Diana felt the weight of the world on her shoulders as she made one final sweep of the king's chambers before she headed off to bed. The sun had long since set, and everyone else in the keep- except for the guards and the occasional maid- was asleep. Outside, thunder roared, and lightning struck as rain pelted the windows.

Under her watchful eyes, a score of maids had come in to rid the room of dust and change the bedsheets. Maester Orwyle and his assistants had stopped by long enough to check the king's multitude of sores and open wounds and to dose him with another milk of the poppy tea before they, too, left, leaving Diana to clean up after them.

The older woman wasn't even sure why she did it. Clean up after her good brother like he was one of her children and not her king. Perhaps it was guilt, her husband's deep abiding love for his eldest brother, or maybe it was yet another one of her schemes, but still, she found herself compelled to care for the ailing man as he slowly perished in front of her eyes.

Viserys slept fitfully in his massive bed, his face clenched in agony, even in sleep. His mumbles were a mixture of valyrian and the names. Rhaenya and Daemon's names were the most common, although Diana heard hers and Alicent's sometimes muttered.

The sound of the door creeping open pulled Diana's attention away from the sleeping monarch. Turning, she was shocked to see a pale-faced, red-eyed Rhaenyra standing in the doorway, wearing only a nightgown, her hair unbraided and falling around her face in messy waves.

"Rhaenyra, is everything alright?" Diana asked, concern filling her as she took in the desolate and bereaved look on the princess' usually proud face.

Rhaenyra looked like she'd been awakened from a dream as she pulled her gaze away from her father's bed and looked at her aunt with lost eyes. Clearing her throat, she whispered, "I did not mean to disturb you, aunt. I only wished to see my father."

Diana frowned as she stepped towards her long-estranged niece, her heart breaking as she remembered the little girl who used to idolize and follow her around for hours, begging her for stories and for Diana to braid her hair. How had they gotten to this place, where Diana didn't even know what half of her once so close family was doing, how they were feeling?

"Of course, Rhaenyra, I know Viserys would love to know you visited him. But first, I must ask… are you alright?" Diana murmured, approaching the grief-stricken princess with soft steps and a low voice like one would an unbroken horse.

"I… I, yes, I am fine," Rhaenyra replied, walking towards the bed, past Diana, and with hesitant movements, took a seat at the foot of it, her gaze locked on her father.

Despite her best efforts, the movement of the bed under her weight woke a fitfully sleeping Viserys, who moaned in agony and, looking around in confusion, whispered, "Alicent?"

"No, it's Rhaenyra, father."

Viserys' breathing was laboured as he breathed out, "Rhaenyra?"

Thunder rumbled in the background, and lightning struck, briefly illuminating the king's haggard, almost mummified appearance. Diana felt like she was intruding but could not bring herself to leave as she watched the spectacle unfold. Her feet felt glued to the floor as she stayed in place, afraid to breathe too loudly.

"The Song of Ice and Fire." Rhaenyra said, her voice loud in the echoing silence of the chamber, "Do you believe it to be true?"

"Aegon's Dream." Viserys moaned in response, his words muffled by moans and mutters of unintelligible words.

Leaning forward, tears in her eyes, Rhaenyra croaked out, "You told me it was our duty to hold the realm united against a common foe. By naming me heir, you divided the realm."

Viserys breathing heavily as thunder boomed once more as if punctuating Rhaenyra's words.

With a cracking voice, Rhaenyra continued, "I thought I wanted it. But the burden is a heavy one…" in a shaky whisper, "It's too heavy."

"Rhaenyra… My… My only child," Viserys mumbled, his dim remaining eye fixed on Rhaenyra as she silently balked at his words, and then her face crumpled.

"If you wish me to bear it, then defend me. And my children." She begged, "Defend your family; Baela is your niece. She is like me." With that final word, Rhaenyra let out a heaving sob and fell forward onto her father's chest like a child. Her cries shook her body as she fell into despair.

Unable to watch anymore, Diana blinked back her tears and raced forward to gently lay her hands upon her niece's heaving shoulders. Shushing the princess under her breath, on instinct, Diana began to humm an old Valyrian lullaby Daemon taught her years ago. As if connected by an invisible string, both father and daughter sighed and relaxed at the sound, Viserys' eyes closing back into slumber and Rhaenyra slowly lifting her head to lean back into her aunt's waiting hold.

Diana did not hesitate to pull Rhaenyra into her embrace. She hummed as she pulled the younger woman to her feet and, with slow, shuffling steps, towards a nearby chaise lounge. Together, the pair fell into it, Rhaenyra laying her head on Diana's shoulder as silent tears streamed down her face.

