Larys's words made Rhaenyra instinctively put some distance between them. Something about the way this thin, gloomy boy spoke made her deeply uncomfortable.
"Oh, Larys! I'm truly sorry to hear that! But I'm sure Harwin meant well at the time. You were all children, after all, and children don't always know their own strength!"
"But I'm sure the affection between you brothers is genuine. I once thought I hated my sister, too, but during the three months she was missing, I finally learned what grief and despair truly felt like."
"Larys, you may not have Harwin's strong physique, but a scholar's clever mind is the most powerful weapon in the world."
"And I hope you enjoy your time in the Red Keep!"
Sensing Rhaenyra's aversion to him, Larys kept his harmless smile in place, but an almost imperceptible cold gleam flashed in his deep-set eyes.
Harwin then introduced his two younger sisters to Rhaenyra.
"Your Highness, these are my two well-behaved little sisters, Lily and Jilly. They're ten this year, the same age as you. They'll be living with us in the Tower of the Hand, so I'm sorry for the trouble, but I hope you'll look after them."
"Greetings, Your Highness!"
The two little girls looked very well behaved, and their clothes were modest and plain.
"Hello, Lily, Jilly!"
"I happen to need a few more companions, so you've come at just the right time."
"I'm sure we'll get along wonderfully!"
Rhaenyra had always envied Danyla for having so many outstanding maids around her, but several months earlier, her mother, Aemma, had sent away all the companions who had grown up with her. Now she had only ladies-in-waiting and septas at her side, watching and restraining her every day on Aemma's orders.
"And who is this?!"
As they exchanged