"M'lady, it is time to wake." Shoshanna's handmaiden gently shook her shoulder.
"Hush…" Was the response she earned from Shoshanna. She was exhausted and did not want to start the day, especially this day. It was late when she finally drifted off to sleep. Fearing today. She had tossed and turned most of the night.
"M'lady, you must wake up." Nina told her.
"No. "Shoshanna mumbled, pulling the blanket over her face.
"M'lady-"Nina began but was interrupted when Viserys walked into the tent.
"My dear, you are not awake? I thought you would be rushing out of the tent before sunrise." His words laced with sarcasm.
"Go away." Shoshanna answered. She wasn't moving an inch.
She heard his laugh from underneath the blanket.
"Remove yourself or I will come in after you." Viserys smirked.
Knowing he would, she threw back the cover and stood.
"I had hoped you would refuse." Viserys said, pouting.
"I'm awake, you can leave now." Shoshanna snapped.
Viserys became expressionless as he made his way past the bed to stand in front of her. Leaning forward, he grabbed a strand of her hair and held it between his two fingers. "After tonight you will not want me to leave."
Jerking her head away from him so her hair would fall, she glared at him. "Must you be so arrogant?"
"Must you be so defiant?" He asked in return. When she didn't answer, he motioned for his aid to bring forth a gown he held in his arms. "A gift. For our special day. Go on, feel the fabric."
Stepping forward, Shoshanna reached up and ran her hand across the sheer pink gown. "Thank you, Your Grace." She mumbled.
"I'm glad you like it. It doesn't compare to your wedding dress once we reach Westereos, but for the festivities, it'll do just well." Viserys explained.
Shoshanna nodded. Yes, the festivities. A chill ran up her spine as the Khaleesi' words played through her mind. Biting her lip, she thought for a moment.
"Do not bite your lip." Viserys growled.
Jumping at his sudden scold, "You're Grace….?"
"Yes, My dear?"
"The Khaleesi said the ceremony would be….."
"If you get scared my dear, you may hold my hand." He laughed.
"Never mind." She shook her head. Taking the dress and handing it to her handmaiden, she turned her back on the young King. "You may leave now."
Having enough playful banter, Viserys took his slow leave. Once he was gone, Shoshanna screamed in annoyance.
Nina had just finished pinning the second comb into Shoshanna's hair when she stepped back and smiled, "M'lady, you look beautiful."
"Thank you, Nina." Shoshanna answered, rubbing her hands down the side of the gown. The sheer pink fabric rested on each and every part of her body, truly showing she had a woman's body. Two clasps in the shape of tiny dragons held the gown at her shoulders.
"Are you ready?" Nina gently asked.
"No, but I guess we can't hide in this tent forever." Shoshanna replied, pulling back the flap to the entrance of the tent. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out into the morning light.
All eyes were on her as she made her way to Viserys who was seating a seat below the Khal and Khaleesi. Viserys smiled at her showing he was pleased with how she looked and also that she hadn't defied him in anyway.
Seating beside Viserys, she looked at Khal Drogo who began speaking in Dothraki. A man to her right leaned forward to translate for her, "The Khal is saying he welcomes you to this land, land of the great stallion, this feast is in your honor, he wishes the great stallion will bless you with many children."
Smiling her thanks to the man, "I do not know if I am princess or queen, so just Shoshanna will do."
The man had a soft rugged smile as he introduced himself, "Sir Jorah Mormont of Bear Island."
"Have you been with the Dothaki long?" Shoshanna was curious.
"Many years." Sir Jorah answered.
Their attention was turned back to the events unfolding before them. Shoshanna saw the dancers Deanery's spoke of, the warrior battling, it was an overwhelming sight.
An older woman, dressed in dark robes, came forward with a large goblet, speaking in dothraki, she handed it to Shoshanna. Shoshanna took the goblet and peered inside, A thick dark liquid.
"Blood of a Great Stallion is given as a gift, it is said to the woman who drinks it will be blessed with many heirs. Children are a blessing from the fiery khalasar." Sir Joroh translated.
"Blood? This is blood? A horse's blood?" Shoshanna gasped. "I'm to drink it?"
Sir Joroh laughed, "It would be an offense to not."
Shoshanna looked to Viserys who was watching her carefully. Raising the glass up, she signaled her thanks and pressed the goblet to her lips. Drinking the liquid quickly, she coughed when she set the goblet down. The woman retrieved the cup and started yelling in Dothraki.
"She is pleased?" Shoshanna asked, licking her lips.
Sir Joroh smiled, "Yes."
A fight had broken out just in front of her, it appeared a warrior was fighting for a slave girl. When the opponent pulled out his sword, the Khal shouted, Shoshanna grabbed Viserys arm as the defender also pulled a sword. "Will he kill him?" She whispered.
Viserys smiled as he placed his hand over hers and leaned close to her ear, "A Dothraki wedding without any deaths is dull." He laughed.
She turned her head as the opponent struck the defender. His blood spilling to the ground.
After many more fights and things she wish she could unsee, Sir Joroh explained it was time for the gifts.
A man dressed as a merchant gave her books on Westeroes history.
Another gave a box of snakes which made her skin crawl.
A third gave her a beautifully engraved chest.
Quietly thanking each of them, the gifts were taken away just as quickly as they were given. The khalasar became quiet as Khal Drogo stood and walked off.
"Where is he going?" Viserys whispered angrily.
Daenerys stood and took Shoshanna by the hand, smiling gently as she led her to where the Khal stood. "It is customary for the Khal to give a gift to the bride."
Beside the Khal stood a beautiful white horse, with a mane of long golden hair. "Oh she is beautiful." Shoshanna said as she touched the horse's nose. "How do you say Thank you in Dothraki?" She asked.
"There are no words." Daenerys explained.
Continuing to pet the horse, Shoshanna turned to the Khal and whispered Thank you. Not sure if he understood, but she could see a hint of a smile on his lips. She was startled when he stepped forward and lifted her onto the horse. Viserys had come to stand next to Daenerys. A look of displeasure on his face only grew when the Khal mounted his own horse.
Shoshanna nodded and smiled yes as she kicked her heels into the horse's side, making it run. The Khal shouted as he followed suit. Daenerys laughed as did most of the Khalsar quickly joined them in a run.
"You're savage is attempting to steal my bride." Viserys snapped.
"Do not be silly Viserys. He is welcoming her." Daenerys told him. "He sees she is a very special girl." Still his displeasured turned to anger as he hurriedly walked back to his seat and sat down. Grabbing a goblet, he gulped it down before refilling it.
Returning, Shoshanna was laughing. The Khal lifted her off of the horse and she threw her arms around his neck, having to jump, because of his height. "Thank you so much. I will cherish her forever." She told him.
Daernerys spoke in dothraki to the Khal, explain what she had said.
The Khal smiled.
Nightfall was approaching and the ceremony was coming to an end. Shoshanna became frightened as she was led to a tent.
