Aemy Meets With Her Grandmother

"You make a valid point," Laena allowed. "And yet, it occurs to me that perhaps your father simply hopes the traitor's brat falls in battle. He may even be hoping that Aegon falls too, or else that the horrors he sees at Oldtown will drive some sense into the lad. You know what your father is like, Aemy. He expects his kin to earn his respect. It seems you have not yet done so. Nor has your brother, if I am honest." She sighed. "So...you believe Aegon will never make a suitable king, then?"

Laena considered for a moment. "Daenya is no fit queen, I agree. But Rhaena might serve. And what of your bastard brothers? Rhaella would not be best pleased to see Maekar sit the throne, it is true, but she loves the Faith Militant no more than you or I. Your father favours Maekar highly. And he is my first grandchild. It is natural I should favour him."

"You would need a consort," Laena reminded Aemy. "And Maekar is more ambitious than Trajan. You might try one of your cousins, of course, but I would prefer you to make common cause with Maekar. I could not - ever - countenance an alliance between yourself and the traitorspawn Rhaegar. But I am sure you are not such a fool as that."

"If he wishes to be king he shall see sense. If not, well then, it does not matter." She smiled slyly. "Let me handle Maekar when the war is over. That is his priority now. I will speak to him on the subject when he comes home."