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4

To Vaes Dothrak

If I hadn't been given to him, he would have married her. She would have always accepted the fate. And he would have been given pure, incestuous offspring to carry his name with no flaw. If I hadn't been promised to a Targaryen, this life would be very different. But I was his, since the beginning, the moment we were introduced, he had claimed mine indefinitely. His father, King Aerys, saw what he had done. The appointed betrothal was made. He could see how his son yielded by the mere presence of his choice bride. The king's plan had not only succeeded. The rising thoughts and reaction had consumed his son faster than he designed.

Daenerys would have been given to her brother if none of this transpired. Perhaps it was the belated king's wish to marry his son far from his own kin. Of the reason why, none knew. In the 300 years of unbroken rule, there had always been incestuous marriages. Their children would have been complete in dragon's blood. Their reign would not be questioned. But the fates decided against this, as did the king.

I was to be given to a Targaryen. A daughter bequeathed from the devoted and strong House Ailyra. Its loyalty known greatly to all dragonlords, some of which to House Blackfyre. But I, a Valyrian outside the blood of dragons, would instead be married to one. And to, perhaps, become queen.

Was it of my desires? Did I wish to reign over the seven kingdoms?

Yes, I wanted it.

But it was never to be mine. Not now. And I held no anger or pain from this. If I were truly to be a queen then the gods would have given mine life to another prince. Not Viserys. He was far from a leader. By birthright, yes, the throne is his. But by nature and character, no, he should not rule. He was not a proper monarch. If the army should ever be given to him, no experience would seize them.

"Do you wish to open it?"

"Ser Jorah, I didn't hear your approach."

"A talent I've since been accustomed by. Would you like to see them, Princess?"

It was true. I was much absorbed in mind again. At least the sun's light had chosen to warm shadow instead of thy skin. Though, I had been unknowingly stroking the chest which kept safe the three dragon eggs. Only when this knight interrupted had I rest my hand against it.

"No, kind Ser, I wish not to expose Khaleesi's gift. It is her own, not mine."

"Yes, of course," he smiled, nodding as I stepped further from the heavy caravan. "I know not of her character as of yet, my lady. But I think your sister will be undisturbed from your curiosity to look."

"You know much of her already it seems," this was pleasant. It's been awhile since I've conversed so easily with an unfamiliar companion. There may even be a formal acquaintance between us yet growing. "As always, I will gratify my curiosities when she is near to share them."

"Quite," he grinned again. Yet a silence grew thick. We politely watched as the Dothraki continued loading the wedding gifts and few possessions onto the Khal's caravan. Ours was behind, the horses were ready to bear more weight as well. He soon glanced quietly, deciding to speak for chance and did so clearly. "Perhaps, this may be a good time to ask your inquiries of my translation?"

"Are we to wait until the entire village is ready or can we march ahead on our own horses?" Perhaps it wasn't. Viserys motioned for his saddle to be readied. His stride bearing even more confidence than last day.

"The road to Vaes Dothrak is a long journey, your grace. It may be best to wait for the leading warriors to escort you first."

"I will not wait for them. If Daenerys and Khal Drogo are already meeting us at the path's start, we will leave now."

"Then I shall arrange the escort now," he bowed and left in haste. Seeking the few men standing near with lengthened braids. He would ask again. He wanted to learn of my thoughts, as do I.

"They expect us to wait," he scoffed while neatening the few wrinkles of his tunic. Less formal in its riding attire, while mine was suited much easier to withstand the heat.

"I thought Dany was to be here when we woke?"

"Perhaps the Khal wanted more of her."

Arrested again. By the images he brought forth. Not only of the Khal's form mounting Daenerys as a dog would its bitch. But of Viserys thrusting above mine.

Let the mask wear thick, motionless, don't unveil such a reaction. Not even the faintest curve of lip can rise or gathering of brow. The time needed for control has proven worthy. None came. The strength of demand graciously faded.

"It would have been pleasant to see her this morn is all," a moment alone to ease both our discomforts.

"And you shall," he smiled. "We'll see our Dany soon enough. I'm sure she yearns your presence just as you hers. Though, we must remember, she's a married woman now. Her place is by her husband's side, in his bed. Open to his needs at all times. There will be a distance made between the two of you now."

