Author's Notes: Welcome back to The Dragon's Roar! Thank you all so much for your patience and your continued support of this fic. I can't tell you how much I appreciate everything you lovely readers do.

Regarding Discord: I've decided to approach the Discord invite differently. For every chapter, I will post a Discord invite and I will allow it to remain open for one week. So I will manually cancel it the Saturday after posting. Hopefully, this will allow people who are interested in the Discord but don't read the update immediately to get an invite!

Last week I updated the Prologue with a better-edited chapter. It was brought to my attention that those who use the FFN app, will get a notification. So I want to warn everyone who uses the FFN app that you will receive more update notifications for the long term because TDR will be getting a fresh coat of paint.

I owe my everlasting gratitude to Catzrko0l who continues to be beta for this story and be an absolute boss. Thank you!

Chapter 88

Daenerys

She sat patiently in front of her mirror as Missandei braided her hair. She had dearly missed warm baths after months on the ocean with lukewarm seawater, but the handmaids King Aemon had assigned to her had irritated her with how busy and delicate they were. She thought she had made it clear she wanted just her Handmaids, but the King seemed to think she wanted them in addition. They tiptoed around her as if they expected her to feed them to her dragons, but were simultaneously terrified of her lifting a finger to do anything for herself at all. She was going to see about having them dismissed the first moment she saw King Aemon. Missandei, Jhiqui, Irri, and Doreah were enough for her and they had been through the very best and the very worst. She could trust them.

Upon thinking of King Aemon, her thoughts turned to the night before. As they were family, she was seated next to him with Lord Tyrion on his other side. Much to her disappointment, the Kingslayer was present but he was seated at another table next to a large, broad woman. She had noticed him glancing up at the main table periodically through the night, but his eyes seemed to be more for King Aemon than for her. Anytime she caught him looking their way, he very carefully kept from locking eyes with her when he turned away. She wasn't sure if she was relieved or annoyed by it.

Daenerys had mentioned her dissatisfaction with the Kingslayer being there. Aemon had replied with clear exasperation, "Lord Jaime Lannister is a member of my small council and one of my most powerful allies. He cannot be banned from everything. I'm sorry, Aunt Daenerys, but you will have to grow used to his presence for the time being. He won't speak to you if you don't want him to, but he has a place here as much as you do."

She nodded, but she knew her displeasure was more than evident. She was perfectly aware that she was unlikely to be able to avoid the Kingslayer forever, but it churned her stomach with nausea to eat in the presence of her father's murderer. To King Aemon's credit, he did keep her distracted through most of the evening so that she barely had time to take notice of him.

Daenerys herself had explained much of her history to King Aemon and a few of the other surrounding guests. Prince Oberyn, Lord Stark, Robb Stark, and Lady Margaery all listened with a keen interest. She noticed Lady Margaery wince at parts, most notably when she had initially married the Khal, then when her son was stillborn, and finally when Drogo had died. Unlike most of the men, who were intrigued more than concerned, she could appreciate that Lady Margaery had empathy for her womanly plights, especially since she noticed Margaery's hand slip to her own belly and hovered there protectively.

She was vague in the details, neglecting to mention that her brother had been the cause of her son being stillborn. She spoke of her relationship with Drogo in neutral terms and stated his death without emotion, but she had the feeling King Aemon must have seen something in her face because he became troubled.

"I am so sorry to hear of these trials, Aunt Daenerys. I had hoped that you and my uncle were content as could be. Of course there had to be difficulties, but so many in such a short amount of time ...," he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"I have suffered," Daenerys had replied, but I do not dwell on it. I have become like forged steel. I know my strengths and I play to them."

King Aemon had grimaced at her words, but did not reply.

"Your story is like a song from legend," Prince Oberyn had said. "I thank you for relaying it. It is wondrous that you were able to hatch dragons of your own, and far sooner than His Grace hatched his. I wonder …."

"Oh?" Daenerys prodded.

Prince Oberyn's mouth twisted into a half-smile and he said, "You ought to speak with Archmaester Marwyn. I have no doubt he will be interested in your dragons. They are a study of his. He knows much that was lost from the time dragons were alive until their prior extinction."

Daenerys had raised her eyebrows and said, "He sounds like a font of information."

"That he is, Princess."

