Chapter 76: They Are Bastards!
Dragon Nest City, Silver Blood Tower.
Warm sunlight streamed through the window lattice, illuminating Diana as she slowly flipped through the ledger. It was clear that the Tully lady was in excellent health—only a few days after childbirth, much of the color had already returned to her face.
Dragonzel quietly entered the room and sat beside her bed, gently stroking her smooth, honey-colored hair. He still had not grown a beard; to outsiders, he looked no different from the handsome young man of years past.
"Sorry to make you worry," Diana said softly, setting the ledger aside.
"You have done wonderfully," Dragonzel replied gently. "The children are healthy. I have already found the best wet nurses."
Diana touched her abdomen with lingering fear, but soon smiled. "The children were fine… it was just a little difficult when they were born."
"Our children have successfully hatched dragons. That proves the continuation of our bloodline. Diana, you have made a great contribution to the family."
"Have you thought of names for their dragons?" Diana asked curiously. She had already seen the hatchlings after waking.
"Let the children name them themselves," Dragonzel chuckled. "They are their companions—it is only right that they choose their names."
Diana smiled, then pointed at the ledger again. "This month, the accounts show an additional two thousand gold dragons paid to Lord Tigaro. The family must be building something in King's Landing."
"Not 'going to build'—it has already been built." Dragonzel picked up the ledger. "Tigaro needs funds for further operations."
"King Jaehaerys once decreed that most goods sold by the Varezes family would be heavily taxed—nearly one-third of their value—when entering ports. Even nobles constructing castles must pay enormous fees. How did you manage this? This expense does not appear in the accounts." Diana gently tapped his forehead.
"The King exempted it," Dragonzel said with a relaxed smile. "Our gracious king waived my construction taxes. As for tariffs… no tax collector dares provoke a dragonlord family. There were a few stubborn ones—but nothing worth mentioning."
"No wonder the family became profitable in just two years," Diana said in surprise. This also proved just how wealthy the Varezes family truly was. Over two consecutive years, they had spent the equivalent of nearly seven hundred thousand gold dragons on luxury goods, and even after spending another hundred thousand, they still retained vast reserves. If not for lacking minting rights, their profits would have grown even faster.
"The next step is coinage rights," Dragonzel thought to himself. "But the Targaryens will not yield that easily." Minting currency had always been firmly controlled by the Iron Throne, generating immense wealth each year—especially from the gold mines of the Westerlands.
"Your Highness, news from King's Landing."
A soft knock sounded at the door as Hofa's voice came through.
"That does not sound like good news," Diana said knowingly. "Go. I will be fine."
Dragonzel kissed her forehead gently before leaving.
"Your Highness," Hofa reported as he followed behind, "Lord Mallentine Velaryon of Driftmark has brought members of the Velaryon collateral branch to King's Landing. They seek justice for the late Ser Vaemond Velaryon—and intend to claim the inheritance of Driftmark."
Dragonzel frowned. "Vaemond? How did he die? Any word from Dragonstone?"
Hofa nodded. "Ser Vaemond publicly questioned the legitimacy of Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey, claiming himself rightful heir to Driftmark. Princess Rhaenyra was enraged and ordered Prince Daemon to execute him. Our informants saw Syrax, Caraxes, and Tyraxes at the Dragonpit. The princes will hear of this soon."
Before he finished speaking, the stair door burst open.
Jacaerys and Lucerys strode in, faces cold. Valarr and Ray followed, equally grim.
"I already know," Dragonzel said, cutting off Valarr. He looked directly at the two princes. "What are your plans?"
"We will go to King's Landing immediately," Jacaerys said without hesitation. "Ser Vaemond's words insult not only us—but our mother."
Dragonzel nodded. "Good. We will support you."
Jacaerys hurried off with Lucerys, nearly overwhelmed with emotion, heading for the lift to depart on their dragons.
"I will prepare Silverwing," Valarr said, following them.
Ray lingered behind, lowering his voice. "Brother… must we involve ourselves in this? The King will surely side with Princess Rhaenyra."
"The murkier the waters, the greater the opportunity," Dragonzel replied with a faint smile. "You have not fallen for that little girl, have you?"
