Pale Fire Ch. 8
Mesi stood in the gardens with her Lord, it had been several months since the Targaryen's entered his home, and her patience with the brother was wearing very thin. Luckily, she was still the handmaiden to Lady Laelia as well as Lady Daenerys but his persistent attempts to touch her were getting more and more brazen.
Illyrio looked towards his servant, he could see her frustrations, "What is it Mesi?" he asked her.
Shaking her head, "Nothing my Lord." It wasn't something he could do anything about.
Finishing his wine, "Speak freely girl. You've earned more than enough with your loyalty to speak your truth." His eyes never leaving hers.
Letting out a sigh, "My Lord, Prince Viserys his hands are becoming too friendly with my body." While she was still a servant in this house, she was technically a free woman of Pentos.
Looking over at his wife, then back at the poor girl, "I will handle this my dear. Thank you for telling me." His eyes settled on the young man in question, "Please Mesi, would you be so kind and run to the market, I need spices."
Giving her a small smile, while it wasn't a permanent solution, it kept Viserys from molesting the poor girl.
Feeling a bit of relief, she bowed, "Thank you my Lord, it may take most of the day to find everything you need." She said, hopeful.
"Of course. Take your time. Please take Jonah with you." Looking at his guard, he knew the man cared for the girl. "Watch over her."
Bowing slightly, "My Lord."
Laelia looked at her husband, her eyes finding the prince walking in their gardens as though it was his, "I really hate that child." She whispered to her husband.
Illyrio could only nod, shaking his head, according to Ciar, his time on this earth was coming to an end, the Khal Drogo and his khalasar are almost upon Pentos.
Looking up, he found Viserys pulling out a chair to sit with them. "My Prince. How do you find your morning?" He asked, doing what he could to keep the fake smile plastered on his face.
Indicating for the slave to fill his glass, "It would be better once I have secured Dani's place with the Khal. How much longer until the savages get here?" he asked, annoyed that he had to wait.
Biting his inner cheek, Illyrio just smiled at the boy, "According to the Priestess, within next day or so."
Leaning back, that was good news. "I will expect you to broker the best deal for Dani, I need his entire horde to sail to Westeros." Soon, he would have the army he needed to kill anyone that dared stand in his way.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, "I will do my best, my Prince." Knowing that the moment Rose heard what Viserys was trying to do, she'd be the one to rip out his throat.
Sitting back, Viserys could see his sister sitting in the garden reading a healer's book, it turns out this Rosalind was a big reader, not that a woman should really read, but it did pique his interest about who she was. Moving to stand, he looked down at the man, "See that you do."
Turning on his heels, Viserys made his way towards his room, needing time to finalize his plan for the horde. After they were secured, they would move towards Meereen and take the ships there so that they could sail to Westeros.
Mesi walked with Jonah, "The prince is going to bring misfortune to Pentos if he insults the Khaleesi." Her voice filled with worry.
Lightly touching her shoulder, "No, perhaps if Rose wasn't the Khaleesi, but she would not want innocent people killed because of his behavior, but she will release the Khal upon the boy." Hoping to the Gods that he was there to see that.
Looking around the market, she grabbed a few items that she knew the Lady of the House enjoyed, "Good. I am not a fan of the bloodshed, but he would be my exception." She teased.
Snorting, "What of the sister? You spend the most time with her, is she like her brother?" He asked, curious about the young woman.
Shaking her head, "No, she's even penned a letter with the help of Illyrio, renouncing her claim to the throne, from my understanding, she sent it to Kings Landing, and to the Lords of the 7 Kingdoms."
Grabbing a few apples, "I read the letter, she begged for their mercy upon her, saying that the Targaryen's brought too much war to this world, it was time that the new King heal the wounds left by her family, and that she would not speak for her brother, but if he continued his pursuits to reclaim what was lost, it was his life and she would not hold it against the King."
Jonah was shocked, "She does understand that now her letters have been sent, and possibly delivered that she can never reclaim her throne?"
Mesi looked up at her friend, "That she does. I think she is trying to fix what her family has broken. She loved her father, but eve she knew that he was wrong for his actions. I believe she was 5 when King Robert's rebellion came to her doors, even as a young child she could see his brutality."
