If Daenerys was being honest, this all had been a little much for her. So much so that the second the violin ended and their feet stopped moving, she bowed low retreating immediately. Jon had done the same to not her surprise, as he made his way to his post with Charles, Sansa and Cersei. It wasn't until the end of their full half hour that the world came spinning back though, and that was the most unnerving of it all…
But immediately as the world came back so did her obligations and her duty. Dany remembered again how her brother would be expecting to see her soon. That it was very likely Mr. Drogo would also be interested in her company that evening… She also knew that Sansa would not be able to shut her mouth about what had happened, and found herself almost dreading the unavoidable conversation. If anyone knew it was strange— it was Dany, but she also knew Sansa would not let this one by without discussion.
Perhaps after some fresh air… Daenerys thought finally making her way to the terrace.
Sansa had indeed been watching the entire thing with mouth low in awe. What was happening had been far more clear to her than to either of the parties it concerned and when Jon walked to their circle, she wore a sly smile over her lips. Her next move would be to find Daenerys, of course. But, not before she said something to him first…
"You are quite the accomplished dancer, Mr. Snow. Why have you not exposed us to your expertise before the present?" She asked smiling wide, ignoring the face Miss Bingley had been wearing. Cersei had been glued in that face since Mr. Snow first approached Daenerys, and it was more than a little entertaining for her to watch.
Jon nodded short and quick as he often had, avoiding the gaze he felt heavy. "Much appreciated, Miss Stark."
"The two of you seemed to have enjoyed yourselves, Mr. Darcy." Cersei chimed in, her jealousy slipping off her every word; ending just as bitterly as she started. "I do not believe I have even had the pleasure of standing with you. Why is that?"
"My apologies, Miss Bingley." Jon said rather pointedly as he bow and make his exit; but not before burning his eyes into her like hot daggers.
Sansa figured this was as good a time as any to find her friend at last, and made her way shortly behind him in search of Daenerys. She should have probably done this immediately after the dance ended, had not her curiosity found the best of her- she would have. When Sansa made her way around the estate, she found Dany near the piano laughing carelessly with Jamie Lannister.
She may not have known the girl, or her father but everyone knew rumors of their family. Tywin Lannister was a very wealthy man, and had been in close correspondence with the Darcy's before their death. There were even some rumors linking him to their strange endings… But people talked when they were bored— even Sansa knew that. You could not believe every thing you heard.
One thing she did know for sure though was that Jon did not like the family, or the man. She had not been so fortunate to find out why however, and wondered now if she ever would. Seeing Dany with Jamie sent a strange feeling that she did not much enjoy, but after reminding herself of the silliness, she placed a wide smile across her lips and continued forward.
"Sansa! Where in the Seven have you been? I have been searching all around for you." Daenerys said as she stood from her seat hugging her tightly. They had seen each other but a few hours ago, but right now it felt more like an eternity had passed. "This here is my new friend, Miss Jamie Lannister."
Sansa smiled and nodded to Jamie offering a simple and proper greeting before grabbing Daenerys by both hands lightly, maybe slightly too pointedly. "I am terribly sorry about that, honest Dany— I was quite caught up with my father at the start, and then Mr. Snow came by after your dance…
There it is…
"Would you permit me to voice an opinion?" Sansa continued her voice and smile more innocent and juvenile than Dany had seen it in years.
Daenerys felt her cheeks growing flush with slight embarrassment. Just like she'd suspected Sansa did indeed want to discuss it. But truly, and utterly Dany did not… However she knew how persistent Sansa could be, and after a sigh she permitted her continue with a slight nod and eye rolling. "I am rather certain you shall no matter what I say of it. Be on with it then, before I realize my mistake and change my mind." Dany ended with a smile, squeezing Sansa's hands affectionately.
Jamie just watched, she didn't seem at all bothered by the sudden exclusion which surprised Sansa and Dany alike. She just smiled as she drank from her glass watching the two old friends converse, not a hint of eviction upon her.
"I dare say, my sweet friend... that Mr. Snow is rather fond of you." Sansa lowered her voice when she spoke, not to exclude Jamie further, but to close off the ears of those around them.
"It pains me to say that I must second your friend, he seems rather taken by you." Jamie offered smiling sweetly to Sansa as she step a little closer to them.
Sansa didn't want to return a smile at first, but figured she should be pleasant— it wasn't fair for her to judge the girl based off of things she'd heard about her. "Do not you see? Even Miss Jamie agrees... You simply cannot deny it further."
To say that Daenerys was a bit blindsided by the accosting would have been a slight understatement, but she had been used to these kinds of things at Dragonstone. Usually the topics were a bit more grim and dire… That and volumes tended to be slightly louder, but she knew how to deal with it all the same.
