"It's a beautiful day Dany." Thomas sighed.
"That it is." Dany smiled towards him. They were currently sitting on a small outcropping overlooking the sea. In the distance Rhaegal and Viserion were flying around while Drogon was content to have Dany rub his head. They were currently waiting for the army to be ready to march. Having left Yunkai a few days ago they were expecting to be at Meereen's gates in a few days.
"I could sit here all day watching them fly." Thomas smiled as the two far off dragons seemed to play with each other.
"If only we didn't have places to go we could." Dany replied wistfully. "Just you, me and our children." Her eyes shone brightly as she imagined it.
"Our children?" Thomas asked, surprised.
"Yes, you and I have raised them. It is you I trust most with them and you who I would be lost without." Dany glanced at him and noticed his flushed appearance. "Thomas you do realize how dear to me you are right?" She asked.
"Yeah it just caught me off guard. That's all." He flushed red as he glance away. Dany giggled before leaning against him, putting her head on his shoulder. A few screeches drew their attention out towards the sea where they saw the two dragons flying back towards them.
"They got something." Thomas muttered. Dany looked and a goat was dropped a few feet in front of them. "And it's dead." Thomas wiped some blood form his face. Rhaegal and Viserion soon landed and started fighting over the corpse. Drogon who had gotten up screeched before joining in. Dany smiled slightly before reaching down to try and calm them.
"Hush now." She uttered before reeling back as Drogon snarled at them.
"They're dragon's Khaleesi." Jorah spoke from behind them. "They cannot be tamed. Not even by their mother."
"But Rhaegal is so good with Thomas. Why isn't Drogon that way with me?" Dany muttered.
"They are getting older Dany. Rhaegal hasn't spent as much time with me as he used to. They are becoming independent, like all children do." Thomas quickly helped Dany stand.
"The army is ready and waiting Khaleesi." Jorah coughed. Both teens nodded before following him down, leaving the dragons to their food.
Arriving in front of the army both teens noticed Dario and Grey Worm were missing.
"Ser Barristan." Dany greets the old knight.
"Your grace."
Looking around questioningly she turned to Missandei. "I don't see Grey Worm or Daario. Where are they?"
"Gambling your grace." Missandei answers, a slight smile across her face.
"What does grey Worm possibly have to gamble?" Thomas asked befuddled.
"Let's go find out." Dany moved forward and he and Missandei followed suit.
About 30 minutes later they arrived in front of the two gamblers. "How long have they been at it?" Dany asked.
"Since midnight your grace." Missandei answered.
"Grey Worm has put up a wonderful fight. But I can see his arms starting to shake." Daario smirked as he saw victory before him.
"What caused you two to gamble like this?" Thomas asked.
"We both wish to ride next to our beautiful queen. Sadly only one of us can do that." Daario winked at Dany who rolled her eyes. Thomas glared at him while Grey Worm snarled.
"That honor belongs to Thomas and Ser Jorah as they don't waste my time with stupid contests. You will both be riding at the back of the column." Dany turned to go before stopping and turning back. "The last one to hold their sword will walk barefoot all the way to Meereen." Walking away they heard both sword fall to the ground.
Thomas chuckled. "Well done your grace. I think they shit themselves." Dany giggled slightly while Missandei blanched at his language.
"I doubt it, now come on. We have a city to take." Dany took his arm and leaned against him as they walked back to the front.
*2 hours later*
Standing on a cliff overlooking the bay Dany talked to Missandei about Meereen. Thomas had wondered off claiming he wanted to check something out. She wished he had stayed to experience this view with her though. If there was one good thing about her exile it was the places she had been able to see. There was also Thomas but she liked to believe they would have found each other regardless of situation. Sighing as she overlooked the sea she failed to notice Daario approach until he was next to her. Hiding the irritation that tried to show on her face she regarded him with a cold expression.
"I thought I ordered you to ride in the back of the column." Dany growls out.
"I have come to discuss a matter of strategy with you." Daario tries to reason.
Dany exhales forcefully before turning to Missandei. "GO fetch Thomas. If it is a matter of strategy he should here this too." She did not miss the annoyed look that crossed Daario's face.
"At once your grace." Missandei bowed before leaving.
Daario soon held up a blue rose. "The Dusk rose." He held it out to her.
"Would you like to walk at the back?" Dany rolled her eyes. While she thought he was attractive, his constant attempts at flirting were quickly annoying her. She turned to walk away when he presented her with another.
"This one is Lady's Lace." Dany glanced at the flower disinterested.
"Would you like to be dragged by a horse?" She threatened in the distance she could see Thomas riding over towards her.
