“Harwin.” Rhaenyra sighed internally.
In the original story, he was her “secret lover.” She had borne him three bastards.
He was handsome enough.
The relationship was certainly messy.
Perhaps he could go and fight Criston Cole instead.
But she was no longer the young princess who would have fallen for him.
She pushed the thought aside.
“Since taking charge of King’s Landing, I have wanted to make a good start.
But the work never stops.
I meant to discuss the Gold Cloaks’ internal factions and management with you much earlier.” “As crown princess, I command two thousand Gold Cloaks.
I have yet to take action on that front.” “That is why I called you.
You are a newly appointed officer.
After all these days, you must have some insight into the Watch.” The City Watch, also known as the Gold Cloaks, was King’s Landing’s official garrison and law enforcement.
Theoretically, it fell under the Master of Laws, unless a particularly strong commander could sway the small council.
The Watch had two barracks.
The eastern barracks stood near the Dragon Gate.
The western barracks lay near the Shoemakers’ Square.
When trouble arose, knights would ride out to restore order.
The Gold Cloaks were closely tied to her uncle.
Daemon Targaryen had commanded them for a long time.
When he first took command, he found the Watch armed with outdated weapons and dressed in rags.
He equipped them with fine short swords and cudgels, black mail armor, and, for officers, breastplates.
To instill pride, he gave each man a golden cloak.
That was how the Gold Cloaks got their name.
Daemon had spared no effort to build an elite force in the capital.
His skills in command and in winning loyalty were unmatched.
Most of the Gold Cloaks, especially the rank-and-file, admired Daemon.
They were his staunchest supporters.
That was why he had been so confident when he told Rhaenyra to try commanding them.
The Gold Cloaks were not just a well-armored force.
They were the Iron Throne’s crucial control over King’s Landing.
Tyrion once said his sister Cersei commanded only three thousand and seven blades in the city: three thousand Gold Cloaks and seven Kingsguard.
The Watchmen wore thick woolen cloaks dyed gold.
Their armor, boots, and gauntlets were black.
Officers wore black breastplates adorned with four golden disks.
They served as guards, infantry, and even cavalry when needed.
They wielded hammers, black-iron-tipped spears, and longswords.
Versatile.
Skilled on foot and horseback.
Rhaenyra had long coveted this valuable force.
She saw it as her rightful prize.
She would not let others take it from her.
“Ser Strong, what is the current state of the Watch?
Who commands the officers now that Daemon has left?” “Princess.” Harwin straightened.
“Ser Roderick Roslyg is currently issuing orders and patrolling the gates.
He was Daemon Targaryen’s subordinate.
The rank-and-file support him most.” “There are also officers under Ser Galwyn Hightower, Lord Otto’s eldest son.
Most of the mid- and high-ranking officers favor him.
It is said he and Daemon clashed during the prince’s command.
But now that Daemon has left, the two factions seem to be reconciling.” “The third group is a handful of independent officers and soldiers who refuse to take sides.
They are a minority and are often excluded.” Rhaenyra’s eyes did not hide her interest.
Harwin smiled wryly.
“Yes, I am among the excluded.
That is why I know so much.” “Then I have found the right person.” Rhaenyra smiled.
“Ser Strong, I wish to bring the Gold Cloaks under my control as soon as possible.
Palace guards and knights cannot govern the city forever.
What do you think?” “Your wisdom is clear, Princess.
But these two thousand are not a monolith.
They are a determined lot.” Harwin had some faith in her, but not much.
He instinctively tried to temper her expectations.
“What Daemon could do, I can do as well.
The only question is what to do with the Hightower officers.”