~Varys~
"Varys, what are your thoughts?" I jerked from a memory, a half smile playing on my lips, to find a collection of eyes upon me. I met those of my queen, embarrassment coloring my cheeks scarlet.
"Forgive me, my mind was elsewhere." I muttered softly. She waved it off, offering a reassuring smile.
"I am in need of Elena's services. You said she can easily move amongst the people, and it happens that I am in need of a spy of my own. Do you think she'll work for me?" I wanted to say yes, because the Elena of old would do as I said, but this Elena was different, and instilled a fear in me.
"If my queen commands it, I'm sure Elena will do as told." I commented, before Daenerys motioned to a guard, who opened a large wooden door. Elena watched us all under lowered lashes as she walked into the room. Gone was the girl who could go unnoticed, so that before us stood a woman whose presence filled up the room, threatening to smother us all.
"You called for me?" Daenerys offered up a smile, gesturing for Elena to take a seat, frowning when Elena remained standing.
"I hear tell of a rebellion. There are those out there who do not appreciate that I have freed their slaves, disrupting their way of life. I need you to go out amongst the people and gather information for me. Can you do that?"
"Information cost coin." Elena answered after a beat, her voice and expression neutral.
"Of course. Whatever you need, though I expect results today. Understand?" A dark fire flashed in Elena's eyes, before she nodded, hands fisted at her sides.
"Bloodworm will escort you to the treasury. Then you will be given free reign to complete your task. Come find me before you retire." Elena bowed, the motion low and swooping, exposing the knife gleaming against her thigh. A power play. Elena, what are you playing at? I thought before she straightened and followed the frowning Unsullied soldier.
"Please, forgive her coldness my queen. Elena has been through quite the horrors." I rushed to explain, afraid that Elena was working her way onto the queen's list of enemies.
"Explain." I paused, knowing this was not my story to tell, but it was too late to back down now.
"She was forced to protect someone back in King's Landing. In doing so, she had to kill many people. It darkened her. Then she was left in the cruel hands of Tywin Lannister. Not even I know what he did to her, but it left her broken and different." The queen nodded, her eyes softened with understanding.
"Rest assured, no man will touch her again as long as she is under my protection." I smiled and thanked her, but inside I knew Elena would slaughter any man who dared.