Anastasia •Game of Thrones•

•Chapter Two•

I had walked straight to my bedchamber, choosing to ignore the calls from my brothers. I couldn't even look at anyone right now, let alone speak with them. I curled up on my bed and shut my eyes tightly. Maybe I was still asleep and this was all just a dream. A loud knocking at the door caused my eyes to open wide. I definitely was not dreaming. Pulling myself to my feet, I sighed and went to open the door. Master Illyrio was on the other side, a pitying smile on his face, "Child, I know that you'd rather not speak with anyone right now, but I do have some important matters to discuss with you." I hesitated and the master of Pentos sighed, "It is key to your survival."

I opened the door wider and stepped out, "Very well then. Shall we speak in the garden?" He nodded and we walked side by side to the vast gardens that surrounded my home. We sat on a bench and it was silent for a minute before I turned and faced Master Illyrio, "What is that you wished to discuss with me?"

"Well, I came to offer my services in teaching you the Dothraki language and culture. We do not have much time at all, but I may be able to teach you a word or two that could help you." I nodded and he continued, "The wedding will begin at dawn. You and the Khal will feast and be presented with gifts." I nodded again, staring out at the beautiful flowers. I reached out to run my finger along the soft petals of a rose. "This is very important, at one point you will be presented with a curved sword, a whip, and a bow," my head snapped to him when he said bow and he stared intently at me, "I understand that you have an affinity for weapons, but you must refuse all of these gifts." My face fell and I opened my mouth to speak, but the master cut me off, "You must, my lady, or you will not make it to your wedding night. Do you understand?" I nodded, somewhat reluctantly. He nodded back, "Tradition dictates that you use very specific words during your refusal. I can teach them to you now, you just need to make sure you remember them." I nodded again and Master Illyrio proceeded to teach me as much Dothraki as he could in the time that we had.

As the sun began to set, Master Illyrio rose and bid me farewell. He was returning to Pentos tonight and I would most likely never see him again. I thanked him for his help and he wished me luck. Then he was gone and I was alone. I sat back on the bench running through all the words that he had taught me. He said my pronunciation was off on a few things, but that was to be expected and the Khal would get the general idea of what I was saying when I refused the three gifts. In addition to the traditional words needed for the ceremony, Master Illyrio had taught me how to say yes, no, how to ask for help, and how to apologize. I figured I'd need that last one more than anything else. As I was reviewing the traditional words, my father approached, "That's very good, Anastasia."

I looked up at him, "Master Illyrio says my pronunciation is not great, but I'll learn." Father nodded and sat next to me on the bench. It was silent. I decided to continue practicing. Halfway through my third round of the words, my father cleared his throat. I stopped speaking and turned to him. He looked pained.

"I am so sorry, my sweet flower."

"It's not your fault, father. This is my choice."

He shook his head, "A choice you shouldn't have had to make."

I put my hand on his shoulder, "You did all that you could. It's not your fault that he was ungrateful."

Father turned to me, "You must not speak like that of your future husband." I winced at the word. "Ana, it is very important that you honor your husband. Lords in Westeros do not take kindly to false and disrespectful wives, I hate to see what this man would do to you should you anger him." I nodded. Father wrapped his arms around me, "Promise me you'll stay alive."

I hugged him tightly, "I promise. I'll do whatever it takes."

I felt him nod, "I know you." He pulled back and stared at me, "Just like these flowers," he motioned to the garden. I looked around at the beautiful flowers, some made for lovely bouquets while others had thorns and hidden poisons. I turned back to my father. He smiled gently at me, "People look at you and think you are small and weak, but you have spirit and you have skill to match." I smiled at him as he leaned down, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

I looked around the garden again, "I will miss these flowers when I go." I looked back at my father and rose from the bench, "I should get some rest now. I will have to be up early tomorrow. Father nodded and kissed my forehead once more. I walked back inside and made my way to my bedchamber. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was asleep.

Elise woke me up early the next morning, pulling me from my bed and tossing me into a bath. She told me to wash quickly and then went running around the room, preparing everything for me. After washing, I jumped from the bath and dried myself off. Elise threw a dress over my head and I stared down at the pale blue fabric. My septa ran around the room, still preparing and ushering me towards my desk. I moved slowly to the stool and sat, staring into the mirror. Elise came over and began combing the knots from my hair. I watched her through the mirror, "Elise, I'm afraid." She stopped combing my hair and spun me around to face her.

"Oh, child." She gave me a soft smile, "You'll be alright. You can take care of yourself." I turned back around and she continued to brush my hair. A knock sounded at the door, but before Elise could stand to answer it, it flew open and my mother strode in.

She looked down at me, "Honestly, this is not how I had planned to marry you off. I am sorry that you have been forced to do this, but that's how it works."

"Thank you, mother." She nodded once before walking out.

Elise tapped my shoulders, "You're ready." I stood on shaky feet and looped my arm with Elise's. The two of us walked down to the main doors where I was met with all three of my brothers. They each gave me serious looks and I tried to smile to ease their minds. I'm not sure if it helped, so I walked up to Galot.

He looked down at me, "You'll be fine." He nodded and I pulled him into a hug. After I pulled away, I walked up to my second oldest brother. Armin said something similar to Galot before I pulled him into a hug. My younger brother was next. He looked at me and tried to say something, but no words came out. I gave Rawlin a weak smile before pulling him to my chest and placing a kiss on the top of his head.

"I will see you again." He nodded and I released him. I stared at my three brothers before turning to Elise. She smiled at me and I ran into her arms, "I wish you were coming with me."

She hugged me back just as tight, "I know, child."

I pulled back and looked at her, "I love you, Elise." A few tears rolled down her cheeks as she nodded her head and moved to stand next to my brothers. My father came up to me, placing his hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him and he managed a small smile.

"Are you ready?" I nodded and he helped me into the carriage where my mother was already waiting. He stepped up into the carriage and then we were off. I pulled back the curtain on the window and watched my home as it disappeared with the distance.

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Thanks so much for reading! Hope everyone enjoys this chapter. Next chapter will have the wedding.