Visenya's Hill, The Great Hall.
Outside the Great Hall on Visenya's Hill, layers of troops stood in dense formation.
A vast number of Royal Soldiers secured the outer perimeter, while Aemond's personal guard held the interior of the hall.
Every man had his hand resting on the hilt of a sword sheathed at his hip, their eyes sharp and vigilant.
Nobles arriving to witness the ceremony were subjected to strict inspections; weapons had to be left outside, and no Lord was permitted more than two attendants.
"What is the meaning of this?" a young noble grumbled under his breath.
"Is the coronation so urgent that they cannot even wait for the King to be properly mourned?"
"Hold your tongue," an elder noble hissed, grabbing his heir by the arm.
"Do not invite disaster today. Do you want me to break your legs?"
The young noble looked indignant, ready to argue further, until he caught the gaze of Hal staring him down from the dais. He immediately shut his mouth.
He did not dare offend Hal, one of the "mudsills."
Among the city-dwelling nobility who served the Crown, they secretly referred to the three common-born youths trained by Prince Aemond as "mudsills," despite the noble titles that had been bestowed upon them.
The interior of the hall was fully prepared. The high platform stood several meters above the ground, draped in black velvet.
Upon it sat a crown encrusted with rubies.
The original Valyrian steel crown, the crown of Aegon the Conqueror, had been stolen by the fleeing Orwyle.
In its stead, they were forced to use the crown of Queen Visenya from a century ago, which was equally magnificent.
Aemond stood at the side of the platform, Blackfyre at his waist.
Hal stood inconspicuously behind him, scanning the surroundings.
Tyra slipped in through a back door and whispered, "Prince, everything is in place. Our men are outside, and every attendant has been thoroughly searched."
"And the High Septon?"
"He demands that immediately after the crowning, King Aegon must sign the documents confirming the Faith's privileges."
"I see," Aemond nodded.
Once this was over, he would settle the accounts with the Faith and the Citadel at his own pace.
The blast of a horn sounded outside, three long notes signifying the arrival of the Royal Family. The great doors swung open.
The crowd watched in solemn silence.
Dowager Queen Alicent entered first, dressed in black with a dark veil.
Behind her came Helaena, also veiled, and Aelyn in her Queen's regalia.
They were followed by the remaining loyal Small Council members: Tyland Lannister, Larys Strong, and Jasper Wylde, all in formal attire.
Finally, High Septon Ewen made his entrance. He wore magnificent holy robes, the crystal Seven-Pointed Star shimmering on his chest.
Two septons followed him, one carrying the jar of sacred oils, the other holding the crown.
The crowd began to whisper.
"Silence!" Criston Cole's roar thundered.
"Silence!" the Kingsguard and soldiers repeated in unison. The hall fell instantly still.
Tyland Lannister stepped to the front of the platform. He took a deep breath and shouted with all his might:
"People of King's Landing! Our beloved King Viserys I, your Father of the Realm, has been foully poisoned by craven hands! This is undoubtedly a day of profound sorrow! But it is also a day of great celebration! The eldest son designated by the late King Viserys, Aegon Targaryen, shall inherit the Throne and the Iron Seat!"
Applause broke out, sparse at first, then growing increasingly fervent. Suddenly, the Royal Guard surged from the side doors, forming a human wall to clear a path to the dais.
They pushed or shoved aside any commoners in their way. Hundreds of guards created a living corridor.
"Make way!" "Move!" "Out of the path!"
Gwayne Hightower, leading the way, shouted: "Draw swords!"
Every guard in position raised their blades. Within the hall, the heavy horn sounded once more.
Aegon entered through the side door. He had discarded his cane, unwilling to let the world witness his fragility.
Every step brought agonizing pain, but he gritted his teeth and held his head high, walking toward the dais under the collective gaze of the Realm.
As Aegon passed, the guards lowered their swords behind him.
"Witness the ascension of the new King!"
Hand of the King Tyland Lannister continued to shout.
"It is your greatest honor! Today we witness a new era for our city and a new era for the Kingdom!"
Aegon finally reached the platform. Alicent stepped forward, took her eldest son's forehead in her hands, and kissed it gently in blessing.
Below the stage, the guards sheathed their swords. The hall was so quiet one could hear a pin drop.
Aegon knelt on both knees. Septon Ewen stepped forward as an assistant offered the sacred oils.
"In the name of the Father, I grant you the power of judgment," Ewen said, dipping his thumb into the oil and touching Aegon's forehead.
"In the name of the Mother, I grant you the heart of mercy. In the name of the Warrior, I grant you the strength of courage. In the name of the Maiden, I grant you the soul of purity. In the name of the Smith, I grant you the power of creation. In the name of the Crone, I grant you the eyes of wisdom."
"In the name of the Stranger..." Ewen hesitated for a moment, "...I grant you the courage to accept your fate."
Seven streaks of oil left a glistening sheen on Aegon's forehead. On the platform, Alicent wept. Helaena clasped her hands in prayer.
Aelyn's eyes sparkled. Aemond watched it all with an expressionless face.
The anointing was complete. The assistant held up the crown.
Ewen took it with both hands and raised it high so all could see the golden circlet, its dragons entwined with rubies for eyes.
"Aegon Targaryen," the Septon's voice echoed.
"Do you swear, in the name of the Seven, to rule the Seven Kingdoms, to protect your people, to uphold the laws, and to defend the Faith?"
Aegon opened his eyes. He opened his mouth, his throat dry.
The hall was silent. Everyone stared at the man about to become King.
Aegon took a deep breath and answered loudly, "I swear!"
"Do you swear to judge justly, to treat your people with mercy, to fight your enemies with valor, and to protect the weak and the young?"
"I swear!"
"Do you swear to be loyal to the Seven, to defend the Faith, and to maintain the purity of the Seven throughout the Seven Kingdoms?"
This last part was added by Septon Ewen himself; it was not part of the traditional oath. Aegon faltered, looking up at Aemond. Aemond gave him a slight nod.
"I... I swear," Aegon said.
Satisfied, Septon Ewen held the crown with both hands and slowly placed it upon Aegon's head.
"Then, in the name of the Seven, I proclaim: Aegon Targaryen, Second of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men! Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm!"
Ewen patted Aegon's shoulder, signaling the King to rise. Aegon stood and first looked at the figures on the dais.
Every minister and his mother, Alicent, bowed their heads in respect. When his eyes met Aemond's, Aemond also gave a slight, respectful bow.
Then, Aegon turned to face the entire hall.
He drew the ornate sword from his waist and held it high.
The crowd erupted into a deafening roar:
"King Aegon!"
"Aegon the Second!"
"Long live the King!"
"Bread! Bread!"
Aegon spread his arms and closed his eyes, soaking in the sound of the acclaim. In that moment, the pain in his leg seemed to fade, and the fear in his heart receded.
He felt, for the first time, that he truly was the King.
-----
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