129 A.C

~King's Landing~

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THE RED KEEP
MORNING SUNRAYS FILLED HER CHAMBERS, the soft warmth of the light tracing across her cheek making her groan in annoyance and pull one of the pillows across her face to stop the morrow built its appearance. Vellena felt like crap, her head was spinning and her stomach hurt as if she had the flu all over again from childhood. She tried to open her eyes but it hurt even more to stare forward and make eye contact with the sunlight penetrating through the windows, her mind wandered to the previous night seeking memories from it but none came to mind.

"Your grace?" Vellena rolled to the side, falling off the bed without realizing, a loud buff echoing in her quarters as her face perfectly hit the floor, she made an effort to sit up but her body was yet too tired and pulled her back to the ground.
"Princess, are you okay?" The servant asked again pressing on the door handle to come in, Vellena was powerless but she knew if someone were to see her in that state there will be questions and the answers are not going to be so pleasant.

"Yes. I'm... still in bed. A book fell off my desk. I can get dressed myself, you may go" the princess said sleepily standing on her elbows, the small desk beside her table hadn't been cleaned in ages, the layer of dust covering its feet and corners was saying something about the handmaidens or rather about the one person who ordered them to ignore Rhaenyra's family's old chambers.

"You are awaited in the throne room, princess. The trial is about to begin" with those last words the servant left, her footsteps echoing through the corridors. Vellena cursed under her breath, today was an important day for her family, she returned to this full of shit place for her sweet baby brother, Lucerys needed her support at the hearing and she was looking like a mess on the floor of her bedchamber. Vellena forced herself to sit up, her sight was dizzy at first and her head was hurting as though knives had been shoved into it, last night was the first time she had put her hands on a cup of wine and this morning she could perfectly feel it through her entire body. Vellena will never indulge herself in such activities, that was for certain.

Choosing a gown was the hard work of course, she wished to look beautiful like a princess should, like her mother always appeared with grace and confidence. After pushing and pulling many gowns, strangely almost all were green, Vellena picked a red one with linen patterns of blue waves, it was clutched with a small white waistband to her thin form, had long sleeves tight to the elbows and then widening to wrists in a trumpet shape, and had a flaring long skirt. She tied her hair in a small braid over the top of her head while the rest were loosed down her back.

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The throne room was filled with millions of lords and ladies, knights and guards, Vellena held her head high as she took each step with grace entering unnoticed. She found her family on the right side of the room, Lucerys was holding on Rhaenyra's hand for reassurance while Jacaerys seemed ready to burn anyone with his gaze, Daemon was there, Vellena not paying slight attention to him. She sneaked quietly behind Lucerys, her sweet brother jumping up at her mere touch on his shoulders, it broke her heart seeing him so nervous.

"Lena... You scared me" Lucerys sighed, his hand on his chest trying to calm the fast heartbeat of his soul, Vellena narrowed cupping his face in her hands, he was taller than her now but not more than Jace.
"Everything will settle right. I promise you. Then when we return I still need to try that race again" Vellena mumbled rubbing her thumb over his cheekbone, Lucerys chuckled shaking his head even if Vellena tried Arrax will always be faster than Silverwing because he was smaller and younger. Rhaenyra brought Luke's hand to her lips and peppered two kisses on it while giving a hopeful nod, she will protect her, she will always keep her children safe, whatever it was needed to be done.

"Why were you late?" Vellena furrowed at Jace's question, she didn't even have time to greet him properly only finding a spot to stay between him and their mother.
"Gods, Jacaerys. I fell asleep..." she shrugged it off, avoiding to look in the opposite direction where Queen Alicent Hightower and her children were silently observing, yet Vellena could feel a different pair of eyes watching her and it made her cheeks turn rosy pink.

