The people of King's Landing had not known such a positive feeling was possible after Daenerys was crowned the new queen of the Seven Kingdom. After the torrid years of the Lannisters, in which so many people had died, either in war or because of neglect from the most powerful, it seemed that times were changing. Of course, many people still harboured ill feelings towards the new queen because of her family name. Even though most of the public had not been alive during the time of her father's disastrous and tumultuous reign, the stories of his downfall had always been a cornerstone of the society's culture. She had quickly realised that this was her most immediate issue to solve. The first speech she made to her citizens included her vowing to change this perception. It would involve her actually interacting with the people, not just in King's Landing, but also across the kingdom to spread the message of what she was accomplishing and hopefully forge new and stronger alliances. She was still not looking forward to travelling back to the North after Sansa's words the last time they had seen each other. But she could put that to the back of her mind for the time being.

One of the easier tasks she had should have been deciding who would be on her Small Council. However, a number of lords and ladies from houses far and wide had visited the capital under the pretence of wishing the new ruler good fortune and passing on luxurious gift after luxurious gift. She had greeted them with a warm smile and accepted their gifts as politely as one could expect. But then they would always add unasked advice into relatively benign conversations, hinting that their families had always been a part of the hierarchy and it would prove to be beneficial to keep it that way. The conversations would usually end shortly afterwards and she would spend the nights moaning to Jorah about their presumptiveness as a result. He was constantly forced to explain that was all part of the job she had strived for. He would tell her that she just had to accept it and how, ultimately, she didn't have to listen to a word they said. She would throw a cushion at his head because she knew he was right, although she never admitted that fact. She didn't need him growing smug, after all. It was just annoying to her that breaking the wheel, something she had promised to do many years ago now, was proving to be more difficult than she expected because the noble houses were perfectly comfortable with the way things were, since they were on top. She would allow them this brief time, whilst she was still adjusting to her position. But it would soon change. And she had many methods of convincing people who challenged her.

Regardless, she had made her choice for her council a long time ago. Tyrion, having the most experience of the game they were still playing, became her official Hand. He had reluctantly accepted the position when she had offered it to him. He had argued that she should just keep Jorah in that job but his arguments always fell on deaf ears. It was a strange concept to him, having the same title his father had had. Before he killed him. He prayed that he wouldn't meet the same fate. He had laughed at that. Who was he kidding? He was never going to have children. Lord Varys returned to his position as Master of Whispers because Daenerys could not think of anyone with an ounce as much skill in that field than him. He now spent most of his time in his office in the Keep, enjoying the scent of perfumes he had felt he would never experience again after his previous departure from this life of luxury and doing all of her dirty work. Missandei remained as her closest female companion, moving into the room closest to the one Daenerys slept in. She still made sure to spend at least a few evenings a week with Tyrion and Varys; she could not possibly survive without their irreverent chat.

On the suggestion of Bruda, Marwyn was made the Grandmaester, replacing Qyburn, who had been forcibly removed from the city when he was found skulking around the dungeons in the attempt of regaining a few of his designs and inventions. The warlock was often seen sharing hot tea with his fellow old man when he wasn't with Melisandre, that is. Not surprised by the fate of Stannis, she had quickly asked Daenerys whether she would have a place in her regime. Daenerys couldn't have hurt the warlock if she really wanted to so had immediately agreed. The Red Woman often helped Marwyn bring his ideas to life, under the careful observation of Bruda. Davos had been proud to accept the title of Master of Ships, a role he was well suited for after his life as a smuggler. He had been warned not to continue that trait, which he had promptly nodded his head to. Daenerys knew that he would be busy though. After the rest of her army had arrived in King's Landing, along with those who hadn't been able to fight in the battle, Stannis' fate had ultimately become common knowledge. The grief at his actions and demise had caused Selyse to go insane, Davos had explained, before she had taken her own life in a nearby forest on the outskirts of the city. That had left Shireen without any family, a fact that had broken Davos' old and weary heart. He had come to visit her room one evening in which he had found her crying into her pillow. In that moment, he had made one of the easiest decisions in his life and had vowed to protect and look over her as a guardian. Shireen had never hugged someone so tightly and, in the morning, Daenerys had been more than happy to make it official. They had all been amused when the young girl asked whether that meant she would be allowed to ride the dragons more often. Another request Davos had made involved Gendry, who Daenerys thanked profusely for his involvement in the final battle. When she had stated that she owed him a favour, Davos had interrupted and inquired whether there was a place for him in the Keep. He had described how he knew the younger man and the skills he had, which was why Gendry was now employed to design new weapons for her army, even able to sit with her council when he wasn't too busy.

