'Okay, tell me again,' Daemon asked, joining Diane on her walk.

'Tell you what?' she glanced at him.

'About the ladies-in-waiting and why you chose these particular ones.'

After Rhaenyra found out that Diane came back from the future, she gave her the last say in her ladies-in-waiting because Diane knew better than anyone which houses were loyal and which were not, and they could use this whole ordeal as an opportunity to make some connections and maybe prevent some houses from supporting the Greens.

'I wrote you a list,' Diane reminded.

'And I- uh- burned it. Accidentally,' Daemon answered reluctantly, and he sounded almost embarrassed.

Diane stopped and looked at her father, 'Really?'

'Yes.'

'But how...'

'Do not underestimate my ability to misplace and accidentally destroy things.'

Diane snorted, 'Okay, fine. But walk with me because I have a horrific amount of things to do before Velaryons arrive tomorrow.'

'Sure.'

'I think you should have already guessed about Laena Velaryon. There is no bad blood between us and Velaryons now and Corlys and you fought in the war together, but we need to secure their support for Rhaenyra. And if Rhaenyra not only takes Laena under her wing but also helps her secure a good match, they would remember.'

Daemon nodded. Corlys and Rhaenys weren't the ones to forget: neither bad things nor good ones.

'Then we have Elinda Massey. She is only three and ten now but she was very devoted to Rhaenyra the last time around so I decided there was no harm in bringing her in sooner. And besides... life is unpredictable, I want Rhaenyra to have a friend to confide in if I'm not here,' Diane added. She had no intentions of leaving the King's Landing any time soon, but a small voice in the back of her mind kept whispering that her road in life was always bumpy and full of turns and she hadn't reached a clear, straight passway just yet.

'Is she here already? I think I have seen her,' Daemon asked, trying to remember.

'Yes, her father and she arrived yesterday. She is already looking at our princess as if she hangs the moon and the stars so with that we are in the clear.'

Daemon couldn't help but smile, 'Rhaenyra has such an effect on people, doesn't she?'

'Of course. She is called Realm's Delight for a reason,' Diane smiled too. 'Okay, the next one is Ellyn Baratheon. I don't like Baratheons as a rule but they are a big house and it will be nice to have them on our side. Boremund is still the head of the house, but he will pass away soon most likely, and his son Borros is a miserable man who tries to compensate for his small dick by being a dumb jerk who doesn't know how to keep his word.'

Daemon snorted, 'Okay, we don't like Borros, got it.'

'Also...' Diane suddenly stopped again, her face thoughtful. 'He has four daughters but none of them were wed, even by the time I died. Well, except for the one who was promised to Aemond but only because the Greens were trying to get Baratheon on their side. I wonder why.'

'Well... maybe he wants them to find love?' Daemon suggested, though even to him this sounded highly unlikely.

'Not Borros. He will sell them in a heartbeat for personal benefit which means no one is offering. That's suspicious, don't you think? I mean, they are not ugly, they are legitimately born and Baratheon is a big enough house to offer a big dowry so I'm just... confused, I guess. Does everyone else know something we don't?'

'Hmm,' Daemon made a sound. 'We can pay Misaria to find out. She has been doing a good enough job with the people of King's Landing, I think she can do that too.'

'That's actually a good idea. I'll pay her a visit in a few days,' Diane nodded. 'And the last one is Joanna Lannister.'

Daemon made a face, 'I don't like Lannisters.'

'No one does, but they have money. The last time they sided with the Greens just because Rhaenyra rejected both of the brothers, and they were butthurt about it, so I guess it won't hurt to do some damage control. And Joanna seems like a nice enough girl for a Lannister so I guess we'll just bear with it.'

'Eh, fine. As long as neither I nor Rhaenyra have to interact with a slimy one.'

Diane frowned, 'Aren't they both slimy?'

'Well, yes, but the older one is slimier than the other.'

'Agree to disagree, father. Because Tyland actually sat at the Green Council, and Jason is just... unpleasant to be around.'

'I see your point,' Daemon clicked his tongue. 'Oh, and before I forget, I'm taking Rhaenyra into the city today.'

'Like right now or...'

'No, at night. I found clothes for her and I make sure we are not seen, don't worry,' Daemon promised because he knew that the last time around he fucked up everything by taking Rhaenyra to a brothel. What the other version of him was thinking was still a mystery to him. He was always reckless, yes, but that had been downright stupid! He would not make the same mistake again.

