╳░D u t i f u l░╳

Benjen was GLAD to hear that the Queen was well rested. He asked her not only out of COURTESY, but also because he could TELL on her face that she had rested well. When she arrived—–though still ASTONISHGLY BEAUTIFUL—-the queen looked RIDDLED with burden and so small from lack of sleep. He could see a BRIGHTNESS in her face now, that was no there before, and Benjen had to admit that he ENJOYED seeing her happy. After all, her safety and her happiness were VERY IMPORTANT to Benjen. Though, he had only promised to keep her safe, he made a promise to himself that he would keep her happy.

❛ It shows, your grace. ❜ He said politely, with a warm smile. However, as he spoke, he was still GLANCING out the window eyes fixed upon the SNOWY grounds; Benjen was trying to avoid STARRING at the Queen too much. Surely she was accustomed to peering eyes, just from her sheer BEAUTY alone, but the First Ranger feared that if he stared at her for too long, he truly might fall in love, and that was the most DANGEROUS thing that could ever happen to him.

When she said that she would like to take a WALK with him, Benjen could no longer HIDE his smile. He looked down at the Queen, with his wide grin and bowed politely. ❛ Nothing you could request me to do, would be an inconvenience, YOUR GRACE. ❜ He said to her, and it was the truth. Queen Rhaella could have asked him to jump into a pile of MANURE and it if pleased her, the First Ranger would have done it in a HEART BEAT.

Truthfully, Benjen was excited to be taking her for a WALK he knew a place just outside the Castle grounds where the most beautiful WINTER ROSES grew. He would like to give her one. It reminded HIM of home, yes, but also the flower was rare and beautiful—–much like the Queen. Smile still spread across his features, Benjen spoke politely to the Queen. ❛ Dress in your WARMEST furs, my Queen, the cold is not forgiving. The cold here is so DRY it would chill you STRAIGHT to the bone. I wouldn’t want that to happen. ❜Cheeks redden at his own words, almost not believing that he said such a thing to her, nevertheless, he couldn’t take it back now. ❛ I shall wait for you to get them—–unless you would prefer I wait outside the door? ❜ he inquired.

░▒▌♕▐ 𝓭𝓾𝓽𝓲𝒇𝓾𝓵

   THE SMILE THAT took over her features was wide and truly joyous with his response; the thought of venturing outside in this new and unfamiliar place with the man she has grown ( mysteriously ) close to, very pleasing and exciting. 

Her days in the Keep were mostly dull and riddled with worry and FEAR. Prayers continuously slipped from her lips pleading that her brother would not put a man to the flames that day, so that her bed remained empty and her body free from harm and suffering. But to know that things would be different now felt like a dream——a blessing she never thought to have.

            ❝ It would be rather inconvenient if I freeze                to death before having heard of your stories. ❞             She jested. 

Rhaella did notice the warm blush on his cheeks and in turn, her own caught a red tint to them as well. It was a response she was not expecting nor did understand but she tried her best to push it aside for now, turning her gaze away from him and to the wardrobe.  

            ❝ There’s no need—I’ll be quick. ❞             The Queen dismissed his offer to wait outside                for it wasn’t necessary ( and she didn’t want him to leave her ).

The gowns she brought with her from the journey were her warmest ones already and the coats and furs were made just for her stay here. There was no need for the thick fabrics in the south, after all. After putting on the furs, she let her long silver locks free over the clothes so that it may serve to warm her ears a tad bit. It was silly how the cold seemed to affect the tips of her lobes more than her nose. When the Targaryen was done, she turned to him again.  

            ❝ All ready now, my Lord. ❞ 

The woman was unable of hiding the excitement from her smile, and she felt so childish at that sentiment. Yet here, far from the KING, and the court, and all judgmental gazes and whispers; she did not pay heed to it.

Daenerys frowned, though rather than upset she was just contemplating what her mother said. Aegon would be a knight, that would be exciting. Perhaps, after he fought a few monsters for her, it wouldn’t be so terrible to be married to him.