Jorah, although they all knew he was the closest thing she had to a king to stand by her side, was put in charge of the Kingsguard. It meant he would normally be in the city close to her and had one added benefit - Daenerys had found him quite dashing in his golden uniform, even if she ordered him more often than not to take it off. And Bruda...she could not find a title to suit his position. It would do him injustice to label him as just an advisor, even though that was what he did most of the time. He was just...Bruda, she had remarked one evening, and that was how it stayed.

That meant that all the people closest to her were living in the same building. It had been the same situation at Dragonstone but, to her, this felt different. It seemed like they had finally found their place in the kingdom. The Red Keep was a warmer place as a result. Within her first week, she had ordered that the entire place should be cleaned. No more cobwebs on the walls, sunlight was able to get in through the newly cleaned windows, and the remains of dead dragons had been removed from the dungeons when she had discovered their presence. That still didn't stop stray cats from walking around the building as if they owned the place but it was a small enough nuisance for her to accept. It was now an open place for people to put forward their queries and worries. The sight of the Targaryen sigil on the walls had put people off at first but then word spread of her victories and how she had saved so many people, especially in the East. They had never expected to see a city where the two cultures clashed. Unsullied soldiers and Dothraki warriors often walked through the streets alongside Westerosi folk. There were, naturally, some initial clashes that Daenerys had to deal with but it was slowly becoming stable. There were also growing instances of them trading with one another and the Dothraki were happy to settle in a large open space outside of King's Landing that had been uninhabited. Daenerys was able to look down upon her burgeoning kingdom with pride. Her dreams were becoming reality.

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Soon after being crowned in a small ceremony with her closest advisors and a few guests from noble houses (Sansa Stark had not responded to her invitation), Jorah had told Daenerys that it was a good idea to celebrate her new reign. She had initially been against the proposition, stating that she didn't want to be flaunting her wealth when people were still suffering across the kingdom. It was the aim of her time as queen, after all, to bring the Crown closer to the people. Yet, of all the people she had expected to be in favour of a celebration, Bruda was strangely excited about it. He had explained it was a sensible decision to make, since it would give everyone an opportunity to relax and enjoy their victory after the past years of hardship. Her heart and resolve had melted as soon as she saw his hopeful smile and he had known when he saw her expression that he had finally won the argument. The only catch was that he was the one to organise it all. Jorah had looked at her in worry at that instruction, terrifying images flashing through his mind as he tried to imagine what the warlock thought was suitable for a party.

They were ultimately left to be surprised at the end result as they sat at the head table in the main hall of the Red Keep. A band was playing upbeat music in the corner, prompting guests to get up and dance every so often. There was a large selection of food placed all over the rows of tables from suppliers across King's Landing and beyond. A young boy had come up to them stating how Bronn, who they hadn't seen since the Battle of Winterfell, had contacted him with the offer to help cater the feast after Bruda somehow sent a letter to him. Daenerys thought she had heard wrong when he said his name was Hot Pie. The atmosphere was joyous. The loudest section came from the back where a few Dothraki men were tucking into plates of meat, tearing scraps off from the bone, and laughing at some of the perplexed expressions coming from the local people. Daenerys observed how happy everyone seemed to be and she realised that this was the first time in her life she had truly been happy. She had been overjoyed at the birth of her dragons. Her first kiss with Jorah was one of her fondest memories. But they had always come with the overhanging thought of what the future held. That issue still remained, naturally, but she now knew that they would face any problems as a group. She sat in between Jorah and Bruda at the long table, taking a sip of wine as she eyed the warlock, who had a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he watched the party unfold. He noticed her staring at him and arched one of his eyebrows in response.

