Princess Joanna's apartments - 598 AC

[Viea Greyjoy]

"No." Marianne said softly. "I suppose there will be in time, but not yet. But mother didnt love my Father at first, that grew."

[Marie]

"Yes. The same is true of both of Mother's marriages, though I heard that she liked your father very well before they married. I'm not so sure about my father. I barely remember him but he was a frightening sort. I didn't love Jon when I married him, either, except as a friend. You could have that with Lord Wylde, I expect."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"Mayhaps I will. Im sure that so long as I bear a son I would be of some use to him." She said with a shrug. "Why did you marry Jon if you didnt love him?"

[Marie]

"Uncle Talyn wanted to bind House Royce to the Crown. I liked Jon so I saw no reason to refuse. Besides, there are some advantages to having a younger husband. Younger men are more malleable than older ones. My only concern was that I could have done with Jon to be more experienced in private matters."

She winked.

"I didn't know how to proceed really so it took us a little while to become accustomed."

[Viea Greyjoy]

Marianne was silent for a few moments. "I know nothing of those matters Joanna, you know how Mother was about those things. Steffon tells me that Lord Wylde is older then me."

[Marie]

It took Joanna a while to picture Lord Wylde since she'd only met him a time or two. Eventually she put a face to the name.

"Ajh yes. He can't be very much older though? He's probably younger than me. It's not like you are being asked to wed an old man."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"I know, just one that I hardly know." She said, then smiled. "Are you looking forward to tonight? I hear that it will be a good night."

[Marie]

"Yes,. It should be good. Lord Manderly's a good man and his daughters are sweet. I know you will charm all the men, sweet sister. Do you have a new dress for the occasion?"

[Viea Greyjoy]

Mari nodded. "It is pale yellow taffita with white lace."

[Marie]

"Very nice. That will go well with your colouring."

Joanna smield.

"Would you like me to have a word with Steffon about your betrothal or can you bear to live with it?"

[Viea Greyjoy]

"Mother taught me better then to hide Joanna, she always said that I would have to face up to what happens. If I do not marry Lord Wylde Im sure that I will be found another to marry, who is probably worse then Wylde is."

[Marie]

"Quite possibly. The trouble is that men don't see it the way we do? How can they? The law favours them, always. |I think you are right to accept your situation so long as you do not find Wylde repulsive. If you befriend him now, you may be in an excellent position by the time you come to marry him."

Joanna winked again.

"Think how pleasant it would be to have him carry out your every desire."

[Viea Greyjoy]

Marianne laughed lightly. "So long as I can still hunt then I would be happy."

[Marie]

"Lord Wylde has no reason not to allow that. I shall have something to say about it if he does, I promise you."

It was clear that Joanna was deadly serious.

"I wish that Blackhaven were closer to Runestone, though. It would have been sweet to have you close to me."

[Princess Lyssandra Martell]

A soft knock comes at the door in the midst of their conversation. It is Lady Aryanna and she gave her name to the servant.