Rich Man / Tyland Lannister / Aislynn Hightower

46. Burn It Down

''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 as Aislynn and Tyland came in.

"Excuse me, pardon me." Aislynn walked down the aisle and smiled as she got to Alicent's side.

"You are late." Alicent informed him.

"Yeah, I caught that." Aislynn agreed.

"WHy?" Alicent countered.

"Up late fucking my husband." Aislynn answered bluntly. "I was tired, oh hi honey, glad you are here timely.''

''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."

"Mum," Titus chuckled.

"Dont give me that look, you were gone all night, dont tell me you waste coin on whores. You are too pretty for whores." Aislynn added.

"Mum!" Titus declared embarrassed. Vaemond glanced back at them annoyed.

''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, shouting over the lannister/hightowers discussion.

''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.

"I'm not Aegon." Titus agreed.

"Hey!" Aegon spat back. Aislynn reached over kissing Aegon's cheek. He gave her a sad smile.

"Toby what about you?" Aislynn questioned. 

"I was in the middle of some... fun with a proper lady." Tobias answered. 

"Dont get her pregnant, she will demand marriage, thats what highborns do, fucks up your life." Aislynn warned. 

"Aislynn!" Tyland laughed out. 

"I know how women think." Aislynn countered. 

''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. Alicent nudged Aislynn to shut her up. ''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.''

''Thank you, Ser Vaemond. Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son, Lucerys Velaryon.'' Otto informed her and Rhaenyra stepped forward a heavy breath in her lungs.

"Yes lets give the psychopath that stabbed Aemond's eye out a region to control. Do talk yourself out of that." Aislynn agreed bluntly and loudly, Rhaenyra glared back at Aislynn. "Go on." Aislynn encouraged.