The Targaryen Princess

XVII

Natari's POV:

I storm through the gate perhaps a little too fast with Jaime far behind me. I come to a stop in the middle of the courtyard and dismount. I turn around and see Jaime only just now arriving. I smile at the annoyed look on his face and pat my horse on the side. "Good boy, Verakko," I gush as I hear Jaime and his stallion approach from behind me. I face him and laugh.

"Oh, don't gloat," Jaime complains.

"I didn't say anything," I defend with a smirk.

"Sure you didn't," he answers sarcastically. "We both know that your arriving so far ahead of me was only on account of your horse and by no fault of your own."

"Whatever you say, Jaime," I tease.

"Do shut up," he says and walks over to inspect Verakko. "He is a fine horse."

"I think so," I say with a smile. "His name is Verakko."

"Ah, Dothraki," Jaime realizes.

"Yes," I say.

"The best horses in the world," Jaime claims.

"So I've heard," I say coyly.

"How did you get one?" he asks suspiciously

"It was a gift," I reply.

"From who?" he pries.

"A friend," I say vaguely. He looks like he wants to talk more, but a small servant boy interrupts us.

"Dragon!" he shouts as he runs up to us out of breath. "Dragon..." He stops, panting.

"Whoa, take a breath, young man," I say, and he catches his breath for a moment.

"Dragon, the King wants to see you," he tells me.

"Where?" I ask.

"He's waiting in Lord Stark's study," the boy replies. I nod and hand the servant Verakko's reigns who leads him to the stable.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Jaime chimes in.

"No, he likely desires to speak with me alone," I answer.

"I could at least walk with you," he offers generously.

"I'll be okay, Jaime. Really," I say with a grateful smile. "Go fight somebody or something. I bet Robb and Jon are already at the training grounds."

"Nat," Jaime pushes.

"I'll see you at sundown," I dismiss and walk into the castle. I stroll through the hallways at a slow pace dreading the conversation to come. He will no doubt have a couple important matters to discuss with me. I reach the door and heave a long sigh as I try to gain the energy for this confrontation. After a moment's hesitation, I turn the handle and enter the study where the King and Lord Stark await me. I wasn't expect to see Ned but am glad to be in his comforting presence. I nod in respect to both of them. "You summoned me, Your Grace?"

"Yes, Natari, I have," Robert responds. "There was one pressing matter that I would like to discuss before my visit, but some revelations have reached my ears on my way here that may change things. I would like to address all of it."

"Go on," I urge, trying to skip the pleasantries.

"Very well, let's start with the obvious," the King complies as he begins to paces the room and scratch at his beard. "I have heard tale of your exploits in Pentos. That you have reunited with your siblings and become ruler of some very powerful Dothraki. Is this true?" I am slightly shocked at his hearing the news so fast, but I am slightly glad to get this conversation over with as soon as possible.