Sister's Keeper

Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones and History and Lore

Chapter 13: The Offer

A large feast occurred as Xaro Xhoan Daxos had Daenerys and I sit beside him. Looking around I saw Jorah a few seats away, but still in view if something were to happen. Xaro was going over the history of Qarth to us.

"Qarth has always and only belonged to the Qartheen. We were never part of Valyria's empire, nor have we ever fallen to a Dothraki horde. Our walls and the Red Waste outside them guard us from such annoyance. Many call the approach to our city the "Garden of Bones" - it needs little tending to grow.

Our city, however, would be quite a prize for any empire. Qarth straddles two worlds: a greedy and curious west and a rich and mysterious east. The marvels of Yi Ti and Asshai pass through our markets and share berths with the riches of the Free Cities and Westeros.

Our ports have fulfilled many a trader's dreams - almost as many as they have broken. We call Qarth "the greatest city that ever was or will be"; an easy claim to make if one knows only the docks and customs houses of other cities; an easy lie to swallow if the people see only the gold and jewels of their rulers, which we, The Thirteen who govern the city, are careful to ensure.

The proud Qartheen shook off the yolk of unjust kings long ago, or so they are told at festivals by the Pureborn, the kings' direct descendants who have controlled the Thirteen ever since. Only now, instead of scepters, they use ships. A merchant only remains on the Thirteen until the others are no longer afraid to deny him, or too afraid to deny his replacement."

"So, the city is corrupt," I noted.

"If the Spice King hasn't shown it," Xaro agreed. "I hope one day I can put an end to it. I am the first outsider to be one of the Thirteen. In time the Pureborns will have to mingle with others outside their city. Doesn't Westeros have such a practice?"

"There is the monarch who rules, and the Hand, who is the second most powerful person in the Realm. Afterward comes the Small Council with seven positions that rotate based on the individual's worth to the Realm. The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Master of Coin, Master of Laws, Master of Whisperers, Master of Ships, and the Grand Maester."

I thought back to my father's reign and the lessons Ser Willem gave. Father went through many Hands over his years, his longest being Tywin Lannister who betrayed him and sacked Kings Landing after the Battle of the Tridents. His last Hand was Wisdom Roosart, a pyromancer for the Alchemist Guild…murdered by Ser Jaime Lannister. Master of Coin was Lord Qarlton Chelsted, Master of Laws Symond Staunton, Master of ships was Lucerys Velaryon, and the Lord Commander was Ser Gerald Hightower. I remember Ser Gerald when checking on his knights during my protection. But two Masters I remember clearly, two who are serving the Usurper, Grand Maester Pycelle and Varys. Grand Maester Pycelle based on Ser Willem accounts was the one who convinced Father to let the Lannister armies into Kings Landing. As for Varys…he was different, not from Westeros. A Eunuch people said, but I recall him being bald and talk in riddles. Even gave me a candied plum when talking to Mother. Still, Varys is the Master of Whisperers, and his spies are everywhere.

Father was basically betrayed by his own men. If I were to return to Westeros, I would make sure no one is a traitor. Ensuring that the Realm comes first before their previous loyalties. Currently, from what Ser Jorah told me, during the travels of the Dothraki Sea, that he was aware that Grand Maester Pycelle and Varys are still in the Small Council. Lord Jon Arryn is Hand of the King, Master of Law was Renly Baratheon, the Usurpers brother, the same with Stannis Baratheon as Master of Ships. Master of Coin is a man who made his upbringing from the Fingers name Petyr Baelish, who partakes in prostitution. As for the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard…Ser Barristan Selmy. One of my protectors, and Rhaegar mentors. He served my family since Aegon the Fifth…I cannot blame him since he is bound by his duties as a brother of the Kingsguard.

Xaro seemed interested in Westeros's version of government. Even though it's a monarchy, there is still a council and Wardens holding their position of power when the Ruler cannot. Daenerys was intrigued by these talks, mainly listening. Some of Xaro's guest who sat near us asked more questions. Like who are the Great Houses, what does one need to do to be a knight or lord? I tried my best to answer, but I did not receive a full extensional of an education. Let alone, the politics could've change in Robert Baratheon reign.