'Have fun then,' Diane smiled. 'Gods know, Rhaenyra can use a break from all the stuff we are dealing with.'

***

Diane was so done by the time the sun set. She wasn't used to running quite that many errands to make sure all the new ladies-in-waiting would be comfortable and sufficiently accommodated. She had had busy days, of course, but they mostly included gathering information, or tracking someone down, or - on a particularly good day - killing people. She never did... whatever she did that day. Gods, she needed some rest.

So Diane was walking back to her chambers and decided to save time, going through the inner yard and a few secret passages. That was when she heard the voice calling out for her. It wasn't loud, but her name sounded clear enough in her head. The voice seemed familiar, but she couldn't quite remember who it was supposed to belong to.

'Diane!' the voice called again, and she looked around trying to find where it was coming from. That was when she saw her.

A woman with brown hair and a warm smile. She looked like she was in her mid-twenties and was wearing a long-sleeved tunic and pants. She looked out of place in Red Keep. But that was understandable. She never belonged here in the first place.

Diane blinked. She couldn't believe she was seeing what she was seeing. But the woman didn't disappear. Moreover, she called her name again and stretched out her hand in an invitation.

'Mum?' Diane muttered, not quite recognizing her own voice. She didn't have a lot of memories of her mother, but looking at her now... Gods, she died so young.

'Yes, my dear. Come, we don't have a lot of time,' Iris urged, and Diane didn't want to question the situation anymore. She crossed the distance between them and let Iris envelop her in a tight hug. It was real. Or maybe it wasn't. But it felt real. And that was enough for now.

'My little songbird, what a woman you have become,' Iris said when she leaned back a little. 'I may not have wished for you to have this fate, but you have your father's fire. The dragons do not thrive in the cage,' she stroked Diane's cheek, her gaze full of affection.

'What- I don't understand- how are you here?' Diane asked, grabbing her mother's hand. She couldn't be here. She looked the same age as when she died. It shouldn't be possible.

'Tessarion sent me to you. To guide you. There is an important task destined for you, more important than you may ever deem it to be,' Iris said, her voice gentle but firm.

'Tessarion?'

'She is the Goddess of prophecy, amongst other things. Dear, remember all the stories I told you about Valyrian Gods when you were young? Vhagar was your favorite because she started wars and cut the heads off,' Iris let out a chuckle.

'Yes... but...' Diane was confused. She knew quite a lot about Old Gods, but she was never much of a believer. She knew why people needed religion and she never denied that there were forces in the world she wasn't able to understand, but it was never quite... real.

'They were never just stories, Diane. You know what's the difference between the Valyrian faith and any other religion? Valyrian Gods used to live amongst humans. They weren't made up, they lived, and breathed, and walked the ground of Valyrian Freehold just like humans. They are real. And they have a task for you.'

'But how do you know? You were not-' Diane started but didn't finish.

'Not a Valyrian?' Iris guessed. 'Well, no. But not all the people from Valyrian Freehold were Valyrains. There were plenty of other people with different heritage. And our family was a part of Valyria for generations before the Doom,' the woman reached out to touch the necklace on Diane's neck. 'He got it back, didn't he? I always knew I chose him right,' she then looked Diane right in the eyes and said, 'I'm so sorry, but we are running out of time. I wish I was able to tell you more about your heritage, but Balerion took me from you too early. Gods always have their reasons but- I just wish we had more time.'

'Wait- you are leaving?' Diane asked. She didn't want her to leave. She was confused and had no idea what was going on, but, of course, she wanted her mother to stay. If only for a little bit longer.

Iris smiled but her smile came across a little bit sad, 'I have to, my little songbird. There is no place for me amongst the living.'

'But what about- you said I have a task. I don't understand.'

'You will. One day it will be as clear as day. But for now, listen...'

There were a few seconds of silence, and then Diane could hear quite sobs nearby.

'A child is crying,' she stated.

'That's right,' Iris nodded. 'Go help him. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can turn the story around and make sure dragons never dance.'

It was definitely strange wording but, considering the situation, Diane could certainly look past it. So instead, she asked, 'But what about you? Will I see you again?'

'Of course, my dear. When Balerion takes your soul, we shall reunite on the other side. But not for a long time. There are so many things in front of you. The good and the bad. But know, whatever happens, whatever you do, I will always love you and be proud of you,' Iris squeezed her hands tightly.

'I love you too,' Diane answered, and with a whoosh of air Iris' image disappeared as if she was never there. But Diane still felt the warmth of her mother's hands on her so she knew she had been here.

