As Rhaenyra's declaration echoed through the hall, applause started up, with Jeyne Arryn and the Vale nobles leading the way, followed by the Riverlands and Reach Houses of the Tullys and Tyrells.
These were the staunchest supporters of the Targaryen crown.
The princess's willingness to transfer the title of heir to her brother sent a strong message of unity. The Targaryen House showed no signs of internal strife or scandal. Today marked an honorable and orderly transition.
"Well done, Rhaenyra!" Jeyne Arryn's clear voice called out, her eyes filled with pity for her cousin and ally. Both women were powerful in their own right and supported each other politically. Jeyne had no choice but to respect Rhaenyra's decision.
As the applause died down, Lyonel Strong looked at Rhaenyra with a sad expression. "Oh well, my role here has been taken over," he thought.
Yet, he stepped forward with solemnity and addressed the nobles. "My lords, the Princess and the Prince have arrived. Please proceed to the Throne Hall for the ceremony."
The replacement of the heirwas a significant event, requiring a dignified and solemn ceremony. It wasn't enough for the heirs to simply agree; the kingdom needed to witness the formalities.
"Come along, my children," Viserys said, approaching Rhaenyra and Rhaegar, taking their hands. Rhaenyra sensed the affection in her father's eyes.
"You've done well, my girl. What you've lost today will be compensated," Viserys assured her, his voice firm as he squeezed her hand. Rhaenyra's sacrifice proved her loyalty and commitment to the unity of the Targaryen House, keeping external threats at bay. Viserys was proud of her, his guilt for her deepening.
Rhaenyra smiled gently, slipping her hand out of her father's and instead holding Rhaegar's. "Father, it would be better if you accompanied the Queen," she said softly.
Her father's belated affection and hesitation hurt her, but she kept it to herself. The offer meant a life of peace and security, but her father's newfound love only made her resent him more.
For now, all she wanted was to hold Rhaegar's hand tightly and fulfill her vow.
...
The heir changing ceremony commenced in the solemn Throne Room, where members of the royal family and nobles from across the realms had gathered.
The High Septon of the Faith of the Seven stood before them, making the official proclamation under the divine gaze of the Seven.
The title of heir was formally transferred from Rhaenyra to Rhaegar.
Seizing the moment, Rhaenyra announced that she would no longer consider marrying outside her family and pledged to groom Rhaegar until he came of age.
This announcement was a great disappointment to many nobles who had long coveted her hand in marriage.
Viserys hadn't expected Rhaenyra to make that announcement, but he didn't object. Instead, he smiled and nodded in agreement, confirming that he wouldn't get involved in her marriage plans.
For Viserys, it was important to keep the pure dragon bloodline going, and Rhaenyra's decision was perfect for him.
After this unexpected turn of events, Viserys placed the crown on Rhaegar's head and got the oath of allegiance from the lords.
Dressed in black robes adorned with the emblems of the realm, Rhaegar surveyed the room with a composed demeanor, his raised arms signifying his acceptance of the new title.
From this moment on, he was the heire, just as Rhaenyra had once been.
Viserys was thrilled beyond words as he witnessed the moment. This was the prince he had always dreamed of.
The coronation was complete, and as the sun began to set, the nobles were invited to the banquet hall, where a sumptuous feast awaited them.
...
Candlelight and bonfires cast a warm glow on the tables laden with food and wine. Viserys was at the head of the hall, with Rhaegar and Rhaenyra to his left and Lyonel, the Hand of the King, to his right.
After the ceremony, Alicent excused herself to tend to Aemond, who was crying. Meanwhile, the nobles enjoyed the feast, eating, drinking, and chatting away.
Viserys took in the scene with a sense of satisfaction, occasionally chatting with Lyonel in a friendly manner. It was a day of triumph for him, and he wanted to share it with everyone.
The only regret was the absence of the Velaryon House. Sea Snake Corlys had promised to attend, but they had not yet arrived.
"Rhaegar, try this," Rhaenyra said, offering her brother a piece of roasted meat.
Rhaegar, dressed in ceremonial attire, lounged back in his chair with a bored expression, accepting the food from his sister. He was still adjusting to his new status as heir and was enjoying the attention from the former one.
After eating several pieces of meat, Rhaegar felt overwhelmed and gulped down some grape juice. Rhaenyra teased, "The heir should pay attention to his image, Rhaegar."
"I haven't even felt the privileges of being Crown Prince, and already I'm being scolded?" Rhaegar joked. "Look at all these people—how many of them do you think will actually listen to me?"
Rhaenyra replied with a self-deprecating smile, "How many do you think listened to me when I was the heir?"
Rhaegar smirked but said nothing. He understood that being the heir was merely a title and that real power was still far away.
Just then, there was an announcement at the door. It was Lord Hobert Hightower from Oldtown. Many nobles had been disheveled by the two dragons' arrival and had applied to return to their residences to change their attire.
The Hightower delegation entered, led by the Lords and Ladies, but one figure stood out even more: Ser Otto Hightower, Queen Alicent's father.
Viserys maintained a composed expression as his old acquaintance approached, waiting patiently for the customary greetings. Lord Hobert offered his blessings, followed by Ser Otto Hightower's formal greeting.
Viserys responded calmly, showing no sign of discomfort or regret over their past conflicts.
Rhaegar's attention was drawn to the newcomers.
He tugged at Rhaenyra's skirt, pointed to Lord Hobert descending the steps, and whispered, "Look, it's that big-nosed fool, I remember him."
"Rhaegar!" Rhaenyra quickly covered his mouth, her eyes giving him a stern look to let him know to watch what he say
Rhaegar pulled her hand away and whispered into her ear, "Isn't that man a supporter of Aegon?"
He recalled the scene at the Kingswood hunt when Ser Hobert had hailed Prince Aegon. At the time, he hadn't recognized him.
It turned out to be Lord Hightower of Aegon's mother's house.
Rhaenyra lowered her voice, "You're the heir, and your succession is secure. Aegon can't challenge you."
Rhaegar's status as the eldest son was far stronger than her own had been as the eldest daughter. Aegon, who once had some hope, couldn't surpass Rhaegar in age or legitimacy.
Rhaegar glanced at Otto Hightower, a former Hand of the King for two terms, as he chatted with Rhaenyra.
Viserys raised his glass and greeted, "It's been a long time, Otto."
"I'm glad you're well, and that you've chosen an excellent heir, Your Grace," Otto replied respectfully, maintaining his elegant demeanor.
Their conversation was brief before Otto followed his elder brother into the banquet.
As the Hightower family settled in, another noble rose to make a toast.
Two women sat at the table of the Vale family—Lady Jeyne and a mature woman dressed as an noblewoman.
"Your Grace..." The Lady began to stand, but another figure quickly stepped forward with a glass of wine.
"Congratulations, Your Grace," he said, "You have a brave and fearless prince as your heir, worthy of the dragon blood."
(Word count: 1,270)