The Great Khalessi (GoT Fanfic)

22 - Under the Stars

The sun was beginning to sink fully beneath the horizon, casting warm, golden hues across the open fields. Rhaenys stood beside Drogo, taking in the vastness of the land around them, a feeling of peace settling over her. Out here, away from the confines of walls and stifling courtyards, she felt lighter, almost as if the weight of her thoughts could be set free into the open air. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the cool breeze brush against her face, allowing herself to be present, if only briefly.

Drogo took the opportunity to observe her. Her face was softened by the setting sun, her usual guarded expression relaxed. The quiet strength he admired in her was evident even now, but there was a gentleness too—a calmness he rarely saw. She was beautiful, yes, but it was her spirit, her resilience, that had truly drawn him to her. He felt an unexpected urge to break the silence, to know what lay behind that serene expression.

"Earlier," he asked, his voice gentle, "why are you walking out alone?"

Rhaenys opened her eyes, meeting his gaze. "I felt... suffocated. A lot has happened recently, more than I've ever had to deal with. It was overwhelming, being inside those walls."

Drogo nodded. "I feel the same. Walls—they make me feel... not good." He paused, looking for the right words. "Being around many people, talking all day... it makes my head feel heavy. But out here, riding—it's like breathing."

A faint smile touched Rhaenys' lips, and she reached out to stroke the mane of his horse, which had been patiently standing by. "I understand. Sometimes horses are better company than people. They listen without asking questions in return. This one, at least, seems pretty gentle."

Drogo chuckled, a warm sound that felt oddly comforting to Rhaenys. "Do not be fooled," he replied, watching her fingers trace the horse's mane with gentle familiarity. "Red Beast here is only gentle with you."

Almost as if to prove his point, the horse neighed softly, nuzzling against her hand. Rhaenys laughed, a genuine, easy laugh that brightened her face. "I think he doesn't like that name. And I'd say he's not so much a beast," she said, scratching the horse's ear with affection. Drogo's eyes softened as he watched her, amazed by how naturally she connected with his most trusted companion.

A brief silence settled between them as they looked out across the vast plains, the evening air filled with the scent of wild grass and the distant, soothing rustle of leaves.

After a moment, Drogo spoke again, a hint of hesitancy in his voice. "Would you like to ride with me tonight?"

Rhaenys met his gaze, uncertain. Her expression betrayed her thoughts. She did not trust him yet.

"Just tonight," he added, his voice low and steady. "Only to ride. I will return you home after."

Rhaenys felt a strange thrill at his offer, the kind that only came when breaking the rules. "Alright," she agreed, and as soon as the words left her lips, Drogo lifted her effortlessly onto the horse, taking his place behind her.

As they rode together into the fading sunlight, the world around them opened up, the fields stretching out in all directions, unbounded and wild. Rhaenys felt Drogo's steady grip around her waist, keeping her secure but leaving her free to take in the view. She glanced over her shoulder with a mischievous smile, suddenly feeling a spark of daring.

Rhaenys tightened her grip on the reins and gave a quick nudge with her heels, urging the horse to speed up.

Drogo nearly lost his balance, instinctively wrapping his arms around her to steady himself. For a Dothraki warrior, it was the greatest dishonor to be thrown from a horse, yet Drogo found himself chuckling as he held on, realizing that she had done it on purpose. She was playing with him, and her laughter filled the air, clear and infectious.