The sun was shining and Daenerys was enjoying a leisurely walk through her capital city. Amara ran a few step ahead, while she and Missandei shared a lighthearted conversation about Amara's sudden request to dress like the Dothraki. Ser Jorah was beside them, always listening but rarely speaking and no fewer than eight Blood Riders were nearby, close enough to strike if needed. While the Unsullied were willing to fight and die for Amara, the Dothraki had a more visceral, primal reason to keep her safe. For years they'd heard Daenerys was unable to bear children. Some had been there when she made her bargain with the witch and all the others had heard about it. To them Amara was a gift from the Great Stallion.
Since the moment she left the keep she'd been unable to resist smiling. She'd been cooped up in there for too long. When they passed all eyes were on them, some called out to her, others thanked her for the changes she'd made in the city, but more often people just waved. Amara was more than happy to wave back.
In the market the merchants were momentarily stunned when she approached their carts, but they recovered quickly and all were kind and the prices fair. Many of the food vendors insisted on giving a free treat to little Amara. Wanting to ensure she learned her manners, Daenerys required her daughter to thank each and every generous merchant. By the time they reached the Street of Steel Amara's hands were sticky with a mix of fruit juice and sugar. Secretly Daenerys was thrilled Amara wasn't wearing one of her fine dresses. She knew from experience it was easier to get stains out of leather, than it was to remove them from silk.
As they passed the first of the smiths Daenerys's steps slowed and she called for Amara to slow down, not wanting her to get too far ahead. Her eyes scanned the wares. She didn't know exactly what she was looking for, but she hoped that when she saw it, she'd know. Swords, daggers, axes, there really was no shortage of ways to kill someone. She saw curved blades, straight blades, serrated blades and tapered blades. It was overwhelming, she didn't know the first thing about any of this.
"Are you looking for something specific Khaleesi?" Jorah asked when she stopped at the second stall to compare the goods to the first.
She looked over her shoulder at her knight. "I need to pick up a couple of things for Amara's name day. I also want to find a gift for Arya."
"You don't owe that woman anything!"
Looking to Amara Daenerys couldn't disagree more. She drew Jorah's eye to Amara as well and then she voiced her opinion. "How can you say that? Think about all she's given me, given us, and I don't just mean with Amara, but long before that."
"She had her own reasons for doing everything she did. Please," he implored, "don't trick yourself into believing any of that was for you."
"It is a gift, not a marriage proposal." Her tone made it clear the conversation was done and Daenerys turned back to her shopping.
A middle aged man with red hair and a long beard stood behind the counter. Like all the others he was surprised to find the Mother of Dragons standing in front of him. "Y…your Grace, how can I be of service?"
As he spoke her eyes darted to Amara, who was dancing about ten feet away, with Missandei and a Blood Rider close by. "Do you have training swords?" she asked. "The wooden kind that can't cut?"
If he thought her question odd, he didn't show it. "Aye, I do." He moved away from the counter and disappeared behind a curtain. When he returned, he had a young woman with him, and they each held a pair of wooden swords, each one clearly made from a different type of wood. They set them out on the counter in turn. "Your Grace, this's my daughter Yelena."
The girl blushed as Daenerys's attention shifted to her. She bowed her head respectfully. "Pleasure to meet you, your Grace."
"Pleasure to meet you Yelena. Thank you for helping me out today."
"Of… of course your Grace," she stammered but Daenerys acted as though she didn't.
Her fingers skimmed over the wood, feeling its smoothness, making sure the edges were truly as dull as she'd been led to believe. Picking one up to test the weight, she realized just how heavy it was. It had the weight of a real sword, likely so soldiers could get used to the feel. "Do you have anything smaller?"
"Small'r, your Grace?" the man attempted to clarify.
"I'm looking for a sword for my daughter, but these are much too big," she explained.
The man smiled widely. "Oh yes the Lil' Dragon, I understand." It was quiet for a moment while he considered her request. "I'm afraid all I have are swords like these," he admitted, "but I make them me'self in the back there, and I could make one special for her if you like."
