(Aerion's POV)
"Chin up, Luke." I walked up to him, "Stay positive."
He was leaning against the wall, outside of Rhaenyra's chambers as Baela and Rhaena met Rhea. He had a gloomy look on his face.
"The Sea Snake is going to die, isn't he?" He said softly
I leaned against the wall next to him, "No." I said, "He's tougher than that."
"But if he does...." Luke said before looking around, "I think it would've been better if I looked like Ser Laenor rather than...Ser Harwin Strong..."
He whispered the last part.
I sighed, "We've been through this, Luke." I patted his shoulder, "Do not talk about it, okay? Especially today."
"Yes, well-" He started
"I'm serious." I cut him off, "I don't care what Vaemond says or thinks. You are the Heir to Driftmark, chosen by Corlys himself. If anyone has a problem with that when he dies, they better fish him out the sea, bring him back from the dead, and speak to him personally."
He looked down, "I-I guess you're right." He said, "Y-Yea.."
"Everything will work out, don't worry." I told him as I ruffled his hair, "Keep your chin up, alright? You're a good kid."
He smiled slightly, "Thanks."
I nodded and sighed, "This is what being a Lord is, I guess." I told him, "Sometimes you have to deal with shit like this. I'm fortunate, though, I don't have to deal with it alot, considering I am consort to your Mother. Willam is the one stressing out in Runestone for me. He's the true Lord."
"You have Lamentation though." He said
"Ah, this." I said waving him off as he looked at my swords, "Willam told me to keep it, said something about me being its rightful owner until I die or something. I wasn't going to argue with him, the whole lot would've ganged up on me, you know how they are."
"Are they going to meet Rhea?" He asked
I nodded, "Yes, soon. After this is over." I said as I scratched my cheek, "Worry not."
"That's good..." He said
"Wanna go fishing after this is over?" I asked him, "You know, just relax off on the coast? I know a spot, the blackwater fish are surprisingly big."
He shrugged, "Sure." He said
"Nice." I said with a smile, "Have your brother come, the three of us, we'll just relax."
"Heh, would mother want you to leave her alone with the others?" He asked with a chuckle
"Ah, it'll be fine." I said, "We don't get to spend time together that much, not by ourselves. I would take Visenya, but you know what happened the last time, she almost threw herself at the water."
He laughed, "Yea..." He said with a smile, "That was hilarious."
I patted his shoulder, "Yea." I said, "Alright kiddo, I'll go and speak to your grandmother."
****************
(Third Person POV)
Later that day, the court gathered in the Throne Room, awaiting the petition to start. They all watched as King Viserys slowly hobbled over to the Iron Throne, being held by Queen Alicent. They knew that the King was ill, but didn't know how bad it was.
Viserys sat down, leaning back against the throne as he let out a gasp, "Ah...." He said
His hair was still long and thick as usual, his face was no longer filled with the bad chaffing he used to have due to his leprosy. While it looked healthy, his skin was completely drained of color, even for a Targaryen. His eyes were paler than usual as if the light was being drained for them. His cheekbones were more visible, which worried the lords of the court.
He looked over to his left, seeing his daughter, Rhaenyra standing to Aerion's right, holding his hand tightly as she had a worried look on her face. Behind Rhaenyra and Aerion, Jace and Luke stood, shifting nervously.
He noticed Daemon, standing a few feet away from Rhaenyra and Aerion's right, next to some lords of the court, Ser Steffon standing directly between them, to keep him away from them and prevent another issue.
To the right of him, his wife and children stood behind Otto, who merely stood there silently, his hands in front of him. Next to them, Ser Vaemond Velaryion.
"We are gathered...." He said as he looked around, "We are gathered here to hear out the petition regarding the succession of Lord Corlys Velaryon, may the gods bless him a good recovery."
The Lords of the court nodded and murmured amongst themselves, agreeing to this.
Viserys looked over to Vaemond, "Come forth, Ser Vaemond." He gestured him over with his hand, "Let us hear you out."
Vaemond stepped forward, he was the only one from his House besides Rhaenys and her grandchildren that was present. His sons were banned from stepping inside the Red Keep due to an incident the year prior. Viserys and the court were well aware that should they show their faces to Aerion, blood would've shed.
