Summary

Rhaenyra’s supporters doubled as Aegon II’s supporters diminished. The king started drinking heavily and then named Ser Criston Cole Hand of the King. Two identical twin brothers had served Viserys on the Kingsguard, but Ser Arryk remained loyal to Aegon, and Erryk was loyal to Rhaenyra. Aegon sent Arryk to Dragonstone to impersonate his brother and kill the young princes in retaliation, but Erryk spotted him and the brothers fought until their deaths. Criston Cole organized a series of attacks in the Riverlands.

When Rhaenys, now 55, arrived on her dragon, Aegon and Aemond surprised her with their dragons. The three fought in the air and only Aemond, Aegon, and his dragon survived, though Aegon was so badly burnt he remained in bed for the rest of the year and his dragon could...