Bathed In Gold

Chapter XXVIII

I cantered into the courtyard and the gates were shut immediately behind me. Daario ran out and wrapped his arms around me, "you're home!" He exclaimed.

"What's with the security?" I asked shifting into my human form.

"The sons of Harpies have been attacking more frequently," he answered.

"Is my father and Danaerys okay?" I asked.

"Yes, we are well protected," he told me. 

"Good," I answered as we walked into the throne room where Daenerys sat on her throne. "Where's my father?" 

"He's resting, he was up all night worrying about you," she said getting up and walking towards me when she reached me she gently placed her hands on my shoulders. 

"It's good to see you returned safely," she said. 

"Yes, but I fear I was followed," I replied. 

"You do?" she asked. "Guards search the perimeter." 

"Is that wise with the sons of Harpies?" I asked. 

"We will find them and feed them to my dragons," she said. 

"That's if they're not halfway across the city," I said. 

"I have guards everywhere, they will be caught," she said. 

"When you find them bring them to me, I wish to question them myself," I told her. 

"Of course," she nodded. 

"Come, bathe, rest," Daario said. 

"If I have to," I said. Daario took me by the hand and led me to my chambers. I had a bathing area separate to my quarters. The big stone like pool had already been filled with hot water, Daario turned away as I disrobed and I slowly descended the stone steps. Once I was submerged Daario now turned to face me, and crouched on the edge. "Feels so much better," I said. 

"Good, I know how you like to bathe after a long journey, I'm surprised your limbs aren't aching," he replied. 

"They are. I've never had to gallop so fast home," I smiled and lifted myself slightly out of the water to place a kiss on his lips. 

"Not even from the white walkers?" He teased. 

"Not even them," I said. He got up, walked over to an incense burner and began to burn jasmine. 

"If I remember correctly this is your favourite," he said now taking off his boots and rolling up the legs of his trousers, he dipped his feet into the hot water. 

"If you didn't have all that armour on I would drag you in here myself," I said. 

"That would not be a good idea," he chuckled. I leant back on the side stretching my arms out and looked up at the moon. Its rays shone brightly through the stain glass and pierced the depths of the pool. Daario's eyes wandered over me. 

"What?" I asked. 

"Nothing, I  just wonder how fate ever bought us together," he smiled. 

"I guess it's timing that's all it is," I answered tearing my eyes from the starry sky to meet his.

"You're father definitely does approve," he said. 

"I know, he won't be happy till we're joined as one," I said, resting my hands on his knees. 

"You are right, but Brienne that is a long way off yet," he replied. 

"I know," I said.