[101] Decisions of Dragons

Chapter 101: Decisions of Dragons

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The wind whipped around us, cold yet invigorating. A few kilometres behind us, the remains of Astapor still burned, a grim mirror of Yunkai's fate.

Masters reduced to ashes, their legacy crushed beneath dragonfire and screams. Both those cities, responsible for the Sons of Harpies’ existence, had met justice.

Dany had said nothing since we departed Yunkai, her body tense, her mind distant. Astapor’s fate made her even quieter.

I'd expected some emotion—anger, relief, confusion—but silence? I guess that also suited the moment.

I gently tightened my grip around her waist, leaning down slightly so my voice reached her clearly over the wind. "You haven't spoken a word in hours. Are you punishing me with silence, sister, or are you thinking?" I asked with a joke.

She shifted against me, uncomfortable, yet her voice was soft when she finally replied, "I am thinking."

"Of?" I prompted.

She turned her head slightly, eyes narrowed against the wind, staring at the distant horizon. "Of how far things have drifted from what I wanted. Of how differently things ended compared to what I dreamed."

She'd freed those slaves, but me making an example of the Masters had claimed a few dozen, if not hundreds, of those poor lives too.

"This is the best outcome, sister," I said bluntly. "You dreamed of freedom and justice, I commend that. And yet, you chose the wrong path. Stupidly so. The world isn't rays of sunshine. What I'm doing is somewhat extreme, but... rulers need to be extreme."

Daenerys was quiet again.

When she finally spoke, her voice was softer, tinged with regret. "Perhaps you were right about me."

I was a little caught off guard by her tone. This wasn't the defiant sister I knew, nor was she the woman who'd clawed her way through countless trials. This was someone broken, defeated, and doubting herself.

When she hugged me earlier, it showed that she had accepted me. Our relationship was going to improve. But by doing so, she felt like she was killing some other parts of herself.

"Regret suits you poorly, Dany,” I told her sharply. "Whatever your faults—and you have many—weakness was never one of them."

She didn't answer, merely looked down as Meereen came into view, its great pyramid rising proudly above the smoke and ruins.

"Let's not be sad over being a failure. It does neither of us good." My voice was harsh, but sincere. "I am here because despite everything—your stubbornness, my cruelty—we're the last dragons. And dragons should stand together. If you're a failure, it's because you lack experience. Power. You'll have them both overtime.”

“Under you.”

“Yes, under me. Don't say that as if that's a bad thing. You need to accept this. I'm the older child, and I am more powerful than you. It's facts. Don't beat yourself over it, and just take it easy.” I said, a sigh escaping me.

Her silence returned as Meereen grew clearer. I didn't press further, letting the words sink in as Viserion approached the pyramid. Whatever Dany was thinking, it would soon have to find voice.

We reached the skies of Meereen soon, and people pointed at her. Some screamed in terror, recalling Viserion’s wrath upon the Sons of Harpy, and while some gasped in delight. Citizens now watched our arrival with wide eyes and hopeful faces.

Viserion circled once above the pyramid's peak, where the remaining Unsullied lined up rigidly, their helmets tilted upward in awe, their spears raised in disciplined respect.

Gently, I pulled Dany upright. Her startled eyes widened when I unfolded my wings behind me, the leathery span catching the wind as I stood atop Viserion's back.

"Hold tight," I ordered, scooping her into my arms. With one powerful stroke, I leaped into the air, wings beating strongly as Viserion roared her farewell.

“I'll go… and… find that black dragon.” Viserion said as she flew away.

“Be fast,” I said. Together, Dany and I descended swiftly through the open window of the pyramid, landing with practiced grace on the smooth stone floor.

Daenerys clung to me briefly, eyes wide, breath quick. Then I gently set her down, folding my wings neatly back.

She steadied herself, looking around as familiar faces entered the room hurriedly, summoned by our dramatic arrival.

Ser Barristan rushed forward, favoring his right leg with a slight limp, fresh bandages visible beneath his white armor. Ser Jorah followed close behind, his arm bound in a bloodstained sling. His face lit with relief at the sight of Daenerys.

"Daenerys," he breathed in relief, then caught himself with a quick glance at me. "...Khaleesi, we feared the worst."

Missandei stood just behind them, her dark eyes brimming with emotion. "My queen," she whispered, stepping forward with hesitant joy. Dany pulled her into a hug immediately.

Behind them, Grey Worm leaned heavily against a nearby pillar, still weak from his wounds but standing tall through sheer determination. He nodded respectfully, his face remaining stoic despite the pain evident in his eyes.

