"Are you sure I can't just go back to bed?" Daenerys asked, and not for the first time.
"You could," Missandei allowed, "but I doubt the people who travelled to see you will leave until you make an appearance."
"They aren't here to see me," she whined. It wasn't Missandei's fault, she knew that, but who else could she be honest with? This was supposed to be a celebration of her, so why did nobody care what she wanted?
"I'm here to see you."
Daenerys smiled for the first time since waking up and nodded in agreement with Missandei's point. "I know, which is why I'd much rather spend the day in here with you."
"What about Arya?"
Daenerys recognized the question for what it was, a bribe. Missandei thought that if she reminded her of Arya's existence, she'd be more inclined to venture out of her room. It was a valiant effort, but she underestimated Daenerys's hatred for this day, and everything that came with it. "She could join us up here, there is plenty of room."
Sensing she had a losing argument Missandei changed direction. "The sooner we get started, the sooner it'll be over. Then you can spend the rest of the night with Arya."
In spite of everything, mentioning Arya did bring her some happiness. "Do you know what it is she has to tell me?" Since Arya declined to share her bed, she'd been wondering obsessively about what could have her so anxious. Try as she might, she hadn't been able to come up with anything that made sense.
"She hasn't told me. I'm sure whatever it is, it isn't as bad as she fears."
"I don't think so either, but she really is concerned." With a mumbled curse Daenerys forced herself up off the bed. She shrugged out of her robe and walked to the closet to find an appropriate dress. "Any suggestions?" She began flipping through the options quickly, without really considering any of them.
"Wear something Arya will enjoy seeing you in," Missandei suggested.
That didn't sound like the worst way to choose. It certainly wouldn't hurt to go into the day knowing Arya liked what she saw. Her nameday was typically exhausting but maybe having Arya there would make it marginally more tolerable. While her guests and gifts bored her, she could distract herself with Arya. She went back to the beginning of the line and checked each dress in accordance with her new, higher standards.
She was still searching when there was a knock at the door. "Can you get that Missandei?" she yelled from the depths of her closet. "It's probably Arya." She didn't think she was imagining the hope she heard in her voice.
"Keep looking, I'll let her in and come help."
Daenerys wasn't too proud to admit that Missandei's promise to assist improved her opinion of things. Although capable of getting dressed on her own, she always looked better when she followed Missandei's subtle guidance. It could be as simple as how to wear her hair, or which accessory to pair with a specific dress, but each and every time the end results left Daenerys slightly more confident than she'd otherwise be.
Through the wall she heard Missandei and Arya speaking. She couldn't understand the words, but she didn't need to. Just knowing Arya was close was enough to send a thrill through her body. Arya's presence affected her in a way nothing waiting downstairs ever could.
R-C
"Good morning Missandei," Arya said as the door was swung open for her. She lowered her voice and stepped inside. "How's she doing?"
"She's not looking forward to it, but at least she's out of bed."
In all the time she'd been serving as Daenerys's guard, she'd never once arrived to find Daenerys still in bed. It unsettled her to think her nameday was almost the occasion to break that streak. "That bad?"
Missandei didn't answer, at least not directly. She posed a question of her own, that was obviously related. "How was it downstairs?"
"Crowded," she admitted. "It's busier than I've ever seen it."
She nodded sadly in understanding. "Last year I heard Tywin telling Rhaegar that every room in the capital was occupied by visitors to the keep."
Her namedays in Winterfell were a time to cherish and anticipate eagerly. It was hard to reconcile how vehemently opposed to the celebration Daenerys was when Arya clung to her memories of the Stark version so tightly. Without understanding fully, she still felt empathy for Daenerys, whatever her reasons, she didn't want any of it, but no one was giving her a choice. "What can I do?" She was not above asking for Missandei's advice.
The handmaiden smiled, confirming that her question was the right one. "You being here will make a big difference. She needs as many friendly faces as she can get today."
"I won't leave her side," she swore.
"Did the gift arrive in time?"
Arya pictured the finished product in her mind and smiled. "A courier sent word yesterday afternoon. I picked it up after Daenerys dismissed me last night."
"Good." Without explanation Missandei crossed the room. Midway down the wall with the window was a wooden cabinet that held a vase of beautiful, colorful flowers. Arya had no clue what was happening, so she just watched as Missandei pressed on the front of the cabinet, and slid the covering aside, exposing a secreted shelf. All the time she spent in this room and Arya never knew there was a shelf there or that the panel moved. "Did you bring it with you?" By the time she finished speaking, the compartment was once again hidden away. Missandei had a decorative wooden box in her hands.
Any pride that came from having something for Daenerys was fleeting. "I didn't bring it, I thought we'd give them to her later."
"We may not get the chance later," she warned, "it's going to be a very long day."
Could it really be that long? They had many tiring, busy days in the castle, and Missandei rarely complained. Her reaction now was giving Arya pause. She imagined that the friends would celebrate together privately after Daenerys fulfilled her obligations. She wanted Daenerys to have a couple of hours to enjoy her nameday in the way she might enjoy, but Missandei was hinting that that may be impossible.
She knew what Missandei bought for Daenerys, she'd been there when she made the purchase, but she couldn't take her eyes off it. Not the book, more the box it was in. Why hadn't she thought of that? She was so out of practice giving gifts, she'd forgotten the intricacies of the custom. She intended to give Daenerys her present directly, without a box, decorations or a ribbon. How could she have forgotten that?
