Tonight I'm a baller, babe (Tonight, I'm a baller, baby)
Even way beneath it (Even way beneath me)
What else is there to say, boy? (What else is there to say, boy?)
Say, bae, you should play with me, babe.
It feels so good to be so young and have this fun and be successful,
I'm so successful,
And, girl, you too,
you are so young and beautiful and so successful
-Ariana Grande, "successful"
The alarm on the nightstand let out its shrill buzz, unbothered by the fact that it was silenced four times before and its patron hadn't moved from their bed. A pale hand snuck out from the white duvet and slapped the button before pushing the covers away. The mass of white-blonde hair hidden underneath groaned. Heavy was her head and body, stiff and unwilling to embrace the upside effects of alcohol consumption.
She uncovered her body and put her feet on the floor. Shoving her hair out of her face, she winced at the sun beaming through the sheer curtains on the terrace doors. Through the windows, the city of Braavos sparkled like the Gods sent opportunity it was. Red tiled roofs baked in the sun and the whitewashed facades reflected the glint of the turquoise waterways. Tourists and natives alike passing over footbridges and floating along the slim channels on boats propelled by a singular oarsman. She could never tire of the view but she wasn't sure if it would stay in her future.
After a quick shower, one that left her smelling like honey and lavender and much more alert, she was ready to face the world. She looked for her robe but only found a white button-up draped over the bedpost. Ignoring the cool wood plank floor, she moved straight for the walk-in closet. Her Braavosi apartment was much smaller than her apartments in the palace at King's Landing, but it was a kind of small she appreciated. Just enough room for her and the assigned security officer. The Westerosi embassy offered to house her while she studied there but that meant even more time surrounded by diplomats and sycophants.
Despite the mess in the other room, she kept her closet and all other areas in her life organized. A habit from princess training and an unconscious need to establish control over a part of a life that already felt like it belonged to someone else. She found her favorite pair of distressed jeans and pulled a pair of ankle boots from their resting spot on the shelf.
"Dany?" a groggy voice called from the bedroom.
"In here." she rifled through a drawer to find a shirt she wanted to wear.
"That shirt looks great on you."
Her latest and longest conquest, Daario, leaned against the doorway, his eyes raking over her with the same hunger as last night. She shrugged his shirt off her shoulders and tossed it at him so he had at least something covering him.
She met the heir to the Tyroshi tech company in a local haunt last summer during her stay in Slaver's Bay. They spent her semester break holed up in an expensive hotel in Tolos, spoiling each other with extravagant gifts and room service. Now they lived in the same apartment building. Considering that their fling was nearing a year old, it was time to cut him loose.
But every time she entertained the thought of ending their arrangement, it left her with a hollow heart. They were having fun, screwing around, it was harmless. So why get rid of it?
"Don't look at me like that," Dany warned.
A roguish smirk grew across his handsome face, "Like what?"
She pulled the black crop tee over her head.
"Last night was fantastic," he complimented.
Last night. They had spent it in the fashionable district of Braavos. Dinner at an upscale, experimental restaurant, the kind where the portions were small and confusing; dancing at an elite club that still featured go-go dancers and underground DJ's; a gondola cruise through the canals the tourists avoided. Then they'd stumbled back to her apartment, unable to keep their hands off each other.
"Isn't it always?" she brushed past him to get to the bathroom.
He chuckled and followed her, leaning against the doorway again as he watched her put makeup on with amused eyes.
"So it's like that."
She paused applying her face serum to look at him, "Like what?"
When he didn't respond right away she returned to her routine.
"Dany," he sighed, "We've been doing this for a year."
"And it's been great."
"But don't you think it's time we made things official."
She froze, mid mascara stroke, to consider his words. They had been together for a while and Dany had finally graduated from University. Turning their regular meetups into something more serious was the obvious move. And it scared Dany. Her relationship with Daario wasn't perfect, there were plenty of disagreements and raised voices, and it wasn't meant to be anything more.
"You know how I feel about that."
"Yes, but we've already been together so long, what's the harm? Aren't you ready to take the next step?"
The next step involved him meeting her family and getting approval from Rhaegar for their relationship to continue under the public eye. Which meant Daario would have to come to Westeros with her. Which also meant more cameras and flashing lights and yelling reporters. They'd survived in Essos because there were fewer prying eyes, depending on where they were hiding out. But Westerosi gossipers would scrutinize their every move. To Dany, it wasn't worth the hassle.
"I'm not."
