To Take What Is Rightfully Ours

Chapter 35. Making An Impression

'The King wants to see you,' the servant said as soon as Diane, Daemon, and Rhaenyra walked out of the room. It was time for the kids to have their afternoon naps, and it wouldn't be good to interfere with their routine.

'Me or like...' Diane gestured vaguely.

'All of you, my lady, your graces,' the servant nodded to them respectfully. 'In the throne room.'

'Alright, thank you,' she answered, letting the servant go.

'He is probably unhappy that we ditched a Small Council meeting,' Rhaenyra huffed, stroking her belly without giving it a thought.

'Well, at least you have a good reason to,' Diane chuckled. 'Welcoming back a wayward daughter and all that.'

'He thinks you went to Essos to negotiate trade agreements for Dragonstone,' Daemon informed. At least, he thought it was the version of a lie that he had told his brother. The first few days after Diane had left were frantic so Rhaenyra and he produced a few different excuses before they realized they should probably agree on one. 'So I don't think he quite understands why we ran out.'

'Well, you didn't really lie. I was in Essos, just way more south than anyone should ever go,' Diane smiled. 'Anyway, do not fret. I intend to reveal the truth.'

'Really?' Rhaenyra asked in surprise.

'Well, not all of it. Just a tiny bit about where I was and what I saw. It's way easier to hide the important things with a fraction of the truth than with a lie.'

'You do understand that you will claim to be the first one to return from Valyria alive?' Daemon pointed out. 'He won't believe you.'

'Well, if we want to get technical then I'm the third one to return but this is a story for later,' Diane smiled. Her father raised an eyebrow. 'And I did not bring so many things from Valyria not to use them for my advantage. I came prepared,' she winked, making Daemon shake his head with a smile.

His daughter was about to put on a show and he couldn't wait to see that.

***

Before they went to the throne room, Diane insisted they took a small detour so she could change her clothes. 'If I look ravishing, he is less likely to be mad at you,' she winked to Rhaenyra before disappearing into another room where Athelstan had already been waiting for her.

The princess made a chuckle of amusement that turned into a laugh when she heard Daemon mutter, 'Definitely did not need to hear that.'

Diane emerged from her room a few minutes later in a stunning black and red dress that showed her collarbones and a bit of her shoulders. It had long sleeves almost as long as the dress itself and was decorated with material that imitated black feathers around her shoulders. She was wearing her songbird necklace as always and had two thin braids that framed her face. A sword was attached to the black belt and surprisingly fit in with a dress.

Athelstan walked out of the room as well, wearing a small bag across his shoulder from which one spider leg with a claw stuck out.

'How do I look?' Diane asked with a smile.

The responses came simultaneously.

'Breathtaking,' Rhaenyra said. She would definitely ask Diane if she could try on this dress later.

'Valyrian,' Daemon said, and from him it was like the highest praise possible.

'Like a Goddess,' Athelstan muttered, looking at Diane in absolute adoration.

'Then I'm ready. Let's go and charm the King... and maybe his Hand,' Diane declared and started walking.

Athelstan and Rhaenyra went right after her while Daemon sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, 'I swear she is doing it on purpose,' before hurrying after his daughter.