Princess Joanna's apartments - 598 AC

[Marie]

"Whoever seess him first, I suppose," Joanna said with a shrug. "it matters not."

[Viea Greyjoy]

Marianne seemed thoughtful for a moment.

"Joanne, what should I do if the person I am betrothed to doesnt like me?"

[Marie]

Joanna considered.

"Do you know why he doesn't like you? It might help."

[Viea Greyjoy]

Mari shook her head, I suppose he will be at the feast tonight, I will probably meet him there."

[Marie]

"Yes, most likely. No good man could fail to like you, so all should be well. If it's not, come talk to me again, and we'll think about he reasons why the two of you aren't getting along."

[Viea Greyjoy]

Marianne nodded and said goodbye to her sister, needing time to get ready for the evening.

[Marie]

//////////////

Joanna invites Marianne to join her when she has a moment free.

[Viea Greyjoy]

Marianne entered as soon as she had got the message. She brushed her hair out of her face and smiled at Joanna when she entered.

"You wanted me sister."

[Marie]

"I did."

Joanna smiled at her only female sibling, of whom she had always been deeply fond.

"How are you getting on with your prospective husband? I recall that last time we spoke we decided that you would talk to him and see whether you could bear to marry him before we made any decisions about the future."

[Viea Greyjoy]

Mariannes smile faded.

"We spoke between us and decided that it wasnt best for either me or Lord Wylde." She said.

[Marie]

"Oh. Why is that? Does he repel you?"

[Viea Greyjoy]

Marianne shook her head.

"Its not for me to say Joanna, Lord Wylde and I just dont see eye to eye on certain things."

[Marie]

That puzzled Joanna until she thought of something.

"Oh. Is he the kind of man who thinks the woman should stay at his castle doing nothing but birthing heirs?"

[Viea Greyjoy]

Marianne was silent and looked down at her hands.

"I would be able to cope with that." She said quietly. "Why are things not simple sister?"

[Marie]

"Because that's life."

Joanna reached for her sister's hand and held it gently.

"Marianne, please tell me what's wrong. How can you know that whatever it is cannot be resolved? You are clever and beautiful and sweet. No man could fail to love you."