She smiled. "That is very kind. I'd like that very much."
Turning to her right she found Jorah watching her closely. She held out her hand, a request for the coins he was carrying. She reached inside the leather pouch and removed four golden dragons, setting them down on the counter. "For your supplies and your time."
"Tha… that's very generous your Grace," the man said, as his eyes bounced from her, to the coins and back. "Is there anythin' else you'll be need'n?"
"I need a gift for a friend, can you show me your finest goods?"
"What sorta goods is you look'n for?"
"A sword, or perhaps a dagger."
"O'course, your Grace." This time Yelena and the smith took three trips to remove the wooden swords and carry out others. They made another to bring out the daggers. When they were finished the entire counter was covered in steel. Jorah approached from behind her to admire the weapons and Daenerys's eyes went from one item to the next.
Some swords were clearly for show, while others were utterly menacing looking. Some were accented with golden pommels and elaborate designs but Daenerys knew she was looking for something far more traditional and functional. Just as she'd hoped she knew it when she saw it. Amongst the daggers there was a short, silver handled, double edged blade that tapered to a viscous looking point. She held it to test its weight and admired the way the sun reflected off both the shiny steel and the silver. This was a weapon she could picture Arya using. And knowing Arya, use it she would.
Before she could purchase it Amara came racing up and stuck herself to her mother's legs. Ser Jorah moved to take her but Daenerys waved him off. Reaching down she picked her daughter up in her arms, lifting her high enough to see the top of the counter. Just as she was, Amara was fascinated by the wide ranging selection of murderous tools. Bouncing her up and down she spoke to her. "We need to find a present for Arya," she said, "do you think you can help mama with that?"
She nodded enthusiastically. "Uh-huh."
With her other hand Daenerys held up the dagger she'd selected. "This is mama's favorite. Do you think Arya will like it?"
Again Amara nodded, shaking so hard she nearly slipped right out of Daenerys's arms. "It pretty."
"I think it's very pretty too," Daenerys agreed, leaning down to kiss Amara on the tip of the nose. This earned a giggle from the girl and chuckles from the adults surrounding her. Setting the dagger back on the counter she addressed the smith. "I think we've made our choice."
"A fine choice, your Grace, one of my finest pieces b'far."
"Amara's right, it's beautiful and exactly what I was looking for. Thank you."
Just as she'd done with every one of the merchants who offered her a snack Amara was quick to add her voice to the conversation. "Tank you!" Daenerys couldn't help but be a little proud.
R-C
Since she was definitely not dead she expected the gates of Kayce to still be closed. She was right they were, but she had a plan and she'd come prepared. Days earlier she'd happened upon a merchant heading in the opposite direction. He was an old man with greying hair and a slow, deliberate gait. She offered to buy his cart and all its contents and after a brief negotiation, the man accepted.
She could have killed him and stolen his cart, but paying him felt cleaner. Now, wearing a Southern woman's face she pushed her cart to the gate and waited. She didn't have to wait long to be noticed, but one look up onto the wall and she knew she wasn't dealing with proper soldiers. "City's closed," a man yelled.
"I bring goods," she yelled back, "for the brave men of Kayce who are keeping us safe." Under her mask the assassin smiled. Perhaps she was laying it on a little thick, but it was going to work and that was all that mattered.
"Fine then, but no weapons."
"I'm a humble merchant Ser, I carry no weapons," she lied. The gate raised slowly and she waited until it was completely up to pass through. Inside she took note of the guards. She'd been right, Kenning hadn't had time to train new soldiers, so he'd hired sell swords to hold his land. The men were all dressed in different manner of armor, no two looked alike. One was pacing about, having a drink, while he left his axe resting on a crate several feet away. Two more appeared to be asleep. It pleased her that Kenning's troops were so pathetic, these men couldn't mount an attack against Daenerys, they'd pass out or switch sides long before they could reach King's Landing.
She'd come for a man named Marino. Marino held the distinction of being the wealthiest man in Kayce. Having swooped in after she'd finished the Lannisters, he took control of the mines that gave Tywin his power and money. Despite his extensive influence, and his nearly limitless wealth he'd angered someone enough to have a contract put out on his life.
