The tension in the room following Prince Viserys' words could be cut with a knife. Alyn Velaryon was smirking, his eyes set on Ser Gedmund Peake, watching the color drain from the man's face.
"Your Grace, you cannot!" Gedmund spoke up, enraged, standing up once more, his hands trembling as they hit the table, scaring Visenya in the process.
Viserys would do naught but glare at him for his outburst, while Aegon simply looked down at his own hands.
Grand Maester Alford immediately continued with, "Your Grace, my Lord Hand, this matter had been settled soon after his Grace's own ascension to the throne."
"The matter was settled by the King's regents, Grand Maester. The King himself had no part in it. He senses injustice, and wishes to mend it."
"Injustice?!" Gedmund seethed.
"Mind your tongue, Peake, or I'll have Lord Alyn escort you out." Viserys replied, calmly, nodding over at Alyn, who was already cracking his knuckles, the smirk not leaving his face for a moment.
Gedmund would not relent, however, and looked around the table at the people present as if searching for the eyes of anyone except the Grand Maester who would speak up for him. Ser Raynard would only look at him in warning, Isembard Arryn pursed his lips and looked deep in thought, and Ser Corwyn actually looked excited to hear more of the King's proposal.
Realizing that no one at the table was interested in supporting his beliefs, Gedmund Peake took a deep breath and addressed Aegon more calmly, "Your Grace, I have served this Council and yourself for many years. I have done so faithfully and competently."
Ignoring the snort that came from Alyn Velaryon at the other end of the table, Gedmund continued to look at the King and speak, whereas Aegon refused to look at him but listened intently to what he had to say.
"When the regency was put in place upon your ascension as King, the main purpose was to establish a law which would prevent future conflicts within the ruling House and as such avoid plunging the Realm into another war. The law of succession now clearly states that only a male heir can ascend the Iron Throne. We cannot in any possible way declare your mother to have been a ruling Queen without…"
"We can if we amend said law." Visenya found herself speaking, glaring at Gedmund in defiance.
"Begging your pardon, Princess, but I was speaking to His Grace…"
"You are speaking to me now, Ser Gedmund. His Grace's sister. A Princess of the Blood and of the Realm. And you will show me the proper respect!" Visenya snapped.
Ser Gedmund was grinding his teeth, now looking to see if any of Visenya's brothers would intervene on his behalf. Aegon continued to remain calm but finally raised his head to look over at his sister, while Viserys was giving Ser Gedmund the same disapproving glare his sister was.
"You are old enough, Ser Gedmund. Do you recall the Battle of the Kingsroad?" Visenya asked, and directed the Lord Admiral's attention back to her.
She refused to let him do this to her. She refused to let any man at this table do to her what many Lords of the Realm have done to her mother.
"I do, Princess." Gedmund replied, and seemed to be making an effort to remain calm.
"And what happened during this battle?"
"It was the last battle of the war. Victory for House Tully against House Baratheon."
"And for whom did House Tully fight in the war?"
"I believe we all know the answers to these questions, Princess. But I fail to see how…"
"Then present us the answers that everyone at this table knows."
"House Tully fought for the Blacks, Princess."
"And who were the Blacks?"
Gedmund closed his eyes for a moment and then turned his head over to the King, almost as if he were imploring him to intervene. To his surprise, the King's attention was finally on him.
"Answer the Princess' question, Lord Admiral." Aegon commanded him.
Gedmund Peake turned back to look at Visenya, whose head was held up high and her light purple eyes were shooting daggers his way.
"Supporters of your mother's ascension to the throne, Princess."
"Very good, Ser. I may also add that the Great Houses who supported the ascension of the rightful Queen, my mother, are also the ones who defeated the army of the usurper and marched to King's Landing in order to unseat him in favor of my dear brother, our King Aegon. Lord Cregan Stark, Lord Kermit Tully and Lady Jeyne Arryn defeated the Greens' forces and ensured the Blacks' victory. Do you deny this?"