For several minutes, they remained still as Diana waited for her niece to calm down. Once Rhaenyra stiffened and, looking embarrassed, sat up, Diana finally spoke, "There is no shame in admitting weakness, byka perzys."

Diana's old term of endearment fell from her lips as quickly as if she were speaking to her own children. However, judging by the shocked and slightly awed look on Rhaenyra's face, the affection was unexpected. Rhaenyra sniffled as she pulled a handkerchief from her dressing gown pocket and, with a shaky hand, began wiping at her face.

Unruffled by her niece's lack of response, Diana continued, "There is no shame in asking your father for help. It's something all children do, although too many of their pleas go unanswered."

Rhaenyra frowned as she put down the handkerchief and muttered, "I don't know why I expected anything different. It's not like he ever listened to my pleas before, even before this illness took what little sense he had."

Diana's brow furrowed as she reached out and, taking Rhaenyra's chin in her hand, forced the younger woman to look her in the eye as she declared, "Viserys and I may have had our differences, but if the man had one redeeming quality, it was his love for you. His heir. He has always defended you to the best of his abilities, even if those abilities proved useless against the machinations of the Greens." The last part was said in a droll tone as Diana rolled her eyes.

Diana smiled as Rhaenyra chuckled at her words, softening as Diana let her chin go and patted her cheek twice before pulling away. Surprisingly, Rhaenyra stopped her aunt's retreat, taking her older, slightly withered hand in her smooth one and interlocking their fingers.

"I have been unfair to you, Aunt Diana," Rhaenyra whispered as she dropped her gaze to their interlocked hands, "I allowed my love for my children and my pain at their loss to blind me, abandoning you to shoulder the Green alone. I am ashamed of how I have acted."

Diana smiled small and wistfully as she replied, "I am not proud of what I did. Looking back, it was cruel of me to decide your children's future without your consent, and I was unwilling to admit my mistake, even when it cost me the trust of my children. However, I do not regret the alliance we have gained with the North due to my interference."

Rhaenyra's laugh was small and broken as she said, "Oh yes, Aedan sends me monthly letters regaling me about his adventures with the young Lord Stark."

Diana chuckled, "Oh? I can only imagine the shenanigans."

"And despite my worst fears, Alyssa has only thrived under my cousin Alycia's tutelage, although I still maintain that they are far too similar for their own good." Rhaenyra sighed, eyes glazed as she fell deep into thought.

"Oh, don't get me started on those, too," Diana chuckled in bemusement, colouring her tone. "I am still unclear if that decision was either the best or, by far, the worst decision I've ever made. Time will only tell."

A rough, wheezing cough from Viserys' bed interrupted the women's gossip. Both looked contrite as they jerked their heads to see if they had woken the king. When the sound of snores filled the room once more, the pair shared a look and, in unison, stood and, arms linked, left together- united for the first time in six years.

** Line Break**

The court was full of whispers and shuffling feet as the two factions formed two clear sides on either side of the throne. On the left stood Alicent, her children at her side, although the only one who even looked even slightly interested in the proceedings about to take place was Aemond. Aegon and Helaena looked utterly disinterested, the former looking severely hungover and the latter staring off into space as she twiddled her fingers in front of her gods' awful vomit-coloured dress.

Aegon's once sharp cheekbones and fit form had slowly deteriorated since Otto had him pulled from the Gold Cloaks at Alicent's insistence only a couple months prior, as Viserys' illness pulled him away from royal duty. In that time, Aegon had fallen back into old patterns, neglecting his duties as prince and falling into drunken stupors almost every day.

It was a miracle he'd managed to impregnate his sister-wife in the first place with how hard he tried to avoid her and their twin babes. Jaehaera and Jaehaerys were beautiful children, only a little over a year old, they'd been hidden away in the royal nursery, barely seen by the public for fear of gossip regarding their 'deformities.' Both babes had six digits on their hands and feet, to Alicent's utmost horror.

Rhaenyra and Diana raised a few eyebrows when they arrived side by side, arms linked in comradery, their families following behind in a united show of force. At their arrival, the court split, half flocking to join Rhaenyra's side of the chamber, much to the Green's chagrin.

Despite the spectacle, Otto had held his composure, coming to stand in front of the throne, a look of false graciousness on his face. Clearing his throat, the room quickly quieted as he began his clearly rehearsed speech, "Though it is the great hope of this court that Lord Corlys Velaryon survives 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."

Lord Vaemond looked smug as he walked into the middle of the room. All eyes were on him as he bowed his head in supplication, "My Queen. My Lord Hand. 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."

Diana fought the urge to roll her eyes at the sickening sweet poison Vaemond poured from his lip. At the same time, Rhaenyra quickly stepped forward, her voice controlled but tone clear as she cut in, "As does my niece, Lady Baela, Lord Corlys' chosen heir. No, if you truly cared for the wellbeing of your house, you would be on Driftmark defending her claim, not here trying to usurp your own blood."