"What is it?" he asked as he took a bite of his chicken.

"I'm just surprised at how well this turned out with you in charge," she teased with a smirk. Jorah laughed by her side, enjoying Bruda's hurt look. He held a hand to his chest, covering his heart.

"You wound me, my Queen. Have I ever let you down before?" She pretended to think hard about it to make him even more disgruntled.

"No, I guess not. This just doesn't seem to be something that lends itself to your...skills."

"You should know by now that I'm a man full of surprises."

"Oh, I've definitely realised that. Like when you managed to escape imprisonment in Meereen." She looked at Jorah as she fondly looked back on the memory, feeling the same emotions that had welled up inside of her when she saw Jorah in the Fighting Pit.

"I was sure that you'd forgiven us for that. Seeing as we saved you in the process."

"I know. That doesn't mean I can't use it against you from time to time." She patted them both on the cheek in an affectionate manner. Bruda looked across the room and began to smile. Daenerys followed his eyeline and instantly knew what had brightened his mood. Melisandre had entered, wearing a more elegant version of her usual flowing red dress that the warlock had designed for her as a small gift. She had told him that she had to meet with Marwyn before the feast and would likely be late. She had given him a quick kiss when he had pouted and complained.

"If you would please excuse me, Daenerys, Jorah. I think it's time I moved to the dance floor."

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Further down the table sat Tyrion, Varys and Missandei who were also enjoying the festive atmosphere in the hall. It was also the first time they had been able to dress up properly for a long time. Tyrion was clad in a smart three-piece leather suit, with the badge of the Hand neatly pinned on the lapel. Varys was wearing a set of expensive robes with complex patterns running down them, the scent of perfume strong on him. Missandei had shocked them both with a very flattering black dress that matched the one Daenerys was wearing. She had glared at Tyrion when she spotted him ogling her, telling him to pick up his jaw before she closed his mouth permanently. He enjoyed a woman with a spot of fire within her. A quiet had settled amongst the trio as they enjoyed their meal, Tyrion especially, who was on his fourth glass of wine already. A servant walked past them behind the table and he asked that a jug of it be brought to him since it would save everyone time. Varys eyed him carefully.

"Old habits die hard," he quipped in a sardonic manner. Tyrion scrunched up his face as he took another long sip.

"I'm allowed to enjoy myself once in a while!" he argued petulantly. "After all we've been through, I think I deserve a night of enjoyment without the embodiment of guilt complaining next to me."

"I guess that was what this event is for. Celebrating the new Queen." Tyrion nodded his head, happy that Varys was seeing his reasoning. A bit of his wine spilt out of his glass but he didn't notice.

"Exactly. Long may the queen rule. We'll be all the better for it." Varys sighed at his friend's behaviour.

"Did you ever think we would get to this point?" he asked as he surveyed the jubilant scene.

"Seeing as this journey started with me living in a box whilst we sailed as wanted men to the East, my highest hopes at the time had been that I die a merciful death at the hands of seasickness." Missandei rolled her eyes at his melodramatic tale.

"To be perfectly honest," she said, adding her own thoughts to the conversation, "I never expected you to last long in her company." Tyrion looked startled by the admission.

"And why did you think that?"

"Your tongue. You never hold it. I just thought that you would go too far one day and she would feed you to the dragons."

"I would barely make a snack for them. It would be more of a chore for them to eat me for what they would get out of it."

"That's not the point. You're lucky that you arrived at the same time as Bruda. With two people in her council saying whatever they wanted, her ire was diluted."

"I owe that man a drink then!" he said as he lifted up his glass in a toast. Varys glanced over at Daenerys who was smiling as she talked to a guest.

