Reputation // Daemon Targaryen // Viserys Targaryen

102. Vipers

''It's been near six years since I last saw my lord husband, Maester. I must know... will he live?'' Rhaenys asked sitting perched on the throne at Driftmark

''He led his sailors into an ambush." Maester Kelvyn reported ''A ship made to look as if it were abandoned. In the fighting, his neck was slashed by a corsair's dagger. He fell overboard into the sea. The wound was severe. Much blood was lost." He went on and Rhaenys nodded slowly. ''But the greater concern is the fever that followed. The ship's maester said he burns from within." The seabirds could be heard calling out over the waters around them

''The ravens came in from?'

''Evenfall, Princess.'' Kelvyn informed her.

''So they arrive in three days. Let all be made ready to receive him, Maester Kelvyn.'' Rhaenys told him

''The Sea Snake is strong.' Kelvyn offered as he headed out

''No doubt. And yet, I have seen blood fever overcome men half his age.'' Vaemond remarked coming up to Rhaenys.

''I will not suffer the talk of crows in my house, Vaemond.'' Rhaenys hissed

''I love my brother... but we must be honest with ourselves. We may greet his ship to find him gone. And who will take the Driftwood Throne?'' Vaemond offered.

''My grandmother seems quite comfortable here.'' Baela informed him confidently.

''She presides only in the absence of her husband. On his death, the seat passes-' Vaemond reminded them both

''To Lucerys Velaryon. As is my lord husband's desire.'' Rhaenys reminded him stiffly.

''I am the Sea Snake's own blood, the closest kin he has left.' Vaemond shouted

''Be careful, good-brother. One could take your words for treason.' Rhaenys told him calmly.

''I speak the truth, Rhaenys. And you know it.'' Vaemond spat.

''The matter has been decided.'' Rhaenys sat confidently, calm and collected as his temper only grew.

''By a man whose ambition has brought down on us calamity after calamity. My brother cares only for the history books. But what of the Velaryon line? Is it to be snuffed out, supplanted by the pups of House Strong? Driftmark is mine by all rights." Vaemond shouted. "And while I should like your support, I do not... need it. The winds have shifted. The crown has good reason... to take my side." Vaemond went on and Rhaenys let out a deep breath.

'' My cousin the King would have your tongue for this.''

''But it's not a king who sits the Iron Throne these days, good-sister. It's a queen.''

+

''Syrax brought a fresh clutch three eggs three eggs!'' Daemon exclaimed "place them in a North facing warming circle.' Daemon instructed

''At once my prince." They took the eggs from Daemon. "the maester brought this.... just arrived from the lady Baela on driftmark.' Daemon took the scroll as the two men walked away Daemon read it over slowly.

+

''The Conqueror and his sisters sailed with a great army.'' Jace repeated

''Se Blakuata Rasho dranot vilinio viartis." Maester Gerardys told him in high Valyrian.

Jace let out a sigh as he tried to remember the right translation. He had been learning over the years when he visited Davina and now Rhaenyra was finally teaching him properly, well a maester was.  Jace always thought it strange that his mother ignored him and Luke and even Joffrey once she wed Daemon. Like she had forgotten about them and their existence once she started pushing out new, very silver haired siblings.