Once dinner was over, Xaro stood up and offered me a hand, "Walk with me."

We walked through the corridors, all around surrounded by the luxury of gold, silk, and gems.

"So, tell me, how long has your manservant been in love with you?" Xaro asked.

I chuckled slightly not expecting that.

"He's not my manservant, and he's not in love with me," I answered. "He's my advisor, my mentor, and friend."

"Unlikely," Xaro chuckled. "I can almost always tell what a man wants."

"What do you know about what a woman wants?" I asked.

"Much more complicated," he answered. "You, for example, what do you want?"

"Home," I answered. "To cross the Narrow Sea and return home and my family's Kingdom."

"Why?" he asked.

"Because I promised my sister, I'd protect her," I said.

Xaro gave a soft smile, "You want to conquer the Seven Kingdoms for your sister?"

"It's not because it's my birthright. I have to because it's my duty," I said.

"Ah, a conqueror," he noted.

"And how did you get all this?" I asked changing the subject. "Did someone give it to you or did you take it?"

"No. I come from nothing. I hit the docks like a piece of cargo, except someone normally cares what happens to cargo." He answered.

"So, you wanted more than you had and took it," I concluded. "Sounds like a conqueror too. You're just less ambitious."

Xaro laughed.

"What do you want then?" I asked. "At the gates of the city, you bled for me. Why?"

He offered a hand, "I will show you why."

Taking his hand, he led the way to a hallway where a massive circular door. It was made of metal and gems, forged in intricate designs of the Qartheen culture. Center appeared to be a lotus flower. Xaro unsheathed his sword and started slashing at it. Each impact created sparks, yet there was no sign of damage. Not even a scratch.

"The door and the vault are made of Valyrian stone," he said, he slashed again. "The hardest steel does not make a mark. I offered the greatest locksmith in Qarth their weight in gold if they could break into it. I made the same offer to the greatest thieves. They all went home empty-handed. The only thing that can open this door is this key." As he held his medallion.

I placed my hand on the door, touching Valyrian stone that came from my ancestor's native homeland, "And behind the door?"

He chuckled letting go of his medallion.

"And all of it can be mine if I can open this door?" I asked.

"All? Let us say half," he murmured. I raised a brow as he continued. "More than enough to buy horses, ships, armies— enough to go home."

I know where this was going. He was asking for my favor, him being an eligible man means another this, but I must say in, "And the price?"

"Is marry me," he said.

I scoffed, "That was a romantic proposal."

"I've already married once for love, but the Gods stole her from me," Xaro said. "I come from nothing. My mother and father never owned a pair of shoes. But marry me, and I will give you the Seven Kingdoms and our children will be princes and princesses."

I took a deep breath, glancing at the vault.

"See? I have more ambition than you thought," he murmured. "The time is right, Alysanne Targaryen, first of your name. Robert Baratheon is dead."

I gasped.

The man who murdered my brother Rhaegar at the Trident was dead. The man who stole my family's ancestral home, the Iron Throne. It is worse that it came from a cousin to betray us. Xaro continued to explained that it is chaos in Westeros. That the Kingdom is being ruled by Joffrey Baratheon, who is rumored to be a bastard child between Cersei Lannister and Jaime Lannister. It may sound hypocrite because I was a product of incest, but my parents were married. The Lannister army was at war with the Starks because Joffrey cut off Eddard Starks head. Meanwhile, Renly Baratheon and Stannis Baratheon are fighting against each other for their claim on the Iron Throne. All believing birthright has no part in the position of ruling a kingdom.

"Think about it, your grace," Xaro said, taking my hand and kissed it.

I stood there comprehending everything.

Daenerys found me, "What is it?"

"Xaro offered me his hand in marriage for armies, horses, and ships," I answered.

"Really?" Daenerys said surprised. "Why so soon?"