“He won’t have to marry Rhaenys?” she asked, looking up at her mother. “Like you had to marry Papa, because he was your brother.” she said, her hand rubbing the top of her cat’s head. “Will I have to marry Viserys?” A small frown pulled at her lips at that thought. 

She’d rather marry Aegon. “I would marry Aegon instead.” she said, voicing her thought out loud as she looked up at her mom, a small pout pulled at her lips. Viserys could sometimes be a little mean to her, where as Aegon usually just played with her.  “Who will decide who I marry. Will it be you?”

░▒▌♕▐ 𝓭𝓾𝓽𝓲𝒇𝓾𝓵

   INNOCENCE IS SUCH a sweet, blissful thing. 

Rhaella remembers a time when she too held innocence in her heart and mind, and how the world itself seemed so different then. But the moment it’s shattered, everything dims a shade or two darker.

            ❝ Our mother and father decided to marry us.                Aegon will be the future heir to the throne,                once your brother becomes the King.                The two of you are closest in age as well. ❞             And she would have Daenerys her precious daughter,               marry her grandson instead of Viserys… 

For although he is her son, there is something darker growing in him——far too similar to that of his father the MAD KING.

A mother and wife… that was a dream she did have, deeply buried within her heart for there were greater things awaiting her. Mayhaps one day, after all this was done… Not now, atleast, she had only one focus; JUSTICE. (or vengeance perhaps, who knew anymore?)   “It is for them also that I do this. What tale will I tell… that I was too much a coward to face the usurper, to avenge my poor mother? No, it is such that I want them to know — to fight, to never let anyone take something from them without making them pay TWICE as much. It is not just about me, you are right in that; this is about the ones hurt despite being innocent, about the pain and loss we have suffered due to the usurper. It is not fire and blood I lust for, grandmother. Unbent, unbowed, unbroken — I am as much Martell as Targaryen and those Baratheons would do well to remember that.“       Aware she was speaking with pure fire in her voice, only the thought of those responsible enough to make blood in her veins boil. It was not about the crown or throne or the death of a grandfather she could barely recall. No it was for her m o t h e r, for those innocent that were meant to be slaughtered too despite having no part in Aerys’ madness or Rhaegar’s mistakes.      ”I cannot live with myself for the rest of my life, knowing I let those responsible live out theirs in peace.“

░▒▌♕▐ 𝓭𝓾𝓽𝓲𝒇𝓾𝓵

   THE SMILE THAT SOFTLY curved her lips was a sad one    though not disappointed. Of course her granddaughter is also    a Martell and she shares their stubbornness and sense    of JUSTICE or vengeance——but that will ultimately bring    about more suffering in the long future. 

A soft sigh left Rhaella’s lips followed by a shake of her head and an understanding gaze as a hand reached out to cup the side of her granddaughter’s face sweetly.

            ❝ You are kind, my sweet child. I simply fear                that there may come a time when JUSTICE                is not enough for you… Your grandfather walked                down that path. ❞ 

And was consumed by MADNESS. The queen understands well Rhaenys’ need to avenge Elia and all others who suffered the Usurper’s War. But the young Targaryen’s actions to bring about justice might also cause the deaths of yet more innocents, and more who will wish to take vengeance on the princess. Rhaella cannot bear to loose family once more.

          The she-wolf was not easily adjusting to her life in KING’S LANDING, leagues away from what remained of her family. She longed to be with them, of course, safe from the lecherous and TRAITOROUS people of the sweltering hot capital. Fear and anxiety filled her thoughts during every second of every day, and the only COMFORT she would ever find was in the curious eyes of her little PUP. The young queen was convinced that he was her only source of happiness left in this world after her lord father and brother were so UNJUSTLY ripped from the world, and so she resulted to spending most of her days alone with him in her rooms, scarcely trusting ANYONE to enter and get near him. 