If she needs mine near, I will always be. The Khal's influence could never separate our sisterhood. Neither could his. "Of course, I understand how it must be. The Khal's time of his Khaleesi bears more importance than mine," and yours.

His delayed nodding meant he had paused to study its meaning. What I truly meant. He has yet to distinguish each expression, each row of lip and distant gaze of mind. I was still his riddling sphinx. And would be kept so for a lengthened stave.

Daenerys, in both practice and bond, has been the only master to mine. As I hers. We knew each secret, every meaning behind our windows of soul. Just by a mere beat of lash could we decipher each other.

"Forgive the insolence, your grace. But it seems we have no horse for the Princess," Ser Jorah basked in what seemed to be humiliation for the khalasar's mistake.

"No horse? Are these people not the lords of horses, the matriarchs of foals? What do they expect her to ride then, a goat?" Instead of outrage, an expected response, Viserys held a humorous counter. It didn't anger him. He was actually quite upbeat and cheerful.

"It is not as though they have no such creature to give. They have many horses here. But it seems they've been ordered to wait until the Khal bestows one for her, himself."

And the mood has gone.

"What?" his dark brows drew close. "The Khal means to give her a mare?"

"As a gift it would seem, yes-"

"Why?"

"I am unsure of his intentions. Though, I can suggest he means to welcome her to his village. Nothing troubling-"

"Troubling? He gave my sister, his bride, a horse, as a wedding gift before he meant to fill her sex. And now he wants to give my wife one as well?"

"Ser Jorah, would you excuse us?" I should have suggested his leave earlier. But now that our escort has gathered, it may be wise to usher this elsewhere.

Viserys watched him leave, still furious of his messenger. He snapped to mine. "You dare come to Khal Drogo's defense?"

"I know not why he wishes to do so. It may seem inappropriate. But we are in a foreign land. Of course their customs will be different-"

"To openly convey a sexual innuendo-"

"An innocent gift-"

"He means to take you from me!"

It may have been a small village. Yet when such an argument about their leader reaches high, all eyes come to it. His narrowed gaze only bore into one thing though. Caring less for what attention he brought to us.

"You must calm this pain. Can you not see how important it is that you rid of this anxiety completely? Destroy it before we reach Vaes Dothrak-"

"Don't speak to me like I'm unaware-"

"His desires are far from me nor does he mean to steal-"

"You know nothing of his thinking-"

"I know if you risk confronting him of this, you risk losing the army."

He tightened his heated mouth. It meant to tremble open soon following, yet was closed again.

"Let him bestow this gift. It is only a horse. It holds no meaning as it did Dany. You know of the difference, you felt it last night. I am yours. I have always been yours. Nothing, no man, no realm, can ever change its certainty," whispered low, meaning great. The velvet stroke of his face led him far from the animosity. Even slowly, he placed his own on top mine, leaning into their place for a moment. The resolve of his battle left him blackened. "Your heart is no weakness," yet was consumed just as quick. He had solved that riddle with a close revere.

To show his true character, his true emotions would render him unfit, rotten by wasteful efforts. When such a glimpse could be seen, he returns. Conceals it fast as though it was never seen. But I would always look and see. I, who held him at no high pedestal, knew we were to be forever.

"Get on," he motioned towards his brown steed, newly saddle-born and playfully anxious to ride. "In front where I can hold you."

.

I would have slid off, charged the distance between ours, enveloped her small frame with mine and let her stay within them. Until she could muster her drying lips to speak of it. We would have even ridden in the same company.

But he did as he voiced.

He held mine choked and precarious.

The intention grew by each gallop. When I would loosen mine grip, he would tighten his more. When the escorts first noticed their leader's company, he would breathe heavily into my tress. The warmth of it clearly meant to resemble a dragon's throat. I was to stay with him. To not meet Dany with such an encounter.

She was there aside the Khal.

Her glowing locks seemed to dull and break of its usual vision. Her lips were cracked in lifeless rifts. Her once vibrant colors are now pained and numb. She didn't look to us as we trotted near for the Khal's signal. The joining khalasar had already caught up. Their numbers were almost extreme yet they were only half of their allegiance. Their leader gazed over them along the path. He had not changed. Still strong, still daunting in every feature. There was no hint of affection. No hint of care. It was only of duty and relayed apathy.

