Chapter 15:
A/N: I'm back!!!! So, I'm leaving for the summer in a few weeks and I might not be able to update any of my stories until September (cringe). I will, however, continue writing (hopefully finishing the stories or getting really far with them) so that when I do get back I can update daily (fingers-crossed). So, adieu for now and have a great summer all!
Meereen hadn't reacted to Ashley's decision unanimously. Some factions of the city still believed in the slave masters and their iron fist rule. No matter how hard Ashley tried to change that opinion it never seemed to work. Ser Barristan had told her that it would take years, centuries even, to finally remove what damage the slave masters had left behind. Most though, were glad. It gave them something tangible to hold onto. Something they could see every day as Ashley made her rounds through the city, Spencer at her side once again. One thing that Ashley found difficult to accept was the legal side of ruling a city. Taxes, jurisdictions, lords seemingly coming out of the sea with the intent of courting her. She had been moved to ordering her bloodriders to escort some of those gracious lords back to their horses and out of her city. It had amused her bloodriders but Ashley was beginning to lose her patience with all these suitors. As if dealing with Daario's sly glances was not enough, these men had decided she was not young enough or strong enough to rule so she must have a king by her side. She had seen that it amused Spencer to no end at first but as the throng of suitors increased she could sense Spencer's patience wear out as well.
This off course was accompanied by the game of thrones, something she had encountered on a small scale but which Ser Barristan had insisted that she learn and learn fast. It seems as though Westeros was built of the game and if she had any hope of reigning for longer than her victory on the battlefield, this was a game she had to master.
"Rakharo that is enough for today. If I see one more man intending to woo me over again today it shall be his last, understood?"
"Yes Khaleesi." Rakharo replied with a smile. Curse them, she thought, they are enjoying this a little too much.
Spencer waited until the bloodriders had left before approaching Ashley with some spiced wine. It seemed as though heat was a permanent status in Meereen. "Who knew ruling a city would be so tiring."
"Someone should have mentioned that to me before I decided to do this."
"And you suitors? The end does not seem in sight."
"No," Ashley sighed. "It does not. It's as though every time I turn one down, three more decide they can do better."
"Maybe you should be less gracious in your refusals."
"No. That would not do. I need to keep them allied to me. Though if I wanted I could wipe them all out with half my army. That would be a waste though, of resources." Ashley sipped her wine. "Speaking of suitors, have you none?"
"Me? I do not have time for such."
"Surely you must have considered it. After all you were betrothed to that boy on my throne, were you not?"
"Not by choice. More out of duty than anything else. Robert…the Usurper felt we would be a good match and so it was."
"So no one here has approached you?"
"There have been a few."
"And?"
"None of them seem to have more than brute strength. It's as though their wisdom was replaced by muscle instead."
Ashley laughed out loud at that. "Yes, it does seem that way doesn't it. When you look ahead do you not see yourself with anyone?"
Spencer hesitated, something Ashley would have missed if she had not been watching her handmaid…no friend, more closely. "I do."
"That is all you are going to say? No description, no whereabouts, nothing at all?"
"It is not as important right now."
"Spencer," Ashley reached out. "I'd like to think we have overcome many things by now, such as a hesitancy to speak the truth. Can you not tell me now? As your friend?"
"When I sit and look to the future I see a manor. Like my home in Winterfell, sometimes bigger, sometimes smaller. There is a river by it, always. And a red door. I know...I feel that behind that door is someone who has my heart. I used to dream about it but whenever I opened the door, I would awaken." I can never tell you that when I opened the door I would see children running out to meet me, followed by a woman I could never recognise until I met you.
"I hope you find that person one day Spencer and I hope I will be there to see it all unfold, the tale of your love." A red door.
"And you Khaleesi? What do you see?"
"Forgive me Khaleesi but there are things we must address." Ser Barristan said as he walked in followed by Jhogo and Daario. Ashley did not miss Spencer's eyes narrow as the Dothkari men walked in and she was certain that was because of Daario's presence.
"What is it, Ser?"
"Yunkai and Astapor." The old knight replied.
"Yes. I have not forgotten Yunkai's treachery. Jhogo if I send you with some of the Unsullied will you give me back the city?"
"Those dogs will be crushed under my foot, Khaleesi." The Dothkari man smiled, his bloodlust showing.
"Daario accompany him. I want the matter resolved quickly. And make sure that there will be no repeat of such mutiny again. Do not, hear me now, do not take any one as your prize. You know my feelings on such matters. Take the city and bring it under my control again. Go."
"Yes Khaleesi." The two bloodriders left, leaving the old knight with his concerns.
"And Astapor? Have you considered the butcher king's generous offer?" The old man asked with a small smile.
"Are you mocking me, Ser?" Ashley smiled.
"No, Your Grace. Your humble servant is just curious as to what your response will be."
"Find Brown Ben. Let him be my envoy to this king in Astapor. Let him know that he may call himself a king but he is under my command. If he rebels, we shall take the city from him and we shall place him back in his butcher. Make sure he understands that Ser."
"Yes, Your Grace. But why Brown Ben?"
"Because he lacks decorum. He will state my orders plainly and clearly with no fear of etiquette. Fitting for a butcher king, do you not agree?"
"I do. It shall be done as you wish. I take my leave."
Ashley watched as Ser Barristan left her throne room. "I had dreams once. It would always be fleeting glances of someone I knew I could and probably would love if I ever met them. I did see children once too, but that now seems to be an impossibility."
"Why is that?" Spencer answered. She had thought Ashley had forgotten their conversation.
"I had a child once." Ashley said as she placed a hand on her womb. "I lost him so my dragons became my children."
"But surely there is still a chance."
"Maybe, maybe not. For now I shall concentrate on regaining my kingdom. Then, and only then, will I think upon my past dreams." I saw you then Spencer, only you.
"Then I also hope I shall be there to see that tale as well Khaleesi."
"Ashley," Ashley said. "I think you should call me Ashley again, don't you? Come, let us go and see what my children have gotten up to today."
Spencer could not hide the smile that wanted to light up her face. She did not see Ashley smile the same smile.
"And maybe once they are big enough, you and I shall take a ride into the heavens." Ashley announced.
The Spashley increases as time goes by.