Queen

After conquering the Seven Kingdoms, Aegon Targaryen had Black Death, Balerion, melt down his spoils—thousands of swords—with dragonfire. It took fifty-nine days to forge the throne.

He sat upon the Iron Throne, hearing the petitions of his subjects, and began the rule of the Targaryen dynasty.

From that day on, the Iron Throne became a symbol of authority over the realm.

Daenerys slowly stepped onto the first stair.

In those days, Aegon and his two wives—Visenya Targaryen and Rhaenys Targaryen—had landed at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush with three great dragons, founding Westeros's first unified kingdom.

Lifting her foot slowly, Daenerys climbed another step.

Today, House Targaryen's heir had also returned with three dragons to the place where Aegon the Conqueror had once landed—the center of the Seven Kingdoms—King's Landing.

Then, her black cloak embroidered with the three-headed dragon sigil swayed as Daenerys turned to face the people in the hall.

Her violet eyes slowly swept across the gathered crowd before finally settling on Gryn.

Their gazes met, and Daenerys pressed her lips into a gentle smile.

Her red lips parted slightly. "The future of the Seven Kingdoms is still fraught with thorns. I must trouble Your Grace, Lord Regent..."

As she spoke, Daenerys gently raised her right hand toward Gryn. "...to continue helping me ascend."

Buzz!

The instant Daenerys's words fell, the hall became deathly silent.

Gryn smiled faintly at Daenerys, then looked around at the people behind him. As far as his eyes could see... every face bore a kindly smile and a nod.

Under the gaze of over a thousand pairs of eyes, Gryn's brown deerskin boots slowly stepped onto the first stone stair leading to the Iron Throne.

He paused, raising his left hand while keeping his right behind his back.

After glancing around