          It seemed, however, that Lyanna was not the only one STRUGGLING to adjust to their new life, for the little boy was very fussy more often than not, and no time was more stressful than when she had to put him to her BREAST. After several moments and many attempts to assist the babe in latching on, he became more and more FRUSTRATED and his hunger was only growing by the MINUTE, and he let out his frustration in loud and desperate cries that only worried and saddened his mother. He wasn’t the only one who was DESPERATE. 

          When she heard a voice, none other than KING’S own mother, Lyanna was startled and looked up with WATERING eyes. “Please,” she whined, “He’s TERRIBLY hungry and – and he won’t latch right no matter what I try.” 

          A midwife was at her bedside doing what she could to try and SOOTHE the baby as well as the mother, who was PAINED by sore and blistered nipples, but the effort seemed futile. 

░▒▌♕▐ 𝓭𝓾𝓽𝓲𝒇𝓾𝓵

   DESPERATION AND PAIN was all she could see in the young mother’s eyes and she understood it too well. Years ago, she had been in her place with the father of her small babe himself. Though Rhaegar had been a usually calm child, his bursts of anger could be heard all through out the Keep whenever they took place. Much as her grandchild—her now sole surviving grandchild. With quick step, Rhaella approached Lyanna and the hatchling, dismissing the midwife with a wave of her hand before placing her palm on the Stark’s back soothingly.

            ❝ Listen to me. I know well how desperate                you feel but you must remain calm.                The child can feel your own distress and he mimics it.                The bond between a mother and babe is as strong… ❞                The Targaryen mother explained in a voice that was                both gentle and assuring.

            ❝ Come, sit down. Breathe. ❞ She guides the raven                haired woman to a chair, and helps her sit comfortably.

            ❝ Now, hold his arms and legs like this, sway him                and whisper hushing sounds until he calms enough;                then bring him towards your breast,                not the other way around. ❞ Rhaella instructed,                guiding the younger woman’s arms into position. 

During the MORNING Benjen truthfully did not have all that much to do. IMMEDIATELY after parting ways from the Queen, he made his way to the Lord Commander to tell him that he completed his task, and that he still intended on keeping the QUEEN safe, for as long as he possibly could, without obstructing any of the rangings he may or may not have to go on. Benjen seemed to LIKE dangerous jobs——being FIRST RANGER, being a personal body guard to a Targaryen Queen——anything that could END his life so easily. But Benjen liked the danger, he believed that whenever he SURVIVED something that no one thought he could, it gave him true reason to live.

He and the Lord Commander spoke for a little while LONGER, about matters of BUSINESS and chatter. But Benjen couldn’t help but find his mind traveling to the thought of VIOLET EYES and silver hair. Truly, Queen Rhaella had made an enormous IMPRINT on Benjen, every time he closed his eyes it was almost like he could SEE her own eyes staring back at him. They were the most BEAUTIFUL eyes he had ever seen——even if they were Targaryen eyes.

Bidding farewell to the Lord Commander, he spent the rest of his morn in the courtyard with the NEW  recruits, seeing if Ser Alliser Thorne had SCARED THEM out of their wits at this point.  There were two boys in the midst of sparing when the First Ranger stepped up to them. One of them caught a GLANCE of him and got nervous and dropped their sword. Benjen let out a SIGH as he picked up the boy’s sword and handed it to him. ❛ I’m the LEAST terrifying thing you will see. ❜ Benjen said sternly to the boy, and proceeded to tell the small group of boys to ALWAYS  keep watch of your surroundings—-yes—-but not to become unnecessarily. Just as he began to SPEAK to Ser Alliser, that was when one of the guards who were WATCHING Queen Rhaella approached him, and said that she had REQUESTED his presence.

ADMITTEDLY Benjen was more than glad that she wanted to see him, he was quite EAGER to see her once more. He followed the guard in SILENCE until they reached the chamber she was staying in. With a SOFT knock on the door, Benjen entered with a smile.

