits onto this black dragon. That way, the dragon would not try to emulate himself after one god and the new name ties him to House Targaryen, since no one came up with that name before. He had to be impressed with Lord Aerion's thinking. You crafty man.
And then came a moment of levity. Aerion and Valaena were at a loss on how to actually mount their dragons even though they've seen it happen so often with the children. While Aegon and Rhaenys went to help their mother, Visenya and Jaenyx went to help Aerion.
"I got you, kepa," Visenya gave her father a boost up while Jaenyx watched from the other side, making sure that he didn't lose his balance.
"So, I hold on to his spines and hold tightly?" It was as if a boy was learning how to ride a horse for the first time, causing a smile in Visenya.
"Exactly so. And I trust you know the Valyrian word for 'fly,'" Visenya said to him. But before he could open his mouth, she put her finger up. "Don't say it yet. You have to be ready first."
"And since this is your first time, try not to push yourself or the dragon beyond what you can handle," Jaenyx added. "Slowly ease yourself into it and use this as an opportunity to really know your dragon. Vermidrexes will be bonded to you for the rest of your life, so know him well."
"All right," Aerion was getting adjusted to sitting on dragonback. "How will that bond get strengthened between us?"
"It will happen over time, kepa," Visenya rubbed her hand against Vermidrexes' neck. "Soon, you'll be able to reach to him over long distances and you'll know each other's thoughts. But it'll take time, so go easy on yourself."
Jaenyx nodded before looking at his wife. "I think it's time we get them in the air."
"Let's do that," she agreed as they both walked to Vhagar and Cloudwynd. Seeing what they were doing, Aegon and Rhaenys mounted their dragons.
"Remember, hold on tightly," Visenya called out to Aerion. "Now, you can say it."
Aerion breathed in and out before tightening his grip on Vermidrexes' spines and yelled out, "Sōvegon!" Hearing the Valyrian command, the black dragon jumped upwards into the air and climbed quickly into the sky. Valaena then said the same command, causing Oceanwave to also jump into the air. Both of them yelped, as the force of the dragons pushing off the ground forced them to lose their seats on their backs before they rushed to sit back up.
Seeing the elder Targaryens in the air, the four also shouted "Sōvegon!" and joined them as they flew with the cool air blowing against their faces. They had spent all of that morning riding their dragons, keeping close to them as they got more used to flying.
Jaenyx could only think, If they had known what it was to be a true dragon as they do now, perhaps many things would have been avoided. Such as them fully adapting to Westerosi ways.
By now, Jaenyx might have remained rooted in the ways of Valyria, but due to mainly Visenya and his interactions with Orys, he started to let go of his prejudice. However, the Faith wanted them dead and that was what they all wished.
Going back to the present, all six dragons landed in front of the gathered crowd of their supporters. Among them was Torrhen Stark, Brandon Snow, Colren Blackwood, Lord Dondarrion, Konno Haru, and Lord Massey. Besides Brandon, all looked on in wonder at the six creatures before them.
"Four dragons might have been limited in their capacity for bringing great change," Aegon began. "But with six dragons with us, that change is all but inevitable. You have all come here to participate in what would be the greatest campaign this continent has ever seen and the dragons shall be the facilitators. However, our alliance with the First Men ensures that the ways of Westeros will not be entirely dismantled, as the First Men traditions are what was natural to these lands before the Andals and the Faith came."
The lords, Torrhen, and Brandon listened on.
"After today, there shall be new rulers over these lands, but ones who will welcome anyone who wants to help bring great and good change, change that will end the squabbling between us and ensure a brighter future for our peoples," Aegon continued. "And because all of you have arrived here before we see the results, all of you shall be remembered for all time and be rewarded accordingly. Therefore, let us start that change today."
As their dragons flew back up in the air, they all reentered the Stone Drum and into the Great Hall, where more lords and supporters were gathered.
Fully armored Targaryen bannermen and Rahitheon men opened the doors, the rays of the sun brightening usually dim setting of the Great Hall. Jaenyx saw Aegon and Rhaenys took their hands in each other's as they began the slow procession to the dragonglass throne at the very front, with Jaenyx and Visenya directly behind them. Before he could go for his wife's hand, Visenya beat him to it and wrapped her fingers around his. Both of them smiled as the procession inched closer to the front.
