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ATP

Stannis still fights in the continent. News about Dany's arrival and Dragonstone's taking will reach him and his opponents very soon.

Barristan and Tyrion are in King's Landing serving Joffrey (or, actually, Tywin). Baelish lives like fish in the water thanks to the long-continued war.


A girl and her dragon

A dragon is nothing like a horse, yet, Shireen grooms Viserion as she used to care for her pony. She is talking to him and carefully touches his scales and horns.

Theon, petrified, stops in the corner of courtyard.

He has been unable to concentrate on anything all day but now Shireen has all of his attention.

Daenerys told her, told her that she was – she could be – a rider. Shireen, apparently, is not ready to mount the dragon, but she seems far too enthusiastic.

In any other circumstances, this would make Theon glad, but now…

Besides, his own conversation with the Queen and the last night still bother him.

"You have the Unsullied and sellswords…"

"Not any kind of sellswords," Daenerys cuts in. "I have the Golden Company." Her voice is full of complacency. "And I have dragons. Don't forget it."

'How could I?'

"Still, you need allies," Theon says.

Apparently, Daenerys does not like to hear about allies. She does not like to hear any objection.

"What did you expect, Your Grace? That the people of Westeros are waiting for you?"

Anger makes her even paler but when she speaks she can restrain her temper.

"I believed that. Once. When I was young and fool enough to believe my brother's fantasies. But I already know that no one has waited for me except for Dorne. Dorne, however, won't help me, they wouldn't since…" She tightens her lips and does not finish the sentence. Instead, she stares at him challengingly. "So, tell me, Theon, who could be my ally?"

Shireen notices him. Or, maybe, Viserion was who noticed Theon standing there and the dragon's senses directed her attention towards him. It is an unnerving thought.

"You were right," Shireen rhapsodizes when Theon steps to her.

"Generally, I am," he replies with false joy. It is unfortunate that others rarely listen to him.

"Meet Stannis."

"He's my enemy."

"Everyone is your enemy now, or they will be, Your Grace. He's your blood, at least."

"Renly is also my blood," Daenerys points out. "Just as Robert was."

"But he's Shireen's father."

"You said it, remember?" Shireen asks with a wide smile. "I didn't believe you, but you said it."

Theon is startled out of his musing. "Said what?"

"That I'm strong and I can be like Nymeria. I can be like Visenya. And now I have a dragon."

Clever girl. It was many years ago.

Although Theon did not mean it this way, he does not want to ruin her happiness.

Shireen turns back to the dragon. Viserion watches her, his gaze is equally bewitching and bewitched. No. Whatever bond they share, he does not rule over her.

Shireen is strong. She has been without the dragon too. Theon hopes that this will also be enough against the Queen.

Daenerys bethinks of his words for a moment. Then, she looks at Theon, her expression is exasperated but determined.

"I'm fed up with talking for tonight."