Only, the confusing part of their observation was that she didn't see what they claimed at all. She could only see before her a man that was vain, rude, arrogant… Cocky even. With the very occasional not so terrible moment... And as Daenerys think about it, she could see every reason Sansa and Jamie were wrong: She had tried to converse with him several times at the start of the dance to no avail. Their difference in class, education, position… it was all used by him at different times to show she was below him…
Daenerys did not care if he had asked for her hand tonight or any other night. She did not care for their ill suited suspicions either. Daenerys knew Jon Snow, and she knew them. If there was one thing she was sure of it was that he did not find her agreeable; and even if he had, she very definitely was not interested in a man like that.
"Do not you remember the first night I met him? I believe his words were, 'She is barely tolerable'... he spoke those words aloud to your expected betrothed, Sansa. I heard them with my own ears, I assure you. How is it you expect that I could see a thing outside of that? Jon Snow is most not fond of me. I assure you heartily and sincerely— he thinks himself better than me. Better than you… better than everyone."
"Perhaps it is not what you think it... Can not you forgive a little misguided pride?" Sansa asked, choosing her battle and sticking to it. She would not abandon it now, for she saw the way he looked at her. If Dany didn't want to admit it now, so be it. But Sansa herself would not be so quick to accept it as is.
The funny thing to Daenerys was that had this been posed to the person in question, his answer would have been undeniably a 'No'. Part of her own nature had been the same she realized when she looked to Sansa with lips tight and eyes set. "Maybe I could forgive his pride had he not shattered mine."
Sansa did not speak at first, she just look down at her friend; knowing that this would be the end of it— at least for now. But Sansa was smart enough to see that her friend was upset on other things... Upset because first thing in the morning, she would be sent back to Dragonstone Estate: then she'd likely begin courting shortly after. Sent off to marry some man she didn't know, and would likely never love…
"Let us leave the matter at hand be… For it is your final evening at Netherfield, shall we make the most of the time we have left?" Sansa smiled, trying her best to hide her own sadness that crept at her throat, squeezing higher each second.
"I certainly wish I could… Viserys will be expecting me by now. Perhaps the two of you could become better acquainted while I visit him? I won't be long— if I can help it." Daenerys ended with a pure smile as she remove one hand from Sansa placing it softly on her Jamie's shoulder.
When they nodded in agreement, Dany reluctantly set off in search of her brother. It didn't take long to find him; she'd know that shrill laughter anywhere and followed it down the hall to the snakily body it exited. He had been in the lounge with Mr. Drogo as she'd expected, alongside several other men and women alike including Mr. Lannister.
"Sister! Finally you have decided to grace us with your presence." Viserys voiced with a toothy smile, his white hair shining lightly in the candlelight and his cheeks a bright rose red.
Daenerys bowed and take a step forward as she force a soft smile. "Viserys… Ser." She finished bowing to the others in their immediate party, feeling more unease with each second.
"Are you enjoying the ball, my darling sister?" He asked leaning back into his chair next to Khal as he cross his leg at the ankle.
"It is quite lovely." Dany answered quick, hoping she could escape this nightmare sooner rather than later, filling with dread at the thought of returning home…
"Was that you I saw standing with Mr. Darcy?" Tywin spoke suddenly, standing slightly behind the others. He seemed to be there more as an observer than as one to participate, but here he was offering his words forward like scripture.
Dany swallowed, offering another forced smile. "Indeed, Ser, it was." When she looked to him this time, she searched her brain trying to remember that emblem... How their families were connected… Switching her eyes to Viserys she wondered if Tywin had give him the same speech he'd given her, and felt that sudden pang of suspicion spreading like ink in water.
"I would be mindful around that one were I were you, Miss Bennet. He has a very notable reputation." Tywin was unblinking as he stare her down decidedly.
That is when she remembered who the Lannister's were… What they did…
"A reputation, you say? Would you care to enlighten me… Is it somewhere closer to your families or mine?" She asked, suddenly feeling defensive of Mr. Snow and angered by her realization.
But even in that protective mode she had entered, Dany found herself wondering what exactly the reputation Mr. Lannister had been alluding to was.
Of course Mr. Drogo just laughed loudly, enjoying her fiery display yet again. Seconds after the other men joined in heartily, only not Tywin. He simply smiled at her, letting one small laugh leave before finishing his drink.
"If you are not careful, you may find out soon enough. Then perhaps it will be you to enlighten us."
Daenerys didn't like the look Tywin gave her then, and felt a sick like slime starting from her toes encasing her beneath it. She breathe almost heavily in place with hands locked together tightly, turning white from the pressure she placed on her slender fingers. Dany opened her mouth to speak, but before she could the door to the lounge had opened once more and in came Mr. Snow.
Jon walked quickly and he looked rather irritated… more irritated that usual if you could believe it. Had he heard what had happened? If he had you couldn't tell, and he walked straight up to Daenerys bowing sharply. His eyes didn't leave hers as he quickly asked her to join him for the next dance. Dany's jaw dropped as the soft sighs left the mouths around them. She didn't look to Viserys because she knew if she did he would silently force her to deny.
Instead she nodded once then followed him out of the room in a silence so dark you could almost hear the rage bubbling.
