Sister's Keeper
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 29: The Decision
Alysanne's POV
It was another day of listening to the people of Meereen. Four of the seven days of the week, I would sit on the ebony bench and listen to the people of Meereen. No matter what their status was, I lend my time to hear their complaints, request, or information they wish to share. Most were lower class and freemen in need of help to resolve an issue. On occasion would a Great Master come in to discuss business or try to negotiate to compensate lost property when I seized Meereen. I took property and lands so the freemen who decide to stay in Meereen can have a home. Some are being reconstructed to form apartments. The facilities will be designated towards families.
Today, I had Daenerys accompany me with Ser Barristan, Ser Jorah, and Missandei. Daenerys sat in a chair on my right, while Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah stood by us. Missandei took her position on the middle platform to address our subject. I want Daenerys to learn how to prioritize and decide how to deal with a situation. Even as Queen, I need my heir to be prepared if anything were to happen. I need Daenerys to know what is a reasonable decision and what is one that cannot be resolved in a single day.
The next subject was a man holding a sack to his chest. He appeared intimidated, nervous, as his eyes glanced around the Audience Hall seeing the Unsullied.
"You stand before Queen Alysanne of the House Targaryen, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Breaker of Chains and Dragoness of the West. And her sister, Princess Daenerys Stormborn, the Unburnt, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, and Mother of Dragons."
"Don't be afraid, my friend," Daenerys greeted with a smile.
"The Princess says you may approach and speak," Missandei said.
The man walked over slowly. His eyes glanced up, then snapped down until he stood on the middle step. He spoke in low Valyrian.
"He is a goatherd," Missandei translated. "He says he prayed for your victory against the slave masters."
"I thank him for his prayers," I said, which Missandei translated to him.
The goatherd set the sack down and reveal the contents. He lifted the flap and exposed charred remains of a goat. He talked about the dragons raiding his herd this morning and didn't understand what it means. He then stood up, still bowing his head.
"It was your dragons, he says. They came this morning for his flock." Missandei translated. "He hopes he has not offended Your Grace, but now he has nothing."
I took a moment thinking about a way to compensate for this shepherd. Lately, it has been noted that the Dragons have been hunting in the lush valleys in Meereen district. This man was the fifth farmer who lost their livestock. Based on the allegations, it has been Drogon who has been hunting more. Since Viserion and Rhaegal take what they can carry and fly off. Drogon, he has been taking more.
"Tell this man I am sorry for his hardship. I cannot bring back his goats, but I will see he is paid their value three times over, and two goats from the pyramids stables." I said.
Missandei told this the man, his eyes widen as he looked at me surprised. Silently asking if I spoke the truth. I nodded, knowing he needed to be compensated, and two goats one male and one female to start over again. Since goat milk is the primary dairy here in Meereen. Over and over again, he said thank you, collecting the bones and bowed. I smiled, after many appointments of arguing, it was nice to have one in which I made someone happy. Even though it came after the devastation.
Once the goatherd left, I said, "Send the next one in."
The doors open, as the next person was a familiar face, I haven't seen in almost two months.
"It is good to see you again, Hizdahr zo Loraq," I greeted. "How is your father?"
"My father is doing well, and thanks to you for his mercy," Hizdahr replied with a bow.
"I'm glad to hear that," I said. "What brings you here today?"
"You are the queen, and I am a servant of Meereen. A servant who does not wish to see its traditions eradicated." He explained.
"And what traditions do you speak of?" I asked.
"The tradition of funeral rite," he answered, holding his hands together. "Proper burial in the Temple of the Graces. One hundred and five noble Meereenese are stilled nailed to those posts, carrion for vultures, rotting in the sun." he paused, bending the knee bowing before me. "Your Grace, I and the new Great Masters ask that you order these men taken down so that they might receive proper burials."
"And what of the slave children these noble Meereenese crucified?" Daenerys asked, bitterly. "They were rotting in the sun as well. Would you have begged us for their right to a proper burial?"
