Winter's Fire → Game of Thrones

xiii. Fixing

When I was young, my father told me that the key to fixing things was patience. I had been trying to put a toy back together that I had broken. I remember rushing to try and fix it, as it was Robb's and I was worried that we would fight about the toy being broken. I never could lie to my older brother, so of course I would have told him the truth if he had asked me about it.

Father told me to slow my movements and stop and think before I did anything. It was good advice, not only for fixing toys, but for trying to mend a very broken friendship of sorts. I did not know that his advice would come in handy again, apart from when I had my own children. It was helpful now, however.

I do not know what Viserys and I am, as we are not lovers, but we are not just friends either. Whatever we are, we are trying to fix it. I would like to fix our relationship because I know it would also be a step towards getting Daenerys to speak to me again. Us girls have to be united in a world ruled by men. Sometimes it is the only way to survive.

The water washed over me as I walked in. It was cold water today, but the sea was calm so it was safe to go swimming. Some days the sea is so rough that if you go swimming, you will be dragged out into the sea and can never get back to shore. I have seen that happen along the top of Slaver's Bay. The slaves watched with smiles as their master was dragged out to sea, never to be seen again.

As I walked in, I did not stop until the water covered my breasts. Then I stood there and tilted my head back slightly, allowing the waves to hit my neck. The smell of the sea was lovely, and I closed my eyes to fully take in the smells and sounds, as well as the feel of the water. I can watch the sea any time that I want, so I do not need to have my eyes open right now.

Although I should have, I did not tell anyone that I was coming down here to swim. I just want to be left alone for a short while, in a place where I can relax properly. Up at the manse, there are always people rushing down the hallways or asking me questions or just being there for some reason I do not bother asking about.

Someone was watching me. I could feel their eyes from the shore, so I ducked further into the clear water and turned around. The first place I looked was the balcony next to the stairs that led down here, but no one was standing there. I turned further and looked towards the stairs, seeing Viserys sitting there.

Even though I knew he was not looking at me, my face heated up and I felt embarrassed. He must not know that I am here, but one of us have to leave first and no matter who does, he will see me. I looked down at the water and ducked in even further, so that it was up to my chin. I am not uncomfortable with Viserys seeing me, but I would prefer it if he did not.

There was a sad look on his face, and any ideas of staying here left my mind. I swum over to the start of the shore and reached out for my dress. As I stood up, I held it in front of my body to shield myself from Viserys' eyes. He looked up and his face flushed red immediately, letting out a small choking noise before he looked away.

"What is wrong?" I asked, my voice calm and compassionate.

"I cannot stand the sound of harps, and Illyrio had some singer playing one," Viserys stated, his voice cold as he stared at the rocks next to him.

So he was upset because of the memories brought up by the sound of a harp. I remember someone telling me about how Rhaegar Targaryen used to play the harp and sing so well that it would bring people to tears. I was told that it was just women, but I am sure a few men shed tears if it was that beautiful.

He was still looking away, so I slid my dress over myself and walked over to him. I sat next to Viserys and pushed my hair back so I could look at him properly. There was sadness in his eyes, but that familiar fire was still there. He still had his anger, so he was yet to give up. I wanted to know his thoughts and feelings properly, but how do you do that?