Author's note: Although I believe the ASOIAF books are infinitely better than the GOT show, I fell completely in love with Kerry Ingram's portrayal of Shireen as a sweet and feisty little geek, so I was thinking of her when I was writing this chapter))

Hope you like it and any feedback would be much appreciated

Dany was woken up by the smell of grilled meat and freshly cooked bread that struck a mighty blow to her nose and stomach. She hadn't eaten since she left Meereen and the sweet aroma of herb flavored lamb mixed with mushrooms, onions and fire peppers made her realize just how hungry she really was.
Dany inhaled deeply, her mouth watering and tried to sit up, but the numerous bandages made it rather difficult to move.

"Take it easy" – she heard her savior's voice come from the other side of the room – "Be careful with the plasters, they're not fully hardened yet"

"Are you waiting on me as well?" – Dany smiled, as she watched him lock the door with one hand while holding the bowl of food with the other.

"My friend and I are going to do a lot more than just wait on you, girl" – he hemmed – "At least until you're able to move around on your own. The old maester's not strong enough to move even a light little thing like you, let alone lift you up"

"He came just after dawn this morning and promised to visit me again today" – Dany replied, blushing deeply as she realized what exactly the man meant – "What time is it?"

"Past midday. He's an old man, he'll come when he wakes up" – the man shrugged his shoulders – "Who knows when that will be"

"Well then I suppose I should be glad that my poor dragon you murdered so cruelly didn't kill the two of you" – she hissed.

"Poor dragon?!" – he snorted, putting the bowl on her bed side table next to the jug of wine left by the old maester – "That thing killed about a hundred men with its fire. And that's the least damage it could've done. How do you know it's dead? The maester told you?"

"No. I saw him die in my dreams" – Dany replied, holding on to her savior's arm as he moved her up to make her sit up more comfortably – "I've been magically connected to my dragons ever since they were hatched"

"What good is a magical connection if you can't control them?" – he asked, sitting down in the maester's chair beside Dany's bed – "And don't bother denying it"

"I wasn't going to" – Dany answered, feeling disquieted by the fact that she knew so little about the man who knew so much about her – "But I will be able to once they're trained"

"How do you keep them from burning down the whole of Slaver's Bay if they're not trained yet?" – he said deviously – "Lock them up?"

Dany didn't answer. Instead, she picked up her fork with her good hand and began stuffing her mouth with bread and meat. The bread crumb was soft and fragrant with a crunchy crust and the stew felt tepid, but no less delicious.

"I see" – the man said with a contented little smile – "How are you going to fight off your enemies without the dragons?"

"You ask too many questions" – Dany muttered with her mouth full.

"I'm a curious man" – he said and poured two cups of wine.

"You do know there're medicinal herbs in there?" – Dany asked, taking a sip.

"I like spicy wine" – the man replied, reclining comfortably in his chair.

"What about your master?" – Dany asked calmly as she sent a mushroom and a couple of peppers into her mouth – "Does he like spicy wine?"

"Maybe" – her savior shrugged his shoulders.

"Is that why he sent you to lead his men against my dragon?" - Dany asked mischievously – "Too fat and drunk to do it himself, just like his brother?"

"He is nothing like his brother" – the man frowned - "My friend and I led the party because we are the only ones who know our way inside the mountain tunnels"

"Oh, so he's not a drunk, but a coward?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Not knowing the way is no excuse for abandoning his men. Or does the word 'guide' mean nothing to either of you?" – Dany huffed contemptuously – "But I suppose I should expect no less from a man who is too cowardly to fight in his own battles"

"And who told you my master is too cowardly to fight his battles?"

"Ser Barristan Selmy did" – Dany said sipping her wine contentedly.

"Oh, so Selmy's with you? I thought as much" – her savior huffed irritably – "He calls my lord a coward, does he? Selmy's a knight of great courage and nobility, the only true knight left in the world after Ned Stark wiped out Dayne, Whent and Hightower, but the old man's sword is sharper than his wit."

"The old man's wit is sharper than yours!" – Dany replied defensively, inwardly cursing her volubility – "And no, he doesn't call your precious master a coward. It is I who do so"

"Why?"