"I can go get it," she said in a bit of a rush.
"You don't have to…"
"Don't give her yours until I get back, I have an idea."
"What idea?"
"Stay with her, I'll be back as soon as I can."
She was running as soon as she was in the hall. The idea she told Missandei about was still forming in her mind, but it was already a dramatic improvement over the nameday Daenerys's family had planned for her.
R-C
"Nice choice," Missandei commented as she stood behind her.
She adjusted the single shoulder strap slightly before turning to show her friend. "Think so?"
"No one will be able to take their eyes off you, least of all her."
Daenerys didn't have to wonder who she meant. "How is she?"
"She's worried for you."
"What? Why?" Suddenly, the frown she wore had nothing to do with her own discomfort. She didn't want Arya fretting over her.
"She's okay, she just knows you don't like your nameday, and she hopes to make it better for you."
Aww that was really sweet. "That's easy enough to accomplish, send her in to give me a kiss."
Missandei smiled. "I would, but I believe she went to retrieve your gift."
Thinking about the gift Arya got for her only reminded her of the trouble it caused. Arya had nearly died and for what? So Daenerys could have another present on a day when she would already have too many? "I still can't believe she got me something. I can't believe you told her it was okay to get me something." She hadn't meant for the last part to include an accusatory tone but it slipped out.
"Actually," Missandei clarified, "I told her it was unnecessary, but she's as stubborn as you and she didn't listen to me either."
With a bark of a laugh Daenerys marvelled at how Missandei could bring light to the darkest of situations. She would never approve of the way the young woman came to be in her life, but she'd forever be grateful for the friendship she brought. "I'll listen to you today," she promised, "what jewelry will go well with this dress?"
"Go sit at the mirror," the handmaiden directed. "I'll pick out some pieces and bring them over, then we can work on your hair." Daenerys stayed where she was and quietly observed as Missandei busied herself by picking through the Princess's extensive collection of accessories. "She won't be back for a few minutes, if we hurry, we can get everything done and have you looking stunning before she returns."
She knew just how to persuade the Princess. "I'll meet you at the mirror," she said, already on her way over.
R-C
The knock came when Daenerys had her jewelry in place, but her before her hair was finished. Her eyes met Missandei's in the mirror and the handmaiden was surprised and then repentant. "That was quick," she said setting down the comb she'd been using. "I'll get it."
Full of energy and eager to see her lover, Daenerys didn't remain seated for long. By the time Missandei reached the door she was ready and waiting to see Arya for the first time in far too long.
"Ser Jorah," Missandei said loudly, in an obvious attempt to warn Daenerys of who was there. "She is, please come in."
Jorah was coming to see her? She thought about retreating back to the mirror, to make herself seem busy, but she refused to flee, this was her room, she wouldn't cower. She stood her ground, quite proud of herself. He smiled when he saw her. She tried to match the expression but doubted hers was as big or sincere as his. He looked older than she remembered him to be, his hair was shorter than the last time she'd seen him, and his armor shined, freshly polished. "Happy nameday Princess," he said warmly as he came to stand in front of her with his hands behind his back.
"Thank you Ser," she responded stiffly. He was the first of what would surely be many who would wish her a happy nameday before the festivities were through, she would need to get used to it, and she would but in that moment Daenerys was annoyed. Jorah had spent years at her side, he knew Daenerys's feelings on the subject and he still chose to arrive at her door in the early morning to commemorate the event? "What brings you here so early?"
"You look radiant," he added, not even pretending to answer the question.
With few options she used her fakest smile and began practicing for the trials of the day. "Thank you," she said, "I'm a work in progress I'm afraid, Missandei was braiding my hair when you knocked."
"You look lovely."
Daenerys's shoulders sagged a bit as he missed or ignored the hint. "What brings you?" she asked bluntly.
Until right then, she thought nothing of his hands being hidden behind his back. Many soldiers stood that way, including Arya and Jorah, so she was unprepared for when he adjusted his pose and revealed that his right hand held a golden chain. At the end of what was obviously a necklace waited a clear, blue stone. Daenerys's heart sunk. This was why he'd come? "Happy nameday Daenerys," he said. The necklace was resting on a pillow of sorts, the kind used in shops to prop up and display the various items.
That… I… That is very generous Ser." She stumbled through a reply, unsure of what to say or do. She thought back and tried to recall what Jorah had given the year before, but she couldn't remember. Whatever it was, it certainly wasn't a necklace and it wasn't anything as expensive as this year's offering.
Oblivious to her turmoil Jorah removed the necklace from the pillow and placed the unnecessary packaging on the edge of the table. Hanging off his finger, the stone was beautiful, but she couldn't accept it. "It'll look wonderful on you," he noted casually, making her feel worse.
When it became clear he intended to place the chain around her neck Daenerys stepped back. "As I said," she tried, "that is very generous of you Jorah, but I can't accept such a gift."
His smile fell, but he took a step forward to put him in her space again. "Of course, you can. I want you to have it."
"It's too much," she said, glancing to Missandei for help. "It's beautiful but…"
She didn't get to finish. "Then it's perfect for you."
She didn't know what to do. Should she take the necklace and thank him or resist? It was gorgeous and if it were a gift between friends, she'd take it and be honored, but because it was Jorah, it was considerably more complicated. Whatever else they were, Jorah had feelings for her that she didn't return. IF she accepted such a romantic gift, it'd no doubt embolden him and encourage him to continue pursuing her. She didn't want that, but she didn't want to hurt him either. Just because she didn't desire an intimate relationship with him didn't mean Daenerys wished to cause him pain.