"Princess…"
"My mother was the rightful Queen, proclaimed so by my grandsire, King Viserys, First of His Name. Her armies defeated those of the usurper's and crowned her son King, putting an end to the war. The ruling House Targaryen is represented by the children of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen. And yet, you conspired to have the usurper your House supported during the war keep the title of King in official documentation, and deny my mother, the true Queen of the Realm, the same privilege."
"Visenya!" Viserys finally exclaimed, in warning to make her stop.
She did not regret her words, but as her chest heaved, Visenya realized the anger that flashed behind Ser Gedmund's eyes. He felt cornered, cheated, and his House had just been besmirched.
"Are you suggesting that my House committed treason, Princess?"
Visenya's eyes finally met Viserys' across the table. He very lightly shook his head as an indication for her to not accept this provocation. But she could not abide and do him this kindness. She simply could not. The three of them had stayed silent for years so as to keep the peace, but peace at this point meant betraying the memory of their family. Their mother and father who died protecting their claims to the Iron Throne. Their brothers, Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey who died in the name of House Targaryen.
Turning her head back towards the Lord Admiral, Visenya replied, "Your House sided with the treasonous faction that usurped my mother's throne. Why don't you tell me what I am suggesting, Ser Gedmund?"
Gedmund's eyes narrowed for a moment, before clearing his throat and taking his leave from the table.
"I shall need to confer the matter with my nephew, Your Grace. Unwin will certainly be interested in learning of the Crown's…plans."
Before Aegon could say anything or even grant him leave, Gedmund turned on his heel and left the chambers, banging the doors shut.
Alyn stood from the table, and furiously stated, "Your Grace, you must not condone this lack of respect towards you or the Princess."
Bowing his head slightly, Grand Maester Alford added, "I agree. Ser Gedmund's reaction was improper at the least. But Your Grace, my Princess, I beg of you to understand how this royal decree could break apart the peace we have worked so hard to keep for many years. Ser Gedmund shall not hesitate to inform his nephew of how House Peake has been slighted by the Crown and accused of treason for having sided with a certain faction during the war. When we pushed for Your Grace's marriage to the late Queen Jaehaera, our intention was to unite the two factions and as such, unite the Realm. Word shall no doubt reach Houses Lannister, Hightower and Baratheon, who as we know, were your mother's greatest rivals. Wounds would reopen."
Aegon's deep dark purple eyes once again expressed the sadness within. A sadness which has not left him since he witnessed his mother's death. This is precisely what he had been trying to avoid for years. He feared the possibility of a new war.
But the time for House Targaryen to fear lesser Houses was finished. Although loved by the smallfolk, Aegon learned what else they were saying: that he could not possibility be the son of the Rogue Prince, Daemon Targaryen. They argued that his brother, Viserys, would be the better King.
No more. He would be the King his parents would have been proud of. He would aid his brother and sister in this quest. And their family would receive the recognition they deserved.
Breathing in deeply, his reply was much softer, "Grand Maester, Princess Visenya has only expressed the truth as we all know it to be. My mother was usurped, and the usurper carries to this day the title of King, while my mother carries the title Princess. If I am not mistaken, this was done by the wish of my uncle, the usurper. But it is not his bloodline who sits the throne and I was not his heir. I sit the throne as my mother's eldest living child. My mother's reign is to be recognized, by my will and the will of House Targaryen."
"I quite agree, Your Grace." Ser Corwyn stated.
"Indeed." Isembard Arryn finally voiced his opinion, earning him Visenya's smile.
"Hear! Hear!" Lord Alyn exclaimed.
"Prepare the ravens to the Great Houses, Grand Maester. As soon as Ser Corwyn finishes his investigation in the matter, the Lords of the Realm are to come to Court and swear fealty once more to House Targaryen and openly recognize my mother as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen." Aegon instructed Alford.
"What of the High Septon?" Isembard questioned.