"I always knew she was what the Realm truly needed. Popular enough for the kingdom to support her and kinder than the Lannisters so they don't oppose her."

"Are you taking credit for her success?" Tyrion asked.

"You would never have thought to work with her if it wasn't for me. You owe me a drink more than anyone else."

"So be it," he said as the servant returned with the fresh jug. Tyrion poured the eunuch a glass, as well as refilling his and Missandei's. "You're going to join me this evening in what I do best - drinking and enjoying the company of a beautiful woman." He winked at Missandei who took a much needed long sip from her glass. She stopped the servant before they left.

"I think we're going to need a few more jugs."

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Melisandre eyed the figure approaching her sceptically. This really wasn't her typical scene and she felt the eyes of a number of people on her due to her unusual dress sense. She put that to the back of her mind though as she saw the adoring look in Bruda's eyes. She smiled shyly. That wasn't like her, to be awkward. What was this man doing to her? He took her hand, tentatively kissing her on the cheek as he did so. He still struggled with coping with their new-found intimacy. Despite all of the charisma and confidence he showed, he was pretty rubbish with close relationships and voicing his feelings. She was sure that they would get there one day. She definitely wasn't going to rush him. She was just enjoying the time they had with each other. She had never expected to survive past the war against the White Walkers and always expected that, if Stannis were to die, she would have nothing left in this part of the world. How wrong she had been.

"You seem to have worked your magic again," she said as she gestured to the feast. She particularly liked the bunting along the walls in the shape of dragons that seemed to twirl in the air as if they were flying. She was sure he had put a spell on them to do that.

"Why thank you. It was nothing really. A few clicks of the fingers. A couple of well-chosen words. You know how it is." Her smile faded slightly.

"Not exactly. I still don't feel in control of my magic. I can't get it to always do what I want. It has delayed Maester Marwyn a great deal at times."

"I'm sure he'll understand. And if you need any assistance, I'm always a shout away." He gently stroked the necklace she was wearing, the one he had fashioned for her back at Winterfell. He seemed to be unaware of how intimate a show of public affection it seemed to be to the wandering eye as he observed his workings. If she hadn't have been so conscious of prying eyes, she would have laughed at his lack of understanding. "It's working fine," he told her, standing up straight again to look at her, not picking up on Melisandre's accusatory look. "It's just all up here that's the problem." He poked her on the forehead as he continued to explain the situation. "Your mind is telling you that you're not accustomed to this type of magic. Which is correct, I guess. But, because of that, you don't have the belief in yourself that you can use this magic. The more you use it, the more confident you'll get, and the more you'll be able to use it as a result. See. Easy. It's as if you're meant to grow into it eventually. You just need to practice more."

"And how would you suggest I do that?" she asked.

"I can think of a few things," he flirted. Her eyes lit up at the insinuation and he smirked at her small blush. She still wasn't used to his quick wit and the way he used it because she had never been properly close to anyone before.

"Well then, if you can think of ways to do it, I'll gladly follow your lead. Starting tonight." His eyebrows raised at her comment. Was she flirting back? She was definitely getting better at this.

"I look forward to it." The band changed to another song and he grasped her hand again. "But first...I think it is my duty and privilege to ask the most beautiful woman here for a dance." A deeper blush this time.

"And it is my duty and privilege to say yes." He grinned as he dragged her to where other people were dancing and he began to twirl her in time with the beat.

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"Dragon mama!" Daenerys' eyes widened at the exclamation. She turned in the direction of where the voice had come from and it soon made perfect sense. Tormund Giantsbane was approaching the high table after entering the room, picking up a glass from the table that may or may not have been someone else's and downing it in one. Jon Snow was awkwardly walking behind him, sending a sheepish smile towards the queen. Daenerys had sent a letter of invitation to the new wildling leader soon after the idea had been suggested. It was not just because of their shared victory in the North but also down to her hopes of working closely with them, even if their home lands didn't fall under her rule. She smiled at the boisterous member of the Free Folk.