Vaemond bowed slightly, "Your Grace." He said, "I am here to make my case."
Viserys nodded, "Speak."
Vaemond nodded, "The History of our Houses extends beyond the Seven Kingdoms to the days of Old Valyria, as you are aware, Your Grace." He started, "For as long as House Targaryen has ruled the Skies, House Velaryon ruled the Seas. When the Doom befell Valyria, our Houses became the last of their kind. Our forebearers came to this new land knowing that would they to fail, it would mean the end of their bloodlines and their names."
Rhaenyra shifted uncomfortably at this, her grip on Aerion's hand tightening. Aerion merely looked at this, indifferent to whatever Vaemond tried to say, uncaring of any attempt to sway the court with a mere speech.
Viserys titled his head, "Go on."
"I have spent my entire life on Driftmark, through blood, sweat, and tears, defending my Brother's Seat." Vaemond continued, "I am Lord Corlys's closest kin, his own blood, his brother. The true, unimpeachable blood of House Velaryon runs through my veins."
He glanced at the Queen and the Lord Hand as he said this, who merely stood there, unfazed by this. Viserys narrowed his eyes slightly, barely showing any reaction as well.
"As does it run through my sons, Jace and Luke, Ser Laenor's own flesh and blood." Rhaenyra spoke up as she looked away, "If you cared so much about the blood of your House and its legacy, Ser Vaemond, you would not supplant it's rightful Heir. No, you only wish to speak out of your own gain and ambition, something that-"
"Daughter." Viserys cut her off, "Let the man finish."
Rhaenyra cleared her throat as Aerion gave her hand a supportive squeeze, not taking his eyes off Vaemond.
Vaemond turned around and took a step forward Rhaenyra, causing Aerion to shift slightly, which alarmed him.
Vaemond stopped and composed himself, looking at Rhaenyra with a slight sneering smile, "What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess?" He asked, "I could cut my veins open and show it to you...You still wouldn't recognize it. This is about the future and survival of my House, not yours."
Rheanyra didn't respond to this, merely looking away, avoiding eye contact, trying to keep her composure.
"We all bleed red." Aerion spoke up as he gave Vaemond a serious stare, "You do well to remember that."
Daemon smiled slightly, hunching his head to hide it.
These words had a threatening tone to them, and everyone in that room recognized it. Aerion was telling Vaemond to tread carefully, with those simple and calm-spoken words.
Aemond Targaryen, smiled slightly at this, knowing what this meant; Vaemond had to choose his words carefully in order to avoid bloodshed. Even Aegon, The Older, smirked slightly, trying to hold in a chuckle.
Alicent's sons were indifferent of the fate of House Velaryon; Aegon just wanted to leave and drink by himself while Aemon merely wanted to antagonize Jace and Luke, should Luke's succession be dissolved, it would bring him joy in his life.
But they both knew one thing; Aerion Targaryen was not a man to cross. The towering unit that was their cousin, standing at a whopping 6'5 with an incredibly muscular and more than powerful body was setting his serious gaze upon Vaemond Velaryon.
Vaemond took a step back, turning around and composing himself.
"Your Grace, this is a matter of Blood, not ambition." He said to Viserys, "I put the continuation of the survival of my House and our line above all. I humbly place myself as my brother's successor; The Lord of Driftmark and Lord of The Tides."
Rhaenyra looked down, shaking her head as Aerion gave her another comforting squeeze to her hand, silently telling her to calm down.
The room was full of murmuring, the lords whispering to themselves.
Viserys, however, was looking down, a bit confused.
"Blood? This is about blood?" He said with a confused tone, "Tell me, Ser Vaemond, what are you insinuating with that remark? Ser Laenor, your late nephew, is the Father of Jaecarys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon. And you put yourself above them concerning Corlys's seat? Corlys, who's not even dead?"
Vaemond frowned, "Y-Your Grace.." He said
"We were gathered here to hear you out, Ser Vaemond, out of respect for you." Viserys continued, "This matter was already settled; Lucerys was already decided as the successor long before Ser Laenor died. And if anyone would've had any say in what Lord Corlys's wishes were, it would be my dear cousin, The Princess Rhaenys. In fact, I am glad you are all gathered here, I would like to announce something. Jaecaerys and Lucerys Velaryon are to be betrothed to Baela and Rhaena Targaryen, to further strengthen the bond between our two Houses."