"You will have a chance to make your own petition, Princess Rhaenyra," Alicent said, her face a mask of droll boredom. She quickly turned her attention back to a smirking Vaemond, silently dismissing Rhaenyra.

"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. My Queen, my Lord Hand. This is a matter of blood, not ambition. 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." The second son of Driftmark finished his speech with a dramatic flourish of his hands, pride and smugness practically leaking from his pores, so cocksure of his victory was he.

"Thank you, Ser Vaemond," Otto called from his seat on the Iron Throne, his smile smug like the one mirrored on Ser Vaemond's snake face. "Princess Rhaenys, you may come forward to speak for your granddaughter, the Lady Baela."

Rhaenys' smile was as hard as granite as she stepped forward, Baela silently coming to stand just behind her, face composed and hands clasped in front of her, the picture of dignity and grace.

"Thank you, Lord Hand. I would like to start off by reminding the court not so long ago, they all swore vows to another female heir, setting a precedent that my husband, Corlys Velaryon -"

"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 call came from the back of the throne room as the chamber quickly fell silent, all heads turning as if controlled by puppet strings to see the King himself, draped in finery, slowly hobbling his way down the steps and towards the throne. The crowd silently parted in his way as Ser Harrold announced his presence.

Diana snuck a glance at an amazed-looking Rhaenyra, who looked every bit the little girl she once was, with a look of wonder on her face only a father could produce. Smiling, Diana linked her arm with her niece's in a silent show of affection.

The Greens, on the other hand, looked like all of their nightmares had come to haunt them as Otto slowly stood from his seat on the throne, and Alicent looked close to tears at her husband's approach.

The approach was painfully slow. Viserys' haggard breaths were clear for all to hear as he shuffled his way forward, the golden mask covering half of his face gleaming in the sunlight that streamed through the high windows. When he finally reached the steps to the throne, Viserys paused, his head turning to gaze lovingly at Raenyra.

After a long pause, he stepped forward once more and turned to address a scowling Otto, his voice clear as he declared, "I will sit the throne today."

Otto looked like he was swallowing nails as he slowly nodded and muttered, "Your Grace."

Diana could feel Daemon's heat as he stepped forward, his gaze locked on his brother. With her free hand, she reached back and clasped her hand with his, swallowing tears when she felt how her husband's hand shook in hers, his deep emotions hidden from everyone but her.

Viserys groaned as he leaned heavily on his cane. His Kingsguard quickly ran to assist their king, but Viserys shrugged their hands off, his voice a low growl as he hissed, "I will be fine."

Hesitantly, the kingsguard stepped away as Viserys made only a couple of steps before he reached up to wipe his sweaty brow, dislodging his crown and sending it tumbling to the ground with a sharp clatter. The king could only lean into his hand, defeat clear in his body language, as he was too weak to reach down and pick up the crown himself.

Diana was startled as she felt Daemon rip his hand from hers. His body heat was gone in an instant as he strode across the room to stand by his brother's side without hesitation.

Viserys jerked forward, not looking at who had come to stand beside him. "I said I am fine, " he hissed before he locked eyes on a frowning Daemon, and his mouth fell open in shock.

Tension tightened Daemon's shoulders as he methodically leaned down. With careful movements, maintaining eye contact, he placed the crown back onto his brother's head, murmuring softly before he stepped back, allowing the king to complete the trek to the Iron Throne unassisted.

Silently, Daemon turned on his heel and returned to Diana's side, face as stiff as granit as he placed his hand on Dark Sister, full attention on his brother as Viserys finally took his seat, gasping for breath as he took in the court.

"I must… admit… my confusion. I do not understand why petitions are being heard over a settled succession." Viserys called to his attentive audience. "The only one present… who might offer keener insight into Lord Corlys's wishes is the Princess Rhaenys."

Alicent rolled her eyes as Rhaenys silently stepped forward, her gaze briefly locking with the vengeful ones of Vaemond before she dismissed him with a tip of her head and walked past him to stand in the centre of the hall. "Indeed, Your Grace. It was ever my husband's will that Driftmark pass through our dearly departed daughter Laena Velaryon to her true born daughter… Baela Targaryen. His mind never changed. Nor did my support of him."

The room was silent as Viserys contemplated his cousin's words before he nodded and declared, "Well… the matter is settled. Again. I hereby reaffirm Lady Baela of House Targaryen as heir to Driftmark, the Driftwood Throne, and the next Lady of the Tides."

Vaemond looked almost close to tears as he glared daggers at a smiling Rhaenys as she bowed her head to the king and turned to return to a grinning Baela's side, hatred in his eyes as he took in the silently celebrating Blacks.

