Chapter 48: The Siege Begins

Spring, 301 AC

The black banners of House Targaryen rippled in the storm-laden winds as the ships of Aemon Targaryen's fleet loomed in the waters of Blackwater Bay. The sails bore the sigil of the three-headed dragon, a sight unseen in Westeros for over a century. The sea churned beneath the weight of destiny, and upon the shore, King's Landing stood defiant, its walls lined with Lannister soldiers, archers, and scorpions prepared for war.

Aemon stood at the bow of his flagship, clad in black and red armor, his silver-white hair whipping in the wind. Behind him, Daenerys Targaryen and Missandei watched in silence. In the distance, Ancalagon and Silverwing circled high above, their wings casting long shadows over the city. The fear in the defenders' eyes was evident even from this distance.

Jaime Lannister, commander of the city's defense, watched from the ramparts, his golden armor gleaming under the fading light. Tywin Lannister had reinforced King's Landing in preparation for this moment, and now, the full might of the Lannister army stood ready to resist the last dragon.

The War Council

Aemon and his commanders gathered in his tent on the shores outside the city walls. Oberyn Martell, his face alight with anticipation, leaned over the map of the city. Lord Vaemond Velaryon, ever the realist, traced possible weak points along the outer gates. Sansa Stark sat beside Aemon, her expression cold and distant as she gazed at the city where she had once been a prisoner. Arianne Martell stood near the back, observing quietly.

"The walls are reinforced," Jorah muttered. "Tywin has prepared for us. Even with dragons, breaching the gates will be no easy task."

Oberyn scoffed. "Then we don't waste time with gates. We let the dragons rip through their defenses."

Aemon remained thoughtful. "We need to control the city, not destroy it. If we burn it to the ground, what kingdom will we rule?"

Daenerys, seated beside him, nodded. "We strike with precision. No senseless destruction. We take the gates, secure the city, and claim the throne."

Aemon turned to Missandei. "Send the ravens. One final warning. They have until sunrise to surrender."

Varys Reveals Himself

As the council concluded, a shadow emerged from the edge of the tent. The unmistakable form of Varys, cloaked in his usual silks, stepped forward. His expression was unreadable, yet his presence alone sent a ripple of tension through the tent.

"My prince," he said smoothly, bowing his head. "It is good to finally stand before you."

Aemon studied him carefully. "You waited until now?"

Varys's lips twitched in a ghost of a smile. "I needed to be certain of your success. And now, I see the truth—I have bet on the wrong lions for too long."

Oberyn snorted. "And now you slither to the dragons?"

Varys inclined his head slightly. "I serve the realm. And the realm needs a just ruler."

Aemon was no fool. He knew Varys played the game better than most. But for now, his knowledge was valuable. "Then tell me, what do you offer?"

Varys stepped forward, unrolling a map of King's Landing. "The Red Keep has secret passageways, hidden tunnels that lead beyond the walls. I can ensure a way inside."

Aemon leaned over the table, eyes locked on Varys. "And why should I trust you?"

Varys met his gaze without hesitation. "Because if you win, my king, I wish to ensure I stand on the right side of history."

Aemon smirked. "Then you had better prove your worth."

The Final Warning

As the first light of dawn broke over King's Landing, ravens took flight from Aemon's camp, carrying the last message to the Red Keep.

To the people of King's Landing:

I am Aemon Targaryen, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. I offer you one final chance to surrender.

Lay down your arms, and no harm will come to those who yield. But resist, and you will face the wrath of dragons.

The choice is yours.

The ravens landed in the Red Keep, where Tywin read the words without emotion. Jaime clenched his fists, knowing there would be no surrender. The gates would hold, or they would die trying.

The battle for King's Landing had begun.