Falling in behind them, from their positions at the entrance, were Aerion and Valaena Targaryen. Even though they were no longer Lord and Lady of Dragonstone, they were still the eldest Targaryens and retained their noble addresses, so they had every right to be part of this ceremony. Directly behind them was Orys Baratheon and Argella Durrandon, who were also family but did not have the Targaryen name. But everyone took notice to the Baratheon sigil hanging on the wall, the Durrandon stag with dragon fire and wings. It showed that the dragons would also rule in the stormlands.
Behind them was Torrhen Stark and Jocelyn Reed Stark, King and Queen in the North but only for a few moments more, alongside Brandon Snow and his direwolf Autumn. As they would eventually be tied to the dragons by union and how much importance that they showed already in the war, it was important for the Starks to be seen clearly supporting them in this occasion. All followed the train of the special robes trailing behind the figures of the dragons united. Aegon, Rhaenys, Aerion, and Valaena all wore red and black in the Targaryen colors, with the Targaryen three-headed dragon emblazoned on the back. Jaenyx and Visenya wore black and blue in the Belaerys colors, with the blue dragon breathing fire sewn on the back, while Visenya's also had red lining on it. He respected her wish to acknowledge her Targaryen heritage, as her strength was one of the things he loved about her.
Everyone was gathered for the coronation. Dozens of lords both great and minor houses from across the North, Riverlands, Stormlands, the Blackwater Bay, and Jaenyx's Valyrian vassals. Many followed the Targaryens, the Starks, Colren Blackwood and his trueborn heir, Chrass Rivers, Lord Dondarrion, Daemon Velaryon, and Crispian Celtigar while further many from the Riverlands to join the united cause of the Valyrians and First Men. It was truly a representation of a realm that was about to united under the dragons, and a promise that the low would overcome those who were above.
That was the not to say that at least some of Jaenyx's Valyrian vassals did not react well to his decision to go let Aegon's and Rhaenys' coronation go forward.
"We follow you, my lord! Not Lord Aegon, not Lady Rhaenys, you!" Aevor Rahitheon shouted in High Valyrian a few days before the coronation.
"The Targaryens might be dragons and they've displayed courage on the field, but they are not our lieges," Ragaemor Tarareon agreed. "Just because you married into them does not they have our allegiance."
"And why must you have the title of 'prince'?" Ragaemor's sister Maerys asked. "If Lord Aegon and Lady Rhaenys really want to crown themselves as king and queen of this backwater, then they should let you and Lady Visenya have the same title."
"If there are two kings and two queens in Westeros, it'll create competition further down the road," Visenya answered them. "While I and my husband will never fight Aegon and Rhaenys, the same cannot be said for those under us. Some might support us, others might support my siblings, and our whole unity would crumble apart. In such as this and in the future, we must remain united and stand together."
"I still don't like the idea of our lord being subordinate to Lord Aegon and Lady Rhaenys, but please take no offense," Aevor Rahitheon gave his honest thoughts. "We didn't follow him across thousands of miles of ocean just to see him be under those we don't very well."
"If you think that titles represent reality, then you're mistaken, Aevor," Jaenyx replied. "Yes, people will see a princely title as below a king, but as agreed with Aegon, I will not submit to him and I will not have to kneel before him. In addition, besides Visenya, Aegon and Rhaenys are very accustomed to the ways of Westeros, so it's best we follow someone who knows how those who live here think and act."
"So, you simply want us to follow a king who we still don't know much about despite his dragon?" Maerys inquired.
"Only for now," spoke Visenya. "While this war is going on and after everything is done, there might be much keeps and lands for all of you to claim. You can make your requests to Jaenyx and Aegon, and they will see them granted."
That won over a few of them, since they all knew that to be proper noble families, they had to possess properties and lands. And those belonging to the enemies were all too tempting to pass up. But Jaenyx and Visenya both saw that it was not enough, so they nodded to each other as they revealed their last card.
"If you are really concerned with my status, then I will allow Taygor to explain what will happen in the future," Jaenyx pointed to his cousin.
"I have spoken with one of the northmen, whose name is Brandon Snow, and he told many things that I would have never expected from someone who lived here," Taygor began.
While the lords and the Starks gathered on Dragonstone, Jaenyx saw that Taygor and Brandon began engaging in conversations that would last for hours. He didn't exactly what was discussed between them, but considering that they were both experts in the supernatural affairs of the world, he could only guess that their discussions were very stimulating for the both of them.
