Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 48: Trust Deserves A Chance

Summer Sea ~ Ruins of Velos

They could still see the smoke and fire on the horizon. Strong winds had plagued the sea around the Isle of Cedars. The dragons couldn't care less, yet they were not able to hold on. Luckily, the ruins of Velos, one of the Valyrian cities destroyed by the tallest waves mankind had ever seen, offered shelter to them.

Still, much of what once was could be found here. The buildings of black fused stone, the marble, and pinkish-colored houses. Long wide stone streets with cracks and overgrown vegetation. In one of those buildings, a fire was burning where two figures huddled to keep the cold night away.

"Dany, I want to ask something if I may."

"Of course, no secrets between us. Even more so if Jaehaerys will say we will be married."

Jeyne smiled softly with rosier cheeks. She got a little closer to the fire, her hands warming as the warmth of the fire blanketed her. Daenerys cocked her head slightly, an amused smile on her face.

"Why are you so willing? I am just a bastard, lucky to have been born with the blood of your family... but none spared me one glance for marriage. No one... Why do you?"

Daenerys scooted closer to Jeyne, seeing the cheek grow a bit redder as they brushed shoulders. It didn't make her uncomfortable, yet Jeyne looked shy as Daenerys got close. Jeyne was cute, Daenerys thought. So different when alone and a bit more vulnerable.

"I don't see a bastard girl, Jeyne. What I see is a young beautiful woman. Perhaps temperamental with a sharp tongue yet loving and kind," Daenerys said with a smile. "I think we would become good wives to each other. Of course, I will not if Jaehaerys refuses. Then you'd be a good and close friend."

"I see..." Jeyne said softly as she gazed into the fire. Her cheeks were ablaze with heat; Daenerys could see it clearly despite the light. One would feel her mind was becoming filled with thoughts, the more romantic variety.

"I..." Jeyne looked to Dany, her eyes flickering to the Queen's hand. She sighed, her knees touching her chest as she wrapped her arms around her legs. "I feel lucky, happy to be considered. It almost feels wrong in a way."

"Oh? You think you're undeserving?"

"Maybe, I never thought I would marry really. My brother never did," Jeyne said softly. "Well, maybe some lowborn who was ugly or something along those lines. But to be considered by a Queen and King... Never once did I think I was deserving."

"You're flustered, Jeyne. A first for me, always strong and rather reserved," Daenerys giggled; she took one hand of Jeyne to give it a squeeze. "I hope you know I do not offer marriage to those I think I will dislike."

"That... Oh..."

Daenerys retracted her hand after a few seconds. She may be started to care, but she will not do much else than say her motives. Do nothing that may be shameful. Dany looked to the fire with a smile. Despite all the dead they caused, it didn't feel necessarily bad. They fought for something good. The freedom of so many. Dany couldn't help but be glad her brother-husband would be king instead of Viserys.

"Speaking of marriage... How did you and Jaehaerys fall in love? I don't want to prod, but I'm curious."

Jeyne gazed at Dany, whose lips turned into a wide smile. It makes her feel a tinge of jealousy to see someone so happy with just one person. She never knew a couple so devoted to one another. Well, perhaps Ned and Catelyn, who always seem to be a united front.

"Well, I don't know really, but our youth was far from comfortable, Jeyne. We were poor, almost always hungry, scared of whatever may come from Robert to kill us. But most of all, my older brother hit-"