Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 44: Targaryen Traditions

Daenerys was stressed, her mind felt feverishly warm as she paced in the halls of the Pyramid. Irri could not prevent her Khaleesi from worrying, the two knights could not console her with their experience of wounds, even her niece who was bandaged from her own wound could not ease her aunt. No, Dany was sick with worry. The healers were busy for hours as Jaehaerys was rushed into the Pyramid. His face was paler than normal, his clothes bloodied from his enemies and his own wound.

A dangerous wound was carved into his stomach. She knew that, her mind wracked with images of those she has seen dying in the past. Of the Dothraki that fought to enslave the sheepherders across the mountains, of the Unsullied who died in taking The Slaver's Cities. She has seen the wound that could spell death and this was one of them.

"Your Grace..." the soft warm voice of Elaena filled the guarded hallway. It made Dany look up as she paced to stop herself from gazing at the floor. Baelor was right about his sister. The woman was utterly beautiful. Her face is gentle and holds nothing but kindness in those purple eyes. She wonders how such a woman exists in this horrible world. How could she be so pure with the horror surrounding her?

Dany stopped her pacing as she let out a deep frustrated breath. It is a small wonder she has not carved a deep line into the stone by how long she has been pacing. To be waiting for word from the healers inside the room she stood in front of. Elaena took it as a victory as her lips curl into a smile, approaching the worried queen.

"My queen, would you walk with me? I am sure the healers are doing their best. You must look after yourself."

"No. I will wait. Go away if you have nothing of import to discuss," Dany muttered with frustration. She was sick of people that came to make her rest, to make her move away from the room that held her husband. "I will not leave my husband!"

"I know better than anyone about how you feel, Your Grace. I have waited for decades while being worried about my love. It never left even after years of waiting. But it helps if you take your mind off it," Elaena assured her while keeping up her warm smile, eyes watching Dany pace in the hallways. The queen let out a sigh, stopping her pacing again.

"Perhaps you're right," Dany admits, her gaze switching to Grey Worm that stood watch next to the door. The man took it upon himself to guard the King's quarters. One man with undying loyalty for her and Jaehaerys. She could not ask for a better person along with Baelor and Barristan that stood inside the room itself. She would have joined them if it weren't for the fact her presence would have distracted the healers.

"Shall we take a walk in the Gardens? It's quite lovely and calming at this hour," Elaena said, her lips forming a smile while she linked her arm with Dany's. They started to walk toward it, but Dany can't help but glance back several times as they do. Her heart wanted to stay at the door. But even her heart knows it needed rest.

"You're quite lovely, lady Elaena. Ser Baelor was right about you."

"I am glad to know I am good company," Elaena responds, her voice surprisingly calming Dany more than she thought. What a magical woman to have such gentle and calmness that it could calm people. She never would have thought someone would have such a magic touch at their disposal.

"But I am sure there are others who could do what I am doing now. Sometimes it's just nice to escape the hectic world, to see a different scene to realize what is happening. It is what helped me through the years."

"I see... That is comforting, Lady Elaena. I am sure it will become a nightmarish memory after it is over. But when I am still experiencing it... That is different."

"Yes, I understand. Luckily, you're not alone in this process, Your Grace. Family, as I have come to understand, always helps in these strenuous times. Perhaps let Lady Jeyne help you. She is a fiery person, but one with her heart in the right place."