Anni's Chambers

[Helyn Caron]

'It is my own fault your grace.' She replied. 'I will understand if you do not wish me to stay.'

[Marie]

"Why would I not wish you to stay? You've done nothing wrong save that which you previously confessed to and for which you have my full forgiveness."

[Helyn Caron]

'You will never look at me in the same light Your grace, i have betrayed you, the king does not care for me,'

[Marie]

"The blame is his far more than yours. I know how persuasive he can be. Besides, Daemon is king. It would be hard to refuse him because he has so much power," Joanna whispered.

[Helyn Caron]

'Do you think he was right about it not being a secret, i do not wish for my husband to find out.'

[Marie]

"Well, I didn't know so it can't have been all that obvious but perhaps Daemon meant that he did not actively try to hide it."

[Helyn Caron]

Anni snivelled. 'Why did i have to be so stupid.' She turned for the first time to face Joanna, her eyes were red and puffy and her cheeks were streaked with tears. 'It is what i have done to you i feel the worst about.'

[Marie]

Joanna moved closer and smiled sadly.

"I don't hold you to blame. Please don't feel bad, it will bode il for our friendship. Everyone makes mistakes."

[Helyn Caron]

'And how could i have done this to my husband, i know it was when we were not talking but it was wrong of me,'

[Marie]

"It's done now, though," Joanna said with some sympathy. "But I thought you told Maekar the truth?"

[Helyn Caron]

She sighed. 'He knows only of the party, when i got home we argued and he said he wanted nothing more to do with me, thats when things began, then i made up with Maekar and the meetings ceased. As i said earlier, i turned him down when he came to me in my chambers the other week. I could not betray Maekar or you anymore.'

[Marie]

"I know, and that's a good thing, but do you mean to tell Maekar the truth?"

[Helyn Caron]

'I do not think it will be a good idea.' She sighed.

[Marie]

"I'll keep your secret of course, but can you be sure Daemon won't tell?"

[Helyn Caron]

'I hope he will not.' Fresh tears in her eyes. 'Maybe it will best for everyone if i did return home with Maekar.'