"Of course not," Ray said immediately, understanding. With King Viserys gravely ill, the tension at court could no longer be suppressed. "Then… we stand with Princess Rhaenyra?"
"For now, it serves our interests," Dragonzel said. "But we remain neutral—at least outwardly."
"I understand. I will guard the city and the children."
Dragonzel tapped his brother's nose. "You are still a child yourself. Listen to the others—Aslan, Fanson, Hofa… and Leila as well."
"Yes, brother."
Dragonzel ruffled his hair before heading toward the lift.
Dragon roars soon echoed through the skies.
Vermax and Arrax took flight first, the green Vermax leading. The young dragon had grown rapidly, now capable of long-distance flight with a rider. Arrax, smaller but swifter, quickly overtook it.
Silverwing followed, her vast wings spreading wide.
Last came Vermithor.
When the Bronze Fury rose, it was like a mountain taking flight. Yet the people of Summerhall had grown accustomed to such sights, continuing their work undisturbed.
The dragons landed directly within the courtyard of the Red Keep.
They did not go to the Dragonpit.
Instead, they stood in the courtyard, staring down the assembled knights.
"Your sons have arrived," Princess Rhaenys said quietly, watching from above.
Princess Rhaenyra stood beside her, relief flickering in her eyes.
"I need your support," Rhaenyra said softly.
"You know the truth," Rhaenys replied calmly. "I will not deny Lucerys's claim—but neither will I openly support it. As for the outcome… the gods will decide."
She turned and walked away.
Rhaenyra sighed before following.
Inside the Throne Room—
"The court prays for Lord Corlys," Otto Hightower announced, standing before the Iron Throne. "But the matter of Driftmark's succession and Prince Daemon's actions must be addressed."
Lord Mallentine stood below the steps with his kin.
Queen Alicent stood to one side.
Opposite them stood Princess Rhaenyra, Prince Daemon, Dragonzel, Valarr—and the princes.
"Dragonzel, thank you," Rhaenyra whispered.
"They are our squires," Dragonzel replied quietly.
Otto seated himself upon the Iron Throne. "Lord Mallentine, speak."
Mallentine stepped forward.
"The Velaryon line traces back to Old Valyria. When House Targaryen ruled the skies, we ruled the seas. Our blood is ancient—pure." He glared at Dragonzel briefly. "My brother Vaemond served faithfully. We are his closest kin."
"Are you questioning my sons?" Rhaenyra snapped. "They are Laenor's heirs. They ride dragons—proof enough of their blood!"
"Princess, do not interrupt," Queen Alicent said calmly.
"That is your blood!" Mallentine retorted. "This concerns Velaryon legacy. Blood must remain pure."
Jacaerys's hand went to his sword—but Dragonzel pressed it down.
"Vaemond was the rightful heir," Mallentine continued. "Your ambition led to his unlawful death!"
"Therefore, I name his son, Daeron, as heir to Driftmark."
"Princess Rhaenyra," Otto said, "you may respond."
Before she could—
The doors opened.
King Viserys entered.
Masked, frail, leaning on a cane.
Gasps filled the hall.
He walked slowly forward. His gaze found Dragonzel—and Jacaerys beside him.
"Thank you… for your support…"
He stumbled—but Daemon caught him, guiding him to the throne and placing the crown upon his head.
Viserys spoke again, stronger now.
"Princess Rhaenys… what was Lord Corlys's will?"
Rhaenys answered calmly. "Lucerys Velaryon. Always."
Viserys nodded.
"Then it is settled. Lucerys is the rightful heir. Vaemond's punishment was just."
"Your Grace," Mallentine said coldly, "you may name your own heirs—but not ours."
"Who do you think you are?" Viserys snapped.
"He is not Velaryon!" Mallentine shouted, pointing at Lucerys.
"Enough!" Rhaenyra stepped forward.
"I will not allow—"
"Say it," Daemon said with a smile.
"They are bastards!" Mallentine roared.
Jacaerys moved—but Dragonzel stopped him.
The King's eye burned with fury.
"And she—" Mallentine pointed at Rhaenyra—
"Is a shameless whore."
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