"He told me among other things that Jaenyx, my cousin, will be a king in his own right. It might take years for that to happen, but it will happen eventually. But it won't be these lands that he'll rule," Taygor revealed to them.
"How does this Brandon Snow know this will happen?" Aevor did not doubt Taygor, but he still practiced some skepticism regarding the types of magic in the world that others claimed to practice.
"I don't know how to explain this in simpler terms, Aevor, but it's a type of understanding between only those who can comprehend the mystics," Taygor explained. "Just like how warriors can other understand other warriors, those who know magic can understand others who can practice it."
"As logical as you're sounding, Taygor, do you think what this Brandon Snow says will come to pass?" Ragaemor Tarareon wanted to believe so.
"I do," Taygor nodded. "Which is why I will support the coronation of Aegon and Rhaenys Targaryen as King and Queen of Westeros. While I will not swear undying loyalty to them, I consider my actions as an investment in the future. We currently do not have any real power in the world besides dragons, so we must start by supporting the Targaryens. From there, we can build up our pedigrees and become influential in our own right. That's the only way we can stave off whatever opponents come our way in the future, by becoming powerful ourselves."
Jaenyx had to appreciate how Taygor was more than just someone who knew magic. He was a pragmatist and knew what words to say, although he didn't like that he said that he didn't consider Visenya family until she carried a child, which she did now.
Slowly, but surely, the Rahitheons, Tarareons, and Leniars gave their tacit approval for the coronation to go forward. That was why they had to win, as they were trusting Jaenyx and it was only right that he prove their trust correct.
"We will win," Visenya assured him as she sensed his thoughts.
Alongside all of the banners that hung on the wall, the horseman of the Tarareons, the blood fist of the Leniars, and the tortoise of the Rahitheons were among them, showing to all that the Valyrians were in support of the Targaryens. But only because I and Taygor persuaded them.
As agreed upon, Taygor would preside over of the ceremony as the only present representative of the Valyrian gods.
"My lords of Westeros," Taygor began. "Humble warriors of Valyria, the First Men, and others who have seen the light, we are gathered here under the benevolence of the gods to bring forth a new era in this world." He eyed Torrhen and every lord who had gathered in the hall, gauging their reactions. "Before us we have Aegon, son of Aerion Targaryen and Valaena Targaryen, former Lord and Lady of Dragonstone. Current Lord of Dragonstone and head of House Targaryen. And Rhaenys, daughter of Lord Aerion and Valaena Targaryen. Lady of Dragonstone and head of House Targaryen along with Aegon. Along with the rest of House Targaryen and House Belaerys, bond to them by union, they control the greatest power this world has ever seen, a power that allowed Valyria to establish a realm that spanned much of Essos. And with the combined power of both houses, the dragons shall return to rule all under the heavens."
The weight of this occasion started to become known to Jaenyx. Just over a year ago, he had arrived at these shores expecting nothing less than the survival of his people. Now, he was attending something that would change the fabric of this land forever: the crowning of one ruler over Westeros. What's more, he was going to be at the center of it all alongside his new family. Visenya remained dignified before the proceedings, but she was just as serious as he was and both stood still as everything continued.
"There is no precedent for any claim to the lordship of all Seven Kingdoms on this land," Taygor continued. "But too long has there been competing claims over one patch of land after another and the result can be seen from the scars that the dragonlords carry as they fought battle after battle. And now, this land wants to eject them out of misguidedness. The cycle must end and the only solution is for one king, one ruler, one queen, to hold lordship over these realms. Only then may we all know an ounce of peace. Therefore, House Targaryen through Aegon and Rhaenys Targaryen, Lord and Lady of Dragonstone, will lay a new claim, a claim over all of Westeros and put an end to the divisions on it."
Getting the cue, Aegon and Rhaenys walked up the stairs to the platform where the dragonglass throne was and knelt before Taygor.
Whispering a silent prayer to the gods of Valyria for wisdom to descend upon the soon to be rulers, Taygor gestured for servants, one of whom carried a crown that was a simple Valyrian steel circlet with big square-cut rubies. The other was also a Valyrian steel circlet, but with smaller and rounder rubies that was embedded all round and had a dragon head and wings in a circular form.
He then gestured to his cousin, who along with Visenya joined their family on the platform before the dragonglass throne. Jaenyx stood in front of Rhaenys while Visenya stood in front of Aegon, showing that they were all equal before all those present.