"I'm flattered Jorah, truly," she said, starting with the good news, "I am, but such a gift, it's too much."
"Do you like it?" he pressed, wiggling his finger and sending the sparkling, blue jewel swinging back and forth.
"It's beautiful," she acknowledged, "but it's far too expensive and you shouldn't waste it…"
"It would be a waste to give it anyone else," he insisted.
She was at a loss. She expected lavish, unnecessary presents downstairs, from strangers and acquaintances she'd rarely see, but this was different. Jorah was her friend, even if they argued sometimes and upsetting him might affect their relationship going forward. She was unsure of the best course. She needed help, luckily, Missandei had come to stand beside her. She remained silent during the exchange with Jorah, but she was there, and she'd know what to do. Daenerys looked to her for aid and tried to convey her conflicting emotions without words. With a sad smile the dark-haired woman nodded her head ever so slightly. Daenerys took a moment to make sure she understood the message and then another while she resigned herself to it. Missandei was telling her to accept the gift and as usual she was right. IF Daenerys wanted to keep the peace with Jorah, she couldn't refuse his kindness. She didn't like that he spent so much money on her or that it would likely leave him with the wrong impression but accepting what he offered as graciously as she could was the most favorable in a long list of uncomfortable, awkward and downright horrible outcomes.
She wanted desperately to change his mind and hoped he could see that. "Are you sure? Wouldn't you rather keep the necklace for someone else?" she suggested.
"I bought it for you," he told her simply.
With that, she reached and touched it for the first time. "Very well. Thank you, Jorah. It is beyond generous and completely unnecessary, but it's incredible."
"Let me help you put it on," he instructed.
Although she was willing to take the gift and swallow her objections, now he was pushing his luck. "I already have a necklace on Ser," she reminded him. She looked down at the silver dragon in flight hanging from a thick chain. Jorah looked as well, though his eyes dropped lower than hers, and lingered longer too.
"Wouldn't you rather wear mine?" he asked hopefully.
She swallowed the sigh that threatened. This was exactly the type of misunderstanding she'd wanted to avoid. Daenerys accepted the necklace as a gift of friendship and Jorah meant it as something else. "It wouldn't match," she said in justification.
"You could…"
She could, she was sure, do whatever Jorah was about to recommend but she wouldn't. She took the necklace he'd given her off his extended finger and laid it carefully into her palm. She took a moment to admire the unique color and then carried it to where all her jewelry was stored. She hung it from one of the many hooks and then pivoted to face the old knight. "There, now it'll be one of the first things I see the next time I need to choose something."
Satisfied, Jorah smiled at her. "I'm glad you like it Princess."
"I do," she confirmed, "and I'd love to keep talking, but as I'm sure you noticed the castle is quite busy and I'm already late." That was a slight exaggeration, not that she was late, or that the keep was filled to capacity, but that she would have preferred to extend the conversation. The tension she felt in jorah's company made a relaxed discussion between friends challenging.
"I understand," Jorah said, surprisingly compliant. "I just wanted to see you before…" he trailed off. "I wanted to give you your gift before all the others."
She nodded and was relieved when Missandei took it upon herself to walk him to the door. Daenerys was already out of patience and the day hadn't really begun yet.
R-C
She found Rhaegar eating his breakfast in only the third place she looked for him. She rarely needed to stand guard at breakfast since Daenerys typically didn't partake, but even without much experience she was confident most of the faces around the table weren't from the area. She lost count of the number of different sigils she saw as she approached the Prince.
She gave the knight guarding Rhaegar a nod on her way to him. They didn't speak often, but she got the sense that Barristan had a measure of respect for her, or at least her dedication to Daenerys. He didn't try to stop her anymore, letting her have a minute of the Crown Prince's time each day to ask her questions. It was a guess, but she thought the reason he didn't try to intervene was because she didn't cause trouble, even when Rhaegar denied her requests.
She stood off to the side, slightly behind his chair, waiting until he finished speaking to the man on his right. It was an easy-going conversation, though about what Arya couldn't say.
When both men stopped talking long enough to take a bite, Arya stepped forward. She cleared her throat to draw Rhaegar's attention. "Excuse me, Prince, could I have a moment."
She thought he'd gotten used to her visits, but he seemed truly unprepared to see her there. "Not today," he said after a sigh. When she didn't immediately go, he elaborated. "You can't be serious, people have been travelling for weeks from all over the world to be here. She needs to greet and thank them." She still said nothing, so he continued, "The cooks have been working day and night to prepare a feast in her honor, tell her sorry, but there is nothing I can do, not today."
Arya let him finish his rant without interruption. "I'm not asking for today," she said when it was finally her turn.
He looked ready to respond before he remembered where he was. He closed his mouth, reached for his cane and then stood up. "If you'll excuse me Lord Frey." To Arya he hissed, "Come with me!"
She followed Rhaegar, very aware of Selmy trailing behind. They stopped in a small alcove, next to a potted plant. "What is it my sister wants?"
"She isn't the one asking," Arya clarified, "I am."
"Then what do you want?" he asked, seeming to care little about the distinction.
"You know Daenerys, you know she hates this, the feast, the guests, the presents, all of it."
