Familiarity ||| Jacaerys Velaryon

twenty

In the morning, Alyssa felt those nerves sneaking back. Even as the ladies dressed her in black and red, she was nervous. For Luke, for the day. What the verdict of the hearing would be.

Just to make herself feel better, Alyssa made sure she looked good. Necklaces and rings. Her support was clear, it had been clear the last time she was at court.

Alyssa convened with the family once everybody was dressed. Rhaenyra gave everyone a little pep talk, reassurance that she would do everything possible to help Luke and defend his birthright.

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. Alyssa couldn't help but feel eyes on her. And she couldn't help herself to glance.

Of course, Aegon was already staring at her. Alyssa smiled to herself but never graced the boy with another glance. She wouldn't award him any shred of attention, even as he shifted on his feet. Pining for it. That feeling he missed so dearly. Of being desired, cared for.

It was so amusing to her that her presence had such an effect on him. Still the same pathetic boy, maybe even more so.

Instead, Alyssa smiled at Jace and stood tall with her father and step-siblings. Alyssa stood between Jace and Luke, to give him comfort. Protect him from the vile accusations.

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, Alyssa 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. Alyssa had to fight to keep herself looking as neutral as possible as she listened and not look extremely bored.

"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 Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. His insults threaded carefully between words.