"Oh, come on."
"It's true."
"What do you have to be so afraid of?"
"Daario, let's say that we do want to continue this … whatever we have." she went back to applying her mascara. "And we want to make it official. That would require a trip to Westeros, specifically King's Landing. You're used to the occasional paparazzi standing outside the building, but Westeros is ten times worse. Your picture will be plastered on every magazine cover from Dorne to Casterly Rock, they'll rip you apart before you can get a word out of your mouth."
"Dany…"
"Not to mention the fact that if we want to make this official, official, we'll have to get a blessing from the crown. And while you do have money, you're still Tyroshi. And since Rhaegar has to make decisions based on what's best for his realm, and you already put a sour taste in the mouths of the citizens thanks to the tabloids, Rhaegar won't hesitate to get rid of you."
"Get rid of me? Dany, that's ridiculous."
"It happened to the one before you and we didn't even make it to Westeros."
"You're just being paranoid. My family has good diplomatic standing, your brother would be a fool to say no to us."
She rubbed her lips together to properly smudge her lipstick.
"Make no mistake. My brother has many titles but 'fool' is not one of them."
She pecked Daario on the cheek before leaving the bedroom altogether.
"This is only the first time we've talked about it. Maybe breakfast would change your mind?"
"It's nearly noon and buying me expensive food won't change my mind. You're not meeting my family. Good morning Jorah."
Dany's assigned guard was already sitting in the common room, reading the daily tabloids, his feet propped on the coffee table.
She subscribed to them out of spite. They were like the great Braavosi comedies of old, hilarious and bawdy. Especially with the rumors they liked to make up about the Westerosi royal in their midst.
"Good morning, Your Highness. Have any plans this morning?"
"I was supposed to meet with Missandei for brunch, but she caught an early flight home. Family emergency."
Jorah hummed and turned the page. She saw a picture of her from last night. Daario's arm around her shoulders and her lipstick smudged, party dress riding dangerous high on her thighs and the neckline-
"Oh dear. Rhaegar's not going to like that," Jorah commented.
The world stopped turning. The beautiful morning came to a screeching halt as she saw the inset and the headline.
In all of her time studying the history of the Targaryen Royal Family she'd never read anywhere about a princess suffering a nip slip. Dany was rarely embarrassed about these things, she'd spent time with the Dothraki, but her face burned and she felt nauseous. It was different when her boob was actually plastered across newsstands.
Sure, she partied but she'd always been careful. She and Daario never walked home together from bars and Dany wasn't hungover so she couldn't have drunk enough to let the nipple escape her notice.
"Gods, I'm a dead woman."
Daario came into the common room, fully dressed and saw Dany's predicament.
"Nice," he commented to the inset of her breast on the front page.
"No." she slapped his shoulder. "Not nice. I'm screwed. Why didn't you tell me my boob was out!"
"If I'm being honest, I don't even remember how we got home."
Dany sank into the couch and buried her head in her hands.
"The gossipers are already down there. A lot more than usual."
"Your Highness, you told me to 'fuck off and let you have fun' so I did. Otherwise, this could've been avoided."
"Shut up," she grumbled.
Daario chuckled and Dany cheeks took on a new kind of heat. Her racing heart and mind zeroing in on the one thing they could control. At least her boob would cover up the fact that she walked home with Daario. Gods, she'd been so careful, and now her time in Braavos was on the line.
"What do you want me to do?" Daario asked, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"I want you to go back to your own apartment."
"What?"
"I need to figure this out and I need you to not be here while I do it."
"Dany, baby, I can help."
"No, you can't. Jorah…"
She heard the magazine in Jorah's hands rustle, but all she saw was the Myrish carpet and the way her toes kneaded the plush weave.
"No need. I'm already leaving."
She heard his heavy footsteps and the door to her apartment slamming. Then the one across the hall. Dany hated that she made him mad, but there was nothing else she could do. She didn't need his lewd comments when it felt like her world was falling apart. He would be back around later, when he cooled off.
She wanted to scream. The urge built up in her throat and burned like authentic Dothraki liquor. It was like the Gods wanted her to suffer.
"What in the seven hells am I going to do?"
"I'm not your PR consultant but I think you should go out to your brunch and show them that you're still well-put-together. Remind them that you're a princess, and a dragon."
The last thing she wanted to do was show her face. She wanted to crawl back into her bed, put the covers over her head and ignore the present situation. But she was a dragon. When Aegon the Conqueror lost a battle, he didn't retreat to Dragonstone and sulk, he got back on his horse and found a way. She was the blood of the dragon, nothing phased her.