"Because he rarely fights in the battles he directs. It's easy to just watch and tell others how they should die"

"Commanding from the rear has nothing to do with cowardice, you little idiot" – the man chuckled – "If a general is to be successful, he has to be in a position to best view, command and control his regiments. Only fools lead from the front. True, the leader's presence is sometimes required at the front lines, but that's a different matter…"

"I know that!" – Dany interrupted angrily – "But I still think he's a coward!"

"Why?"

"Because I want to!" – Dany said stubbornly.

"Female logic! You just can't beat it, can you?" – the man sighed.

"There's nothing wrong with female logic" - Dany replied, pricking an onion - "He serves the usurper, he almost captured me and my brother and drove us from our home, so I'm entitled to hate him. What's so illogical about that?!"

The man lifted his hands in mock surrender.

"And what does Selmy say about my master?" – he asked after a pause.

"As a matter of fact ser Barristan speaks very highly of him. Says he's one of the greatest battle – commanders he had ever known" – Dany said reluctantly – "But he also calls the usurper a 'good knight'"

"Well, Selmy's a good man. Just and noble. Our fool of a king Robert exceled himself, when he dismissed the old knight" – the man sighed – "You are honored by his service, princess"

"You know him?" – Dany asked curiously.

"Quite well" – the man nodded – "We fought together many times"

"At the Iron Islands, I take it?"

"Aye"

"Did you take Old Wyk under ser Barristan?"

"No"

"No?" – Dany said with surprise - "Where did you fight together then?"

"None of your business" – the man snapped – "I haven't got all day, so hurry up and eat your stew"

Dany chuckled and obeyed, but while she ate, she took the opportunity to survey her savior as closely as she could. He was a tall, broad – shouldered and sinewy man in his mid-thirties. Dark almond shaped eyes overhung by thick black eyebrows dominated his strong, willful face. He was bald with only a small fringe of short black hair on his head, but the neat, closely cropped mustache and beard that covered his square jaw were thick and bristly. He was not what Dany would call handsome, but there was something very attractive in his strong and hard, yet finely cut features. He seemed to radiate a calm, confident benevolence, which, together with the look of shrewd intelligence in his eyes and the sharp, commanding voice, betrayed a leader.
His attire was the image of plain practicality and comfortable convenience. He was dressed in a plain white cotton shirt, a dark brown jerkin of boiled leather, thick woolen breeches but his belt and his boots were made of very fine black leather. The sword at his side was as fine a weapon as Dany ever saw.

"I still feel bad not knowing your name, though" – she said sweetly – "You know mine, so it's only fair to tell me yours"

"It isn't fair, since you didn't tell me your name" – the man shook his head – "I guessed it all on my own"

"So now you want me to guess yours?" –Dany huffed.

"What good will it do you?"

"I would know how to address you, for one thing. And it might give me a clue as to why you're helping me."

"I'd leave that subject alone if I were you" – the man said cryptically – "But rest assured. As long as you don't reveal your presence to anyone, but myself, my friend and the maester, you won't come to any harm. And when you're recovered I'll send you home, I swear on my daughter's life"

"You've got a daughter?" – Dany smiled – "How old is she?"

"Eight on her next nameday"

"That's a lovely age to be…" – Dany said almost nostalgically as she remembered the long lost little house with the lemon tree and the red door.

"It may be hard to guess a man's name, but his profession is much easier to decipher. You're a sell – sword, aren't you?" – she added suddenly, hoping to catch him off guard – "At least you were once…"

"Was I?" – her savior smiled rather playfully.

"Of course you were! Just look at yourself…" – Dany giggled as she finished her wonderfully satisfying meal – "Wide knowledge of warfare and healing, plain, practical clothes worn together with a very expensive weapon, excellent high valyrian… You're obviously not a lord"

"The first two arguments are valid, I grant you" – he hemmed, handing her a clean piece of cloth

"The third is solid" – Dany smiled slyly as she wiped her lips – "There are two reasons for a westerosi to learn high valyrian. The first is being a Targaryen. Since we're the only descendants of Old Valyria in Westeros, traditionally we're the only ones to learn high valyrian from the cradle. It's our second first language. And the other reason is traveling or living in a place where few people speak the common tongue. Only merchants or sell swords do that"

"Fair enough" – the man nodded.

