RHAENRYA STIRRED AWAKE at the soft light that slipped through her window. She released a sigh as she rolled onto her side, unsurprised to find the other side of the bed empty when she reached out to feel the coldness of the sheets that signaled her husband had been gone for a while.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she sat in her bed, a long yawn escaping her lips at the restless sleep she got last night. The quiet of the morning was unusual. By the early hours of the morning, Joffrey would have already slipped into her room to seek comfort before the day fully began. Yet, Rhaenrya heard no sound of small feet padding down the hall, no knock on her door, no familiar voice calling out to her.

She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her bare feet meeting the cold stone floor as she reached for her robes. The cold air made her shiver as she wrapped it tightly around her body, stepping out into the corridors as she made her way to her children's rooms.

Rhaenrya found the room empty, the bed neatly made as though untouched the night before. Her heart dropped in concern, wondering if something had happened during the night while she slept. She moved quickly through the corridor, stopping at Jacaerys' room in hopes the boys had simply spent the night there.

His room was just as empty, though his bed was slightly rumpled. The room was cold, her eyes finding the dead fire that kept them warm during the night. Her thoughts couldn't help but whirl with dozens of possibilities, each worse than the last. Perhaps the greens had finally decided to make their move against her.

Panic gnawed at her insides, but she forced herself to breathe slowly. There was still one room she had yet to check, yet the thought that if her boys weren't there sent fear down her spine. Ser Donnel stood faithfully outside the door, stepping aside with a respectful bow as she hesitated before the door. She waited a moment before pushing open the door.

The room was quiet, the morning light barely seeping through the curtains as the fire flickered in the corner. She approached the bed slowly, stopping at the edge as she released a relieved sigh.

There, in the middle of the bed, were all three of her eldest children curled up around Valaena. She released a soft chuckle of disbelief at the thought that something had happened to her children while Valaena was there. Her gaze softened as she watched them, relieved that they seemed to have been able to find rest despite the troubling times.

Rhaenrya walked around to the side of the bed, careful to keep quiet as she kneeled down by their side. She reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from Lucerys' face before planting a kiss on his forehead. He seemed to stir at the contact, eyes blinking open sleepily as he found his mother at his bedside.

"Good morning, sweetling," Rhaenrya smiled, watching as Lucerys groaned while trying to hide his head beneath the covers of the bed.

"I'm not getting up," he mumbled into the sheets as a long yawn escaped his lips.

Rhaenrya couldn't help but laugh softly at his protest as she reached up to pull back the sheet from his head.

"I'm afraid you can't stay in bed all morning," Rhaenyra told him softly as Lucerys released a moan, his face scrunching in a mix of reluctance and sleepiness as he rubbed his eyes tiredly.

"Why not?" Lucerys muttered as his eyes flittered to the ground.

Rhaenrya released a sigh, reaching up to cup his face in her hands as she forced him to look up at her.

"Everything is going to be okay," Rhaenrya smiled, hoping to convince him when she herself was unsure. "Now, let's go get ready or we'll be late."

Joffrey groaned as Rhaenrya reached over to lift him from the bed, soft grumbles coming from his lips as his eyes fluttered open.

"Wake your siblings for me, will you?" Rhaenrya asked Lucerys as she placed Joffrey onto his feet, rising from the bed as she held his hand. "We have a long day ahead of us."

⁂      ⁂      ⁂

Valaena closed her eyes as she leaned back in the bathtub, ignoring the coldness that had long taken over the once heated water. Her body felt heavy despite the sleep she got last night, doing anything but help with the daunting thoughts in her mind. With a slow breath, she sank beneath the surface as she allowed the water to engulf her. The world above became muted, and for a moment, she felt at peace.

She almost wished she could stay in the quiet abyss forever, the darkness taking her whole.

A sudden noise echoed faintly through the water, dragging her out of her brief escape. She emerged from the water, blinking away the droplets from her lashes as she glanced over her shoulder. Baela stood at the doorframe, arms crossed as an amused smirk danced across her lips.

"Are you planning on drowning yourself before the petition?" she teased as she pushed herself away from the doorframe. Valaena rolled her eyes as she pushed the hair back from her face and looked up at her sister.

"It would certainly make things easier," Valaena replied as Baela scoffed at her, grabbing the towel and throwing it at her.

