The year 111 AC was destined to be remembered.
A grand tournament was held in King's Landing to celebrate the fifth wedding anniversary of the King and Queen.
At the feast that followed, Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra—distinguished by the colors of their gowns—became the symbols of two factions: the Greens and the Blacks.
That same night, the King's eldest son, Prince Aegon Targaryen, drew everyone's attention as he remained in Viserys I's arms for nearly the entire banquet.
Half a year later, still in 111 AC, Daemon Targaryen and Viserys I quarreled once again.
Daemon was exiled back to the Stepstones, reportedly for seducing Princess Rhaenyra.
In 112 AC, the former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard died, and Ser Criston Cole succeeded him.
That same year, Grand Maester Runciter passed away, and Grand Maester Mellos took his place.
Between 112 and 113 AC, Queen Alicent judged the time ripe and proposed that Rhaenyra marry her son, Aegon. Viserys I flatly refused.
He even threatened Alicent by invoking the matter of succession. In the end, Rhaenyra was forced to marry Laenor Velaryon, a man widely known throughout the Seven Kingdoms for his preferences.
Around this time, Ser Criston Cole and Princess Rhaenyra became bitter enemies, said to be the result of Rhaenyra's refusal to flee with him and her humiliation of his pride.
114 AC
On the training grounds outside the Red Keep, Aegon sparred with Criston Cole, a wooden sword clenched in his hands.
The sound of clashing wood echoed across the yard as Alicent watched from the side, her eyes filled with admiration.
Aegon had begun sword training at six, learning little more than how to swing a blade.
Now, at seven, he could already exchange several moves with Criston Cole—a pace of progress so astonishing that even Criston was taken aback.
Of course, if Criston fought seriously, Aegon would last no more than two moves.
In a real battle, Criston could take the boy's round head off in an instant.
"Your Highness," Criston said as he lowered his sword, astonishment clear in his voice, "your progress is far too fast. Before long, I may have nothing left to teach you."
"Thank you for the praise, Ser Criston," Aegon replied, rubbing the places where the wooden sword had struck him red. "But if you could hit a little lighter next time, I would be eternally grateful."
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Criston's face.
When sparring with Aegon, he had to focus—and when he focused, his strikes grew heavy without him realizing it.
"Your Highness's skill leaves Ser Criston no choice but to be serious," Ser Arryk Cargyll said with a smile.
He was not flattering the prince. It was the truth.
Aegon waved his hand with a grin. "Enough, or I'll start believing it. Have you eaten yet? Care to join me?"
Before Criston could answer, Arryk quickly waved his hands in refusal.
"Thank you, Your Highness, but we already have a place to dine."
"His Majesty ordered you to stay close to me," Aegon said firmly. "People are most vulnerable while eating. Stop arguing and come along."
In the end, Arryk followed Aegon to the dining hall.
Sitting across from the prince, Arryk looked somewhat stiff.
"Relax, Ser," Aegon joked. "Do I look that frightening?"
"I am a bit nervous, Your Highness," Arryk admitted after a breath. "But not for the reason you think. I was reminded of what the bards say about you."
Aegon smiled faintly and did not respond.
At some point, a saying had begun to spread throughout the realm:
Prince Aegon possessed the bearing of Aegon the Conqueror, founder of House Targaryen.
The rumor was a direct blow to Princess Rhaenyra's authority.
Because of that, few dared mention it openly in the Red Keep, lest they anger Rhaenyra—or Viserys I behind her.
"I do not like those rumors," Aegon said calmly. "My affection for my sister is beyond question."
Arryk fell silent, unsure how to respond.
Aegon's tone was sincere, yet the look on his face was difficult to read.
"Also, Ser Arryk," Aegon continued, "I trust your ability and your loyalty. There are some things you may speak of in front of me. Do you understand?"
Arryk's face went pale.
Only then did he realize how reckless it was to discuss matters of succession.
If the King or the Princess heard such words, he would lose the white cloak at once.
The primary duty of the Kingsguard was to protect the King—not to concern themselves with who would inherit the throne.
A Kingsguard knight swore to obey the King's commands, keep his secrets, offer counsel when asked, remain silent when not, and defend his honor with their life.
Strictly speaking, whom the Kingsguard protected beyond the King depended entirely on royal will.
Some kings assigned them to guard queens, children, siblings, cousins, lovers, mistresses, or even bastards.
Others kept all seven knights by their side at all times, refusing to spare them for anyone else.
Viserys belonged to the former.
He allowed Aegon to choose a Kingsguard knight for personal protection.
Aegon did not hesitate to choose Ser Arryk Cargyll—the knight who, in the original tale, would remain fiercely loyal to the Greens.
If given the chance, Aegon intended to win over Arryk's twin brother, Ser Erryk Cargyll, as well.
Doing so would not only prevent the tragic fate of the twins killing each other, but also secure two capable and loyal protectors at his side.