"He should be informed as well." Viserys agreed.
Visenya did her best to keep from scoffing and rolling her eyes. The new High Septon was in the Hightowers' pocket. He had reversed the decision of the previous High Septon which denied the marriage between Lord Lyonel Hightower and his father's widow, Samantha Tarly. This marriage would normally be deemed an abomination in accordance to the principles of the Faith. But of course, the Hightowers believe they are above the law, as they always did.
This Hightower union produced six children, children who would normally be deemed as bastards. Visenya knew of how much time the snakes in the pit of Oldtown hissed of how her mother's eldest sons had supposedly been bastards. The Princess did not miss the irony of it all. If Lord Hightower did come to Court with his paramour, they would receive the appropriate treatment.
Aegon nodded towards the Grand Maester and added, "A raven to the High Septon as well, then."
Eying Viserys and Visenya with a very tired look, Aegon then whispered, "Let us be finished."
Everyone stood and bowed to the King, as the meeting was over. Visenya lowered her head, as her eyes met Viserys' piercing ones. His gaze was stone cold, and she knew that he would have words with her.
…
Upon entering the Queen's chambers, after having been announced, Visenya was not expecting Daenaera to be in the company of Baela and Rhaena once more. While Rhaena's gaze warmed upon seeing her little sister, Baela was looking stern, holding her daughter close on her lap.
Her young nephews, Daeron and Baelor, were in close company of their nurse maids.
"Visenya! What has happened?" Daenaera exclaimed, standing up and taking Visenya's hands in hers.
Before Visenya could respond, the guards at the doors announced King Aegon and Prince Viserys.
Visenya's grip on Daenaera's hands tightened, concerned for the outcome of the meeting. Despite having sided with her in front of all those Lords, she knew her brothers were not happy with how she had provoked Gedmund Peake.
However, Aegon's attention was directed to his older half-sisters.
"Baela, I have granted your husband the necessary funds for his new voyage. Are you to accompany him?"
"No. My daughter and I will return to Driftmark. As Lady of Driftmark, I have to protect my husband's seat in his absence. Thank you, Your Grace." Baela responded.
"Brother, Baela." Aegon reminded her warmly, to which Baela smiled, making Visenya uncomfortable. Of course, Baela would have no problem showing affection to their brothers. But with her, she was ice cold.
"Rhaena, you will be pleased to learn that I have appointed your husband as the new Master of Laws. I imagine you are to stay in the capital from now on." Aegon told her, rubbing his hands together, nervously.
"That is wonderful news! Thank you, brother. It would be a pleasure to keep Daenaera and Visenya company." Rhaena replied.
Visenya was touched by what she said, even though the Princess was perfectly aware of how Morning would be better suited on Dragonstone. At least Rhaena was making an effort to bond.
Nobody missed the look of annoyance that Baela gave her sister at that comment, though.
Turning towards Aegon and Viserys, Baela told them, "I shall see to my husband now. Come along, Laena!"
Before Baela could walk out the door with her daughter, Visenya stopped her.
"Baela!"
Raising her eyebrow, Baela turned back, entirely surprised that Visenya was speaking to her, which is precisely what the Princess wished for.
"Yes, Princess?"
"I should like to have a discussion. Mayhaps in my chambers a little while after."
"I really don't think…"
"I insist, Lady Baela!" Visenya exclaimed, mayhap a little too loudly, but offered her a smile nonetheless.
Realizing that there was no other way out for her, especially in the presence of all of their other siblings, Baela gave a curt nod, and said, "Of course.", before taking her leave.
"I ought to do the same. Corwyn oft desires my company, and I should congratulate him on his new post." Rhaena chuckled, gave Daenaera a hug, before leaving the chambers as well.
Once the doors to the Queen's chambers had been locked shut by the guards stationed outside, Aegon, Viserys, Visenya and Daenaera were given the privacy they so needed. Aegon looked pale, close to the bright silver color of his hair, making his very dark purple eyes shine even brighter as he gazed towards his wife.
