Chapter 178: Rhaegar Is Knighted
At the end of 171 AC, a grand knighting ceremony was held in the Throne Room of the Red Keep in King's Landing.
The hall was filled with noise and splendor—glittering jewels, great lords and their ladies, renowned figures of King's Landing, wealthy merchants, and even envoys from across the Narrow Sea.
On this day, Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen would officially be knighted.
The ceremony was presided over by two of the most distinguished members of the Kingsguard: Ser Gerold Hightower, the Lord Commander, and Ser Barristan Selmy, the Bold.
Being knighted at such a young age was extremely rare. Most men earned their knighthood around eighteen, after years of service as squires. However, exceptions existed—especially for those who proved themselves in battle.
Daemon Blackfyre had famously been knighted at twelve by King Aegon IV after winning a tourney melee.
Rhaegar, also twelve, had never served as a squire—but his achievements far surpassed a mere tourney victory.
Daemon had defeated squires.
Rhaegar had conquered a sea.
King Jaehaerys II sat upon the Iron Throne, watching the ceremony with satisfaction.
Nearby stood Crown Prince Aerys and his wife, Lord Tywin Lannister and his lady, Lord Steffon Baratheon and his wife, along with many other high-ranking nobles.
The white-cloaked knights of the Kingsguard stood like statues, their presence commanding respect.
At the center of the hall, Ser Gerold Hightower and Ser Barristan Selmy drew their longswords and faced Rhaegar.
Their armor gleamed white, adorned with silver threads. Their shields rested on their arms, and their cloaks flowed behind them like pale banners.
Ser Gerold stepped forward first.
He placed his sword upon Rhaegar's right shoulder.
"In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave."
The blade moved to the left shoulder.
"In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just."
Then Ser Barristan stepped forward, placing his sword upon Rhaegar's right shoulder.
"In the name of the Mother, I charge you to protect the weak and the innocent."
The blade moved again.
"In the name of the Maiden, I charge you to protect all women."
He leaned closer and added quietly,
"Be a true knight, Your Grace—protect the weak, and act with honor."
Rhaegar gave a small nod.
Without honor, a knight was nothing more than a bandit.
Rhaegar rose to his feet.
From this moment onward, he was a knight of the Seven Kingdoms—Ser Rhaegar Targaryen.
He now held the right to knight others, to take squires, and to stand among the warrior elite of Westeros.
Among his young attendants were Myles Mooton, Jon Connington, and the youngest, Jaime Lannister, who still served as a page.
Rhaegar lifted his Valyrian steel sword—Orphan-Maker—its dark blade gleaming under the torchlight.
Combined with his striking appearance and calm confidence, he looked every bit the legendary prince people believed him to be.
The hall erupted into applause.
Cheers echoed through the Throne Room as nobles and ladies alike praised the young prince and the two knights who had conferred the honor.
A strong and capable heir was the greatest guarantee of a dynasty's future.
Rhaegar understood the importance of this moment.
Knighthood was not merely a title—it was deeply tied to faith and politics.
The traditions of knighthood came from the Andals, along with the Faith of the Seven. Though not all regions followed it strictly—such as the North or Dorne—it remained dominant across most of the realm.
Rhaegar himself did not truly believe in the Faith, but he understood the necessity of honoring its customs.
For commoners, knighthood was a path to advancement.
A knight could bear the title "Ser," display a personal coat of arms, participate in tournaments, inherit land, command men, and even rise to the Kingsguard.
For great lords, knighthood symbolized martial excellence and legitimacy.
In a land that respected strength above all, a warrior's reputation was everything.
"Well done, Ser Gerold. Ser Barristan," King Jaehaerys said, clearly pleased.
The assembled Kingsguard stood nearby:
Ser Gerold Hightower, the White Bull, Lord Commander
Ser Barristan Selmy, the Bold
Ser Harwin Grandison, aged but steadfast
Ser Oswell Whent, second son of House Whent
Ser Jon Darry, known for his kindness
And another elderly knight whose name Rhaegar barely recalled
Rhaegar noticed two notable absences.
Prince Lewyn Martell of Dorne.
And Ser Arthur Dayne.
Arthur Dayne was destined to become one of the greatest knights in the realm—perhaps even a future member of the Kingsguard.
As for Lewyn Martell, his situation was more complicated. Unless bound by political marriage, the Dornish prince was unlikely to take the white cloak willingly. His presence in King's Landing was less about honor and more about protecting Princess Elia Martell.
King's Landing was not a safe place.
It was a court of ambition, intrigue, and hidden blades.
A true den of wolves.
And now, standing among them, Ser Rhaegar Targaryen had officially taken his place in that world.
The game had only just begun.
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