"Let's see…" – she continued enthusiastically – "You know Dragonstone very well, otherwise you wouldn't be able to find and hide me. You're in a position to keep soldiers and servants well away from this part of the castle. You're good friends with the maester. The usurper's brother trusts you completely, but is willing to gamble with your life… Therefore… you are… commander of the castle garrison! "

"Good guess"

Dany smiled triumphantly. She was going to continue playing their little guessing game, but it was ended abruptly by a quick knock on the door.

"Need you!" – came Davos's muffled voice from the other side.

Stannis quickly helped Dany lie back down, then unlocked the door.

"The beast's body's been pulled out onto the slope just outside the castle wall, your lordship" – Davos said quietly – "The sailors're guarding it, as you ordered"

"Good" – Stannis nodded and then looked over his shoulder – "Is there anything you need before we go?"

"No, thank you, commander" – Dany answered, settling down comfortably.

"Commander, eh?" – Davos asked, eyeing his friend curiously as they ran down the steep, narrow staircase.

"She decided I'm an ex sell –sword, who is presently in charge of the Dragonstone castle garrison" – Stannis shrugged his shoulders.

"A sell – sword?" – Davos giggled mischievously.

"Be quiet before you give me a good reason for shortening your tongue as well as your fingers, Davos" – Stannis frowned – "I'm not in the mood!"

"You're not going to tell her who you really are?" - Davos smiled affably.

"No. And neither will you" – Stannis said sternly.

"As you wish, my lord" – Davos shrugged his shoulders - "May I ask what you mean to do with the dead dragon?"

"There's no way of keeping the incident quiet, so we're going to make the most of it" – Stannis sighed heavily – "First and foremost it'll provide solid proof to the lords and smallfolk of Westeros and any lands beyond, that dragons are not some kind of supernatural magical unbeatable fire - weapons, but mortal creatures of flesh and blood. And that the Targaryen is not as great a threat as she is supposed to be."

"Especially with one dragon down" – Davos nodded – "But the king's not going to be happy about his little brother being the dragonslayer, is he?"

"Depends on what mood he's in when he hears the news" – Stannis sighed – "But I'll cope with his displeasure. What I'm really worried about is the girl. Since the accursed beast died here, Dragonstone is the first place both her friends and her enemies will start looking for her. How long before someone discovers you're smuggling food and linen in and out of the Sea Dragon Tower?"

"Months if she and the maester keep quiet enough" – Davos replied reassuringly – "Trust me, my lord, it won't be as difficult as you think. The tower is practically deserted anyway and there will be a lot le… fewer guards in the castle for the next couple of months"

"Indeed" - Stannis sighed heavily as they finally left the Sea Dragon tower and entered the gallery. It was a long, spacious corridor that stretched over the roaring sea and stony beach below connecting the Sea Dragon Tower which was built on a small island a couple of dozen yards into the sea to the main keep that stood firmly on the mainland. Its walls were richly decorated with carvings and statues of gargoyles and dragons that separated tall arched windows which provided light and a spectacular view of the harbor on one side and the wild beaches on the other.

There were no guards to greet the lord of Dragonstone and his friend when they left the gallery and passed through the black iron gates of the middle and inner walls. No guards on the wallwalks or in the courtyards. No guards at the entrance to the Stone Drum itself that was located on the third floor of the old seven – floor donjon, just above the Great Hall.

And there wouldn't be for several weeks yet, Stannis thought, his whole being sad for the loss of his men. Not until he calls upon the islanders and his lords bannermen who commanded several small islands in the Narrow sea for new recruits. But soon enough young men will come to serve and be taught and trained by the old warriors. The garrison would be restored, but not replaced. Never replaced…

In truth, the lost old warriors of Dragonstone castle meant much more to the lord than any other soldiers or sailors under his command. They were his comrades, his brothers in arms, most of whom had been at Stannis's side since the siege of Storm's End. He knew what all of them were like, knew their stories, even their families. Though not the most diligent or laborious of men, his garrison were the only ones he could truly trust to hold their ground even at the gates of the Seventh Hell. And they did… And he would never forget any them… Never…

