Chapter 6

The past few nights after Artax had left court, left Dany restless and without sleep. Thoughts about what Artax said in the court, about who would protect the people during a war. She started to think about why she was doing this and who she was doing this for. Was she being selfish? Was this all because she felt that she deserved the Iron throne? Because she thought, no believed, that she was the rightful ruler? Her thoughts eventually turned to Artax himself. She smiled at the memory of Artax and Andromeda reading and interacting with each other. She felt her heart softened at the way Artax gave into Andromeda's demand for another story even though he knew she wouldn't last through the first chapter and fell asleep on his lap. Dany's thoughts then turned back to the people and realized that she had spent little to no time with them as she had arrived in Dragonstone. She had decided that in the morning she would go down and spend time with the people she sought to protect.

Dany had walked among the people for most of the morning. She was amazed by the skill and the harmony in which the townspeople achieved to survive. The townspeople of Dragonstone had been left pretty much on their own, the product of a neglectful ruler. They've had to work together to create a place that worked together seamlessly. The townsfolk were surprised to see her and a little afraid, which made her feel guilty. She was a stranger who claimed to be their Queen. Even though this place has not seen any type of ruler for a long time, the village created their own system to ensure harmony. In all honesty, she had no intentions on disrupting their way of life. She just wanted to protect it, to protect them. Artax was right, she had to go back to thinking about the people. She hoped that she could show them that she was only there to help improve their lives and not to take away or change their way of living.

The excited shrieks and joyous laughter drew Dany's attention and she instinctively walked towards them. She had always loved the sounds of laughing children. They were so carefree and free of judgement. She smiled sadly as her own children roamed the sky and she thought of her child who would never make those sounds.

As Dany wandered to the edge of town where the children were laughing, she stopped short at the sight of Artax being wrestled to the ground and the piling on top of him. Lighting went through her at his laughter and the children all tackling him all at once. As she watched Artax and Andromeda, a deep longing went through her, a longing to belong, to have someone who knew as much about her on the inside as the outside. She wanted that easy rapport that Artax had with everyone and she wanted him to have that with her. She shook her head. That wasn't for her. She couldn't afford any distractions. She had to focus on her goals, that is how she has she has gotten this far.

As she approached, a little boy who was talking to Artax saw her and ran away along with the other kids. Artax turned around with an unreadable expression on his face. She wished she knew what he was thinking when he saw her. Did he think her a tyrant? Did he approve of her coming down and visiting the villagers? She wanted his approval so badly. She wanted so badly to prove that she was here for the people and not herself. Her face creased in anger. Why does he opinion matter to her so much? She needed to rid herself on these notions.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Artax greeted, tearing Dany away from her thoughts.

"Good morning, Artax," she replied, "I didn't mean to scare your friends away."

Artax looked towards Tobias retreating form. "I don't think it was you, your highness." Looking concern, he turned back towards Dany to find her staring intently at him. Her blue eyes piercing and searching. Searching for what he didn't know. Whatever it was, he hoped that he had enough of himself to give. Stop! Don't get sucked in. What is wrong with you! What sorcery is this? Artax has never had any more than lukewarm feelings towards anyone and now only knowing Dany for only a couple of weeks, he felt like his heart was on fire.

Dany felt Artax's gaze go through her like lightning. Something about the way he was looking at her made her uncomfortable and warm at the same time. What is going on? Why is this happening now? With him? She was so confused as to what to do. She thought that Jon was the one that she had wanted. He was strong, a leader, he would add strength to her rule whereas Artax would be the one to oppose it, to question it. But despite all that one look from Artax and she felt like she could barely stand. She felt so far from strength but felt that she could do anything if he was there. Which is insanity!

Artax broke the gaze, clearing his throat and waved his hand towards the town. "I am surprised to see you in the village," he gestured.

"Why would that surprise you? I have two legs. There are times that I like to use them." She replied smoothly.

"I didn't mean to say…I mean…I just haven't seen you down here before." Artax stammered, turning red. Andromeda snickered and snorted behind him, mocking him. Artax threw a scathing glance at Andromeda causing her to throw back her head. A small chuckle drew Artax's attention back to Dany. A small smile graced her face, her eyes bright with amusement. Dany brought out an apple and held it out to Andromeda. Andromeda nickered and sidled up to Dany, chomping happily. Artax looked at Andromeda with surprise. She rarely took food from strangers. She didn't trust anyone other than him. So, to see her take an apple from Dany was downright shocking.

"Huh, nice to see your fear of strangers are gone." Artax said with a side smile. Andromeda snorted and him and placed her head on Dany's shoulder which downright astounded Artax. Dany noticed his look of shock.

"If I would hazard a guess, I would say that she liked me." Dany said, running her hands down Andromedas soft muzzle, the horse leaning into the caress. "Animals tend to like me. I think it has something to do with my taming of dragons."

"You are full of surprises. I am not one be shocked easily but you have done so twice today." He said enchanted by the interaction between them.

"Still surprised that I walked all the way down to this village on my weak legs?" she needled. She laughed again as Artax blushed, looking away shamefully.

"I was just trying to be conversational," he mumbled.

"Well if that isn't the surprise that you were talking about," she mused, "might I ask what else I have done to earn your amazement?"
"Well, I..um…" Artax stuttered, fumbling to get out of telling her that it was what he felt for her and how quickly he had fallen under her spell but before he could finish a child's yell pierced the air drawing both their attentions towards the middle of the village. Artax started to run because he recognized who it was coming from. It was Tobias.