King's Landing, Red Keep.
The Red Keep hadn't felt this serious and lively in many years. The courtiers who worked in the palace stood in small, awkward groups in the courtyard, their expressions all varied but sharing one similarity.
That is, "We don't know what to say, nor do we dare to speak or ask anything."
"Get out! Get out of here!"
A booming shout interrupted the murmurs, and the courtiers, almost in unison, either closed their eyes or looked away, doing their best not to look at the elegantly dressed, handsome man who had been struck with a wine glass and a book.
"Elenna, listen to me explain."
"Get out!" Princess Elenna was dressed in sturdy gear, and if it weren't for the White Knight firmly holding her sword at her waist, that sword would likely already be at Prince Aegon's throat.
That's right.
Aegon Targaryen, Prince of Oldtown.
In truth, Viserys had always been hesitant about Aegon inheriting his position, but in the end, he had accepted Aegon as a ruler. Apart from a few minor issues in his personal life that weren't a big deal to the nobility, his abilities far exceeded those of his younger brothers.
But no one expected that, after Viserys, whose health had been relatively fine, gave up his position as Hand of the King and returned to Oldtown, would, perhaps due to overwork, or because someone who had been overworked couldn't suddenly rest, his health would rapidly decline.
Soon after returning to Oldtown, Viserys' health deteriorated rapidly, and he was forced to transfer the power of managing the lands to Aegon. According to the scholars, Viserys' health was supposed to hold out for a few more years.
But sadly, accidents always arrive earlier than expected in this world.
When Viserys felt his health improving slightly, he took advantage of the rare good weather and good mood to complete three major activities in one day: dragon riding, hunting, and a picnic.
The first two were fine, and Aegarax, his dragon, obeyed. After all, there was no Hovendes or Zarafax around, and Aegarax was just a mighty dragon. There were no incidents like drunken wild boars or anything of the sort during the hunt.
There were wild boars, but they were roasted by Aegarax' dragon flame.
Viserys even grumbled a bit at his dragon, saying it ruined the grand feast that evening.
The problem came during the evening picnic.
Viserys' governance wasn't sophisticated, but it was still decent. The commoners of Oldtown respected him. After hearing that the prince had gone hunting, merchants from Oldtown happily brought him gold grapes from Green Pavilion Island, and many slightly wealthier commoners sent food they liked.
Viserys especially loved honey-roasted chicken and small fish fried with a crispy coating of breadcrumbs.
He ate a lot of these two dishes, and he was especially pleased.
According to Aemon, who had accompanied his father on the hunt:
That evening, Viserys ate at least twelve fish and three roast chickens, along with countless glasses of wine and various sweets.
Then, trouble struck.
That night, Viserys began to suffer unbearable stomach pain. Even after drinking poppy milk, it didn't help. Although the scholars tried their best to treat him, the situation initially eased, but Viserys, a man who had read many books, knew exactly what was happening.
"Crabs."
Prince Daemon had also died from the "crabs" in his belly.
Now, the same condition had also claimed him.
Viserys died in the palace in Oldtown in the year 173 AC..
After his death, the Targaryens of Oldtown began to go their separate ways. Lady Larra took her daughters to live in a villa in the countryside of Oldtown, busy finding a suitable son-in-law for them. Aemon, Illyon, and Maegon flew to King's Landing to serve King Daeron, who was immersed in writing.
When Aegon finished dealing with the inheritance, he found that very few people remained by his side.
Even his legal wife, Princess Rhaenya, had chosen to take their son, also named Daeron, and moved to King's Landing to live in the Black Keep with her younger brother.
King Daeron was thrilled with the arrival of his sister and nephew. He even personally selected a dragon egg for young Daeron.
A golden dragon egg interwoven with amber.
The egg was larger than most dragon eggs.
Unfortunately, it did not hatch.
And so, it came to King's Landing.
"Elenna, let me explain," Aegon wanted to say something, but upon seeing the courtiers in the courtyard, he closed his mouth.
He couldn't exactly tell Elenna in front of everyone that it was Princess Diana who had climbed into his bed, could he?
Such a revelation would be a severe blow to the royal family's reputation.
It wouldn't even affect his own reputation much. After all, in the current realm ruled by the Iron Throne, everyone knew Aegon's reputation for being amorous, as well as the "legend" of his many illegitimate children.
Elenna glared at Aegon, furious. After a moment of calm, she too realized this point, glaring at him with a mixture of anger and warning.
Then, with a huff, she turned and stormed back into the Red Keep.
She never imagined that Diana would be so bold, to really go to bed with Aegon, and even end up pregnant.
She should have noticed earlier.
Elenna, somewhat frustrated, tugged at her hair—gold and silver intertwined. The sound of Diana's cries from the delivery room unsettled her, and she realized that her thoughts were now muddled.
"Damn, damn, damn, damn," Elenna muttered under her breath, quickening her pace. Diana's reckless actions—no, it should be said that her thoughtless rashness, ignorance, and extreme selfishness—could lead to a massive rift in the kingdom.
Suddenly, Elenna stopped in her tracks.
She almost collided with Aemon, who was coming towards her.
"Aemon cousin, how is it?" Elenna grabbed Aemon, her voice filled with concern.
Aemon shook his head. "Diana is still struggling in labor. The child is healthy and strong, but even if the delivery goes smoothly, it will be painful for Diana."
"She deserves it," Elenna said bitterly. "Have the maesters gone in?"
Aemon nodded. "They're all experienced maesters. The Grand Maester has even helped with the birth of Baelor. With them inside and the delivery progressing smoothly, Diana should be fine."
"Thank you." Elenna took a deep breath, calming herself. "What about His Majesty? Still in his study?"
Aemon nodded again. "The King said there's no need to disturb him. He asked us to tell Diana and Aegon that they have to deal with the consequences of their own actions."
The Knight Prince let out a long sigh. "His Majesty also said that the manuscript of the 'Chronicles of the East' should be given to Daeron."
Elenna's eyes brightened. "Really?"
"At least for now, yes."
Elenna exhaled in relief.
At that moment, the door to the delivery room creaked open.
Princess Diana, slender and beautiful, her body covered in blood, stumbled out, holding a strong, healthy baby in her arms.
Elenna stood still, silent. It was as if Aemon and the White Knights who rushed to assist the princess no longer existed.
She only felt a blur before her eyes.
It was over.
Because in Diana's eyes, she saw the flame of "victory."