Pushing her cart toward the water, where the most opulent houses were, she strategized how she'd kill Marino. A man with so much money was likely to have guards, and lots of them, but that didn't matter. She could sneak in unnoticed and meet the man in his bed, or she could sell him poisonous spices and just wait to for him to make use of them.
As she wandered toward her prey she was stopped several times by people who wanted to see her stock or make a purchase.
On the shoreline, she needed only stop three people and ask polite, probing questions to learn which of the massive estates belonged to Marino. Once she had her destination she hid the cart and prepared for work. She'd wait until nightfall, and then climb the wall surrounding the property. Perhaps she'd kill a guard and make use of his face, or maybe she'd spare them all and kill no one but him.
R-C
Everything was going according to plan. She was over the wall and using her silent steps to avoid the patrolling guards. Marino's home was even bigger than it looked from the outside. She dodged no fewer than five women as she passed the kitchen and another two servants before she reached the staircase.
On the second level she went straight for the room at the end of the hall with its big double doors with the gold handles. That's where Marino was, no man of his stature would sleep in an inferior room. She closed the door behind her and waited to see if he stirred. When he didn't she stepped toward the bed.
He was much younger than she'd expected. She thought it'd be the oldest, most clever man who would move in to claim the Lannister mines, but maybe it was just a question of who was the fastest. It would have been easy to kill him in his sleep, but such an assassination always felt so disappointing. If he was asleep, she couldn't see the look in his eyes the moment he realized he was going to die, she couldn't hear him barter to try and save his life and she couldn't feel his fear. So, she woke him, whistling while she slapped him on his upturned cheek.
"S…seven Hells," he exclaimed as he rolled onto his back. At first he didn't appear to even see her, but then he blinked quickly a few times and he squinted as he stared at her scarred face. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"
He tried to sit up and the sheet slid down his body, exposing his bare, hairless chest. "I'm afraid we have a problem Marino?"
"How do you know my name?" he asked in a calm voice. She knew the moment he meant to call for aid because his mouth opened wider and he pulled in more air in preparation for a loud scream. Her hand flashed out and struck him in the windpipe, keeping their conversation private. "Yell for the guards and you'll make this far more painful than it needs to be," she promised. To make her point perfectly clear she drew the dagger from her sleeve. His big blue eyes widened at the sight.
"What do you want?" he asked after he'd finished coughing.
She ignored his question, tossing the dagger from one hand to the other. "Have you been a bad boy Marino?"
"What?" He gave her a strange look, clearly not understanding what was happening.
"You must have done something pretty bad, otherwise why would someone want to kill you?"
"Ki…kill me? Who?!" he demanded to know, as he rubbed his injured throat.
"That's right," she told him. "A contract was paid for your life and I came to fulfill that contract."
She watched him closely for the exact moment recognition reached his brain and the realization settled on his face. "W…wait… wait," he said, scurrying back in his bed, until he was pressed tightly against the headboard. She resisted the urge to laugh, as if the added space of a few inches would actually keep him safe. "I know things."
Completely uninterested she played along. "What things do you know?"
"I…I… I know Lord Kenning is getting a visit… a visitor, and I kn…know he's bringing chests and chests of gold so Kenning can buy an army."
Unexpected as it was, Marino now had her full attention. "Who's coming?" When he didn't answer fast enough she asked again, with more intensity. "Who's bringing the gold?"
"I don't know," he confessed. Looking into her unforgiving grey eyes, he seemed to sense the danger. "No one does," he added quickly.
"When are they arriving?"
"Soon, any day now. Lord Kenning had all the boats removed from the harbor, to make room for his ships."
Holding the dagger in front of her, it came to a stop just in front of his face. "Is there anything else you can tell me about this visitor, think hard?"
"J…just that Lord Kenning believes he will help him get everything he wants. I heard him bragging about it not long ago."
Since what he wanted was Daenerys, she didn't like the sound of that at all. "Thank you."
