299 AC - Kings Landing - Third Person POV
The night after Aemon Targaryen's conquest of King's Landing, the Red Keep buzzed with the quiet tension of victory. Torches cast long shadows across the stone corridors, and the city beyond lay subdued, its smallfolk whispering of the sorcerer-king who wielded ice and fire. Aemon, clad in a simple black tunic, stood alone in his solar, the Iron Throne a looming presence in his thoughts. He reached for the Two-Way Mirror and spoke the words to activate it. The glass shimmered, revealing Domonic's face in Uruk's Egalmah palace.
"Domonic," Aemon began, his voice steady but warm, "King's Landing is mine. The Lannisters and Tyrells are prisoners, and the Dragon Gate fell to my army. I'm to be crowned soon, and I want you here for it."
Domonic's grin was broad, his eyes alight with pride. "Aemon, you've done it! A true Targaryen, claiming your birthright with fire and ice. I always knew you'd shake the world. My congratulations."
Aemon's lips twitched, a rare smile breaking through. "It wasn't easy. Tywin's host was vast, but the magic you gave me turned the tide. I owe you much."
Domonic waved a hand, his voice rich with camaraderie. "Nonsense. You're family, and family fights together. I'll be there for your coronation—tomorrow morning, with Daenerys, Missandei, Ghost, and one surprise guest. Ghost's been pacing Egalmah, missing you."
Aemon chuckled, his heart lifting at the thought of his direwolf. "Ghost in King's Landing? The smallfolk will faint. I can't wait to see him—and you all."
Domonic's eyes gleamed with mischief. "We'll see you soon, King Aemon." The mirror dimmed, the connection fading.
Aemon turned to his desk, where ravens awaited dispatch. He penned messages to every corner of Westeros, proclaiming his victory and summoning lords to his coronation. The only shadow remaining was Stannis Baratheon, now at Storm's End, mustering the storm lords for a final stand. Aemon's quill paused, his thoughts on Stannis's grim resolve, but he set it aside. Today was for victory, tomorrow for war.
The next morning, the Red Keep's courtyard lay quiet, its cobblestones gleaming with dew. A faint shimmer rippled the air, and under a Disillusionment Charm, Domonic Augustus, Daenerys Targaryen, Missandei, Ghost, and a cloaked figure apparated into the open space. Domonic scanned the area, his Haki sensing the guards nearby. Daenerys, her silver hair braided, wore a flowing gown of black and red. Missandei, clad in emerald silks, stood poised. Ghost's white fur gleamed, his red eyes fixed on the keep.
Domonic lowered his wand and whispered, "Let's see the place Aemon's claimed. Stay close, and keep the charm up."
Daenerys's violet eyes sparkled. "It was always my dream to come here since I was a kid. Viserys used to say so much about this place."
Missandei then spoke, her voice soft. "Aemon's victory here is a new chapter, now you can come here whenever you want."
The cloaked figure, silent until now, spoke, his voice weathered but firm. "The Red Keep's seen many kings. Aemon's the first in generations to wield true Targaryen might."
Domonic glanced at him, a smile tugging at his lips. "You'll see him soon enough, old friend. Let's find him."
They roamed the corridors, invisible to servants and guards, Ghost padding silently. In the one of the corridor, they spotted Aemon walking with hia guards. Ghost's ears perked, and he broke free, his paws thundering as he charged. Domonic flicked his wand, dispelling the Disillusionment Charm, and the party materialized. Nearby guards, startled, drew swords, their shouts echoing.
"Who goes there!" a captain barked, his blade raised.
Ghost, ignoring them, tackled Aemon, pinning him to the stone floor. Aemon's laughter rang out, pure and unguarded, as Ghost licked his face, tail wagging furiously. "Ghost, you great oaf!" Aemon said, ruffling the direwolf's fur. "I missed you, boy."
The guards hesitated, swords half-raised, but Aemon, still laughing, waved them off. "Sheathe your blades! These are my kin and allies."
The captain, red-faced, obeyed. "Apologies, Your Grace."
Aemon rose, rubbing Ghost's head, and turned to his guests. His eyes lit up as he embraced Domonic, their armor clanking. "Domonic, you made it! I half-expected you to ride in on a dragon."
Domonic grinned, clapping Aemon's shoulder. "Tempting, but apparition's cleaner. You've turned this city upside down, cousin. Proud of you."
Daenerys stepped forward, her smile warm, and hugged Aemon tightly. "Nephew, you've reclaimed our family's seat. Rhaegar's spirit lives in you. I'm so proud."
