Fall of King’s Landing
In the aftermath of Jacaerys Velaryon‘s death, Rhaenyra Targaryen was consumed by anger and hatred. With key enemies away from King’s Landing, she orchestrated a swift and brutal attack. Daemon Targaryen and his dragon Caraxes joined Rhaenyra on her dragon Syrax above the capital, while Corlys Velaryon’s fleet sailed into Blackwater Bay. Their takeover was swift and decisive.
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Rhaenyra’s forces ensured that no pleas for help could leave the city. Grand Maester Orwyle and messengers attempting to send aid were arrested or killed. Loyal guards at the city gates were overpowered, and King’s Landing fell in less than a day.
Lord Larys Strong fled with King Aegon II, Princess Jaehaera, and Prince Maelor. He sent Jaehaera to Storm’s End with Ser Willis Fell and Maelor to Lord Ormund Hightower with Ser Rickard Thorne.
Inside the city, Rhaenyra took her seat on the Iron Throne. Dowager Queen Alicent was spared, but her father, Ser Otto Hightower, was executed, along with Lord Jasper Wylde. Ser Tyland Lannister was tortured in an attempt to recover hidden gold. Rhaenyra summoned her remaining sons, Princes Joffrey and Aegon the Younger (as Viserys was believed to be dead), to King’s Landing.
Meanwhile, disagreements arose between Aemond Targaryen and Criston Cole at Harrenhal. Criston advocated for withdrawing south to join forces with Lord Ormund Hightower and Prince Daeron Targaryen, while Aemond wanted to attack the capital. Criston led the greens’ army south, while Aemond remained in the Riverlands, hoping to provoke Rhaenyra into sending a dragon after him.
As tensions escalated, Queen Alicent, now in chains, pleaded for peace. She proposed dividing the Seven Kingdoms between Rhaenyra and Aegon II, with Aegon ruling parts of the Reach, the Stormlands, and the Westerlands from Oldtown. Rhaenyra rejected these terms, citing the betrayal of her birthright and the lives of her sons stolen by Alicent’s family.
