Essos, the city-state of Viserys (formerly Qarth), Governor's Mansion.
Today was the fourteenth nameday of the Dragonstone Princess, Breaker of Chains, Stormborn, Savior and Protector of the City-State of Qarth… Daenerys Targaryen.
Daenerys was in the small hall, receiving numerous strangers who came under the guise of offering blessings.
Daenerys's gown was an ivory silk dress, adorned only with a simple yet elegant silver necklace.
She sat upright in her chair, a polite smile on her face, with the sisters Othana and Borona faithfully guarding her on either side.
"Noble Dragon Princess, I am a merchant from Lys. I was entrusted to bring you a gift. May you receive the Lord of Light's blessing."
After the Lysene merchant completed his bow, he turned sideways and waved his hand, and two slaves immediately carried a bronze-decorated cedar wood chest forward at a brisk pace.
When the chest was opened, Daenerys's pupils contracted sharply; she saw three enormous eggs.
These were the most beautiful things she had ever seen, their patterns so rich that she thought their surfaces were encrusted with jewels.
Each egg required two hands to hold. Daenerys carefully picked one up… The eggshell surface was covered with tiny scales, and as she turned it with her fingers, it reflected the setting sun's afterglow, emitting a metallic luster.
She had initially thought they were made of high-quality ceramic, enamel, or glass, but they were much heavier, as if made of hard stone.
The three eggs differed in appearance: one was deep green with various bronze spots; another was pale milky white with golden stripes; and the last was black, like a midnight ocean, yet with vibrant dark red waves and swirls.
… … … …
Daenerys realized she had lost her composure somewhat, not understanding why she had suddenly behaved as if bewitched.
She gently placed the egg back into the chest, her violet eyes looking at the respectfully deferential Lysene merchant.
"Thank you for your gift, esteemed guest who has traveled so far."
The Lysene merchant humbly placed his hand on his chest and bowed.
Daenerys's fair fingers touched the black egg and said, "They are truly beautiful… I am very curious, what are these?"
"These are dragon eggs from the Shadow Lands beyond Asshai. They have fossilized over tens of thousands of years, yet they remain bright and captivating."
Daenerys had heard many rumors about dragon eggs but had never seen one with her own eyes, nor had she ever expected to have the opportunity to witness them… The Lysene merchant had brought an invaluable and generous gift.
Daenerys withdrew her hand, clasped her hands in front of her lower abdomen, and straightened her posture.
She smiled faintly and said, "Your gift is too precious."
The Lysene merchant nodded, smiling, "Your Highness, I am merely acting on behalf of someone else."
Daenerys's eyebrows slightly raised: "I am very grateful; please tell me who that kind person is."
"He is west of the Narrow Sea; he is a supporter of the True Dragon…"
Speaking, the Lysene merchant looked up and sincerely continued, "He is hidden beneath the usurper's fear. He will present himself to you at the appropriate time and continue to serve House Targaryen."
Daenerys's eyes trembled slightly, and she nodded her chin: "Please convey my message: I will cherish them forever."
… … … …
Inside the bedroom, Daenerys looked a bit tired; she had sat almost motionless for an entire day… repeating similar words to different people.
Daenerys turned to look at the three dragon eggs placed in the room, but she blinked.
A ray of red sunset shone through the window, reflecting on the dragon eggs… In an instant, thousands of blood-red sparks flashed before her eyes.
It was just a stone… Daenerys felt that it was just an illusion, she might be exhausted.
Daenerys reached out her hand and placed her palm on the black dragon egg, her fingers gently tracing the curve of the eggshell… The stone was warm, even a little hot.
She whispered, "The sunlight, it must be the sunlight that warmed them."
Daenerys sat beside the dragon eggs, one hand stroking an egg, and looked out the window.
Dragons are extinct… Viserys had told Daenerys that the last dragon of House Targaryen died about a century and a half ago, during the reign of Aegon III, which is why it was called the Dragonbane.
If Viserys could have a dragon… Thinking of her brother, Daenerys sighed inwardly.
Viserys had always been eager to return to Westeros immediately and reclaim the Iron Throne, but now he was becoming increasingly impatient.
To appease Viserys's restless heart, Daenerys did not object when he insisted on renaming the city-state of Qarth after himself.
