Winter's Fire → Game of Thrones

xiv. Regrets

I stood in front of my window and just breathed in the fresh air. I had no desire to go outside right now, as I was worried that I would come across Viserys again and wish to go back to the sea with him. That was one of my most fun times here in Essos, even though I have done quite a few things.

A knock sounded on the door of my chambers and one of the serving girls walked in. She told me that Illyrio wished to speak to me in his solar and then left, meaning I would have to actually dress and leave my chambers. I had planned to just stay here and relax for today, which would allow me to just wear a robe.

Since Illyrio found Viserys and I kissing in the sea that day a moon ago, we have met up and shared a few more kisses but nothing quite that heated. I long for another few moments like that. However, it would be foolish of me to think that it would be a good idea. We both have to focus on getting home and finding a way to survive.

Once I was dressed and I looked presentable, I began to make my way to Illyrio's solar. Viserys left his chambers just before me and I was not going to risk any suspicion from Illyrio, so I decided to wait until I knew it would not seem suspicious. I must have looked stupid just standing in the hall. 

When I reached Illyrio's solar, I found him sitting behind his desk with Viserys standing off to the side. Both men were deep in their own thoughts. I hated to interrupt, but I also knew that in order to get this meeting over and done with that I had to. 

All I did was clear my throat and both of their heads snapped over to my direction. For a second I wondered if being a ruler would be like that. When you clear your throat do your people look at you to see what you are going to say? Do they hang onto your every word or do they whisper about you while you speak? One day I wish to know, even if the only way to achieve that is by a man's side.

"Now that you are both here, I can tell you that the Dothraki will be here in two weeks time," Illyrio informed us. "Khal Drogo agreed to come and see Daenerys, and to our terms. Now all we have to do is try to get him to like her enough to agree to marry her."

"Then we buy her a nice dress and sweet perfumes and hope he likes her," I stated, feeling off about doing this to Daenerys. "What were the terms listed anyway?"

"That I get part of the Dothraki army to invade Westeros with," Viserys said, before Illyrio could advise him not to tell me because I am a woman and supposedly do not need to know these things. "Using the Dothraki army that Khal Drogo will give me, I plan to take King's Landing and then the rest of Westeros."

I bit my tongue to stop myself from revealing the harsh truth to Viserys. He could take King's Landing with the Dothraki army, but then they would go on to rape and pillage and destroy the city. Then the rest of Westeros would be reluctant to follow him, especially since he is the son of Mad Aerys. Some people in Westeros would speculate his anger makes him mad, just like Aerys.

Seeing how most of Westeros fought against the Targaryens and the realm is currently at peace, I doubt they would be too happy about following Viserys. He would destroy the fragile peace that Robert gained with his charism, and the Dothraki would not at all be welcome in Westeros. For another Targaryen invasion there would need to be something impressive again. Dragons would be the best option, but they are all gone now.

"We will get to go home if you do that," I pointed out. "You get your throne, I get to return to my family. If you so wish, you have my full support."

Although I do not think that Viserys knows the first thing about ruling, I certainly do. I know more about Westeros than him from my travels to most places, I know more about the people, and I know how to get what I want. Once we reach Westeros, all Viserys has to do is marry an important, intelligent noble woman and the realm will surely be fine.