"So you came here to tell me things I already know?" he snapped.
"I came to see if I could negotiate a bargain. She knows she has to endure every second of today, exactly as it was designed. She's upstairs getting ready right now, so she can do that."
"Then why are you here?"
"To see if tomorrow we can give Daenerys the day she couldn't get today." She paused and gave him a moment. "We both know that none of this is for her anyway. The gifts are tokens of respect for the King, the guests don't come to see her, they come for you, your father and his Hand, and at that feast, you mentioned there will be more negotiations about trade, harvests and marriages than there will be people actually interested in what Daenerys has to say."
"She has to be there," he stated again.
"I know, but tomorrow after everyone goes home, when all her obligations have been met, can we agree that she deserves a day to celebrate how she wants to?"
Rhaegar took in the request and looked over her head to his guard. Seconds passed slowly. The quiet extended so long that Arya glanced at the knight herself. Something had Barristan smiling, but there was nothing remarkable about him otherwise. She shifted her focus back to Rhaegar.
"My sister likes you," he said plainly. "Only the Gods know why, but she does, and she's been happier since you've been here, I can't deny that."
"I'm just trying to support her," Arya explained, "I think she deserves this, and I know you're my best chance at making it happen."
Rhaegar continued on like she hadn't said anything. "She cares about you, and I'm starting to understand that you must care about her too."
"I do," she confirmed simply, all too aware of the pitfalls that admitting that might bring.
"You wouldn't keep coming here like this, if you didn't.".
"I gave her my word I'd do what I could to help her get out of the castle, just as I gave you my word I wouldn't take her into the city without your consent."
"You've kept your word on both I'd say," Rhaegar remarked. He shifted his weight slightly, adding more to the cane, before he finished, "If she gets through today, tomorrow is hers."
"Thank you," she said, reminding herself that the manners were for Daenerys's benefit and not his. He was still a kidnapping raper, even if he was Daenerys's brother, but it also stood to reason that he'd be more inclined to help Daenerys, if she could muster up a minimal amount of common courtesy. If she had any doubts how deeply she cared for the Dragon Princess, they were erased when she got the words she was thinking past her lips. "You should join us for lunch tomorrow." She hurried ahead before she took back the invitation. It was Daenerys. For Daenerys! "I think Daenerys would enjoy having you and Aemon there, if you're not too busy."
He had already begun to leave, so stopping and turning was a slow process on his weak legs, but he took the time and effort to do it anyway. "Really?" He didn't wait for a reply. "She doesn't know you're doing any of this, does she?"
"Not yet, I didn't want to get her hopes up until you agreed."
He looked uncomfortable and for once Arya didn't think it had anything to do with the injury inflicted at the Trident, or Arya's resemblance to Lyanna. "My sister and I haven't been seeing eye to eye lately. She probably wouldn't want me there."
"I think you'd be surprised," she said, before she left. "I need to get back, but if you can let Aemon know about our plans for midday I'd appreciate it, and if there is a hole in your schedule and you care to join us, I'm sure Daenerys would be happy to see you."
R-C
The seconds moved slower without Arya there. To pass the time she asked questions she already knew the answers to. "She said she was coming back?"
"Yes," Missandei replied indulgently.
The Princess couldn't help peeking at the door every few seconds. To give her mind something else to focus on she smoothed out a wrinkle in her dress.
"You look great."
She assessed herself closely. The pale blue silk hung off one shoulder and showed just enough of her creamy skin to be alluring without seeming scandalous. After Jorah had left, Daenerys expected they'd complete the second half of the braiding, but Missandei had a change of heart. At the handmaiden's insistence she chose to leave her hair down. "You think so?" she verified, needing some reassurance before she went downstairs and braved the nameday crowds. Today more than any other, she'd be the center of attention and everyone would be looking for fault. Was her dress stained or ill-fitting, was a strand of silver hair out of place? She didn't want to give the gossips any kindling for that particular fire.
"Definitely, and I won't be the only one who thinks so. I bet Arya will agree with me."
The prediction made Daenerys smile. "I hope so." Following Missandei's instruction, she'd chosen her attire specifically because she thought Arya would approve. She had hundreds of guests waiting for her and the only opinion she cared about belonged to a bastard from a far away kingdom.
"Missandei's right about that," Arya said offhandedly as she breezed into the room as though she was never gone.
Unable or unwilling to delay for even an instant Daenerys went to her. Arya was waiting with a smile and a kiss. "You look breathtaking."
Compliments wouldn't be in short supply today, yet three words from Arya had her blushing so fiercely she worried it was permanent. "Thank you." She pecked at Arya's lips before making the point that had been on her mind since Missandei told her where Arya had gone. "You didn't need to disappear, I don't need presents."
"We'll do gifts later," Arya decided with an exaggerated calm. Trinkets didn't matter to her. She wouldn't mind if neither Missandei nor Arya gave her a damn thing, but it did strike her as odd that Arya cared one way or the other. When she received her gifts seemed rather inconsequential, yet for some reason Arya had a preference. "There are a lot of people waiting, so we should probably get you down there."
She knew Arya was right, but that knowledge didn't hold back her disappointment. A sigh escaped her lips, likely the last honest sound she'd utter all day. Soon enough she'd need to smile and laugh and say 'thank you' but none of it would be real. It would be as fake as their compliments or their well-wishes. It was all so daunting, she began to pace as her anxiety climbed.