But as soon as he and Davos entered the long, serpentine corridors of the Stone Drum Stannis put his grief aside, focusing completely on the tasks ahead. There would be time for that later and now he had a whole island and a lot more to look after, he thought as they descended to the second floor and went out onto the gallery of the Great Hall.
The hall was a vast structure, shaped like a dragon lying on its belly with its main gates set in the beast's mouth. It occupied most of the first two floors of the Stone Drum and was connected to the kitchens, the pantries and a number of other rooms by numerous dragon head shaped doors. And just like the rest of the castle the enormous room was decorated richly with carvings, frescoes and tapestries depicting one thing only – dragons. Dragons of every possible size shape and color hunting, sleeping, fighting and dancing. However the latter was privately considered by Stannis to be more like mating.
Bannisters, handles, windows, tables, bunks and chairs, even the huge fireplace in the center of the northern wall – everything was either dragon shaped or decorated. A fact that even after seventeen years still vexed Stannis greatly.
No doubt the décor was supposed to be majestic and fearsome, but Aenar the Exile or whoever else designed the place had no sense of limits whatsoever, he thought grumpily. Ten, twenty, even fifty carvings and statues would have had an ineffaceable effect on anyone, but covering every bloody square inch of the whole damned castle with dragons was just ridiculous.

In the middle of the Great Hall stood several huge trestle tables also decorated with dragon carvings. They were occupied by most of the castle servants eating their lunch and chatting excitedly. At the end of the hall was the dais with the high table. It was empty, except for little Shireen, who was sitting in the corner chair with her septa, eating her stew. Stannis's eyes softened instantly when his saw his darling little daughter for the first time after spending a month at King's Landing. But the child was clearly upset by something and he could make a pretty good guess what it was…

"Father!" – Shireen cried joyously when she spotted him at the top of the stairs.

The buzzing of the room died out immediately. Everyone quickly rose to their feet and bowed to greet the master of the castle, except little Shireen who sprang out of her seat, dropping her fork to the floor and darted across the hall. Stannis waved carelessly, allowing everyone to sit down again as he walked slowly down the stairs and watched his daughter run towards him. Her face was plain and deformed with greyscale, but the glow of pure happiness and unending affection in her big blue impish eyes made her face almost look beautiful.

"Yes, what is it, child?" – Stannis grumbled as she flung her little arms around his waist and hugged him tightly.

"You're back!" – she whispered joyfully, pressing her good cheek against his belly – "I've missed you!"

"Oh, come now…" – Stannis huffed, rolling his eyes. He petted her head awkwardly, throwing a couple of dangerous looks at Davos and a few servants, whose big smiles were a little too endearing for Stannis's liking.
Why on earth did women, even little ones, insist on openly displaying affection, especially in public was beyond him. Did they honestly believe that sloppy sentimentality had anything to do with real devotion? That was just as ridiculous as believing that a market conjurer's tricks had anything to do with real magic. Or was public humiliation in their strange, illogical minds somehow proof of attachment?

And as if embarrassing themselves wasn't bad enough, they just had to drag him into it as well! He loved his daughter dearly and would give his life for hers in a heartbeat, but did he really have to embarrass himself for her as well?

"Is it true that a dragon came to the mountain yesterday?" – Shireen blurted out excitedly as she finally let go of her father's waist – "And that you killed it?"

"It is" – Stannis nodded - "Ser Davos and I led our brave warriors into Dragonmont to find and kill it before it killed the rest of us"

"But where did it come from?" – the child asked enthusiastically, her deep, beautiful eyes wild with curiosity – "Maester Cressen said dragons were all extinct"

"Not all of them, child" – Stannis said loudly as he knew all too well that every single person in the room was listening to him and his words would surely be passed on around the whole island and way beyond – "Three dragons were hatched five years ago by lady Daenerys Targaryen. But it's very difficult to tame and control such a strong and wild beast. This one must have escaped her and flown to Dragonmont. The old mountain has been a favorite place for dragons to build their layers for hundreds of years"

"Yes, I've read about that" – Shireen replied excitedly – "The wild ones, Grey Ghost, Sheepstealer, and Cannibal spent their whole lives here. Sunfyre the Golden even flew home to die"

"Not to die, child" – Stannis shook his head – "To heal itself in the fire – geysers"

"So the old legend is true?!"

