Chapter 555: Prince Aegon

"Aegon?"

The name Aegon had long been absent from Viserys' ears.

In this world, there existed two 'Aegons.' One is now known as Aegon Targaryen, while the other is Jon Snow.

Viserys had visited the latter, the 'younger Aegon,' under various pretexts.

King's Landing was currently a nexus for individuals whose influence on history was monumental—like Theon Greyjoy, who by some accounts had a better claim to the Iron Islands than Euron Greyjoy, also resided here.

The Stark children had a complex dynamic. Robb Stark, the eldest son of the Lord of Winterfell, naturally held the highest status among his siblings.

He favored his brother Brandon and took good care of his father's bastard, Jon Snow. However, he looked down upon his foster brother, Theon, as he was not a true 'Stark.'

As a native of the Iron Islands, Theon dared not defy Robb, yet he had little respect for Jon Snow, which he masked well.

Theon envisioned himself as the future Lord of Pyke, while Robb would rule Winterfell. Jon Snow, as a bastard, would inherit nothing.

Overall, Jon Snow left a favorable impression on Viserys. A shy boy with dark hair, Jon sought the approval of his siblings but was often alienated due to his status.

Viserys had visited this young man but had not taken him away.

The other Aegon claimed to be the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Princess Elia Martell of Dorne, the younger brother to Princess Rhaenys.

He had come to King's Landing long ago to learn military strategy from his uncle Viserys. However, Viserys did not take him under his wing.

Thus, Aegon remained in King's Landing, marginalized, unable to ascend to the Iron Throne like his sister Rhaenys.

Dorne seemed to support Rhaenys and Queen Arianne Martell more, as both sons and daughters had equal inheritance rights in Dorne.

Before the birth of Viserys' eldest daughter, Daenerys was the designated heir, then Rhaenys, and then Aegon. But with Princess Daenerys' birth, Aegon's claim was further marginalized.

Moreover, Aegon's parentage remained a mystery. Silver hair and purple eyes were not unique in Essos, and his claims were met with skepticism.

Thus, Aegon was sidelined, with rumors circulating that he was a 'false dragon.'

However, Aegon had not been idle in King's Landing. Brought up with noble education, he had won the hearts of the local nobility and the starving populace by distributing food.

It was during this time that Aegon met the Sparrows, who approved of his charitable deeds and subtly badmouthed his uncle Viserys.

They accused Viserys of impiety towards the Seven and blamed him for the homelessness and hunger in King's Landing.

However, they failed to mention how Viserys had stopped the Night King and led humanity to victory.

The Sparrows attributed this to the Seven hearing the cries of their followers and intervening.

Upon hearing these ideas, Aegon felt uneasy and left Flea Bottom, avoiding the Sparrows for days.

But a few days later, Aegon was cornered by some Sparrows. They claimed they meant no harm; someone wished to meet him.

And so, Aegon ended up meeting this person—an elderly, lean man with grey hair, who was washing his clothes.

Upon Aegon's greeting, the man paused, wiped his forehead, and turned to look at Aegon.

"Welcome, heir to the Iron Throne," said the High Sparrow, his gaze stern yet filled with kindness.

His voice was neither pleasant nor melodious, but it offered a sense of security.

Aegon felt uneasy. "Pardon me for interrupting, but my uncle seems to favor my sister more?"

Everyone knew Viserys favored Rhaenys and had practically designated her as his heir, especially now that Princess Daenerys had been born.

"Affection is the enemy of duty," said the grey-haired elder, shaking his head.

"Subjects bow to their lords, lords bow to their king, and kings must bow to the Seven. According to the Holy Seven-Pointed Star, until a male heir is born, you are the heir to the Iron Throne, Prince Aegon," declared the High Sparrow, his gaze intense.