"Your Highness, I cannot defend the actions of the masters. I can only speak to you as a man and his people of their religion," Hizdahr explained. "Let us take their bodies down. Let us have them brought to the temple and buried with dignity so that their lives might find peace in the next world. Knowing that they will not repeat this transgression."
I stared into his placid dark eyes seeing how devout he was. The same as I was to the Faith of the Seven. I was a tolerant woman, holding no prejudice towards one's religion. No matter how cruel it may seem. Every person has their own faith, their perspective on the afterlife. Seven Heavens and Seven Hells, I pray and feared. I do not know of the Ghiscari interpretation of the afterlife or in reincarnation. In the end, the Great Masters who agreed to crucify the slave children, have been executed. I stood up, walking down the steps until was stood before him. I rested my hand on his shoulder.
"I gave the queens justice for the living on this earth, I do not decide their fate in the afterlife. Tell the sons that they can bury their fathers, Hizdahr zo Loraq."
His eyes widen as relief took over, "Thank you, my queen."
Hizdahr stood up giving a bow before leaving the audience hall. I returned to my position seeing Daenerys was confused.
"Why did you do that?" She asked.
"Because I cannot go against religion," I answered, then looked at Missandei. "How many more?"
"There are 212 supplicants waiting, Your Grace," Missandei confirmed.
"212," Daenerys gawked.
I chuckled at her response and looked at Ser Jorah a bit surprised and amused at Daenerys response. I turned to Ser Barristan who merely shrugged. Being once a member of the Kingsguard he was used to standing on his feet all day and listen to nonsense.
"Well, this will be a long afternoon," I said. "Send the next one in."
.o0o.
Daenerys's POV
Daenerys felt emotionally exhausted after spending two days listening to the supplicant's statements. She did not know how Alysanne can hold the patience to sit there and listen then decide a solution to resolve a situation. One thing that got her was allowing the crucified Great Masters to be taken down for burial.
She enters her chambers after having dinner to find Daario Naharis standing in the solar lounge holding a bouquet of flowers. This confused her since the Apex was heavily guarded. The only people who have access to the Apex, was her, Alysanne, Missandei, Ser Jorah, Ser Barristan, Grey Worm, and the assigned guards. No one was allowed inside unless invited by one of the Westerosi.
"How did you get in here?" Daenerys asked.
"Your door is well guarded, but your window is not," Daario answered.
Daenerys took a deep breath to suppress her annoyance as she walked over to him. She knows her sister will not approve of this. Wanting to keep security, since they are technically conquerors as their ancestors. Daario displays the flowers to her, of reds, white, and golds.
"I swam to an island a mile offshore for these," Daario murmured.
Daenerys shoved the flowers into his chest, "Don't do that again."
She walked over to the table prepping a glass of wine. Daario caressed the flowers as if they were a babe.
"Never met a woman who didn't like wildflowers," he said.
"These are my private quarters. If I want you here, I will summon you," Daenerys chastised.
Daario realizing his mistake bowed by bending the knee, "Forgive you, my princess. I live to serve you."
Daenerys sat down on the lounge watching him curiously. The past several months she enjoyed the flirtation. At the time when it started, she was not ready, mourning for her husband and son. Now, she has come to term and accepted it was time to move on. She was eighteen now, and her sister has given her liberty how to live her life. Only when it came to confirming the marriage of a potential husband, which she doesn't have her mind set on.
Although, she will admit she missed human contact. On rare nights, she could hear Alysanne moan as she made love to Ser Jorah. Though happy for her sister, it made the Mother of Dragons craving for intimacy. She tried resolving her needs by using her hands, obtaining small bliss, it was never enough. Now here was Daario Naharis offering his service. But she was not going to give him the satisfaction right away.
"Tell me why you're here," she murmured.
"I came to ask a favor," Daario said as he stood up. "I only have two talents in this world. War and women. You and your sister are staying here in Meereen to rule. That is a wise decision. I respect it. But here in Meereen, I cannot pursue my talents."
"I've ordered the Seconds sons to patrol the streets to stop the revenge killings," Daenerys reminded.
