"the best way to hide a wolf is to make people believe they are nothing more than a well-trained dog."
Arrelle Stark was a wolf wrapped in fine silk and those who threatened her family would risk her claws on their necks.
jacaerys velaryon x oc
HOTD...
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chapter eleven, heir to driftmark
THE IRON THRONE was just as imposing as it was months ago, but now a seven pointed star hung above it proudly, instead of the three-headed dragon that hung there for a century. In just six short months, so much power had been seized from the King and the Targaryen line, replaced with the values of the false pretenders that warmed his throne.
Arrelle felt her blood grow cold as Otto Hightower stood at the top of the stairs, mere inches away from the throne. She and her family stood on the right side of the room, separated from Vaemond and his cousins that arrived with their suit. Queen Alicent and her children stood in front of Vaemond, facing them, telling the court clearly where their support lied.
It was a farce, a trap meant to publicly show support for disinheriting Rhaenyra and her children. Arrelle tried to remain indifferent, but instead found herself glaring at the Hand when he first spoke.
"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 remained indifferent, posing as a judge, as if he was not biased in the matter. He took one more step backward, toward the throne, Arrelle watched out of the corner of her eye as Prince Daemon stiffened, the corner of his lips turning upward into a smirk.
If she could see his eyes, she knew they would hold a sarcastic humor, as the Rogue Prince always found such serious issues humorous, knowing that if he had his way, he would take his sword and tear Otto Hightower limb from limb as he dared to sit on his brother's throne. The throne that belonged to the Targaryen's through fire and blood.
"As Hand, I speak with the King's voice on this and all other matters." He flared his cape out as he finally sat, adjusting himself comfortably into the seat as he looked down upon the crowd that had gathered for today. Arrelle had to stifle her scoff as he pretended to speak with the King's will. She hoped that the throne cut Otto as he sat down with such an arrogance. "The crown will now hear the petitions."
Vaemond was called forward by the Queen, to give his statement. At the Lord's arrival to the front of the room, Arrelle noticed as Lucerys turned his head down in shame, only for Rhaena to step forward slightly and squeeze his arm with a gentle smile, reassuring him. Arrelle couldn't contain her smirk at the two as she watched the interaction from the corner of her eye.
On her other side, stood Jace, whose eyes were filled with an untamed fire, his lips straightened into a fine line. He looked as if he was trying to set Vaemond aflame with his mind. He did not have his sword, neither of them were allowed, but she knew that if he did, his hand would be gripping the pommel, knuckles turning white as he tried to contain his fury. Arrelle never thought she would be the calm and collected one, until she began to fully understand the anger her husband always contained.