Taygor picked up the big crown from the waiting servant girl first and gave it to Visenya, who held it steady in her hands as she walked over to the kneeling Lord of Dragonstone, but who only held that title for just a few more seconds. This type of ceremony had never been performed before, as Aegon and Rhaenys were to be crowned together and not one king being crowned by a septon while the king in turn crowned his queen. It was to show that none of them were above each other
"With this crown of Valyrian steel, an essence of Valyria, comes an oath, a solemn vow that will echo throughout the annals of time. Aegon of House Targaryen, do you so swear to bring our people and these realms to greatness. To preserve and defend them as the ultimate protector and servant of the gods above, till your dying breath. To destroy their enemies and to defend what is precious to us all?" Taygor asked.
"Till my dying breath," Jaenyx heard Aegon answer solemnly, and he knew that despite not knowing what lay ahead for him and his family, he was going to do what it took to protect them. Visenya then placed the ruby-studded Valyrian steel circlet on Aegon's head as his cousin watched.
Taygor turned to all those gathered. "I now proclaim Aegon of House Targaryen, King of All Westeros and Shield of His People. Caretaker of the Valyrians, the First Men, the Andals, and the Rhoynar. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. The Black Dread himself. Long may he reign!"
"LONG MAY HE REIGN!" came the elated cheers from all those attending. Jaenyx became more impressed with how his cousin was turning out, as he had chosen his words carefully. But by including the Rhoynar, he was now signaling to the progeny of Princess Nymeria that they would be under the rule of the dragons. Something we'll have to sort out after the Faith is dealt with.
Running his hand through his cleanly-cut silver hair, Taygor shifted to the other kneeling figure. Gesturing for the page boy to come forward, he picked up the other crown of Valyrian steel and rubies arranged around the dragon shape and passed it to Jaenyx, who held it steady over his good-sister.
"With this crown of Valyrian steel formed around a dragon comes an oath, a solemn vow that will echo throughout the annals of time. Rhaenys of House Targaryen, do you so swear to bring our people and these realms to greatness. To preserve and defend them as the ultimate protector and servant of the gods above, till your dying breath. To destroy their enemies and to defend what is precious to us all?"
"Till my dying breath," Rhaenys answered back, eyes shut and waiting patiently. Mere seconds passed before Jaenyx placed the crown on his good-sister's head.
Taygor returned his gaze to those gathered. "I now proclaim Rhaenys of House Targaryen, Queen of All Westeros and Shield of Her People. Caretaker of the Valyrians, the First Men, the Andals, and the Rhoynar. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms. The Silver Dragon herself. Long may she reign!"
"LONG MAY SHE REIGN!" There were some who were initially doubtful of her capacity to rule, but after seeing and hearing of her exploits at Raventree Hall and how she put those lords in her place without resorting to outward violence, all doubts disappeared as all saw her intensity matching her brother-husband's.
Standing up from their knelt positions, Aegon and Rhaenys stood regally in front of all in the Great Hall of Dragonstone. But the ceremony was not done, as Jaenyx and Visenya, having fulfilled their roles in showing that none were above the other, kneeled before the new king and queen.
Taygor gestured for another servant girl and page boy to bring forth two other Valyrian steel crowns. Both were shaped with a dragon head on the front and dragon wings on the sides, but one of them had sapphire eyes and a larger sapphire in its mouth to reflect blue fire. The other had its head and wings colored orange, with rubies and sapphires alternating on its sides and its dragon head with topaz eyes and a larger one in its mouth.
Rhaenys took the sapphire crown while Aegon took the topaz one, signaling to all what will happen next. Taygor went for his cousin first.
"With this crown of Valyrian steel formed into a dragon comes an oath, a solemn vow that will echo throughout the annals of time. Jaenyx of House Belaerys, do you so swear to bring our people and these realms to greatness. To preserve and defend them as the great protector and agent of the gods above, till your dying breath. To destroy their enemies and to defend what is precious to us all. And to be present through the good and bad?" Taygor had slightly modified the oaths to reflect the differences.
"Till my dying breath," Jaenyx responded before feeling Rhaenys placed the sapphire crown on his head.
"I now proclaim Jaenyx of House Belaerys, Prince of Sphinx Rest and Sword of His People. Defender of the Valyrians, the First Men, the Andals, and the Rhoynar. The Blue Dragon himself. Long may he reign!"
