Blood Upon The Snow ||| Cregan Stark

thirteen

In the morning, Jacaera still felt those nerves. Even as the ladies dressed her in black and red, she was nervous. For Luke, for the day.

She convened with her family once everybody was dressed. Rhaenyra gave everyone a little pep talk, reassurance that she would do everything possible to help Luke.

And when it was time, when they were summoned to court, they arrived at the hall as a family.

Inside, they faced many unfriendly faces. Everyone on the Green's side, Vaemond Velaryon. Even Rhaenys, who was there only to advocate for herself.

Regardless, as Otto sat on the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra's family took their place across from the Greens. Jacaera couldn't help but feel eyes on her. And she couldn't help herself to glance.

Of course, Aegon was already staring at her.

A little unnerving. Especially with Aemond, the tall boy with one eye, standing beside him.

For the first time, though, Jace was there. He saw it. And with a word, he stepped in front of Jacaera, breaking Aegon's view of her. If he wanted to look at a Velaryon, he would look at Jace.

Jacaera smiled at her brother and stood tall with her mother, Daemon, and siblings. Jacaera stood on the other side of Luke, to give him comfort.

When all parties with petitions arrived, when they were ready, Otto began to speak, officially announcing and beginning the hearing.

"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 whipped his cloak around and took a seat on the throne. With him presiding, Jacaera had little hope for Luke. She didn't say it but it was likely he would lose his place as heir. "The crown will now hear the petitions."

It was quiet for a moment, the petitioners looked at one another. "Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon."

When his name was spoken, Vaemond stepped forward, another glare sent towards Rhaenyra before he stepped before the throne.

"My Queen. My Lord Hand." He began his statement with respect, so he wouldn't seem insolent. Smart. "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."

The history lesson from Vaemond was appreciated. Jacaera had to fight to keep herself looking as neutral as possible as she listened.

"I have spent my entire life on Driftmark defending my brother's seat. I am Lord Corlys' closest kin, his own blood. The true, unimpeachable blood of House Velaryon runs through my veins." It would seem there never was a time that Vaemond could go without insinuating things about Jacaera, Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. His insults threaded carefully between words.

Rhaenyra would not have it, though. That he would throw those insults around in front of the entire court. She would do anything to protect her children.

"As it does in my sons and daughter, the offspring of Laenor Velaryon." Rhaenyra's voice rang out into the room, she could not hold her tongue. "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." She finally looked at him, after she was finished speaking.