oldflowersbyname:
the woman before her seemed cautious, which was understandable given their precarious situations. while they were on neutral ground, it did not mean their kingdoms were on neutral terms, and while laena’s intentions to speak with her brother and goodsister were good-natured, she knew she needed to tread carefully as well. she didn’t want these conversations to become one’s sired by the king in order to gather any information. she could not spy on her own brother, she did not think. even so, she was not sure if this woman’s loyalties were more to her husband or to the crown she served, so she she needed to be careful regardless.
lips pressed into a thin line, realizing already she had probably caused a small issue, though to no fault of her own. there was no issue with her speaking with her only brother, and she did not think jaehaerys did not tell his wife out of malice. “i apologize, i don’t think my speaking with my brother was meant to be secretive, on his part.” she stated. “our conversations have only been to catch up.” laena felt that was good enough explanation, though she did not owe her one. the lady of fair isle nodded in response, it always seemed like there was someone with ill-intentions lurking about, especially in situations where all the kingdoms were together. “i am.” laena replied genuinely to the woman’s comment. her feelings towards her husband were growing into whatever they would be, and she felt hopeful about her marriage. “the gods have already blessed us with a child.” she added. it was not a jab, as the two had been married around the same time, just another topic of conversation. “and you? did you know jaehaerys long before you were to be married?”
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She gave the woman a small nod as she explained. Darla wished to disagree; it was meant to be secretive. Given that the two siblings had found themselves on opposing sides, she assumed it was never easy to share details about their interactions. Similarly, she hadn't mentioned her meeting with her cousin in the north. It was far too risky.
Her brow furrowed as she learned of the pregnancy. It was certainly a stroke of luck to have conceived so early in the marriage. It must be a fortunate union, one blessed by the gods. “No, I didn't know him for very long,” she replied. “It was set up very quickly.” She recalled her initial reservations about him, wondering if he could be trusted. But, over time, she believed he had proven his loyalty to the regent. "We haven't yet had a child, but hopefully that will change soon." The initial misunderstandings between them had slowed what she thought was the natural progression of a marriage. “Congratulations, however. I wish you and your lord husband many more children.”