"You're not getting out of this that easily," Baela told her as Valaena caught the towel before it hit the water. "Come on, the rest are already waiting for us."

With a resigned sigh, Valaena stood up in the bath as Baela turned away. The chilly air bit at her skin as she wrapped the towel around her body, stepping out of the bath as she padded across the cold stone floor. She stopped at the dress laid out for her, fingers reaching out to trail across the black dress that Elissa had picked out for her.

She wished for nothing but to wear her trousers and shirt that lay hidden in the drawers of her room, yet she knew that wasn't possible. She dropped the towel to the ground as she slipped the dress on, fumbling with the overcomplicated laces.

"Let me help," Baela sighed, allowing Valaena to drop her arms with a grateful smile as she helped with her dress. "There we go. Now, let's go before we get an earful from the rest of them."

Valaena followed Baela through the dimly lit corridors of the Red Keep, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls. Her stomach twisted the closer they came to the throne room, knowing that everything could go terribly wrong in just a short time.

The rest of their family awaited them outside the throne room, each one clearly just as nervous as she was. Daemon paced in front of the door, unaware of their presence as they walked up to the family. Lucerys caught sight of her first, rushing forward as he wrapped his arms around her like a lifeline.

"What's the matter?" Valaena questioned as she pulled away, bending down so she was at his level. "Don't tell me you're still nervous?"

"What if they take Driftmark away from me?" Lucerys muttered, clearly shaken by the thought.

"You've got nothing to worry about," Valaena reassured as she grabbed his hand. "Everyone knows you're the heir to Driftmark."

Lucerys nodded, although it was still clear he was unconvinced. She leaned forward, catching his attention as she glanced around to make sure no one was listening.

"What if I told you there were still some very delicious lemon tarts waiting for us after this?" Valaena reminded him with a mischievous grin, watching Lucerys perk at the mention of his favorite treats.

Lucerys smiled back at Valaena as she shot him a wink before straightening back up, keeping his hand in hers.

"Thanks, Val," Lucerys whispered as she glanced down at him, raising a finger and holding it to her lips in a shushing gesture.

"It's time," Daemon announced to the family, glancing over at Valaena as he gave her a subtle nod before turning towards the door.

Valaena felt Lucerys squeeze her hand tighter as the guards opened the door, announcing their presence to the throne room as they entered. Jacaerys appeared on her other side as they walked down the long room to the throne, leaning in to whisper something in her ear.

"Took you long enough," he muttered as she resisted the urge to smack him. "Baela told me you were trying to drown yourself in the bath."

"I did no such thing," Valaena denied, before adding on with a shrug, "Although I was considering it."

"Hush, you two," Rhaenrya scolded the two as they stopped before the throne, the pair shooting identical looks to each other as they kept silent per her orders.

A frown made its way onto her lips as Otto Hightower stepped forward from the throne, ready to address the room in the king's absence. His voice was easily drowned out as she felt Jacaerys staring at her, glancing sideways to meet his gaze.

"What?" Valaena raised a questioning eyebrow, wondering what was on his mind.

Jacaerys pressed his lips in a firm line, glancing over his shoulder once more before leaning in.

"Aemond is staring over here," Jacaerys whispered so no one else would overhear.

She rolled her eyes as she leaned forward to look around her brother, ignoring his protests as her gaze clashed with the piercing stare of her cousin. He didn't seem bothered by being caught, his stare unwavering as Valaena ignored the uneasiness it caused her. She pursed her lips as she looked away first, turning back to her brother, who seemed bothered by the whole thing.

"He's just upset we're back at the Red Keep," Valaena shrugged as her eyes wandered over to the rest of their family that stood across the room from them, making it clear as day that they were divided. "Our presence hasn't exactly been welcomed here."

"I don't like the way he's looking at you," Jacaerys emphasized as Valaena turned her gaze back to his.

"What, with one eye?" Valaena questioned, her voice teasing. "I fear there's nothing we can do about that, unless you're suggesting I take his other one?"

She released a dramatic sigh as she shook her head, adding, "It might cause a war, but I suppose if you're insistent on it, then there's nothing I can do about it."

"I'm serious," Jacaerys muttered, although his face betrayed his words as he broke out into a grin.

"So am I," Valaena replied in a serious tone.

"I don't think you have it in you," Jacaerys decided to play along, allowing Valaena to pull his thoughts away from the worries that plagued his mind.

