In 271 AC (After the Conquest), after concluding his months-long visit to Dorne, Prince Aerys led his entourage back to Kings Landing.
Prince Aerys's grand plan to make the Dornish desert bloom had, without a doubt, failed once again. The Dornish activities—hunting, hawking, and tourneys—also captivated the Prince's attention, leading him to delegate all treaty affairs concerning the Stepstones to Prince Rhaegar and his two close friends, Steffon and Tywin.
Rhaegar took the lead in organizing lengthy and meticulous coordination, aiming to make the Stepstones defense line impregnable, forming a formation like a Dragon with Three Heads. The Stormlands, Dorne, the Westerlands, and The Reach would provide logistical support for the Stepstones. Once this Serpent of Changshan maneuver was initiated, the Kingdoms of the Two Daughters would be utterly crushed. Naturally, demanding other Lords to provide men and troops required sharing the profits; negotiations regarding tax reductions or customs revenue subsidies also took considerable time. Fortunately, the matter concluded successfully. Rhaegar, as the Guardian of the Narrow Sea and the Stepstones, secured the assistance and support of the four kingdoms, finally allowing him to return to Kings Landing in high spirits.
The search for Aegon the Conqueror's Crown remained difficult, but Rhaegar had tentatively identified two Houses: House Yronwood of Yronwood City, which was powerful and harbored dissatisfaction toward both the Iron Throne and Sunspear. And House Wyl of Wyl City; although this family was small, they were notorious, the Chosen of Khorne, practically ape-like humans. House Wyl had once cut off Orys Baratheon's Sword Hand and served as Wedding Killers. The Wyls of Wyl City intruded uninvited upon the wedding of Ser Jon Cafferen, heir of Stag's Head Keep, and Alys, daughter of Earl Oakhart, killing Earl Oakhart and most of the guests, and forcing Alys to watch her husband be castrated. Alys and her Handmaiden were gang-raped by Earl Wyl's men and sold to Myrish Slavers. After the Dornish killed King Daeron, House Wyl imprisoned Aemon the Dragonrider in a cage. More importantly, Earl Wyl was present when King Daeron died.
"However, there are still some shortcomings," Rhaegar thought to himself. "Aegon the Conqueror's Crown represents the Destiny of the House Targaryen, my Destiny. I hope the Dornish people can be sensible. Especially Scum like House Wyl, they truly deserve to be exterminated." He had discussed this with both Gaelin and Oberyn. He hadn't asked Oberyn for help for nothing; out of friendship, Rhaegar also secretly gifted Princess Elia a flame, wishing her good luck on her journey, regardless of where the river of her Destiny might lead.
In Kings Landing, Rhaegar rode Silver Emperor, circling over the city three full times. The remaining Purple Dragon Vhagar and Black Dragon Balerion followed closely behind. These Dragons, with wingspans of around Forty-two Feet, had already revealed their ferocity on the Stepstones battlefield.
Every time the Dragons circled, they caused repeated commotion among the populace of Kings Landing.
The Silver Dragon, representing triumph and victory, brought nothing but good fortune to Kings Landing.
"Triumphant Prince!" "triumphant silver dragon!" The people of Kings Landing cheered the Prince's aliases and nicknames, watching the Dragons streak across the sky like fire.
Jaehaerys the Dragon King specifically ordered the Triumphal Ceremony to be held at the Dragonpit. The Dragonpit was large, offered an expansive view, and was very spacious for hosting such a ceremony. This was not only to proclaim the dragons' resurgence but also to advertise the glorious military achievements of the Iron Throne's Soldiers.
Inside the Dragonpit, it was already an ocean blended of jewels, beautiful brocades, gold, and perfume. The Dragonpit was enveloped in happiness and peace. Dragonpit Camp had temporarily erected a set of viewing structures, with a central high platform and Viewing Stands on both sides. Lords and noble Ladies were packed together like vendors in the Kings Landing fish or vegetable markets, jostling one another. As for the Knights, Attendant, and Famous Merchants, they were relegated to the Remote Gallery; given the significance of the occasion, their seats were clearly not on the same level as those of the Lords.
On the central high platform were the most honored persons under the rule of the Iron Throne. They included King Jaehaerys II and his Queen, representing the monarchy, Princess Rhaella, and Rhaegar's two smaller, adorable Silver-haired Younger Brothers. Also present was the High Septon, representing The Faith. Rhaegar didn't know how to address him; being elected High Septon meant abandoning one's name and becoming an abstract personification. Others said this High Septon's nickname was 'Fatty' because he ate like a glutton and loved all sorts of wealth, and Rhaegar mentally referred to him as Fatty too. Representing the power of the Lords were Lord Ormond Baratheon and his wife of Storms End, Lady Cassana Baratheon, and their children Roberta, Robert, and Stannis; Joanna Lannister, wife of the Casterly Rock family, and her Golden Twins, Jaime and Cersei; Lord Luthor and his wife of Highgarden City, who specifically came to witness the glorious return of their son, Ser Mace; and Lord Jon and his wife and son of The Eyrie. The Old Trout actually wanted to come, but rumor had it that his sickly wife had fallen ill again, so he could only send the Earl of Riverrun and his wife instead.
