What was written in fate has happened Queen died in childbirth with the prince.
Jaymee came to Rodrik chambers with solemn steps as though he was carrying a heavy burden. Rodrik understood from the walk of Jaymee that what was supposed to happen has happened. He didn't look up but Jaymee after some time said " Queen has died in labour & with her the child has also passed"
Rodrik ink strokes stalled he stayed still for some time then just muttered barely audible to anyone " Now the game begins".
The news of Queen Aemma Arryn's death spread like wildfire through the Red Keep. The air hung heavy with silence, broken only by whispers of mourning and dread. The birthing bed had become her battlefield, and like many noblewomen before her, she had not survived the fight. The halls that had once echoed with her gentle voice were now filled with sorrow and apprehension.
In the Queen's chambers, the scene was grim. Blood soaked the sheets. Maesters scurried about, useless in the face of death. King Viserys stood frozen, his eyes hollow and fixed on the lifeless form of his wife. His hand trembled, not from grief alone, but from the knowledge that he had chosen this—he had ordered the child be cut from her to save it. The baby, a boy, had not survived past the hour. Aemma and the heir she bore were both lost.
The King did not speak for hours. When he finally emerged, his hair unkempt, face pale and lined with sorrow, he seemed a shell of the ruler he had been. The weight of grief had taken root in his heart, and those around him were careful not to provoke it.
Princess Rhaenyra was devastated. She had raced to the Queen's chambers upon hearing the cries, only to be pulled away before she could see her mother's face. King has made a choice in the greedy of an heir & lost everything because of that. The loss twisted inside Rhaenyra, an ache deeper than she could comprehend. She retreated into herself, finding solace only in Syrax, the dragon who mirrored her fury and sorrow.
In a quiet moment after the pyre was prepared, Viserys met with Rhaenyra. The two stood before the flames that would take Aemma and the infant prince to the skies. "I failed her," he whispered, his voice barely carrying over the crackling fire. Rhaenyra said nothing, her lips trembling. The King looked into her eyes and saw strength—strength he had overlooked. "You are the only thing I have left of her," he said. It was here he began to think of succession, though he spoke none of it aloud.
The court was in disarray. Otto Hightower, ever the opportunist, began pressing Viserys to name a new heir. Ser Harrold Westerling stood vigil with his Kingsguard, aware that the realm now danced on the edge of uncertainty. Ser Criston Cole's victory over Daemon in the tourney had drawn much attention, but it paled in comparison to the looming question: who would inherit the throne?
It was a question Daemon Targaryen tried to answer with jest. In a brothel, drunk and arrogant, he toasted to "the heir for a day." Word reached Viserys through Otto, and the King's fury was swift. He summoned his brother, and in a confrontation laced with fury and heartbreak, he banished Daemon from the court. "You chose to sully her memory," Viserys said, his voice shaking. "Leave, and do not return until I command it."
The decision had been made.
In the Red Keep's Dragonpit, a ceremony was held. Lords of the realm gathered as Viserys formally named Princess Rhaenyra his heir. Among those present was Lord Rodrik Arryn. Standing with poise, his face composed yet solemn, he understood the moment's weight. As Rhaenyra stepped forward, kneeling before the Iron Throne, Viserys looked upon her with pride and sorrow mingled.
Rodrik stepped forward when called. He bowed deeply and declared, "I, Rodrik of House Arryn, Lord of the Vale, do swear fealty to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, first of her name, rightful heir to the Iron Throne. My sword, my voice, and my house are hers, from this day to her last day."
Rodrik who always thought that vows are meaningless in this world when said those words felt disgusted with himself for not doing anything to the girl who will need to face the world alone & him who even though willing can't help her.
Rhaenyra, taken aback by his sincerity & witnessing the sadness in his eyes, gave the faintest of nods. Around them, the other lords followed suit. Yet unease lingered in the air, for though words of loyalty were spoken, not all hearts believed them.
Rodrik standing beside Jaymee after taking the vows asked him " Hey Jaymee, Do you smell something"
Jaymee confused by this question try to smell something unusual & said " I smell nothing what do you mean?"
On which Rodrik says " I smell something rotten from within me & I smell it more & more we stay in Kingslanding let leave after this I don't want to stay here anymore"
Jaymee got worried after hearing such remarks but just nodded his head because he didn't know what to say to such comments.