"Aye"

"Is it true the sailors pulled the dragon's body out of the cave and brought it down here?" – Shireen asked with an impish gleam in her eye.

"Yes, it's just outside the northern wall" – Stannis replied, realizing where this was going – "Ser Davos and I are going to inspect it more closely."

"Can I come with you?! Please, father, can I come see the dragon?!" – the little girl asked skipping and clutching her hands together imploringly – "Pleeeeeaaaaaaase!"

"Yes, you can" – Stannis sighed with a little smile on his face.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" – Shireen squealed as she hugged her father's waist again.

"Forgive me your lordship" – the old septa said meekly – "But lady Selyse has forbidden…"

"Has she?" – Stannis asked, lifting an eyebrow at the old woman who fell silent and lowered her eyes immediately – "Come along, child!"
Normally he would've respected his wife's orders, but not this time. It was pointless and just cruel to deprive the little girl of the once in a lifetime opportunity to see a real dragon, especially since Shireen had been obsessed with the beasts since she could talk.
Selyse's reason for forbidding Shireen to leave the castle was of course her wish to protect the girl form cruel japes and herself from embarrassment. But the child would have to face the world sooner or later and no one would even think of looking at her the wrong way when her father was around.

Shireen yelped with delight and darted for the gates. Stannis and Davos followed closely, feeling many pairs of eyes watching them with admiration and curiosity. Very few men have faced a fire – breathing beast and lived to tell the tale.

"Do you think the dragon could've laid eggs?" – Shireen asked, skipping happily at her father's side as they made their way through the deserted courtyard.

"No" – Stannis replied – "It was too young, only five years old. If my memory serves me right, dragons don't reproduce until they're at least fifty"

"How do you know that?" – the girl asked with surprise. She had never known her father to be even remotely interested in dragons. And he certainly never told her anything about them.

"Apparently your lord father knows a lot of things he prefers to keep to himself, my lady" – Davos said, sounding just a little hurt. Of course he knew Stannis to be a very closed off person, but still found it strangely wounding, that his friend never told him about the high valyrian and a lot of other things he was obviously hiding. He was sure Stannis had called him 'Rhaegar', when Davos was trying to wake him after the battle…

Stannis glanced back maliciously. Davos was his dearest friend, but he was dangerously close to treading into forbidden territory that no one was allowed to disturb.

"I believe I was told so by the Mad King when I was your age" – he answered – "And you, ser Davos, will spend the rest of the journey contemplating what I said earlier about your tongue"

"What else did he tell you?" – Shireen asked with peaked interest.

"Few things I hardly remember" – her father said evasively.

"But if you do remember, you will tell me, won't you?" – the child squeaked hopefully – "Please?"

"Very well" – Stannis sighed, silently cursing himself. He did not want to recall any of the memories that were tucked away carefully into the darkest depth of his mind, so he had absolutely no business saying anything to a smart and curious child. The little imp would surely find a way to fish some of them out, since she knew he could barely refuse her anything.

A sharp cold wind blew salt and smoke in their faces as Stannis, Davos and little Shireen came through the outer north gate. Storm clouds were starting to gather over Dragonstone and the sea grew more and more restless. But the spoiling weather was no obstacle for the enormous crowd that surrounded the long, gracile body of the dead dragon. It seemed like the whole island was gathered together to see a legend come to life. Gossip whirred through the air like a huge hive of bees and the onlookers fascinated curiosity was almost palpable. The sailors and some of the surviving garrison officers that stood sentry round the beast were more than happy to provide the crowd with detailed accounts of the battle. And since the field infirmary was less than a hundred yards away, several surgeons off duty were happy to add their penny to the tale.
The crowd parted and bowed respectfully as the lord of Dragonstone, whose nickname was promptly changed from 'Iron Stag' to 'Dragonslayer', walked slowly to the center of the circle flanked by his closest friend, recently dubbed the 'Scalding Onion' and his heir. Many eyes traveled involuntarily to the girl's unsightly, deformed face, but she didn't seem to mind. Like a little animal released from its cage, the child drank in every little detail of her surroundings greedily, her smart, shiny eyes travelling around the slopes, never settling for a moment.

