Queen's Chambers in Winterfell

[Marie]

"So, is the letter necessary or will my command alone be sufficient to bring Aegon to my side?"

She hoped the latter but she'd learned that she and Aegon didn't know one another very well so she'd made no assumptions about his likely course of action.

[Aerys]

"I cannot say Your Grace. Your public accusations of desertion and the threats of outlawry for no more than moving camp, have made him wary. Likewise your reaction when he did refuse a proposal of marriage to the Princess of Dorne. Before then he would not have hesitated to come at your command.

"Perhaps it would be better if you would put in a letter the things you would not say to me." said Aerys.

[Marie]

"I'll write the letter she said. "You may sit while you wait."

She indicated a chair then got pen and paper and wrote the letter. Her script was unhurried and elegant but finally she was done. She folded the letter and then sealed it with a blob of hot wax imprinted with the dragon seal.

"Here," she said to Aerys as she gave him the letter. "Ride fast. I want this matter over with."

[Aerys]

Aerys took the letter and bowed again.

"Your Grace. I am humble to be Aegon's confidant and mentor and as such, may I say this. Without a doubt you had Aegon's loyalty until this unfortunate business."

He tapped the letter.

"I beg of you...do not throw it away. The Lone Dragon is a proud man, who would not suffer......."he paused thinking for the right word, "...... humiliation."

He paused again briefly. "You may have urgent need of his services before all this is over."

Aerys bowed again.

"I will deliver your letter to Prince Aegon at once."

He left.