"So w… we're good then? You won't kill me?"
She took one large stride toward the bed. "I never said that." For the second time he attempted to scream and again he failed, this time it wasn't because of a punch to his throat, but a fluid stroke of the dagger across the same area instead. She couldn't spare him, no matter how valuable the information, but she could offer him a quick, clean death. She was gone before the flow of blood slowed, escaping through a large window.
R-C
"I never thought I'd feel like this again," Daenerys said as she sat with Missandei in her bedchamber. Amara was fast asleep, and the ladies were wrapping gifts, while they shared a bottle of wine.
"You deserve happiness."
"I cared about Darrio, I did, but when I left him I felt little. I didn't long for him as I slept alone on the boat. I haven't ached to see him since, nor missed his touch. This is entirely different."
The former slave gave her an understanding smile that urged her to go on. "It's crazy really, I mean she's only been gone a few days and already I want to invent a reason to visit Kayce just so I can see her."
"We could come up with a reason I'm sure," Missandei offered. "Love rarely makes much sense."
She nearly choked on the air she'd been enjoying. "Lo…love? You can't be serious, I hardly know her, it hasn't been that long. I can't love her."
"I don't think that's a decision you get to make," Missandei pointed out gently, "even if you are a Queen."
She stopped wrapping and set the package down, before she wringed her hands together. "I don't even know if she's interested and here I am acting like a lovesick child."
"If she doesn't return your affections, she's far stupider than I thought she was," Missandei commented, her face wholly serious.
Daenerys chuckled. "You're my truest friend, you have to say that."
Missandei, finished with her work, moved the gift off her lap and took hold of the Queen's hand. "Yes, but even if I weren't your friend, I'd still say it." Their eyes met and Daenerys tried to express how grateful she was without words. "Besides, you're giving her a beautiful gift."
Again she chuckled, this time for longer. "I doubt Arya Stark can be swayed by gifts."
Missandei grinned wickedly. "Not flowers or candy no, but you're giving her a flawless silver dagger."
"Who would have guessed the way into Arya's' heart was with something sharp and completely dangerous?"
R-C
Within minutes of Marino's death, she was busy. First she went down to the dock and just as the murdered man foretold, she found it free of ships. She saw nothing coming over the horizon, but that didn't mean they wouldn't soon arrive.
She doubled her efforts to get back to King's Landing, pushing her horse further and further each day. The Red Keep came into view near midday. In the stables she tied up and fed the horse and then she made to leave. Before she could her route was blocked by a trio of women. Daenerys, Missandei and Amara stood together, clogging her path. Missandei held a basket in one hand.
"Wolf!" Amara cried as she released her mother's hand and ran straight to the assassin. She bent down just in time to catch her.
After they hugged she held her at arm's length. "Let me get a look at you," she said, "you look older. Are you older?"
"Yep," she answered happily.
"Well, I'm sorry I missed it, but I'm back now." She said this as much for Daenerys as Amara. She regretted having to refuse Daenerys's offer of time with her and Amara, but she put off leaving for as long as she could. It couldn't be delayed any longer, Marino needed to die.
"I miss'd you," she said as Amara attached herself to her tired legs.
She pried her off gently. "I missed you too sweetheart. More than anything. I got a present for you."
She put Amara down again and reached into her saddle bag. "Why don't you bring it to the picnic? Daenerys suggested. "We were just coming to see if you'd like to join us." Before she could say she'd love to, Daenerys continued, "I know you're probably tired and ready to rest, but it'd mean a lot to Amara and me if you'd come along."
"Wasn't the picnic for her name day?"
"It is, but Amara and I discussed it and we decided to wait until you got back, so you didn't have to miss it."
"That's very thoughtful," she said looking over Amara's head to stare at Daenerys. Her mind tried to memorize the details, her silky skin, the way her eyes lit up when she looked at her daughter, or how her lips would twitch ever so slightly when she was joking or teasing someone. She wanted to remember it all.
Her lip was twitching now. "Thank Amara, it was her idea."