"You're right. I need to be a dragon. I'll go out to brunch and then I'll start with the damage control."
"Maybe those should be the other way around," Jorah suggested.
"I can eat and email at the same time. I'm a natural multi-tasker. What time do you think it is in King's Landing?"
"Almost ten."
Dany grabbed her purse and slipped on her boots. Leaving the apartment building was never a problem before but Ser Jorah had to stick closer than usual. She put on her sunglasses and smiled at the cameras, giving them a little wave. Their voices sounded like gibberish as she passed, the flashes only diffused by the early afternoon fog. Her favorite restaurant, The Foghouse, wasn't too far from her apartment building.
Luckily, the restaurant was exclusive and as soon as Dany stepped through the doors she was ushered to her table on the patio that overlooked the harbor. Her usual sparkling water was waiting for her.
The waitress welcomed them in Braavosi and asked what they wanted to order. When Dany answered her with 'the usual', the waitress stared at her. Dany gave her the famous, "Don't ask me, just figure it out" look and she scurried off, fear in her eyes. She took a sip of her water in a small victory.
"Do you think it's too early to start drinking?" Dany consulted Jorah as she looked over the wine menu.
Ser Jorah made a noise of distaste and she set the menu down.
She pulled out her phone, hunting through her contacts list for the one woman who could save her hide. Galazza Galare.
Although Galare was based out of Meereen, her career as a publicist reached further than Slaver's Bay. She was behind the success of Dany's last outreach trip to the area, making sure the right photos were published and bullying the publishers into only positive and glowing reviews. Of course, none of her services came free and Galazza never accepted cash if her customer had something better to offer. That was what got her a guest lecture at the University of Braavos, which gave her more interns and interest. She played the game better than Dany's ancestors.
"Is Galazza there? It's Daenerys," Dany stated as soon as the dial tone ended.
The receptionist questioned her in bastard Valyrian, the growling tongue coarse against Dany's ears. It took everything in her not to hang up.
"Targaryen. Tell her it's an emergency and she'll be well compensated,"
The receptionist put her through. When the other line picked up, an electronic dance beat played beneath Galazza's greeting.
"Dany, darling, you've got to tell me how you do it?"
Galazza's accented voice was almost a comfort. If there was anyone who could take care of the problem it was her.
"Don't get me started Galazza. I just want the picture taken down. And an apology from that tabloid if you can get it."
Fingers tapping on keys accompanied the music, "A formal statement from the publication, I can do. Getting that picture taken down when it's already on the internet and a majority of the world has seen it will be near impossible, but I'll see what I can do."
"What if we did a press release and overshadowed this," she offered, considering what Daario mentioned earlier about making their "thing" official.
It was tempting to hide away in Essos. To settle down in one of the Free Cities and start on her career as a civil rights attorney, maybe with Daario by her side. Ignoring her family drama was the most enticing part of it. But did she like Daario enough to take the next step? Sure, they'd been messing around for a while and money wouldn't be an issue but Dany couldn't help thinking that the only reason they were still together was that they were comfortable. Or was she too afraid to admit that she was willing to settle down? No, she was a woman who knew what she wanted, and right then she wanted the embarrassing photo of her down. The other issue could be resolved later.
"I don't think there's a way to overshadow this, it's huge. We haven't seen a Targaryen nude since … never. Well, there was that scandal with Deria Martell's nude portraits from the 1800s, but she isn't a real Targaryen and I think they proved it wasn't really her in the painting."
"I just don't want to deal with Rhaegar."
Rhaegar took after their father when it came to protecting their reputation. And Aerys wasn't all that concerned with it either until Viserys.
He was always causing trouble, Elia said it was because he was the middle child and was jealous of the attention Dany and Rhaegar received. Not to mention losing his mother at a very young age. Starting fights, shoplifting, partying, and bringing home unfavorable women. He lashed out at Dany whenever he saw her. Once he attacked her so viciously it left scars and Aerys had them separated. It wasn't until the year before Dany finished secondary school that Viserys' behavior became downright terrifying.
He was out late drinking in one of the seedy bars in Flea Bottom and the combination of drugs and alcohol drove him mad. He evaded his security officer and stole a car, driving it off the cliffs at the edge of the city. King Aerys raised the banners, but his body was never found.
"I understand, darling, but it may be out of my control this time. I'll call you back when I figure something out," Galazza affirmed.