"Because there is war in Westeros," I explained. Telling her what his happening in the Seven Kingdoms as we speak.

I was overwhelmed by all this, unsure of what to do. I need another opinion, so I searched for Ser Jorah, needing his advice.

.o0o.

What was supposed to be a simple conversation, became a heated argument between Daenerys and Ser Jorah. Daenerys, found this to be our opportunity to go home while Ser Jorah says it's not the honorable method. Currently, my hand in marriage is on the line. I'm a widow and rightful heir to the Iron Throne. There is a kingdom at war, similar to the Blackfyre rebellion where people think they have a claim. I leaned against the table, observing and listening to Daenerys and Ser Jorah's council.

"If you cross the sea with an army you bought –" Ser Jorah started.

"The Seven Kingdoms are at war with one another," Daenerys interrupted. "Four false kings destroying the country."

"To win Westeros, you need support from Westeros," Ser Jorah advise.

"The usurper is dead," Daenerys reminded. "The Starks fight the Lannisters, and the Baratheons fight each other."

"According to your new friend who earned your trust by cutting his hand?" Jorah asked.

Daenerys walked over to me, "Alysanne, the time to strike is now. We need to find ships and an army, or we'll spend the rest of our lives rotting away at the edge of the world."

"Rich men do not become rich by giving more than they get," Jorah countered. "They'll give you ships and soldiers, and they'll own you forever. This is your sister, Daenerys. He is asking for her hand in marriage. The same as Viserys did to you."

Daenerys pulled back realizing Ser Jorah had a point. Xaro Xhoan Daxos is asking for my hand in marriage. The same as Viserys marrying Daenerys to Khal Drogo for an army. Both men are complete utter strangers, and I still know nothing about Xaro than that he came from nothing and became one of the Thirteen richest men in Qarth. Let alone, I don't want to fall into another unhappy marriage. Viserys was hell, and Daenerys is asking me to marry someone who I only met three days ago.

"Moving carefully is the hard way, but it's the right way," Jorah said.

"And if we'd listened to that advise outside the gates of Qarth, we'd all be dead by now," Daenerys countered.

"Leave us," I told Daenerys.

"Alysanne," she spoke.

"I heard your side, and I'll take it into consideration," I told her. It's clear she wants the most accessible way of returning to Westeros. One that can assure ships, armies, and weapons. Unlike the Dothraki where omens decide to go to war and collecting slaves. The technique I had intended for Daenerys if Viserys had listened to me.

Daenerys sighed, as she left the room. I pinched the brim of my nose to relieve the pressure of a headache that was growing. I know she is in her adolescence, and recovering emotionally from the pregnancy and the loss of her intermediate family…but the rashness is not helping. A couple of minutes pass, and I open my eyes seeing Ser Jorah standing their concern.

"I know the opportunity before you seem like the last, you'll ever have, but must be patient," he said.

"I know, but it is so much," I confessed. "I promised to protect Daenerys, and here is a chance to bring her home. And yet it will cost me my hand in marriage. Not even a year has passed of mourning. "

"I only want –"

"What do you want?" I snapped. "Tell me."

"To see you on the Iron Throne," he answered.

"Why?" I asked. "I am not a man, I didn't bring the dragons back. What is so special about me?"

"You have a good claim. A title. A birthright." He answered as he came over standing before me. "But you have something more than that. You may cover it up and deny it, but you have a gentle heart. You would not only be respected and feared, but you would also be loved. Someone who can rule and should rule. Centuries come and go without a person like that coming into the world. There are times when I look at you, and I still can't believe you're real."

Then I saw it written on his face. The expression I've seen from a handful of hosts with their spouses. Devotion, affection, and care. My heart flutter still overwhelmed from Xaro's offered and news happening in Westeros. Now I see a man expressing his emotions towards me. One no other man has shown. I looked away, in which he did the same. The awkward tension engulfed the room.

"So, what would you have me do as my advisor?" I asked. "And experience with war."

