a few hours later
Genna was skipping in delight after seeing the dragons and was on her way to the kitchens to tell Pate the spit-boy about it when one of her father's men-at-arms caught sight of her. Donal was less interested in tales of dragons and Lord Tyrell than Genna thought was entirely suitable. "But Donal, I was ever so safe!"
"Aye, safe in a pit of dragons? That'll be for your lady mother to decide, and right quick." He actually grabbed her arm to keep her from escaping, but in the end he was all but dragging her. Genna believed in being a lady up to a point, and that was generally whatever point it was at which she had to face her mother.
"If I had a knife I'd stab you!" she yelped indignantly as they neared the Tower of the Hand.
"I'm sure of that, but your mother'll do far worse if you aren't brought 'fore her quick."
"I hate you!"
Donal was unphased. He'd been a man-at-arms since before Brandon was born, and had two daughters of his own. "You won't mean that five minutes from now," he said peacably as a chortling servant opened the door for them.
Genna kicked the servant in the shin. She'd have kicked Donal too but he had on thick boots and guards. She was still scowling fiercely when Donal reached their destination. The small hall was still high and full of echoes and shadows. Genna's frown deepened as Donal pushed her toward Lady Kaelyn and bowed.