Daenaera, noticing his distress, immediately went over and cupped his cheeks, running her soft fingers over them in comfort. "What is it, my love?" she whispered, softly.
"It is happening. I tried so hard to prevent it." Aegon responded, his dark amethyst eyes reflecting naught but desperation, making Daenaera's knees wobble.
She had always been aware of her husband's beautiful Valyrian features, features belonging to his mother. But when he was gazing at her as if she was the only thing keeping him grounded, the only light in his life, it made her feel even more in love.
"They did not approve?" she asked.
This time, it was Viserys who responded, having watched them closely, "They did. Most of them anyway. All but Gedmund Peake."
"That's not surprising." Daenaera replied.
"It's not. But he stormed out of the Council chambers after Visenya provoked him." Viserys said harshly, his back straightening, his hands clasped behind his back and his gaze to the floor, and certainly not to the infuriating Princess standing beside him.
"Wait a moment!" Visenya exclaimed, her hands crossed over her chest, glaring at him. "Viserys, this is not fair! I was defending our family name!"
Once her eyes met Aegon's, Visenya's demeanor changed, and she told him sincerely, "Brother, you have to know, I had no intention to cause you trouble. But I could not keep myself from telling a necessary truth, as you yourself pointed out."
Aegon took Daenaera's hands from his cheeks and pressed his lips to her pale skin. Pulling back, he eyed Visenya and replied, "It is alright, sister."
Ever the peaceful, he did not wish for a strife among them as well.
"Brother, it is not!" Viserys snapped, his eyes darkening.
Before Visenya could respond, Viserys grabbed her by the arm, leading her into a far corner of the chamber, leaving Daenaera the task of calming her very anxious husband.
"Let go of me!" Visenya pulled her arm back and flipped her long silver-golden hair from her shoulders.
"Do you realize how difficult managing the trouble you have caused in there is going to be for me?" Viserys hissed at her, looking back to his brother with worry.
"I did what I had to do. Father would have approved."
"How would you know that? And in any case, Father is not here. I am. As is Aegon. And you have caused plenty of trouble, sister. We cannot provoke other Houses and have them rise up against us. Not after we have worked so hard to keep the peace."
"You agreed to have our mother's reign recognized. You knew it would not be easy." Visenya argued.
Viserys leaned closer and towered over her, speaking softly but harshly, "I knew. But I did not expect that little performance from your part. What you spoke was the truth, yes, but the truth is costly. Especially now. Our House is not as strong as it had been before the war. We do not have any dragons aside from Morning. We must command respect through other more lenient methods to avoid an uprising."
"They would not dare." Visenya challenged, her head rising up to gaze deeply into his eyes.
"They would." Viserys responded.
His lips were parted and he was breathing in deeply.
Visenya could feel something warm in the pit of her stomach as her gaze travelled over his elegant red and gold velvets before finally meeting his frustrated gaze. He was much too close to her. It was not the first time he did that. She knew that a blush was creeping on her cheeks. She felt it. And she could not help it.
Viserys' gaze softened. He was not angry at her. Not truly. He was angry at himself, for not handling the situation better as Hand. For being partially responsible for his brother's distress.
"I will not apologize." Visenya insisted.
A roguish smile grazed his lips. "I do not expect you to. But you are going to help resolve this matter in our favor."
"How?"
"You have had your way for years at Court, sweet sister. You have been spoiled, dotted upon by one woman alone, Lady Elinda Massey. The time has come for you to choose other ladies in waiting. Preferably closer to your age."
Gasping, Visenya gripped his garments tightly and whispered, "Viserys, no."
