The Midsummer sunset spilled like molten gold over every stone of the Red Keep.
It was Aegon's fourth Name Day.
There were none of the blessings that had marked his birth, when the ceremony had been delayed half a month so the Faith of the Seven could elect a new High Septon, who then traveled to King's Landing to baptize him in person; nor was there the homage paid on his first Name Day, postponed until autumn so more than half the lords of the Seven Kingdoms could gather for a hunt in the Kingswood.
There was no tourney to match those earlier grand celebrations, let alone the singing and dancing that had lasted through the night at previous feasts.
Besides, barely half a month had passed since Viserys and Alicent's Fifth Anniversary Celebration. The nobles who had traveled from afar had long since begun their journeys home, returning to their respective lands one after another.
This time, Aegon's Name Day was nothing more than a simple family feast. Apart from the royal family, with Daemon absent, the only guests were the ministers of the Small Council and a handful of trusted courtiers and officials.
Yet it was the happiest Name Day Aegon had had in all his four years.
At yesterday's feast, as evening drew near, Viserys had set down his wine cup, cleared his throat, and addressed the assembled guests.
"I, Viserys I of House Targaryen, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, hereby announce at my son Aegon's Name Day feast that my eldest daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, shall, in accordance with royal tradition, be formally betrothed to my eldest son, Prince Aegon Targaryen. Their wedding shall take place when the prince reaches the