He BOWED politely to her. ❛ Pardon my intrusion Your Grace.  But you couldn’t even IMAGINE what is O U T there,  ❜ he said, approaching the window where she stood, standing at her side.  He was LOOKING at her, opposed to looking out the window, he knew those views better than he knew the back of his hand, it was her he wished to study.

❛ EVEN the grounds here, and around here are INTRIGUING. Admittedly a little run down at times, but the Watch is quite old.  ❜ he smiled at her, looking into her VIOLET eyes, and then out the window. ❛ I trust you RESTED easy? ❜ he asked, politely but genuinely. 

░▒▌♕▐ 𝓭𝓾𝓽𝓲𝒇𝓾𝓵

   SO ENGROSSED SHE WAS in the view outside the window    that she did not realize the First Ranger had arrived until his    voice broke her reverie. 

But it was a smile that quickly settled upon her lips once her violet hues gazed towards him, and she did not miss the way her very heart skipped a beat. Yet, she dismissed it as merely gratitude for his presence for what else could it be?

Instead of giving too much thought to the strange maneuvers her heart seems to be fond of doing now ( along with the sudden warmth that spread through all through her ); Rhaella gazes once more to the window while he approaches. Curiously enough, the Queen grows too aware of his proximity but does not feel uncomfortable in the least. She quite likes it. The Stark makes her feel safe, for some reason.

            ❝ I did, thank you. I was far more tired than                I realized but now I do feel well rested. ❞ 

The silver haired woman answers, eyes meeting his own blue-grey with a sweet smile. She truly is relieved to see him, the female realizes and that causes a soft and warm red hue to tint her cheeks, so she looks away. Hopefully, he did not notice.

            ❝ One of the men said Maester Aemon has taken                to the library but I’ve seen more than enough books                in the Keep. I was wondering if it would be alright                to take a walk? I’d be happy to see more of this                place and learn of your duties and stories——                if you so can accompany me, of course. ❞             Rhaella utters, daring to shift her gaze back towards him.

            ❝ If it’s in any way inconvenient however,                I’d still be pleased with remaining here. ❞ 

Princess’ smile only widened, small hands opening the book at the passage she had just recently read with her septa. Though words and letters sometimes still proved to be difficult she got better and better at it, knowing how important it was that she would practice and one day read texts as if she had been born knowing how to do it.      “The story of Hugor of the Hill? I have read it the other day and… the thought the gods came down to bless him so!”    Turning for a quick moment, brown eyes sparkling at the image the story had created in her mind. She liked to sing the hymns her septa taught her, read the texts and visit the sept, firmly believing the gods would be good to her too if only she behaved to their will. One finger ran along the lines she wanted to read and though she was familiar with the text, words were still heavy on her tongue, a mystery to uncover with every syllable.      “The Fa—  Father reached his haaa–and into the ….heavens and pulled down seven stars and one by one he set tha…them on the bu.. ba… brrrow of Hugor of the Hill to make a gl– glowing crown…” 

░▒▌♕▐ 𝓭𝓾𝓽𝓲𝒇𝓾𝓵

   THE GLINT IN her granddaughter’s eyes served to widen    the Queen’s own smile with delight. Suddenly, she was    reminded of her first born, the little girl’s own father,    when he was but a boy of her same age. 

How happy and enthusiastic he was to read and learn, and dream… But the older he grew, the less she got to see him truly smile. She can only hope that his daughter will be as happy as he did not have the chance to be. To have a childhood—sweet and innocent as a small boy or girl should have it.

            ❝ Oh, I do like this story! ❞ 

The Targaryen mother stated in an encouraging manner, listening attentively and patiently to Rhaenys read while hands kept on doing small braids. Once the young one was done, Rhaella clapped her hands and chuckled.