"Thank you so much. What do I owe you?"
"I'll get back to you on that."
Galazza hung up as Dany's food arrived. Chopped eggs with fiery peppers, bacon, and a light gravy with orange slices on the side. Instead of digging in right away, she pushed it around her plate. Her appetite stolen by the events of the morning. Galazza's answer wasn't enough to settle Dany anxiousness and she kept glancing at her phone, waiting for the palace to call.
When she finally decided to eat a bite it tasted like cardboard. Not even the fiery peppers woke up her senses. She sighed at it instead.
"Dany…" Sir Jorah prompted.
He never called her Your Highness when he consoled her. He knew that she needed a friend.
"Galazza said that it might be impossible to get the photos removed because they've been replicated and spread all over the internet," she responded.
"I'm sure everything will be fine. Galazza works hard and you're her best client. She'll try everything she can."
"But what if it's not enough?"
"Then we hope Baelish can do damage control," Jorah joked.
Dany ended up getting her eggs to go so she could mope in her apartment. She smiled at the paps as they passed, trying her best to act as though the world wasn't crumbling around her. How many people had seen her tit today? How many times was the picture shared and reposted?
She changed into her comfy sweats and a baggy tee-shirt, her favorite fuzzy socks on her feet. Dany balled up on the couch and stared at her phone on the coffee table, willing the screen to stay black.
Part of her wanted it to ring. Maybe she would get to talk to Elia instead of Rhaegar. Hearing her sister-in-law's soothing Dornish voice would calm her and give her comfort.
Queen Rhaella died after giving birth to Dany, so Elia took it upon herself to fill the hole when she moved to court. Even though Elia was merely engaged to Rhaegar at the time. The two have been close ever since. Dany even stepped in on babysitter duty when Elia needed her to. Despite a whole army of nannies and governesses, Elia insisted on raising her children herself, even when her duties as Queen Matrimonial took precedence.
Dany couldn't stand the waiting. Patience wasn't one of her virtues. She busied herself in the kitchen, cleaning the dishes and rearranging everything. Ser Jorah came in to shoo her out because she was making too much noise. So she moved to the en suite bathroom and scrubbed down the tiles until her head swam with the chemicals and organized her makeup, throwing out anything considered outdated. She made a point of watering the plants on the terrace even though they got plenty of water sitting outside. She also wanted to move the furniture around, but Ser Jorah stopped her from doing that too.
She made them a late lunch. Dany wasn't a great cook, she was decent from a certain point of view, but as long as the dish was simple she could do it. And when they were done, she cleaned the kitchen again.
Instead of finding more useless tasks to busy herself with, she balled back up on the couch to stare at the phone screen again.
When the phone began vibrating, Dany didn't believe it. Her heart leaped into her throat as she sat up abruptly to look at it. But the collection of numbers wasn't Elia's personal, just the palace's secure line. She slid her finger across the screen with hesitation and turned it on speaker.
"Hello?"
"Dany…"
It was Rheagar, disappointment saturating his already stern voice. She toyed with a fuzz on her sweatpants, feeling oddly vulnerable. Dany thought she was past her fear of letting her brother down, something she out-grew when she moved across the Narrow Sea, but the familiar feeling seized her chest.
"I'm glad you called," she offered.
"I think we've both been dreading this conversation."
Since this morning, she thought.
"Dany, I think-"
"Rhaegar, I'm really sorry. I know I messed up, but I honestly didn't know. I was too tipsy and should've left the back way but if I'm being honest I didn't think there would be so many photographers."
"Dany, I think it's time you came home."
"What?"
"Besides your behavior in Essos, Elia and I think it's time you came home. Aegon and Rhaenys ask about you a lot. They miss you."
"They do?"
She'd only been home for two days the last time. Hardly enough time for young children to enjoy their aunt. And they crowned Dany the fun aunt because she brought them candy and gifts from Essos, told the best stories and always talked with them about things they loved.
"The annual charity gala is tomorrow and we want you there. I've arranged for a flight early tomorrow morning so you'll be home in enough time. You'd better be on it."
Dany didn't respond. She didn't know how. Something in her yearned for Westeros but another part of her dug its stubborn heels into the ground and refused. She didn't belong in the spotlight. The events of last night proved that.
That was why they wanted her home. So they could control her movements.
Before Dany could come up with a wiseass remark, the line clicked. Rhaegar was gone. She had to pack, he wouldn't appreciate it if she was late.