"Not yet," Viserys uttered deep, his gaze on Dany as well.

We lingered the same yet different in care. He wanted to know if she had satisfied him. Whether his sister was a worthy Dothraki lover. If she had given herself completely that would ensure his army hitherto. Without any flaw or weakness shown. I worried her health. Had he been gentle or was it as expected? Had she accepted the pain or fought against it? All of mine would soon be answered. Whether on this road or in Vaes Dothrak, she would break into reminiscent echoes and I would hear them all.

Viserys would later learn from mine or directly question her himself. Either way, our answers will match what he wants to hear.

The Khal's signal was given. Our escort followed behind him, we followed our escort and the large khalasar traveled along. Though Dany didn't return to his side. She kept pace with ours, somewhat ahead, though lacking in decision. Should she look to us, engage in contact, she would have to speak. Perhaps even if I was alone, riding my own horse, no such privacy would be given. No creature was given nor opportunity.

"You see how he commands them so easily? How they follow so perfectly?-"

How soon they will march for his beacon. How his signal will bend them to him. How long has this speech been etched into mind? Too long. Though it didn't have the chance to end. The same repetitious tongue had been interrupted.

When had this man dismounted his horse and walked to ours? I had nearly fallen heavily from his sudden appearance. Not nearly as heavy as his intention.

Khal Drogo had somehow wrapped around mine waist, grabbed tight and pulled down. Leaving Viserys with a dumbfounded stare soon turning to outrage and disbelief. Ser Jorah had followed close. Thus preventing a regretful outburst from him by calmly questioning the Khal.

"Shafka rhoa manin dorvi. Azhat chiori azho," he spoke even more thick than when first heard. Yet this was unlike its enfolding. He held mine at an arm's length from his. Gripping the upper portion of my arm. He didn't wait for another translation. He didn't even acknowledge my own reaction. Merely guided us towards the very head of the khalasar without a single glance of a reason. How else was I to respond? Cower away, run back to Viserys, seek the translation?

Nothing.

Until I saw it.

If the gods of Valyria granted mine unpredictable colors, then they truly blessed this creature with a beautiful existence. It must have emerged from soothing flame and titian sunset. The streak of pearled white along its snout vividly contrasted the reddish burnt mane.

"Hraze," horse.

The Dothraki have fourteen words devoted to their worshiped creatures. But none for thank you.

Khal Drogo led us closer to the stallion. Speaking again though the confusing sounds blended all too well together. It was enough to understand that one word. Never have I been given anything as majestic. Perhaps expressing gratitude would be even more unsuitable.

"Tell him!" Viserys broke through the enclosed gathering. He had taken the ground quite suddenly after I had. However, less antagonized and more controlled. "I will have him do no such thing without consequence. Tell him Ser Jorah. Tell him how great he's offended-"

The knight had already been conversing with the Khal long before they passed. Though, the Dothraki leader was obviously unaffected by all reactions. Even still, he readied the gorgeous mare with a leather-born saddle. Himself. He didn't ask his warriors to do so or even wait for our reach to Vaes Dothrak. It was here that he felt he should present his gift. Here that he seized mine directly from Viserys' lap. Here and now. And it meant nothing to him other than whatever purpose he was determined by.

"I care not for Dothraki culture. If their custom is to take a husband's wife from his arms, lead her far from him and give an extremely inappropriate token? Without any permission of my own? This is beyond what I shall permit-"

Ser Jorah waited patiently. Nodding when it was needed. Silent when he was yet given the chance. Though such a chance was far to be given unless interrupted. And he did so with the Khal's ignorant retort.

"He meant no offense, your grace. His intent has always been clear. He means for her to ride into Vaes Dothrak on her own horse. Picked from his own gaze. It's simply to pay homage to a custom."

"What custom?"

"I've earlier spoken of this to the Princess. You insisted of your presence as well."