"It is no longer up for discussion. Aegon agrees. We are vulnerable. And after what happened at this Council meeting, we will have former enemies nipping at our heels. I sense a war brewing. A war of ravens. We need allies. Now, Lord Loreon Lannister has sisters…"
"I will never accept a Lannister girl in my midst. Never! You know what happened to our Queen, when she chose Priscella Hogg and Lucinda Penrose as her ladies. And do not think that I will accept any of Elenda Baratheon's suggestions after her daughter also attempted to poison Daenaera." Visenya reminded him.
Priscella Hogg had targeted Larra Rogare, believing that Viserys would marry her if only he was freed from the bonds of matrimony to the Lyseni woman. As for Lucinda Penrose, she attempted to poison Daenaera herself so that she may have a chance to become Aegon's Queen. Both ladies had had their noses cut from their faces as punishment and now lived their lives in banishment.
Cassandra Baratheon had been promised to the usurper after the death of his wife. It is well known how excited Cassandra was at the idea of becoming Queen of the Realm, and upon learning of the usurper's death, she wept for having missed the opportunity to become the highest standing lady in the Seven Kingdoms. Enraged, she had also plotted the death of the 'little queen'.
Daenaera no longer accepted any lady in waiting, and relied solely on trusted maids to help her with every day necessities.
Seeing the look of frustration on Viserys' face, Visenya gently cupped his cheek and whispered, "Worry not, brother. I will do my duty. But I shall only accept ladies from Houses who had been loyal to our family, and not to House Hightower."
Viserys seemed to have calmed for a moment, but he surprised her by grabbing her hand and firmly removing it from his face. Visenya's lips parted, as a hurt expression crossed her face. What was troubling him so? Nonetheless, she cleared her throat and told him of her plan.
"I will personally write to Lord Cregan Stark. He was our fiercest ally. I shall ask if he would consider letting his eldest daughter, Sarra Stark, join my household."
"Good. Lord Joffrey Arryn has a daughter, as Isembard tells me." Viserys told her.
"Then I shall write to him as well. What of House Tully?"
"I do not recall Lord Kermit having any daughters, or even nieces."
Visenya's face fell a little, but then told him, "Lord Clement Celtigar has a daughter, does he not? She would be perfect."
"The Celtigars are not a Great House, Visenya."
"But they are our kin. Valyrian. It would certainly send a strong message. And Lord Bartimos Celtigar had served our mother faithfully during the war. They deserve our gratitude."
Sighing, Viserys eventually stepped back from her and nodded, "I trust you to make the right choices, sister. And I beg you to contain your temper until the matter concerning our mother's recognition is settled."
Turning on his heel, Viserys walked away from her to share a few words with Aegon and Daenaera before departing from the Queen's chambers.
…
Upon returning to her chambers, Visenya was in a sour mood for more than one reason alone. Hoping to get some peace and quiet so as to think about her next move, she couldn't help but roll her eyes when she saw the maids busying themselves, arranging her brushes and jewels near the vanity, changing the sheets, washing and dusting the drapes.
She wondered what they had been doing the whole time she had been away at that Council meeting.
"Leave!" she ordered them all.
The maids bowed and scurried off, clearly aware that with the state the Princess was in, she should not have to repeat herself.
Elinda was the only one who remained. Noticing the way in which the Princess placed herself at the vanity, the woman knew what she had to do.
Taking one of the girl's favorite brushes, Elinda took it through Visenya's long curls, soothing her as she had done all her life.
Visenya, despite her pleasant appearance before common folk, had always been restless…the blood of the dragon coursing through her veins. Just like her parents, she was stubborn, quick to anger and proud.
But Elinda's mothering had always managed to calm her. Elinda Massey, her mother's closest lady in waiting, had now become Visenya's confidant. And it was in times like these, when the Princess was sitting at her vanity, with Elinda's soft brushes combing her silver-gold hair, that Visenya felt most comforted, and she was able to share her troubles. Elinda knew her deepest feelings, most hidden desires…even those Visenya herself had no knowledge of.
"What troubles you so, Princess?" Elinda asked, continuing to brush her hair.
