(Ellion's POV)
"You have the privileges of a Knight of House Targaryen." King Aerys said as we walked down the halls, "You can come and go as you wish from The Red Keep."
I was walking alongside, followed by Ser Arthur and Ser Gerold Hightower. I could feel their tense stares from behind, their eyes piercing through my neck as we walked.
The King seemed to be in a good mood, but I could not get a good read on him. Everything was too good to be true, if I am being honest. I don't think I would be in his good graces in exchange for something big. I really had to be on guard when it came to this man; his madness really hasn't taken over, but I know it was about time.
I nodded, "Yes, Your Grace." I said, "Thank you."
"You can use the Training Yard as you desire." King Aerys said, "Because I personally Knighted you, your status as Ser Ellion has more prestige than most knights. Of course, with the exception of my son and the Kingsguard themselves. However, I do think the Kingsguard will see you as a potential equal, considering you unhorsed Ser Arthur during the joust."
We made a turn, making our way to the hall that led to the secret gardens.
"Of course, I will never consider myself superior the Kingsguard." I said, resting my hand on the handle of my blade, "They are the best of the best, obviously."
The two behind me didn't say anything; their expressions and demeanor stayed neutral. With my observation haki, I could sense that they were completely composed, which was expected of them.
"You will you own chambers here, but where the Knights reside." Aerys continued, "I expect you will serve House Targaryen with utmost loyalty."
I nodded, "Yes, Your Grace."
Obviously, that loyalty comes at a price.
Several minutes later, we reached the Secret Gardens, where there were servants roaming about. King Aerys walked in front of us, his entire demeanor was that of a confident King, who had just won a great victory. I could see the wicked grin on his face, it was a bit unsettling. Despite that, I didn't sense any shred of malice or madness from it.
That is what bothered me.
This man was known as the Mad King, or he would be at least. But right now, it didn't seem like he was that way. I wouldn't be surprised if he was kind of a prick, but that's every King if I am being honest.
Aerys stopped and turned to face me, "Seeing that I have granted you my favor." He said, "I expect that you might abuse that. Make no mistake, you will be punished should you overstep. Unless I personally order you to do something, make sure you stay out of trouble."
I nodded, "Of course." I said, "I don't plan on causing trouble, Your Grace."
"Hm." He said, "I've told the Lord-Commander that your skills as a swordsman rival both Ser Arthur and Ser Barristan. Ser Gerold is on their level, of course, so that puts you on his level. Ser Gerold, your thoughts on the young knight?"
"He carries himself with confidence, Your Grace." I heard Ser Gerold speak, "And Ser Arthur vouches for his skills. You obtained a fine warrior, indeed."
Aerys smirked slightly, "Yes." He said, "While the Kingsguard are my line of defense, Ser Ellion will be my vanguard, executing the King's Justice as my blade."
He stepped closer to me as I turned to face the two Kingsguard. I noticed that Ser Arthur shifted on his feet, resting his hand on the handle of his sword.
"Of course, I expect the two of you to have opinions." Aerys said, "I give you permission to speak, Sers."
"His Grace's orders are absolute." Ser Gerold said, "You will hear no protests from me."
"Make no mistake, Ser Gerold." Aerys said, "I have no intention of abusing Ellion's skills. I don't think he'd enjoy killing innocents. No, that is not what I intend to do."
"Ser Arthur informed me you only wish to strike down your enemies should the need come." Ser Gerold said, "Anyone who opposes the Crown must be punished, Your Grace. Ser Ellion is still young, I hope that despite his skills, he grows and matures as a Knight and as a Man."
"That is why I am glad that he has experienced peers to guide him." Aerys said, "But all of that being said, Ser Ellion will represent the Crown."
"I hear that he was Old Lyonel's squire." Ser Gerold said
Aerys nodded, "Indeed."
"That tells me everything I must know." Ser Gerold gave me a nod, "He was a good man."
"That, he was." I said
Aerys clapped, "Alright, boy." He said, "Let us take a walk."
He turned me around and patted my back, urging me to walk forwards. As I walked, I could see that he had a mischievous smile.
Something told me that he had something in mind for me.
"Your Grace?" I said
"Listen, Ellion." Aerys said, "I am well aware of your nature, boy. So I will make a deal with you. Be my blade and I shall reward you. Now that we are in the capital, you are well within my reach. That means that anything that happens, I can personally dismiss it."
"I am afraid I don't understand." I said
"It won't look good if I send a Kingsguard or any other Knight of high caliber down to the city and cut down someone discreetly." He said, "If you can understand what I am saying."
I nodded, "Right."
"During my times as an adulterer, I might have angered a few people here and there." He said, "But because of others convincing me to not make much of a scene, I never acted upon their sneers and glares. Which makes this quite easier for the both of us."
I stopped, "You want me to kill someone for you?"
"Mayhaps." He said with a slight smirk, "Old Lyonel convinced me not to ruthlessly cut anyone down simply because of my lustful nature. But that is in the past. There are few that crossed me during those times, so I want the satisfaction of vengeance."
"Hm...." I said
"If you come to meet them, you'll find them unfit to live among my people. You'd be doing my city a favor." Aerys said, "Do that.....and I will allow you to have any of my servants. Maiden or not, you can have your pick."
"Look around and see the beauties I have gathered."