A child sniffed again somewhere nearby, and Diane took a deep breath to steady himself. She wiped a tear from her cheek and looked around. Her mother wanted her to help whoever was in need, and she was gonna do just that.

Upon further inspection, Diane found a two-year-old boy with white hair quietly sobbing on the other side of the inner yard. It didn't take much time for her to put a face to a name.

'Hi there,' she said, kneeling in front of him. The boy jerked in surprise and focused his watery red eyes on her. 'You are Aegon, right?' she asked, and the boy nodded unsurely. 'What are you doing here so late?' Diane inquired.

It felt weird to talk to the child who grew up into a man who was responsible for her death. It would be so easy to get rid of him now. No one obviously would have let him go there all by himself so no one knew he was there. She just could... push him off the stairs and everyone would think it was a tragic accident. The Realm would surely mourn him, but then there would be no one to challenge Rhaenyra's right to the throne. To get rid of him would be so easy...

And yet, Diane didn't kill kids. It was one rule she never broke. Kids were innocent, they weren't old enough to be responsible for anything that justified murder. And this Aegon... he wasn't an awful man who knew no mercy. Not yet at least. He was just a small, scared boy who barely knew his parents because both had better things to do. He didn't do anything wrong.

Aegon seemed conflicted about whether or not he should answer so Diane added, 'Promise you won't get in trouble.'

'I got lost...' Aegon muttered, wiping his tears away. 'I wanted- mommy didn't wish me night-night.'

'Oh, you wanted to find her and got lost?' Diane realized. The boy nodded. 'That's okay. You live in a really big castle. I get lost here too sometimes.'

Aegon seemed to perk up at that. 'What's your name?' he asked.

'Diane.'

'You beautiful.'

Diane let out a laugh despite herself. She always found the little kids adorable. 'Why, thank you, Prince Aegon. That's very nice of you.'

The boy beamed at her.

'Let's get you inside before you get cold,' Diane then added, and Aegon immediately stretched his hands for his nice new friend to pick him up. The woman chuckled and did just that.

As soon as they were inside, Diane was faced with the question of what the fuck she was supposed to do now. Aegon got occupied with her necklace which gave her time to think. She didn't know where his rooms were (which, in hindsight, was bad, she would have to change that) so she couldn't just get him back. She couldn't take him to her room because she might be accused of kidnapping by one or two Hightowers. She also couldn't trust any random maid or guard she met because it was the middle of the night and Aegon was a Prince. There were plenty of people who would want to hurt him given the chance, and Diane didn't want to be responsible. That meant she had to drop him off with someone who would know what to do. Daemon and Rhaenyra were out so they were no help. Diane was aware where Alicent's rooms were supposed to be but she wouldn't be caught dead there. Giving Aegon to Otto Hightower was technically an option because the man was his grandfather, after all, but she wouldn't be able to explain why she walked all the way to the Tower of the Hand.

The idea suddenly sparked in Diane's mind. It was a safe option, she knew how to get there and it would actually benefit her if she played her cards right.

'Aegon, what do you think about visiting your father?' she asked with enthusiasm, knowing full well that the boy would most likely mimic her mood. Kids were like that.

'Dada?' he asked excitedly. Diane figured Aegon didn't see much of his father but at least he knew him.

'Yes.'

The boy eagerly nodded, 'Dada wish me night-night?'

'I'm sure he will,' Diane smiled and started walking in the right direction. 'And hopefully show us where your room is, for that matter.'

Diane was aware that visiting the King in the late evening without any notice and with his son on her hip was a bold move, but she was never one to back away from the challenge. And besides, she liked shocking people. It made her feel powerful.

Guards at Viserys' bedchambers were surprised and reluctant to let them in, but as soon as Aegon demanded "I wanna see Dada!" scrambled to open the door. Diane found it almost funny that she was outranked by a two-year-old.

Viserys was doing... something with his model of Old Valyria, but he immediately rose to his feet when Diane walked in. He blinked in confusion when he saw Aegon at her hip.

'I'm so sorry for the late intrusion, Your Majesty, but I found a little prince wandering the halls and had no idea what else to do,' she smiled apologetically, trying to look innocent and not like visiting Viserys was somewhat a strategic choice.

'Oh,' Viserys made a sound, obviously not sure how to proceed. 'He must be heavy, please, take a seat,' he gestured at the chair near him and after a second even pulled it out for her, realizing that Diane's hands were occupied.

