The Green Flame

Chapter 19. The Petition of the Driftmark Succession

Rhaenys stood in the Godswood, staring up at the weirwood tree. Tears streamed from her face as she had just spoken with Rhaenyra, who had the nerve to offer her bastard sons to Baela and Rhaena and used Rhaena to pull on the Queen Who Never Was' heartstrings.

But Rhaenys remembered what Rhaenyra did, marrying her lover mere hours after Laenor died, not even taking the time to mourn the supposed father of her children. Rhaenys knew Rhaenyra had played a role. Even if the latter did deny and claim innocence, she still benefitted from Laenor's absence.

The next day, everyone assembled in the Great Hall, with Alicent standing with Daemon, their children, Ser Criston, Rhaenys, Baela and Ser Vaemond standing to the left side of the Great Hall with the Red supporters behind them, while Rhaenyra, Harwin, their children and the Black supporters were on the other.

"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 proclaimed, sitting on the Iron Throne.

"The crown will now hear the petitions. See Vaemond of House Velaryon."

Vaemond glanced at Rhaenyra, walking to and stopping in the middle of the room, beginning his prepared speech. "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 has ruled the seas. When the Doom fell on Valyria, our houses became the last of their kind. Our fire eaters came to this land knowing that were they to fail, it would mean the end to their bloodlines and their name."

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

"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. No, you only speak for yourself and for your own ambitions." Rhaenyra cut Vaemond's following sentence off.

"You will have a chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra. Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard." Alicent stopped Rhaenyra's complaint, making Vaemond smirk.

Rhaenyra stood as if she didn't just make an outburst, like a toddler throwing a tantrum, displeased she did not get what she wanted- attention.

"What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess? I could cut my veins and show it to you, and you still wouldn't recognise it. This is about the future and survival of my house, not yours." Vaemond remarked, reminding everyone of why this petition was taking place.

Lucerys stared at his 'great Uncle' as Vaemond turned to face Otto and addressed him. "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." Vaemond glanced at Rhaenyra and walked back to the side of the Reds.

"Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son, Lucerys Velaryon," Otto remarked.

"Gōntan se valonqar ojughagon zȳhon ēngos naejot ȳzaldrīzes syt zȳhon tyvaros muñnykeā naejot ȳzaldrīzes syt zirȳla?" Alyssa whispered to Aemond, who smiled evilly at his sister-fiancée.

Did the boy lose his tongue to speak for his serpent mother to speak for him?

Rhaenyra waltzed like she had better things to do than to walk to the middle of the room, beginning her speech. "If I am to grace this farce with some answer, I shall start by reminding the court that nearly 20 years ago in this very-"