Chapter 498: Daenerys Targaryen

The imminent birth of the Queen was the most significant event in the Red Keep.

Several months had passed since Viserys took the Iron Throne. This period had been a time of rest and recuperation for his soldiers. Endless wars would devastate Westeros' economy and the morale of its people.

Under Viserys's guidance, the Small Council had been drafting new decrees for the realm. But everything was postponed due to the Queen's impending childbirth. Even Viserys set aside his tasks.

He'd intended to journey beyond the Wall soon, seeking the Three-Eyed Raven's counsel and assessing the North, still under the grip of the Cold God's power.

When Viserys's mental power reached a certain threshold, he began to glimpse realms previously hidden from him. Once, Melisandre had sacrificed herself, and through the flames and her union with the Red Priestess, Viserys felt the power of the Lord of Light, witnessing realms only gods could see.

These intertwined powers still lingered, with the Cold God's influence hovering over the North, showing no signs of departure.

Melisandre prophesied that the White Walkers hadn't been truly defeated and might return in five years. The Small Council's lords scoffed at her words, but Viserys believed, having witnessed it himself, from a unique vantage point.

Viserys had planned to launch a second conquest war after the public trial of Robert and others. Yet, the Queen's early childbirth disrupted all his plans. The silver-haired young man, anxious, awaited outside the birthing room.

Childbirth in this era was perilous. Viserys's own mother died giving birth to Daenerys. But the Queen might fare better, with the best midwives in the Red Keep attending her.

The nobility and the council wished to wait outside, but Viserys refused them. Childbirth wasn't a political display. Arianne was his wife, and he wished for her to birth safely, undisturbed.

Only a select few waited with Viserys. Rhaenys, Arianne's cousin; the Sand Snakes, her closest friends; and her younger brother, Prince Quentyn Martell of Dorne.

Robb and Sansa Stark were present too. Robb, to Catelyn's wishes, now served as a squire to Viserys. Sansa, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Arianne. Even if a bit clumsy, such arrangements helped foster relations between nobles.

Robb, once the proud heir of Winterfell, now felt like an outcast. Especially after the North's fall, many pitied him. The young Stark, with wolf's blood in his veins, seethed in anger. Yet, Sansa adapted quicker, preferring the grandeur of King's Landing over Winterfell's cold.

Suddenly, a baby's cry echoed from the birthing room. The waiting crowd outside tensed.

A midwife emerged, joyfully declaring, "Congratulations, Your Grace. It's a princess."

News of Queen Arianne giving birth to Princess Daenerys spread, overshadowing even Oberyn's victory at Red Lake. The birth of an heir was a sign of stability, reassuring Viserys's followers.

The common folk, traders, and knights discussed the event. The most debated topic? The princess's name. Some suggested "Rhaenys" or "Naerys," but the name chosen was "Daenerys," resembling a mythical Moon Goddess.

A grand tourney was announced to celebrate Princess Daenerys's first name-day in a year. With a reward of ten thousand golden dragons, even commoners could participate.