Aemon, his voice soft, returned the embrace. "Aunt, your fire inspired me. Without Uruk's support, I'd still be north of the Neck."
Missandei approached, her eyes bright, and hugged Aemon gently. "Congratulations, Aemon. Your victory is a beacon for all who seek justice."
Aemon smiled, his tone warm. "Missandei, you honor me."
Aemon, chuckling, gestured to the keep. "Come, let's talk in my solar. We've much to discuss."
In Aemon's solar, a fire crackled, casting warmth over the stone walls. Aemon sat at a carved table, Ghost sprawled at his feet. Domonic, Daenerys, Missandei, and the cloaked figure stood behind their chairs, wine and bread set before them.
Aemon raised a goblet. "To family, and to victory."
Domonic clinked his goblet, grinning. "To the dragon reborn, and a throne reclaimed."
Daenerys sipped, her voice soft. "This keep was once under Targaryen, long ago. It feels strange to see it under Targaryen banners again."
Missandei nodded, her tone thoughtful. "It's a new dawn, Dany. Aemon's rule could heal this realm's wounds."
The cloaked figure lowered his hood, revealing a weathered face with grey hair and a steady gaze. Aemon's eyes widened. "Ser Barristan?"
Domonic smiled. "Aemon, meet Barristan Selmy. He came to Uruk to pledge loyalty to Daenerys after Joffrey stripped him of his Kingsguard cloak. Dany told him there's a true Targaryen king to serve."
Daenerys nodded, her voice firm. "Barristan's honor belongs with you, Aemon. He's seen kings rise and fall, and he believes in your cause."
Barristan rose, kneeling before Aemon. "Your Grace, I am Barristan Selmy, once of the Kingsguard. I failed your father, Rhaegar, and your grandfather, Aerys. Let me serve you now, to restore House Targaryen's honor."
Aemon stood, his voice solemn. "Rise, Ser Barristan. You're no failure. I name you Lord Commander of my Kingsguard, to guard this realm and its king."
Barristan's eyes shone with gratitude. "I swear my life to you, King Aemon. May I serve better than before."
Aemon sat, gesturing for all to join him. "Tell me of Uruk, Domonic. Your conquests shake Essos."
Domonic leaned back, his voice rich. "Volantis fell in a day, its Black Walls dust. Pentos, Norvos, Qohor, and Lorath followed. Daenerys burned Qohor's masters, Missandei's forests choked Lorath's princes, and I buried Norvos's priests in stone. The Free Cities are ours."
Daenerys's eyes blazed. "The slavers begged, but we gave them justice. Uruk's a beacon for the oppressed."
Missandei's voice was calm but fierce. "My new powers, which Dom gave me recently, turned their cities green. No master rules where my trees grow."
Aemon's eyes widened. "You three alone broke 150,000? I thought my 40,000 at the Dragon Gate was bold."
Domonic laughed. "Your ice and fire rival our feats, Aemon. That glacier outside the gate—heard it froze a quarter of Tywin's host?"
Aemon nodded, his tone wry. "30,000, give or take. The power you gave me made it possible."
Daenerys's voice was soft. "You wield it well, Aemon. Rhaegar would be proud."
Domonic turned to Aemon. "What of Stannis? Your ravens mentioned he's at Storm's End."
Aemon's face hardened. "He's mustering storm lords, maybe 10,000 at most. His fleet's broken, but his will's iron. He'll march soon."
Barristan's voice was grave. "Stannis is no fool, Your Grace. His red priestess, Melisandre, wields strange powers. Beware her."
Daenerys frowned. "A priestess of fire? I'd like to meet her.My flames will teach her humility."
Missandei smiled. "Or my trees could bind her. Sorcery meets sorcery."
Aemon nodded, his mind turning. "We'll face Stannis after my coronation. For now, let him sulk."
A maid entered, bowing. "Your Grace, the lords await in the throne room"
Aemon rose, his voice firm. "Let's not keep them waiting. Dom, Dany, Missandei, Ser Barristan—walk with me."
Domonic grinned, standing. "A king's crowning? Wouldn't miss it."
Daenerys took Aemon's arm, her smile warm. "Lead on, nephew. The Iron Throne awaits."
Missandei followed, her voice soft. "The realm will see a true king today."
Barristan, his cloak white once more, said, "I'll guard your side, Your Grace. Always."
As they left the solar, Ghost trotted beside Aemon, his red eyes gleaming. The Red Keep's halls echoed with their steps, a new era dawning. In Storm's End, Stannis plotted, but in King's Landing, Aemon Targaryen prepared to claim his crown, with Uruk's might at his side.