Looking down at the young woman, "That is good, perhaps with her letters sent out, King Baratheon would pardon her and let her live her life."
Mesi could only hope that the King would honor the young ladies request, from the stories she heard about King Robert he was fair. It was the son, Prince Joffrey that was said to be stupid and cruel.
Looking over the spices, "Well let's pray that King Robert Baratheon grants the edict before his son takes the throne."
Walking for a bit longer, Mesi's mind wandered to how far along Rose would be now, if her belly was started to show. Looking down at the stuff in her hands, "I guess I have enough things. I need to be getting back."
Extending his arm, "M'Lady."
Walking towards their horses, Mesi couldn't help but look up towards Jonah, he was tall, his skin a darker bronze, but it was his eyes, she swore they were the color of honey. She secretly hoped that one day he would give her attention but being a lowly servant and him the Lord's guard, the chances of his interest towards her were minimal.
Jonah looked over at Mesi as they rode back towards the estate, he desired her greatly, and at some point, he would broach the subject of courting her with his Lord, while they were free, it was still at his discretion if he would allow them to have a relationship in his house.
Across the Narrow Sea, Robert looked at the Lords of the 7 kingdoms holding their letters from the Targaryen girl. His eyes looking over them, each one was either too stunned to speak or wondering if the letters that they all had were different from another.
Turning towards Ned, "As hand of the king, what say you?" he asked his longtime friend.
Rubbing his beard, Ned looked over the rest the Lords, but his eyes falling on the prince who was already spouting that they should be killed regardless, Ned hated the boy, and prayed that Robert had several more years on the throne before that little shit became the King.
"I say, we honor her wishes," turning towards the gasps in the hall, "Each one of us have this letter, and has presented it to the High Sparrows, they agree, her claims and her children's future claims to the throne have been abolished."
Joffrey gasped at such ludicrously, "You side with traitors then?" Hoping to get the approval of his father.
Robert slammed his hand down, "Be quiet boy, you are but a child, you weren't even planted in your mother's womb when the Rebellion was at the end." Rubbing his beard, "What say you council? Let the Targaryen live out her days in Essos, exiled from Westeros?"
Ned raised his hand, "Aye, my king. What makes you different from the Mad King, is that you think before you act, address the people, read her letter."
Looking around the table, Robert could see that the war council was in agreement, even Twyin Lannister, which surprised him, he was a ruthless man, "You are in agreement?" he asked him.
Downing his wine, he looked over the council, his eyes falling to his grandson, then to the King, "This ensures that the people that you're not a tyrant like the King before, and she even said she never wanted to leave Essos. As long as she keeps her word, her life can be left to the island, she steps one foot on Westeros, unleash hell."
Laughing, Robert couldn't help but laugh at the man, "You're hoping that this is trick, so that we can wipe out the Targaryen's!"
Nodding, "Their breeding with each other that caused them all to go mad, as far as I'm concerned, they don't belong with civilized people. From the stories of my son, Daenerys was not the same as her brothers, she was a quiet and meek child, I don't see her becoming a problem, Viserys might try to be, but she has disowned herself and her family name."
Taking a second to take in the advice from the rest of the Lords, Robert could see that his son was getting agitated, knowing that if he didn't pen this letter and send it through out to the Kingdom now, his son would send their armies out to Essos, leaving Kings Landing unprotected.
"SCRIBE!" he bellowed, enjoying how the young eunuch hurried along, "Pen this boy and transcribe it 10 times to send out through the Kingdom as well as Essos."
Standing, Robert walked around, enjoying how the Lords listened intently to his words.
"I King Robert Baratheon, King of the Andels and the Frist Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, accept your surrender to your throne, and your name. Hence forth, you will no longer be named Daenerys Stormborn Targaryen, but called Daenerys Stormborn of Pentos. You are granted to live your days out on the island of Essos. If you choose to leave Essos, the crown will take that as an act of war. Make the right choice, Daenerys Stormborn, for my mercy will not be taken for weakness."
