The Targaryen Princess

XIV

Natari's POV

A week and a half later:

"LAND HO!" a voice shouts from the crow's nest. I look up my sword that I'm polishing to see land in the distance. I jump up from my place on the deck and run to the bow to get a better look. I practically laugh in excitement. Sea life is not for me. The first day I was beyond bored, and after that I was determined to help in some way. Although it was sometimes enjoyable and I learned a lot, I was dying to put my feet on solid ground. Theo laughs at me and I turn to look at him with a grin on my face.

"You're crazy," he jokes.

"Yeah, and?" I retort. "You didn't know?" He rolls his eyes.

"You're going into a place where you know the King will see you, and, you have to deal with powerful warlord on top of that," Theo begins.

"He's Dothraki so that's expected and planned for," I interjected, "and it would be foolish to fear Robert." He looks skeptical, but goes on.

"Still, you're laughing about it," he says in amazement.

"Yup," I answer, popping the 'p'.

"You're crazy," Theo reiterates with a shake of his head.

"Yeah," I say again. The ship pulls into port, and I put my hood over my head again. I expect people to recognize me, but I will do anything to make sure that it isn't until I appear at the wedding in an effort to give me more time before Robert hears about my journey. I watch the crew dock eagerly. I need to get off this ship to see my siblings. I don't even know if I missed the wedding, but I hope I didn't. We are finally docked and the ramp is put down. My horse stands ready for me, saddled and loaded with my large bag. I smile at the dark haired young man beside it. "Thanks, Theo," I say as I take the reins from his rough hands. I mount with ease and look down at my new friend.

"The magister's house is just northeast of the city. It's on a cliff. You can't miss it," Theo informs.

"Thank you," I say with sincerity.

"Just be back here in three days," he instructs. "We won't wait for you." I nod in return and he slaps my horse's rear making us bolt off the ship. I ride through the city heading northeast. There has to be a northern exit if the magister's house was on the northern side. I am right. I gallop out of the city, follow the road to the cliffs, and come upon a mansion overlooking the sea. I lead my horse down the elaborate driveway with gardens all around us. We come to the entrance and find three guards.

"Halt," one said. "State your business." I dismount and give them the letter I received.

"I believe I was invited to a wedding. I haven't missed it, have I?" I ask and watched as the guard reads, shocked. He hands it to the others and they read it in turn.

"No, Princess, it is tomorrow," what looks like the commanding officer says. I am little put off by the use of former title, but don't show it. "Follow us, please." He points between the third guard and the my horse. The man takes my horse and leads it away from us. He also orders the second to send word of my arrival. We set off into the compound, but before we enter the main house, the man turns around, stopping us. "I'm sorry, Princess, but I'll need your sword." I sigh, but take it off and give it to him. He proceeds to put it on himself and continue our walk. The house is grand and extensive. It is impressive, but I refuse to get distracted. I keep my guard up in case of something unexpected. We go through hallway after hallway before stopping in front of a large door. "Wait for me to announce you." I nod, and he walks through the door. "I present the Dragon of the North, Princess of Westeros, Natari Targaryen." I walk through the entryway. There are well-dressed people on both sides of the room, a man in a extravagant chair at the end, and two white-haired people on either side of him. This must be some kind of receiving hall, but it just reminds me of the King's court. I swallow and feel the eyes of everyone on me. I am not new to this and calmly approach the man at the front of the hall. I stop ten feet from him and pull down my hood. The sound of many gasps fill the hall. All doubt about my identity is dispelled from the minds of everyone. I nodded to my host in greeting.