To Take What Is Rightfully Ours

Chapter 13. Earning Children's Affections

'Are you sure this is a good idea?' Rhaenyra asked, doing her best to try and hide her nervousness.

'For the fifth time, yes,' Diane said, but her tone was fond. She understood why Rhaenyra struggled but that had to be done. A few acts of kindness might ensure her position much better than the countless political schemes Diane and Daemon had up their sleeves. Was it precisely crucial to their success? Not really. Would it help them out in the long run? Most likely.

'But they don't know me...'

'They are still young enough to want to know you. That's an opportunity you shouldn't miss out on,' Diane insisted, pushing Rhaenyra in the right direction.

To give the proper credit, the idea first came from Daemon when he found out Diane went to visit Aegon and Helaena a few times after she found the little prince in the inner yard that night. So he figured if Diane already did that, she could take Rhaenyra with her so that the princess got a chance to get to know her siblings and - what was more important - her siblings got to know her.

'It's harder to convince a person to usurp the throne if they actually love their sister,' Daemon pointed out, and Rhaenyra knew he was right. They were playing a long game here, and she had to play her part.

Aegon noticed their arrival as soon as they entered the room and immediately ran to Diane with the happiest smile he was capable of. She laughed and picked him up with ease, letting Aegon bubble about what he did today and how much he missed her.

Rhaenyra was impressed by not only how fast Diane seemed to build a relationship with Aegon but also by the fact she was able to put her grudge aside. Rhaenyra didn't remember the horrors of the war and her death so it would be much easier for her. But Diane lived through it, suffered through it, and still found a place in her heart to care for a child who once grew up to kill her.

'I want you to meet someone,' Diane said, and Aegon immediately looked in the direction of Rhaenyra.

'Her?' he pointed and asked. Rhaenyra couldn't help but smile. Diane was right, the boy was precious. If the princess didn't think too hard about who his parents were, of course.

'Yes. That's your sister Rhaenyra.'

'Hi, Aegon,' the princess smiled a little bit awkwardly. She didn't have a lot of experience with kids and wasn't quite sure how she was supposed to behave herself.

Aegon frowned at her and then said, 'My sister small.'

Oh.

They didn't tell him about her. No one told him he had an older sister even though he was old enough to understand. The princess could bet that was somewhat intentional.

'Yes. But you have two sisters,' Diane said cheerfully. She seemed unfazed but Rhaenyra could see in her eyes that she came to the same conclusion. 'The little one is Helaena. She is over there,' Diane slightly turned to show Aegon a baby in the hands of a nursemaid. 'And the older one is Rhaenyra. She is right here. And she is very excited to be your new friend,' Diane turned them back so Aegon could face the princess again.

'Friend!' the boy exclaimed. 'I like making friends,' he declared, stretching his hands to Rhaenyra.

'I think he wants you to hold him,' Diane said with a small smile. 'Are you up for it?'

'Sure, okay,' Rhaenyra nodded, and Diane handed Aegon to her. The boy immediately wiggled, put his hands on Rhaenyra's cheeks, and said in an expert tone, 'You pretty.'

The princess let out a laugh. 'You too, Aegon.'

'Really?' the boy's eyes lightened up.

'Really.'