"Remember this."
Aegon spoke mildly, then drew a deep breath and abruptly raised his voice. Together with "White Hart's Blessing" and "King of the Wild Dragons," it carried an unquestionable authority.
"I am the true dragon of House Targaryen, born through 'midsummer birth,' with a 'gold dragon companion,' 'Blessed by the Seven,' and granted the 'White Hart's favor'-"
When he recited his first title, Joffrey still held his sword up through gritted teeth, and the guards behind him barely maintained their formation;
But when he reached the second, "Gold dragon companion," the guards who had raised their swords alongside him were already exchanging glances, their grips loosening;
And when he reached the third, "Blessed by the Seven," some busybodies in the crowd had already begun counting on their fingers, silently tallying just how many titles this little prince had.
"I am also the legitimate descendant of His Grace Aegon Targaryen, First of His Name, 'The Conqueror'; great-grandson of Jaehaerys Targaryen, First of His Name, the 'Good King,' and Alysanne Targaryen, the 'Good Queen'; and grandson of Baelon Targaryen, the 'Prince of the Dawn'-"
He went on without pausing for breath, his voice echoing in the sea breeze. Every word was as distinct as a nail driven into a plank, hammering heavily against every heart.
"And the son of our reigning sovereign, His Grace Viserys Targaryen, First of His Name, the 'Young King'; nephew of Prince Daemon Targaryen, known to the world as the 'Rogue Prince'-"
Not far away, Daemon sat astride Caraxes, casually tidying the stray hairs singed by dragonfire.
Unexpectedly hearing his own name, he paused outright, then raised his eyebrows in understanding, an amused smile curling his lips.
"And also the cousin's son of this island's mistress, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the 'Uncrowned Queen'-"
Seated on Meleys's broad back,