"It is very good to see you too," she greeted, a slight laugh in her voice. "I'm surprised you could make the trip down to see us all."

"We couldn't let down the woman who rides dragons like they are horses!" Tormund bellowed. People were beginning to look.

"We thought it was the least we could do after all we went through together," Jon said with a soft smile. Daenerys doubted that was the only reason. She remembered what his sister had said about his feelings towards her. He probably still hoped that going through all this effort would convince her that he was an eligible option.

"How are the wildlings all doing?" Jorah asked. Jon was broken from his looking at Daenerys. She'd have to remember to thank her love for that.

"They're settling as well as we hoped. It's been a long time since they were properly in the wild. They've been given food since moving south rather than hunting for themselves so it's taking them a while to get back into the rhythm."

"What's it been like with the Night's Watch?" Daenerys asked. Tyrion had brought up its future with their purpose now nullified after the White Walkers' defeat.

"They've been working better with us than they used to. Some of the new recruits are understandably cautious with interacting with the wildlings because they've never had to before. They're just running out of things to do."

"Please," Tormund interrupted. "They've been there for years without ever knowing the White Walkers existed. They can carry on. There are still creatures out there in the wilderness that have to be stopped from wreaking havoc in your pretty little communities."

"Exactly. And I'm sure if you work together more, the whole process will become more efficient," Daenerys put forward.

"We can't implement too many changes at once," Jon countered. "Even those who fought in the war are resistant to improvements. I don't understand it at times." He sighed but then smiled again. "It's just another challenge to face. And I'm sure you're facing new issues every day."

"It's only just beginning. Speaking of such...have you had word from your sister?"

"Very little. There's been the occasional story filtering through to us. She's been meeting with the Northern families, testing the waters with the idea of independence. Some are saying that she already has the support of Bear Island." Jorah's face paled as they looked at him.

"It'll be that Littlefinger," he said. "He was the one who manipulated Lyanna, the head of the family, when we searched for their support."

"She has always said she is fully behind the Starks. It isn't just Littlefinger. Some of the smaller families are positive about the idea because they rely on Winterfell."

"I'll just have to persuade them otherwise," Daenerys said with a scowl. Her mood brightened as she saw Bruda moving along with the music. "But for now, I think Jorah here owes me a dance." His eyes widened as she stood up, grabbing his hand. "Please eat as much as you can and enjoy the evening." She focused mainly on Tormund as she said that. "And I'm sure Davos will like to see you when you're free." Jon nodded his head as he watched them join the other couples dancing.

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Gendry eyed the Red Woman carefully as she swayed in Bruda's arms with a large smile on her face. He had seen her walking around the Keep a couple of times but she apparently hadn't seen him yet doing the same. He couldn't believe someone who had tortured him was allowed to be in this place. He would never be able to forget what she had done to him, the fear he had felt when she put those leeches on him one that would never fully dissipate. He didn't think he would ever be able to trust her, regardless of what anyone else said. Even if she did seem different now. Davos spotted him staring whilst he was having a conversation with Shireen at the head table. She'd been very excited at the prospect of sitting at what she deemed the 'most important table'. Her eyes had gone wide at the amount of food on display, never seeing anything as extravagant at Dragonstone. He knew what Gendry would be thinking and he knew he had to stop those kinds of thoughts before he did anything rash. He had harboured such thoughts for a long time too, after all.

"She's a changed woman," he pointed out, breaking the young man from his concentration. Gendry sent him a questioning glance. "Don't pretend you haven't been glaring at her for the past five minutes."

"How can you know she's truly changed? That's her skill - ingratiating herself with people so they don't suspect the horrible things she's capable of."

"I understand the torment you went through…"

"Do you though? You weren't there when she tricked me. She never did the same to you."

"But I saw her doing the same to Stannis. How do you think I felt watching him fall for her charm, knowing that any fears I put forward would be quickly dismissed because she had her claws deep in him."

"That's not the same," he said bitterly.

"No. No it's not. I can see that. But by knowing what she was like back then, I can tell how different she truly is now."