Outside the stables, Unsullied joined them. She was glad they were there. Although she didn't expect trouble yet, she knew it was better to be safe than sorry. She'd intended to tell Daenerys about what Marino had said immediately but now she was willing to wait, not wanting to ruin the picnic for anyone.
They found a nice spot under a large oak. Missandei laid out a blanket, while Amara ran and played in the grass. "You didn't need to wait for me," she said when Daenerys came to stand next to her. "This is for Amara, not me."
Daenerys shrugged but her expression remained unrepentant. "She wasn't born today, true, but a week ago wasn't the right day either. It was just a day I chose."
"Still…." She wasn't sure what she was trying to say exactly. She just didn't like the idea of Daenerys going out of her way to accommodate her. The killer knew she didn't deserve such allowances."
The four of them sat around the blanket, eating together and talking. Most of the conversation was to, or about Amara. Just as it should be. When the meal was done, she got up and got the gift she'd made for Amara's name day celebration.
"Are you ready for your present," she asked, keeping her hands behind her back. Aware of the nicely wrapped packages, she regretted not wrapping hers, but it was too late to fix such things now.
"Yep," she said quickly, making a popping sound that caused a giggle.
"Yes, please," Daenerys corrected her.
"Yes, please," she repeated back. Daenerys rewarded her with a loud kiss on the cheek and she giggled again.
"Good girl."
She watched the interaction carefully and felt nothing but love and relief. She'd chosen well. Amara couldn't have a more encouraging, kind, committed mother.
When the attention turned back to her, and her present, she prolonged the inevitable by making the little girl close her eyes and hold out her hands. Once she did, she set another wooden figurine in her palm, one matching the wolf and the dragons she already had. This one was a lion, with a nice thick mane and long claws.
Upon opening her eyes Amara saw the gift and clapped, slapping her newest toy with her empty hand to make the noise. "Yay."
"This one's a lion," she told her. "I bet he'd like to play with the other toys you have, especially the baby dragon." She was so uncertain she almost didn't ask. "Do you like it?"
"Yes." As if to prove her point she rushed off and dove into the grass, practicing her roaring as she went.
"That was very sweet," Daenerys said as she wiggled closer to the assassin.
"It wasn't much, but I hope she likes it."
Daenerys's eyes moved to Amara who was busy talking to the lion like she expected it to respond. "I think she loves it already."
It was quiet on the blanket for a long time as they both watched their daughter. Missandei had gone off to play too, and the Unsullied were back far enough to give everyone the illusion of privacy. "I got something for you," Daenerys said, surprising her as much by speaking as with the words themselves.
"It's not my name day," she reminded her.
She was already up off the ground, bending over the large basket in search of something. She tried not to, but her eyes lingered on the curve of her ass all the same. "Perhaps not," she said without looking up, "but if we're celebrating Amara then we are also celebrating you giving me the greatest gift of my life."
Not wanting to speak too loudly and be overheard she waited until Daenerys was back on the blanket next to her, a cleanly wrapped package in her hands. The paper was a purple color that was a cheap imitation of Daenerys's eyes. "I should be the one thanking you Daenerys. You did me a favor as I recall."
"Yes and in return I was blessed with the most amazing girl while you rode away alone. It hardly seems fair."
It had just been moments ago she had been thinking about how smart she'd been to leave Amara with Daenerys. Now she decided to share those thoughts out loud. "I don't regret my decision. In fact, after seeing you with her, after seeing how much you love her, I know I couldn't have made a better choice. I don't regret leaving her that night, because it was the best thing for her and that's what I told myself each night before I went to sleep, and every single morning when I woke up."
Daenerys grasped her hand. "I think now, what's best for Amara is to have you close by. I think it's best for Amara and it is certainly best for me."
Had she heard that correctly? "Your Grace?" she questioned.
Shaking her head, Daenerys reached up and pressed a single finger to her lips. She tried not to think about just how smooth Daenerys's finger felt, but it was impossible to focus on anything else. "None of that. You know my name."
She spoke against the finger that refused to leave her face. "Daenerys."
