The Princess & The Queen

Chapter Twenty Three

Be gentle, Laenor," Rhaenyra said shakily.

Laenor, flat on his back, tossed a giggling Lucerys into the air, catching his son before he landed. "Don't fret, Nyra. I've got him."

She huffed out a breath, much to the amusement of the ladies gathered around her. Just as her great-grandmother, Queen Alysanne, had done nearly fifty years prior, Rhaenyra had taken to holding her own council sessions.

But instead of surrounding herself with ambitious men only seeking wealth and power, she heeded the advice of their wives, clever women overshadowed by their husbands.

Aemma, bundled up in warm furs, played with Jacaerys in the snow. Winter had arrived suddenly, as did the twins' ability to walk. Laenor chuckled as Aemma, so sweet and gentle, began to chase her elder brother around the courtyard.

"Lady Frey," Rhaenyra acknowledged, turning to the older woman. "What are your opinions regarding Lord Greyjoy's petition for the king to annul his marriage to his Lady wife Francesa Florent? He is known to ally himself with Otto Hightower, yet he has come to me with his concerns."

Lady Frey, who was known to be well versed in politics and the law, pondered the question. "That means his lordship believes you to be in higher favor with the king than Queen Alicent. Should you advise your father to grant the annulment, Lord Greyjoy will most certainly be indebted to you."

Rhaenyra nodded sagely. "Indeed. Hopefully, the Hand does not catch wind of my plans, or he will most certainly go to the king himself."

Next to her, Jocelyn Lannister leafed through A History of Old Valyria, while Laena, with Baela in her lap, listened to the conversation intently. Sansa Massey, now five-and-ten, had been appointed Jace's governess, and the young lady, along with Alysanne Baratheon, delighted in watching Aemma and Jace play.

As the sun began to set, Rhaenyra's "even smaller council," as Laenor liked to call it, disbanded. Her father had ordered a feast that night, and they were all expected to attend.

"Jace," she called out to her eldest son. "Time to go."

Jacaerys, pink-cheeked and smiling, hooked his arms under Aemma and began waddling forward, much to the amusement of her ladies.

Laenor, with Luke, as they had taken to calling Lucerys, moved to her side and swept a giggling Jace into his arms. Rhaenyra gleefully took Aemma before her son had the chance to accidently drop her.

"And how are you my little pearl?" she cooed, using her nickname for her daughter.

Aemma simply gurgled and reached for the simple chain of gold that hung at her mother's neck.

What do you think?" Rhaenyra asked as she emerged from her dressing room.

Laenor's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. "It's very...sparkly."

Indeed it was. The blood-red gown shimmered under the glow of the candles, as did the dozens of rubies that lined her gold-woven tiara. The long sleeves hung off her shoulders, accentuated by a gold and ruby necklace that had been a gift from her father. Pearls hung from the neckline to the bodice and boasted a large ruby in the center, which drew quite a bit of attention down to her breasts.

Precisely what she wanted.

Rhaenyra beamed with pride as her maids clipped on a red-silk veil to the back of her tiara. "Dyana," she called to one of her favorites, "has Her Grace given any inclination as to what she intends to wear this evening?"

Dyana smirked. "Indeed, princess. I heard her boasting to her ladies that she intends to wear a gown of green."

How typical. "Thank you, Dyana."