"Why would she change?"

"Because of him," Davos answered, gesturing towards Bruda, who was laughing as he twirled Melisandre. "He made her believe in something other than that Lord of Light nonsense. He showed her that the way she was going would lead to her death and he saved her when she was on the brink. Trust me, I had my reservations at first when she started joining us in our meetings. But we've now shared conversations, not all of them pleasant, and I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Not just because she might do better. Just look at the smile on his face. I could never take that from him." Gendry looked down at the table, picking at his food.

"It's going to take some time to get used to," he mumbled.

"I'd be surprised if it didn't." He let out a sigh as he looked over at him. "But any issues you have with her, you take them to me first. Then I'll either sort it out or speak to Bruda about it. Under no circumstances are you to do anything as rash or foolish as confronting either of them about it. Because that smile he's wearing will quickly disappear and you'll be a dead man before you can finish your sentence." Gendry nodded his head in fear, having first hand experience of what the warlock was capable of. "Now then, this is meant to be a celebration. So start eating, put a smile on your face, and enjoy yourself." Davos turned back to Shireen, who innocently attempted to pretend that she hadn't been listening to their conversation. He ruffled her hair at her antics. He ducked his head and whispered to her. "I think we need to find him a woman to calm him down, don't you think?" She nodded her head in excitement at the prospect of that task.

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Daenerys enjoyed being in Jorah's arms as they swayed to a slower song, even if he didn't really know what he was doing. That just added to his endearing charm, she thought, as she smiled up at him. He nervously grinned back at her as he concentrated on not standing on her feet. He was a much larger person than her which meant his legs were longer and more prone to getting tangled. That had been his fear, anyway, when she had asked him to dance. When Bruda had mentioned that he was hiring a band, his mind had instantly gone to this issue. He had never danced before. It wasn't a talent you needed in the North and his wife had hardly ever been interested in the pastime. He had known Daenerys would want to dance though. So, without anyone knowing, he had practised moving in front of a mirror in their room when she hadn't been there. The very thought of it had been extremely embarrassing but, so far, it was paying off, judging by the warm and happy look she was sending him. He was quite proud to be the one who was causing her to smile.

To be truthful, Daenerys had caught him dancing in front of the mirror on one occasion, although he didn't know about it. It had been simultaneously one of the funniest yet most heartwarming scenes she had ever seen, knowing that he was doing it only for her. She hadn't even mentioned dancing but he had known her too well to expect anything different. She truly loved the man holding her and wanted to be able to say it to him every day. And, for once in her life, she knew that was a possibility. They shared a laugh as they watched the other people around them dancing. There was Bruda, with his cloak billowing behind him as he did more elaborate turns the longer the night wore on. Davos was clumsily leading Shireen, who was standing on his feet as he moved around, her giggles audible for everyone to hear. Tyrion was dancing on his own, banging his head to some form of music that didn't match the sort being played by the band. And Tormund was doing some form of tribal dance, which was terrifying the women in his vicinity, although he was mistaking their looks of confusion as invitations to dance closer to them. Daenerys looked back at Jorah, catching him staring at her. He looked away with a blush on his cheeks.

"What?" she asked.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself." That didn't resemble an answer to her question. She narrowed her eyes at him but let him off.

"Of course I am. I'm with you after all." He took her by surprise as he twirled her, causing her to put a hand on her chest as she came back level with him. "And you're doing spectacularly well at this."

"A man can only be as good as his partner," he said, trying to dodge her compliment.

"Hmm. If I was one to guess things, I would say you've been practising." For a short moment, his eyes widened at her words but he quickly controlled his expression.

"Don't be absurd." But then he saw her mischievous grin and knew what had happened. "You saw me, didn't you?" She shrugged her shoulders.

"Saw you do what?" she asked innocently. "All I know is that whatever you were doing is incredibly sweet and I'm very grateful for everything. Not just this. For getting me to this moment. None of this would have been possible without you. I'd be dead in some Dothraki field or locked away somewhere in Qarth. So, what I'm saying is...thank you. You will never know how much you mean to me." He smiled warmly at her.