Truth be told, Benjen  was sure that he would NEVER tire of the Queen’s  kind and gentle personality. She was not like anyone he had been in the prescence of for quite some time, and it was a change that he liked. Despite what an UNFORTUNATE life she had (which Benjen decided he was not going to delve in. She was here to forget that life. If perhaps she brought it up on her own terms, THEN he would.) she was not harsh and VULGAR like his brothers, nor was she cold hearted. To himself, Benjen HOPED he did not have to leave any time soon. He wished to get to know the Queen.

Perhaps it was a WICKED thought, unprofessional even, but he cared not. Others had done FAR worse, than wish to get to know a GUEST. As Benjen returned her smile, he focused on that for a moment longer than perhaps appropriate. Her smile was BRIGHT and full of life. He couldn’t imagine why or HOW anyone could take pleasure in removing that smile from her face. It ought to be a CRIME, he thought to himself, and he kept such thoughts QUIET. 

❛ OF COURSE, your grace. I would love to tell you all about it. I have many a story I could SHARE if you’d ever be interested. ❜ Once they ENTERED the court yard, everyone went SILENT and their gazes were FIXED on the Queen and he. Benjen felt THREATENED by some of them, while others were just curious. He held her close to his side——all the while NOT being invasive. He PROMISED her that he would keep her safe, and he meant to keep that promise. ❛ DON’T YOU ALL have work to be doing? Go on, get. There’s nothing to see here. ❜ he scolded his brothers, who HESITANTLY scattered. They did not oft disobey him.  

Looking up at the big castle, Benjen looked at the Queen yet again. ❛ I swear that I spend MORE time beyond the Wall, than I do at the Castle. ❜ he only wished he was exaggerating. ❛ Bein’ the First Ranger and all, my job IS out there. ❜  Gesturing to a couple of guards, they accompanied he and the QUEEN to Maester Aemon’s apartments. 

There was a STRANGE feeling in the pit of his gut——he didn’t wish to leave her. But he knew that he would at least get to see her soon. He did make her many promises that he intended on keeping. Plus, he owed her some stories.

Reaching their destination, he smiled down at her. ❛ Maester Aemon will be GLAD to see you. && if you wish it, my Queen,  afterwords, send one the guards to FETCH me, and I would gladly  start to tell you about my DUTIES. ‘Less you would rather sleep. EITHER WAY, ❜ he said, bowing his head POLITELY at her. ❛ I should HOPE to see you soon. ❜.

With another warm smile, he instructed the guards to let her in to see Maester Aemon, and to NOT let her go anywhere without SOMEONE (preferably himself) at her side.  Gods knew that he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself if something HAPPENED to her.

░▒▌♕▐ 𝓭𝓾𝓽𝓲𝒇𝓾𝓵

   THE PROMISE OF HIM telling her of his duties and stories thrilled the Queen. She would much rather have a life similar to this man’s; exploring and venturing to unknowns and maybe even discovering new things in the way. How much different would it have all been then? Would she have been truly happy?  But it was too late now. Perhaps in another life, she will be filled with joy and smiles instead of silent prayers and tears.

Now, she entered the castle’s courtyard with the Stark closely guarding and shielding her from the obvious stares. Her gaze was carefully curious, seeing so many men wearing black and contrasting greatly with the white of the snow covered surroundings. Though the glance was fleeting, it was enough to take note of how different they all seemed to be. Some taller, broader and more intimidating than others; and now she did understand why it must be necessary to have Benjen guarantee her safety. 

Soon enough, they both are standing by Maester Aemon’s door and he was stating his goodbyes and good wishes. Rhaella dipped her head in a nod and smiled gratefully up to him.

            ❝ I thank you, Lord Stark, for such warm welcome.                I do HOPE to see you soon as well. ❞

The two parted. The silver haired women met her great great uncle at long last in person, and it was truly joyous to be in the company of the elder Targaryen. He is FAMILY after all. Realizing that she was far too tired from the journey, the Queen opted for some rest.

