Better Man // Helaena Targaryen // Peter Parker

29. Say It

"I see you." Helaena whispered and peter smiled back at her from across the throne room as Otto sat the throne. "I want you here." She whispered and Peter lifted his hand she giggled out feeling a burst of web hitting her leg. Aemond looked at her confused. She tried to stifle her laughter. 

''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 remarked sitting proudly on the throne. "The crown will now hear the petitions. Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon." He decreed. Peter had never been to a trial before, a petition, he had a lot of firsts with Helaena. He wished he could be there beside her but it wasnt right, he wasnt royal, he didnt have the honor or privilege of standing beside her, holding her hand, kissing her cheek, not in front of everyone. 

''My Queen. My Lord Hand.'' Vaemond said setting forward. ''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." Rhaenys held back the groan as she hated having to defend her claim, her grandchildrens claim against Vaemond. Peter heard all the rapid heart beats, heard the scoffs Rhaenyra hissed out as she rolled her eyes. 

''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." Vaemond went on.

''As it does in my sons, the offspring of Laenor Velaryon. If you cared so much about your house's blood, Ser Vaemond, you would not be so bold as to supplant its rightful heir.'' Rhaenyra spoke up. ''No, you only speak for yourself and for your own ambition.'' Rhaenyra declared. Peter knew the story, knew that the world thought Rhaenyra's children were bastards and he figured it was a good bet but considering him and Helaena had Benjen he couldnt judge. Love was love and Peter loved Helaena, he didnt regret a moment with her. 

''You will have chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra. Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard''. Alicent told her kindly but Rhaenyra heard the bitterness breaking through her false smiles.

''What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess?'' Vaemond countered ''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.'' Vaemond turned back to Otto and Alicent. ''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.''

"Why are you so smiley?" Aemond asked Helaena. 

"No reason." Helaena assured. 

"Is peter hiding somewhere? You only smile like that for him." Aemond remarked. 

"Yes." Helaena admitted. 

"You really like him." Aemond looked around for peter before finding him across the way. Peter caught Aemond's stare and waved back at him with a charming smile. "I like him better than Aegon." Aemond assured. 

''Thank you, Ser Vaemond. Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son, Lucerys Velaryon.'' Otto informed her and Rhaenyra stepped forward a heavy breath in her lungs.

''If I am to grace this farce with some answer, I will start by reminding the court that nearly 20 years ago, in this very...'' Rhaenyra began but the doors swung open and Viserys came in, cane in hand as he took shaky steps forward. A golden mask covering his lack of eye as he moved closer and closer all could see the age and pain and disease that spread over his body.