When the trio finally reached the center of the circle, they were greeted deferentially by the guards and ladies Selyse and Melisandre, who were inspecting the dead beast curiously.
Selyse's face went sour the moment she saw Shireen dart to the dragon's muzzle, but one stern look from her husband was enough to persuade her to save the argument for later. Melisandre, on the other hand, smiled sweetly and congratulated the lord lavishly on his success. Her ardent speech caused a mighty cheer to erupt from the crowd that hailed the Lord Dragonslayer and his brave men as heroes worthy of legend.
Stannis acknowledged them calmly, never allowing his triumph to show. He had little regard for their enthusiasm, for he knew perfectly well that the rabble would've cheered just as loudly if he or any other man was about to be executed. But even Stannis couldn't help feeling almost euphoric from such a grand demonstration of people's love, especially since he wasn't at all used to it. He felt his heart soar with a proud sense of accomplishment, lifted to the Seventh Heaven by the thundering cheers.

"Move the beast into the outer northern courtyard. Or better still, as close to the armory as you can manage" – Stannis told Gregor Chandyll, commander of his amphibious infantry, who joined him in the center of the crowd along with other high naval officers as soon as they were able to get through – "Your men will stand sentry at all the gates and patrol the walls until the castle garrison is fully restored. Sentries change every three hours, patrol goes out every hour… you know the drill"

"Aye, my lord" – Chandyll nodded.

"And you lads" – Stannis said, turning to the survivors of the garrison – "Are off duty for the next week at least. If any of you wish a leave, it is granted. Report to me personally or to ser Davos"

"Thank you, my lord!" – the men bowed gleefuly.

"Shouldn't you move the injured into the castle" – he asked one of the surgeons – "There's a storm brewing"

"No, my lord. Ten men with lesser burns have been returned to their homes or to the barracks under supervision and the rest won't make it through the night. There's really no point…"

"Very well. Ladies, we're returning to the castle" – Stannis called, turned on his heels and began walking briskly through the newly formed live corridor. Little Shireen gave the dragon's muzzle one last parting stroke and ran after her father, closely by her mother, the priestess, Davos and a few officers.

"Oh, he was so beautiful!" – Shireen squealed cheerfully as they entered the inner courtyard - "He's just like Balerion the Dread, only smaller. It's such a shame you had to kill him."

"That dragon is a gift from the Lord of Light" – Selyse said piously – "And a blessing to our house"

"Blessing indeed" – Stannis snorted – "One hundred and fifteen of my best men were killed by the… beast. Some have been disfigured for life. Does that sound like a blessing to the two of you?"

"No" – Shireen answered meekly – "But he's still beautiful…"

"The beast is a blessing" – Selyse repeated calmly – "It was a gift, my lord, an answer to our prayers. An envoy of R'hollor who took the due sacrifices you were unwilling to give and a sign of happiness"

"It is true, my lord" – Melisandre said joyously – "The Lord of Light has heard our prayers and cast his light upon you and your family!"

"Have the two of you been preaching this malicious nonsense to the crowds as well?"- Stannis growled, gritting his teeth.

"It is the truth!" – Selyse said defiantly.

The officers, including Davos, scampered away quickly, sensing a horrible scandal about to explode in the lord's family.

"Shireen, go with Davos, he'll escort you to the keep" – Stannis hissed through his teeth.

He always did his best to watch his language and be respectful to his wife in front of their little daughter, but now he wasn't at all inclined to do either.

Had Selyse indeed gone completely mad, he thought. She may be a stupid, arrogant, prudish hysteric and a petty tyrant with no regard for people of lower rank whatsoever, but she was never cruel enough to burn people as a sacrifice or see death as a blessing. When in the seven hells did she sink so deep into such misconceived fanaticism?! And as for that manipulative little bitch of a priestess… perhaps she was much more of a threat than he initially thought.

"And what exactly were you praying for, if I may ask?" – Stannis snapped, trying his best to contain his temper.

