BLOOD FOR BLOOD// House Of the Dragon !Au

Lord of the Tides

Sitting upon the Iron Throne, Otto addressed the court solemnly. "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. The crown will now hear the petitions. Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon," he declared, setting the tone for the proceedings that were to follow.

Aelena's eyes rolled with disdain as Vaemond spoke, her contempt for the man evident in her expression. She harbored a deep-seated hatred towards him, wishing for his downfall with every fiber of her being. Rhaenyra replied to Vaemond with a firm tone, her words punctuated with speech marks. "As it does in my children, the offspring of Laenor Velaryon," she began, emphasizing the legitimacy of her own children's claim to House Velaryon's bloodline. "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 ambition." Her words carried a sharp rebuke, exposing Vaemond's motivations and casting doubt on his intentions.

"You will have the chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra," Alicent interjected firmly, her words directed towards Rhaenyra. "Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard." Her tone carried a sense of authority, urging Rhaenyra to respect the protocol of the court proceedings.

"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 retorted defiantly, his words laced with frustration and determination to assert his claim. Then, turning to Alicent and Otto, Vaemond addressed them respectfully. "My Queen, my Lord Hand. This is a matter of blood, not ambition," he asserted, his voice firm and unwavering. "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." His words carried a sense of duty and responsibility, as he appealed to the crown to recognize his claim based on the strength of his lineage and commitment to his house's legacy.

"Thank you, Ser Vaemond," Alicent acknowledged before turning her attention to Princess Rhaenyra. "Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son, Jacaerys Velaryon," she declared, allowing Rhaenyra to present her case for her son's claim to Driftmark.

Rhaenyra began, her voice firm with resolve, "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..."

However, her words were interrupted as King Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of His Name, made his entrance, supported by a walking stick. Daemon rushed to aid him, while a guard declared, "King Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm." The arrival of the king brought a halt to the proceedings, commanding the attention of all present in the court.

Daemon, ever the dutiful brother, assisted Viserys to sit upon the Iron Throne, ensuring his comfort and dignity. With utmost care, he then placed the crown upon Viserys' head, a symbol of his rightful authority as King of the Seven Kingdoms. The act was executed with reverence, acknowledging Viserys' sovereignty and upholding the traditions of the realm.

"I must... admit... my confusion," Viserys confessed, his voice strained with effort. "I do not understand why petitions are being heard over a settled succession. The only one present... who might offer keener insight into Lord Corlys's wishes is the Princess Rhaenys."His words carried the weight of authority, as he questioned the necessity of the proceedings in light of the clarity provided by Princess Rhaenys.

"Indeed, Your Grace," Rhaenys affirmed. "My husband always wanted Driftmark to pass to Princess Aelena, our granddaughter, but she gave up her claim for her brother, Jacaerys. So, Lord Corlys, my husband, agreed on making Jace the heir to Driftmark."

"Well... the matter is settled," Viserys declared with finality. "I hereby reaffirm Prince Jacaerys of House Velaryon as heir to Driftmark, the Driftwood Throne, and the next Lord of the Tides." His proclamation carried the weight of royal authority, cementing Jacaerys's position as the rightful successor. However, Viserys's declaration was followed by a wheeze, a reminder of his ailing health.

Vaemond's voice rang out with defiance, his words laced with indignation. "You break law... and centuries of tradition to install your daughter as heir. Yet you dare tell me... who deserves to inherit the name Velaryon. No. I will not allow it," he declared vehemently, refusing to accept the decision and asserting his own claim with fervor.

"Allow it?" Viserys interjected firmly, his tone carrying a hint of admonishment. "Do not forget yourself, Vaemond," he cautioned, reminding him of the boundaries of respect and deference owed to the crown.

"That is no true Velaryon, and certainly no nephew of mine," Vaemond retorted, his words dripping with disdain as he disavowed Jacaerys's claim and denounced him as unworthy of their lineage.

"Jacaerys is my true-born grandson. And you... are no more than the second son of Driftmark," Viserys asserted, reaffirming Jacaerys's legitimacy as his grandson and dismissing Vaemond's claims to authority based on his birth order.

"You... may run your house as you see fit... but you will not decide the future of mine. My house survived the Doom and a thousand tribulations besides. And gods be damned... I will not see it ended on the account of this..." Vaemond declared defiantly, his determination unyielding as he vowed to protect the legacy of House Velaryon at any cost.

Daemon and Aelena exchanged whispers simultaneously, their smirks mirroring each other's mischievous intent. "Say it," they urged in unison, sharing a knowing glance. Without a word, Daemon passed his sword, Dark Sister, to Aelena, a silent gesture laden with significance.

Vaemond pointed accusingly at Rhaenyra, his voice rising with contempt. "Her children...," he shouted, his words dripping with venom, "are bastards! And she... is... a whore." His accusation rang out through the hall, a shocking declaration that reverberated with the weight of slander.

With resolve in her eyes, Aelena seized Dark Sister and swiftly brought it down, severing Vaemond's head from his body. Standing proudly over his decapitated form, she declared, "He can keep his tongue." Her action, though brutal, was driven by a fierce determination to protect her mother, Rhaenyra, from the slander and insult hurled by Vaemond. Aemond's gaze was filled with pride as he looked at Aelena, his admiration evident in his eyes. Meanwhile, Aerea smirked, standing with her family, her expression betraying her admiration for Aelena's bold and decisive action. Despite Aelena's feelings of animosity towards Aerea, the latter harbored a deep affection for her niece, unable to resist admiring her courage and loyalty in that moment of need.

"Disarm her!" Otto's command echoed through the hall, but before anyone could react, Daemon stepped forward, taking the sword from his daughter's hand. "No need," he stated calmly, his voice carrying authority and assurance. With a gesture, he signaled that the situation was under control, diffusing the tension that had gripped the room.