House of The Dragon:The Rise of the Emperor of the Seven Kingdoms

Chapter 172: Chapter 171 – Long Live the King (VI)

Jaehaerys looked at all the lords present; the king’s violet eyes met everyone’s with a calm and deep gaze. Then, his eyes fell on his grandchildren, especially on Viserys. Seeing him in that state, the king didn’t scold him for showing himself so weak.

Anyone would feel sad upon learning they had lost the throne of an entire continent because of a vote. If Viserys hadn’t been sad, he would have assumed his grandson was planning a coup. However, looking at Viserys’s sorrowful state, Jaehaerys knew that Daemon’s actions were his own choices, not Viserys’s.

“Today is a historic day.” Jaehaerys spoke in a calm tone, but his voice echoed through the great hall, making people hold their breath.

“You, descendants of kings from ages past, will be remembered in history for placing a Targaryen king on the Iron Throne. Be proud; you have the right to such a thing.”

Hearing those words, the nobles who had supported Maekar and had royal blood running through their veins puffed out their chests and looked like peacocks displaying their beautiful colored feathers.

“Just as I promised, I respect the choice of this sacred council of kings.” When Jaehaerys spoke those words, Maekar and Gael relaxed completely. Fortunately, they wouldn’t need to stage a coup and lock the king in a tower…

“Prince Maekar, kneel.” Jaehaerys looked at Maekar and spoke in a calm tone.

Maekar didn’t hesitate; he knelt and raised his head, looking directly at Jaehaerys. Gael, beside him, also followed her husband’s steps and knelt next to him.

“Maekar, my grandson.” Jaehaerys looked at the kneeling boy with a complex look. This scene looked exactly like the day he first met that young man. Unlike that day, he now looked more solemn, his features more mature, and there was an aura worthy of a king emanating from him.

“Son of my son, Baelon Targaryen, and of Lady Cassandra of House Blackwood.”

“I, Jaehaerys, First of My Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, before the eyes of men and gods, make known today my will.

From this day forward, I name you Prince of Dragonstone. Upon your head shall rest the crown that was once mine, and you shall sit upon the Throne that once belonged to the Conqueror.

You shall be my rightful heir.

You shall be the fifth king of the Targaryen line to sit upon the Iron Throne.

And, just as the throne passed from my father to me, one day it shall pass from you to your children, perpetuating the blood of the dragon and the sovereignty of our House for as long as fate allows.

Let the lords recognize your rightful claim to rule. Let the subjects know your name. Let the dragons recognize your blood.

Rise, Maekar Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone, Heir to the Iron Throne, and future King of the Seven Kingdoms.

Rise, for from this day forward, the realm knows who its next king will be.”

Maekar watched Jaehaerys throughout the king’s words. He saw a touch of resentment and loss and, finally, relief as the king spoke all the words.

Maekar rose, looked at the king for a moment, and then looked at all the nobles present with a calm gaze, never having felt as strong as he did at that moment.

“Let all the Lords come forth and declare their loyalty to their future king.” Jaehaerys spoke in a solemn and icy tone. If anyone refused, they would not leave this hall alive.

Surprisingly, the first to come before Maekar was none other than Viserys. At that moment, with his dazzling imperial purple robes and King Aenys’s golden crown, he looked somewhat comical, but no one dared laugh.

Viserys knelt before Maekar and spoke in a loud, clear tone. Beside him, Aemma Arryn also knelt next to her husband.

“Before the old gods and the new, I, Viserys Targaryen/Aemma Arryn, swear my loyalty to the Prince of Dragonstone.

I swear to serve him, honor him, and defend him with my sword and my life. I recognize him as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne and lord of Dragonstone.

I shall not rise against him, I shall not conspire against his name, and I shall give no aid to his enemies.

As long as I live, I shall remain faithful to the prince, to his house, and to his cause.

Let the old gods and the new be my witnesses.

I swear it.”

“Rise, brother and my good sister; you two will always have a place at my hearth. You may remain in the Red Keep, and we will be one great family.” Maekar helped Viserys to his feet and embraced him with a wide smile.

Viserys showed a moved expression and hugged Maekar tightly. Both truly seemed to love each other.

However, even Maekar, who was used to lying, wanted to laugh at his own words. How could he possibly let Viserys leave the Red Keep? What if the Faith of the Seven used Viserys’s name to start a rebellion?

Therefore, Viserys and his entire family had to stay in the Red Keep as lovely hostages. Whenever Viserys, Aemma, or even Rhaenyra showed any sign of rebellion… well, Bahamut should be hungry that day.

Maekar looked at Aemma, and seeing her calm gaze, he smiled gently at her. He could notice in the depths of her eyes her terrified fear. However, he didn’t care. What could a woman destined to be split open like a pig in childbirth possibly do?

After Viserys and Aemma came the great lords of the Seven Kingdoms.

House Stark, House Baratheon, House Greyjoy, House Lannister, House Tyrell, House Arryn, and the representative of House Martell. All knelt before Maekar and swore their oaths of loyalty without any hesitation.

After the Great Lords came the Lords of the important Houses of Westeros. House Velaryon, House Hightower, House Blackwood, House Darry, House Redwyne, House Manderly, House Royce, House Yronwood.

After the powerful noble houses came the lesser noble houses. More and more lords came and prostrated themselves before Maekar.

Maekar heard the names of small villages he didn’t even know and even settlements that were still under construction. As for the loyalty of these people, Maekar wasn’t foolish enough to think they were truly loyal.

Those very same men made similar oaths, but, in the end, still betrayed Rhaenyra. Though it was because she was a woman and Aegon II existed, that didn’t change the fact that most broke their oaths and allied with Aegon II in a coup.

Therefore, faced with the pompous and seemingly sacred oaths of these noble lords full of conviction and determination, Maekar merely smiled and carefully hid the sarcasm deep in his eyes.

Suddenly, Maekar’s smile became more genuine when he saw Roderick and Darnold, accompanied by their respective sons, Benedict Blackwood and David Darry.

After their oaths, Maekar helped all four to their feet and spoke with a smile. “You don’t need so much formality.”

Turning to look at Roderick, Maekar spoke in a solemn tone. “I’ll need a Master of Laws on my Small Council, and I hope you’ll stay in King’s Landing.”

Roderick was caught off guard; he looked at Maekar with a smile and didn’t refuse. His nephew needed his help, and he wouldn’t refuse. Either way, he could resign the position after a few years and return to Raventree Hall.

“I’ll let you know now, my services come at a high price.” Roderick spoke in an amused tone, making the people around laugh.

The nobles nearby looked at Roderick with envious eyes. The man had simply received one of the most important positions.

“Don’t worry, my dear grandfather filled the coffers, and I can pay your salary.” Maekar replied in an equally amused tone.

Seated on the Iron Throne, Jaehaerys rolled his eyes.

Maekar spent another hour receiving oaths from the nobles before, finally, the last lord spoke his oath.

Now alone before the crowd, Maekar drew Blackfyre and raised it up high.

“LONG LIVE THE KING!!!”

“LONG LIVE THE KING!!!”

“LONG LIVE THE KING!!!”

Faced with the frighteningly loud voices of the lords, Maekar showed a smile.

Now it was time to prepare for the chaos that would follow on this continent and how to reshape it as he pleased.

———–

Read my other books:

House of The Dragon:The Rise of the Emperor of the Seven Kingdoms

Game Of Thrones: The God-Emperor of Planetos

Percy Jackson: Godwyn the Golden.

Game Of Thrones: The King’s Court Wizard