"You don't sleep so much because you hate sleeping" Jacaerys hissed leaning against her, his shoulder tugging at hers. He was correct in all of his words, since she started reading Vellena despised the times a maid or her mother would advise her to go to bed. Vellena would cry and plead to be left to stay up for just a bit until she would finish the book she had begun reading, and Rhaenyra would disagree right away knowing how important sleeping was for little children so she always said no, making Vellena cry even louder, the cries would stop whenever she would be happily cradled in her

"Some things have changed while you were away" her words exactly like Luke's cut straight into him. Vellena was right, he had been gone for three years, fighting the pirates on his grandsire's behalf and sometimes liking it so much that he forgot about home. They had exchanged letters by raven but he was the one to reply less often being so caught of by the feeling of war, of winning that he pushed everything else aside. She had grown, beautifully into a magnificent woman, Vellena was taller, not than him of course, maybe even thinner with full breasts and sharp jaw. He darted his eyes away slightly ashamed, after lingering them too much on the cleavage of her gown. The trial was about to begin as Ser Otto made his way up to the iron throne, King Viserys was too ill to attend today.

"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" Otto spoke with pride, seeming a bit too comfortable on the chair made of swords. All of it was a political scheme and Vellena was no fool as she rolled her eyes at his words. She glanced around the room seeing her grandmother with Baela made her smile, even if Rhaenys was focused on the trial she returned the smile along with Baela. But in between them was a girl Vellena had never met, dark brown hair like her brothers and grandmother and lilac eyes like her with chocolate Velaryon skin.

"Have you seen her before?" Vellena muttered to her brother, Jacaerys furrowed his eyebrows spotting the unknown girl, she looked innocent fidgeting with her nails, she was smaller in stature than many people in the room, wearing a gown in darker shade of blue than Vellena's, part of her hair tied in a bun while the rest of the locks descended her chest.
"I don't think so" he whispered tucking some curls off his forehead before straightening his posture. Vaemond walked forward bowing to the Lord Hand and the Queen Alicent, Jacaerys scowled pushing his tongue against his cheek, Vaemond's words making his stomach twist.

"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 inquired proudly speaking of treason, of putting himself before the rightful heir, before a settled succession well known by the entire realm.

"As it does in my children, the offsprings 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" Vellena felt a sting in her heart at the mention of her father, she inhaled sharply pushing away any tears threatening her eyes as she glared at Daemon.

My father is dead because of you...

"You will have the chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra. Do Ser Vaemond the courtesy of allowing his to be heard" Alicent interrupted with a piercing tone, Vellena moved her gaze towards the Queen catching sight of her children: Helaena beside her possessing the same kind eyes, the one next to her was supposed to be Aegon even if he seemed more dead than alive, behind Helaena there was Aemond whose eye would not tear away from her direction, Vellena could only grin at him. Daeron bit his tongue to stop any laugh coming from his mouth, it was hilarious knowing that from an early age his niece had humiliated and hurt him, Daeron knew he should not find it funny but he did.

"What do you know of Velaryon blood, Princess? 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 faced Rhaenyra, his snap harsher than it should. Vellena backed off a little, she had thought herself to be brave and confident because she had Targaryen blood, she was a dragon, descended of Old Valyria, yet still the princess carried the fear of men within her. From an early age, Vellena began to be scared of adults, of knights, of the darkness, that is why she discovered solace in books and rather stayed in the library all night with a candlelight on the table.

"Vel...?" Jace gazed down searching her lilac eyes, Vellena's breath hitched as she stared at the Velaryon Lord in front of them keeping on with his words, she would never overcome that dull fear, which only little children possess. Jacaerys found her wrist, his fingers circling it as he slowly pulled her to his side, Vellena's lilac orbits were not moving, her chest rising and falling rapidly in a sort of panic attack.
"Vellena... look at me..." his voice was reaching her little by little like a distant echo in her own mind until he slid his hand down and intertwined her fingers with his. The Princess shook her head as the reality crept in, she looked down at their hands sensing a touch of calmness in her body, she sighed leaning her head on his shoulder mumbling an apology, Jacaerys kissed the top of her head to soothe the fears away.