"That's right." With violet eyes looking through her, the Queen leaned toward the killer. She stayed frozen, locked in place by invisible chains as her heart paused in her chest. She was unable to comprehend what was happening.
The first kiss was like the others they shared, Daenerys's lips against her cheek, but close enough to the edge of her mouth that she couldn't help but wonder. The wonder grew when rather than return to her seat afterward, Daenerys kissed her again, and again, each time involving more of her lips. She turned her head to ask what was happening and Daenerys took advantage. She connected their lips directly and the assassin couldn't refuse. She felt hands in her hair, as she gripped Daenerys's hips tightly. There connected mouths moved as one, until Daenerys's tongue traced her lower lip to ask for entry.
When air was at a premium it was the surprised assassin and not the noble Lady who ended it first. Breathing heavily, she studied the Queen's face. She looked contented, and so amazingly gorgeous. "What were you thinking?" she asked, trying to understand.
With a sweet laugh she crawled toward her again. "I was thinking 'this is even better than I imagined.'"
She couldn't help it, she laughed and the Targaryen joined her. "That's not really what I meant."
"You kissed me back rather intently. Would I be wrong to assume you liked it as well?"
She scoffed. "Are you serious? I doubt anyone who has ever kissed you has come to regret it."
She savored the blush that colored the Dragon's cheeks before she looked down at the package that remained unopened between them. "As I was saying, before I lost myself, Amara and I got you something."
"That's unnecessary. You've already given me too much."
"I'm royalty," she reminded her. "I'll give you as many gifts as I like."
With a roll of her eyes she ducked her head in an exaggerated bow. "As you wish, your Grace."
Daenerys sat with her legs folded, pushing the wrapped present across the blanket in her direction. She picked it up and felt its weight. Slowly her fingers started on the twine. Once she got through the barrier, she was stunned silent. There in front of her was one of the most beautiful blades she'd ever seen. She pulled it from the scabbard and admired the edge, tracing it with her finger and feeling delight when she saw the single drop of blood she drew. "Daenerys, this is incredible."
"I wanted you to have something, so you could remember us, and the only thing I was confident you'd actually like, and use was a weapon. There were so many to choose from. That was my favorite, but if I chose incorrectly…"
This time it was her finger against Daenerys's lips. "Thank you so much, its perfect." Emboldened by the fact that Daenerys had kissed her more than once, she decided to try it. She lowered her hand and replaced it with her mouth. The kiss started slow but grew more and more heated with every racing heartbeat. It took only a slight nudge to topple the sitting Daenerys onto her back and she followed, keeping their mouths locked together. The moan she heard coming from under her was her undoing. She couldn't believe this was happening. It was so much better than her flawed fantasies.
They stayed like that until Amara's arrival forced them apart. "Mama!" she shouted.
Missandei was quick to apologize as the kissing women each worked to look innocent. "I'm so sorry your Grace."
"It's alright Missandei," she assured her, before she winked. "I plan on having lots of opportunities to make up for the lost time."
She blushed as she realized just how many people had seen her making out with the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Lucky for her, Amara was the star of the show and she kept attention safely away from her.
For the remainder of the afternoon, she helped Amara open presents. She was thrilled to receive first handmade Dothraki leathers in her size from her Aunt Missandei. Daenerys's gift to her daughter was an incredible silver necklace. It bared the three headed dragon of their house and was dotted with jewels for each eye. Holding the lion figure Amara begged her mother to let her try her new gifts. It took a few minutes with Missandei behind the tree but when she stepped out she looked like a miniature Khaleesi, with her new necklace, completing the outfit.
"Come," Daenerys said as she waved her daughter over. "Show Arya your necklace."
She held it out, away from her body proudly. Larger hands took hold of it gently, admiring the stones and the elaborate detail in the dragon.
"Turn it over," Daenerys instructed.
Sparing her a quick glance out of the corner of her eye she flipped the pendant and found words written in a flowing script. It took a moment to understand the combination of letters she saw. It said – Always a Wolf, Forever a Dragon – Amara Targaryen
She let the pendant go, sending it swinging back to its resting place against Amara's chest. "You didn't need to do that. I told you, I'm at peace with my choices."