The Lords smiled at his words, all relatively satisfied but Joffrey wanted to stamp his foot, how could his father not declare war on the traitors? Leaving the war council he went in search of his mother, perhaps she would know a way to circumvent the edict once he had the crown.
Cersei sat in the garden as her eldest child called for her. "In the garden my dear."
Stomping his way to her, "Father is weak," he bellowed, uncaring of what the servants heard, "He's pardoned the Targaryen bitch!" Sitting down he looked at her, hoping for her support.
Drinking her wine, she looked at her son, "What are the terms of his acceptance?" she asked him.
Scoffing, "Removing her last name, only referred to her as Pentos, she can not set foot on Westeros, or the crown will take that as an act of war." It was a sign of weakness, "His scribe penned the letter, and it is being distributed to the Lords of Westeros as well as Essos." Resisting the urge to cry, "I want her dead, she and that brother are a threat to my throne!" he whined.
Cersei didn't care for the Targaryen's, but this seemed like a great solution, their names were to be wiped from the histories, only Baratheon's from this point would be able to sit on the throne, and as long as the world didn't know that her children were a product of her love of Jaime, it would be Lannister blood on the throne.
"My dear, while their death would be satisfying, there is a method to showing mercy. Peasants were ruled by the tyrants of the Targaryen's for centuries, who executed whole houses for their amusement. If your father or you were to continue such a violent tradition, the people would rebel." Lightly touching his shoulder, "While you could release your armies unto them, you would end up ruling nothing but ashes and bones."
Reaching for a glass of wine, "What if I wait until father is dead, then kill her?" he asked.
Shaking her head, "You can always be as delicate as you want, my dear, but rumors would spread, it would undermine your standing as Protector of the Realm. One girl across the sea is not something you should focus on, your crown my future king, worry about Westeros and its true enemies."
Taking a second look at her, "Fine, but know this, I will soon be the one to conquer the Essos, and the Targaryen bitch will be under my command."
Cersei closed her eyes, as much as she loved her son, he was cruel. In moments like this she wondered if the rumors were true, that breeding amongst your blood created problems of the mind. As she opened her eyes, she could see him staring into the distance, obvious his little mind was planning on tormenting someone for his amusement.
Wanting to change the subject, "Sansa is a good match, she obviously cares for you. How do you feel about your future bride?" she asked him.
"I hate her, I don't want her." Hating the fact that she saw her sister take his sword and that mutt bite him. Soon he would be King, and Arya would pay, perhaps removing her eyes.
"You don't have to love her, your father certainly did not love me, but she is the key to the North, and your children would be the rightful leaders, securing it for your future my son." As she was married to Robert for her father's ambitions, it was the Lannister way.
Turning his eyes to the water, he would not marry that red haired bitch, he would do everything in his power to torment her, if she was to be his, she would suffer the rest of her days. The thought of that brought a smile to his face.
Illyrio watched as Viserys tormented his sister, in the beginning when she asked for his assistance in renouncing her claim to the Iron Throne, he was tempted to talk her out of it, fearing what her brother would do if found out.
However, the scene before him, made him glad that he chose to help her, if her letters were accepted, she wouldn't be held accountable for anything that cunt did.
He was a cruel bully, born from entitlement; like his father, he would be a terrible king. Shaking his head at the sight of him tossing her book to the floor, demeaning her for reading. It was the sounds of horses approaching that brought his attention from the scene in his home.
Turning to the sound, he found Qotho riding towards him, "My friend, I see you've made the journey well." Relief filled him, the Khal was finally in Pentos.
"Illyrio, the Khal and Khaleesi have requested your presence for dinner." His eyes finding a pair of silver haired people in the home. "Who are they?" he asked.
"Viserys and his sister Daenerys." Looking over at the pair, seeing that they were approaching, "Inform Khal Drogo we will all join him." Blinking he found Mesi looking at the man, "Would you escort Mesi to the khalasar, she's missed the Khaleesi."
Qotho nodded, "Get your horse girl." He said to her, chucking as she ran straight to the stables. His eyes fell back to the pair staring up at him, his eyes enjoying the small woman.
Daenerys could see the intensity of the man before her, while he was wild, he was very handsome. Looking down, making sure to be behind Viserys.