It was finally Rhaenyra's turn as she stepped in the middle of the hall, her hands folded to her front as she pledged the matter at hand.
"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..."
The doors opened in an instant as Vellena's grandfather, sick, weak and looking similar to a dead man, walked in supporting himself on his long cane.
"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". Everyone was speechless as the ill king made his way towards the throne, some knights wished to help him but Viserys pushed them away until his crown fell off after climbing one stair.

"I said I'm fine" the King spatted tiredly but at the sudden realization that the person standing by his side was his dear brother, Viserys felt peace.
"Come on" Daemon urged holding his arm as they took the next three stairs, Viserys sat on the throne before his brother placed the golden crown of The Old King upon his head, it fitted perfectly.

"I must... admit... my confusion. I do not understand why petitions are being heard over a settled succession" Viserys spoke, his breathing heavy and thin, Alicent's face dropped knowing her and Otto's plan was never going to work. Vellena watched her grandfather with a sense of pity for the old man who once read her stories and held her on his lap while watching her brothers train.
"The only one present... who might offer keener insight into Lord Corlys's wishes is the Princess Rhaenys" Jocelyn stirred at the call of her mother, she had never seen the king or the royal family and it scared her to the bone. Rhaenyra and her children turned their gazes towards Rhaenys, only hope in their eyes that the woman will do what is right.
"Indeed, Your Grace" the old princess stepped forward and bowed with respect, her heart broke at the sight of her dear cousin.

"It was ever my husband's will that Driftmark pass through Ser Laenor to his trueborn son... Lucerys Velaryon. His mind never changed. Nor did my support of him" Rhaenys continued before glancing at her daughter for a moment, initially she wished to surprise Jocelyn and somehow make her the new heir to Driftmark but deep down it was not right for her late children and Rhaenys knew that well.
"As a matter of fact, the Princess Rhaenyra has just informed me of her desire to marry her son Luke to Lord Corlys's granddaughter, Baela" Lucerys's breath hitched as he glanced towards Rhaenys's side, Baela gave him a gentle smile making him slightly blush. The lady was so different than any other, Baela was wild and fearless like her father with silver curly hair, lilac eyes and deep chocolate Velaryon skin, it would be a very interesting match.

"A proposal to which I heartily agree" Rhaenys added with a smile. As long as her daughter's legacy was secured, Rhaenys would concede any decision of the king or the princess Rhaenyra even if she was the reason her son was dead. 
"Well... the matter is settled. Again. I hereby reaffirm Prince Lucerys of House Velaryon as heir to Driftmark, the Driftwood Throne, and the next Lord of the Tides" Viserys announced weakly and panting, he could not speak more than few words in a phrase without stopping to take a deep breath.

Rhaenyra smiled at her sweet son, Lucerys could finally breath as the matter of his inheritance was finally resolved. Vellena winked at her brother, she had told him before that everything will turn out just perfect and of course she was right as usual. Jacaerys watched the beautiful interaction between his younger siblings, the ones he will always protect and love more than anything, unconsciously tightening his grip around Vellena's hand but the princess didn't seem to notice.

"Also I wish to announce something more. As everyone should know, two days ago was Princess Vellena's sixteenth nameday and to honor her there is to be a tournament at Maiden Pool two days from now. I have invited every lord of the realm to participate and maybe win my granddaughter's heart" Vellena's lilac eyes widened at the king's words, why would someone win her heart after a tournament? It was pathetic and childish but as everyone knew: any man would kill 2000 more for the princess's royal cunt... except for Vellena, too innocent and still with her mind buried in books. She looked towards Alicent and her children, the Queen was red with anger, the king would remember his grandchildren but never his other children, it was always Rhaenyra. Daeron grinned at Vellena, the images from the other night still fresh in his head, Vellena was not like any other girl he had spoken before, she was different in a way he enjoyed. He would win the fucking tourney and her heart even if it meant hurting his own brothers.

