-Chapter 72-
-POV Alicent Hightower-
As I thought this dispute would end with a possible victory on my part, tainted by Aemon's refusal to clearly side with me against his in-laws, I watched him fawn over his fiancée, feeling slightly envious.
'Despite his House's interests, he's not fully aligning with me. If Viserys had even a quarter of his courage, he would have named Aegon his heir long ago,' I thought.
My thoughts were interrupted by the cry of a fool who decided to throw oil on the smoldering flames of our dispute, saying, "I demand a trial, Your Majesty."
I raised my head, trying to identify the fool, and to my surprise, I saw the heir of House Velaryon, his hair dripping wet, standing before us, all stunned not by his ridiculous appearance but by his absurd words.
Seeing no one respond, he repeated in a louder voice than before:
"I DEMAND A TRIAL FOR THE UNJUST DEATH OF JOFFREY."
'He's lost his mind,' I thought, not understanding why he was so determined to have Ser Criston tried, especially after Aemon had clearly laid out the conclusion of this matter.
'If Ser Criston kills him, I'll be in an open war with House Velaryon, and they'll permanently side with Rhaenyra.'
'They will do everything to unite their daughter's children with Rhaenyra's, Aemon Targaryen could even take Rhaenyra as a second wife, Targaryens don't have the same customs as us.'
'This must not happen under any circumstances.'
Before I could say anything, I saw the head of House Velaryon rise and harshly say to his son, "Laenor, get out of this…"
"NO, I'VE HAD ENOUGH!" shouted the usually more pliable heir of Velaryon.
'And much more docile,' I thought.
"Give me the chance, Your Majesty, to right the wrong that has been done. Grant me this fight, do it for your son-in-law," he said, leaning on the new bond that united him with Viserys.
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-POV Aemon Targaryen-
'This can't be happening,' I thought, resisting the urge to slap my forehead as I watched Laenor Velaryon roar in front of the entire court.
'I sent Gunthor to get him cleaned up after he vomited all over the courtyard, and he comes back even crazier than before.'
'This fool's status may have changed, but not his strength. If he faces Criston Cole, he's going to die without a doubt,' I thought, already knowing the outcome of this fight before it even began.
I turned my head towards Uncle Viserys, curious to see what he planned to do, but what I saw left me momentarily speechless as he was looking at me, waiting for me to help him make a decision.
'You're the king, not me. Why is everyone trying to drag me into their problems? I just wanted a bit of entertainment to stave off boredom at this banquet, not to settle disputes between Great Houses.'
'Whatever advice I give, I'll offend someone,' I thought, deciding inwardly not to help my uncle this time.
I shrugged slightly, unsure of what to do in this situation, and surprisingly, that had an effect as Viserys said, "SILENCE."
Everyone who had been whispering or trying to offer their opinions fell silent instantly, and Viserys asked Laenor:
"Laenor, my son-in-law, have you fully considered the implications of what you're asking me to do? Once done, I cannot undo it."
"I understand that I'll likely have to face Joffrey's murderer, and that's all I ask. Please grant me this," he said.
"Very well, you are of age and now married, so let it be so," said Viserys, before turning to the commander of his Kingsguard, who waited calmly, not in the least worried about the turn of events.
'He even seems slightly eager for a fight,' I thought, finding his behavior annoying.
"Ser Criston, do you wish to submit to a trial by court or…?"
Uncle Viserys didn't finish his sentence, but he didn't need to, as Ser Criston responded without hesitation, "I demand trial by combat."
'What did I say?' I thought, irritated to see this unfold exactly as I had predicted from the beginning.
'With Laenor's head detached from his shoulders,' I thought.
I shook my head, displeased with the situation, as it was going to ruin the rest of my evening.
'And possibly my wedding night.'
'Couldn't he have waited a few days for me to have him poisoned?' I thought, as I had decided to wait until I was far from the capital to have Larys poison him.