Shaking his head, he snarled, "You break law… and centuries of tradition to install your daughter as heir. Yet you dare tell me… who deserves to inherit the Driftwood Throne? No. I will not allow it."

Viserys' face dropped, his eyes sparking with fury. In a deadly tone, he whispered, "Allow it? Do not forget yourself, Vaemond."

"I refuse to bend my knee to a little girl! A girl who does not even carry the name Velaryon! No, you and my brother may have allowed yourselves to fall to madness, naming daughters over sons, but I-!"

"Go to your chambers, Ser Vaemond," Rhaenyra snarled, coming forward as a voice of reason.

Vaemond only laughed sardonically in her face, his face twisting unnaturally as he declared, eyes sparking with madness, "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 account of this…"

This time, Daemon spoke up, voice disconcertably calm as he dared the enraged second son to continue digging his own grave, "Say it."

Vaemond, long since gone to madness, took up the metaphorical gauntlet and, with a wild yell, pointed at Baela and screamed, "That is no true Velaryon. She… is a … Spoiled. Little. Cunt."

The insult was spoken slowly, the words loud and plain for all to hear as the court gasped and began to murmur themselves in horror. Viserys looked incensed as he struggled to his feet, his shaky hand reaching to grasp the Valyrian steel dagger at his waist, "I… will have your tongue for that."

Swift and lethal, Daemon gently pushed Diana and Rhaenyra aside and, with practiced fluidity, pulled Dark Sister from its sheath and, with a swing of his arm, cut the upper half of Vaemond's head clean off.

Screams filled the air as the court reacted to the unexpected, gratuitous scene in front of them. Several ladies fainted, one lord vomited profusely, and the rest either looked away or could only gape in horror. Diana simply stared across the hall to analyze the Greens' reactions.

Aegon and Aemond both jumped back, the latter reaching for his sword while Aegon seemed to be holding back giggles as he stared blankly at the corpse at their feet. Alicent instinctively reached to shield a cowering Helaena, who covered her ears and cringed away from the sight.

"He can keep his tongue," Daemon muttered darkly, leaning Dark Sister's hilt and sneering down at the freshly decapitated corpse, Vaemond's tongue still twitching as it hung from his lower jaw.

"Disarm him!" Otto roared, his face red with anger. The kingsguard jumped to follow his bidding, raising their swords at an unfazed Daemon. Daemon simply hummed under his breath and used the end of his jerkin to wipe his blade clean.

"No need," he muttered, smirking, and sauntered back to stand at his wife's side.

In a show of solidarity, Diana reached up with an unshaken hand and used her handkerchief to wipe away a drop of blood that had landed on her husband's pale cheek, face open and calm despite their turbulent surroundings. The couple stared at each other for several long moments, a million things being communicated without words as the court scrambled to reassemble itself.

Finally, Daemon's smirking face softened into an almost smile as he reached up and took Diana's hand, which had cleaned his face in his. Slowly, he unfurled the handkerchief and let it fall between them to crumple on the floor. Then, he kissed the palm of her hand, his eyes unblinking as he stared at her.

Diana's mouth quirked up on one side as she allowed her playful side loose and winked once at him before turning back to face the throne once more.

Viserys' groans of agony cut through the tension like a knife as his guards ran to assist the quickly fading monarch as he struggled to remain standing, letting out a cry of pain as he fell back onto the throne. Alicent followed close behind, picking up her skirts as she cried, "Call the maesters!"

"Father?" Rhaenyra called, concern colouring her tone as she stepped forward to assist, only to stop and gape as she watched Alicent help the king with careful, practiced movements, pulling him to his feet.

"Please, my love. You must take something for the pain." Alucent murmured, voice fervent as she clutched the king close, eyes wide with worry and pity.

"I will not cloud my mind. I must put things right." Viserys argued, his strength sapped as he fell into his wife and then the guard's hold, his gaze locked over their shoulders to where a silent Rhaenyra stood.

His weight was quickly taken by one of the kingsguard and Maester Orwyl, who hurried to shuffle the king away from the peering eyes of the crowd. Their retreat was followed by a deathly silence as all who'd witnessed the spectacle seemed to fall deep into their thoughts.

Standing before the throne, Alicent stared after her husband with worried eyes; Rhaenyra stood just below her, the same look on the princess' face.

"That concludes our gathering. You are all dismissed!" Otto roared, tension lining his form as he watched the remaining guard herd the rabble out of the hall. After a moment, Rhaenyra seemed to return to herself and, with a shallow nod to Alicent, led her faction from the hall, leaving the Greens behind to clean up the destruction they'd left in their wake.