She had considered asking Prince Oberyn after Princess Elia Martell, but felt it was not the occasion to broach a likely painful topic and instead began to inquire about Dorne. Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah had both spoken to her about how women were not excluded from birthright there compared to the rest of Westeros and that they were often given leeway to learn fighting. She considered asking for lessons with a dagger. She didn't want to solely rely on her dragons or her guard for protection should it come to it. She wondered if King Aemon would have an adverse reaction to her learning how to fight.

Before Daenerys had retired for the evening, she'd insisted that Ser Jorah and a few of her Unsullied take her to the godswood. She had called out into the night, "My children, I am here! Come to me!" It had taken a few calls, but then she heard their plaintive cries as they swooped low and alighted on the ground. She sat down and Rhaellon rushed in, putting her head in her lap looking for scratches. Drogon acted more dignified, but similarly nudged Daenerys' shoulder to encourage petting.

"I've missed you, children," she had murmured, scratching their brows and around where their ear slits would be. It had wounded her that she could not keep her dragons in her rooms, but it had been the same on the ship. They were starting to reach sizes that even the Red Keep of King's Landing was not built to accommodate. Although they were the size of dogs, their wings made them clumsy and ungainly in such confined spaces. She had weaned them of her presence on the ship, and she would continue with the same distance in the Red Keep. In the morning, she would inquire about the Dragonpit King Aemon had mentioned to her. For that night, the godswood was safe enough.

Daenerys had awakened at an early hour to start the day. There was much to be done and she hoped King Aemon wouldn't dally. As Missandei was doing her hair, a knock came at her door. One of her Unsullied called, "A message for Khaleesi."

After a moment, Missandei returned with a folded-up parchment, which ended up being a summons for breaking fast with King Aemon himself.

She accepted and was soon walking down the halls of King's Landing with Ser Jorah and Aggo in tow. At that hour, the only ones roaming the halls were servants and they curtsied or bowed as she came upon them, some of them carrying dishes about. She was led into a side chamber where she was pleased and surprised to find a small balcony overlooking Blackwater Bay. A cloth awning was stretched overhead to keep the sun off their faces and it was set high up enough that there was no evidence of the pervasive foul smell that had permeated the docks and streets of King's Landing.

King Aemon was already seated as she entered and he smiled at her, rising to his feet and offering her a courteous nod. "My Lady. I hope you slept well."

"I did," she replied, though she was distracted by Rhaegal. The table was large enough for a party of a dozen or more, but King Aemon had taken a seat at one end and her table setting had been set opposite him for a more intimate meal. Rhaegal was near at hand, already digging into his own plate of cooked meat. He squawked and chirped at her entrance. She smiled indulgently, but knew better than to get between a dragon and its food. "You are most kind, Your Grace."

He cocked his head at her. "You're family. This is your home too. I hope with time you will come to feel more like family than a guest."

"Of course, Your Grace. It's just that I have been so long in Essos that many of your customs are alien to me. I imagine I will grow comfortable with time."

He nodded. "Please call me Aemon."

"And you may call me Daenerys."

They began the meal. "Are you finding everything to your satisfaction?" he asked.

She hesitated, but then said, "I mean no offense, but I find the handmaidens here bothersome. I have my own handmaidens and I would prefer that they be the only ones to attend me. We have many moons together already and I am comfortable with them."

Daenerys watched him closely, but he only nodded. "Very well, I will let them know. I thought they might help you acclimate to the Red Keep. Would a guide be more sufficient? Someone who can assist in explaining Westerosi customs and inform you of the Red Keep."

"I have been relying on Ser Jorah for that," Daenerys replied.

"Forgive me, but while I am sure Ser Jorah is knowledgeable on many things, he is still a northerner who fled from his home country a decade past. If you're not familiar, the North is rather detached from the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. The two are very different with their own customs and traditions," King Aemon replied. For a moment he appeared disheartened, "I'm still learning about the south even now."

"Interesting," she said. "I cannot deny you raise a good point. I will accept a guide then." They were quiet for a time and then Daenerys said, "I told you my story the previous night. I would very much like to hear yours."

King Aemon was startled. "Did Ser Barristan say nothing?"

She chuckled. "Yes, he did. He told me a great deal, but I wanted to hear it straight from you."

King Aemon distractedly tapped his fork against his plate. "Hmm … where to start …?"

"The beginning is ideal."