It was early after noon when she woke up once more to being alone in the room she is to share with Maester Aemon. Opening the door, there were a pair of men standing guard and so she enquired to her uncle’s whereabouts, to which they answered he was in the library. Not precisely wanting to join him at the moment, her thoughts went to Lord Stark— wishing to see him; and instead she asked for him to be summoned, remembering Benjen had mentioned that she could request so to one of the guards.

        To a small child duty sounded just about awful. Why did she have to do something she didn’t wish to? She was a princess, why would a princess have to do anything she didn’t want to? Her Papa was the King. Maybe she’d just ask her father after all he was boss over everyone. 

       Dany wrinkled her nose. “He’s a boy.” she said, as if the answer as to why she didn’t want to marry him should be obvious. “I don’t want to marry any boys. I want to marry a knight. Like Ser Arthur!” 

░▒▌♕▐ 𝓭𝓾𝓽𝓲𝒇𝓾𝓵

   DAENERYS IS YET far too young to understand just how    important a princess’ duty is, so Rhaella simply smiles and    chuckles softly at her words. 

There will be a day when reality will come crumbling down on her precious daughter, and she can only hope that the princess will be strong enough to stand her ground when it does.

            ❝ He won’t always be a boy, sweet child.               I hear he’s already begun taking lessons to               become a knight, just like his father Rhaegar               and Ser Arthur. Aegon will one day grow, as will you,               and he will be the heir to the crown after your older brother. ❞ 

░▒▌♕▐ 𝓭𝓾𝓽𝓲𝒇𝓾𝓵

   IT WAS DIFFERENT NOW, walking through the corridors    and aisles of the Red Keep now, knowing that she needn’t    worry encountering her brother and be subjected to his    cruelties no longer. It was bittersweet for no matter    how terrible he was to her——Aerys was her brother, her blood.    But she knows it’s best for EVERYONE that he’s no    longer a part of this world. 

Now, Rhaella was certain that the Westeros would prosper under the rule of her eldest son as the new King. But there is much turmoil still, much doubt lurking in the minds of those who lost dear ones during the Rebellion, and in part it is Rhaegar’s own actions that heralded the war. It still makes her believe in him no less. 

With a soft sigh, the mother was about to return to her chambers, where the little babe princess Daenerys was asleep until she heard the wails of a child in the opposite direction. Frowning, she thought for a moment and realized that it must be coming from Lyanna’s room and the cries must be those of her grandchild. Rhaella instead walked towards the she-wolf’s chambers where the door was slightly open, so she slowly peaked inside to see the younger woman with obvious distress in her features, trying to calm the crying baby.

            ❝ He has a temper, I see. ❞ The Targaryen utters gently,                stepping into the room.

Benjen CHUCKLES a little bit. He finds her comment funny only because the Stark was so use to the cold. Even the cold BEYOND the Wall did not bother him so much. ❛ On my honour as a SWORN brother of the Night’s Watch, I ASSURE my Queen that she shall not freeze. The Castle is kept HEATED at all times, as are the apartments you will be sharing with  Maester Aemon. Even touching the inner STONE walls of the castle they are WARM your grace. You will not  HAVE to brave the cold unless it is necessary, or you are needed. ❜  

He tried not to look at her so much. Benjen found her ASTONISHINGLY beautiful, and it wasn’t even because she was the first woman he had seen in a while, Benjen knew how to keep himself UNDER CONTROL, there was something about her that was so lovely. She was KIND and MATERNAL, it seemed.

Yet, as much as he tried to NOT look at her, there he was staring at her again. GODS DAMN IT. Benjen was going to do his BEST  not to let her know, he felt foolish beyond words. But the First Ranger was going t make it his GOAL to start acting like a true professional.

A GLANCE onto the Horizon and he smiles. THE CASTLE is near. Very near. But then, the ranger was admittedly a bit shocked when he heard the next words fall from the lips of the Queen. His gaze SNAPS back towards the Queen and he shakes his head.

