Content Warning: The source material in this section includes suicide, sexual assault, other forms of gender-based violence, and ableist language.

Aegon III was 12 when Tyland died. The young king tried to assert himself by making appointments to fill the gaps on the regents and small council, but Unwin Peake, now the Hand, countermanded the orders. As Hand, Protector of the Realm, and Lord Regent, Peake installed family members and favorites in the Kingsguard and other key roles. He created a personal guard called the Hand’s Fingers.

Then Queen Jaehaera died by suicide. Rumors flew that she died of murder. Gyldayn speculates that Unwin was behind the murder. Seven days after Jaehaera’s funeral, Unwin told the king that he would be marrying Myrielle, Unwin’s daughter. The councils intervened. Unwin was forced to organize what Mushroom called “the Maiden’s Day Cattle Show” (647). The daughters of every house paraded in front of the king. Many potential rivals were killed, raped, and maimed before the ball, and Unwin was rumored to be behind the violence. Baela and Rhaena disrupted the ball to present their distant cousin, six-year-old Daenaera Velaryon, as the chosen bride. Unwin called this folly, but the regents forced his hand.