"You're very welcome. And thank you. You saved something more than my life. My soul." She smiled as he twirled her once again as they danced deep into the evening.

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Night was now laying claim to the kingdom as guests filtered out of the Keep to travel back home or to nearby inns. As the hall emptied, Jorah had asked Daenerys whether she was going to come back to their room but she had told him that she wanted to wait a little bit longer and that she would meet him there eventually. She had wanted to take the opportunity to go outside on the closest balcony and look upon her city as the stars came out. She had taken a fascination to them ever since her conversation about them with Bruda at Dragonstone. It was one of her favourite things to do now. She held her dress tight to keep herself warm as the wind pulled at her blonde hair. She looked up at the Keep where Drogon had caused damage. Work had already begun on fixing the walls but she knew it was a difficult job that would take a while, even with Bruda around. She didn't exactly need the throne room now anyway since it was gone, removed within a day of her reign and melted down further to make into new weapons. Gendry's eyes had lit up when it was delivered to him. Her focus turned to the city, looking at the lights that were still on in some of the buildings and how they seemed to mirror the stars above. In the distance, she could make out the old fighting pit that Tyrion had suggested she visit, which she had done a few days ago. After seeing the ruins, she had vowed to build it up again. Not so that the sport could start again but so that she could remember her family's heritage. It also acted as a perfect spot for her dragons to land and sleep without damaging any houses. Those fears had already been brought up by several members of the public.

"It's rather cold out here, don't you think?" She almost jumped at the recognisable voice but managed to stop herself, not wanting to show him that he had scared her. She turned her head to look behind her as Bruda slowly approached, his staff back in his hand after he had abandoned it during the feast.

"Which is why I'm worried that a man of your age is out here." He rolled his eyes. She was getting far too good at this teasing game they often played. She grinned at him as he came up beside her, leaning on the wall like she was doing.

"Why are you out here all alone?" he asked, looking at her carefully. He was far too protective, she thought.

"Thinking."

"Care to elaborate?" She looked back at the city as she got a hold of thoughts.

"It still doesn't seem real. All of this." She gestured to King's Landing and the Keep behind them.

"That's only natural. You've been striving for this for so long. Not many people get to achieve their life's goals."

"Did you? What were your aspirations growing up? Were you ever young?"

"Of course I was! And very dashing too, I might add."

"You still are," she said as she nudged him with her shoulder.

"I don't know. We all have dreams, some more foolish than others. With my powers, I could dream bigger than anyone else. But, when I think about it, I didn't. I wanted to fall in love, which I did."

"Twice now." He widened his eyes but then slowly nodded his head.

"Don't tell her I agreed to that."

"My lips are sealed."

"But, most importantly, I wanted to live a life full of adventure. I didn't want a day to go by without something...momentous happening. As a young boy, momentous meant seeing wonderful things and accomplishing extraordinary feats of power and exploration. But, as I grew older, it took a different meaning. That word 'momentous'...even just having a conversation with those you are close to falls under its bracket. Sharing wonderful moments with them is what life is truly about and why I have lived so long. Because I know more of those moments are in my future. How could I miss out on those?"

"So you know that there's more to come? How?"

"It's just a feeling we all have. Deep down within us."

"I just get the sense that...after working so hard to get this...this is where I end up. This is where my story will end, eventually." He grabbed his staff and pushed away from the wall.

"Oh Daenerys," he said, beginning to walk away. "You don't think that. Let me tell you something you need to remember. This story is only just beginning." She watched as he walked away, thinking about his words. He was right. Plenty more adventures awaited her, maybe not as dangerous as the ones she had already experienced. But that didn't matter. All she cared about was what mysteries that warlock had in store for her in the future.

(AN) The end of this story. The longest one I've written so far. I hope you enjoyed the journey as much as me and don't fret - the first chapter of the sequel is now available! Go check out Ustrina! (AN)