My Tears Ricochet // Alicent Hightower

89. Bloodline

Sweet but psycho /HOTD / Harley Quinn out now!

''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.

Davina looked to Daemon his shirt bloodied from his broken nose and the scowl he gave her.  Draeya held Aemond's hand but her head tipped into Haenry as the petition began. Davina held Haven as Alicent smiled back at Davina constantly. Not only was Davina her best friend but Davina was the strongest and bravest person she knew. If she could so elegantly handle both Rhaenyra and Daemon then maybe they could survive this. 

''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."

"Valyria, thats me." Valyria declared happily and Rhaegar snorted a laugh.

''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." Vaemond began. Rhaenys held back the groan as she hated having to defend her claim, her grandchildrens claim against Vaemond. She looked to Davina, ever the elegant and graceful, but Rhaenys knew her act, she knew her temper. Rhaenys had to play it smart if she was going to win not only Otto and the Queen's favor but Davina's favor. For everyone knew that the king and queen although holding the highest titles. Davina was always in charge of every room she walked into. 

''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.'' 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, Rhaenyra. Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard''. Davina told her kindly but Rhaenyra heard the bitterness breaking through her false smiles. Otto sat proud on the throne but Davina's voice broke through as though she was up there. The throne that would be Rhaenyra's. Yet Rhaenyra felt estranged here in the capital, Davina looked like she belonged.

"But-"

"Shut up Rhaenyra." Davina hissed. "I would hate for someone to have to remove your tongue because of your disrespectful behaviors." Rhaenyra glared back at her

"Thank you princess." Vaemond said tipping his head to her.

"Please. Go on." Davina encouraged. She wasnt the biggest fan of vaemond but she liked him better than Rhaenyra Rhaenys and Daemon combined. Otto glanced to Davina, having the most feared and loved Princess on their side against her own blood was certainly a win. Otto was glad to have Davina, even though he still wasnt certain of what Davina wanted. He knew Alicent and her had become like sisters over the years, constantly together but there was more to it. Nonetheless Otto was grateful, with Davina by their side, Otto felt invincible. 

''What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess?'' Vaemond declared. "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 Alicent and Davina. ''My Queen, my Princess, my 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. Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son, Lucerys Velaryon.'' Otto informed her and Rhaenyra stepped forward a heavy breath in her lungs.

''If I am to grace this farce with some answer, I will start by reminding the court that nearly 20 years ago, in this very...'' Rhaenyra began but Davina rose a hand silencing her.