A Song of Ice and Fire | Aegon Targaryen

Ch 30: Heir to Driftmark

"They tell you that you're lucky, but you're so confused, 'cause you don't feel pretty, you just feel used"

Aegon and I walked to the throne room in silence as my heart felt as if it was going to jump out of my chest. Ser Arryk opened the doors for us as we walked in. 

"Princess Visenya Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne and Princess of Dragonstone!" He yelled. 

I rubbed my hands together, anxiously as everyone we passed by bowed. Moments later Alicent and Otto came in. Aemond and Helaena had stayed in their chambers for the day after the events from the day before. 

I turned as the doors opened again. Rhaenyra walked in with Daemon by her side, Jacaerys, Lucerys and Valaena were behind her. Jacaerys looked at me with soft eyes while Valeana looked at me with hatred. I looked away, inching a tad bit closer to Aegon. 

"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" Otto said. "As Hand, I speak with the King's voice on this and all other matters."

He sat down on the Iron Throne as I looked at Valaena again, who refused to look at me. 

"The crown will now hear the petitions" he said. "Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon."

Vaemond stepped forward looking at Alicent and I.

"My Queen, Princess" he said. "My Lord Hand. 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 ruled the seas."

I sighed listening to his telling of history.

"I have spent my entire life on Driftmark defending my brothers seat. I am Lord Corlys closest kin, his own blood. The true unimpeachable blood of House Velaryon runs through my veins" he said.

"As it does in my sons, the offspring of Laenor Velaryon. If you cared so much about your houses blood, Ser Vaemond, you would not be so bold as to supplant its rightful heir" Rhaenyra said. "Now, you only speak for yourself and for your own ambitions."

"You will have chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra" I said. "Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard."

Vaemond looked at me smirking before turning to Rhaenyra.

"What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess?" He asked. "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."

He turned back to Otto.

"My Queen, Princess, Lord Hand. This is a matter of blood, not ambition" he said. "I place the continuation of the survival of my house and my live above all. I humbly put myself before you as my brothers successor.. the Lord of Driftmark and Lord of the Tides."

"Thank you, Ser Vaemond" Otto said. "Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son Jacaerys Velaryon."

I looked at Aegon who placed his hand in mine. Before Rhaenyra got the chance to speak, the doors opened and the King appeared.

"King Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm" Ser Erryk said.

I watched as my grandfather walked, slowly to the Iron Throne. I went to his side, holding my hand for him to take as he shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Your Grace, but I was not asking" I said.

I put my hand on his back, helping him walk to the throne as he went to look up at Rhaenyra. We got to the stairs as he walked the first alone, his crown falling. I quickly grabbed it, helping him up the rest of the stairs before placing the crown on his head.

"My dear Visenya" he whispered.

I smiled before walking down the steps to take my place back in between Alicent and Aegon.

"I must.. admit.. my confusion" he said. "I do not understand why petitions are being heard over a settled succession. The only one present.. who might offer keener insight into Lord Corlys wishes is the Princess Rhaenys."

I looked at Rhaenys who was standing beside Baela, who she had taken in as a ward.

"Indeed, Your Grace" she said. "It was ever my husbands will that Driftmark pass through Ser Laenor to his true born son.. Jacaerys Velaryon. His mind never changed. Nor did my support of him. As a matter of fact, the Princess Rhaenyra has just informed me of her desire to marry her sons Jace and Luc to Lord Corlys granddaughters, Baela and Rhaena. A proposal to which I heartily agree."

My head snapped to Jacaerys who was already looking at me. I looked at Alicent who was slightly shaking her head, she was clearly angry. I knew her and Otto wanted to change the succession to Vaemond. I agreed with them, as much as Rhaenyra was defensive about it, Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Valaena were not true Velaryons. 

"Well.. the matter is settled... again" the King said. "I hereby reaffirm Prince Jacaerys of House Velaryon as heir to Driftmark, the Driftwood Throne, and the next Lord of the Tides."

"You dare say who gets to inherit the Velayron name? I will not allow it" Vaemond said. "That is no true Velaryon, and certainty no nephew of mine."

"Jacaerys is my true born grandson. And you.. are no more than the second son of Driftmark" he said.

"You.. may run your house as you see fit... but you will not decide the future of mine" Vaemond said. "My house survived the Doom and a thousand tribulations besides. And gods be damned.. I will not see it ended on the account of this-"

My eyes went wide realizing what he was about to say. He was glaring at Daemon, who was daring him to say it.

"Her children.. are bastards!" He yelled.

My mouth gaped open as he continued on. No one was so willing to say it aloud, in front of many spectators. 

"And she.. is.. a whore" he said.

Everyone in the room gasped as my grandfather stood up, taking his blade out.

"I.. will have your tongue for that" he said.

Within a few seconds, Daemon took his sword to slice Vaemonds head in half. I jumped as Aegon put his arms around me.

"He can keep his tongue" Daemon said.

"Disarm him!" Otto yelled.

Alicent ran to the King who fell back onto the Iron Throne. She called for maesters as two knights helped him out of the hall.