"You've ordered us to be night watchmen," Daario countered.
"And as for women, there are thousands in Meereen you can pursue," Daenerys continued cutting him off.
"There is only one," he smiled, gazing at her while taking a step forward. "and she does not want me."
Daenerys leaned back slightly still keeping her composure, "You swore me your sword."
"My sword is yours till the day I die."
"So, if I command you to stay in Meereen and patrol the streets?"
"I'll stay in Meereen and patrol the streets. Send me to kill your enemies. Any enemy anywhere. Let me do what I do best."
Daenerys thought about it. Knowing the Astapor and Yunkai situation, she could try to convince Daario and the Second Sons to take care of the problem. Alysanne did say if they break their word, she will come back with no mercy. But first, she has another idea that requires Daario's service.
"Very well. Do what you do best," she murmured. Grabbing the wine glass off the table and brought it to her lips while keeping her eyes on him. "Take off your clothes."
The Captain of the Seconds Sons smiled, setting the flowers on the table. He undressed before her, never breaking eye contact to her violet eyes. The shirt came off first, followed by his scarf, then finished with his breeches. He was a confident man, proud of his body, lean, toned and muscular in the right places. Daenerys examined him, seeing his chiseled chest and abs until going down staring at his penis already erect from a bush of coarse hairs. She was pleased with what she saw, taking a sip of wine.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
I was woken up early as the sun began to rise. With a yawn, I stared ahead seeing Jorah still asleep as his arm was under a pillow and its twin wrapped around me. He looked so much younger when he slept. All the years of war had caught up to him, including the years of exile and stress. As wrinkles slightly formed around his eyes, and the deep creases on his forehead. Although he jests saying, creases were something he inherited from his father. No matter how much he relaxes, Mormont men appeared older than they should.
I smiled softly, thinking about last night. We weren't highly intimate, as some people would assume of an older man and a young woman. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy our sex. But to spend the night with a glass of wine, sharing a conversation, and cuddling seems special. Last Night Jorah told me more stories about Bear Island. He hopes one day he can take me there to see his ancestral home, and Keep. The island beautiful and remote containing old gnarled oaks, tall pines, flowering thorn bushes, moss-covered stone, and steep hills with streams.
"Bear Island is rich in bears and trees, and poor in aught else," he murmured.
I pray that we will return to Westeros and one day he can return home. I tried not to think of the future when we do sail across the Narrow Sea and reclaim the Iron Throne. By then, I have to prepare the Seven Kingdoms for the Night King and the Army of the Dead. Whatever this creature wants, I have a feeling it will be a war of survival. One you never know who lives or who dies. Mentally shaking my head on that thought, praying that the people I love don't perish in the Great War that is to come.
Jorah stirred, groaning slightly as he opened his eyes. I chuckled somewhat before leaning over and peck him on the lips. He cradles my cheek kissing back in the soft gesture. Today wasn't a supplicant day, nor was it a training day. Usually, it is spent going over papers and documents to organize Meereen. However, with Astapor and Yunkai rebelling against the new order, I've been trying to figure out a way to resolve the issues without using violence…or at least the dragons. Cleon the Butcher, after getting reports in turning boys of Astapori into Unsullied must die. The reason why I attack Astapor was to end the ritual of turning an abused boy to a killer and force to slaughter a baby. The Yunkish…they are the ones I struggle with on deciding their punishment.
"It's too early to think," Jorah murmured, as he kissed my temple.
"It's never too early when I'm a queen," I sighed, tracing his chest. "I thought I establish two good councils and enough soldiers to run the two cities. I made a promise that if they fall back to the practice of slavery, I will return with a vengeance."
Jorah took a deep breath as he rubbed my back, the easiest solution is to kill all the higher-ranking masters and their sons to prevent revenge. However, that is not me. No matter what I do, it seems like I can't appease everyone. How did the old Valyrian go through this without wiping out the Old Ghiscari race? How on earth did Aegon do it, when he decided to Conquers Westeros? Probably flying Balerion around setting a reminder. Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal are not big enough yet to fly or cause intimidation unless they start breathing fire.
