Tied Together With A Smile // Aegon Targaryen

10. Should We Clap?

"Okay how about this, we are having a succession court today, come and see how useless I am here." Aegon declared. "Then if you still think I have purpose and value here... I will accept that."

"Really?"

"No, I will miss you and my life will lose purpose without you." Aegon corrected honestly.

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 survives 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.

"Just so you know Rocket and Groot were very upset that they were not invited to this and are probably sacking the rooms now for anything they think will sell back home." cassie whispered leaning back into Aegon.

"That's completely fine." Aegon assured wrapping his arms around her.

''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.

"So her husband was his nephew but he died and he doesnt think their children-" Peter began.

"Remain ignorant." Cassie whispered back. "Aegon started explaining and it's just... gross. Gross. That is the only way to describe it."

"Like how the man you are fucking is married to his sister." Peter recalled.

"Just keeps getting weirder." Cassie assured.

''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.

"I mean didnt Steve date Peggy and Sharon? Grandmother... aunt peggy? Was it her Aunt peggy and... Steve would have liked it here." Cassie decided as she clamped her lips shut.

''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.'' Rhaenyra spoke up. ''No, you only speak for yourself and for your own ambition.'' Rhaenyra 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 Rhaenyra heard the bitterness breaking through her false smiles.

"Drama between those two." Peter remarked.

"Yep." Aegon agreed.

''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.''