The young prince stared at the Dothraki man, "Is this one Khal Drogo?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement.
"No, my Lord, this is one of his blood riders, we have been invited to a feast with the Khalasar." Wondering if the young man would brave it. Hoping that he would, the sooner he met his end the sooner he would be free of the bastard.
Rubbing his face, "Tell the savage we will join him, it will give me a chance to show the Khal my sister." Smirking at her gasp. "I told you once sister, I'd let his entire horde and horses fuck you, as long as I got my army."
Illryio looked up Qotho, "We would be honored." Seeing Mesi atop of her horse, "Mesi, let the Khaleesi know everything that has happened in this house." Knowing that if Rose had an idea, she would protect Daenerys from her husband's wrath.
Mesi nodded, "My Lord." Looking at the Dothraki, she watched as he turned his horse and headed back to the khalasar.
Rose rubbed her growing belly, doing the math she was about 6 months. "You my little monster will be strong." She said to her belly, which earned her another kick.
Feeling the tent open, her eyes watched as her husband entered, "Your son is kicking again." She said to him.
Drogo walked toward his moon, spreading his large hand across her belly, enjoying feeling their son kick out. "He will be strong my moon." Kneeling before her, placing his lips on her belly, "Rhogoro my son, please take it easy on your mother."
Letting out a frustrated sigh as her son stopped kicking so hard, "That's not fair, I'm carrying him, he should listen to me!" She teased. Giving her belly another rub.
Laughing, Drogo stood, pulling her into a deep hug, "Moon of my life, he's a boy, he will love you dearly, but I am his father, it is my job to turn him into a man." Carefully leading her out of the tent, he led her towards the fire, knowing that Illyrio would be joining them soon.
Helping her sit, Drogo placed a kiss on her lips, "I will be back my moon, I must tend to the kill." Turning towards the tent where they were preparing the meat, Drogo was pleased, they would stay here for a few days, let her visit her family, but soon they Khalasar would head South, wanting her to be warm when it was time to deliver their first son.
Rose watched as he walked away, for a man so large, he moved so gracefully, unable to keep the smirk off her face as she watched his muscles move, she felt someone push her shoulder, turning to the offending party, she found her sister-in-law smiling at her. "Be quiet. I love him."
Dali snorted, "We all know, you scream his name loud enough at night!" Leaning back against the log, enjoying how she blushed at her comment.
Rolling her eyes, "I've heard you scream out for Haggo a few times my friend. So, do not judge me." Shaking her head, Rose found Irri chucking at the both of them, "Oh, you think it's funny? O, Lasho, please harder!"
Irri couldn't stop the blush that spread across her face if she tried, "If you didn't want to hear my cries of passion, perhaps you shouldn't have released me!" She teased. But that was singularly the best moment of her life, when Khaleesi released her so that she could be with Lasho.
Touching her shoulder, "I would never regret that, no matter how loud you scream out your husband's name!"
Nodding, that was what had the loyalty of the Dothraki, her willingness to treat each person as they treated her. "You have my undying loyalty for that." Reaching around, she grabbed some water, knowing that the Khaleesi refused to drink anything but water while she was with child. While it was a bit strange, who was she to question the woman and her body.
Dali looked over, seeing Qotho coming back, "Isn't that your former servant?" She asked, recognizing the young woman.
Following her finger, Rose couldn't help but smile, "Yes, Mesi. She's, my friend." Her heart filled with joy seeing her, "Irri, please would you be so kind to get her some wine."
Nodding, Irri poured a glass, handing it to the woman who was now bowing before the Khaleesi.
"Great Khaleesi, I am honored to be in your presence." Mesi kept her head down.
Standing up, Rose walked to her, "You are a friend, not a slave." Wrapping her arms around the woman, enjoying the hug. "Sit, drink, tell me everything."
Taking her seat, she started with the fun and amazing things, horses having babies, her feelings for Jonah, but soon she got to the meat of the reason why she was sent ahead of her Lord. "My Khaleesi, this Viserys is a cruel boy, torments his sister."