"Maybe that's why I had to do it. You gave me so much and you act as though it is no big deal."
The final present was one she didn't expect Amara to receive. It was a toy sword, carved of wood and small enough to suit her. As soon as it was in her hand she took off into the grass, away from the blanket, waving her sword, already in an epic imaginary battle. The assassin didn't know what to think or how to feel. She'd made her feelings on the subject known and Daenerys had gone out and gotten her a sword anyway. She knew the irritation she felt was unfair. Daenerys was her mother. Daenerys was the one who had to make the decisions, good and bad. She's the one who cared for, loved and taught her, each and every day. Without question she deserved the benefit of the doubt, even on a subject as volatile as this.
Getting up off the blanket she stretched her tight back muscles. If Daenerys wanted Amara to play with swords, the least she could do was ensure she was well trained. She walked over and prepared to give the Little Dragon her first lesson in swordplay.
When it couldn't be delayed anymore they packed up their things and headed back to the keep. As she hooked her new dagger to her belt she felt it necessary to thank Daenerys again. After all, it had been a very long time since she'd been given a gift, especially one as meaningful as this. "Thank you so much Daenerys. You really shouldn't have."
"I should have," she countered, stopping as she passed for a quick kiss. "Amara helped me pick it out. I think she's got good taste."
She smiled. "She's got great taste." When Amara was close enough she scooped her up and after a little tickling she lifted her onto her shoulders. "Did you help mama pick out my present?" When Amara nodded she could feel it in her shoulders. "Thank you. I love my present very much. I could tell you must have picked it."
On the walk it occurred to her how strange they must look. The Unsullied guards, the former slave, two dragons and a stray wolf, one weird little family.
R-C
That night after Amara was in bed, she knew she couldn't wait any longer. She asked to see Daenerys and was told to meet the Queen in her chambers. When she got there Daenerys was already waiting and the wine was poured. She took her seat and immediately told her ruler what she'd learned in Kayce.
"Do you have any idea who he was talking about?"
"I don't, but I have a feeling the House of Black and White might know."
"How would they?" she asked, taking a sip of her wine. "They are thousands of miles away."
"The temple employs a small army of vagrants, homeless, thieves, cut purses, beggars, anyone and everyone who might overhear important information. The House pays for that information, to keep itself at the forefront of news, on both sides of the sea. If anyone outside of Kayce knows who is coming, it'll be the Faceless Men."
"And you think he's already arrived?" she inquired, with an edge to her voice.
"If not yet, soon, very soon according to Marino."
"What would you have me do?"
"Double the guards around you, Amara and Missandei at all times. Stay close to the keep and don't allow strangers to get within ten feet of you. I'll be back as soon as I can with information."
"You're returning to Braavos?"
"Hopefully, but I need a favor."
Daenerys leaned close and took her hand. "Anything, just name it."
This was it, the moment of truth. She swallowed the lump in her throat and prepared to make the most unrealistic of requests. As mad as it was, she knew it was the only way. Her entire plan hinged upon it. "I need you to teach me to ride a dragon."
"Excuse me!?" Daenerys erupted, popping up out of her chair and dropping her hand.
She too stood. "I need to speak with Braavos and I don't have time to send ravens and then wait for a reply and I definitely don't have time to hire a boat. I need to keep you and Amara safe, and this is the best way to do that."
Daenerys kept her back to the other woman. She didn't speak for a long time. When she did, it was only after a heavy sigh. "I'm not sure if it'll work, but we can try. I'll introduce you to them first thing in the morning." Pleased with the answer she smiled. She was so focused on her plot that she almost didn't hear the next comment. "Now get over here, I still owe you a few kisses."
Her smile grew. Yes, tonight was going absolutely perfectly.
R-C
Author's Note: Alright folks, we're getting to the good stuff now. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, even if it lacked action or drama. I felt our happily little family deserved some peace before everything went sideways.
As always thank you for your comments, and thank you for reading.
Russell Craig.