The Serpent's Fangs (Aemond x oc)

Chapter 6

Vaemond Velaryon had arrived the next morning.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror, her hair half braided into a crown around her head, with two braided strands hanging on the sides of her face while the rest of her dark curls flow beautifully down her back.

Today was the hearing and with her dressed as the colors of the Targaryen themselves Visenya was sure to send her message loud and clear. Although she did not quite understand why there would be such a petition over a babe that could barely even crawl, let alone walk.

The maidservant tugged harshly as she finished her braids and Visenya closed her eyes against the pain, jaw locking. Even after all this time, nothing had changed.

'Your necklace looks beautiful, Princess.' The maidservant, Mary spoke as she smiled at the Princess though the look in her eyes was not one of admiration, it was filled with greed.

'Thank you.' Visenya replied softly, lightly touching the ruby that hung in the center of the silver. 'It was a gift from my brother.'

'The Prince has fine taste.'

'So do you.'

The maid flushed, mind already filled with false hope by her simple words and Visenya suppressed a smile. If the maid took her words to heart, perhaps things could get a little more interesting here.

Visenya stood then, ignoring the people around her who bowed at the mere action before she turned to walk out of her chambers, making sure to steer clear of the training grounds.

She still had a few hours before the hearing were to begin, and she intended to spend them exploring all the books the Red Keep has to offer.

---

'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. The crown will now hear the petitions, Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon.'

Visenya stood between her mother and Prince Daemon, Jace standing on her mother's left as they all face the empty Iron throne.

It was now half passed noon as she stood in the Throne hall, present for the hearing of her brother's succession. Behind her stood a sea of people that had come running at the barest hint of a scandal. The common folk and nobleman looked on as one as their royalty continued to battle.

'Gods knows what they find so boring about their life.' Visenya mumbled, earning a glare from her mother and a scoff from her father.

Lord Vaemond cast a glance towards them in silent disgust before walking towards the centre of the room to plead his case. She reached forward and gently held her mother's hand, Rhaenyra intertwining their fingers in answer.

'My Queen, My Lord Hand.' The man acknowledged them with a nod. 'The history of our noble houses extends beyond the Seven Kingdoms to the days of old Valyria. I have spent my entire life on Driftmark defending his seat, I am his closest kin. His own blood, the true blood of House Velaryon runs in my vein.'

'As it does in my children, the offspring of Leaner Velaryon.' Rhaenyra spoke up, interrupting the Lord as she kept her hardened gaze forward. 'If you cared so much about your house's blood, Ser Vaemond, you would not be so bold as to supplant his rightful heir.'

'You will have chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra.' The Queen cut in, silencing her mother as Daemon moved slightly at her side. Both him and Visenya casting their eyes towards the Hightower. 'Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard.'

Vaemond turned then, a sly smile on his lips that made Rhaenyra tense and had Visenya staring blankly at him to question his sanity at showing such obvious signs of disrespect.