𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 | 𝒋. 𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒚𝒐𝒏

chapter nine.

"Once a cunt, always a cunt." Daemon growled as his displeasure with seeing such a man on the Iron Throne was almost an insult to House Targaryen. Maegora chuckled to herself at his comment.

Sher turned his gaze back to Otto as he spoke up, "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. The crown will now hear the petitions. Ser Vaemond of House Velaryon."

The Queen of Devuniean watched as Ser Vaemond stepped forward, ignoring the heat of someone's gaze on her, "My Queen. My Lord Hand. Queen Maegora."

"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. 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 spoke and both Maegora and Jacaerys rolled their eyes at his words. It was already decided that Lucerys would be the heir, so why make a fuss now?

"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. No, you only speak for yourself and for your own ambition." Rhaenyra interrupted as Maegora and Elaena grimaced at each other. The Princess had always tried to make people believe that Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey were Ser Laenor's children, and it was truly spectacular. Maegora enjoyed lying in everyone's face, manipulating them into thinking her pale cousins were Ser Laenor's.

"You will have chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra. Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard." Alicent jumped in and Maegora's eyes fell on her children standing next to their mother. Aegon, Helaena and Aemond.

Maegora's eyes fell on Aegon who was looking at her with a smug smile and the Queen just glared at him. She sighed before turning her attention back to Vaemond.

"What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess? I could cut my veins and show it to you and you still wouldn't recognise it. This is about the future and survival of my house, not yours. My Queen, My Lord Hand. This is a matter of blood, not ambition..." He spoke again with a smirk on his face before turning to Otto Hightower. He didn't mention Maegora this time as it wasn't a greeting. "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." Vaemond spoke boldly, and Queen Maegora rolled her eyes.

"Thank you, Ser Vaemond" Otto hummed, causing the man to walk away, "Princess Rhaenyra, you may now speak for your son, Lucerys Velaryon."

"If I am to grace this farce with some answer, I will start by reminding the court that nearly twenty years ago, in this very—" Rhaenyra started but was cut off when the throne room doors of the throne room opened.

"King Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, and the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." The knight introduced Maegora's grandsire as he limped towards his throne.

He wore a mask to hide his decayed skin and rotten eye. He walked - just barely, with his cane. He hobbled down the hall. Alicent stares in shock at his arrival as everyone in the room bows at his entrance. Maegora noticed Otto rise from the Iron Throne as he watched him try to make his way down.