Qarth was a name with a long history, and although no one approved of the new city-state name, Viserys was very happy… overly happy… Yes, it was excessive.
Daenerys's one kind gesture of appeasement, or rather, concession… was taken by Viserys as surrender; he felt everyone bowed to his fury of the sleeping dragon.
Why was Daenerys sighing? She was worried about her brother's safety.
In truth, Daenerys knew well that although Viserys was the True King of the Seven Kingdoms, he was not powerful, and he easily made enemies.
Daenerys worried… that one day some unexpected enemy would slit her brother's throat.
The petitions at the Governor's Mansion… Viserys's arbitrary judgments… the resentment of the populace was spreading, and Daenerys had noticed many chillingly hateful gazes in the crowd.
For her brother's safety, Daenerys suspended the petitions at the Governor's Mansion and strengthened his guards, but Viserys took her kindness as an attempt to seize his power.
She had loyal guards, and Viserys, who had awakened the fury of the sleeping dragon, could not harm her… but Daenerys felt very wronged.
The corners of Daenerys's eyes reddened; she suddenly missed Glenn so much. At this moment… she longed for Glenn's companionship; she wanted to hear his gentle voice; she wanted to see his warm smile.
… … … …
Daenerys lightly wiped the corner of her eye with the back of her hand, her petite figure standing by the window… In the sunset, the entire sky resembled a beautiful painting, vibrant and enchanting.
The slanting rays of the setting sun made the loyal guarding warriors appear as if draped in a golden gauze.
Loyal guarding warriors… Daenerys still couldn't stop worrying about her brother's safety.
She suddenly thought of the Kingsguard, founded by the Targaryen ancestor Aegon the Conqueror to protect the royal bloodline. They held no lands, took no wives, bore no children, and loyally guarded the king.
King Viserys needed a Kingsguard to loyally protect him, at least… Daenerys shook her head.
The Kingsguard, through their actions, had proven themselves unreliable.
The Kingsguard of the songs, clad in white cloaks and silver armor, were always noble, brave, and sincere, yet her father, Ilyes II, died by the hand of one of them. Now people called that handsome boy the Kingslayer… As for Ser Barristan the Bold, he had pledged allegiance to the usurper.
Daenerys couldn't help but wonder why the Kingsguard, praised by all, could be so hypocritical.
Daenerys learned from Ser Jorah Mormont that the Dothraki Khal had retainers called bloodriders, who were the Khal's guards, brothers, and companions.
The Khal and his bloodriders called each other "my blood of my blood." They swore to live and die with the Khal and protect him from harm… It was rumored that according to ancient tradition, after the Khal's death, his bloodriders must also follow him.
Daenerys decided that once Viserys sat on the Iron Throne, she would definitely prepare loyal guards similar to bloodriders for her brother, to protect him from the Kingsguard's schemes.
… … … …
The clamor outside the room interrupted Daenerys's thoughts.
Daenerys faintly heard Viserys's voice, and a smile appeared on her face.
Today was Daenerys's nameday, but Viserys had been angry because the petitions were suspended, so he hadn't shown his face at all.
Was he no longer angry? Today was a special day, and her brother was her only living relative; she actually longed for her brother's blessing.
Brother still loves me… Daenerys happily quickened her steps, and with a beaming smile, she opened the door.
… … … …
Viserys Targaryen was blocked by guards. He saw Daenerys and, reeking of wine, said, "Daenerys, my good sister, you are truly my good sister! You dare to seize my power and have people monitor me! You have such gall!"
Daenerys's smile froze, and her eyes immediately welled up.
Viserys screamed at Borona and the others blocking his way: "Get out! Don't block me! Can't you see Daenerys has come out?!"
Daenerys weakly grasped the small round table beside the door, and the beautiful vase on the table wobbled.
Daenerys wanted to explain; she didn't want her brother to continue misunderstanding her.
She said wearily, "Borona, I need to talk to my brother."
Borona turned her head, glanced at the weakened Daenerys, nodded gently, and stepped aside.
A strange smile crept onto Viserys's handsome face, and he strode over.
Just as Daenerys was about to speak, she realized Viserys was trying to reach inside her neckline.