"He put the flower behind his back before changing tact. "You have to know a land if you are going to rule it." He noticed Dany tilt her head slightly indicating that she was listening. "You should know its plants, rivers cities, people and their tradition. Dusk Rose makes tea that cures a fever. Everyone knows that, especially the slaves who make it. If you want them to follow you, then you have to become a part of their world." Holding up another flower she finally stopped and gave him all her attention. "Harpies gold, can't make tea, it's poisonous. But still so beautiful." Handing her the small assortment of flowers he gave her his best smile before wandering off. Thomas glared down at him as he approached but smiled at Dany when he got off his horse.
"You wished to see me your grace?" He bowed slightly before noticing the flowers and stiffened.
"Yes, it seems Daario can flirt and strategize at the same time." Dany did not miss the way he tensed when he saw the flowers. 'He's jealous?!' She had to refrain herself from giggling. For some reason the thought a Thomas being jealous filled her with a small sense of satisfaction and happiness. Deciding to ponder these emotions later she pressed on. "Daario was just informing me on these flowers and what makes them special. He said that in order to rule the people I need to be a part of their world. Would you agree?"
Thomas's face scrunched up as he thought. She couldn't help but think it was very cute. "It would appear the mercenary does indeed have a brain on his shoulders." Thomas said begrudgingly.
"You don't like him?" Dany asked.
"I don't truly trust him Dany." Thomas sighed. "He was a sell sword who betrayed his commanders for a pretty face. No offence." Dany simply raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "While it sounds romantic, it doesn't say much for his character. In my opinion at least."
"Thank you for your counsel Thomas." Dany nudged his shoulder with hers. Why don't we ride up front together?" Just as she finished the question her army came to a halt. "What's happening?"
"Let's go find out." Thomas grabbed her hand and they jogged forward.
*front of column*
"There is one at every mile marker from here to Meereen." Jorah stated. Before them was a dead slave nailed to a cross.
"How many miles are between here and Meereen?" Dany asked. She clenched Thomas hand trying to quell her rising rage. He ran his thumb over the top of her hand hoping to sooth her.
"163 your grace." Jorah looked away.
"This is barbaric." Thomas muttered.
"I'll tell our men to ride ahead and bury them." Barristan offered.
"You will do no such thing." Dany took a shuddering breath. "I will see each and every one of their faces." Dany turned and walked away. Dragging Thomas behind her. After some time they were back on the road.
Dany kept Thomas right next to her horse as they road. He had to pry her hand off of his so they could mount their horses properly. She had been quiet ever since.
"Dany, you can talk to me, you know." Thomas stated. Dany looked to him and then noticed something on his saddle.
"What is that?" She pointed and Thomas blushed when he realized what she saw.
"It is a blue rose." His face was red as he picked it up. "I found it and thought of you. You always wear these lovely blue dresses and I thought this would look lovely in your hair." Dany stared at him for what seemed like an eternity. Thomas looked away embarrassed. And was about the throw the flower away when Dany cried out.
"Wait!" Thomas turned towards her. "Would you help me put it in?" Dany maneuvered her horse closer to him so he would have an easier time.
Leaning over, he carefully put the flower in right above her left ear. When he pulled away his hand caressed her cheek. Leaning into his touch she locked eyes with him. This moment seemed to last an eternity for them as she got lost in his brown orbs and he in her violet eyes. Leaning forward she moved her head slightly to the right and kissed his cheek.
Pulling back she smiled towards him. "Thank you Thomas, I love it." Immediately afterward she started trotting ahead.
Thomas sat in his horse stunned. She had kissed his cheek before but never that lovingly. He watched as she trotted ahead of him a brilliant smile adorning her beautiful face. From behind him Jorah and Barristan watched. One with a smile the other with a frown.
So I know this isn't as long as my usual chapter are but I felt that this was a perfect end for it. Also there aren't many scenes for Dany in season 4 so there will probably be only one or two more chapters depending on how I can work Thomas in. On other news. Let me know how you think I did with the romance in this chapter. I was never good at spreading it out so I am trying to give them small nudges but I feel like I'm failing. So please critique it so that I may either go back and improve it or continue with what I am doing. I will not be doing a Daario X Dany Romance as you all gave a very precise answer. Speaking of reviews a few shout outs. Thank you Aderran, Blaze1992, and Depositaire for some of the most insightful reviews I have ever had for my stories. This is a new thing now so if your review stands out or helps me make a decision to change or keep something I will give a shout out. For everyone else who reviewed I honestly loved the feedback from last chapter. Honestly that week I got those reviews a smile never left my face. Maybe we can do it again? Who knows? Anyway have a wonderful day/night. Love you all!