"We better get ready for the day," I said, trying to get up however Jorah kept a stronghold. I chuckled slightly, "Come now, is my bear still tire. Should I fetch some honey to lure him out of his cave."
"I can think of a specific type of honey close by," he whispered, as his hand slithers down between my legs.
I smacked his hand away playfully. "Maybe tonight."
It was rare for him to be this playful. Yes, Jorah has his sarcastic remarks and counters. But to show his small perverted playful nature is a rare thing. Jorah merely smiled, as he sat up and stretched. We climbed out of bed and got ready for the day. Putting on a casual dress, that was long with a rushed high halter neckline and an open back. Along with a silver belt around the waistline as dragon tooth attached the extended link.
Jorah put on his usual attire, although this time he put on the shirt I have sewn for him a few weeks again. His previous shirt had worn, frail in certain areas that any moment now it would tear. So, I made him a new one, a replica of his previous since he was not one for the finery. Of course, I did put my initial on the back of his collar of a thread one shade lighter. Doubt he has noticed it.
Once dressed and groomed, we made our way to the council room. Just as we entered the corridor, Daario Naharis came out putting on his shirt. We all stop, as I looked at him wondering why he is in the Apex. There was no official council meeting, along with the fact he was coming down through the hall where Daenerys room was.
"My Queen," Daario greeted. "Jorah the Andal. Are you here to see the Princess?" He awkwardly made his way around us, as Daario patted Jorah's shoulder. "She's in a good mood."
Jorah scowled, not the one of jealousy, but one a father would make. Over the years, Jorah has become a father figure to Daenerys. Let alone, Daario doesn't hold the reputation of honor as a Westerosi knight. Taking a deep breath, we enter the council room, finding Daenerys hovering over a map. Her hair was down, but she wore a revealing dress, that barely covers her upper body, except for her breast.
"Khaleesi," Jorah announced.
"You're here early," Daenerys greeted, facing us.
"Later than some," Jorah chirped.
We made our way to the table.
"You don't approve?" She asked.
"It's not a question of approval, it's a question of trust," I answered.
"Both of you neither approve nor trust," Daenerys chuckled slightly.
"Why would I? the man's a sellsword," Jorah said.
"Didn't you fight for the Golden Company before pledging your sword to my brother?" Daenerys challenged.
"I did," Jorah confirmed.
"I trust you," she said.
"Daario Naharis killed his captains and humped their heads at your feet when grew tired of their commands." He reminded. "How could you ever have faith in a man like that?"
"I could never have faith in a man like Daario." She assured. "I have an idea, one that can help us with the rebels."
"And what plan is that?" I asked, taking a seat.
"We send Daario and the Second Sons to retake Yunkai," she answered.
"Without you or your sister to rule, Khaleesi, I fear the masters will simply bide their time, wait for the invaders to leave and reassert control." Jorah picked at her plan.
"That is why we order Daario to execute every master in Yunkai." She said.
Jorah and I looked at her, our bodies tensed. It is one plan, but the idea sounded like Father.
"The masters tear babies from their mothers' arms. They mutilate little boys by the thousands. They train little girls in the art of pleasuring old men. They treat men like beasts, as you said yourself, Jorah." She explained, very determine in her eyes while crossing her arms.
"You're talking about genocide," I breathed.
"Herding the masters into pens and slaughtering them by the thousands is also treating men like beast," Jorah agreed, as he pressed both hands on the table and leaned in serious. "The slaves you two had freed, brutality is all they've ever known. If you want them to know something else, you have to show it to them."
"And repay the slavers with what? Kindness? A fine? A Stern warning?" she mockingly asked.
"It's tempting to see our enemies as evil, all of them, but there's good and evil on both sides in every war ever fought," I said.
"Let the priests argue over good and evil," she snipped. "Slavery is real. We can end it. We will end it, and those behind it. You were a slave to Viserys."