He snorted. "Very well. It started when King Robert rode north to Winterfell to ask my uncle, Lord Eddard Stark, to be Hand to the King. Lord Jaime accompanied them as a Kingsguard. He's the one who told me of my heritage first."

Daenerys immediately felt a stab of annoyance. "Lord Jaime? Ser Barristan said that Lord Stark told you."

King Aemon blinked. "Did he? Well, my uncle confirmed it, but Lord Jaime was the first one to tell me the truth."

"And why would he be so interested?"

King Aemon's face was drawn but resolute. "Don't think I don't understand your animosity. I know how this must look. I promise you that Lord Jaime can be trusted as an ally to House Targaryen."

"He may be an ally to you, but he is not to me," Daenerys snapped. She closed her eyes and reined in her temper. "I apologize, but I do not see how you can dare trust him."

"I know why he killed King Aerys II Targaryen," King Aemon said solemnly. "And I hope, before long, that you will too. But not yet."

"And do you think any action can justify kingslaying?"

"I do."

Daenerys blinked, taken aback, her mouth open in surprise. She nearly expected King Aemon to burst into laughter and declare he was having a jape. It would be less surprising than the sincerity with which he stared at her.

"There are some lines even a king should never cross. And I will leave it at that. I cannot make you like Lord Jaime and I certainly cannot make you trust him. But he will never harm you. He will never harm our dragons. He came to me in Winterfell and confessed my origins with every intention of seeing me seated on the throne. He took me as a squire so that I would be close at hand when the time came to claim the throne. That had been our original plan: to bide our time, wait, and watch to strike. And then his sister committed an unspeakable crime against him and they both found themselves on the executioner's block. I could not allow King Robert Baratheon to behead my single greatest champion. I interceded and convinced my uncle to help me take the throne in that moment instead."

There was quiet save for the sound of Rhaegal continuing to feast on his platter of cooked meat. Daenerys watched King Aemon closely, a forkful of food forgotten in midair. He stared unseeing at the table.

"I never thought it would happen so quickly."

"That sounds like the right moment found you."

"So it did." He began chuckling, but stopped almost immediately. A thought appeared to have come to him and he began glaring at the table. Finally, he looked up and said, "My apologies. It is nearly time for our small council meeting. Are you ready?"

She nodded. King Aemon held out his left hand for Rhaegal to climb onto his shoulder and then offered her his right arm. The two kingsguard fell into step on Aemon's side; Aggo and Ser Jorah fell into step on her side. The two sets of guards eyed each other like territorial dogs, but neither made a move against one another. She noticed one fellow had a nasty burn on half his face and was eying Rhaegal warily. The other man was young and offered her a brief smile and a curt nod.

The council chambers were a simple walk across the grounds, but everyone stopped to watch them and she wondered at what a sight they must make. He with his dragon and she with her silver hair that shined like a single white rose in a bed of red. Lady Olenna and Lord Velaryon were already present. They both stood from their seats, but Daenerys noticed that Lady Olenna was not particularly quick about it.

"You may sit," King Aemon said and turned to her. "Feel free to choose whichever seat you like." She settled next to him. Rhaegal crawled across his shoulders to extend his neck out to her and she obliged, scratching the scales under his chin.

A thumping sound drew their attention. Lord Tyrion Lannister and Lord Willas Tyrell walked through the door, the second with the aid of his cane. A squire followed them with a sheaf of documents and set them on the table for Lord Willas. A few minutes later, Ser Barristan and another Kingsguard strode into the room, accompanied by Grey Worm and Captain Lucia. The captain caught her eye and grinned outrageously, showing a gold tooth. Daenerys returned the smile, though it was strained.

"I believe that's everybody," King Aemon said.

"Your Grace," Captain Lucia said. Her tone was mocking and her bow was half-hearted at best. She collapsed into her chair. She seemed to consider putting her feet on the table—a bad habit of hers—but thought better of it for once.

Daenerys dug her fingernails into her own hand in irritation. Another three months at sea had shown her the captain's true colors and she was ready to be rid of her, but she refused to be known as someone who did not fulfill promises. She hoped King Aemon could overlook the disrespect. She noticed that Lord Velaryon, the Master of Ships, was already glaring at the captain.

"Captain Lucia of the house Hardy, I understand you lent a fleet of your ships to bear Princess Daenerys and her Unsullied here to Westeros. I thank you for that service," King Aemon replied. "Princess Daenerys has mentioned that you are still owed payment. Was there any agreement about how much payment is owed?"