And so, Visenya told her everything that happened at the Council meeting, what Gedmund Peake said, how he left in a huff and how House Peake would soon openly protest the recognition of her mother's reign. And soon enough, her mother's greatest rivals, the Hightowers, Lannisters and Baratheons would follow.
"I do not believe Elenda Baratheon would side with House Peake this time, Princess. She has suffered greatly. Her eldest daughter was a vile thing who put House Baratheon to shame. Her first husband had been a rotten, despicable man who fought on the losing side for advantage he could never truly grab hold of. Lady Elenda still rules as regent in her son's name. A woman in power, just as your mother had been. Contesting your mother's recognition would be contesting her own power over Storm's End. And in any case, unlike the other Houses who had fought against your mother's ascension, House Baratheon has made amends."
Visenya greatly valued Elinda's council. She was no longer a simple lady in waiting as she had been when she was serving the Realm's Delight and later, the Black Queen. She was now a woman with a clear picture of the ways of the Realm.
"Perchance you're right. But the Lannisters and the Hightowers are still our enemies. I am certain of it." Visenya insisted, and Elinda did not deny it.
Visenya then told Elinda about Viserys, how angry he had been…and how much that had hurt her.
Elinda could only smile and say, "You are a woman grown now, Visenya. Soon, your brother, King Aegon, will receive ravens from Lords all over the Realm asking for your hand, either for themselves or their sons. But it would seem that someone else has caught your eye."
Visenya's vulnerability was clearly displayed in her gaze, her light purple colored eyes meeting Elinda's.
"I do not think of Viserys in such a way." Visenya eventually whispered, but Elinda's smile was her way of letting her know that she did not believe her.
Clearing her throat and shaking her head a little, Visenya informed Elinda of what she had to do in order to gather back the support that her mother had during the war.
"Viserys calls this a war of ravens. House Peake shall start on it right away. Gedmund and Unwin will send word of what the Crown is planning to the Houses who opposed my mother as Queen. Aegon and Viserys will send their own ravens to the Houses who supported my mother's ascension. We are fortunate that there are many. But I must do my part and finally allow a growth of my household." Visenya explained, and eyed Elinda with sadness, already missing the alone time the Princess had with her mother figure.
She knew that once ladies from other Houses would join her in day to day activities, it shall never be the same. Elinda would not be able to join them, as she was much too old now. But Elinda understood perfectly.
"I shall choose four girls to start. I think that is quite enough." Visenya said, as she took a seat her small table, pulled out parchment and wet one of her quills.
"Who are your choices, Princess?"
Eying her, Visenya explained, "Houses Stark, Arryn and Tully were the most faithful and strongest supporters of my mother. I shall write to Lord Cregan Stark and ask if his eldest daughter, Sarra, could join my household. I would also write to Lord Joffrey Arryn. His daughter, Jeyne, is five and ten from what I hear. Lord Kermit Tully, however, has no girl he could send to me. It is not Viserys' choice, but I insist that Lord Clement Celtigar's daughter joins my household as well. The Celtigars are Valyrian and our kin. They have long been overlooked. These Houses who have been loyal to my mother will now secure the support of the North, the Vale and the Crownlands for us. The rivermen were ready to die for my mother in battle. I am certain that Aegon and Viserys will be able to secure the Riverlands even without one of their ladies joining my household."
Elinda nodded, approvingly, as Visenya already started scribbling her letter to Lord Cregan Stark. "Those are excellent choices, Princess. And what of the fourth lady?"
"I wished to discuss that matter with you actually."
Elinda's eyes widened. "Me?"
Visenya smiled, but spoke cautiously, "Yes. I know you have a niece. Elinor, I believe is her name."
"Oh no, Princess. It would not do. Elinor is four and twenty years of age. Far older than you. And you certainly do not need reassurance of our House's support. There must certainly be another…"
"I wish to help her. I know she has had trouble finding a husband." Visenya replied.
