Aegon had recently named Aenys as his heir. While Maegor was visibly disappointed, he agreed to support his brother as Hand.
Now, Aegon sat with his wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, opposite Aenys and Maegor in a dimly lit hall. Merlin observed the family from a distance, silently assessing the scene.
Neither Aenys nor Maegor could fully process the weight of their parents' decision. Breaking the silence, Maegor frowned and asked bluntly, "So... you're truly naming him the heir?"
Aegon met Maegor's gaze, sensing his frustration, and sighed. "Maegor, you're a talented warrior, and your governing skills are beyond question—traits you inherited from your mother." He paused as Maegor leaned in, absorbing every word. "But you are also unyielding and often unforgiving. In times of chaos, these qualities are invaluable for a ruler. Yet, in a time of peace, they can bring challenges we may not withstand."
Maegor muttered under his breath, "We have dragons."
Aegon smiled knowingly. "Yes, we have dragons. But that doesn't make us immortal, Maegor. A dragon's flame can protect us in battle, but we are still vulnerable. Poison, betrayal, or even a skilled assassin—these can bring down even the mightiest dragonlords."
Maegor's frown deepened, and he nodded slightly, understanding the weight of his father's caution.
As Maegor processed his father's words carefully, as Visenya added, "Son, we understand your disappointment. But we aren't saying Aenys is perfect. He has his weaknesses too—soft-hearted, easily swayed, and sometimes hesitant to make decisive choices. That's why your father suggested you serve together, so each of you can cover the other's blind spots."
Aenys nodded at his mother's words, accepting her assessment without offense, aware of the truth in her observations.
Then Rhaenys spoke gently, "And Maegor, know this: your children will have their own chance to ascend the throne in time."
This was a compromise Aegon, Rhaenys, and Visenya had settled on, hoping it would ease Maegor's disappointment without undermining Aenys's future rule.
Both Aenys and Maegor murmured their agreement, Maegor was okay with helping his brother manage the throne.
Aegon watched his sons, pride softening his expression, and said, "My sons, I feel my death nearing. I've stopped taking the Melange potion, and this will likely be my last request of you both. Support each other. Together, bring the Targaryen dynasty to new heights."
The realization of Aegon's decision to forgo the life-sustaining potion weighed heavily on them. Yet, they also took comfort in their shared belief that death was not an end but a step toward a greater reunion.
Eight years after Aegon Targaryen named Aenys his heir, he would pass away peacefully in his sleep, followed by his beloved Rhaenys two years later, who was heartbroken.
Aegon awoke, feeling strangely light and unburdened. He rose, noticing his surroundings were different from his earthly chambers. Suddenly, a swirling cloud of sand appeared before him, and from it emerged Anubis, the ancient god of death, veiled in a mystical cocoon of Egyptian sands. The god's arrival was seamless, like a desert storm materializing and vanishing at will.
In awe, Aegon whispered, "Lord Anubis."
Anubis spoke in a voice like a calm river, flowing with authority. "Your time has come, Aegon Targaryen."
Following the deity's gesture, Aegon turned to see his lifeless form lying on the bed behind him. Although he had known this day was inevitable, the sight of his own body struck him with a strange, hollow reverence. "That... is me?" he murmured.
Anubis inclined his head. "That is you. Soon, your family will come to find you, and they will honor your memory with a proper Valyrian farewell."
Aegon nodded, feeling a mix of sorrow and acceptance. Anubis continued, "Fear not. You will see them again, in time."
"Let me see them once more, even if from afar," Aegon requested, his voice heavy with longing.
Anubis granted his wish, and with a subtle wave, they were transported to where Visenya, Rhaenys, Aenys, Maegor, and Aegon's grandchildren were gathered. Aegon watched them in silence, the sight filling his heart with pride and peace. Tears welled up as he accepted his journey's end, taking in this final, bittersweet moment.
As Anubis snapped his fingers, they descended in a cocoon of swirling sand, vanishing into the earth, leaving behind only memories and a legacy for future generations.
Two years afterr Aegon's death, Rhaenys passed away. Visenya chose to continue consuming Melange to look after the family.
Aenys ascended the throne as King Aenys I Targaryen. Admitting to all assembled at Aegon I's funeral pyre that he was not nearly the warrior his half-brother was, Aenys presented Maegor with Aegon's Valyrian steel blade, Blackfyre, proclaiming they would rule together.
After Aegon I's death, too make sure Aenys and Visenya told Maegor to claim Balerion, his father's mount,who accepted Maegor.
Shortly after Aenys's ascension to the throne, several rebellions broke out. In the Vale of Arryn, Jonos Arryn rose against his brother, Lord Ronnel, imprisoning him and his family. Although he arrived too late to rescue Lord Ronnel, Maegor personally crushed this rebellion, flying on Balerion to the Eyrie. Hoping Maegor would show them mercy, Jonos's followers threw Jonos through the Moon Door. Nonetheless, Maegor had all of them hanged.To replace Lord Alyn Stokeworth, who had died fighting another rebel, King Aenys I named Maegor as his new Hand of the King to reward him for his service, an office Maegor held for continuous years.
Tragedy soon struck House Targaryen. The Faith of the Seven, with the secretive aid of the Citadel, sought vengeance against Maegor for the disdain he had shown them, especially after he humiliated their influence by taking Alyssa Harroway as his second wife without their blessing. They were also angry at King Aenys for ignoring them.
To strike at the Targaryens' heart, the Faith sent assassins to kill King Aenys. Their plan succeeded, but fortune was not entirely in their favor, for Aenys's sons, Prince Aegon and Prince Viserys Targaryen, were visiting their father at the time. The assassins were discovered before they could make their escape, but in the ensuing struggle, they managed to take the lives of Aegon and Viserys as well, leaving the family shattered by a ruthless and calculated attack.
This ruthless act of treachery set the stage for a new and bloodier chapter in the Targaryen reign.