"LONG MAY HE REIGN!"
Sphinx Rest was the new name for Vulture's Roost, which Jaenyx and Visenya will visit when the odds were more in their favor. As agreed upon before the ceremony, they would have Aevor rebuild the dilapidated castle into a mountain fortress fit for dragonlords. The key is not to take land already valuable, but to take land that is worthless and make it valuable yourself. That's what most people miss, since an investment of effort and time can turn a patch of unfarmed land into the most fertile of all, Jaenyx thought.
Aegon then took the crown from the page boy and walked over to Visenya, holding it over her head. Jaenyx saw then share a moment of affection, but as brother and sister proud of where they were now. But we still have much to do.
"With this crown of Valyrian steel formed into a dragon comes an oath, a solemn vow that will echo throughout the annals of time. Visenya of Houses Belaerys and Targaryen, do you so swear to bring our people and these realms to greatness. To preserve and defend them as the great protector and agent of the gods above, till your dying breath. To destroy their enemies and to defend what is precious to us all. And to be present through the good and bad?" Taygor repeated.
"Till my dying breath," Visenya answered as Aegon placed the topaz crown on her head.
"I now proclaim Visenya of Houses Belaerys and Targaryen, Princess of Sphinx Rest and Sword of Her People. Defender of the Valyrians, the First Men, the Andals, and the Rhoynar. The Orange Dragon herself. Long may she reign!"
"LONG MAY SHE REIGN!"
Standing up with Visenya, she and Jaenyx shared a smile with both Aegon and Rhaenys, now declared royalty before all those present. They both turned to their allies, as they all saw the four dragons transform from lords and ladies to a king, queen, prince, and princess.
But alas, one more part of the ceremony had to be completed. As they agreed, this was where Torrhen Stark would make his fealty official. Stepping forward, he unsheathed Ice, the Valyrian steel ancestral sword of House Stark, and knelt before the northern lords, Valyrians, and others while keeping his hands on the pommel. Jocelyn Stark knelt alongside him.
"As the ruler of the Kingdom of the North and on behalf of House Stark, I, Torrhen Stark, Lord of Winterfell and King in the North, do surrender my claim to the Crown of Winter and swear undying loyalty to Houses Targaryen and Belaerys as the new rulers over all Westeros. I shall follow all of their commands and execute their will to the best of my abilities, till my dying breath," Torrhen declared while Jocelyn silently acknowledged it.
Brandon Snow and the Manderlys nodded their heads in approval, as the first step of the plan was now complete. However, Jaenyx could see that some of the northern lords were still bothered at seeing their king kneel before southern rulers, but considering their presence and how far south they had come, they were in no position to complain and thus accepted the new circumstances.
Aegon, Rhaenys, Jaenyx, and Visenya all descended down the steps towards Torrhen and Jocelyn, with Taygor trailing behind. Stopping before them, Aegon laid his hand on Torrhen's shoulder while Rhaenys did the same to Jocelyn.
"As the new ruler of Westeros and all of its realms and people, I accept your oath of allegiance," Aegon said to him. "And may our pact of ice and fire be consummated in due time. Rise, Torrhen of House Stark, Lord of Winterfell and our Warden of the North."
Jaenyx learned that the title of warden meant "guardian" and was used to describe certain small regions in Westeros. By making Torrhen the Warden of the Northern Kingdom, he had now set a precedent for others to follow while confirming his supremacy over the northern houses.
"And Jocelyn of House Stark shall henceforth be Lady of Winterfell and Wardeness of the North," Rhaenys announced.
Torrhen and Jocelyn both rose, looking upon their new rulers with seriousness but at peace since the main obstacle between them was now overcome. Now, we must have a Stark daughter join us very soon, Jaenyx mused.
Brandon Snow unsheathed his sword and thrust it into the air. "THE PACT OF ICE AND FIRE!" he shouted.
The rest of the northern lords, the Valyrians, the riverlords, the stormlords, and others all raised their swords and axes. "ICE AND FIRE!" they all repeated.
While the coronation was over, all knew that this was only the beginning, for they still had much to do.
Have to get used to being a prince now, Jaenyx thought as he looked upon his new princess. She'll probably bash my head if I use that in front of her. Looking at Visenya, he saw a combination of warning in her eyes and also of desire for her new prince. Best be prepared.