Bargain
The next day, Illyrio Mopatis' palace buzzed like a hornet's nest.
Every noble in Pentos whispered of the duel. A foreign warrior had stood against Khal Drogo and lived. More than lived — he had drawn the Khal's blood. The tale grew with each retelling: twelve bronze phantoms, a red-caped general, a clash that shook the marble.
Viserys raged like a spoiled child, storming through Illyrio's halls. "He humiliated me! He humiliated the dragon!" he shouted, waving his hands. "I'll have him killed, I swear it!"
Illyrio only fanned himself with a perfumed cloth, smiling his oily smile. "My dear prince, think wisely. The khalasar respects strength. Your… servant has shown strength. To kill him now would be unwise."
"Unwise? Unwise?!" Viserys' face burned red. "He's stolen her! He's poisoned her against me!"
At that, Daenerys stiffened. She sat quietly, but Leonidas was beside her, standing tall like a bronze sentinel. Viserys' eyes flicked to him, full of venom.
Drogo arrived at last, riding his black stallion straight into the courtyard as if the palace were but another tent. His bloodriders followed, eyes sharp and hostile.
Illyrio waddled forward, his rings glittering. "Great Khal! We honor your presence. As promised, I present Daenerys Targaryen, the blood of old Valyria — a bride fit for a Khal."
Drogo dismounted. His gaze swept over Daenerys, then shifted to Leonidas. The cut on his cheek was still raw, but he bore it like a jewel.
For a long moment, silence hung. Then Drogo spoke, his voice deep and guttural.
The bloodrider translated: "The Khal says he will take the girl. She is fair, like the moon. He will make her his Khaleesi."
Viserys stepped forward eagerly. "Yes! Yes, take her, mighty Khal! And in return, you will give me your riders, your swords, your bells. Together we will take back my throne—"
Drogo raised a hand. The bloodrider hesitated, then added, "But… the bronze warrior stays. The Khal has chosen him. He will ride at Drogo's side."
The words struck like a thrown spear.
Illyrio's smile faltered. Viserys gaped. "What? No! He is mine! He serves me, the dragon! He is my dog!"
Leonidas' jaw tightened. He said nothing, waiting.
Drogo's eyes flashed with amusement. He pointed at Leonidas, then Daenerys, then spoke again.
The bloodrider translated, smirking: "The Khal says… the warrior is no dog. He is wolf. He is shield. If the silver queen is to be his Khaleesi, then her shield comes with her."
Daenerys' heart skipped. Her shield.
Viserys screamed. "No! You will take her, and you will give me my army! He has nothing to do with this!"
But Illyrio, ever the schemer, saw which way the wind blew. He bowed low, his smile returning. "Then it is settled. The moon of his life, and the shield of her honor. A gift worthy of a Khal."
The Spartans struck their shields once, the sound sharp as thunder.
Daenerys lifted her head. For the first time, she did not feel like a pawn. She was being given to Drogo, yes… but not alone.
Leonidas' gaze met hers, steady, unyielding.
And in that moment, she believed she could endure anything.
The System whispered in Leonidas' mind:
> [Quest Complete: Protect the Mother of Dragons – Phase I]
[Reward: Spartan Commander Ability – Phalanx Rally.]
[Next Quest Unlocked: Survive the Wedding.]
The game of thrones had taken its next step.