Tyrion Lannister lingered in the shadowy corner of the chamber, cradling a goblet of wine. His mismatched eyes studied us with that characteristic blend of wariness and calculation.

"As I promised you guys, I've brought her back," I announced calmly, eyes sweeping across them. Some bowed, some nodded in respect.

“We're grateful,” Missandei said.

"Meet me in half an hour. It's time we talked." I yawned as I walked past them.

****

Half an hour later, ws stood in the same chamber where chaos had erupted days before.

Dany had just taken a bath as she returned to the room. The burned and shattered furnishings had been cleared, yet the scars of that day still lingered. She nodded at me, and then moved quietly to the window. She watched the city sprawl out beneath her, a thousand unanswered questions in her eyes.

The others gathered around the table, tense and waiting.

"I've ended Yunkai and Astapor's ability to threaten you," I began firmly, pacing slowly before them. "Most of the Sons of the Harpy have been killed by Viserion and I yesterday, and the few hiding don't have any backing. The Wise Masters gone, their power turned to ashes. Meereen is safe, for now."

Ser Barristan exhaled visibly, relief clear on his lined face. "You have our deepest gratitude, Prince Viserys."

"You are welcome, yes, but…" I trailed off. "I didn't do this solely for your gratitude or Meereen's safety. I did it to show what happens when the Targaryen name is challenged. And it's time you start calling me Your Grace, Ser. My sister has finally regained some sense thanks to this incident, and has accepted who's in charge.”

Barristan looked surprised and looked at Daenerys, who didn't say anything. Dany hadn't publicly taken the knee, but when she said, “I won't fight anymore,” she meant every word, so she didn't back off.

Instead, she turned from the window, meeting my gaze steadily. "What's next, then?"

I inclined my head slightly toward her. "That's precisely what we must discuss. I'm not staying here. Meereen is secure, but Westeros demands my attention, and a dragon thief runs free."

Tyrion leaned forward sharply, his mismatched eyes alert. "Aegon and Rhaegal? You're going to capture them?"

"Precisely." I stared directly at Daenerys now. "Our pretender nephew has one of our dragons, sister. I intend to take it back, now that you've given yourself up to me."

“...Thank you,” she nodded at me.

"If I may, Your Grace," Tyrion interjected, swirling the wine in his cup, "this Aegon, or whoever he claims to be, has built considerable support. He's won over the Golden Company, no small feat. And now with a dragon..."

"Your concern is noted, Lord Tyrion," I replied coolly. "Though I find it curious how invested you are in a pretender's chances."

Tyrion's face remained carefully neutral. "Merely offering perspective, Your Grace. Strategy requires understanding all possible threats."

"Indeed," I smiled thinly before turning back to Daenerys.

“Brother, I, uh…” she looked unsure of what to say. "Young Griff must pay for his betrayal. But what do you expect from me? You didn't come just to inform me of your plans, I think. What are your plans with me?”

"Hmm, I was about to bring that up," I answered calmly. "I've come to present you with a choice."

The silence that followed was heavy, each pair of eyes flicking nervously between the two of us.

"Firstly, you can come to Westeros. Stand beside me, rule together. But understand this: Westeros has one true king. I will not tolerate divided loyalties. The Targaryen bloodline needs to continue, so take this as a marriage proposal too, even if it's silly that I have to propose such an obvious thing.”

Dany's expression was unreadable in my words. The others didn't look surprised. A marriage offer was hardly a shocker, given we were the last Targaryens, and our family had a history of incest.

I continued, “I can't promise you the title of Queen, though, unless you win it on your own against my other two wives. However, I do promise that you will be a ruler even if those two become queens. You're my sister after all. I'd always love you more than them. Meaning, if you choose this option, you'll be a ruler, yes—but always beneath my crown."

Her expression darkened slightly. "...Or?"

I smiled thinly. "Or... Well, Slaver's Bay is an important geographical area. It's the only place capable of supporting life near the ruins of Valyria. Someday, I intend to venture into that location and... reclaim it. Our true home. So, ruling Slaver's Bay is beneficial. I mean, if you want, you can stay here in Meereen," I explained carefully. "Since you've submitted to me, it means Meereen is under my control. But I don't plan to take your hard-earned city.”

I watched as everyone in the room exchanged glances.

I continued, “Take Meereen and the other two cities I burnt as a gift from your dear brother. I'll allow you all the aid needed from here, and you will rule this city as you please. You will be the Queen of this land, truly. But," I held up a finger, "a queen subject ultimately to the King of Westeros."