'Thank you,' the woman made sure to give the King one of her best smiles and sat, putting Aegon in her lap.

'You say he was wandering the halls?' Viserys asked and sat on the other chair.

'Yes. I found him in one of the inner yards. The poor thing got lost, trying to find a way to his mother,' Diane explained, carefully removing strands of hair from Aegon's face who was preoccupied with a necklace around her neck. Viserys traced her movements with his eyes.

'I'm surprised he got that far. I was assured he has supervision at all times,' the King said.

'He might have snuck out. Kids can be really inventive. I know I was,' Diane chuckled. 'Father has far too many stories about how I almost gave him a heart attack by suddenly disappearing.'

Viserys smiled, but he looked almost surprised. It was so strange for him to hear about this fatherly side of Daemon he hadn't known even existed. Sometimes it made the King wonder if he knew his brother at all. Because Daemon never struck him as a family type of man and yet he seemed to have such a close relationship with his daughter that most men could only dream of.

'But surely not at such a young age.'

'Oh, you will be surprised.'

'Dada!' Aegon exclaimed, suddenly deciding that he wasn't getting enough attention from the grown-ups. 'Mommy didn't wish night-night!' he added with a genuine concern of a kid. 'So... so you have to!'

Viserys couldn't help but chuckle, 'Is that so?'

'Yes,' Aegon nodded eagerly. He couldn't be expected to go to sleep without a goodnight wish, could he? That would be outrageous!

Viserys got up, walked to his son, and kissed his forehead. That's when Diane noticed that two fingers on the King's hand were black and as if rotting from the inside. He hid it well during the day with gloves and such, but there was no need to cover them now because he didn't expect any visitors.

'Good night and sweet dreams, Aegon,' the King said, and the boy beamed at him before snuggling closer to Diane to play more with her necklace. The woman smiled. She found out it was not that hard to separate this adorable child from the monster he grew up to be. 'I will send for his nursemaid,' Viserys said, making Diane look up at him. 'I'm still rather confused about how he got out of his room.'

Diane nodded, and the King called one of his guards to give him orders. Then he sat back on the chair. The silence settled between them. Diane took in the King's chambers, but then her gaze traveled back to Viserys' hand. A few seconds later he caught her looking. She didn't precisely want him to catch her, but she was curious.

'I would appreciate it if you don't speak about it to anyone,' Viserys said, covering his damaged hand. 'Including your father.'

'I won't,' she lied. Daemon and Rhaenyra would find out about it as soon as she saw them tomorrow. 'But- um- you know, never mind.'

'What?' the King asked.

'It's just- I have seen it before- doesn't matter, I'm pretty sure your maester knows better than me what he is doing,' Diane smiled apologetically.

Take the bait. Take the bait. Take the bait.

'No, please, go on,' Viserys encouraged. Apparently, the maester was not doing all that great, considering that the King seemed to be quite interested in what Diane had to say.

'Well, I spent a big chunk of my childhood in a convent...'

'I'm sorry... convent?' Viserys didn't hide his surprise.

'Well, it wasn't what you probably imagined, Your Majesty,' Diane chuckled. 'It looked nothing like the convent of the Faith of Seven. They are rather dull. And the one I grew up in... it's more like a community, perhaps. A place of worship for the Old Gods. There is one in Dragonstone, did you know that?'

Viserys was a little bit ashamed to admit that he, in fact, did not know that.

'There is a local joke that the only thing a monk or a nun of Dragontemple can't do is have a peaceful day,' Diane continued. 'Which is true, I guess. They cure illnesses, look after the injured and the dead, help bring children into the world, grow crops and sell them, feed the poor, look after orphans and so much more. When I lived there, an elderly nun was looking after me. She was my teacher, of sorts. And she was known to be very good at healing so I've seen my fair share of injuries and illnesses.'

'And you know what this is?' Viserys asked, raising his left hand.

'Yes. Nuns and monks called it the Battle Curse. It's not really-' Diane adjusted herself and Aegon in a chair. 'It doesn't have to come from a battle. But they believe it comes from iron.'

'Like swords,' Viserys muttered.

'And thrones,' Diane added, confirming that they were thinking the same thing.

'So how do they treat it? In the convent?'

'I'm sure your maester is aware of all of those methods,' Diane said, pretending to be unsure. She had no problem telling him, but she tried to be very careful and not to overstep. The fact that finding Aegon gave her a chance to talk to the King in private without prying eyes was a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And if she made him like her, it might help to keep the King from Hightower's influence.