Closing her eyes, "He has tried to convince Lord Illyrio to convince the Khal to divorce you so that his sister can become the Khaleesi. He wants to sail towards Westeros with the Dothraki. Illyrio has told him no so many times. Daenerys sent a letter to the King, renouncing her claim to the throne, all she wants is to live in peace, but her idiot brother is not making it easier. Lord Illyrio wanted me to come here ahead of him, so when the idiot says or does something to offend you or the Great Khal, you would hopefully spare the girl." Keeping her eyes lowered.
Dali looked over at her Khaleesi, seeing her eyes locked on the servant girl, "Khaleesi what do you want to do?" Knowing that her brother would never take on a second wife, nor leave Rosalind.
Rubbing her belly, she just chuckled, "Let him come, let him offer, and when my husband kills the man, I will then judge the sister." She would not pardon the girl until she was certain she was just a pawn.
Mesi nodded, "Thank You." Taking a few drinks of her wine, grateful that the Khaleesi was willing to give young Daenerys a chance, but she knew if the girl so much as defended her brother in anyway, she would be killed alongside him.
Drogo watched as Illryio and his guests sat around the fire, the small silver haired woman looked terrified of the horde. She was pretty, and if she wasn't a guest with Illryio, she would have been on her knees for his horde. Giving her a second glance, pretty, but as his eyes found his wife laughing with his sister, Irri, and the servant girl, the silver haired woman didn't even come close in his eyes.
Viserys found the blonde surrounded by woman, "Is she the Khaleesi?" he asked Illyrio.
Nodding, "Yes, that's my niece Rosalind." Unable to keep the smile off his face as she laughed, but it was the sight of her holding her swollen belly that made him happy, she found her place in this world, and had the loyalty of the horde to protect her.
Realizing that she was beautiful, this would be harder than he expected. "The Dothraki can take more than one wife?" No man would get rid of such a beauty, but perhaps having two would still get him what he needed.
"It is at the choice of the Khal." Realizing where this was going, "You may offend the Khaleesi, with your offer." Wanting to give the boy a chance to turn back.
Whipping his head around, "You will do as what you are told, I am the Dragon, remember this Illyrio." Standing, "Let's go." Looking down at his sister, "Go to the woman, see if you can earn your place in this horde."
Slowly standing, Dani just nodded. With her head down, she walked slowly towards the women, not even sure why they would even want to talk to her, only Mesi could speak to her.
Mesi touched Rose, "My Lady." Indicating to the young woman standing near them.
Rose could see that she was terrified, smirking at her fear, "I am Rosalind, Khaleesi of this Khalasar, wife to the Great Khal Drogo, Mother of Horses, mother to the Stallion that Mounts the World."
Daenerys swallowed, "I am Daenerys Stormborn." Refusing to acknowledge her Targaryen name, practice for the moment that King Baratheon accepted her terms of surrender.
"Sit Daenerys Stormborn. We have much to discuss." Indicating of her to sit.
Folding her hands in her lap, Dani just waited, wondering what she would have to discuss with the Khaleesi.
Dali smiled, pleased that she learned common tongue, while she felt it was a weaker language, it was useful. "Khaleesi, the city dweller is scared." She said, enjoying her fear.
Irri smiled, "Perhaps it's the weight of trying to take your husband." Her eyes never leaving the woman.
Dani looked up, her eyes falling to Mesi, realizing that Illyrio sent her for a reason, "I want no part of what my brother is planning. I penned my surrender for the throne, even if my brother was successful, I would have no claim." Fearing the worst.
Crossing her legs, Rose leaned back, her eyes taking in the woman, "Why would you do that? A woman without a House, nor a name, that doesn't give you many options for life."
"Perhaps not the greatest idea, but relinquishing my name, gives me a chance to have a life, perhaps even have a child, not having the threat of an assassin in every shadow." Feeling a tear roll down her face, Dani quickly wiped it away
Drinking her water, "I will reserve judgment on you, but your brother will die the moment he broaches this subject with my husband." Her eyes turning to the man now standing in front of Drogo, "And by the looks of it, you're about to be an only child soon." Pointing to the scene behind her.