While she tried to tame her emotions, Arya stepped in front of her and placed one firm hand on each shoulder. "Missandei," she said without looking away from the Princess, "can you go let everyone know Daenerys will be right down?"
"Of course," she agreed.
When they were alone Arya's features turned severe. "You can do this."
The weight she was carrying felt a little less debilitating. It was nice, knowing that someone not only cared about her feelings but thought she was capable. "Thank you."
Arya wasn't convinced, her grip on Daenerys tightened a bit. "No, really, you can do this. You're strong and I know it'll take a lot more than a few arrogant pricks and their snobby wives to best you."
"There will be more than a few," she predicted, trying to lighten the mood.
"I'll be with you the whole time," her lover promised. To emphasize her point, she moved her hands from Daenerys's shoulders to her back and guided her in for a hug. "When you're tired, annoyed or out of patience, look to me and know that you're not alone."
If Arya kept saying things like that, she was going to breakdown and cry. Without realizing it, Arya had just said the words Daenerys had been waiting her whole life to hear. For years when she was isolated, and ignored Daenerys wished that someone would come and rescue her. She thought Missandei was the answer to her prayers, but she was being granted more. Now she had Arya too. "Thank you," she said passionately, before squeezing Arya's armor encased body as tightly as she could. "I have a feeling I'm going to be looking to you a lot."
It was said with a twinge of humor, but Daenerys suspected both women knew the underlying truth mixed in. "I'll be there." Daenerys didn't know how she'd gotten so lucky. She leaned just enough to look into Arya's stormy eyes and was taken aback by the sincerity there. "Every time you look at me today, I want you to remember this…" Before Daenerys could inquire, Arya lowered her head and claimed her mouth. It was intense, genuine and said more than any words they might've exchanged. It wasn't their first kiss and yet this one felt special. It reached deep inside her and awakened something. All at once, she couldn't get enough. Her toes curled in her shoes and her eyes closed in without permission.
Even panting as though she'd just sprinted up ten staircases Daenerys couldn't contain her grin. "I don't think you'll need to twist my arm to get me to remember that."
"Good," she retorted smugly, "and don't forget every hand you shake, every gift you open, every boring conversation you suffer through brings you one step closer to being finished."
"And then what?" she wondered playfully. She felt light and relaxed, a monumental achievement considering what her future held. She couldn't say how or why, she just knew Arya made it better, made her better.
"After you've done your part as Princess, we'll come back here, and Daenerys can do anything she wants."
"Anything?" she repeated, the implication clear. The list of things she was dying to do with Arya grew longer by the day. If Arya promised her 'anything' the guard might get more than she bargained for.
With a chuckle Arya shook her head. "Sure beautiful, anything. Now are you ready to get out there?"
Everything about that statement had Daenerys's heart racing in her chest. Arya called her beautiful, not in some grand pronouncement or elaborate compliment but casually as if it were a widely known and already established fact. They both knew people were waiting for her, that they'd postponed too long already and yet Arya was still asking instead of telling, still giving Daenerys the choice to stay or go. It meant more than she could put into words.
With Arya's promise still echoing in her ears, she was suddenly eager to get the day over with. "What are we waiting for?" The sooner it was done, the sooner she could be where she wanted, doing what she wanted, with who she wanted. If that wasn't sufficient motivation, she didn't think anything would be.
R-C
It was the smile that gave her away. Without warning it was different from the false one she'd been wearing to greet nobles, thank them or accept their extravagant offerings. All the sudden Daenerys's smile was real. It was a cheap imitation of the one Arya saw when they were alone, but it was a vast improvement over the empty, meaningless one she'd been watching for hours. Curious Arya moved a little closer and paid more attention to the conversation taking place.
"You're here from Highgarden?" Daenerys verified to the young man.
She studied him carefully, there was nothing unusual about him. He was well-dressed and neatly groomed but was obviously not as wealthy as most of the others in the line. Arya understood why when he replied. "Yes, Princess. Lady Olenna sent me on behalf of House Tyrell to present you with this gift." He didn't look as wealthy because he wasn't as wealthy, he was a mere emissary for the influential matriarch.
Thinking of Highgarden immediately made Arya think of Sansa. She studied the area on the off chance her sister had been ordered along but saw no one remotely similar to the sister from her memories. Although she could think of dozens of reasons why Sansa wasn't there and would never be, the disappointment cut deep.
When she recovered, she picked up what the emissary was saying in the middle. "… I will not keep you, as you have many more guests waiting, but it was Lady Olenna's request that I give you this at the completion of our meeting."
His hand slipped into his pocket and Arya stepped forward, reaching for her sword just in case. The Tyrells and Targaryens may be allies, but allies could become enemies overnight if the right scab was torn. She remembered Olenna and how the old woman interacted with Daenerys. She didn't think she'd send her man to harm the Princess, but Arya wasn't about to take any unnecessary risks with Daenerys's safety.
All he had to pass along was a sealed scroll. He bowed his head in respect as he waited for Daenerys to take it. "I'll leave you now, if it pleases you Princess," he offered politely.
"Please rest here as long as you need, and make sure you eat a meal before you get back on the road," Daenerys instructed, worrying about the young man's health and well-being.
"Most kind, I will Princess."
"And please thank Lady Olenna for the gift, let her know I hope to see her soon."
"I will," he confirmed, "she will be back in the capital before long."
