Aegon put the Valyrian steel necklace back in the wooden box, closed the lid, and tucked it inside his clothes.
He did not hesitate for long.
He summoned the attendant outside the door and instructed him, "Tell Lord Clinton I need to leave for a while. We will discuss the coronation when I return. He is to have full authority over affairs at court."
The attendant left to carry out his orders.
Aegon rose, left the study, and walked through the corridors of Maegor's Holdfast, heading straight for the Red Keep's stables.
As he passed through the courtyard, he glanced up at that window in the west wing of Maegor's Holdfast.
His steps paused for a heartbeat.
Then he continued on.
A short while later, he rode a black horse through the gates of the Red Keep and galloped down the streets toward the Dragonpit.
Hooves struck the stone paving of King's Landing, and the people along the way hurried aside.
Some recognized his silver hair and hastily bowed, but Aegon did not slow. He rode past them, straight toward the ruins of the Dragonpit.
The craftsmen were still busy at the Dragonpit construction site.
At the sight of Aegon riding toward them, they stopped their work. Aegon swung down from his horse, tossed the reins to the nearest craftsman, and strode toward the center of the ruins.
King Ghidorah lay among the rubble. As Aegon approached, the middle head slowly rose and gave a low rumble.
Aegon climbed onto the dragon's back and settled between the armored scales at the base of its neck.
"Let's go."
King Ghidorah heaved its immense body upright and spread its wings, blotting out the sky. With a deafening roar, the dragon launched into the air. The gusts swept loose stones across the ground,