"For you to believe" – Melisandre replied in a sweet, silky voice – "For the Lord to send proof of his powers to your lordship. For the glory of your house and for its future"

"Don't you see how highly the Lord of Light regards you, Stannis?" – Selyse smiled zealously – "You are indeed one of his chosen! Just think of it! A dragon, a mighty magical creature sent for you as living proof of His power!"

"I spit on his regard and on his gifts!" – Stannis replied contemptuously – "As I spit on the Seven and all the other stupid idols and their fairytales invented and repeated by blind morons, who'd rather blame the world than take responsibility!"

"How is a man such as you to be convinced if you refuse to see a miracle that was thrown right at your face!?"– Selyse shrieked, appalled by her husband's blasphemy.

"Thrown is a good word" – Stannis chuckled, remembering quite another miracle that was quite literally thrown at him. A very beautiful and charming one, even if it was horribly dangerous.

"Don't you understand that the lives of those pitiful nobodies have been claimed by the Lord to bring you glory and cleanse my womb?!" – Selyse continued shouting – "Now we will have a son, don't you see?! Or is even a miracle not enough to get you into our marriage bed?!"

"Those pitiful nobodies, as you call them, were my most loyal men and my best warriors!" – Stannis shouted back – "And if that's the kind of miracles that god of yours sends you, than I do not want any of his blessings, not even the son you promise me! And the blasted beast flew to Dragonmont because it's a dragon and that's what dragons do. And have done for centuries"

"Forgive me, my lord, but why now?" – Melisandre asked respectfully – "Why on the same night your lady wife and I and a thousand other men implored the great R'hollor to cast his light upon this island and its ruler? Surely you do not believe this was a mere coincidence? And surely you cannot deny the existence of magic and the Higher Power after fighting dragonfire?"

Stannis took a deep breath and paused for a moment. The woman's arguments were more than valid and not easy to get around. Did he believe in Higher Powers? Of course he did and he always would, but those powers were not at all the same as the various idols people all around the world prayed to. Did he believe in magic? He'd be a bloody fool not to! And he had learnt enough in his life, to know that there's no such thing as a coincidence, but the dragon's appearance most certainly had nothing to do with the fire – night…

"Whatever my beliefs may be, they do not concern you, my lady" – Stannis finally replied – "And you do not have any place in this conversation between man and wife"

"Of course, your lordship" – Melisandre bowed abjectly – "You are absolutely right. Please forgive my rudeness"

With that the beautiful priestess quickly floated away towards the keep gates.

"It is you who are the blind moron now!" – Selyse hissed maliciously – "Why must you be so stubborn, when I'm trying my best to be of service to you?! Why must you always refuse to do your duty as my husband? Why must you always defy me?!"

"I'm not defying you, Selyse, I'm trying to make you see reason" – Stannis huffed, rolling his eyes.

"Aren't you?!" – she spat – "Then why did you bring our daughter to see the beast, when you knew I had forbidden it?!"

"You forget yourself, woman!" – he answered angrily – "It is not for you to question my judgment. Shireen loves dragons and will most likely never get another opportunity to see one. What's the harm in indulging her natural curiosity?"

"You seem to forget, my dear husband, that it was your indulgence that ruined her life and made her the little monster that she is!" – Selyse replied spitefully – "I told you not to spoil the child, but you bought that doll for her anyway!"

Stannis could swear he felt the words strike a blow to his chest. That was a vile and cruel hit below the belt. He would have gladly ripped the woman's throat out for saying what she said, but the truth was, that she was horribly, mercilessly right…

"Never again will you insult my daughter, you bloody bitch!" – he hissed back, his piercing dark blue eyes burning with such fierce rage, Selyse couldn't help looking away in fear. This was the first time in ten years that she was actually afraid of him. They had fought countless times before, but never had she seen such relentlessness in her husband's gaze. And suddenly she knew an unknown line was crossed and there was no way back – "Do you hear me? Never!"

"She is my daughter too!" – she screamed desperately.

"Then you will do well to remember, that it is not greyscale that makes people monsters" – he said icily – "And don't you dare mention my duties to me again! My lady!"