The King's Chambers

[The Smith]

Daemon laughed wickedly in reply.

[Marie]

Rhaenys felt a cold shiver down her spine, She was afraid there was something badly wrong with her son and daughter.

"Daemon, for the love of the gods, why take Joanna to your bed? You know that's not how I raised you."

[The Smith]

"I do what I want mother." Daemon said coldly.

[Marie]

"But why? I must know, Daemon," Rhaenys persisted. "Why did your sister agree to it?"

[The Smith]

"Ask her." Daemon looked at Aerion, "Have a paige find Joanna, our mother wishes to speak to her."

[Marie]

"I'll finish speaking to you, first, curse of a son. I'd never have abdicated if I had dreamed you would turn into a monster. I'll wager the people do not like this bigamous marriage of yours, nro the gods either."

There was anger in her voice but grief as well. Rhaenys looked deeply miserable.

[The Smith]

"The gods approve, ask the new high septon." Daemon replied with a wry smile.

[Marie]

Rhaenys frowned.

"You've bought the High Septon, haven't you?"

[The Smith]

"Why do you not ask him that?" Daemon sighed, "You are boring me mother. How much longer do you intend to rage pointlessly against actions that can not be undone."

[Marie]

She mastered her anger, though she longed to slap him. What was the use, though? He wasn't listening.

"Daeron's death cannot be undone, much to my sorrow. The child's birth cannot be undone either, nor would I wish harm to my own grandson regardless of his begetting. The marriage, however, may be dissolved. Morgan is your true wife and yet they say you keep her confined. I am sure Joanna could be bought off, somehow. She's an ambitious creature, I know, yet she cannot like this rivalry between Morgan and herself."

[The Smith]

Daemon shook his head, "She loves me, and I love her. And I now have a son who can master the dragons."

[Marie]

"What is wrong with your sons by Morgan?"

[The Smith]

Daemon replied, "They are scared of the dragons, and have no fire blood."

[Marie]

"I see. So the child is the reason for this farcicial, immoral marriage of yours?"

[The Smith]

"Why do you think you deserve explanations of my actions. I am the King... that is answer enough." Daemon replied.