Dani turned around, her eyes growing big, her brother was talking to the Khal. "I love him, he's my brother, but he's so concerned with a throne that we lost long before the rebellion." Her eyes watching with interest.
Rose stood, "Come Daenerys, it is time for you to say goodbye." Moving swiftly, knowing that Dali and Irri would ensure that the girl would follow.
Drogo looked up at the small armed man, "Why is he standing in front of me?" He asked Illryio.
"What did he say?" Viscerys asked.
Smirking, "The Khal wants to know why you are standing in front of him." Knowing that this was the end of the young boy.
Rolling his eyes, hating to show the savage any reverence, "Tell the savage, I offer him my sister for his horde, that if they sail across the Narrow Sea, I will let them run wild so they could conquer it for me as the rightful King."
Illyrio repeated it but made sure to insert his own commentary. "This boy is crazy, he dares think that you would kill your Khaleesi for him, his poor sister has begged him not to do anything so foolish, but he listens to know one."
Drogo stood tossing his horn down, "TAKE HIM!" Fuming, "You think you can offer me anything that would harm my Khaleesi?!" He yelled out.
The khalarsar stopped and looked up as their Khal yelled to the night.
Dani gasped at the scene before him, the man that rode to Illyrio's earlier grabbed her brother. Covering her mouth, "Oh Viserys." She knew that he wasn't going to live, and while she loved him, she knew that he brought this on himself.
Rose could see her fight her tears, as she watched, she could see that she made peace with what was about to happen. Good, for her life would change drastically, she would be taken by the horde, and her place would be as her handmaiden.
Like Dali, and Irri, she would start her training to make sure that she could take care of herself. If her husband can have blood riders, she would too, but do it subtly.
Viserys was scared, "TELL THEM TO LET ME GO, I'M THE DRAGON, YOU CAN'T TOUCH ME!" He screamed out into the night.
Rose made her way to her husband, "My Khal, he screams about being a Dragon, perhaps, we should see how much of a Dragon he really is." Turning her eyes to the man, "You thought you could replace me? A boy with no army, making such demands."
Drogo kissed his wife, "Tie him to the post!"
Crying out for help, "Illyrio, stop them, I am the rightful King. You are my servant!" He screamed out.
Illyrio stood next to his niece, "I told you the moment you concocted this plan, that it wasn't going to work, but like your father, you chose to do what you wanted, not what you should have done." Looking at Daenerys, "You make a choice now, him or swear yourself to the Khaleesi."
"Dani, please, save me! I am the dragon!" Viscerys was pissing himself, this was not how his life should end.
Drogo looked at the small woman, wondering what she was going to do, but to his surprise, she took a knee.
"I Daenerys Stormborn, pledge my loyalty to you, Khal Drogo, and to you Rosalind, Khaleesi of the Dothraki." Keeping her head bowed to the pair.
Rose smiled down at the girl, lightly touching her shoulder, "I claim Daenerys as mine, no one is to touch her!" Hearing her name being called from the horde, it was the only protection she would offer the girl at this time. "I accept your pledge, rise, and take your place with Irri."
Standing, she felt herself getting pulled towards the small woman. Her eyes looking at her brother, "Goodbye my brother."
Drogo turned to his wife, "My Khaleesi, you are my moon of my life, the mother of my son, and I will kill anyone that dares insults you." Kissing her lips, he turned and picked up a log that was in the fire, his eyes turned to the young man tied to the post, his body wet from the oil that was spread over him.
Tossing the log at his feet, stepping back as the fire crept up his body. "A weak dragon!" He said to his Khalasar.
Their laughs filled the nights airs, but it didn't drown out the sounds of his screaming.
Rose watched as her husband declared war on anyone who would dare insult her, her body tingling with the promises of his vengeance to the next man that dared challenge his might. As he turned towards her, she could only nod in approval, he was hers, and he just proved not only to her, but to the khalasar she was his.
Dani never took her eyes off her brother's body, it wasn't until his screaming stopped that she spoke, "He was no Dragon, fire can't kill a Dragon." Closing her eyes, she sent a prayer to the Gods for his soul to finally know peace, for she was no longer a Targaryen, she was just a girl in the world, and she was part of the Dothraki horde.