Without thinking, Daenerys forcefully pushed Viserys away.
Viserys stared at Daenerys, his pale violet eyes filled with disbelief.
Viserys's entire face twisted, and he shrieked, "You dare to push me?! Are you trying to awaken my fury of the sleeping dragon?!"
Viserys reached out his hand, and his fingers dug into Daenerys's arm… It hurt so much that Daenerys felt as if she had turned back into that little girl who would shrink back in fear whenever her brother got angry.
Daenerys raised her hand to stop Borona's action, and her other hand grabbed the vase.
With a crash, Daenerys violently smashed the vase into Viserys's face.
Viserys cried out in pain and fell to the ground, his face instantly covered in blood.
Daenerys angrily said, "Viserys, do not awaken my fury of the True Dragon!"
Blood flowed down Viserys's face, but he seemed to feel no pain, sitting motionless on the ground, his eyes fixed on Daenerys with intense malevolence.
A flicker of heartache crossed Daenerys's eyes, but she chose not to back down.
She fearlessly met Viserys's gaze: "If you want to successfully receive the ten thousand troops from me to reclaim the Iron Throne, I do not wish for a next time."
Viserys scrambled to his feet and said hatefully, "You little whore, you will regret this when I return to the kingdom."
With that, Viserys cradled his injured face and left directly.
… … … …
Not long after Viserys left, Ser Jorah hurried over.
The strong man looked at Daenerys with concern and said, "Princess, are you alright?"
Daenerys shook her head slightly and said, "Ser, did you see Viserys was injured? I did that. I awakened my brother's fury of the sleeping dragon."
Ser Jorah had already confirmed that Daenerys was unharmed, and his expression relaxed somewhat.
He comforted her, "It's not your fault. Can you wake the dead?"
Daenerys looked at Ser Jorah, a puzzled expression on her face.
After a pause, Ser Jorah said, "Your elder brother, Rhaegar Targaryen, could be said to be the last scion of the True Dragon, and he has already died by the Trident River. With all due respect, our King Viserys is not even a shadow of a snake."
Daenerys murmured, "But he… Viserys is the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne; he is the True King of the Seven Kingdoms."
Ser Jorah sighed, "Princess, even if King Viserys reclaims the Iron Throne, do you truly believe he can hold that position?"
Daenerys's small face was somewhat pale: "He won't be a good king, will he?"
Seeing Daenerys's expression worsen, Ser Jorah hesitated but still spoke frankly: "Your Highness, there are kings worse than King Viserys, but not many."
Daenerys remembered that Glenn had said similar words when they were in Pentos.
She asked, "Ser, will the people of Westeros secretly sew True Dragon banners… praying for King Viserys to lead his army across the Narrow Sea and rescue them soon?"
Ser Jorah replied, "Your Highness, the people pray for favorable weather, healthy children, and an endless summer. As long as they can live in peace and work happily, it doesn't matter how the lords and ladies play their game of thrones."
He added, "...they just never get their wish."
… … … …
… … … …
After Ser Jorah left, Daenerys felt a little unsteady, and Borona immediately supported her.
Daenerys softly said, "Thank you, Borona. I want to rest…"
Borona shook her head and said, "Princess Daenerys, I know a good place."
… … … …
The full moon hung high.
Daenerys looked at the reed-filled lake and said somewhat uncertainly, "Borona, is this the good place you spoke of?"
Borona nodded and said, "Yes…"
Speaking, she scratched her head again, then continued, "Your Highness, I think you need to relax. This place is perfect for swimming."
Daenerys smiled gently and said, "Thank you, Borona."
Borona chuckled, patting the long sword at her waist, and said, "I'll be nearby, don't worry."
… … … …
In the quiet night, moonlight spilled onto the lake, shimmering, and the air seemed to be filled with a sense of tranquility.
By the grassy shore, Daenerys took off her clothes and placed them on the ground, carefully testing the water with her foot.
Daenerys gently stepped into the lake, feeling the soft mud squish between her toes and the coolness the lake water brought.
The lake water fully enveloped her body. She swam in the lake, enjoying the tranquility of the place.
The stars in the night sky twinkled, seemingly bathing with her.
At this moment, Daenerys's mind relaxed, and she temporarily forgot her troubles.