"I made no such specifications," Daenerys began. "However, nearly every bit of treasure owned by the Masters in Astapor went to Captain Lucia."

"A bit difficult to put a value on," Lady Olenna said. "With all due respect, Captain Lucia, you sound amply compensated."

Captain Lucia slammed her fist on the table. "The Mother of Dragons promised me payment and I will be compensated."

"And what exactly do you think is owed to you?" Aemon asked. His face remained calm, but Daenerys thought she could see a spark of fire in his eyes and the tone of his voice had dropped lower. Rhaegal hissed at Captain Lucia.

The captain seemed distracted by the dragon, and a pleased smile began growing on her face that Daenerys did not like. "Fifty thousand gold dragons," she said.

Lady Olenna actually snorted with laughter.

"No," King Aemon replied. "You've already been paid a substantial sum in treasure. We are willing to offer you a reward because Princess Daenerys insists upon it."

Captain Lucia sneered, "Shall I spread rumors around the world that the new Targaryen king isn't good for coin?"

"Only if you're determined to make yourself the fool. There are not many who would honor a deal with pirates and this is a bargain we did not strike," Lady Olenna said haughtily.

It took every ounce of control Daenerys had not to wince. It was a suspicion she'd held for some time, but it pained her to realize she had associated herself with cutthroats and thieves of such caliber. I did what I had to do, she told herself and steeled her resolve. Although it had been tenuous at times, she had easily been able to keep the peace and there had been few incidents.

"You're fortunate we won't hang the lot of you," Lord Velaryon bellowed.

Captain Lucia bared her teeth and leaped to her feet, pulling out her sword. Grey Worm, the Kingsguard, Ser Jorah, Aggo, and King Aemon also pulled their swords. The Kingsguard, her guard, and Grey Worm had theirs leveled but King Aemon kept his at his side.

"Lord Velaryon, you will hold your tongue! I have no intention of putting either you or your men to death for merely being a pirate, Captain. You will not be so lucky should any crimes be committed by you and yours in the city. You did the Seven Kingdoms and Princess Daenerys a service. She promised you further payment and we will provide it, but it will be within reason. Ten thousand gold dragons and enough food for all of your ships to return to Essos. That is my offer, take it or leave it," King Aemon said.

The tension was palpable and Daenerys dearly wish she had a weapon of her own to keep the captain at bay. It would have to be enough that the wide table stood between her and Captain Lucia. Though the sneer was still present on her face, her eyes darted around at the swords in front of her.

"Just try it, cunt," the scarred Kingsguard said, his face twisted in a snarl.

"Hound." It was a single curt word, but the man eased ever so slightly.

She finally nodded grudgingly and sheathed her sword. King Aemon followed suit, but the Kingsguard were not so magnanimous and kept their naked steel visible.

"Good. Payment will be arranged and you will be allowed to leave unmolested. Return and we will not be so generous," King Aemon said. He made a gesture and one of the Kingsguard went to open the door. A soldier with the Stark direwolf sigil on his breast walked in. "Please escort Captain Lucia back to her ship."

"Your Grace," the soldier said.

The captain's expression was pure murder, but she allowed herself to be corraled out of the room.

Everyone's breath let out at once as soon as the door closed. King Aemon kneaded his forehead for a moment and then said, "When can payment be arranged?"

"As you are aware, Your Grace, the Kingdom's coffers are thin. Lord Baelish squandered and squirreled much like the rat he was. I am still chasing down the avenues he used," Lady Olenna said with a huff.

"You sent the letters to the Iron Bank about seizing his accounts?"

"Yes, Your Grace, but it could still be some time before we hear any information regarding the amounts, assuming the Iron Bank doesn't just take it for themselves at the news."

"It could damage their reputation to treat the gold in their accounts so disdainfully," Lord Velaryon insisted.

"Perhaps, but I have learned never to doubt the greed and avarice of those who are only in pursuit of gold," Lady Olenna replied.

"We cannot make such assumptions just yet. Keep a weather eye out for a letter from the Iron Bank. As for now, what can we pay Captain Lucia so we can be shut of her?" King Aemon asked.

"Unfortunately, Your Grace, we only have the funds to spare two thousand dragons a month at present. House Tyrell would be willing to cover the cost to be rid of these pirates."