Today's Triumphal Ceremony was incredibly luxurious, with a dazzling array of colors and jewels. Velvet, brocades, silk, and furs were visible everywhere on the high platform.
Jaehaerys II wore a Crown made of black iron and red gold, with several Spikes on it—a Crown originally forged by Maekar I. Every King appreciated different Crowns, either to usher in the future or to commemorate ancestral legacy. The King wore black brocade robes embroidered with many beautiful red dragons whose eyes were all Rubies. Although the Crown was inevitably heavy, the King remained joyous, for victory was a potent medicine.
The trumpets began to sound, and important figures entered one after another. With each entrance, the Brass Trumpets emitted a beautiful and resonant sound. The Masters of Ceremony had memorized their names and deeds, and then the Knights and Ladies began to cheer wildly, expressing their joy and excitement.
The most flamboyant was Prince Aerys, who strutted proudly in a black Luxurious Robe, upon which Dragons soared with wings spread, and magnificent red gold danced with red gems. Following him were Lord Tywin, Ser Steffon, Ser Mace, Prince Lewyn, Ser Brynden, and others.
The King walked down the platform to greet them. With every greeting, the crowd would erupt in double the cheers and joy.
But the people were anticipating even louder cheers and a more joyous moment.
The greatest clamor and commotion arrived. Prince Rhaegar rode the Dragon, circling the massive Dragonpit three times, and then slowly landed the Dragon inside the Dragonpit. The Dragon's leathery wings emitted a tremendous sound, and the Silver-haired Prince dismounted from the Silver Dragon.
Rhaegar waved to the people—a silver flash that intoxicated Kings Landing.
Rhaegar today was truly a Peerless Young Master, instantly overshadowing every other figure and dominating the entire scene upon his entrance. Rhaegar's figure was straight and tall like a bright Longsword, with beautiful, vibrant silver short hair and resolute Purple Eyes. His handsome smiling face seemed to perpetually bring luck, triumph, Courage, smiles, and charm. The dashing Prince adorned his silver hair with a Silver Steel Ring inlaid with three large Rubies. His black Luxurious Robe was embroidered with Twelve Silver Dragons, and his Black Cloak bore the Family's Red Dragon Symbol, fastened by a red dragon on a black field badge.
The cheers of the populace were like surging waves, loud and surpassing all previous applause.
Prince Aerys said sourly to Tywin, "Heroes emerge in every generation; it seems we are slowly getting old." Lord Tywin smiled without speaking.
Golden-haired and blue-eyed Cersei stared intently at the Prince dismounting from the Silver Dragon. Could there truly be such a handsome person in the world? He was no mortal; he was a Dragon King of Old Valyria, possessing the Dragon Bloodline, and he had three dragons. She had once thought the praises heaped upon Prince Rhaegar were exaggerated, but now she realized someone could genuinely be this dreamily beautiful. Cersei's heart was pounding.
Rhaegar strode forward quickly, carrying a Box, his voice like steel. "The Rebellious Traitors of the Stepstones have all been Executed! In this time of Peace and Prosperity, on behalf of Prince Aerys, Lord Tywin, Ser Steffon, Ser Mace, and the other Commanders, and on behalf of the Soldiers who campaigned on the front lines, I respectfully present the head of the rebel and the False King's Crown to King Jaehaerys II, King of the andals, the rhoynar people, and the first men."
Rhaegar opened the Box and presented it to the King: a head cleanly stripped of flesh and a crude King's Crown.
King Jaehaerys was extremely satisfied, calling his grandson the victorious of the Stepstones and the Silver Flame.
"Today, I also formally announce a matter: I wish to appoint Prince Rhaegar as the Temporary Guardian of the Narrow Sea and the Stepstones, but due to his limited seniority and the presence of many established Knights, I fear Prince Rhaegar is Young and Lacking Virtue!" King Jaehaerys looked troubled.
"All you Heroic Knights surpass this youth in both seniority and prestige. I truly dare not accept this heavy responsibility!" Rhaegar replied respectfully.
"The Small Council believes that age is not insurmountable. Furthermore, Prince Rhaegar campaigned for the realm and personally slew the False King; his heroic deeds are known to all. For the welfare of the nation, please stand firm in your decision and appoint the Prince as the Guardian of the Narrow Sea as soon as possible," Lord Ormond quickly added, stepping forward.
"A Warrior's worth lies not in age, but in Courage. The Gods will also approve of Prince Rhaegar's heroic deeds; Prince Rhaegar is one blessed by the deities, and this position belongs to no one else," the High Septon 'Fatty' immediately stepped forward and declared. Rhaegar truly wanted to take that beautiful Seven-Colored Crown from him and sell it for money.
"Rhaegar!" "We want Rhaegar!" The noblemen and women began shouting eagerly. They weren't blind, and they started cooperating with the Prince's performance.
"You are tormenting me!" Even as Rhaegar protested, King Jaehaerys transferred a Silver Three-Headed Dragon Seal and a Longsword into Prince Rhaegar's hands. The noble Lords began applauding wildly, adding fuel to this glorious moment.
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