The unwanted princess - H.o.D.

Lord of Driftmark

A/N: Hey everyone! I hope you have been enjoying reading this story just as much as I have been enjoying writing it! Tell me your thoughts on it and leave some comments if you want. It would mean the world to me! In any case, I come to tell you that, because I cannot stop myself, I have started a Harwin Strong fic (because, I mean, what a man, am I right?) and it will be published later this week so if you are interested, check it out my works soon! Anyway, that is all. Enjoy this new chapter!

If Valora was to be honest, she'd rather be anywhere other than where she was, but she had been summoned by the lord hand and Alicent insisted in her presence as well so, there she was, sitting in a rather comfortable chair by Aegon and his siblings as they stood off to the side of the throne while Otto sat on it in behalf of Viserys who was too sick to attend the matters of Lord Velaryon's petition for Driftmark.

"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." Otto said, as Valora sighed heavily, fixing herself slightly in order to prepare herself for the long meeting ahead. Glancing down at her Aegon, raised an eyebrow at his wife who only shook her head slightly. "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."

At that, Ser Vaemond stepped forward, bowing slightly at the royal family in front of him while barely acknowledging Rhaenyra and the other half of their house out of spite, most likely.

"My Queen. My Lord Hand." Ser Vaemond started. "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. 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."

"As it does in my sons, the offspring of Laenor Velaryon." Rhaenyra spoke up. "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."

"You will have a chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra." Otto cut her off as Rhaenyra backed down, still looking rather displeased. "Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard."

"What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess?" Ser Vaemond almost spat at her, and Valora shifted in her seat again. She knew where this was going and she knew it was not good at all. "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. 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." Otto nodded at the man as he bowed and stepped back once again. "Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son, Lucerys Velaryon."

At that, Rhaenyra stopped, glaring at Ser Vaemond before stepping forward and standing before the throne.

"If I am to grace this farce with some answer, I will start by reminding the court that nearly years ago, in this very..."

Before she could say much else, however, the doors to the throne room opened and in walked the King's guard. At that, they all stood up straighter and, as much as Valora knew it would be proper for her to stand, she did not bother - not as heavily pregnant as she was.