The Fire That Burns Within US - Aemond Targaryen

Petitions

135 - Red Keep

Visenya could not sleep the night before. She is nervous about the petitions. She is nervous that this will be the last straw and the damage will be beyond repair for her family.

Ben had spent the morning helping her get ready; the queen dared to send Visenya a green dress for her to wear, and Visenya had joked about letting Morghon burn it. She went with a simple outfit, a loose fighting red undershirt, black pants, and a black dragon-scaled chest plate that had been a gift from Cregan. Ben had made sure to put minor details into her braids, some that only he could notice, but he knew that having the braids in her hair made Visenya feel strong and was a form of protection for the girl. Ben is almost dressed the same as Visenya; the only notable difference is the raven emblem on his chest plate. Since Ben had let his hair grow out in their time in the North, Visenya had put small little braids into his hair, and some are just simple three-strand braids while some are like hers and have red cloth braided into them.

Visenya had insisted on them both bringing their respective weapons, her sword and his hammer. Ben had first complained about carrying the hammer around all day, but a stern look from Visenya made it clear that she would not budge on this. The two walk down the stairs, and Visenya feels like she can not breathe. Ben grabs ahold of her arm and stops them from walking.

"I don't see why I have to bring my hammer, Zaldrīzes," Ben once again complains. He thought it might be seen as a sign of aggression or that they would be spilling blood, and he does want to cause unnecessary conflict between the family.

"Because knowing this family, there will be bloodshed, and if there is, I need to make sure my brothers and cousins are safe," Viseneya tells him. She knows that Daemon would protect her mother before anyone else in the room, but her brothers, while they may carry swords, have never actually needed to hurt someone. On the other hand, Ben has killed just as many people as Visenya, and she knows that a small part of him aches for blood.

"And who will be protecting you?" Ben ask. The offended look on Visenya's face tells him that the question is stupid.

"I will, " Visenya scoffs out, and Ben smiles as her nervous manner vanishes. He knows how to get her mind off of her nerves.

Ben follows after Visenya as she descends the stairs, different Lords and Ladies of the court are making their way into the throne room. Most probably excited about the family drama that was about to happen. Visenya stops at the bottom of the stairs and looks into the throne room. From what she can see, the different sides have already been made, and small groups have formed among the family. Ben walks up behind Visenya and looks over the heads of all the Lords and Ladies, he has never actually seen the Iron Thrones, but from what he can see, he doesn't understand why everyone wants it so bad. It's just a chair made of swords.

"We don't need to go. Say the word, and we can leave, go so far north that no one will ever find us," Ben whispers to Visenya, and he can hear her sigh. He knows she won't take the offer, but it was worth mentioning.

Visenya shakes her head, and Ben takes the answer, he moves to stand beside Visenya, and they walk into the throne room together. Now that she is farther into the room, she can see who has sided with who. Closest to the door is her grandmother with Baela. Visenya isn't surprised that her cousin has sided with Rhaenys. Vaemond Velaryon stands with no support, just his sworn shield.

The greens stand closest to the throne. Aegon seems bored, Helaena is trapped in her mind, Alicent has her hands folded in front of her stomach, Ser Cristion stands behind Alicent, and he keeps his eyes trained on Visenya and Ben, Otto is standing in front of the throne, and Aemond stands farthest back. Visenya lets her eye go to him, and she gives him a quick smile, but he doesn't offer one in return. He keeps his eyes forward.