❛ Your GRACE, you are not a burden to anyone. Least of all to myself.  DUTY always comes first, but unless it is a mission that absolutely requires me to be on the front line, my duty is to ensure your safety, and my duty is never a BURDEN. ❜ He offers her a KIND smile, a TRUE smile.  His words flowed  so easily, for it was the honest truth. PROTECTING the Queen from her past  and from the VILE men that happened to be his brothers, would be an absolute pleasure for him. ❛ Your presence is VERY  welcome at Castle Black. ❜ 

There’s a shadow of a smile still painted on his lips as he looks onward to the very near approaching Castle. ❛ We are nearly there, your grace. You shall not have to stay out in the cold much longer I promise you that. ❜ Benjen seemed to be making a lot of promises to the Queen, but they were all promises the ranger KNEW he could keep.

░▒▌♕▐ 𝓭𝓾𝓽𝓲𝒇𝓾𝓵

    SHE HAD BARELY spent time enough speaking with the man, not yet having set foot inside the castle——and already she’s all smiles and high spirits. Her titles suddenly felt so small, like they weren’t even her own. Was this closer to what it felt to simply be a Lady instead of a Queen? Every word that he said was simply fascinating to the Targaryen and she could not wait to witness and experience it all first hand.

             ❝ It’s certainly relieving to know that, my Lord.                 I can’t wait to see Maester Aemon. ❞              It would be good to see and be with family.

Rhaella did feel the weight of his gaze on herself but it was in a different manner from the usual stares she receives back home; Benjen’s doesn’t seem to hold the PITY many offer due to her husband’s treats, rather something closer to ADMIRATION. It would be a lie to say she doesn’t enjoy the change. Then were his words that made that feeling of safety and even freedom grow stronger for the Queen could only perceive HONESTY from him. It’s quite clear now to the silver haired woman why it was him the one chosen to guard her at all times——The Stark is possibly the most honorable of them all. If Maester Aemon trusts him, then so will the Targaryen.

             ❝ Thank you… your words truly fill me with joy. ❞              The woman states with a smile taking over her features,                 with a glint in her violet hues that reflected only gratitude towards him. 

Her gaze shifted forward where the sight of the castle gates came to close view; the place where she would live for as long as it was needed, until King’s Landing was once again secure for everyone. A part of her hoped that it would take a while until that day comes.

             ❝ Once I’m settled in the castle, I would like to                 know more your duties, if possible. I’ve heard many                 and all kinds of rumors of the Wall and beyond,                 and being First Ranger, I’d assume you’ve had                 your share of anecdotes. ❞ 

Daenerys was still too young to know the horrors of the Red Keep. Everything was fascinating and terror hid only in her nightmares. She spent most of her days around her much beloved family, guarded closely. She was still too young to realize not everyone had guards around them at all hours. Still too young to realize the food tasters were there because her father feared assassins lurked in every shadow ready to harm not only himself but his children.

The guards were often gentle and kind, and with her family close by as a young child she didn’t need much more.

A bright smile pulled at her lips, “I will be the best dragon princess, there ever was.” She said, brushing a hand over her little kitten. “Mother will I have to marry one day?” she asked, looking up at her. “Viserys said I’ll have to marry Aegon, but I don’t think I want to.”

░▒▌♕▐ 𝓭𝓾𝓽𝓲𝒇𝓾𝓵

    THAT SWEET AND innocent smile often made the mother     wonder just what the future holds for her little daughter.     Rhaella does fear for whatever that may be, and would     want nothing more than for Daenerys to forever remain     an innocent child, protected by her family. But there will     come a time when she inevitably grows into woman and     with that, her duties must also be met.

             ❝ I was a princess like you as well, and I married                 your father because it was my duty to do so…                 not because I wanted to. ❞ The Queen states,                 not withholding that piece of truth from her.