"That has nothing to do-"

"For the Khal to personally bestow a horse is a great honor. You cannot refuse-"

"And we won't," his warm snout cuddled deep into mine palm. He was glorious and I have already since fallen for the creature. Regardless of how obscene the Khal's actions are or how disapproving Viserys is of it, I must have him. And I will. All who stood near were silenced fast by just a whisper of my own. "Aurum. I shall name him, Aurum."

"Sajak sajo," the Khal placed the reigns between mine. "Aurum," and bowed slightly before leaving for his horse. Which had wandered close to Dany's again. She was quieted all the while, yet her gaze spoke differently. The same confusion was written upon her. She would soon command our presence alone come the Khal's village. And I will be all the more obedient to the request. There is much to talk of.

Much to understand and more to learn of.

"You would do this?" Viserys slapped his hand upon mine. "Against me, you would ride this mockery?"

"As Ser Jorah explained, we would greatly dishonor the Khal by declining."

"You will shame me if you climb this saddle."

"There is no shame in abiding innocent customs. Customs by which your sister has been given to by marriage. By your demand. You will ride beside Aurum and I. Close and fitting," and thus I mounted the rich saddle. And was accepted almost instantly by the steed. We were perfect.

Viserys craned his neck, still holding the reigns. "If it pleases you?" and carefully handed them to mine. He backed away then. Unlike his sister, his gaze meant I had angered him. Not the dragon. Far from the dragon. This was something he could deal with. When we reach Dothrak, he will deal with it. And I will accept it. This was worthy of any consequence. Not only granting the distance I've so needed between us, it brought a happiness far since felt.

"It does," I smiled.

He bowed, lower than the Khal's, gaze harshly bore. "Then it pleases mine."

a / n

Story Alert : Doppelganger13. Rosie-Everdeen-Potter. eclectictsunami. The Battling Bard. Manderlin. ithinkimae. ForAslan. anne's creations. Bustedwitch. saint liz. katiemarie090.

Favorite Story : WhatsGoingOn. omoalexa. OC'sforever.

Reviews :

MissCaityGrace, It did? ! Well good, I'm glad it kept your love! Am I seriously the only one to comment on your origin? That's kinda crazy to me. Simply because I just love people on here from different countries. Australia being my top favorites along with Greece. And Sydney? ! I knew it was going to be Sydney haha. How I knew this, I do not know. But I did. Oh gosh haha. I would so love to visit there. I'm from Indiana originally, moved here to California. Next move = Australia! Haha, I wish.

WhatsGoingOn, Way to give me inspiration to keep writing! Really, you basically opened up the story and demanded more.

ilovefalloutboy, Thanks so much!

The Battling Bard, My thoughts exactly! I was surprised to just find Robb Stark and Jon Snow fanfics on here. Viserys got left out. He needed one, I needed to write one. Perfect match! Haha.

Anon, Your wish has been granted.

The Midday Moon, Yea that's true. I love them reviews but sometimes I'm like begging for more. Yours makes me happy, again. And oh gosh yes for the theme song! I can't tell you how many times I've listened to it. But thankfully I've branched out and into the rest of the soundtrack. You stopped breathing when you read it? Well I did so as well when I wrote it! I've always wanted to write a moment in a story that just makes you forget to breathe and stops your heart. Basically something that just does things to you. Mission accomplished I fear.

ithinkimae, Right? Harry Lloyd as Viserys is just such a perfect character. He made me hate him, love him and sympathize all the same. I just miss the heck out of him too! When I see Harry Lloyd without his platinum hair, it's just like... No =( Thanks so much for your review! I hope you're still interested?

A / N

Some more pictures for your pleasure. The 1st : Mine Dragon Egg. Oh dear gosh, where do I start? I just so happened to come across this beautiful necklace that reminded me so very much of Dany's green statuesque egg! Online shopping amazing-ness complete. I mean really, it's truly incredible. I took a pic of it in the sun, when the scales look like they're glowing, and posted it. There's that.

And the 2nd : Aurum, Nalareth's horse. He's so very perfect to match, you must go see him? PS forgive how hurried it may look. The main focus is the horse obviously haha. Ignore the failed effects.

And 3rd : Another very big gracious thank you for those video lookers. Over 200 views? ? Do you want to kingslay me with your amazing-ness? Because you did.

You know where they all are.

And 4th : Reviews yesh ?