I stood up and walked over to Daenerys. Towering over her by a few inches. My eyes narrow giving her a warning look not to go there. "You were never a slave. Your marriage was a political alliance, one Viserys miscalculated in. You were given a husband who cared about you. So, don't you ever, ever, act like you understand slavery personally."
Daenerys looked down realizing she crossed the line. We can agree that slavery is wrong and should be abolished, but she cannot act like she has been a slave. There is a difference between sold in a political marriage and being sold for profit. Was I a slave to Viserys? By definition no, but I was captured by my own brother, raped and defile, and spent five years as his sister-wife as the chains took the form of a golden ring. When Khal Drogo removed that ring and Viserys received his golden crown was I liberated from the abusive marriage. I sold my soul so Daenerys wouldn't be Viserys sister-wife.
"I sold men into slavery, Khaleesi," Jorah spoke to break the tension.
Daenerys walked around taking Jorah's hand, "And now you are helping us show them to freedom."
"I wouldn't be here to help you if Ned Stark had done to me what you want to do to the masters of Yunkai," Jorah said.
Daenerys sighed realizing that she has lost the battle. As much as eradicating the Wise Master is an easy solution there is no morality. Not all of them evil, as the original Great Masters, proved that from the fifty-three men who denounce such an action. Then a thought came up. The new leader of one Great Master family who showed diplomacy and empathy the other day.
"I have an idea," I announced, gaining both of their attention. "Hizdahr zo Loraq will accompany the Second Sons and serve as our ambassador to Yunkai and Astapor. He will tell the masters what has happened in Meereen. He will explain the choice they have before them. They can live in our new world, or they can die in their old one. This will be their only final warning."
"And for Cleon?" Daenerys asked.
"I'm sure Daario will enjoy his match," I answered.
Daenerys smiled slightly, seeing I made a compromise to her plan and Ser Jorah's words of wisdom. Jorah smiled, nodding in approval of my decision.
"Ser Jorah, go and catch Daario and explain to him of the new plan," I informed him.
"Yes, Alysanne," Jorah said.
He gave a bow and left leaving us alone. Daenerys turned around facing me. She stood there slightly nervous, knowing I wasn't pleased about her plan. For a moment, I thought I saw Father in her. Not by appearance, or the desire to use Wildfire, but the quick decision to execute people.
"Who am I?" I asked her. "Who am I!"
Daenerys was confused, "Queen Alysanne."
"And who are you?" I asked her.
"Daenerys Stormborn," she answered.
"Who are you?" I repeated again wanting the correct answer. "The name our mother gave you."
"Daenerys Targaryen," she mumbled.
"And what are you?" I continued, grabbing her shoulder looking her hard in the eye.
"A princess," she manages to say.
"You may had been a Khaleesi, but if we had followed tradition, you would've been sent to Vaes Dothrak to become a Dosh Khaleen. You and your khalasar are under my protection. How did Robert's Rebellion start?"
"Because Rhaegar took Lyanna Stark," she replied.
"And…"
"Father burned the Warden of the North and his son…and order the death of others…."
"What you suggested, is what father did during his reign. He made Houses go extinct. Butchering and burning, men, women, and children to set an example. The same as Tywin Lannister, who obliterated House Reyne and made an example of their children on the walls of Casterly Rock. We are not Tyrants. We are leaders, we are rulers, do you want the people to fear us or respect us?"
She opens her mouth to answer then closed it.
"As much as I would want us to go home back to Westeros, my goal in life is to restore House Targaryen name. If I were to die without children, I need to know that you are capable of that responsibility. And right now, if you think Fire and Blood is the answer to everything, then you are mistaken. So far, five kings were deemed mad, do you want to be the first Mad Queen?"
Daenerys shook her head.
"Then you must think three steps ahead," I said, then hugged her. "I love you, Daenerys, you are my sister and child. I don't want history repeating itself."
Daenerys wrapped her arms around me and nodded.
It seems I have to teach her more. I understand she was trying to help; however, genocide is not the answer.
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