My Tears Ricochet // Alicent Hightower

82. Fury Greeted Them

'' All hail Rhaenyra of House Targaryen, Princess of Dragons tone and heir to the Iron Throne and her royal consort, Prince Daemon Targaryen.'' Steffon Darklyn announced as they arrived at the capital.

''Welcome back, Princess.''

''Lord Caswell.'' Rhaenyra remarked as they walked inside. "I would say it's nice to be home, but I scarcely recognize it."

''Mm.'' Daemon agreed looking around it looked full of life and love and smiles, not the proper guards standing staring back at you with dull eyes. There was a dark peace over the land.

''We have continued to enjoy improved customs duties since the settling of the Step stones. And the extent to which we exploit those is contingent on the harbor master's receipts. Of which, um, uh, the, uh, septons have requested half that again for a bronze bust they wish to co... to commission for the, the Festival of the Mother, which I would not recommend." Beesbury said to the council.

'Thank you for that exhaustive accounting, Lord Beesbury." Davina told him, Alicent sat in Viserys spot. He rarely left his bed and he was in no shape to rule. Otto was the hand but everyone knew that Davina was in charge. Bored out of her mind but still in charge. 

''I remind you...'' but the door opened and Davina turned to the guard.

'' Your guests have arrived, Your Grace.'' Ser Barnes told Alicent and Davina's face pinched as she released a hot breath.

''I trust they've been welcomed... by Fury..." Davina mused.

''As you instructed, Princess.'' Barnes chuckled.

"Great." Davina agreed. "Need to give Fury a treat for that." Davina remarked with a sly smile. 

'' It was my understanding Lord Corlys wished for his grandson Lucerys to succeed him as Lord of the Tides. The boy has been raised most of his life away from Driftmark. He can fly a dragon, yes, but can he command a fleet?'' Grand master Orwyle reminded them.

''Ability does not alter his claim.'' Davina reminded him.

''The Sea Snake has never formally named him as heir, if it comes to that. The crown must choose what is best for the realm.''

'' He is Laenor's son. What grounds could there be...''

''What indeed, Lord Beesbury. What indeed.'' Otto agreed. Davina glanced to him holding her tongue. 

"The boys are wonderful, Laenor loved them before his untimely demise at his own wifes hand." Davina added. "Luke has the claim... or Jace depending on... well mysterious things Viserys kept hidden from everyone." There was an annoyed murmur. Everyone wanted to know. "They have the name and my support."

''We shall hear Rhaenyra's petition, along with those of the other claimants on the morrow." Alicent told them as she rose up

''But...' Beesbury tried again

''I do beg your pardon, my lords. I must greet our guests." Alicent told them stiffly.

''Shall we levy a tax on the sale of new wool?" Davina rolled her eyes.

"You can handle it." Davina agreed as she followed Alicent out.

''Your Grace, princess... a matter has arisen that requires your attention.'' Erryk said as they left the small council room.

" Whatever it is, Ser Arryk, it'll need to wait." Davina hissed she was already in a sour mood and didn't need more drama. "I need to start reminding daemon of my promises to remove his head..." Alicent grabbed her hand as they walked.

''I'm Erryk, princess.''

'Erryk, Arryk, honestly how can you tell if I'm saying the wrong name?" Davina mused nudging him with her shoulder.

"I can tell." Erryk told her.

"Of course you can." Davina agreed.

"What's wrong?" Alicent countered.

+

''Father?'' Rhaenyra asked approached his bed Viserys lay with wheezing breaths in his lungs.

" Who goes there?" Viserys questioned disoriented.

"Father. It's me, my King." Rhaenyra said sitting beside him on the bed. ''Rhaenyra.'

''Oh... Oh.'' Viserys answered opening his eyes

''I'm here with Daemon.'' Rhaenyra went on

''Daemon? Daemon?'' Viserys said recognizing the name but finding it hard to place it. ''Daemon.'' He agreed his brother. Viserys wheezed again. 'Help me up.'' With a groan Rhaenyra got him sitting up in bed his pillows propped up behind him.

''It has been so long.'' Viserys said with a heavy breath. ''The Sea Snake has taken a grave wound in battle in the Step stones."

''We won that war years ago.' Daemon reminded him

''No.'' Viserys said confused.

''The Triarchy is resurgent. The fighting is anew. And there is a p... There is a petition to decide upon the succession of Driftmark and the heir to the Driftwood Throne.'' Rhaenyra informed him and Viserys sighed deeply.

"Petitions? Davina and Alicent... they see to all that business now." Viserys remarked. "Otto too..." as though the hand of the king was an after thought.

'' No, brother, listen to me. You are to affirm your position for Lucerys to be Corlys Velaryon's successor." Daemon told him as the door swung open.

''Has something happened to Lord Corlys?'' Viserys questioned and Rhaenyra turned at the sound of her babies babbling behind them.

''Father... there's someone we wish to introduce you to. '' Rhaenyra told him as he counited with his labored breathing before them. He didn't look like a king anymore. His face weathered his eye gone, he was weak and fading quickly.

''Daemon.''

''Brother.'' Daemon answered softly.

''Who is that?' Viserys questioned looking to the silver haired babe before him

''Father... this is Aegon."

"Aegon." Viserys said through an exhale.

"And this... is Viserys." Rhaenyra told him

" Ah... Viserys. Oh." Viserys choked out a laugh. ''Now that is a name fit for a king.'' He laughed out but soon started coughing, the children were scared of his face. ''Oh... Oh, oh... Oh, I'm sorry.' Viserys said as the babies started crying. ''Oh, I'm sorry. I-I'm sorry.'' Viserys repeated. ''I'm so... Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sor... Please.'' Viserys took a heavy breath and mouthed. ''My tea... My tea.''

''What tea? This?'' Rhaenyra asked looking down at it.

''Yes. Yes. Yes.'' Viserys agreed taking a long sip as the children kept screaming.

"What did Davina do?" Daemon sneered.