Anni's Chambers

[Helyn Caron]

'I do not feel well enough to stand.' She lied not moving her head from the pillow

[Marie]

Joanna sighed and went to fetch the crying baby. She carried him carefully and brought him over to Anni's bed.

"Come give Sebastian a cuddle," she said.

[Helyn Caron]

Anni did not move for some time, she finally gave in sat up and took her son from the Queen. 'He is so like his father.' She sighed

[Marie]

"I suppose he is. Selwyn looks like his father, too, and my daughters like me, for the most part. The dragon blood is strong," Joanna mused.

[Helyn Caron]

Anni closed her eyes. 'I'm sorry your grace, i am acting like a fool, the kings words cut deep.'

[Marie]

"I know. It would be worrying if they had not. I itched to slap him when he said that but even I am not immune to royal wrath," Joanna said. "I have done my best to show Daemon that I care for you too much for him to speak so ill of you. You don't deserve those words."

[Helyn Caron]

'But i do your grace, for what i have done to you and Maekar, I can not forgive myself.'

[Marie]

"Your wrongdoing does not give Daemon the right to treat you badly. You have repented, anyway. That's what counts. I am sure the gods will forgive you. I already have."

[Marie]

"Your wrongdoing does not give Daemon the right to treat you badly. You have repented, anyway. That's what counts. I am sure the gods will forgive you. I already have."

[Helyn Caron]

'But how can you Joanna, you have taken it so well, i think i had worked myself up for the worst.'

[Marie]

"I know what it is to be unfaithful," she said in response. "that's all. How could I hate you for the 'crime' I myself committed?"

[Helyn Caron]

Anni looked at her, a frown on her face. 'Would i be to forward to ask?'

[Marie]

"No. It doesn't matter now, anyway. Daemon and I were lovers while I was still married to Jon."

[Helyn Caron]

Anni paled. 'If i had known, i would never have let the king have his way with me. you are my dearest friend.' She looked down at her son as a tear dropped on to him. he was a sleep sucking the back of his hand.

[Marie]

"It's not your fault, not entirely. We had to keep our liaison secret until we were able to marry," Joanna said. "The risk of public outcry was too great to reveal the truth beforehand. Please, put the past behind you. It doesnt matter."