Arya relaxed as she watched the man walk away. Daenerys whispered to Missandei, and the handmaiden went to the Unsullied at the front of the line and spoke to them. Unsure of what was happening, she watched carefully. She understood when Missandei came back alone and reclaimed her spot behind the Princess. Daenerys thanked her friend and then focused entirely on the scroll she hadn't let go of yet.
She enjoyed watching Daenerys's facial expressions as she read, the way her eyes swept from side to side, taking in one line and then going back to begin the next. Whatever Olenna had written for her, it was obviously pleasant since Daenerys's smile was honest. If a few words written for her, could improve Daenerys's mood so drastically, Arya considered it a tragedy that Olenna couldn't make the trip in person.
The letter ended with a bark of a laugh from the Dragon. "What is it?" Missandei wondered.
Rather than answer Daenerys held out the scroll for her to read. She did, with impressive speed. Arya saw Missandei smile in much the same way Daenerys had and then right on schedule she too laughed upon reaching the bottom.
More than a little curious Arya stepped up to take her turn. Missandei happily handed over the scroll.
Daenerys,
Please accept my sincerest apologizes. Both Margaery and I wanted to be there to celebrate with you today, but I'm afraid business in the Reach keeps us too busy to slip away. Know that we are thinking of you.
Have you given any more thought to visiting us at Highgarden? You'd be welcome anytime and I for one would love the company. I know Margaery feels the same way. Please consider it dear, you'd be doing an old woman a kindness. I'm dreadfully bored and in dire need of excitement.
I can only imagine what your day has been like. Any marriage proposals yet? The Red Keep may be big, but it's truly astonishing how many smug nobles fit inside. Don't worry about them, they aren't important, find the things that are, and focus on them. If that fails, remember this – You are a Dragon! It's okay to act like one.
I wish I could be there, but since I'm not please accept this gift along with wishes for a wonderful year, from myself and all of House Tyrell.
Lady Olenna Tyrell of Highgarden.
P.S – The present is crap, but I had to send something. Feel free to toss it into the fire the next time a chill passes through the Crownlands, it's what I'd do.
Just like the two who read it before her, Arya had to laugh at Olenna's sentiments. For the second time it occurred to her how unfortunate it was that Olenna couldn't celebrate with them. She would have kept things interesting.
R-C
She breathed a sigh of relief when Walder Frey and two of his sons took their leave. They weren't the worst guests she'd had to meet with, but something about them made her uneasy. Thankfully, the Freys rarely ventured to the capital. Only two or three very short visits a year, always scheduled to coincide with special occasions, like Daenerys's nameday.
She glanced to see who was next, without any real enthusiasm and was surprised to see the Spider standing next to another man. She didn't recognize him, but he was heavier than the spymaster with a beard, and fine clothes. As she assessed the clothing, checking for a sigil, she realized it wasn't the sort of attire common to the Seven Kingdoms. Where had this man come from and why?
"Princess Daenerys, you look stunning, as always. Happy nameday."
"Thank you, Lord Varys. I appreciate the well wishes but you must have many important things that await you, there was no need to wait in line to see me."
"I told you she was smart," Varys quipped to his companion.
The big man nodded in agreement. "You did indeed old friend."
"Princess, this is Magister Illyrio Mopatis from Pentos. As he said, we are old friends and when he learned of your nameday, he asked if I could facilitate an introduction."
Daenerys wasn't naive enough to believe a Magister crossed the Narrow Sea to meet her. Whatever had brought him went far beyond the celebration of her birth. She offered her hand to the man from Essos. "Magister, it is a pleasure to meet you, I am Daenerys Targaryen and welcome to the Red Keep."
"The pleasure is mine," he countered. "I've been looking forward to this for a long time."
"And why is that?" she asked as innocently as she could. While she waited for the answer, she reviewed what little she knew about Pentos and Magisters. If she recalled her lessons accurately Magisters were among the wealthiest and most influential men in the region. Which begged the question, why was he in Westeros?
"I've heard about the Dragon Princess for a long time," he said calmly. "People speak of your generosity, your beauty, and your kindness just to name a few. I'm not the type of man to trust in the word of strangers, so I asked Varys and he confirmed you were every bit as remarkable as I'd heard. It intrigued me."
When Illyrio got to the part of his story where he sought Varys's opinion, Daenerys's eyes landed on the spymaster. Why did he think so highly of her? They weren't close. If asked, she would have guessed that Varys didn't care about her one way or the other, but if Illyrio was telling the truth, perhaps she misjudged him.
"So rarely does a person actually live up to the rumors whispered about them. When my business brought me across the sea, I decided to take the opportunity to visit my friend and meet with you."
"That was very considerate of you," Daenerys said after a slight delay. She wasn't sure what else to say.
"A few years ago, during a negotiation to settle a rather contentious business dispute, I became aware of the existence of a piece of ancient history," he explained. He looked away from Daenerys and checked the faces of those she had with her. He stopped on Missandei and seemed to consider speaking to her, before eventually moving on to Arya. "You there, would you assist my lads in getting the Princess's gift?"
She didn't like the way he was ordering Arya about. Yes, he phrased it like a question, but it sounded more like a command than a request. Her instincts were supported when Illyrio's men stepped forward. The first thing she noticed about them were the distinct slave collars around their necks. He brought slaves with him to the Red Keep?
"Will you ladies be okay here?" Arya asked, ignoring Illyrio and the Spider completely.
