Outer study

[Marie]

A room in the Queen Mother's suite, with doors leading to the chambers of the Queen Mother and her attendants.

[Marie]

The morning of their departure from the Eyrie, Joanna left the children with Aalina and headed to her mother's apartments. She desperately wanted to see Rhaenys before she left. She entered the room with confidence and looked about to see if anyone dared challenge her.

[Viea Greyjoy]

Ganieda came out of Rhaenys room with a smile that quickly faded as she saw her friends eldest child.

She put the tray she was carrying on the table and firmly closed the door to the Queen Mothers room.

"You shouldnt be here Princess."

[Marie]

The pricness' eyes gleamed defiance.

"Why shouldn't I, Lady Gen? These are my own mother's partments and this was my home once. I've as much right to be here as you. You are Mother's dearest friend. Tell me why Maekar allows no-one to see her."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"This is your Brothers home now Princess, and both his and your Mothers wishes." Ganieda said with a small sigh. "I am your Mothers Lady, that is why I am allowed to see her."

[Marie]

"And I am my mother's daughter, the same as Maekar is her son. Does blood count for nothing any more?"

Joanna sighed but not in resignation.

"The mother I grew up with would never turn away her own child."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"Of course it does Joanna." Gen said to the woman who she had seen grow up. "But all parents have these times where they have to do whats best. Even Maekar doesnt come up here."

"I know it is hard for both of you, Rhaenys takes it badly, but she feels it is better for all of you. I cannot see my daughter or son, but you will be able to see your mother again before long."

[Marie]

"How can it best for Mother to hide away without a sight of her children? I am going away, Gen. I don't know when I will come back. What if I never get to see my mother again?"

[Viea Greyjoy]

"You will do. And she see's you. She knows how beautiful you have become and loves you. Its just not good for her to see you right now. Soon all of you will be asked to come, and she will see all of you, and her grandchildren, but until then you will have to write, and be happy to get a letter from her."

[Marie]

"She hasn't even written me, even when I wrote her," Joanna said. "Stand aside, Gen. I don't take orders from you."

[Viea Greyjoy]

"No." Gen said. "No, you will listen to me Joanna. I have known you all of your life, I have done things that you wouldnt beleive. I almost killed my husband for your mother, and gave up my children. You will not go any furthur and you will take this order from me."

[Marie]

"How could you stop me?" Joanna demanded.

She felt sorry for her mother's friend but was determined to have her own way.

[Viea Greyjoy]

"You forget who I was Princess." Gen said softly, though her voice was quiet her tone brooked no arguements.

[Marie]

"I forget nothing. You're being unreasonable. If Mother is that badly ill she would want to see her daughter. If she's feeling better, she'll likely be bored and welcome my company, so what is the problem?"

[Viea Greyjoy]

"That she does not want to see you." Ganieda said a little coldly. "She does not want to see any of her children right now. Why cant you understand that?"