'Humor me.'

'Well, if the infected area is on the legs or arms, it's advised to immediately amputate. If caught early, it might be the cure. But most of the time people pay it no mind until it's too late and infection moves to other parts of the body you can no longer just get rid of,' Diane explained. 'When it happens, it's less about curing and more about managing the disease. Battle Curse kills slowly. With the proper treatment, you can live decades and pass away relatively peacefully. I've tended to the woman in a late stage. I believe she was fifty or so at the time. She caught it when she was a mere kid and managed to live her life to its fullest and even carry a bunch of healthy children before the illness got the best of her.'

'I... see,' Viserys said, deep in thought.

'I'm sure your maester knows all about it,' Diane smiled.

'No.'

'No?' her surprise was genuine. She didn't like maesters because most of them were proven to be pompous jerks, but she always believed them to be if not smart then at least educated.

'The way he approaches my illness... all new ideas and innovative approaches. It doesn't give me much confidence. He is discreet, I can give him that, but I'm not sure he knows what he is doing in this particular case,' Viserys sighed.

Diane did a fast math in her head. In this timeline she left the Dragontemple around a year ago which meant Kaerinna - the woman who looked after her - was supposed to still be alive. Diane wasn't sure when exactly she died, she just knew when she came to visit the convent in 125 AC, she was already dead.

'Perhaps I can write to my acquaintance in Dragontemple,' Diane offered, making Viserys look at her. 'And ask for instructions. If my memory doesn't deceive me, all the remedies required are quite easy to make. It will be discreet, of course, and I won't give any names.'

The King seemed hesitant for a few seconds but then nodded, 'I might as well try it. Whatever Mellos is doing clearly doesn't work.'

'I'll get on it first thing in the morning,' Diane promised.

Viserys looked at her for a few seconds and then said with a ghost of a smile on his lips, 'You seem to have a way with kids.'

Diane looked down and realized that Aegon had fallen asleep in her arms, clutching her necklace. 'The adult conversation bored him right to sleep,' she couldn't help but chuckle, raising her eyes to meet Viserys'. He was looking at her... differently. She knew that look. She didn't know if she liked it. When she thought about getting close to the King, she didn't quite have that in mind.

Diane couldn't give it much more thought though because the doors suddenly burst open and Alicent stormed in. Diane instinctively wrapped her hands tightly around Aegon. Not like she thought the Queen was a threat, but she didn't want to let her wake a poor boy up either. He had enough adventure for the evening.

'Where is he?' Alicent demanded but was immediately shooshed by Viserys who rose to his feet.

'Aegon is alright. Sound asleep, actually,' the King reassured his wife.

Alicent looked at Diane and only now seemed to take in the whole scene before her. Viserys and Daemon's daughter had been conversing over the model of Old Valyria with Aegon asleep in Diane's arms. Alicent's face changed. She schooled her features back into the look of worry very fast, but Diane knew the anger when she saw one. This whole situation seemed to rub the Queen the wrong way, and Diane would lie if she said she didn't like it.

Viserys relayed the story of how Diane found Aegon to Alicent and asked whether she knew what happened. Apparently, the nursemaid who was looking after the little prince was so tired that she put him to bed and almost immediately fell asleep, and Aegon sneaked past her soon after. Diane even felt bad for the consequences this poor woman might now face.

'Thank you for taking care of my son, Diane,' Alicent said through gritted teeth because it was expected of her.

'Wasn't a hardship at all, Your Majesty. And it's Lady Diane,' Diane gave her one of her sickly sweet smiles. She didn't care much about titles as a rule but she knew Alicent didn't like the fact that she was an illegitimate daughter and became an heir to Dragonstone nonetheless, so she could and would rub it in her face every chance she got just for the fun of it.

'Yes, of course, Lady Diane,' the Queen said, grinding her teeth. 'I will take Aegon to bed now.'

Diane nodded and got up, carefully transferring a sleeping boy into his mother's arms. As soon as she did that, Alicent left with him, too pissed off to realize that she left Diane and her husband alone again.

'I shall take my leave now, but I'll get back to you when I hear back from Dragontemple,' Diane turned to the King.

Viserys nodded and proceeded to escort her to the door, but before she was able to walk out, he added, 'It was a pleasure talking to you this evening.'

Diane gave him one of her best smiles, 'I assure you, Your Majesty, pleasure was all mine.'