Midnight Rain // Aemond Targaryen // Aegon II Targaryen (1)

38. Driftmark

Viserys was getting his daily treatments as per usual when Otto came in to check on the kings status. Birds were chirping in the early morning sunlight.

"I want to have supper, Otto." Viserys remarked.

'It is the morning, Your Grace.'' Otto said gently

''Tonight. The whole of my family... are gathered at the Red Keep. I want us...'' Viserys struggled to keep his breath. ''to dine together.'' He groaned as he moved, the pain to much.

''Bring milk of the poppy.'' Otto instructed.

''No. Just arrange the supper.'' Viserys murmured

+

''Though it is the great hope of this court that Lord Corlys Velaryon survive his wounds, we gather here with the grim task of dealing with the succession of Driftmark. As Hand, I speak with the King's voice on this and all other matters.'' Otto remarked sitting proudly on the throne. "The crown will now hear the petitions. Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon." He decreed. Vaemond moved to Aisha running a hand over her head.

"Hello sweetie." He whispered. "So beautiful, if your father could see you now."

"Hi uncle Vaemond." Aisha said softly before he turned to Otto.

''My Queen. My Lord Hand.'' Vaemond said setting forward. ''The history of our noble houses extends beyond the Seven Kingdoms to the days of Old Valyria. For as long as House Targaryen has ruled the skies, House Velaryon has ruled the seas. When the Doom fell on Valyria, our houses became the last of their kind. Our forebearers came to this new land, knowing that were they to fail, it would mean the end to their bloodlines and their name." Rhaenys held back the groan as she hated having to defend her claim, her grandchildrens claim against Vaemond. She hated that Aisha loved her uncle. Hated that she felt this unspoken distance between herself and Aisha as she stood with the Targaryen's. Aisha was a Targaryen, she was a Targaryen. Aisha leaned back into Aemond as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Aegon glared over at them. Aisha caught his gaze and it softened immediately when she locked eyes with him.

''I have spent my entire life on Driftmark defending my brother's seat. I am Lord Corlys's closest kin, his own blood. The true, unimpeachable blood of House Velaryon runs through my veins." Vaemond went on.

''As it does in my sons, the offspring of Laenor Velaryon. If you cared so much about your house's blood, Ser Vaemond, you would not be so bold as to supplant its rightful heir.'' Rhaenys spoke up. ''No, you only speak for yourself and for your own ambition.'' Rhaenys declared.

''You will have chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra. Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard''. Alicent told her kindly but Rhaenys heard the bitterness breaking through her false smiles.

''What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess?'' Vaemond countered ''I could cut my veins and show it to you and you still wouldn't recognize it. This is about the future and survival of my house, not yours.'' Vaemond turned back to Otto and Alicent. ''My Queen, my Lord Hand. This is a matter of blood, not ambition. I place the continuation of the survival of my house and my line above all. I humbly put myself before you as my brother's successor... the Lord of Driftmark and Lord of the Tides.''

''Thank you, Ser Vaemond. Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son, Lucerys Velaryon.'' Otto informed her and Rhaenyra stepped forward a heavy breath in her lungs. Aisha looked to Luke, she knew he wasn't a fan of the waters, he got sick sea, he was telling her that on their journey here he was nervous just looking at the water. Aisha couldn't help but think that she would make a better lady of driftmark. After all she was one with the waves. But she hoped that her father was out there fighting to get home still.