"I am truly honored by your kindness, Princess, but I…"
A knock on the door stopped Elinda in her the midst of her speech, as a guard entered.
"Princess. Lady Baela Targaryen is here to see you."
"Yes, I was expecting her. Do send her in. Thank you, ser."
The guard bowed and showed Baela inside her chambers. Laena was not with her, and she was seemingly annoyed.
"Please excuse us, Elinda." Visenya said and everyone cleared the rooms, as to allow the two sisters to talk in private.
Baela was studying the Princess' every movement. Her eyes travelled over to the way Visenya was holding her quill.
"Are you yourself writing to the Lords about your mother's legitimacy?" she asked directly, not bothering with the formalities.
Visenya raised one eyebrow at her, but was not surprised that Baela would not respect the customary etiquette towards a Targaryen princess. Despite many years having passed since becoming Lady of Driftmark, Baela had not improved her manners. The only time she was seen trying was in the presence of Aegon and Viserys.
Otherwise, Baela remained outspoken, rude and quick to anger. From what Visenya had heard, she got these traits from their father, the Rogue Prince. The people of Driftmark knew not to cross her, especially when her husband was away on one of his voyages, and she warmed his seat.
Her boyish ways had not changed either. Baela was forced to wear dresses on formal occasions and even when visiting the Red Keep, but in Driftmark, Visenya knew she was her own person.
Running her hand through her short hair, Baela was growing agitated by Visenya's lack of response.
"Is there a reason why I was called here, Princess?"
"Yes, there is. You can spare me the forced attempt at etiquette, since you do not show the proper respect towards a Princess of the Blood. You have been trying my patience since the moment you have arrived, my lady. I have been naught but courteous. Lady Rhaena came to Court with an open heart, eager to heal whatever disagreements may have existed between us in the past. Though I am uncertain what a child such as myself could have done to deserve such disdain shown from her own older sisters. Because, I remind you, Lady Baela, we are sisters. We share the same father. And our mothers were close friends." Visenya snapped.
She could see the expression on Baela's face having changed from utter disdain and annoyance, to guilt. Her face had softened and she was about to reply, but Visenya cut her off immediately.
"In truth, I now know the reason for the constant resentment you have shown me. His Grace, our brother himself, told me. Told me of our father's preference. That he showed me more affection than he did the daughters from his previous marriage."
Visenya enjoyed seeing the flicker of shock on Baela's face, even if it only lasted for one moment. She received confirmation of everyone's suspicions.
"It is my belief that Father loved my mother the most. And mayhaps, his happiness at having a daughter with her grew into great affection for me. But that does not mean that he loved you or Rhaena any less. Close sources tell me that Father loved his family more than anything. I am certain he loved you and Rhaena, even if his affection for you was not so openly displayed."
By this point in her well-prepared speech, Visenya was already seeing Baela fidgeting with a frown on her face, as she gazed at her. It was not easy to make the Lady of Driftmark uncomfortable and looking guilty, but Visenya was succeeding.
"So, I ask you, dear sister, to let us put this behind us. Rhaena is making amends. You should try to do so as well. As to your question, Aegon and Viserys will send ravens to Great Lords of the Realm themselves, explaining the Crown's proposition, and asking them to come to Court and swear fealty. I am to write my own letters to the Lords who have been loyal to my mother's cause during the war. I shall ask them to send me daughters, nieces, so I may form a household of ladies."
Silence followed Visenya's speech. The Princess was now standing, and had slowly but surely approached her older sister. The two of them were eying one another skeptically, almost as if measuring each other's guts.
With a small smile, Baela gazed over once more at the parchment laid out neatly on the table and asked, "Would you need my help with those, sister?"
There was a small smirk on her face, and Visenya understood that this was her way of granting her wish and trying to make amends. A Lady of Driftmark as tough as Baela would never apologize.
Matching her smirk, Visenya nodded and returned to the table, Baela following close behind.