Earl Dayne and Lady Dayne exchanged a quick glance when they heard Danyla's unmistakable refusal. Lady Dayne then thrust her belly forward slightly and spoke with a look of happiness.
"I am now five months pregnant again. Though we do not yet know whether the child is a boy or a girl, securing a betrothal with the royal house would be a tremendous honor for House Dayne. We would certainly devote ourselves to helping Your Highness quell the unrest in Dorne."
Rhaenyra had held a fairly favorable impression of House Dayne, but their stubborn insistence on trading a marriage alliance for peace filled her with displeasure. Her words lost their courtesy.
"My lord, a true dragon will never submit to coercion. Though House Targaryen has no wish to rule a kingdom of bones and ashes, if peace can only be reforged through blood and fire, then a true dragon can only fulfill his destiny."
"Your Highness, that is too harsh. Please forgive my wife's discourtesy. She merely longs too desperately for peace. A woman's limited knowledge and perspective leave her able to see hope only in a marriage alliance."
Seeing Rhaenyra's anger, Earl Dayne immediately stepped in to smooth things over.
"As women yourselves, surely both princesses can understand her feelings."
At his words, Danyla could not help giving a cold laugh.
"The true dragon bloodline does not judge superiority by sex. My father's Vhagar, my Ralphanes and Dreamfyre, and Princess Rhaenys's Red Queen are all female dragons, yet they are the most powerful creatures in this world."
"Earl Dayne, looking down upon the earth from the sky lets you see farther than standing atop even the highest mountain. And sometimes a woman's embrace holds more power than a man's sword."
When Earl Dayne heard Danyla's tone turn cold as