"I'll remain with the Princess and darling Missandei until you return," Varys pledged, "they will not be left vulnerable."
"It's okay Arya," Daenerys ruled. "Missandei and I were going to take a break and have some tea anyway."
R-C
Arya followed the slaves outside, amazed by this Illyrio's brazen disregard for the King's laws. He and Varys must be very close if the Magister was confident in that bond to protect him.
"How long have you worked for the Magister?" she wondered as they went to retrieve whatever item Illyrio was giving.
"All our lives," the elder of the two said. "He bought us young and trained us." Next to his partner, the smaller, younger man nodded his agreement.
"Is he nice?" She was hoping for some insight into the man who'd come to see Daenerys.
The younger man said nothing, looking down as if the ground beneath his feet was suddenly the most interesting thing he'd ever seen.
The other man responded with only, "He is not unkind."
It was as she tried to make sense of strange reply that she realized she probably shouldn't have asked in the first place. She didn't have much experience with slaves and hadn't considered how awkward it would be to have a stranger inquiring about their Master.
"I think you'll like it here in King's Landing," she said to change the subject. "Do you know how long you'll be staying."
"Only until tomorrow, then the Magister has other business."
When the slaves stopped, Arya did too. From a carriage they produced a large black case, nearly as long as a man. "Be very careful, they're priceless," he cautioned.
"Do you know what inside?"
"Oh yes, Magister Illyrio tasked me with delivering the payment and bringing them back to the estate."
Them? She had questions but doubted the slaves would be forthcoming. She'd just have to wait until they got back inside to learn what the big surprise was.
R-C
"As a Targaryen, I imagine you must know quite a bit about your family's history with dragons."
"I do," she acknowledged, "when I was young, I would read anything I could on the subject." That was true, she was just leaving out the reason why. She studied dragons so intently because she wanted them to return, so she could use one to escape her life. Nothing about Illyrio entitled him to such personal information, so she kept it to herself. "I still enjoy reading about them, even though there isn't much new to learn anymore."
He smiled broadly. "A fellow scholar then, how fortuitous. I confess, dragons have always fascinated me as well. I remember the first time I saw the Iron Throne, a symbol of power forged by dragonfire, I was mesmerised."
"It is quite something," Daenerys agreed flatly. She didn't know what this was all about, but the longer it went on, the more confident she was it had little to do with her nameday.
She smiled when she saw Arya coming back. The presence of the slaves unnerved her. Did Illyrio not realize he was breaking the law, or did he just not care? She thought of Missandei and how difficult it must be for her to have to stand by and watch Illyrio's slaves. She no longer wore a collar, but she wasn't free. With a jolt it came to her why the Magister felt emboldened enough to bring his slaves to Westeros where slavery was outlawed. It was probably no coincidence that Illyrio's appearance came after the King had taken thousands of slaves into his service. Aerys couldn't condemn the Magister without opening himself up to the same criticism.
"These come from the Shadowlands Princess," he said as he nodded to his slaves and they began working on the latches that kept the box closed. "I acquired them because they were unique and beautiful, I thought I'd keep them as an investment, but in time I came to see that they were being squandered in my collection. They belong somewhere else, with someone else, with you in fact."
"Me?" They hadn't met before today. Why would he think of her at all, let alone choose to share something he bought?
With another nod, the slaves lifted the lid away from the box's base, exposing the contents inside. There was a gasp, that definitely came from her, though it was hard to hear much of anything over the pounding of her heart. "Is that…" she stopped talking,
"Three dragon eggs. They somehow managed to survive hundreds if not thousands of years."
Daenerys looked at the colorful eggs in wonder. She never thought she'd live to see such a thing, now here it was. "How is this possible?"
"No one knows," he admitted. "I've employed the most talented scholars money can buy and the best they can do is give me educated estimates.
"Such as?" It was taking all of her resolve to keep from squealing and behaving like an excitable child, but that's precisely how she felt. Her whole life she wondered about dragons. She envied her ancestors who not only had them but rode them in battle. She obsessed over their extinction, trying to solve the riddle of how and why dragons disappeared. When she was feeling particularly ambitious, Daenerys would set her sights higher, trying to come up with a viable strategy to bring dragons back. It was childish fantasy, born out of the idea that a dragon could take her anywhere she wanted to go, and moreover, a dragon would protect her. If she had a dragon, not only could she travel the world freely, but no one would be able to stop her, not her father, or her brothers, or anyone else, not unless they wanted to incur her dragon's wrath.
This was not wild speculation or unsubstantiated rumor. This wasn't words without proof, or dreams. Illyrio had proof. How long had it been since someone saw the last dragon? Even the most dedicated scholars of Targaryen history had all but given up on the idea of seeing dragons again and now Illyrio showed up with not one, but three eggs.
"As pretty as they are, I fear they are little more than decorative stones now," he said. "Any dragons within are almost certainly long dead." He sounded appropriately sombre as he said this, but It didn't last. "These eggs are pieces of history, the history of the Seven Kingdoms and of your family. I felt it only fair that you take ownership."
"Magister," she started, not knowing what to say next. She was beside herself. She was used to generous, over the top gifts, but this one was on a whole other level. Could she accept it? They must've cost him a fortune and he just wanted to give them away? If she didn't want to take a necklace from Jorah, how could she accept these eggs? "Thank you for showing them to me, this is a memory I will carry with me forever and cherish, but with all due respect, I can't accept such an expensive gift, it just wouldn't be right."