He scratched his face, "Make your own way. Find your own ship. You only need one. The allies we need are in Westeros, not Qarth. "

"And how do we get this ship?" I asked.

"I'll find it for you." He answered. "A sound ship with a good captain."

I took a deep breath and looked at him, "I look forward to meeting him."

Ser Jorah gave a bow, "My queen."

He started to leave taking the balcony entrance. Something inside me called out, "Ser Jorah."

He stopped facing me, "Yes, your grace?"

"It's Alysanne," I told him.

A small smile lifted his lips, "Good night, Alysanne."

"Goodnight, Ser Jorah," I replied back.

Once he left, I walked over to the table getting Viserion out of his cage. The golden dragon yawned as he climbed out and onto my arm. I sat on the bed comprehending what was happening. Viserion sensed my distress as he curled up to my form nuzzling.

"Why are men so complicated," I asked the dragon.

Viserion merely yawned.

All this time, Ser Jorah held feelings for me than I anticipated. I thought of him as a friend, a mentor, and advisor. In exchange, he saw me as a friend, ruler, and student. In the past year, he has been by my side when not dealing with personal matters. The lessons in dueling showed no hesitation. Then I thought when he treated my injuries, handing me his canteen, and the small gift of the surcoat. When Viserys died, Jorah carried me to see a healer. Also retrieving the Targaryen Sword and royal ring of kings. What could be simple gestures may be more?

He did hold me when I thought Daenerys committed suicide when walking through the fire. Yes, he restrained me from preventing from going after her into the flames, but afterward, he held me in his arms the entire night. Always by my side.

I genuinely don't know how to feel about him. He's twice my age. An exiled knight, let alone he is by law still married. And yet, I feel comfortable around him. I can talk about anything…well almost anything with him. He does not belittle me, doesn't treat me as a child. Even breaking tradition to teach me how to use a sword. Then again, women of Bear Island are trained to fight. He also makes me smile, and earlier…the way he looked at me…I felt fluster. It is not strange to marry someone older, a common practice. But I am a queen…there would be high expectations of me marrying someone of riches or a High Lord. Then I remember my personal promised, that I deserved to be with someone who will cherish me, respect me.

Loves a spell, one of the host's wife said. There will be a moment it will be like a fairytale, the passion, lust, and devotion that keeps women happen. But loving a man will never last. Only the love of family. And one must do so for the sake of the family.

Xaro Xhoan Daxos gave an offer no woman can refuse. He has money and the ships that can aid me for my cause. However, he is a conqueror, while I'm…I don't know what I am. I'm not as extreme as my ancestors. Visenya says something is coming, and I need to be there to help the people. So, is it conquest in my campaign to return home? Do I give my freedom to a man I don't even know for the sake of the Seven Kingdoms? I promised to find myself, my identity.

Viserion nipped my fingers. I snapped out of my train of thought looking at the dragon. He nuzzled into my hand tilting his head. I sighed, petting his head.

"You're my everything," I told Viserion.

Viserion nodded.

I snorted, then sighed, "I need to focus on Visenya's advise. I need to go to the Undying and find another source of funding."

Pyat Pree is a wizard from the House of the Undying. That demonstration seemed convincing, but is it truly magic or a parlor trick. Xaro did explain the warlocks, focus on reading and drinking shade of the evening that dwindles their minds. Maesters under influences, probably not what Visenya was referencing. The undying will show me what is to come? Whatever this Great War is, is driving me insane. If the conquest ring hasn't magically appeared, I would have considered myself mad.

I took a long deep breath, a spirit is telling me to talk with the undying, Xaro Xhoan Daxos has offered me his hand in marriage to fund my campaign to take back the Iron Throne. Daenerys wants me to take the offer. Ser Jorah has feelings for me and wants me to take the honorable path. The Usurper Robert Baratheon is dead, and war is happening in Westeros.

Soundly there was a sneeze with a puff of smoke from Viserion.

And dragons exist.

Is there anything else I need to add to my complicated list?

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