"Oh, really?" Valaena questioned in offense, crossing her arms over her chest defensively as she leaned forward.

"Perhaps Lucerys can do it, and you can take the credit," he told her, watching her mouth open in mock offense.

"How dare you-"

"Quiet," Rhaenrya interrupted the pair sternly, clearly not happy with having to tell them twice.

They both fell silent as they held in their laughs, turning their attention back to the throne as Rhaenrya stepped up to ready her defense.

"If I am to grace this farce with some answer," Rhaenyra began, her soft voice carrying across the throne room as Valaena felt Lucerys tighten his grip on her hand. "I will start by reminding this court that nearly twenty years ago, in this very..."

Rhaenyra trailed off at the sound of the doors opening, Valaena following her gaze as King Viserys trudged into the room. He hobbled forward, barely standing upright as the only thing between him and the floor was his cane.

Every eye in the room watched with surprised expressions as he made his way to the throne. Valaena could almost feel the air shift in the room as everyone realized how quickly everything had changed. Even Lucerys had loosened his grip around her hand, the relief evident on his face as Valaena felt the same relief wash across herself as she watched Viserys stride forward.

Viserys paused at the steps, turning to Otto who wore an utter look of disbelief at the King's presence.

"I will sit the throne today," Viserys told him.

"I told you you'd be okay," Valaena leaned down to whisper to Luke as Viserys began climbing the steps, sending away the guards that attempted to help him. The crown on his head dropped, the clang echoing through the throne room as Valaena felt bad for her poor uncle.

Her father appeared next to the King, bending down to the crown and offering it to his brother. Viserys gratefully accepted it and allowed Daemon to walk him up the rest of the steps. When Viserys was seated on the throne, he returned to Rhaenyra's side.

It was clear the trip to the throne had already tired the King as he breathed heavily in the chair.

"I must...admit... my confusion," Viserys wheezed out as he stared over the audience before him. "I do not understand why petitions are being heard over a settled succession. The only one present who might offer keener insight into Lord Coryls's wishes is the Princess Rhaenys."

All eyes turned to Rhaenys, who inhaled a deep breath at the sudden attention.

"Indeed, your grace," Rhaenys responded as she ignored the looks of everyone else in the room. It was clear to Valaena that she was carefully calculating her best move as she stepped up to the throne to address the King.

"It was ever my husband's will that Driftmark pass through Laenor to his true born son..." Rhaenys explained carefully, each word calculated and well thought. "Lucerys Velaryon."

Valaena swore she could hear a pin drop at Rhaenys' words as the different expressions of relief and anger passed through the blacks and greens.

"His mind never changed nor did my support of him," Rhaenys continued on, briefly pausing to glance back at Rhaenrya. "As a matter of fact, the Princess Rhaenyra has just informed me of her desire to marry her sons Jace and Luke to Lord Corlys's granddaughters, Baela and Rhaena. A proposal to which I heartily agree."

Valaena raised a surprised eyebrow at the announcement, glancing over at her brother who was clearly taken off-guard by his new betrothal as well. Jace turned his gaze to Valaena, almost as if asking her approval for the betrothal. Valaena sent playful kissing faces his way as he flushed in embarrassment, regretting looking in her direction.

Daemon turned and sent her a warning look, but Valaena could see the amusement in his eyes as she stuck her tongue out at him. A giggle erupted from her younger brother as Valaena lightly shoved him to quiet before too much attention drew to them, but a smile forced its way onto her face as well.

"Well... the matter is settled. Again," Viserys huffed out as Valaena tried focusing again, which seemed impossible with her brother wheezing beside her as he tried to hold in his laughs. "I hereby reaffirm Prince Lucerys of House Velaryon as heir to Driftmark, the Driftwood Throne, and the next Lord of the Tides."

"You break law," Vaemond's voice shook with anger as Valaena glanced over at the Velaryon, the smile slowly slipping off her face as she watched his anger grow, "and centuries of tradition to install your daughter as heir. Yet you dare tell me who deserves to inherit the name Velaryon."

Vaemond had made his way to the center of the room, facing the king with shaking fists as his face filled with rage.

"No," Valaena was impressed by his stupidity.

"I will not allow it," Vaemond declared.

"Allow it?" Viserys conveyed the disbelief of everyone in the room. It was one thing to make a play for Driftmark, but to openly defy the King was another. "Do not forget yourself, Vaemond."