Illyrio laughed, his thick belly shaking as he rested both his hands upon it. "Ask Varys, he'll tell you gold is of no concern to me. I have more than I could ever spend.
"He's not wrong," the Spider chimed in from the side.
Illyrio was making perfect sense. Was it strange that he was willing to part with something so valuable for a woman he didn't know? Yes. Was it unusual that he travelled thousands of miles and crossed the Narrow Sea to deliver her nameday present? Yes. He may be eccentric man with obscene amounts of gold, but nothing he'd said or done gave Daenerys the impression his intentions weren't honorable. Add to that the fact that she really would love to own dragon eggs, even dead ones, and it was almost easy to overlook the Magister's quirks.
Before she could accept however, there was one more thing she needed to know. Actually, she just needed to see Illyrio's face when she asked it, it would tell her plenty. "Why me?"
"Why not you?" he challenged. "Daenerys the Stormborn, the fabled Dragon Princess. We hear about you all the way in Pentos dear."
It sounded nice, but it didn't escape her that he hadn't actually answered the question. Growing up in the Red Keep taught her a lot of skills she doubted she would have learned elsewhere. One of them was knowing when something was just a little too perfect and spending untold hours and millions of gold coins to procure dragon eggs only to give them away to a stranger qualified. "That's kind, but not an answer."
He smiled, seemingly impressed she called him out on his avoidance. "Very well, I hoped that by delivering the eggs in person I might make a favorable enough impression that you'd do me the honor of sharing a meal with me before I return to Pentos. The eggs are yours regardless, but I'd love the opportunity to get to know you better."
That was it? All he wanted was her company at a meal? She felt guilty for assuming he had a sinister motive. Maybe nobles in Pentos were less conniving and more straightforward than their Westerosi counterparts. "That sounds lovely," she exaggerated a little, "will you be staying in King's Landing long?"
"Just tonight," he explained. "I have business elsewhere in the Realm, but my ship is here, so I shall return when it's concluded."
"Let me know when you will be available, and I will make certain we can meet. I'd love to hear the story of how you came to know about the eggs."
He laughed again. "And I would love to tell it to you, Princess."
It occurred to her almost too late, that maybe Illyrio's offer was just his way of being polite, to compensate for her initial rudeness. "Will you have the time? I don't want to keep you from your friends and family back home, I'm sure you miss them, as they do you."
Unbothered he used a thick hand to wave away her argument. "Nonsense, it'd be my pleasure. Your father can't meet with me for a few days anyway, so you'd really be doing me a favor."
And there it was. He hid it better than most and was a convincing enough liar that she actually believed him, but in the end, it was always the same. Illyrio hadn't come for her, and he didn't bring dragon eggs out of the goodness of his heart, he did it to ingratiate himself with the King, just like all the others.
"Oh, do you have business with my father?"
Daenerys thought she concealed her annoyance, but suddenly there was tension in his previously relaxed features and a slight wrinkle in his brow. "Just some trade, nothing particularly exciting, not when compared to actual dragon eggs."
He was good, she couldn't deny that. He sensed she was angry, kept his answer vague and quickly redirected them. She ran her small hand over the rough eggs, walking the length of the box. "They are beautiful."
"And who better to have them than a true blooded Targaryen. These eggs belonged to your ancestors, I felt it only right they be returned to their rightful place."
Just like with Jorah, she had a choice to make. She could refuse to accept the dragon eggs and make it clear she knew Illyrio's true motivations, but what would that accomplish? How much would change? She'd feel a momentary flash of pride exposing his scheme, but would it make any difference to Illyrio? He'd be embarrassed temporarily, but after that? How long before he forgot all about his failed attempt to woo the Dragon and moved on to his various meetings? He'd forget her quickly because this was never about her at all. He'd still conduct his business with her father, he'd still reap the rewards of his trip to King's Landing and he'd get to keep the dragon eggs too.
There wasn't much of that Daenerys had a say in. She couldn't make the Magister respect her or see her as his equal. She didn't have the power or the allies to interfere with his business and that left only one thing within her control – the eggs. Why should he get to keep them? He was right about them, incredible and ancient as they were, they once belonged to a member of her family. They belonged in King's Landing with a Targaryen, not collecting dust in some vault in Pentos.
"Your generosity will not be forgotten Magister," she told him through her fakest smile of the day. "I will find a suitable place to display this amazing gift. I want all to see dragons have returned to the Seven Kingdoms. I will always remember your part in making that happen."
"You flatter me."
"As much as I would like to continue our conversation, I have many more guests to see. Enjoy your travels, I wish I could join you." That part, at the very least was true.
"Until next time Princess."
"Send a raven when you are on your way, and I will arrange that dinner."
Illyrio smiled sweetly, reaching for and taking Daenerys's hand. "I am already looking forward to it."
She stood there chewing on her bottom lip as she watched the Magister, his friend and two slaves exit, they were nothing more than the most recent bunch of men who tried to manipulate her.
"Are you alright Princess?" Missandei inquired.
"I'm …" she meant to say she was fine, but she couldn't get the word out. She placed her palm down on the largest of the dragon eggs. "I need a minute."
R-C
Author's Note: There you have it. Daenerys's nameday becomes a two-day event, Illyrio makes an appearance and brings dragon eggs, and then there is Jorah. A lot more nameday related fun is still to come. Arya's confession is approaching too, I promise.