Vaemond frowned even more, his eyebrows furling hard, "Y-Your Grace....that's...." He said, "I....I cannot.."
"Cannot what?" Viserys said, "You forget yourself, Vaemond. I am The King."
Rhaenyra looked at Viserys with a surprised look, she didn't think it would result to this.
Luke had a look of relief as he glanced over to Rhaena who smiled at him.
"I hereby reaffirm to those who have doubts." Viserys announced, "Lucerys Velaryon, son of Ser Laenor and Princess Rhaenyra, is to inherit Driftmark should Lord Corlys pass and he will be the Lord of The Tides."
Vaemond looked down, clenching his fists, emotions running high at this sudden turn of events. He never expected his nieces to be betrothed to Rhaenyra's boys.
"You...." He said as he looked up at Viserys, "You break law...and centuries of tradition, to install your daughter as Heir. And you decide my House's fate? No....No. I will not allow it."
"Allow it?" Viserys said, "Allow it? What is your problem, Vaemond...? Need I remind you that Lucerys is my trueborn grandson....and you are merely the Second Son of Driftmark."
Vaemond pointed at Lucerys, "That!!!" He shouted, which startled Luke, "Is no True Velaryon....and no nephew of mine....."
Aerion took a step forth, "You...." He said
"No, Aerion." Rhaenyra held him back, "Don't."
Viserys leaned forward, giving him a glare, "What?" He said softly, "What do you wish to say, Vaemond? Do you wish to have your tongue removed?"
Daemon smiled slightly, knowing where this would lead. He had hoped that Vaemond reached this point, demanding the Trial as he had planned.
Vaemond looked at him with an angry scowl, "I will not watch my House burn to the ground and its ashes scatter to the seas on that account of this..." He stopped himself, "I call them illegitimate, the three of them....what you call the highest of treason as she called it years ago."
The crowd of lords gasped slightly, murmuring even more as Otto closed his eyes and shook his head.
Rhaenyra glared at Vaemond
"Y-You dare?!" Viserys said angrily, "You will pay for that...."
"If I am to be judged for speaking the truth.....I will not allow you to control my House's Fate.....or mine!!! I will let the Gods do that for you, Your Grace." Vaemond started with an angry look on his face, "I demand a trial by combat."
The crowd gasped again, surprised by this action. Daemon smirked, nearly losing control of his laugh, overjoyed at this turn of events.
"A Trial?" Viserys said, "A Trial? Did I hear that right? My mind isn't well these days."
"My House will not fall due to her.....and her antics..." Vaemond said as he turned to Rhaenyra, "Her children...are BASTARDS!!!!!!"
This shocked everyone, even Rhaenyra, who didn't expect Vaemond to say those words so loudly to their faces. Aerion, however, was unfazed, anger filling his eyes as he glared at Vaemond.
Vaemond turned around, "And she...." He continued as he turned to see Viserys in the eyes, "Is a Whore....who cucked....her husbands...."
Another gasp from the crowd.
Otto sighed, "The fool." he whispered
"Fucking idiot." Aegon chuckled as he covered his smirk
Aemond smiled slightly, "Mm...." He said, intrigued by this
"Oh.." Viserys said, "Is that so? You have done it then. Vaemond I-"
"If he wants a Trial, I'll humor him." Aerion suddenly spoke up
Vaemond turned around fast, his head nearly flying off as his hair bounced up at the speed of the turn, his eyes widened at this, shocked. He didn't expect Aerion to say this, he was confident on what Daemon had told him.
He trusted Daemon. His greatest mistake.
Aerion let go of Rhaenyra's hand who took a step back, looking at her husband.
He slowly walked over to Daemon, pulling Lady Rhea out of its strap, and handing it to his father, nearly stumbling Daemon as he held onto the sword.
Daemon rolled his eyes at this, clearly aware of the message; Aerion would do anything to rub his Mother's memory in his face.
Aerion then circled around Vaemond, stopping in front of the steps, between Vaemond and the Iron Throne, and slowly unsheathing his other sword.
"Lamentation...." He said calmly as he gave Vaemond a menacing glare, "Quite a fitting name...."
"For what's about to happen."