"You break law... and centuries of tradition to install your daughter as heir. Yet you dare tell me... who deserves to inherit the name Velaryon. No. I will not allow it" Vaemond snapped stepping forward in the middle of the hall. His initial aim was to push away the bastard of Rhaenyra Targaryen and make himself the heir of Driftmark.
"Allow it? Do not forget yourself, Vaemond" Viserys uttered angrily, no lord would dare to have the courage to oppose him, only fools would posses such a thick head.

"That is no true Velaryon, and certainly no nephew of mine" the lord barked pointing towards Lucerys, Vellena gripped Jace's cloak, she felt small and exposed once again, just like when she was a little girl, when she would hide in the library with her books away from the strange looks of the lords and ladies, away from the shadows and nightmares of The Red Keep, away from the Green Queen and her sharp eyes.
"Vellena, I'm here. I'm here, haeder" Jace whispered taking her hand again, he knew his sister's panics and fears, sometimes Jacaerys would think of Vellena as a cup of glass who must be attentively taken care of, if he would drop the glass it would break into millions of pieces that cannot return to the initial form.

"Go to your chambers. You have said enough" Rhaenyra said noticing Vellena panicking and Lucerys being scared once again, Vaemond was way too confident with his words that were unwisely used.
"Lucerys is my true-born grandson. And you... are no more than the second son of Driftmark" The King spoke reminding Vaemond of his status, he was tired of the disrespect towards his first daughter and her children, it was his decision to make her the heir and people must accept it whether they wish or not.

"You... may run your house as you see fit... but you will not decide the future of mine. My house survived the Doom and a thousand tribulations besides. And gods be damned... I will not see it ended on the account of this..."the word was at the top of his tongue, he had to spill it out, Vaemond must be bold and embarrass himself in front of the court.
"Her sons... are bastards! Her daughter... is a witch! And... she... is... a whore!" Vellena shut her eyes trying her best to not burst out crying, she was after all a woman grown, it would be degrading for a princess to shed tears. For many she was believed to be weird or suffering because all she did was to read or hide away, if she were a man everyone would applaud, she is a woman so people call her a sorceress.

"I... I wish... to leave. Please" Vellena muttered gazing into her brother's eyes, she was shaking from head to toe, Jacaerys nodded right away never seeing her so afraid.
"I... will have your tongue for that" Viserys spoke weakly taking out his dagger. Jacaerys leaded Vellena behind the lords and ladies gathered in the Great Hall, they didn't even reached the door when the sound of a the sword cutting through flesh got to her ears. Vellena glanced towards where Vaemond was supposed to be, instead seeing half of his head on the floor and a lake of blood around his body while Daemon was clearing his sword Dark Sister.

The Princess screamed in terror, all the people turning their heads in her direction, Jacaerys embraced Vellena, burying her face into his shoulder to calm her down.
"Shhh.... nothing happened. Let's get you to bed. Come on" Jace whispered kissing her temple before lifting her in his arms, she was still feather-light just like when she was a child. Vellena had her fingers clenched around his collar and her chin rested on his shoulder like a little babe carried by its parent, her lilac eyes were glued to the image in the Great Hall while her sobs were slowing down little by little.

Not long after Vellena and Jace's leave, King Viserys's illness took over him aswell, The Queen Alicent had the guards to help him to his quarters and the Maester to give him more milk of the poppy for the insufferable pain. Many believed it was unwise for Viserys to organize a tournament in such short time, but what would a grandsire do to spend his final moments with his only granddaughter and favorite grandchild. Viserys saw so much of Rhaenyra in Vellena and as always, he would do anything for them.

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HI Y'ALL!!! FINALLY UPDATED!
Next chapter a tournament, dinner and... y'all see💋
Anyways... PLS DONT HATE ON ME BC JACE DID THE DEED IN TYROSH WITH ANOTHER GIRL! It's part of his development in this fanfic so I beg understand🙏🏻😭
HIM AND VELLENA WILL HAPPEN AND YOU WILL LOVE IT🫶🏻
Ty for the support, comments and reads!
Be healthy and take care<333
Happy new year 🥳🥳🥳