𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐅 | Viserys Targaryen

NINE

ALIA PULLED AT THE TENSE STRING OF HER BOW, ONE EYE SHUT, LOCKED ON A RABBIT. They hadn't seen something as impressive as a rabbit for weeks – they had been living on horse and whatever else they could find. A rabbit, however, was a blessing sent straight from the Seven, and Alia had promised Daenerys that when she shot it, it could be for just the two of them to enjoy.

The arrow was loosened and sailed through the air quietly, and when the rabbit noticed, it was far too late. With one last look of alarm, glassy eyes widened, the arrow embedded itself into the rabbit's flank, in the flesh between its shoulder and its neck. Alia grinned back at Daenerys, who was barely able to contain her glee.

"That's dinner sorted," said Alia proudly as she rose to collect the rabbit. "Now what was it you wanted to tell me?"

Before leaving to go on a small hunt – just the two of them – Daenerys had told Alia that she had something to tell her. Something important. Alia had never been one for surprises, so she spent most of the journey nervously trying to think of what it could possibly be. Dany was fiddling with her hands as she looked at her friend, chewing her lip before she broke out into a grin.

"I'm pregnant."

Of course, thought Alia after a few moments of registering the information. How hadn't she guessed? Alia was beginning to prove that she truly was as oblivious as she thought (and as Viserys made out). But it was a good thing, wasn't it? Or at least it should have been. It was better that Daenerys was pregnant rather than not – it was important that she provided an heir. If she didn't, she, Alia, and Viserys would all be killed.

Alia couldn't bring herself to display any outward sign of joy, and instead stood there and stared, clutching a dead rabbit by the ears. Dany's smile fell, and she moved her hand that had previously been resting on her stomach, away.

"Aren't you glad?" Daenerys frowned. "I thought you would be pleased."

Alia blinked quickly, forcing a smile on her face as she moved forward. "Of course I am pleased. This is wonderful news. Have you told your brother?"

Dany wrapped her arms around Alia as the two hugged, a relieved smile on her sun kissed face. Truthfully, Alia wasn't pleased. She hadn't taken a liking to Khal Drogo at all, and feared what would happen when the time came to give Viserys an army. Alia began to wonder what would happen when, or if, Viserys got his army; would she stay with the Dothraki or accompany Viserys to take King's Landing? If Illyrio had sold her, surely that meant she belonged to the Khal? Alia pushed the thoughts out of her mind.

"No, I haven't told my brother."

"Will you?"

"Well, I will have to eventually."

Alia's eyes softened. "I could do it for you if you would prefer?"

"Viserys seems to trust you," said Daenerys, taking Alia by surprise. If anything, it seemed like trusting her was the last thing on his mind. "But no, I will tell him myself. I think he will prefer that."