Daenerys looked away briefly, lips tight with thought.

Initially, I only planned to bring her back home and expand the bloodline. But... one way or another, my sister had become more than a breeding cow. I couldn't deny her achievements, even if she'd made a lot of bad decisions. So I could allow her the freedom of ruling Essos if she wanted.

After all, one day, I want to expand my rule to Essos, and marrying the Queen who'll rule parts of it would help speed that up.

In other words, I can let her play her little game of Queen and then make her have my children a few years later.

The advisors waited breathlessly, their fates hanging upon her words.

"...You're asking me to choose between ruling in your shadow in a foreign land, or sitting under you on the Iron Throne," she finally said softly. "I don't see much of a difference, brother. It's not much of a choice."

"No," I admitted, my eyes steady, "but it's yours to create. Even if you rule under my shadow in Meereen, the common folk won’t know that. It will look like an alliance in their eyes. And they will always love you more than your intimidating brother, who occasionally swoops in on his dragon and burns everything in his path. You won't be loved the same way in King's Landing, I believe. The other two girls will make it challenging. Plus, here, you truly have your own kingdom, your own advisors, and everything. Except for me. I'll be a sea away… Then again, I doubt my absence is a bad thing for you.” Our eyes met, and she showed no emotion. “Regardless, both have their pros and cons. The choice is yours. You wanted power, Dany, you wanted freedom. But you must realize by now that neither comes without a price."

Ser Barristan cleared his throat, stepping forward. "If I may speak freely, Your Grace?"

I gestured for him to continue.

"I've served the Targaryen dynasty my whole life. I've seen its greatness and its... challenges." His gaze flickered briefly between Daenerys and me. "House Targaryen has always been strongest when united. When brothers stood with sisters, when family bonds remained strong against outside threats."

"A pretty sentiment, Ser Barristan," I replied. "But history teaches a different lesson. Dragons fight dragons just as often as they fight together."

Tyrion set down his goblet with a sharp click against the table. "If I may offer another perspective—two Targaryens ruling different continents creates a dynasty spanning the known world. As long as you two don't have any serious disagreements in the future, I believe it wouldn't fail."

I turned to Tyrion with renewed interest. "Wise words, Lord Tyrion. Speaking of you… I believe I know something that might interest you."

The dwarf tensed visibly. "Oh?"

"A woman named Shae. Your lover, I believe? She's currently in the Red Keep."

His face drained of color. "How do you—"

"I'm the king," I interrupted smoothly. "Little happens in my castle without my knowledge. She's alive and well, if that concerns you."

The dwarf's hands trembled slightly as he reached for his wine. "And what do you intend to do with this... information?"

"Nothing sinister," I assured him. "In fact, if you wish it, I could arrange for her safe passage to Meereen. With proper guards to guarantee her safety. Consider it a gesture of goodwill. So that you can serve my sister well. As far as I see it, she'll need great help to rule.”

“You keep insulting me, brother,” Dany said, but there was barely any venom there. I ignored her.

Tyrion studied me with wary eyes. "And the price for this... goodwill?"

"No price. Merely an acknowledgment that I am not the monster some believe me to be. I can be generous to those who serve loyally." I smiled. "Even to those who might serve loyally in the future. Don't make a foolish decision when you hear about the Lannister’s fate at my hands in the future.”

He nodded slowly, processing my words. "I... understand. I'd appreciate it if you could send her to me, Your Grace. Thank you."

Missandei stepped forward, cautious but determined. "Your Grace, what of the slaves? Their freedom?"

"They remain free," I answered without hesitation. "That much, I've granted unconditionally. They're servants now, who get paid, as Dany made sure when she first freed them. If you guys had any confusion in this regard, no, I'm not here to rewrite the rules my sister has already set up."

Daenerys nodded, visibly relieved. "Then I have my answer... But I need time. One night to fully decide."

"Very well," I accepted easily. "Very soon, I'll depart—either with you at my side or with you atop this pyramid, queen of your own making."

Tension seeped from the room slowly, giving way to murmured conversations.

As the people began filing out, Daenerys approached me quietly.

"Thank you," she said softly, surprising me. "For giving me a choice."

"I owed you that much for my own bad decisions," I replied evenly, holding her gaze firmly. "Think carefully tonight, sister. One choice brings immediate power and legacy. The other, cold solitude but potential for greatness. Consider which you prefer."

Her eyes softened slightly, holding my gaze. "I already have."

With that, she turned, leaving me standing alone beside the window. I turned to the night sky—waiting for dawn, and the fate that sunrise would bring.

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