The year 111 AC was destined to be remembered.
A grand tournament was held in King's Landing to celebrate the fifth wedding anniversary of the King and Queen.
At the feast that followed, Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra—distinguished by the colors of their gowns—became the symbols of two factions: the Greens and the Blacks.
That same night, the King's eldest son, Prince Aegon Targaryen, drew everyone's attention as he remained in Viserys I's arms for nearly the entire banquet.
Half a year later, still in 111 AC, Daemon Targaryen and Viserys I quarreled once again.
Daemon was exiled back to the Stepstones, reportedly for seducing Princess Rhaenyra.
In 112 AC, the former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard died, and Ser Criston Cole succeeded him.
That same year, Grand Maester Runciter passed away, and Grand Maester Mellos took his place.
Between 112 and 113 AC, Queen Alicent judged the time ripe and proposed that Rhaenyra marry her son, Aegon. Viserys I flatly refused.
He even threatened Alicent by invoking the matter of succession. In the end, Rhaenyra was forced to marry Laenor Velaryon, a man widely known throughout the Seven Kingdoms for his preferences.
Around this time, Ser Criston Cole and Princess Rhaenyra became bitter enemies, said to be the result of Rhaenyra's refusal to flee with him and her humiliation of his pride.
114 AC
On the training grounds outside the Red Keep, Aegon sparred with Criston Cole, a wooden sword clenched in his hands.
The sound of clashing wood echoed across the yard as Alicent watched from the side, her eyes filled with admiration.
Aegon had begun sword training at six, learning little more than how to swing a blade.
Now, at seven, he could already exchange several moves with Criston Cole—a pace of progress so astonishing that even Criston was taken aback.
Of course, if Criston fought seriously, Aegon would last no more than two moves.
In a real battle, Criston could take the boy's round head off in an instant.
"Your Highness," Criston said as he lowered his sword, astonishment clear in his voice, "your progress is far too fast. Before long, I may have nothing left to teach you."
"Thank you for the praise, Ser Criston," Aegon replied, rubbing the places where the wooden sword had struck him red. "But if you could hit a little lighter next time, I would be eternally grateful."
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Criston's face.
When sparring with Aegon, he had to focus—and when he focused, his strikes grew heavy without him realizing it.
"Your Highness's skill leaves Ser Criston no choice but to be serious," Ser Arryk Cargyll said with a smile.
He was not flattering the prince. It was the truth.
Aegon waved his hand with a grin. "Enough, or I'll start believing it. Have you eaten yet? Care to join me?"
Before Criston could answer, Arryk quickly waved his hands in refusal.
"Thank you, Your Highness, but we already have a place to dine."
"His Majesty ordered you to stay close to me," Aegon said firmly. "People are most vulnerable while eating. Stop arguing and come along."
In the end, Arryk followed Aegon to the dining hall.
Sitting across from the prince, Arryk looked somewhat stiff.
"Relax, Ser," Aegon joked. "Do I look that frightening?"
"I am a bit nervous, Your Highness," Arryk admitted after a breath. "But not for the reason you think. I was reminded of what the bards say about you."
Aegon smiled faintly and did not respond.
At some point, a saying had begun to spread throughout the realm:
Prince Aegon possessed the bearing of Aegon the Conqueror, founder of House Targaryen.
The rumor was a direct blow to Princess Rhaenyra's authority.
Because of that, few dared mention it openly in the Red Keep, lest they anger Rhaenyra—or Viserys I behind her.
"I do not like those rumors," Aegon said calmly. "My affection for my sister is beyond question."
Arryk fell silent, unsure how to respond.
Aegon's tone was sincere, yet the look on his face was difficult to read.
"Also, Ser Arryk," Aegon continued, "I trust your ability and your loyalty. There are some things you may speak of in front of me. Do you understand?"
Arryk's face went pale.
Only then did he realize how reckless it was to discuss matters of succession.
If the King or the Princess heard such words, he would lose the white cloak at once.
The primary duty of the Kingsguard was to protect the King—not to concern themselves with who would inherit the throne.
A Kingsguard knight swore to obey the King's commands, keep his secrets, offer counsel when asked, remain silent when not, and defend his honor with their life.
Strictly speaking, whom the Kingsguard protected beyond the King depended entirely on royal will.
Some kings assigned them to guard queens, children, siblings, cousins, lovers, mistresses, or even bastards.
Others kept all seven knights by their side at all times, refusing to spare them for anyone else.
Viserys belonged to the former.
He allowed Aegon to choose a Kingsguard knight for personal protection.
Aegon did not hesitate to choose Ser Arryk Cargyll—the knight who, in the original tale, would remain fiercely loyal to the Greens.
If given the chance, Aegon intended to win over Arryk's twin brother, Ser Erryk Cargyll, as well.
Doing so would not only prevent the tragic fate of the twins killing each other, but also secure two capable and loyal protectors at his side.
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