Danyla had made such a dazzling entrance for two reasons: to welcome her cousin, Duchess Jeyne of the Vale, and to show the world the allure of her Seven-Colored Pearls, paving the way for Finance Officer Illyrio's forthcoming promotion and sales campaign.
With Danyla's peerless beauty, even glass beads would become bestsellers if she wore them. How much more so for Seven-Colored Pearls whose fire outshone even diamonds?
"Your Majesty!"
Though Duchess Jeyne was Warden of the East and Danyla's younger cousin, she still paid her respects with all the deference a subject owed her queen.
Danyla promptly drew her up with affectionate warmth. They had lived together in the Red Keep for a time as children, so their friendship went back to their earliest years.
When Earl Royce died, the Seven Kingdoms had been in turmoil. Young Jeyne's life had suddenly become difficult.
Danyla had acted decisively, drawing on the strength of the sisters Rhea and Rhaella of Runestone to help her swiftly stabilize the situation, bringing the two of them even closer.
Now Jeyne had come of age. With Runestone's wholehearted support and Danyla's protection, both open and covert, she had become a Duchess of the Vale who truly held power.
"My respects, Your Majesty. Your beauty makes it impossible for me to look away!"
Lady Rhea, Countess of Runestone, stood beside Jeyne. Since divorcing Daemon, she had undergone a tremendous transformation. Not only had she grown confident and outgoing, but unlike her younger sister, the icy beauty Rhaella, she was a warm, witty, and deeply charming woman.
Perhaps because Danyla could also be considered Daemon's former wife, Rhea instinctively felt that they stood on the same side. Over the years, she had supported almost all of Danyla's policies unconditionally.
The three had naturally become close confidantes. In