The Red Keep was undergoing a silent, sweeping transformation.
Servants and soldiers hurried to and fro, taking down the crowned stags of Baratheon and the roaring golden lions of Lannister.
The tapestries, heraldry, and decorations that had hung for seventeen years were all torn down and piled in corners, awaiting burning or melting down.
New Three-Headed Red Dragon Banners on black fields were solemnly raised, unfurling in the wind over King's Landing, their dragons' wings spread wide, proclaiming the full return of House Targaryen.
When King Ghidorah descended, he had deliberately restrained his weight and imposing presence. Apart from minor damage to a few unimportant sections of outer wall, the entire Red Keep remained almost completely intact. Even the carvings on the colonnades were unharmed.
Clad in black Valyrian steel armor, his silver hair tied back, Aegon walked slowly along the newly repaired Palace Walkway.
His steps were steady, yet an impenetrable chill and stillness surrounded him, as though the bustle around him had nothing to do with him.
Jon Connington followed close behind, holding letters in his hands, his voice respectful:
"Your Highness, the report of our great victory at King's Landing has been sent by raven to King's Ridge across the Narrow Sea. Consul Luciana replied that provisions and weapons from the three cities will arrive in a steady stream."
"Tens of thousands of craftsmen and commoners will also be resettled here to replenish King's Landing's population and restore life to the capital as soon as possible."
His report finished, Clinton's gaze settled on Aegon's back. His expression grew complicated, and he hesitated to speak.
All his life, he had upheld knightly honor and believed in law and order.
But everything Aegon had done since taking King's Landing... abolishing noble privileges, ruthlessly executing former officials, disregarding civilians during