Aemon sighed. "The crown should be able to manage its own accounts! We still owe House Lannister and the Iron Bank an enormous debt. I'm not sure I agree with adding yet another debtor."

"Your Grace, we do not want pirates stinking up our shores for five months. They will not leave until they have been paid in full," Lord Velaryon said.

"There will be problems, Your Grace. They will thieve, cutpurse, and cause further brawls. They will turn King's Landing into a hellhole. Well … more of a hellhole than it already is."

Daenerys felt a building unease at Lady Olenna's description of the city her ancestors had founded for their rule. Granted, most of the cities in Essos carried a similar stink that only seemed to stop at the edge of the boundaries for the city's nobility. What had befallen the city her family had founded? For the time being, she watched and waited.

"Very well. A compromise: House Tyrell can supplement an extra fifteen hundred in Gold Dragons for two months and an extra one thousand Gold Dragons for the third month."

Lady Olenna wrinkled her nose. "Make it two months. We'll supplement the crown with six thousand Gold Dragons. I want these ruffians gone."

King Aemon frowned, but relented. "Two months." He turned to Lord Willas. "I expect you to see about increasing the Gold Cloak patrols. Make sure the pirates are behaving while in the city. Princess Daenerys?" She turned to Aemon. "I would ask that your Unsullied be integrated with the Gold Cloaks. They would stay in the barracks and essentially become a part of the city's watch."

"They are my Unsullied, not ours. I would prefer this not be considered a permanent arrangement for the time being."

"Will that remain the case after you marry?" Lady Olenna said.

Daenerys felt the anger rise at Lady Olenna's pointed look. I am surprised they restrained themselves this long.

"We only follow the Khaleesi," Grey Worm plainly stated.

"Lady Olenna, Princess Daenerys' betrothal is not a topic of discussion for today. She's only just arrived! Let her get settled," King Aemon snapped back.

"Your Grace, the North and the Riverlands will be heading out in a matter of weeks. Half the kingdom won't be present for your marriage if you wait too long. We need an answer."

"And you will get one," Daenerys said curtly, "when I have a ready answer, but not till then."

"Princess Daenerys, it was by your own hand that the Unsullied have come to be with you. You will retain your control over them," Aemon said.

Lord Velaryon opened his mouth to object, but King Aemon held his hand up and shook his head. He obediently fell silent.

This seems almost too accommodating, she thought. But it seemed King Aemon was determined to make nice with her, perhaps in an attempt to show how amicable he could be in a marriage. She would have to do some digging to ensure he was not hiding a vile side. Lady Olenna made it clear that her answer regarding marriage would be expected soon, so she pushed the thought aside to focus. "Very well, I will allow the Unsullied to become a part of the Gold Cloaks with the stipulation that they can be removed from this service at my order."

"It will be so." Aemon gave Lord Willas and look, who quickly wrote the order, King Aemon said, "I believe that was everything on our agenda today."

There was a murmur of assent and he said, "Dismissed then."

Once Daenerys stood, she went over to Grey Worm. "I expect you to work with King Aemon and his men to accommodate all of you. Let me know if there are any issues."

"Yes, Khaleesi," Grey Worm said with a short bow and was gone.

King Aemon waited for her at the door and fell into step beside her. "I am sorry that the marriage proposal was brought up in our council. I had no intention of rushing you, but small councils are intended to represent the kingdom's concerns and—"

"The kingdom demands an heir," she finished.

He gave her a sheepish look. "I will not push the matter. I have another meeting I must go to. Ser Torrhen, would you escort Princess Daenerys wherever she needs for the afternoon?"

"Of course, Your Grace."

She frowned.

"You are part of the royal family and I insist that one of my last remaining family members has the necessary protection," he replied with a crooked smile.

Ser Torrhen was a perfectly amiable person who fell into step just behind her, but his presence felt alien. Her Bloodriders and Ser Jorah did not yet know the layout of the Red Keep and she would likely have to put her trust in the Kingsguard until she did. Even then, she had to stop for a moment until Ser Torrhen pointed her in the right direction.

As soon as she arrived, she found an invitation to dinner from House Tyrell. She closed her eyes and sighed internally. This better not be a lecture about our duty to marriage or I may just walk out. It was going to be a long day.

Author's Notes:

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