There was a pause as Vaemond stood, deeply breathing as he tried to control himself. He clearly failed as he turned and pointed at Lucerys, who clung to Valaena's side.

"That is no true Velaryon," Valaena stepped forward, pushing Lucerys behind her as she stood in front of him protectively. Vaemond shot her a look of disgust as he turned back to the King. "And certainly no nephew of mine.

"Go to your chambers," Rhaenyra ordered her children, her words falling on deaf ears as they remained planted in their spots. Rhaenyra turned back to Vaemond angrily. "You have said enough."

"Lucerys is my true-born grandson," Viserys declared, his hand gripping the arm of the throne tightly. "And you... are no more the second son of Driftmark."

Vaemond looked as though he had been slapped at the King's words. Lucerys peeked out from behind Valaena as his grip remained tight as ever around her.

"You may run your house as you see fit, but you will not decide the future of mine," Vaemond was clearly far from done with the King, making Valaena wonder just how far he was willing to take it. "My house survived the Doom and a thousand tribulations besides."

"And gods be damned," Vaemond turned back to the blacks, eyes narrowing at Lucerys as he hid behind Valaena. "I will not see it ended on account of this..."

Vaemond paused as if starting to a sliver gain sense back, but the words was at the back of his throat. All he needed was a small push.

"Say it," Valaena dared, head held high as Vaemond lifted his eyes to her for several seconds. Everyone held their breath as Vaemond remained silent for several seconds, his gaze never wavering from Valaena's.

"Her children..." Vaemond couldn't hold it in any longer, the rage clearly overcoming any sense of self-preservation. "ARE BASTARDS!"

His words rang across the whole room, the shock on everyone's face prominent. Jacaerys shook his head angrily, stepping forward only to be stopped by Valaena's grip on his arm. She shook her head at him. She dropped her hand, glad he remained in his place, although the rage on his face did not disappear.

"And her mother... is...," Vaemond breathed out, but it was too late for him to stop. "A whore!"

Valaena caught her father slipping away from their family, letting her know exactly how this was going to end.

"Don't look," Valaena grabbed Lucerys, a confused look crossing his face as she turned him around and covered his ears.

"I..." Viserys struggled to push himself onto his feet, pulling out his knife as he pointed it at Vaemond. "Will have your tongue for that."

Valaena glanced over her shoulder just in time to watch her father's sword strike down on Vaemond, cutting his head clean off. Several screams followed afterward while Vaemond's body fell to the ground. Lucerys made an attempt to turn around, but Valaena stopped him as her grip remained firm.

"He can keep his tongue," Daemon's voice rang out proudly with a smirk as she stepped back, wiping the blood across his clothes to clean his sword.

"Disarm him!"

"No need," Daemon remained nonchalant as he returned to his family.

There was a moment of silence as everyone stared at the scene in shock, unsure how to react. Valaena pressed her lips together but was unable to hold in the snort that escaped when trying to hold in her laugh. She quickly tried to stifle it as her hand shot to her mouth, but most eyes had already snapped to look at her.

"Valaena," Rhaenrya scolded as Valaena couldn't help the laughter that bubbled out at the absurdity of the scene. She could no longer hold it in as the silence in the throne room was filled with her laughs, the looks of disbelief clear on everyone's face as they stared at her.

Daemon was the only one who seemed to find amusement in it as he returned to them, the corner of his lips reluctantly turned upwards despite trying to hide it from Rhaenrya's disappointing gaze. Chatter slowly returned to the throne room as her laughter slowly died, the petition coming to an abrupt end.

Her eyes wandered over to the greens, who had mostly dispersed except for Aemond. His gaze was still trained on her, catching her off guard as the smile fell from her face. The look in his eye wasn't disbelief or amusement, but something she couldn't quite place. He seemed to be contemplating something, and it made her uneasy as she felt a tug on her arm.

Aemond broke contact first, turning away as Helaena whispered something in his ear. Valaena watched as they walked away before reluctantly turning her attention to Lucerys.

She forced a smile onto her face, trying to forget Aemond as her brother commented something about lemon tarts. Without another word, the pair snuck away from the confines of the throne room towards the kitchen before anyone could catch them.

Except for a single violet eye that followed her movement as they escaped the throne room, his mind muddled with conflicted thoughts.