~Elena~
Meereen was a shimmering illusion of beauty and prosperity. Men and women wore fine richly colored rags, smiles painted on their faces while the less fortunate toiled soundlessly under the blistering sun. The truth was in their eyes. The hidden sorrow and fear. The way they cast fleeting glances at the sky. Something is wrong here.
"How much do you know about this girl?" I asked, voice a whisper amongst the roar of the city. Varys' glare was filled with warning.
"I know enough about the queen to know I trust her. You would do well to do the same." Eyes rolled at his lack of answer as we neared the queen's holding.
"The market is that way." A soldier growled as Varys attempted to pass him, his partner stepping up to help block the path.
"I am here to see the queen. It's of extreme importance." Shoulders shook with hidden laughter as I watched his pitiful performance. The soldiers growing more suspicious with each passing second. Fool.
"Joffrey Lannister is dead, and King's Landings' people grow weary. We're here, from Westeros, to discuss plans to put your queen on the Iron Throne." Eyes grew wide as the soldiers regarded each other.
"Thaddius. The queen will want to hear this." The soldier who had spoken first, Thaddius, nodded in agreement before motioning for us to follow him.
"Long live the queen." I called back for good measure, a move that earned me a hiss of disapproval from Varys.
"Children should be seen, not heard." Varys scolded as we followed Thaddius up a set of stairs and through enormous double doors. I bristled at being called a child.
"We're in old man." I barked softly before pulling ahead to walk beside the silent soldier.